₦airaland Forum

Ebonyi community confers chieftaincy title on EBBC DG, wife, Gov Nwifuru's Aide



The people of Ezeakataka, Enyima Agbaja community in Izzi local government area of Ebonyi State, have honoured former Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the state council, Comrade Tony Nwizi with a Chieftaincy title.

The people conferred Idenyi-Ọha Dọberụ l'Ezeakataka(the oracle the community has unanimously installed to oversee the interest of the community) on Nwizi who is the Director General of the state
broadcasting corporation, EBBC.

His wife, Joy was conferred with ome-ogo nwanyi by the community.

The community also conferred chieftaincy title of Enyi Oha(friend of all) on the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru, office of the Governor, Uchenna Nwamkpuma.

The event which occurred at the weekend in the community, attracted people from all walks of life.

People from London, Germany and other foreign countries also attended the ceremony.

Chairman, planning committee of the event, Paul Uguru described Nwizi as a true son of his father who was known in the community as detribalized heart and selfless service to all.

"Just as his father was a bridge between clans and kindreds, Tony Nwizi has continued that legacy with grace and humility.

" He has not discriminated against anyone based on their background, clan, or kindred.

"Instead, he has always carried every villager along, ensuring that no one is left behind. It is this spirit of inclusivity, unity, and equality that has kept us all together, working as one towards a brighter future.

"It is for this reason, and many others, that we are gathered here today, in one voice, to unanimously receive him as our illustrious son.

"His tireless efforts in attracting so many water boreholes to our village, have brought an abundance of clean, safe, water to our people, improving our health and livelihood and making our village a better place for all.

"Beyond provision of water, he has instilled in in us the values of togetherness and peace. His leadership has unified us, strengthened our community, and inspired us to reach for greater heights", he said.

Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Odunwa commended the community for honouring Nwizi.

He assured that he will continue to provide social amenities for the people and urged them to continue to support his administration.

Nwifuru urged Nwizi not to relenting in doing those this that earned him honour by the community.

Commissioner for Works, Lebechi Mbam who was Chairman of the event, his Commerce, Industry and Business Development counterpart, Oguzor Offia-Nwali, a Catholic Priest, Dr. Felix Uche-Akam and other personalities, lauded the civic reception accorded Nwizi who was also Secretary of NUJ in the state.

Nwizi, in his speech, said he was humbled and incredibly grateful for the honour done to him and commended his friends, associates, relatives, well-wishers and the people for their presence during the event which he said touched his heart in ways words can scarcely express.

He noted that the honour means so much to him and that it will spur him to do more for the community and humanity.

"For my dear village people, I am deeply honoured and grateful for the wonderful reception. I am also profoundly humbled by the Chieftaincy title you have bestowed upon me.

"This recognition means so much to me, and I will strive to live up to the trust and responsibility it carries.

"Once again, thank you all for making this day unforgettable. Your kindness and encouragement continue to inspire me", he said.

Foundation gives Scholarship to 30 indigent undergraduates in Ebonyi



By Dave Ukah



The MSL Foundation yesterday gave the first set of 30 indigent students of Abakaliki origin a University scholarship

The beneficiaries received a cheque of N120,000 each.

Speaking at the flag off ceremony in Abakaliki, the founder of MSL foundation and the state Commissioner for Works Engr Stanley Lebechi Mbam said the scholarship scheme which is in line with the core vision and mandate of the foundation will continue as long as he lives.

He noted that the scholarship which he said will continue as long as he lives, was to enable his Abakaliki local government people to be literate, lamenting that the people lack education.

Mbam said the foundation believes that education is the passport to the future and investment in knowledge that will yield the greatest dividends for mankind

He called the beneficiaries of the scholarship to make use of the opportunity for better tomorrow.

“The society is becoming tougher every day. When we look at the challenges we face in raising our children, I was motivated because my people lack this education. And the only way we can assist the world and live up to the expectation where the reason why God asked us to come and stay in this earth is to represent him and be an ambassador of Christ.


“And by that, he demolished us to love our brothers and sisters. And that is the love that we have extended to indigenous people of Abakaliki especially the youth. The youth are for the tomorrow, but we have to lay a foundation.


“This is the foundation we are laying now because I know that education is the key to everything we do. And if us, based on the things that God has given to us, we extend the love and lay this foundation on the life of our youth. Me being a youth, I know the implication.


“And having passed through some hurdles during my academic session, I lost my father when I was still in school and I know it all by God's grace. I didn't enjoy this benefit, but God saw me through in that way.

“I felt it's necessary that I should look down to the less privileged who are willing to go to school, who don't have the funds to pay for their tuition fees and this is what we do”.

He commended the State governor Chief Francis Nwifuru for his support and for creating the enabling environment that allowed the foundation's scholarship initiative to flourish.

Wife of the state governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, Chairman of the scholarship foundation, Mbam Ogodo, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Odo and Chairman of Abakaliki local government, Ebere Nwogba commended Mbam for the scholarship.

They opined that the scholarship will reduce illiteracy in Abakaliki local government and urged the beneficiaries to make use of the opportunity and acquire education.

Mrs. Nwifuru represented by wife of Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mrs.Nkechiynyere Echiegu, warned that any of the beneficiaries who plays with his or her studies, would be removed from the scholarship scheme.

She lamented that Abakaliki local government was having low literacy and expressed the hope that the scholarship will change the situation.

One of the beneficiaries, John Okechukwu, who studying Medicine and owing tuition fees, lauded the Commissioner for the scholarship.

He disclosed that he has gone through a lot looking for fund to clear his tuition fees and almost gave up until his name was listed as one of the beneficiaries.

He promised to judiciously utilized the opportunity to make Mbam proud, describing him as his savior.

Tinubu committed to tackle challenges facing South East.... Aide



The Senior Special Assistant to the President of the federal Republic of Nigeria on Community Engagement, South East, Mrs Chioma Nweze has reiterated the preparedness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to tackle all the economic and developmental challenges facing the South East region.

Nweze who stated this in her 2025 new year message to the citizens of the South East region, which was signed and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State enjoined the people of the region to continue to support the administration of President Tinubu.

The SSA who reaffirmed her commitment to amplifying the voices and championing the development of the region urged the people of the South East to remain united in the pursuit of a brighter future for the region.

The statement reads in part: "As we step into the New Year, I extend warmest greetings to the resilient and vibrant people of the South East. May this year bring us renewed hope, strength, and unity.

"The past year has presented its challenges, but together, we have demonstrated our capacity for resilience and determination. As your Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, I reaffirm my commitment to amplifying your voices and championing the development of our beloved region.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to address the unique challenges facing our region. From infrastructure development to economic empowerment, education, and healthcare, we are dedicated to creating opportunities that benefit all.

"In continuation of our pursuit of regional development, I will maintain a strong partnership with leaders and stakeholders across the South East. This includes collaborating with the five esteemed Governors of our zone, as well as engaging with respected leaders of thought, student organizations, and other critical stakeholders.

"Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to harness the collective wisdom and energy of our people to drive progress and prosperity. I urge you all to remain united in our pursuit of a brighter future for the South East.

"Let us foster a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect, and understanding. Together, we can achieve greatness and solidify the South East's position as a beacon of excellence in Nigeria.

"Once again, I wish you all a joyous and prosperous New Year. May our collective efforts yield fruitful results, and may our region continue to thrive" she stressed.

Ex-SGF, Anyim urges leaders to invest in human capital development

...Entrepreneur inaugurates another N100M to indigent students

Former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, has urged leaders in the country to pay much attention in human development.

He said human capital development will touch many lives and reduce poverty in the society.

Anyim stated this at the weekend in Ishiagu, Ivo local government area, Ebonyi State, his hometown when entrepreneur, Gideon Osi disbursed N100million for brilliant indigent students in the area and other parts of the state and beyond through his organization, GOSIMA group.

The group also commissioned the 2km road it constructed in Amata in the area, distributed 60 deep freezers and disbursed N50,000 each to women doing food and beverage businesses to encourage them and enhance food preservation in the community.

It also shared bags of rice, food condiments, wrappers and cash to over 1000 elderly women and indigent widows.

Anyim who was elated, urged leaders, and well-to-do individuals to invest in humans.

"There is a need for adequate attention to human capital development. When you empower humans, you are building tomorrow.

"In this particular empowerment we are witnessing today, it will have serious positive effect in our community because these children that are being empowered today through this N100million scholarship , will tomorrow empower others.

"Ishiagu people, I want you people to know that it is in this place we are doing this program today that I was received by you people.

"I didn't know what to say but God inspired me to say that it's day break in Ishiagu and that was the only thing I said and handed over the microphone and it's actually a day break in Ishiagu.

"The only thing I want to add today in that my remark is that it's a new beginning, we have not seen anything yet in our community. We are going to see greater things.

