Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi on Friday announced that women would be appointed vice-chairmen in the caretaker committees of local government areas in the state.

Umahi, who made this promise while swearing in members of some boards and commissions in Abakaliki, noted that his appointments had not favoured women.

“It is unfortunate that women have received about 10 per cent in the appointments we have made so far. This administration appreciates the enormous roles they played in its emergence.

“We have, therefore, resolved that women would be appointed vice-chairmen in the caretaker committees of the 13 LGA of the state, which we would soon inaugurate.

“Women would also receive 50 per cent of appointments in the accompanying LGA-development centre coordinators’ positions, to give them their due placing in the state’s polity.

“I don’t want stakeholders to bring names of possible appointees to me, as my wife would go into consultations with relevant female stakeholders to decide on the appointees,” he said.

He announced the appointment of Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu as the Focal Person of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) programme which replaced the erstwhile Millennium Development Goals (MDG) programme in the state.

“Obichukwu also headed the MDG programme, as her appointment which is subsequently on a fresh note, takes effect from Aug.1 to run for initial three-year tenure.

“The projects under the MDG programme would be completed or sustained, as the government would vigorously pursue the ideals of the new programme.”

The governor charged the new appointees to apply wisdom in translating their knowledge into action, “as the government is desirous of developing the state.

“The era of long proposals, memos, and paucity of funds to implement them, are over because no one would have time to read them such memos.

“You are, therefore, expected to apply wisdom in generating revenue for the state, to meet all its aspirations in the face of the harsh economic climate.”

He stated that the administration would give adequate attention to areas where appointees were performing creditably.

Umahi announced that three persons had rejected offers of appointment by the government.

“My deputy told me that such rejections amounted to embarrassment to the government but I disagreed because individuals who are sincere in offering services to the people don’t choose specific areas to serve.”

Former Minister of State for Health who was appointed Chairman, Governing Board of the State College of Education, Ikwo, Chief Fidelis Nwankwo thanked the governor for appointing them into positions.

“We would do our utmost in carrying out the functions assigned to us, as I commend you specially for remembering the individuals who were part of the ‘Divine Mandate’ platform which ensured your emergence as governor.”

The Ebonyi Independent Electoral Commission, Ebonyi Universal Basic Education Board, Ebonyi Civil Service Commission, Ebonyi Local Government Service Commission, among others, had their members sworn in. (NAN)

*Photo shows Gov. Umahi

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