The National Communication Team, led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, wrapped up a three-day working tour of Enugu and Ebonyi States with a return to Abuja on Saturday.
The visit focused on deepening citizen engagement, inspecting development projects, and reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive national growth under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Throughout the tour, the team met with state governors, key government officials, and citizens in town hall meetings—sharing President Tinubu’s vision of lifting millions out of poverty through strategic interventions like the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme. Several ongoing and completed projects were inspected, showcasing tangible federal presence in the South East.
Key Takeaways from the Enugu and Ebonyi Tour
1. Equitable Federal Presence Across Regions
Both Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi acknowledged the growing federal footprint in their states. Citizens across both states echoed similar sentiments: the Tinubu administration is not only present but delivering impactful projects, as it is in other parts of the country.
2. Major Infrastructure Projects in Enugu
In Enugu, the Federal Government has established a world-class oncology centre for cancer treatment. Road infrastructure upgrades are also underway, including:
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Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway
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Enugu–Onitsha Highway
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Reconstruction of the 9th Mile–Umulumgbe–Ukehe–Opi Junction
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Eke Obinagu Flyover in Emene (poised to resolve years of traffic congestion)
Additionally, the Port Harcourt–Aba railway has been completed and is fully operational. The Federal Executive Council has approved $3 billion for completing the 2,044km Eastern Rail Line, expected to unlock ₦50 billion annually in regional trade. Another $508 million has been committed to modernising Eastern Port infrastructure.
3. Ebonyi: A New Chapter of Development
In Ebonyi, portions of the Calabar–Abuja Super Highway have been completed, with ongoing work progressing steadily. Governor Nwifuru noted that for the first time since the state’s creation in 1996, federal intervention has reached this scale.
He also shared updates on key state-led projects, including:
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The Vanco Flyover and twin underground tunnels in Abakaliki (Nigeria’s first of its kind, expected in 2026)
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Construction of new housing estates
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Expansion of state roads
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Development of an ICT University in Oferekpe
Notably, the Vanco project was awarded to a local Nigerian firm, demonstrating Ebonyi’s commitment to supporting indigenous companies—a move Governor Nwifuru highlighted as even ahead of federal trends.
4. Celebrating Progress Amid Colour and Culture
The tour’s high point in Ebonyi was a vibrant Town Hall Meeting at the Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki. A lively, carnival-like atmosphere filled the venue, with women in bright traditional attire and citizens turning out in large numbers. Minister Idris delivered the President’s message of renewed hope, while Governor Nwifuru outlined his administration’s strides—many of which have been achieved without borrowing, thanks to increased revenue allocation from subsidy removal and FIRS reforms.
5. Collaboration with Federal Ministry of Works
The team concluded the visit with a courtesy call on the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi. He offered further clarity on national infrastructure projects and addressed recent reports on Lagos bridges. Umahi emphasized that the Federal Executive Council had received a technical report on the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges and that procurement processes would soon begin to preserve these vital structures.
Conclusion: Progress in Motion
The tour of Enugu and Ebonyi States reaffirms the Tinubu administration’s focus on inclusive development, with real, measurable progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda. From railways to roads, cancer care to education, the South East is firmly on the map of Nigeria’s transformation journey.
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