"I want to thank Dr. Gideon immensely, and I want to say that if two, three persons in this community are doing like him, everywhere will be empowerment," he said

Addressing the mammoth crowd that attended the event, Osi said he became a university graduate through a scholarship given to him by Sen. Anyim when he was Senate President, which has made him to continue to give scholarship to indigent students to encourage education.
We will continue to do our best, we will continue to build infrastructure, we will continue to invest in human capital development as our own way of supporting the government of the day because government cannot do everything.

"We are prepared to continue to do our best to support every indigent person in this community in any way that God has put it in our heart.

Our interest is in education, and the simple reason is because I am a product of several scholarships.
Those who knew my background knows that I wouldn't have been a university graduate today if not for scholarships.

From primary school through to secondary I enjoyed scholarship and at the university level, I was given scholarship by Senator Anyim Pius Anyim when he was Senate President. What you are seeing today, is the result of the seed that was planted many years ago by so many people.

"So, when you are investing in people, you are actually investing in the future of the community and when you invest in your community, then you are investing for our collective good", he stated

Ex-SGF, Anyim urges leaders to invest in human capital development

...Entrepreneur inaugurates another N100M to indigent students

Former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, has urged leaders in the country to pay much attention in human development.

He said human capital development will touch many lives and reduce poverty in the society.

Anyim stated this at the weekend in Ishiagu, Ivo local government area, Ebonyi State, his hometown when entrepreneur, Gideon Osi disbursed N100million for brilliant indigent students in the area and other parts of the state and beyond through his organization, GOSIMA group.

The group also commissioned the 2km road it constructed in Amata in the area, distributed 60 deep freezers and disbursed N50,000 each to women doing food and beverage businesses to encourage them and enhance food preservation in the community.

It also shared bags of rice, food condiments, wrappers and cash to over 1000 elderly women and indigent widows.

Anyim who was elated, urged leaders, and well-to-do individuals to invest in humans.

"There is a need for adequate attention to human capital development. When you empower humans, you are building tomorrow.

"In this particular empowerment we are witnessing today, it will have serious positive effect in our community because these children that are being empowered today through this N100million scholarship , will tomorrow empower others.

"Ishiagu people, I want you people to know that it is in this place we are doing this program today that I was received by you people.

"I didn't know what to say but God inspired me to say that it's day break in Ishiagu and that was the only thing I said and handed over the microphone and it's actually a day break in Ishiagu.

"The only thing I want to add today in that my remark is that it's a new beginning, we have not seen anything yet in our community. We are going to see greater things.

"I want to thank Dr. Gideon immensely, and I want to say that if two, three persons in this community are doing like him, everywhere will be empowerment," he said

Addressing the mammoth crowd that attended the event, Osi said he became a university graduate through a scholarship given to him by Sen. Anyim when he was Senate President, which has made him to continue to give scholarship to indigent students to encourage education.
We will continue to do our best, we will continue to build infrastructure, we will continue to invest in human capital development as our own way of supporting the government of the day because government cannot do everything.

"We are prepared to continue to do our best to support every indigent person in this community in any way that God has put it in our heart.

Our interest is in education, and the simple reason is because I am a product of several scholarships.
Those who knew my background knows that I wouldn't have been a university graduate today if not for scholarships.

From primary school through to secondary I enjoyed scholarship and at the university level, I was given scholarship by Senator Anyim Pius Anyim when he was Senate President. What you are seeing today, is the result of the seed that was planted many years ago by so many people.

"So, when you are investing in people, you are actually investing in the future of the community and when you invest in your community, then you are investing for our collective good", he stated

NGO visits hospitals, clears bills of indigent patients in Ebonyi




A non- governmental Organization, Mbam Stanley Lebechi, MSL foundation has visited two hospitals in Abakaliki; the Federal Teaching Hospital, and Mile Four Hospital to clear medical bills of detained indigent patients.

The medical bills running into millions of Naira, the foundation assisted in discharging treated and detained indigent citizens of Ebonyi, in what can be likened as a show of kindness.

It was an emotional, yet revealing experience, especially with a 3-year-old little miss Destiny from Igbeagu in Izzi local government area of the state who has been treated for broken limbs and withheld by hospital authorities as a result of her parents’ inability to pay a little to half a million treatment bill for half a year. Her mother who was taking care of her had been amputated from a similar limb accident.

At the psychiatric unit of FETHA, the foundation paid for the discharge of some Ebonyi youths treated for various mental disorders and detained as a result of financial inabilities.

At mile Four, it was festival detention of kids and their mothers after birth as a result of inability to pay hospital bills after birth, from mothers of twins to mothers of pre-teen babies where bills were visibly above parents' financial burden.

"We were able to pay for as much as our foundation MSL foundation can bear," the founder of foundation, Engnr Stanley Lebechi Mbam said.

Mbam said, the gesture was in line with the philosophy of the foundation to support the good work of the governor in the State, Chief Francis Nwifuru as anchored on his People's Charter of needs agenda


"Our Foundation is purposely in pursuit of MATTEW 25:40 that says
“Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you have done it unto me”

"In the spirit of yuletide season, my team and I, in support of the good work of my dear Boss, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Blder Prince Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, yesterday, paid an unscheduled visit to FUTHA and Mile 4 hospitals where the Lord lead us to offset the hospital bills of some less privileged individuals who were due for discharge".

"The visit is also a refection of the love and sacrifices in the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ whose mass we celebrate. So, it is very significant to use the season to touch lives positively; preach love and it's uncommon space in the society".

"By the grace of God, the gesture will continue to unfold with the singular purpose of accommodating the less privileged ones to celebrate with us"a.


Mbam who is the State Commissioner for Works enjoined wealthy Ebonyians to reach out to the less privileged and vulnerable members of society to alleviate their suffering especially those who have been treated and detained at the various health Facilities.

"I encourage our well-to-do brothers and sisters to join in occasional means of helping our brothers and sisters in various health Facilities who have been treated and detained. From the hospital records, the number is increasing in geometric progression daily".


Reacting, the hospitals thanked the Commissioner Mbam Lebechi for the visit, describing it as an “uncommon show of love.”

Lawmaker distributes grinding, sewing, POS machines, cash to constituents




The member representing Ezza North/Ishielu federal constituency, Ebonyi State in the house of representatives, Joseph Nwobashi, has distributed grinding machines, sewing machines, POS machines, and cash to thousands of the constituency.

Distributing the materials and cash at the weekend in Oshiegbe community, Ezza North local government area of the state, Nwobashi described the items as instruments of transformation, designed to empower Individuals, families, and communities in the constituency.

He noted that he was equipping the constituents with tools to foster economic independence and drive sustainable development in the constituency.

He opined that he has pursued and delivered transformative projects that have touched lives of many people in the constituency.

The APGA lawmaker said "as the representative of Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, my driving mission has always been to improve the lives of our people and this empowerment program is a testament to that commitment. Today, we are equipping our constituents with tools to foster economic independence and drive sustainable development.

"The grinding machines, sewing machines, POS machines, and cash gifts being distributed today are not just items-they are instruments of transformation, designed to empower Individuals, families, and communities.

"Reflecting on our achievements so far, I am delighted to say that my journey in the House of Representatives has been marked by milestones that reflect the needs and aspirations of our people. Permit me to highlight a few: On Legislative Advocacy, I have sponsored three bills and supported many other bills that affect the life of Nigerians positively and motions aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare in our beloved constituency.

"Driven by an unwavering commitment to the development of this constituency, I have also relentlessly pursued and delivered transformative projects that have touched the lives of many. Some of them include the installation of solar-powered streetlights in strategic locations such as Oshiegbe Market Square, Amuzu, Ezeuhu, from Amuzu to egwudelegu along oshiegbe umuezeoka road and Isiphomini villages in Ezza North LGA, as well as Azuoffia village Azuinyaba ward, Onu nworie market square, all in Ishielu LGA.

"This initiative has illuminated these areas, fostering economic activities and improving security. My focus on improving infrastructure is also evident in the construction of a six-classrooms block, which promises to provide better learning conditions for students in the area.

"Additionally, I have equipped the Oshiegbe Health Center with vital hospital supplies, a project that is ready for commissioning today, reaffirming my dedication to enhancing healthcare access for my beloved constituents.

"In education and empowerment, I have awarded scholarships to not less than 12 brilliant and enterprising students of this constituency helping them pursue their academic dreams. My pride is that the beneficiaries have consistently justified this gesture.

"Furthermore, I have employed over 40 special assistants, funding their salaries from my personal resource. The aim is to empower and uplift these members of my constituency from poverty. I have taken it upon myself to lead seasonal interventions in critical areas of need such as the distribution of fertilizers to farmers and delivering about three trailers of rice as palliative every Christmas to alleviate hardship and to mark the Yuletide season"

Governor Francis Nwifuru who was at the event, commended the lawmaker for his quality representation.

