Meet Francis Ogbonna Erishi Nwifuru, born on February 25, 1975, a distinguished Nigerian politician, lawyer, and public servant who has made a lasting impact on Ebonyi State. As the current Governor of Ebonyi State since 2023, Nwifuru has demonstrated exemplary leadership, drawing from his extensive experience, including serving as Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly from June 2015 to May 2023. Hailing from Oferekpe Agbaja in Izzi Local Government Area, he has been instrumental in advancing governance and fostering development within the state, earning him recognition as a dedicated leader and advocate for progress.
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Full Name: Francis Ogbonna Erishi Nwifuru
Date of Birth: February 25, 1975
Place of Birth: Offerekpe Village, Agbaja community, Izzi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.
Origin: Offerekpe Village, Agbaja community, Izzi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State
Nationality: Nigerian
Profession: Lawyer, Politican, Entrepreneur
Political Party: All Progressive Party
Net Worth: $2.5 Million
Early Life and Career
Patrick Ogbonna Nwifuru was born on February 25, 1975, into the polygamous family of Chief and Mrs. Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwamkpu in Offerekpe Village, Agbaja community, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Despite the challenges that often accompany such large households, Nwifuru showed an early passion for education and self-improvement.
In 1991, he enrolled in Offerekpe Agbaja Community Primary School, setting the foundation for his educational journey. His quest for knowledge continued at Community Secondary School, Nwofe Agbaja, where he faced significant difficulties, including attending school only intermittently. During these periods, he worked alongside his brothers, tending to their father’s cattle.
Encouraged by the unwavering support of his mother, Chief Mrs. Nnenna Okweru Nwifuru, and his maternal uncles, Nwifuru persisted in his education. In May/June 2004, he completed his secondary education with commendable results. Following this milestone, he was baptized into the Catholic faith, taking on the Christian name Francis, and embarked on a new chapter of life.
Driven by a strong work ethic, young Nwifuru undertook menial jobs, including masonry, to support himself and remain engaged in purposeful learning. His determination to succeed led him to pursue a degree in Building Technology and Woodwork at Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. His love for learning did not end there. He later studied law at the same university and ultimately earned a master’s degree in Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management from Salford University, Manchester, United Kingdom, in June 2021.
Patrick Nwifuru’s professional journey began with his foray into politics. In 2007, he contested for a seat representing Izzi West Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly. Although unsuccessful, this attempt marked the beginning of his political career. Recognizing his potential, he was appointed an Ex-Officio State Executive Member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State.
In March 2011, Nwifuru made a second attempt at representing Izzi West Constituency, this time achieving a resounding victory. During this tenure, he served as Deputy Chief Whip and Chairman of the House Committee on Lands, Survey, Urban Development, and Environment. His outstanding performance earned him re-election in 2015, during which he was elected as the Speaker of the 5th Ebonyi State House of Assembly on June 8, 2015.
In 2019, he made history by becoming the first two-time Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, leading the 6th Assembly until May 25, 2023. Under his leadership, the Assembly passed 112 impactful pieces of legislation, fostering harmonious relationships between the legislative, executive, and judicial arms of government.
In 2020, he was elected as the National Vice-Chairman (South East) of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, further showcasing his leadership capabilities.
Nwifuru’s commitment to serving his people saw him switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2020. As the APC candidate in the 2023 Ebonyi gubernatorial election, he emerged victorious with 199,131 votes, defeating his closest rival from the PDP, who secured 80,191 votes.
On May 29, 2023, Nwifuru was sworn in as the 4th elected Governor of Ebonyi State. His administration is guided by the “People’s Charter of Needs,” a manifesto emphasizing citizen-focused governance aimed at addressing the needs of the people rather than the preferences of the government.
On November 19, 2024, Governor Francis Ogbonna,l took decisive disciplinary actions against members of his cabinet over allegations of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties.
In a statement released by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jude Chikadibia-Okpor, Governor Nwifuru announced the indefinite suspension of Engineer Francis Ori, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, and a three-month suspension of Dr. Moses Ekuma, the Commissioner for Health and Social Development.
Additionally, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, alongside the Executive Secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the State Health Insurance Agency, were also handed three-month suspensions. To ensure continuity in the health sector, the Governor appointed the Special Assistant on Primary Health to oversee the Ministry of Health during the suspension period.
The Governor further directed the suspended officials to return all government property in their possession, including official vehicles, to the State Secretary of the Government by November 25, 2024.
These actions follow the earlier indefinite suspension of the Commissioner for Water Resources, Chinedum Nkah, for dereliction of duties. Governor Nwifuru emphasized that these measures reflect his administration’s unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of the people and upholding accountability within his government.
Controversy
In March 2016, rumors surfaced that Nwifuru had been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He, however, denied the allegations, clarifying that he had only honored an invitation from the EFCC’s South-East Zonal Office in Enugu. This clarification helped dispel speculations and reaffirmed his transparency in public service.
Awards and Recognition
Governor Francis Nwifuru’s dedication to service has earned him notable recognition both within and beyond Ebonyi State. On January 4, 2024, he was honored with the Youth-Oriented Leadership Award during the maiden Ohanivo Cultural Carnival held at Egunkwor Central School.
This event celebrated the contributions of distinguished individuals from the Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency to the state and nation. Other honorees included Minister of Works David Umahi, former Senate President Anyim Pius, former Minister of Science and Technology Ogbonnaya Onu, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya, and former PDP governorship candidate Ifeanyi Odii.
Social Media
Governor Francis Nwifuru maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with citizens and sharing updates on governance and community development. He has amassed over 14,000 followers on Instagram (@francisogbonnanwifuru) and 13,300 followers on Twitter (@FrancisNwifuru), where he interacts with the public and promotes his administration’s initiatives.
Personal Life
Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is married to Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, the First Lady of Ebonyi State. A woman of substance and unwavering support, Mrs. Nwifuru has been a pillar of strength in his personal and public life. Together, they are blessed with five children, and Nwifuru is celebrated as a loving, caring, and exemplary father.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s net worth is estimated at $2.5 million. This wealth is attributed to his successful political career, prudent financial management, and contributions to public service.
