The Pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has applauded Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State for the release of over N3.2 billion for payment of salary and pension arrears to workers in the state.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary-General of the group, made the commendation in a statement on Wednesday, reaffirming the confidence in Ikpeazu and other performing governors in the southeast.
Isiguzoro further opined that the governor has set the pace for the steady growth of the state and also posited that Ikpeazu has remained undeterred and resolute on his administration’s policies and programmes teethed to enhancing the welfare of the people.
He noted that the governor’s unwavering commitment to the industrial development of Abia, especially his government’s encouragement and promotion of Small and Medium Scale Business enterprises which has engaged thousands of the populace in the state to be self-reliant and dependent.
He also stated that Governor Ikpeazu has raised the bar in human capital development that has provided a productive environment for different sectors of the state’s economy to thrive, stating that the residents of the state will witness more robust and stable growth when the state assembly enact the appropriation bill for the year 2022.
Isiguzoro reiterated that the Abia governor has equally set a standard in governance as the state can boast of its homemade products that stand the test of time, calling on investors in the different sectors of the economy to capitalize on the great strides provided by the governor to enhance economic growth and stability, and as well as human development.
The Secretary-General commended the members of the Abia State House of Assembly for their unshaken support to the executive arm in Abia, urging them to continue to sustain the healthy and harmonious relationship with Ikpeazu to enable him to bring more dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the people.
The Ohanaeze chieftain, however, urged the people of Abia state to sustain their supports and cooperation with the Okezie Ikpeazu-led government as it is committed to bequeathing an infrastructurally and economically stable Abia before he leaves office.
Also, the Provost of Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu (ASCETA), Dr Phillips Nto, has expressed deep appreciation to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for the payment of one-year salaries of the institution’s staff.
He said Ikpeazu has by that action saved thousands of Abia families from starvation as well as preserving the dignity of the men as breadwinners.
In a statement he issued shortly after paying the one-year salaries to staff, Dr Nto described Gov Ikpeazu as a compassionate leader who cares for the welfare of the citizens.
Nto, a former finance commissioner, said the governor’s magnanimity had manifested in various interventions that made it possible for the college to stay afloat in midst of daunting challenges.
The Provost noted that the one-year salaries paid to the staff will reinvigorate them into greater productivity.
Dr Nto pledged the loyalty and support of the management, staff and students of the college to Gov Ikpeazu.
He urged the staff to reciprocate the good gesture of the governor by being more productive and committed to their duties.