He urged youths in the state to stop destroying leaders of the state on social media but to be supporting them to encourage them to do well.

Ebonyi Council Boss Refutes Alleged Thuggery Attack on Revenue Agents



The Executive Chairman of Ezza South local government area of Ebonyi State, Hon. Euphemia Nwali has denied using thugs to attack revenue agents in the popular Eke Imoha market in the Council area.

Euphemia Nwali, who disclosed this in reaction to an allegation published in a section of the media by one Joel Ejimofor David of Supreme Allied Ltd -a company that claimed to be authorized by government to collect internally generated revenue , said there was no thug clash in the market.

She said, "My attention has been drawn to an online publication by The Nation News that I harras and obstruct a company Anointed Supreme Allied Ltd from collecting revenue at Eke Imoha marke authorized by the Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Board.

"The report claimed that I used thugs to allegedly rob and kidnap his workers who came to collect tolls at Eke Imoha Market, and that I even threatened his life or any other members of the company.

"The report further said that one company Zeenok Agro International Ltd bided for the same revenue point and that the company is owned by me.

"Ordinally I would have kept quiet because the report was fa cplse and malicious but for the record to be put straight and avoidance of doubt by those that have read the report I have to say these.

"The Revenue Board is in charge of the internally generated revenue in Ebonyi State. So everything IGR is in the office of the Revenue Board. However the state and local government has an understanding and MoU.

"There is no way a company will enter a market if they are not authorized by the Board. The Board knows her agents. Any agents that enter anywhere to collect revenue must have authority letter from the Board.

"As Local government area chairman i dont have the right to collect IGR. If an agent collects IGR that does not mean that it is the chairman that is collecting it. My duty as a council chairman is to protect lives and properties and to make sure there is peace in my area and the market.

"You know me very well. I do not have thugs and do not hire thugs. If there is any issue, we have security agents. The Division and the Area Command are there. Why should I be hiring thugs. Thugs for what?

" There was no clash between agents in the market but if there was any clash, the incident would be reported to me as the Chief Security Officer. There was no report of such. If there is any problem in the market between revenue agents i will know, but I know I do not have such report. And if I have report of such, I will involve security agents to resolve it. There is no problem in the market now.

"I have not bided for any revenue toll from the Board and i dont even know the company called Zeenok Agro International Ltd.

"I am urging members of the public to disregard the report because it was written with almost motive to drag my name in the mud. I swore to protect lives and properties and to extent dividend of democracy to the people of Ezza South LGALGA", she said.

IGR: Company urges Nwifuru to order Ezza South council Boss to stop illegal revenue collection


.....ignore him, he is just an extortionists



A company on the aegis of Anointed Supreme Allied Ltd on Thursday urged governor, Francis Nwifuru to order the council chairman of Ezza South LGA, Mrs. Euphemia Nwali to stop the alleged illegal revenue collection at the Eke Imoha Market.

The director of the said company, Joel Ejimofor David, in a petition submitted to the governor, whose copy was obtained by newsmen, accused the Ezza South LGA chairman of conspiracy, using thugs to allegedly robbed and kidnapped his workers who came to collect tolls at Eke Imoha Market, after being authorized by the Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Service.

Ejimofor, said that his company bided for the following revenue points; Produce, Haulage, Veterinary, Environmental Fees and Park Tolls in Eke Imoha Market, for the sum of N1,124,000 only monthly and won the bid against other rivals including Zeenok Agro International Ltd company owned by the council chairman, Euphemia Nwali who bided the sum of #330,000 for the same revenue points.

He lamented that the council chairman, Nwali allegedly used thugs to "kidnap, rob and prevent our company from carrying out its legal duty at the revenue points at Eke Imoha Market', adding that the worse still, is that the council Chairman had threatened his life or any other members of the company who comes close to the revenue points.

It was gathered that the Ebonyi State House of Assembly committee on public petition, justice and judiciary led by Chikodiri Nomeh, had summoned the council chairman, Nwali to appear before them, answer for the alleged illegal revenue collection, and after which, gave verdict in favour of Anointed Supreme Allied Ltd, yet the Zeenok Agro International Ltd company owned by the council chairman, has continued to illegally collect revenues from the various points at Eke Imoha Market, wherein Anointed Supreme Allied Ltd had paid for.

Ejimofor, however blamed the chairman of Ebonyi State board of internal revenue and the secretary of failing to take any action on the issue, adding that his company was subjected to huge pains and loss from March 2024 till date, by the council chairman, nwali.

According to him "we went to the revenue point with the view to commence collection of the revenue, but to our greatest surprise Ezza South Local Government Area Chairman Euphemia Nneka Nwali and her company Zeenok Agro International Ltd mobilized thugs who she led and attacked us and left us with various degrees of severe injuries.

"They robbed us of our money and phone; stopped us from collecting the revenue which we paid for and she went ahead and started collecting the revenue since the Month of May 2024 till date without paying or remitting to the account of Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Service.

He noted further that: "In a bid to make her threat a reality, on 12-12-2024 she led her thugs to Eke Imoha Market who 'allegedly' Kidnapped, Robbed and Attempted to Murder three of our company's agents. However, through the order of Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police our agents were rescued" he stated.

Ejimofor, however called for the immediate intervention of governor, Francis Nwifuru, to direct the Ezza South LGA boss, Nwali and her company Zeenok Agro International Ltd and her agents to 'hands off the said revenue points we paid for since the Month of May 2024, to enable us recover our money'.

"With humility, we appeal to the governor to direct the Ezza South Local Government Area Chairman, Euphemia Nwali to return to us in full all they have robbed us since the Month of May 2024 till date and pay all the Hospital bills for the injuries her thugs caused our agents.

"To direct the chairman and her company to render public apologies to Anointed Supreme Allied Ltd and her agents in national newspapers and local newspapers circulating in Ebonyi State.

"To direct the management of Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Service to uphold the doctrine of the highest bidder shall be the winner to avoid recurrence of the same case again.

"To direct the Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Internal Revenue Services to comply with the resolution of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly on this issue forthwith" he stated.

In a swift reaction, the council chairman of Ezza South LGA, Mrs. Euphemia Nwali who spoke to newsmen on phone, said: "what he is saying is not true, he is just a tax collector that is going up and down and extorting people. Have you ever heard that I beat somebody? If something like that happened, you will hear it now.

"I don't have thugs and I didn't send any thugs to attack him. You can verify that I don't have thugs. Also, I didn't send anyone to beat anybody. I don't also collect revenue from the market as he mentioned. We have a revenue board whose duty is to collect revenue.

"I didn't stop him from collecting revenue as he claimed. I don't even have any company that I'm using to collect revenue. As far, he has authorized paper from the Ebonyi State revenue board service, no one will stop him from collecting revenue from the place he mentioned.

"Where did you see me threatening him, if he has evidence that I threatened him, let him bring it out. Why should I threaten him, for what? I didn't threaten him. He claimed that I disobeyed the state House of Assembly, why should I do that? I will always obey the house of assembly. As it is, let me advise him (Ejimofor) to always tell the truth because it is the truth that will save him" she stressed.

PDP Threatens to Sanction Plotters of Odefa's Purported Expulsion



The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on all members of the party and the general public to disregard the purported expulsion of the National Vice Chairman, Southeast zone, Chief Ali Odefa by some faceless group masquerading themselves as PDP executives of Oguduokwor Ward in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

In a statement signed by the State chairman Onyemaechi Nwele and his Secretary, Zaccheaus Ogbuefi, the Party said that the purported expulsion was unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect.

The statement explained that it is only the National Executive Committee of PDP is empowered by the party's constitution to take any disciplinary action against any National Executive Committee member.

The PDP said that it was criminal for the self acclaimed Executives of Oguduokwor Ward to impersonate and carry out the hatchet job targeted to tarnish the Integrity of the Southeast National Vice Chairman of the party.

They also disclosed that the authors of the expulsion were already standing trials in court for criminal activities including impersonation of the ward executives.

According to the statement: "Section 57 (7) of the Constitution of the PDP is clear in providing that “Notwithstanding any other provision relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level, except the National Executive Committee, shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, Deputy Governors or members of the National Assembly…”

"Also, Section 59 (3) of the Constitution of the PDP is unambiguous in providing that “Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level except the National Executive Committee shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Ambassadors, Special Advisers or member of any of the Legislative Houses”.

The party therefore said that even if the ward executives of Oguduokwor Ward were valid and legitimate, they don't also have the right to institute any disciplinary actions against the NVC.

PDP also passed vote of absolute confidence on Chief Odefa and urged him not to be distracted by the antics of some disgruntled elements who are bent to destroy his efforts in advancing the fortunes and prospects of the party in all the States of the Southeast.

