Under his leadership, the Ebonyi State House of Assembly has become one of the most productive legislative institutions in Nigeria. Within three years, the House has considered, debated and passed an unprecedented number of landmark bills, all carefully designed to strengthen institutions, improve governance, promote investment, enhance security, guarantee justice, accelerate infrastructure development, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life of Ebonyi people.
Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa has provided stable, visionary and inclusive leadership that has enabled the Legislature to discharge its constitutional mandate with diligence, patriotism and remarkable efficiency. His tenure has been defined not by unnecessary political conflicts but by legislative productivity, institutional reforms and constructive collaboration with the Executive Arm of Government, all in the overriding interest of Ebonyi State.
Strengthening Economic Growth Through Legislative Reforms
Recognising that sustainable development is impossible without a vibrant economy, Speaker Odunwa presided over the passage of several economic and investment-driven legislations.
Among the most notable is the law establishing the Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, which provides an institutional framework for supporting entrepreneurs, creating jobs and stimulating private sector growth. The Assembly equally approved a ₦1 billion Bank of Industry loan facility for on-lending to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), opening new opportunities for business expansion and economic empowerment.
To further improve the investment climate, the House enacted the Ebonyi State Investment Promotion Agency Law, the Public-Private Partnership Law, and the Ease of Doing Business Law, all aimed at attracting investors, simplifying business processes, encouraging transparency and positioning Ebonyi as one of Nigeria's most investment-friendly states.
The House also approved Ebonyi State's participation in the FAAC Receivables Discounting Programme for infrastructure financing, thereby creating alternative funding mechanisms for strategic development projects.
Revolutionising Infrastructure Development
Speaker Odunwa's legislative leadership has played a pivotal role in providing the legal foundation for massive infrastructural development across Ebonyi State.
The House established the Ebonyi State Rural Access Road Authority (EBRARA), enacted the Ebonyi State Road Fund Law and constituted the Road Fund Board to ensure sustainable road construction and maintenance.
Recognising the strategic importance of transportation, the Assembly passed the Ebonyi State International Airport Law, thereby providing the legal backing for one of the state's most ambitious infrastructure projects.
The House equally enacted the Street Naming and Property Addressing System Law, a landmark legislation expected to modernise urban planning, improve emergency response, enhance revenue generation and support digital governance.
In furtherance of urban renewal, Speaker Odunwa also presided over the passage of several Physical Planning, Urban Regeneration and Building Control Laws, creating a modern legal framework for orderly physical development throughout Ebonyi State.
Legislative Support for Education
Education has remained one of the strongest pillars of Speaker Odunwa's legislative agenda.
Under his leadership, the House enacted the Education Development Trust Fund Law, creating sustainable financing mechanisms for educational advancement.
The Assembly also established the Ebonyi State Senior Secondary Education Board to strengthen secondary school administration across the state.
Recognising the importance of higher education, the House repealed and re-enacted the law establishing the Ebonyi State University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, thereby repositioning the institution for greater academic excellence.
Similarly, the Assembly upgraded the Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo into a degree-awarding institution, significantly expanding opportunities for teacher education and human capital development.
The House also renamed the School of Health Sciences and Technology, Ngbo to the Ebonyi State College of Health Sciences and Technology, thereby enhancing its institutional status and future growth.
In addition, Speaker Odunwa presided over the adoption of motions converting several Junior Model Secondary Schools into full-fledged Model Secondary Schools, enabling students to complete their secondary education within the same institutions and participate fully in WAEC examinations.
Advancing Healthcare Through Legislative Action
The Speaker equally demonstrated legislative foresight in strengthening healthcare delivery.
The House enacted the law establishing the Ebonyi State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency, ensuring efficient procurement, distribution and management of essential medicines across public health facilities.
This legislation complements the healthcare reforms of the State Government by improving access to quality medical commodities while reducing inefficiencies in the health sector.
Modernising Agriculture
Understanding that Ebonyi is predominantly an agrarian state, Speaker Odunwa led the House in advancing the law establishing the Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited.
This legislation provides a legal framework for local fertilizer production, increased agricultural productivity, improved food security and enhanced support for farmers throughout the state.
Expanding Access to Electricity and Water
The Assembly equally passed the Ebonyi State Electricity Law, a landmark legislation that empowers the state to regulate electricity generation, transmission and distribution under the constitutional framework of Nigeria's electricity reforms.
