Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru donated 14 new SUVs to newly ordained priests of the Abakaliki Diocese, presenting the vehicles during their ordination at St. Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral in the state capital on Saturday.

The governor’s generosity comes despite the prevailing economic difficulties and Ebonyi State’s struggles with poverty, as reflected in its low ranking on the poverty index.

Governor Nwifuru explained that the donation of vehicles to the newly ordained priests was intended to support and facilitate their spiritual work, enabling them to effectively serve their flock and spread the word of God.

Last July, Governor Nwifuru showed similar generosity, gifting five vehicles to newly ordained priests, demonstrating his consistent support for the religious community in Ebonyi State.

Meanwhile, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, Ebonyi State ranks as the poorest state in Southern Nigeria, with a staggering 80% poverty rate, placing it fourth on the national poverty index. The state trails only Sokoto, Taraba, and Jigawa, all located in the Northern region of the country, in terms of poverty levels.

However, concerns are being raised about Governor Nwifuru’s priorities, as civil servants in Ebonyi State have recently expressed disappointment and frustration over the meagre N10,000 salary increment, which falls short of their expectations, sparking questions about the allocation of resources in the state.