The General Manager of Ebonyi State Transport Corporation (EBOTRANS), Mrs. Nnenna Igwe, has said that her administration had embarked on operational reforms targeted at improving the service delivery capacity of the Corporation.
She added that the transformations currently going on in the establishment’have repositioned the state-owned transport Agency for greater efficiency and service delivery.
Igwe, who is the first woman to lead EBOTRANS since the creation of Ebonyi State, said she inherited a poorly functioning system when she assumed office but has since executed targeted interventions to restore and expand the operations of the Corporation.
According to her, much of the corporation’s fleet was grounded when she arrived, with many vehicles in a dilapidated condition. Within one year, nine old Sienna vehicles and nine old buses were fully refurbished and returned to service.
She described the turnaround as a major step in enhancing transport availability for commuters and reducing downtime across routes.
Under her stewardship, EBOTRANS has expanded its network by opening new routes including the highly demanded Ebonyi–Lagos route, which was previously unavailable. Routes in Izzi LGA and Ezzamgbo in Ohaukwu LGA were also introduced, broadening the corporation’s reach within and outside the state.
Igwe noted that passenger preference has increased for Sienna vehicles, prompting ongoing plans to acquire additional units to meet public demand.
She attributed much of this progress to Governor Francis Nwifuru’s support, particularly the provision of 20 new Hiace buses that strengthened the agency’s operational capacity.
The EBOTRANS boss also highlighted significant improvements in staff welfare. She confirmed that all state-approved salary increments under Governor Nwifuru’s administration have been implemented within the corporation.
To enhance safety, Mrs. Igwe organized medical examinations for all EBOTRANS drivers in partnership with medical specialists from Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA)
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was also engaged to train drivers on road safety and professional conduct.
She extolled Governor Nwifuru for fostering unprecedented women inclusion in leadership across Ebonyi State. She noted his appointment of the first female Secretary to the State Government, the first female Deputy Governor, and her own emergence as the first female General Manager of EBOTRANS.
According to her, the administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to gender-balanced governance and human capital development.
She further applauded the First Lady, Chief (Mrs.) Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, for her humanitarian work through the BEWO Foundation.
Igwe acknowledged the recent enrollment of more than 10,000 women into BEWO’s skills acquisition program and the construction of houses for widows, describing the First Lady as a champion for women’s empowerment and social welfare.