Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, on Tuesday, said his administration is currently working on over 700 kilometres of roads across communities in the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

Nwifuru said this in Abakaliki on the occasion to mark the country’s 64th independence anniversary and Ebonyi at 28.

He applauded the contributions of the founding fathers to the development of the state.

He affirmed his commitment to delivering on the “Peoples Charter of Needs” of his administration.

The governor expressed joy at the level of advancement that Ebonyi had achieved since its creation and called on all the stakeholders to support his policies for a better state.

He said: “In the areas of roads and bridges, we are determined to expand our road infrastructure to rural areas and also strengthen our economy.

“Within the last year and few months, we are proud to say that we are effectively present in over 700 kilometres of roads in the state.

“Some have been completed while the others are under construction.

Nwifuru listed some of the roads including the Ishielu Water Works Road, Nnorom Street, Udude-Ukwuakpu Street, connecting Emefor and Alo Streets.

Others are the pavement section of internal roads within the Ebonyi State University, Mile 50 New Layout-Abakaliki dual carriageway and 1.3km Ebonyi-Agro Dealers Market, Onuebonyi.

The rest include Ogbaga Avenue, Onamba Street, Police Junction Road, Ugwuachara, Emefor Extension, Olisemeke-Barr Igweama – Amason Road, Main Water Works, leading to Low-lift pump, Umunze Street, and Mbukobe Igwe Liga Road, among others.

On human capital development, Nwifuru said that he would continue to promote vocational and technical education for skills enhancement, paying attention to the well-being of the people (stomach infrastructure).

“We have worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for our youth and women through skills acquisition programmes, financial grants, and entrepreneurial support.

“The empowerment of 500 people of Ebonyi with N2 million each is yielding significant results.

“We have also empowered 1,500 Ebonyi youths drawn from across the 13 LGAs with N1 million,” the governor further said.

In a goodwill message, former Gov. Sam Egwu lauded the achievements of Nwifuru’s government and urged him to keep the flag flying.

“I pray that God will continue to give you ideas to move the state to the highest pedestal.

“We are enjoying peace today in the state because we have Nwifuru as our governor.

“When the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice,” Egwu said.