Similarly, the House enacted the Ebonyi State Water Users Association Law, strengthening community participation in water resource management and ensuring sustainable access to clean water.
Promoting Justice, Peace and Human Rights
One of the defining features of Speaker Odunwa's leadership has been his commitment to justice and peaceful coexistence.
The Assembly established the Ebonyi State Citizens Mediation Centre, providing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms capable of reducing unnecessary litigation while promoting social harmony.
The House equally established the Office of the Public Defender to ensure that indigent citizens have access to legal representation, thereby expanding access to justice.
Perhaps one of the most historic legislative interventions under his leadership was the enactment of the law legalising the Peace Accord between the people of Effium and Ezza-Effium, creating autonomous communities and formally demarcating their boundaries. This landmark legislation represents one of the boldest legislative peace-building efforts in recent Nigerian history.
The House also passed laws preserving the sacred ancestral homeland of Anmegu and Ebiya-Unuphu while prohibiting indiscriminate land sales, thereby protecting cultural heritage and preventing future communal conflicts.
Institutional Reforms and Good Governance
Speaker Odunwa has consistently strengthened public institutions through robust legislation.
The Assembly established the Boundary and Allied Matters Commission, the Disability Rights Commission, and amended the Fiscal Responsibility Commission Law to improve accountability and prudent financial management.
The House also enacted legislation harmonising the salaries and conditions of service of Chief Registrars and Permanent Secretaries, promoting fairness within the public service.
Other institutional reforms include the establishment of the Ebonyi State Correctional Service, the amendment of Magistrate Court Laws to expand judicial jurisdiction, and several amendments aimed at strengthening the electoral framework and local government administration.
Responsible Fiscal Management
One of the constitutional responsibilities of every legislature is appropriation. Under Speaker Odunwa's leadership, the House meticulously scrutinised and passed successive annual budgets, including the 2024, 2025 and the historic ₦885.8 billion 2026 Appropriation Law.
Beyond yearly budgets, the Assembly consistently approved Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworks (MTEF), supplementary budgets and strategic financial proposals that have strengthened fiscal planning, improved budget implementation and promoted responsible governance.
Dynamic Motions and Resolutions
Beyond lawmaking, Speaker Odunwa has presided over the adoption of several impactful motions and resolutions addressing pressing issues affecting Ebonyi people.
These include the approval of security support for traditional rulers, motions compelling public office holders to reside within their communities, directives to mining companies to establish corporate presence in Ebonyi State, environmental compliance measures for mining operators, intervention against excessive electricity billing by EEDC, approval of Christmas palliatives, support for traditional institutions, condemnation of communal violence, strengthening internally generated revenue systems and numerous resolutions aimed at improving governance across the state.
The Assembly also approved strategic consultancy engagements that enabled Ebonyi State to recover federal funds, access intervention programmes and improve public financial management.
Robust Confirmation and Oversight Functions
As Speaker, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa has equally ensured effective oversight through the screening and confirmation of hundreds of government nominees.
These include Commissioners, Development Centre Coordinators, Judicial Service Commission members, Civil Service Commission members, Local Government Service Commission members, Board Chairmen, Revenue Agencies, Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, Electoral Commission, House of Assembly Service Commission, Auditors-General and numerous statutory boards.
These confirmations have ensured that government institutions remain fully constituted and capable of delivering quality public service.
Strengthening the Legislature
Beyond legislation, Speaker Odunwa has invested significantly in strengthening the Legislature itself.
Under his administration, the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Complex has undergone extensive renovation to modern standards, while new legislative offices are currently under construction to provide lawmakers with a more conducive working environment.
These improvements demonstrate his belief that strong democratic institutions require adequate infrastructure and modern facilities.
Conclusion
The legislative record of Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa speaks for itself. Through visionary leadership, institutional reforms, strategic legislation and responsible parliamentary management, he has transformed the Ebonyi State House of Assembly into an engine of development.
His tenure has produced laws that strengthen governance, stimulate investment, modernise infrastructure, improve healthcare, expand educational opportunities, promote peace, deepen justice, protect vulnerable groups and create a more prosperous future for Ebonyi State.
Indeed, history will remember Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa not merely as a Speaker who presided over legislative sessions, but as a statesman whose legislative activism laid enduring foundations for sustainable development, institutional excellence and democratic progress in Ebonyi State.
Theophilus Ifeanyi Igwe,
Chief Press Secretary to the Rt. Hon. Speaker.
June 29, 2026.
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