Nwifuru Highlights 500km Road Completion Amid Cultural Concerns

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has announced that his administration has completed more than 500 kilometers of roads across the state since he assumed office. This declaration was made during the grand finale of the Ojiji Izhi New Yam Festival at Amagu, the ancestral home of the Izhi Nnodo clan.

In addition to discussing infrastructure achievements, Nwifuru cautioned against the erosion of indigenous values, particularly in the face of modernity and political expediency. He specifically warned members of the Izhi Nnodo clan against the indiscriminate sale of ancestral lands, family compounds, and burial grounds, stating that such actions could lead to a disconnection from their heritage.

"Ancestral land is not merely a commodity but represents the history, identity, and collective memory of the people," Nwifuru emphasized. He urged families to preserve inherited properties for future generations, lamenting that some individuals have sold not only family lands but even burial grounds, disregarding the sacrifices made by their ancestors.

The governor appealed to elders, traditional rulers, youths, and religious leaders to protect the cultural heritage of the clan. He stressed the need to differentiate between legitimate cultural traditions and practices that may violate religious or moral principles. Nwifuru noted that traditions promoting unity, respect for elders, and communal responsibility should not be discarded simply because of religious convictions.

Nwifuru identified respect for elders, dignity of labor, hard work, peace, unity, and communalism as core values historically defining the Izhi people. He warned against allowing political disagreements to divide the clan ahead of the 2027 elections, asserting that political contests should not destroy ancestral bonds and communal relationships.

Navigating Political Ambitions Responsibly

He stated that those seeking elective positions on opposition platforms are free to exercise their democratic rights but urged them to pursue their ambitions peacefully and in the interest of the people. Additionally, he cautioned against the use of social media to provoke political crises, insisting that legitimate grievances should be addressed through appropriate channels.

"People should not leverage social media to castigate our leaders and deny our sincere performances all in the name of politics," he said. Defending his administration's record, Nwifuru highlighted significant infrastructure development in the road sector, stating, "We have completed more than 500 kilometers of roads across the 13 LGAs. We have done roads connecting other states with span bridges."

Behind Closed Doors

He urged the people to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 elections, expressing confidence that the party would secure victory across the state. Nwifuru outlined his administration's political objective to consolidate its development agenda and deliver electoral victories for APC candidates at all levels.

Earlier, Edward Nkwegu, Chairman of the Ojiji Izhi cultural event, noted that the festival serves as a platform for transmitting values of good morals, sincerity, industry, justice, equity, and fairness handed down by ancestors. However, he lamented the increasing erosion of traditional values among youths, attributing part of the trend to modernity and Western influences.