The Party further warned all members to desist from being used to destabilize the party by desperate politicians who want to hijack the party, as any erring members would be decisively dealt with in line with the constitution of the party.

Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, BCS is not a church... Deputy Spokesman, Archbishop Ekuri




The Deputy Spokesman of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, His Grace Archbishop Emmanuel Ekuri has insisted that BCS should not be addressed or called a Church or anything of the world rather it is non-denominational, non-sectional and non- governmental.


Archbishop Ekuri stated this in Abakaliki during a press conference to herald the 2024 celebration of the divine manifestation of the sole Spiritual Head of the universe,Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, Founder and Sustainer of the BCS

He said the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star which is the universal divine institution that teaches and practices universal love, peace, truth and righteousness in the Holy Spirit,has a mission on earth to establish God’s kingdom and unite the human family.

"I want to use this opportunity to put some records straight, one is that the society including the media should stop addressing Brotherhood of the Cross and Star as a church.We are not a church but an institution with true teaching and practicing of the words of God.

"Another is that our leader is not a pastor as been captured in some media houses. He is the holiness,"he stated.

“I bring you greetings of divine love, peace and goodwill from His Holiness Olumba Olumba Olumba,
The King of kings and the Lord of lords, Leader of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star on whose authority and divine mandate I issue this Press briefing concerning the 2024 celebration of the Divine manifestation of the Sole Spiritual Head of the universe, Leader Olumba Olumba Obu.”

“The essence of this press briefing is to announce and invite the general public and the inhabitants of the world, irrespective of religion, nationality, culture or race to the 2024 edition of the celebration of the Divine manifestation of Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, which will be held at the World Headquarters of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, 34 Ambo Street, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria from Monday, 23rd December to Tuesday, 31st December, 2024.


According to him, they shall convey the divine message of their Holy Father to Nigerians and the inhabitants of the world, as the 30th Day of December every year was set aside by BCS to celebrate the physical manifestation of Leader Olumba Olumba Obu into the world.

"As the entire Christendom continue to gaze into the sky expecting the coming of the Lord, we make bold to inform humanity that the Creator of mankind had since made His entrance into the world of man to establish His Kingdom here on earth as recorded in Daniel 2: 44, Isaiah 2: 2, 4; Revelation 11: 15; Revelation 21: 3. His divine manifestation which is represented by His Birth is what we are celebrating.”

“It is pertinent to note that since the creation of the world, no one has ever descended from the sky. Any God sends His prophets into the world to accomplish one task or the other; they certainly were all born of a woman. From Abraham, Moses, Elijah to John the Baptist they were all born in the flesh. Even when God manifested as the son to redeem mankind, He was born of a woman as noted in John 1: 14; 1 Timothy 3: 16 and 1 John 4: 2. In His Second Advent too, He certainly will be born of a woman as revealed to John in Revelation 12: 5.”

” Therefore, we are informing humanity that the God of heaven and earth is in the world in the veil of flesh to do what no man, spirit or angel has ever done or will do since creation. He has come with a New Name: OlumbaOlumbaObu as recorded in Revelation 2: 17; Revelation 3: 12; and Revelation 19: 12.”

“His mission on earth is to establish God’s Kingdom and unite the human family in love. This is why He established Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, which is the Universal Divine Institution that teaches and practices universal love, peace, unity, truth and righteousness in the Holy Spirit. It is also known as Christ Universal Spiritual School of Practical Christianity. The World Headquarters of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star is located at No. 34 Ambo Street, Calabar, Cross River State of Nigeria with strong presence in the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, Angola, Cameroun, The Gambia, South Africa, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Israel, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, France, Benin Republic, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Republic of Niger, Uganda, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, just to mention a few,”

"The name BROTHERHOOD means love, unity as well as the oneness of God's creations. It is not a political party, secret cult or anything of the world. Brotherhood of the Cross am Star is non- denominational, non-sectional and non- governmental" He said.

Yelutide: First Lady donates N50m to 250 Elderly Citizens in Ebonyi State




The wife of Nigerian President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu has donated N50m to 250 elderly citizens, Aged 65 and above in Ebonyi State.

Mrs Tinubu while flagging off the disbursement at the Women Development Centre, WDC, Abakaliki said the gesture was the Second Edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).

The wife of the President who was represented by the wife of the Ebonyi state governor, Chief Mrs Mary- Maudlin Nwifuru said the programme which is anchored with the theme: TOTAL WELLNESS: Happy, Health and prosperous lifestyle was designed to support the welfare of the elderly citizens annually.

She said 250 elderly citizens, aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the country including the FCT Abuja and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association (DEPOWA) would be benefit from the scheme.

"The Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has decided to increase the grant from 100,000 to N200,000 this year to provide further support to our elderly citizens during this festive season.

"A total of one billion, nine hundred million Naira (N1,900,000,000) will be disbursed across the nation. The RHI Coordinators in the 36 states of the federation, the FCT, and DEPOWA have received fifty million Naira (N50,000,000) each, out of which N200,000 will be distributed today to each beneficiary. In addition to this, free medical checkups and other sundry items will be provided," the First Lady explained.

Mrs Nwifuru extended the greetings of the President's wife to the Ebonyi people, especially the beneficiaries of the program and the partners, for their efforts to make the event a reality in the state.

While congratulating all the senior citizens in Ebonyi who were among the beneficiaries of the scheme, she assured them of continuous intervention from the present administration and distributed funds with bags of rice to them.

Meanwhile, the wife of the governor has promised to increase the number of beneficiaries from 250 to 500 in Ebonyi, following the support from the state governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, and other partners to her pet project, Better Health for Women, Children and Internally Displaced People Foundation.

Mrs Nwifuru also used the occasion to
enrolled 1000 elderly persons across the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State to State health insurance scheme
through her pet project, Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation BERWO and distribution of 25kg bags of Rice.

Ebonyi govt approves N5bn for construction of 126 housing units for civil servants



Ebonyi State government has approved N5bn for construction of 126 housing units for civil servants in the state.

Each of the housing units costs N40million.

The state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor disclosed this to journalists in Abakaliki at a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council Meeting this week said that the project would be executed through direct labour.

Okpor said every category of civil servants would benefit from the housing units.

The Commissioner disclosed that the executive council approved a memorandum of understanding between the state government and a contractor which was guaranteed by Transmission Company of Nigeria for the provision of recoverable loan to facilitate the immediate completion of Mile 50-Amasiri 132kv double circuit line in the state for power supply.

"The council approved that the drafted memo be committed to signing. Recall that Exco had earlier approved the release of a recoverable TCN guarantee loan of USD781, 235.67+N130,258,048.24 to ensure the completion of the double circuit 132KV line from Mile 50 to the Amasiri substation", Okpor said.

Christmas:Air travellers in Ebonyi heave sigh of relief as govt partners
United Nigeria Airlines to kick-start flight operations




The Ebonyi state government has entered into an understanding with one of the leading airlines, the United Nigeria Airlines to kick-start flight operations at
Chuba Okadigbo Airport next week to enable citizens of the state and Nigerians in general to return home safely for the Christmas festival.

Our correspondent reports that the Airport has been certified to be of high standards and has all the required facilities that aid flight operation by the United Nigeria Airline team.

The Commissioner for Aviation and transport technology Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu who spoke to newsmen during the inspection of the Chuba Okadigbo airport by the United Nigeria Airline team at Onueke, Ezza South LGA, applauded the governor, Francis Nwifuru for tackling the challenging facing the citizens of the state, especially by making flight available to citizens who wants to return for christmas festival.

According to her: "They are here at the Chuba Okadigbo international airport to ascertain the level of preparedness and compliance, so that they will start lifting people, especially in this Christmas period.

"Our governor, Francis Nwifuru is seriously desirous to ensure that the people of Ebonyi State, especially those in Lagos and Abuja come home safely. That's why he has put up a great effort to ensure that the airport runway is of international standard.

"The directors of the United Nigeria Airline, by the Grace of God, after this inspection, in the next three days, they will start lifting our people from Abuja, Lagos to Ebonyi and vas-vasa. By January 2025, the Chuba Okadigbo airport will be fully on flight operation" She said.

Responding, the HOD ground operations United Nigeria Airline, Sam Onwutuiba said: "we are sent by the top management of the United Nigeria Airways to inspect the Chuba Okadigbo airport.

"We have been in partnership with the Ebonyi state government before now, only that along the line, we had challenges and we stopped and we reported to the state government.

"We are here now to ascertain whether what we reported has been fixed. We have toured round the facilities, including the runway and it's now perfect, and so, we are commencing flight operation as soon as possible" he stated.

