By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), Dr. Divine Igwe has described Ebonyi state Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru as a unique, dynamic, and transformative leader who is establishing a lasting legacy of good governance in the state.
Speaking at an event he hosted for Umuoghara stakeholders in his hometown of Umuoghara, Ezza North LGA, Dr. Igwe appealed to community leaders to give the Governor their maximum support to achieve his “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda for Ebonyi residents.
The EBSHIA Boss characterized the Nwifuru administration as a renaissance for Ebonyi State. He specifically stressed that the Governor’s unprecedented achievements in the health sector, noting that the State’s Health Insurance Scheme has alleviated suffering through free surgeries, free enrollment and treatment of indigent children, women, and state workers, as well as the distribution of eyeglasses at no cost.
“Ezza North and Umuoghara, in particular, have been beneficiaries of these life-changing interventions,” Dr. Igwe stated, emphasizing the need to join hands with the Governor “for the perpetuity of his good works.”
He also used the occasion to issue a direct appeal to the remaining People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains in Umuoghara, including former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Hyginus Nwokwu, urging them and their cohorts to “abandon the leaking umbrella and join the APC.”
In their remarks, several dignitaries lauded Dr. Igwe for his professionalism and unassuming disposition since his appointment. Those who spoke included the member representing Ezza North East State Constituency, Mr. Kelvin Oke; the Executive Secretary of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, Comrade Emeka Nwonu; Prof. Hilary Eze of Ebonyi State University; the Ezza North APC Chairman, Chief Michael Awoke; and the Traditional Ruler of Okposi Umuoghara autonomous Community, Ezeogo Anthony Njoku, among others.
They collectively commended the EBSHIA boss for his diligence and promised to give the administration of Governor Nwifuru their full support.
Adding to the commendations, Princess Chetachi Chibueze, Provost of the Ebonyi State College of Health Science and Technology Mgbo, described Dr. Igwe as an invaluable asset. “I don’t think he has a duplicate; his name is equally unique,” she remarked, urging the community to heed his advice and support Governor Nwifuru’s agenda.
In an interview following the event, former SSG and staunch PDP member, Dr. Hyginus Nwokwu, commended Governor Nwifuru for living up to his “People’s Charter of Needs,” which he described as phenomenal. Nwokwu also praised Dr. Igwe’s appointment as a “round peg in a round hole,” calling it a reflection of the current administration’s good governance.
Regarding the appeal to join the ruling APC, Dr. Nwokwu promised to make a personal decision after due consultation.