JUST IN: Governor Nwifuru Reshuffles Cabinet

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has implemented a minor cabinet reshuffle aimed at boosting government efficiency and aligning his administration with the goals of the *People’s Charter of Needs* manifesto.

The changes were announced during Monday’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held at the Government House, Abakaliki.

The governor urged council members to reflect on their performance and recommit to the administration’s development agenda.

Key adjustments include: Jude Chikadibia Okpor, former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, now redeployed to the Ministry of Rural Development.

Aikeuwa Omebeh, who previously served as Commissioner for Rural Development, takes over the Ministry of Information and State Orientation.

Prof. Paul Awo Nwobasi, former Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), now leads the Ministry of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Donatus Ilang, previously in charge of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, becomes the new Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary).

Governor Nwifuru charged the reassigned commissioners to bring renewed energy to their roles and deliver measurable results for the people of Ebonyi.

In a statement issued by the newly appointed Information Commissioner, Aikeuwa Omebeh, the EXCO approved the Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), and Budget Policy Statement (BPS)—vital planning documents for the preparation of the state’s 2026 budget.

The council also approved the installation of Independent Captive Power Generation Plants, with the first phase to include a 3-megawatt plant at the ICT University in Oferekpe, Agbaja. This is expected to support uninterrupted electricity for key institutions and industries in the state.

Additionally, Ebonyi will participate in the Federal Government’s E-HEART initiative, which focuses on enhancing energy supply to critical sectors including Health, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Transportation. The state will provide counterpart funding to support its implementation.

The council further endorsed the 2024 Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP) to position Ebonyi State for eligibility under the World Bank-backed State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme for 2025.