Ebonyi govt adopts identity profiling of Keke operators to curb crimes, begins refund of 3500 registration fee




As part of measures taken to checkmate crimes and criminality in the state especially among commercial tricyclists, the Ebonyi State government has begun identity profiling and registration of the tricyclists ( Keke operators)


The State Commissioner for
Transportation and Special Projects,
Hon Prince Collins Emeka Igboke who stated this while briefing journalists in Abakaliki said the essence of embarking on the registration exercise was to have the real data of the Keke riders in the state so as to easily trace anyone whose Keke is used for criminal activities, given the complaints some people always make about using Keke to rob them.


"We often hear some people complain of being robbed using Keke. They call them one-chance Keke. And when robbed, it is always difficult tracing that particular Keke used for the crime. This is one of the reasons for ensuring Keke riders in the state are well registered with relevant information about them, such that any Keke used for any criminal activity could easily be traced. Every Keke is supposed to have registration number boldly written on its body".

"We intend to sensitise the public to always look at the body of Keke and know its registration number before entering it so that if the person is robbed in the Keke, he or she can contact our ministry for us to quickly trace the owner or rider.

"The truth is that, not everybody riding Keke is bad but with this registration where we have your data, the ugly activities of the bad ones will be checkmated.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State government has refunded the sum of three thousand five hundred naira each to over six hundred and fifty Keke riders that paid #6,000 as registration in the State.

Recall that the tricycle operators that numbered over five thousand had a week ago protested along the major roads of Abakaliki over exorbitant payment of N6,000 registration fee.

The protest which nearly paralyzed businesses and other economic activities in the state took the intervention of the state governor, Francis Nwifuru who met the protesters and addressed them, where he assured that their grievances would be taken care of.

The governor later had a meeting with the ministry of Transportation and representatives of the Keke riders in his office and directed that the sum of N3,500 be refunded to the Keke riders who had paid the said N6,000.

The commissioner said the refund was in line with the directive of the state governor after a meeting he had with us, the leadership of Keke operators and some selected protesters where he approved that the Keke riders should be refunded with the sum of #3500.

"We have started the payment four days ago, as I speak with you, close to four hundred members of the Keke riders who registered with us have been refunded in accordance with the governor's directives.


"During our recent meeting with the governor where representatives of the Keke operators were present, the governor, in his magnanimity, directed that the N2,000 administrative fee be waved for everybody. He also said the operators should not pay N500 for inscribing numbers on their Keke, that the company engaged for the registration should do both registration and inscribing numbers on the Keke with the same N1,000. Therefore, every Keke rider now pays a total sum of N2,500; where N1,500 goes for ID card while N1,000 is for both registration fee and inscribing numbers on the Keke. No more administrative fee".

He explained that the initial amount the government placed for the registration was N5,000 and that it was the leadership of Keke that added N1,000, thereby making it N6,000.

Igboke, however, applauded the governor for his quick intervention and ensuring that there is peace and order in the state, and delivering on his campaign promises to the people through his people's charter of needs.

"I thank my boss and our father, the governor for wading into the matter and compassionately subsidizing the registration fees".

One of the Keke operators, Ibiam Onu Chima who spoke to newsmen in Abakaliki shortly after collecting the money from the ministry of transport and special projects, commended the governor Francis Nwifuru for keeping to his promises, and vowed to lead a campaign for the governor's re-election is the forthcoming 2027 general election in the state.

Responding, Meso Egwu, CEO, North West Energy Ltd and consultant to the ministry of transportation and special projects, who is supervising the refund at International Conference center, Abakaliki commended the orderly behavior of the Keke operators.

He equally commended the governor, Francis Nwifuru for approving the refund of #3500 to Keke operators, "the refund shows that he has the interest of the People at heart. We are almost through with the refund.

2nd Batch graduates of N3m Agric Empowerment training thank Gov Nwifuru for sponsorship


The second batch of 100 beneficiaries of the N3 million agriculture value chains empowerment program who left Abakaliki to Enugu for the training at Agbani Farm in Enugu State under the sponsorship of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru Empowerment Programme, FONEP have returned back to Abakaliki.

The 100 beneficiaries of the program were trained in different departments of modern agricultural practices for two months by Master Card Skills

They thanked Governor Francis Nwifuru for enhancing their skills in Agricultural value chains

The excited beneficiaries who were in a joyful mood further appreciated the governor for his kind gesture and the wonderful opportunity given to them.

Speaking on their behalf, Mr. Patrick Aligwe, who is the leader of the Second Batch beneficiaries of FONEP, and Lovelyn Ali commended the governor for his kind gesture, noting that they were given stipends, and fed well with accommodations free of charge through their stay at the training center.

The beneficiaries also commended the state Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring alongside other executive council members for their contributions to the successes of their training and promised to make them proud as they put their knowledge into practice.

Receiving the returnees, Governor Nwifuru welcome them back home and congratulated them for the successful training

The governor who was represented by the State Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Mrs Ann Aligwe expressed the state government's readiness to build Ebonyi people, making their lives better.

Governor Nwifuru recalled that his administration has disbursed over N300,000,000 to the first batch beneficiaries of the same program, and they have started their own farming business in their various locations in the state.

He commended the second batch graduates for having actively participated in the training program and assured them that each of them would receive 3 million Naira soon.

"You are the second batch beneficiaries of the FONEP agriculture empowerment program. The first batch of beneficiaries of the FONEP graduated recently, and each of them was given 3 million Naira to start his or her farm business.

"Now you are the second batch beneficiaries, you graduated yesterday and came back today. We know that very soon you will receive your alert of the N3 million Naira each.

"But the most important thing is that there was no ugly story because all of you went for the training alive and you came back alive and healthy too."

The governor used the opportunity to restate his pledge of a N150,000 Christmas bonus to the Ebonyi workforce, assuring that the agriculture chain empowerment program would continue while in office.

Hold council chairmen for payment of LG Retirees not Gov Nwifuru ... Nwonu




The Executive Secretary, Local Government Staff pension Board, Mr Emeka Nwonu says, Governor Francis Nwifiru is not owing Local Government retirees, contrary to insinuation making the rounds in some sections of the social Media as the responsibility of
payment of Local Government retirees is in the hands of council Chairmen and according to him, they are ready to commence the payments.

Nwonu, who stated this during a press briefing in his office, in Abakaliki said that the clarification became imperative owing to the misconceptions and blame game created by the enemy of the state concerning payment of gratuity and pension of retired Local Government Staff in the state..


He emphasized that the governor, Nwifuru is not in control of the local governments fund and as such, did not owe any gratuity and pension to Local government retirees.




"It has become unavoidably necessary that I update the public once again on the yet-to-be paid initial pensions and gratuities to Ebonyi State Local Government Retirees as some critics have taken to the media in the recent time to blame the Executive Governor of the State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bildr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru , GGCEHF, FNIOB, FCAI for the non payment, thereby, attempting to discredit his government'.

"You may recall that I had before now on invitations and in different occasions appeared in different radio stations in the state to brief the public on why the Local Government retirees in our dear state between 1996 and 2023 are yet to be paid their initial pensions and gratuities. I had also in several times before now published the information on some of our local tabloids".

"Having known that the public are being misinformed by the opposition elements in the state on situational reality, it therefore, becomes imperative that I announce it to you that His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bildr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is not owing pensions and gratuities to the local government retirees as the governor is not in control of the local government funds. As such, I wish to put the record straight".
.
THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER:

" Civil servants in Nigeria are managed by three tiers of government (federal, state and local) in line with the principles of federalism that Nigeria practises as a nation. Each of these tiers of government has a Civil Service Commission trusted with the constitutional responsibilities and statutory obligations to employ and determine the salary structures and retirement benefits of the civil servants and retirees under it'.

"In lieu of the above, the salaries, wages, allowances, pensions and gratuities of the local government workers(civil servants) including UBEB workers who are in the field, and retirees in Ebonyi State are being released by the Local Government Areas to the Local Government Staff Pension Board for onward payments as determined or charted by the State Local Government Service Commission and not the state government. The workers friendly governor had long ago cleared the backlog of pensions and gratuities of the state civil servants which was up to ₦7b". .

"it pleases me to remind you in case you have forgotten that the Governor of Ebonyi state, His Excellency, Rt Hon Bldr Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru had on 1st October 2023 in his Independence Day address granted 100% financial autonomy to the Local Government Areas, a pronouncement that received expansive accolades within and outside our dear state, by implication, and significantly, the Local Government Chairmen have more powers to preside over the expenditures of their funds as being completely released to them by the State Joint Account Committee. He made the pronouncement before the ruling of the Supreme Court that granted the same'.

"Due to the financial autonomy, His Excellency the governor who believes much in the tenets of democracy and uphold the principles of rule of law does not butt into the monetary affairs of the Local Government Areas, but rather as the father of the state advises or guides the Local Government Chairmen who are also stakeholders in his administration on the presumable best way to operate, the position has held excellently well since he came on board'.

