Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Monday resumed work after the New Year holiday with a pledge to surmount the prevailing economic hardship in the state.
The governor made the pledge at the 2016 annual prayer session to mark the beginning of the year at the Government House, Enugu.
Ugwuanyi assured the people that the prevailing economic climate would not prevent the state from attaining the lofty objectives of his administration..
The governor said that his administration had articulated in the 2016 budget proposal, plans and visions to entrench stability and consolidate the current tempo of development.
“We have promised not to allow the harsh economic climate in the country to prevent us from attaining the lofty objectives that we have set out for the benefit of our people,” he said.
Ugwuanyi added that the objectives could only be achieved through prayers and active participation and support of the people.
He called for all hands to be on the deck and unrelenting prayers from the people for God’s grace to overcome the bleak and unpredictable economic outlook.
The governor solicited continued support of the people in all efforts and plans to bring sustainable development in the state in spite of the challenges of the day.
In his homily, Msgr. Obiora Ike called on various arms of the government to pay attention to revenue generation as a way of withstanding the present economic hardship in the country.
The catholic priest urged Nigerians to pay their taxes if they expected the government to provide essential services to them.
He said that the present economic downturn in the country required that all should pray for divine intervention.
Ike charged civil servants in the state to be mindful of their responsibilities by being dedicated, accountable and responsive to their duties to justify their salaries.
The priest also condemned the abuse of power by some political office holders, urging them to build a strong process of governance devoid of wastes.
He appealed to the people of the state to be patient with the governor as he had demonstrated selfless service to the people within a short period.
The even also witnessed intercessory prayers by various clerics for divine guidance and protection throughout the year.
The event was also attended by top government officials and political office holders, including the Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, Sen. Chukwuka Utazi and the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Chief Edward Ubosi.