By Emmanuel Aziken

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State kicked off with prayers and thanksgiving on his first day at work on Tuesday with prayers and dedication of his office to God.

Unlike many of his colleagues who were also sworn in last Friday, the governor travelled to Port-Harcourt on Monday for a retreat of his party with members-elect of the National Assembly as such postponing his formal assumption at the office.

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State acknowledging cheers from staff and students of Nike Grammar School, Enugu, during his inspection visit to the school, yesterday, by the right is the Principal, Sir Godfrey Azike.

But once he entered, he made it a point of duty to put God first and subsequently, paid unscheduled visits to the ESUTH Teaching hospital, Ogbete Main Market entrance road, Abakpa-Nike Enugu Main Market and other locations in Enugu to inspect ongoing works with a view to identifying areas of priority for urgent attention, as part of the activities marking his first official duty in the state.

It was while at the ESUTH hospital that his attraction was drawn to the plight of 21 indigent persons who had been treated but held back because of their inability to pay their bills. The governor promptly made arrangements for the settlement of the bills, an action that drew praise from many other patients and those who knew of his action.

His action was praised as an indication that a governor sensitive to the plight of the ordinary man had finally arrived Enugu. Ichie Obi Ozo Nwankpa, a resident of Abakpa-Nike, Enugu speaking on the development said: “we cannot but continue to thank God for giving Enugu State a governor like Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Just look at how he surprised us here with his presence, no Governor in the history of this state has taken this giant stride to first call on the masses on his assumption of office, to see for himself what they really need before going back to his office to start work. It is amazing and we pray God to continue to bless, protect and strengthen him for the state”.

Mrs. Victoria Eneh who was present at the hospital when the governor visited showed appreciation to God saying that “God has sent a messiah to wipe away our tears” Earlier, Governor Ugwuanyi was at the Ogbete Main Market to inspect the ongoing road project at the market entrance and expressed dismay over the deplorable condition of the access road and the difficulties the traders and consumers were facing due to the road.

He revealed that the contractor handling the road project has promised to complete the road in the next one month, appealing to the road users to exercise little patience with the State Government and also give it the necessary cooperation required to deliver on its promise by “removing all illegal structures on the road”