WHAT MY OFFICE HAS DONE

" I was on Thursday, 18th January, 2024 graciously inaugurated by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bildr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as the Executive Secretary of Ebonyi State Local Government Staff Pension Board with a charge in line with the policy thrust of his administration which is anchored on "The People's Charter Of Needs to go to the board and do total transformation for the senior citizens who have meritoriously served our dear state at the local government levels be paid their retirement benefits. His Excellency visibly frowned at the conditions of the local government retirees who are yet to get their retirement benefits and reiterated the readiness and willingness of his people-oriented administration(which the local government chairmen are part of) to pay them, and directed me to verify the extant pensions and gratuities as owed to them, collate, process and profile the pensioners for immediate payments of their benefits'.

"In compliance with His Excellency's directive, I immediately made significant steps, got some findings from the principal officers and related stakeholders that would ensure prospective and successful profiling and processes of payment of retirement benefits to the deserved pensioners. After about two weeks, I went back and presented my reports to His Excellency, having a total of N9,044,402,05.40bn to be paid to 4920 retirees and 1135 dead pensioners respectively. I was given a further directive by the governor, which we are almost through with. We also embarked on pensioners verification across the 13 LGAs'

" I and my team have done much. It may interest you to know that while my office is tiding up all the processes and coming to fruitful conclusion, several meetings have been held, committees constituted as implored and directed by His Excellency who feels the pulses of Ebonyi people. In all of these, the local government chairmen were always part of the meetings and committees as people who will pay the money, either being represented by ALGON Chairman and the Chairman Joint Account Committee and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Matters, or all of them would be involved".

WHY THE PENSIONS AND THE GRATUITIES ARE YET TO BE PAID AND WHO ACTUALLY OWES THE PENSIONERS

" Having presented the total amount to be paid to the local government retirees from 1996 to 2023 amounting to over N9 billion, the council chairmen said that the money was humongous, they gave reports from whistle blowers that their was corruption in salaries management of the local government workers, stressing that people had been retiring but salaries kept increasing. It is in the light of above that the local government chairmen agreed on table payment method which would pave way for physical verification as it's going on currently, the reason the local government workers are being owed. With this, ghost workers will be fished out and money saved. The current local government chairmen inherited the debt of pensions and gratuities from the previous administrations. The accumulation came upon the unexpected stoppage of remittance of 15% shares from the the local government workers salaries, wages and allowances".

WAY FORWARD

' As my office is putting the final touches on the processes as directed by the governor, the local government chairmen are on their own, doing a lot of things so significant. My office and the local government chairmen have agreed that the pensions and gratuities will be paid in phases, beginning from those who retired between June 2023 and December 2024. Hopefully, the payment will commence within the first quarter of next year'.

ON THE ONGOING WARNING STRIKE

'Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru does not in any form deserve distractions in the name of industrial action. The governor has shown mercy to Ebonyi workers: He is the first governor among his contemporaries to add ₦20,000 to the workers' salaries. The first time Ebonyi workers got ₦100,000 as Christmas largesse, it is under Gov Nwifuru's administration. On 1st May, 2024, the governor shared ₦10,000 each for Ebonyi workers as lunch, first of its kind in our dear state. Gov Nwifuru approved ₦75,000 minimum wage above the ₦70,000 national minimum wage which has long ago reflected on their salaries. The governor bought CNG buses for Ebonyi workers to take them to and fro their work places with a view to cushioning the effects of hike in transportation. Under the governor, the workers have gone on promotions and their benefits reflected on their salaries. To boast the workforce, the governor has employed and is still employing people into the state clCivil Service, Judicial Service, UBEB, SEB and others'.

"To that effect, Ebonyi workers should ignore their so called leaders who are federal civil servants and be mindful of and cooperate with the governor who has them at heart. They should see the need to separate themselves from the strike in their own interest. The governor is a good man and places Ebonyi people first in everything, the workers should take advantage of it and open further discussions with the governor should they need any other thing from him'. He stated.

We've Completed over 47 roads ... Ebonyi Works Commissioner





Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has completed over 47 different roads in the state within one year and six months.

The State Commissioner for Works Engr Mbam Lebechi who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abakaliki, the state capital said the governor is committed to delivery high quality projects in line with the charter of Needs Agenda of his administration.



He listed some of the completed and ongoing roads to include:1.2km mile 50 new layout internal road, Abakaliki, 2.1km main water works road with spurs, Ishielu, 7.23km section 2 Iziogo-Ndiokeda pipe production company road, 10km Ezillo -Ezzagu road, 11. 823km Oferekpe Agbaja internal road, 10.180km Obvudechi road, 12.239km Okposi-Ojigwe road, among others.


He explained that the aforementioned roads are the ones under works ministry alone stressing that there are other infrastructure projects including roads across the State being handled by other line Ministries such as Infrastructure for Concessions; Housing and Urban Development, among others.


He noted that many other roads were ongoing in different parts of the state in line with the governor's manifesto in infrastructural development.


He specifically mentioned that Governor Nwifuru’s administration is constructing 2km roads in each of the autonomous communities across the State.


The Commissioner revealed that the state will soon commence the 2nd phase of rehabilitation of internal roads in the state capital.

On the ongoing construction of overhead bridges at the popular vanco junction at the heart Abakaliki which has affected human and vehicular movements there, Mbam urged motorists and other road users to be patient and assured that the construction would be completed within 18 months in line with the project specification.

"Works are going on at vanco junction. The potholes that are there is as a result of the works there.

"You don't expect a road that is under construction to be made comfortable before it's completion.

"Let me use this opportunity to inform the general public that by Wednesday this week, we are going to divert vanco.

"The road users will not be making use of that road anymore because we are introducing next stage of work there and that is the tunnel and we are going to start excavation from the design on the already existing road.

"So, we are going to let the public know about it and the announcement will soon start so that road users will begin to use other roads that are not close to that vanco place to get to their destinations", he said.

Ebonyi govt assures Swift completion of
Vanco flyover project


The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Works Engr Stanley Lebechi Mbam has
assured that the Vanco flyover project will be completed within 18 months in line with the project timeline.

Speaking on the alleged slow pace of work at the flyover , Mbam urged the people to be patient as the project was progressing according to specification.


"This is a project that has terms and specifications such as duration and expectations. And by the terms, the project, in its metric measurement, still maintains normal/high velocity in progression".

"We have a target and we work round the clock to see that this target is met and from the progress made so far, we are very optimistic that the project will be delivered even ahead of time".

"Yes, we are aware that people's expectations are very high to see the end of this project but, it is better to see a good end in Patience than see a bad end in hastiness. And the best way to achieve a good end on this is to patiently wait".

"Let's be patient with Government and its machinery in order to see a very justifiable end".

"Works are going on at vanco junction. The potholes that are there is as a result of the construction ongoing there".

“You don’t expect a road that is under construction to be made comfortable before its completion.

“Let me use this opportunity to inform the general public that by Wednesday this week, we are going to divert vanco road.

“The road users will not be making use of that road anymore because we are introducing next stage of work there and that is the tunnel and we are going to start excavation from the design on the already existing road.

“So, we are going to let the public know about it and the announcement will soon start so that road users will begin to use other roads that are not close to that vanco junction to get to their destinations”, he said.

Ebonyi: NLC strike politically motivated... ALGON



The chairman of the Association of local governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Ebonyi State chapter, Prince Chinedu Uburu has said that the ongoing strike action embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in the state was politically motivated.

The ALGON Boss who stated this in Abakaliki while reacting to the strike action declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC , over none implementation of the New National Minimum Wage described the action as unnecessary and falling short of expectations.

He maintained that governor Nwifuru as a worker friendly governor has not only implemented the minimum wage but has up-to-date payment of gratuity , twenty thousand naira wage award, procurement and deployment of 4 brand new CNG buses for free transportation to and fro workplaces, regular promotion and many others and wondered why labour should embark on strike action in the State

He urged the leadership of NLC in the state to toe the line of peace and dialogue to approach government, and should desist from being used by politicians to cause crisis and destabilize the existing peace and order in the state.

According to him: "I expected Ebonyi workers to be grateful to the governor, Francis Nwifuru and God Almighty for these increments they have been enjoying in the state. For me, I think that this strike is politically motivated.

"This is because I don't see any reasonable civil servants in Ebonyi state that will complain of non payments of salaries, gratuities and pension. And the state government is not owning any worker.

"I appeal to the workers to go into dialogue with the state government. For me, going into the strike is not the best. I urge Ebonyians not to allow politicians balkanize the peace and progress we are enjoying, because it won't be healthy for all of us.

In a related development, the chairman of ALGON, Ebonyi State and the Executive Chairman Ebonyi local government area, Prince Chinedu Uburu has appealed to Local government retirees in the state to be patient as necessary actions are being taken to pay over nine billion arrears of gratuity to retirees of LGAs.


