James Allen once declared: "The whole world steps aside for a man who know where he is going." Nothing delights an interviewer than relating with a politician who obviously is not an "accident in governance". It is a pure delight to interview the Abia state governor, His Excellency, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu anytime any day.
A lively disposition, excellent articulation of issues and strong analytical answers surely made it worth our while as NAIJ.com led by HC Anthony Eshemokhai sat face-to-face with the University don-turned-politician in his office in Abia state.
The first "interviewer’s delight" comes from his readiness to answer all questions which is a departure from the norm where public office holders request that interview questions must be sent ahead. Not for the Abia state governor.
Gov Ikpeazu cuts the picture of a man whose activities is borne out of carefully researched approach
Source: Original
Little wonder that he has a Ph.d in Biochemical Pharmacology. Not only will his intelligence rub off on you while you interact with him, he cuts the picture of a man whose activities is borne out of carefully researched approach, especially in governance as his giant strides are a departure from the common run-of-the-mill politicians.
In simple words, he does not mix politics with governance as he brings his vast academic knowledge and experience to bear on leadership and governance. Dr. Ikpeazu created 5 development pillars which are the blue print for the rapid development of Abia state today. The development pillars are:
- Agriculture
- Commerce
- Industry
- Oil and Gas and
- Education
NAIJ.com led by HC Anthony Eshemokhai sat face-to-face with the University don-turned-politician in his office in Abia state
Source: Original
To support those development pillars are seven enabling policies amongst which are healthcare, housing, security, education, infrastructure, media & advocacy and ease of doing business. Having done the elaborate work of analysing the problem of Abia state and coming up with the development pillars and enabling policies, governing Abia state is now like plug and play with periodic evaluation which has kept the University Don focused in delivering the dividends of democracy.
In his own words: "If there were no challenges, he has no business in seeking political governance. I am not here to complain but to make a difference; make my impact while keeping in mind that power is transient."
Dr. Ikpeazu created 5 development pillars which are the blue print for the rapid development of Abia state today
Source: Original
The first thing that struck me while I was being driven through Aba, a commercial hub, are the obviously better roads compared to what has been the case in the past. Even the cab driver acknowledged that the current roads in Aba are better than the "China roads" of the governor’s predecessors in office. I pondered on the impact of "China roads" which is a euphemism for sub-standard roads deliberately built not to last. Thus, roads for which residents had given up on are today well tarred with good drainage systems making movements in and out of the city much easier.
Call A Doctor Initiatives
Among several initiatives of the governor in the health sector is the Call A Doctor Initiative which enables residents to buy scratch card worth N200. Whenever there is an emergency, all you need is to scratch the card to reveal a number to dial. Once the number is dialled, qualified medical doctors will be available on the other end to attend to the caller, make prescriptions or recommendations or refer serious cases to the closest health facility.
If the medical situation is an emergency, then standby ambulances will be deployed. This is a novel medical intervention which is working perfectly as the interviewer bought a card and went through the process which appeared seamless. The amazing thing about the initiative is that medical help will be available in any of the major languages and dialects.
Governor Ikpeazu sure knows what he is doing
Source: Original
Sundry Issues
The Abia state governor is a man that the pride of office has not gotten to his head like many of his contemporaries. He surmised philosophically that "power is transient as it will end one day." He therefore, according to him, pays premium attention to his friends as he ensures he keeps the line of relationship with them even though he is a governor today. "I live for my friends. Power is ephemeral, it will end one day."
He likes teaching and misses that profession dearly. He therefore will want to return to the classroom after making his marks in governance. He loves playing soccer and golf and a secret desire is preaching the word of God. Dr.Okezie sure knows where he is taking Abia state to - Eldorado!
Abians are lucky to have a man like Dr.Okezie as their governor. I join all Abians to say "one good term deserves a return to government house"!
For several issues revealed in this explosive interview, watch the video below and kindly share your thoughts and comments.
HC Anthony Eshemokhai, Head Public Sector Group at NAIJ.com spoke to H.E, Dr.OkezieIkpeazu while ace photo journalist, Emmanuel Osodi was behind the camera.
How Okezie Ikpeazu transformed Abia state on NAIJ.com TV
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Source: Naija.ng