Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has commended the people of Ishiagu community in Ivo Local Government Area for maintaining peace and unity despite longstanding interests surrounding the area’s mineral resources.
Nwifuru also praised former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, for his contributions to promoting peace and unity among the people of Ishiagu.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila, spoke during the Ishiagu Day and Hall of Fame celebration, where prominent indigenes and stakeholders were honoured for their contributions to the development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
Nwifuru expressed appreciation to the community for recognising his administration and endorsing him for a second term in the 2027 Ebonyi State governorship election.
He assured the people that, if re-elected, his second term would bring more infrastructural development and democratic dividends to Ishiagu and other parts of the state.
Among those honoured at the event were Governor Nwifuru, Senator Anyim, Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator David Umahi, Chief Gideon Osi and other prominent stakeholders.
Speaking at the celebration, Anyim commended Governor Nwifuru for his efforts towards restoring peace in Ishiagu and implementing projects aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
He described the recognition as an indication that the people appreciated the governor’s commitment to the community.
Anyim urged the people of Ishiagu to sustain the peace and cooperation that had enabled the community to hold the celebration.
The Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Stanley Anyim, also attributed the successful organisation of the event to the return of peace in the area.
He said the improved security situation had relieved residents of the persistent tension and conflicts previously experienced in the community.
“I have seen that peace has come to stay in Ivo Local Government, and that is why they were able to organise this type of programme,” he said.
He urged residents to protect the peace and ensure that it remained a lasting feature of the community.
One of the award recipients, Chief Gideon Osi, described the honour as recognition of his years of service to humanity and the Ishiagu community.
Osi highlighted his contributions through medical outreaches, scholarships, skills acquisition programmes and other forms of support for residents.
He said the Hall of Fame should not only celebrate prominent individuals but should also encourage other members of the community to contribute to its development.
Osi appealed to successful indigenes to use their resources to empower and support members of the community rather than intimidate them.
He also called for peaceful resolution of disputes involving land and mineral resources, noting that Ishiagu’s mineral deposits could become a major source of long-term economic benefits if properly managed.
A community stakeholder, Oka Franklin, described the celebration as a historic occasion that showcased the culture, traditions, unity and identity of the Ishiagu people.
Franklin expressed optimism that the initiative would inspire other communities in Ebonyi State and the South-East to promote peaceful coexistence.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Bar. Uchenna Orji, said the event was organised to celebrate excellence in leadership, service and hard work.
Orji, a former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation in Ebonyi State, commended the award recipients for their contributions to peace and development.
He urged them to continue supporting initiatives that promote unity and progress in Ishiagu and Ebonyi State.
He also expressed satisfaction with the prevailing peace and unity in Ishiagu and the wider state.
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