"I want to urge the local government retirees to be patient with the council chairmen. Nobody is saying that they will not be paid gratuity and pension, of course, we are paying them pension every month. Their gratuity will be paid to them gradually.

"There is no way the local government system in Ebonyi state will wakeup one day and pay gratuity that ranges between nine to ten billion naria. We don't have the money. If the money is there, we pay them.

"How much is our allocation? How much do the LGAs in Ebonyi state earn in a month? Is not up to five billion, not to talk of something like nine to ten billion naria to pay gratuities. What it means is that the local government system in Ebonyi state will collapse.

"Even if you stop payment of salaries, it will not pay the gratuities. We plan to workout modalities wherein these monies will be remitted either monthly or quarterly in a year, so as to make up the money and pay the gratuities" he stated.

Ebonyi govt denies spending N1.1bn
on wildlife conservation



Ebonyi State government has denied speeding N1.1bn in nine months on wildlife conservation.

There were some social media publications that the state government has spent N1.1bn on wildlife in nine months less than Health and Water Provisions in its 2024 budget.

In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, described the report as untrue and felt short of investigative journalism.

He noted that the N1.1bn was amount meant for contingency item which the approved budget has it coded under margin for increase in cost and wildlife conservation.

"The publication is to say the least, not well researched and devoid of any iota of truth. The writer obviously failed to carry out adequate investigations necessary to authenticate his report.

"Without bearing any grudge or prejudice against the author of the publication, but in full understanding of his ignorance, we wish to clarify as follow:

"First, the amount N1.1b recorded against wildlife conservation is an amount meant for contingency item which the approved budget has it coded under MARGIN FOR INCREASE IN COST and not WILDLIFE CONSERVATION. If the author has seen it otherwise, it could probably have been a misplacement or typographic error, which the author who rightly asserted that there is no zoo in Ebonyi, should have resorted to rightful authorities for clarification in line with the ethics of journalism.

"Secondly, we wish to clarify that the Approved Budget has a different template from the Quarterly Budget Implementation Report template, and at the point of population of the Quarterly report, which the said publication particularly referred to, the economic code was erroneously imputed. In the Approved Budget which the state government spends from, the said amount is under the Contingency Fund.

"It should be clarified also that projects and programmes recorded under Contingency are projects/programmes not envisaged but which came up during budget implementation. There's no actual record in the state where such an amount as reported by the media outlet was spent on WILDLIFE CONSERVATION. That is an error in transmission.

"We therefore wish to urge the general public, particularly those that may have the need to refer to such a document as advanced by the publication to be guided as we assure that the error will be corrected to reflect the correct economic description when the state produces her Quarter 4 Budget Implementation, which would be made public in January 2025.

"We are ready and well disposed to making a copy of an extract from the state's Approved Budget available to any interested member of the public for reference purposes.

"Finally, it is important we use this medium to assure the people of Ebonyi State that the present administration led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has remained faithful to its vow of accountability and prudence in the management of the state's resources.

"The avalanche of developmental projects scattered across the state, covering all the sectors, and the unprecedented level of human capital development and economic empowerment of citizens of the state on regular basis bear eloquent testimonies to this administration's commitment towards ensuring that the people's money work for them. It is also worthy of note that the implementation of our budget since the inception of this administration has been adjudged
worthy by an internationally acclaimed budget tracking organization (BUDGIT), ranking us highly - 5th position on
fiscal transparency league table across the Nation", he said.

Revenue:Ebonyi introduces e-tickets for tricycle, commercial motorcycle riders





In ensuring seamless result in the recovery of revenue in Ebonyi state, the board of Internal Revenue has kicked off the profiling of all tricycle riders and commercial motorcycle operators in the thirteen Local Government Areas.


The technical consultant IRS and Board of Internal Revenue Service, King Jibe made the disclosure during enlarged press briefing to newsmen in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital.

Jibe, who explained that the e-ticket profiling of tricycle otherwise known as Keke riders and commercial motorcycle operators, also known as Okada riders started on the first week of November, adding that the new innovation is in line with the state Executive Council meeting decision to reduce leakage in revenue collection and insecurity.

He enjoined all riders to embrace the new innovation as it would help in reducing crime while addressing harassment and abuse seen in the system.

"In streamlining the form of collection of revenue of our dear state, Ebonyi state as approved in EXCO meeting of 8th October,2024 that all the revenues in Ebonyi state has to be automated for proper accountability and avoiding leakages, and so forth.

"So, in this direction, we have come with this e-ticketing which is a form of collection of revenue using automated system against the hand to hand method and the purpose is to see that we know the number of genuine Okada and Keke riders in Ebonyi state.


"And His Excellency is also interested that all sorts of revenue are streamlined and done seamlessly, also, to make sure that security is fostered especially in this our state, you will agree with me that our Governor , His Excellency, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru since inception that Ebonyi state has relative being in peace than ever." Jibe stated.

The Technical Consultant, Jibe who noted that the staff of Internal Revenue Service are currently in the thirteen Local Government Areas urged the operators to comply with them in ensuring that they are all registered.

"In line with this, the e-ticketing will also help to address the issue of security because over time, you will agree with me that some of the crime that are committed is either related to Keke or Okada riders and we want to address this issue in a way that even the riders will have peace.

"So, know also that our Governor is a man that is full of compassion and a man that believes in human capital development, and empowerment.Therefore, when this innovation come into this sector, those people that are going to be profiled will be beneficiaries of his budget.

"All the staff of Internal Board Revenue are presently in the 13-LGAs including the International market profiling riders, so, the Okada and Keke riders are expected to go there and submit their data for capturing and that will be in our system while they are given a unique code to identify you as a genuine rider in Ebonyi state. So that when enforcement team will begin and you don't have that genuine code, we will identify you either as being a stranger or none genuine rider in the state and that will help us to sanitize the system.

"The ticket is going to be digitized, the old way of paying ticket where people will write on paper will no longer be acceptable, there will be an App you can download on your phone where you automatically pay into your account and if you don't have an Android phone can pay through POS or ATM or cash which can be done in updating your status which will be on weekly basis.

"What we are doing will not affect any union as they unionism stands, but what we are doing is in line with the directive of the state government. Meanwhile, thesame way we are giving time to pay utility bill and other bills, thesame way will be given to riders before taking action to collect the payment.

"So, we as law abiding citizen, we have the state at heart, let's support the government as what we are introducing is in existence in other states.he said.

Ebonyi Workers begin one week warning strike over non implementation of new minimum wage



The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ebonyi State, has commenced
one week warning strike over non implementation of new minimum wage

Chairman of the union in the state, Comrade Egwu Oguguo disclosed this to journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital at a press briefing said the union, commenced the strike today Sunday December 1.

He opined that governor Francis Nwifuru unilaterally pronounced a wage award of N75,000 to grade levels 1 and 2, and N40,000 across board award for
Grade levels 3-16 which according to him, is averse to the traditional procedures of implementing minimum wage no matter the magnitude of the beautiful intent.

Egwu argued that when a minimum wage is pronounced, it goes through the rigours process of consequential adjustments that will translate into an agreement which would be signed by both the government and the organised labour, stating that the pronouncement on the minimum wage by the governor was not a product of any collective bargaining agreement as the organized labour was never part of any consultation that led to the pronouncement.

"On behalf of the entire State Council, we convey a notice of a one week warning strike action by Nigeria Labour Congress in Ebonyi State beginning from 00:00 hours of 1st December, 2024.
This is in line with the directive of 8th November 2024 by our national body to all State Councils in States yet to comply with extant procedures based on collective bargaining and eventual
implementation of the New National Minimum Wage. This decision is as a result of the following
reasons:

"Recall that on the 2nd of October, 2024, through the Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, you inaugurated a Minimum Wage Implementation Committee. Just about when the
Committee was fine-tunning its presentation, Your Excellency, unilaterally pronounced a wage award of N75,000 to grade levels 1 and 2, and N40,000 across board award for Grade levels 3-16. This was done in a church service (Holy Mass in Government House Chapel) on the 27th October, 2024.

"This wage award which you christened “minimum wage” is averse to the traditional procedures of implementing minimum wage no matter the magnitude of the beautiful intent with which
you made the pronouncement. When a Minimum wage is pronounced, it goes through the rigours of consequential adjustments that will translate into an agreement signed by both the
Government and the Organised Labour.
The pronouncement made was not a product of any collective bargaining agreement as we were never part of any consultation that lead to the said
pronouncement.

"To make matters worse for Ebonyi workers, the salary chart forced on workers and currently used did not undergo any consequential adjustment and has consistently malnourished the takehome pay of workers as it lacks minimal progression. This led to our dear state being mentioned as one of those that never implemented the N30,000 minimum wage of 2019.

"Your Excellency Sir, the Implementation Committee, which we are all part of, has arrived at an acceptable salary chart with consequential adjustment and substantial progression. Even the cost implication when compared with the award of October, 2024 has been generated and discussed with you.

"Your Excellency, all efforts made by the Chairman of the Committee you set-up to bring these facts to your notice have yielded no positive results. Even our candid, civil and appealing efforts have also yielded no results as you have vehemently ignored that kind inner drive of ours to better the lives of Ebonyi Workers.

"Our last interaction with you on the 27th November, when we passionately appealed that you rescind your decision and take the path of goodwill to the people in line with your People’s
Charter of Needs mantra, appears to be an interaction that crushed the hearts of the workers most, because you unequivocally said a capital “NO” to our friendly appeal.

Your Excellency, that was strange to us, giving your fatherly disposition that has always fetched your children a good opinion. Despite the excruciating pains of a depressed economy and low income of workers, we have been informed that workers are asked to pay the sum of N2,100 to participate in a staff audit exercise, which the Government approved without any discussion and commitment from the side of workers.

"As we convey this position Sir, most workers at the Local Government Councils are yet to receive their October, 2024 salaries.

"Teachers who are being paid are paid through a different bank channel creating confusions as most statutory deductions are not effected. This is an anomaly that needs to be corrected before our poor teachers are further plunged into debilitating and abject poverty. And delays in the payment of monthly salaries of these Local Government Councils have become perennial and consistently weighed down on the psyche of the workers.

"Congress therefore met on 27th November and critically reviewed the flow of events and noted with
pains, these actions and inactions, and unanimously resolved to embark on a one-week warning strike with effect from 00:00 hours of 1st December, 2024 for Government to reconsider its stance on the issue of minimum wage as well as engage the Committee set-up for this purpose as due diligence.


"Yes, Congress noted that our wonderful relationship with your government should have been an avenue for us to resolve these issues before any form of industrial disharmony. Even as we embark on this action, we still believe in your kind disposition as a workers-friendly Governor", he said.

Just in: Court affirms suspension of Ali Odefa as Nat Vice Chairman, PDP, South East


A Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital has affirmed the suspension of Chief Ali Odefa as the National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South East

Odefa was suspended from the party on October 4, 2024 by the Executive committee of the party at his Oguduokwor Ward in Onicha local government area of Ebonyi State for alleged anti-party activities.

Delivering judgement on the matter in suit no FHC/AI/CS/182/2024 between Herbert Ovuta and Odefa, the presiding Judge, Justice Hilary Oshomah ruled that the suspension was valid

The court ordered Odefa to stop parading himself as the National Vice Chairman of the party.

Governor Nwifuru presents N396bn 2025 budget to Assembly




Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, has presented 2025 budget proposal of N396,589, 009,620bn (Three Hundred and Ninety-Six Billion, Five Hundred and Eighty-Nine Million, Nine Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty Naira) to the State House of Assembly.


Presenting the budget, tagged "Budget of Economic and Social Development", Nwifuru expressed the hope that the budget proposal would guarantee industrialization, economic growth and improved standard of living in the state.

The Budget comprises N284bn for capital expenditure and N112bn for recurrent expenditure

Nwifuru reiterated his administration's commitment to education, allocating
N70,143, 386, 000.00bn as the highest followed by health with N39,012,563,000.00bn in the budget estimates.

He noted that his administration believes that educational training should be repositioned to guarantee entrepreneurial knowledge and the acquisition of skills for economic self-reliance at all levels.

"Pursuant to this, therefore, we have introduced many reforms in the curriculum of basic and secondary education sector to emphasize technology and science.

"To give credence to this, our administration has set out to rejig teaching and learning in public schools through employment of teachers with bias in technology and entrepreneurial education", he said.

In the budget estimates, Economic and social sectors are taking highest with N200, 132,170 000.00,bn and N141, 180,049,000.00bn respectively representing 50.46% and 35.60%

Administrative and law and justice sectors are taking N50.9bn representing 22.8% and N4.1bn representing 1.04% of the total budget.

CP condemns attack on journalist, teenagers in Ebonyi



The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, Anthonia Adaku -Uche-Anya has condemned assaults on a journalist in the state and some teenagers by some policemen and members of the public.

Mr. Chinedu Ngwuta, the Chief Executive Officer of Abakaliki based online Television station, Direct Reporters, was recently assaulted by a policeman attached to wife of the governor of the state, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru after a road walk organized by the first lady.

Ngwuta"s camera was destroyed during the assault while he was hospitalized following the injury he sustained and was discharged from hospital after some days.

Receiving members of Correspondents'Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) in the state led by Comrade Uchenna Inya in her office at the police headquarters, Abakaliki the state capital, Uche-Anya described journalists and policemen as partners in progress in the task of securing the nation through effective policing and information dissemination and expressed dismay on the incident

She vowed that the matter would not be swept under the carpet and commended Inya for drawing her attention to it.

"I am not aware of this Journalist issue you just brought to my knowledge. We are employed to protect lives and properties and not to assault people.

"I thank you for bringing this matter to my knowledge and I will not sweep it under the carpet, I will surely look into it. I don't tolerate anything bad and a civilian, I don't ", the police commissioner said.

The CP also frowned at the assault on two teenage girls in Ngbo, Ohaukwu local government area of the state who were stripped and flogged with grievous injuries inflicted on them for stealing chicken and ordered that the suspects who are in police custody be prosecuted, describing it as barbaric.

"How can you naked two secondary school girls and treat them like common criminals. These are young girls and they were flogged mercilessly because they stole chicken when people committee heinous crimes and were not treated like this.

"The suspects are already in our custody. We are making efforts to get the families and others so that they can give evidence in court because matters like this, people are usually reluctant or afraid to give evidence. Once we are done, the suspects will be prosecuted", she stated.

Uche-Anya promised a hitch-free yuletide period in the state and urged members of the public to report criminal activities and the elements to the police for prompt action.

Earlier, the Chairman of Correspondents'Chapel in the state, comrade Uchenna Inya, lauded her for peace in the state and urged her to ensure that Ebonyi remains safe

He explained that the courtesy visit will strengthen the relationship between the police and the press as partners in progress and urged policemen to always see journalists as such and not as enemies.

Inya, the state correspondent of Daily Sun Newspapers, commended the Commissioner for professionalism and sanity he has brought to the state police command within the few months she came in.

Embrace Nwifuru's friendly policies, Ebonyi Commissioner tasks Youths




Ebonyi State Commissioner for Skill Development and job creation, Hon Elijah Okwu Oko-Udu has urged youths in the State to tap into the numerous opportunities available through youth focused programmes of Governor Francis Nwifuru and invest in developing their skills.

The Commissioner who gave the charge while speaking during the NASENI - Ebonyi State Youth Empowerment Workshop at REMERITONA Hotel said the State government is committed to ending the challenges facing the youths in the state as encapsulated in the charter of Needs Agenda.

"Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Ebonyi State is committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the People’s Charter of Needs—a framework that prioritizes education, skill acquisition, and employment".

"This initiative perfectly complements these goals, aligning with our broader vision of creating opportunities for every Ebonyi youth".

"Today, we are not just equipping 100 young men and women with tools and technical know-how; we are igniting their dreams and fortifying their futures. The startup equipment each participant will receive is not just a gesture of support—it is a statement of trust, an investment in your ability to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society".


The Commissioner who emphasized the importance of skill development urged youths to embrace new knowledge in all its forms and seek mentorship from those who had walked the path before them.


"The world today is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Innovation and technological advancement have transformed the landscape of work, leaving those without the requisite skills at risk of being left behind".

He said: " The workshop is focused on modern methods of electrical tools installation and maintenance—is a timely response to this reality. Skill development is not just an individual asset; it is a societal investment. It is the key to unlocking opportunities, addressing unemployment, and creating a vibrant economy. When we empower our youths, we empower our communities, we strengthen our industries, and we build a state and nation that thrive on innovation and productivity".


The Commissioner while commending NASENI for its dedication to capacity-building programmes that align with the developmental needs of Ebonyi State called the beneficiaries to use the
skills acquired to build careers, businesses, and livelihoods that will inspire others.

"Your work reaffirms the importance of partnerships between governments and agencies for sustainable development.I also extend my appreciation to His Excellency for his unwavering commitment to empowering our youths. Your leadership has inspired bold and innovative steps toward skill development and job creation".


"To the beneficiaries, let me emphasize this: you are the stars of this event. This workshop is not just a training program—it is a call to action.Use these skills to build careers, businesses, and livelihoods that will inspire others. Demonstrate excellence in your craft, ensuring that the tools and training you receive today bear fruits tomorrow. Understand that your success is the success of Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.Remember, you are not just participants; you are ambassadors of this initiative. Let the impact of your efforts ripple through your families, communities, and beyond".

Jubilation as 25,000 persons benefit from Hon. Nkemkanma free Medical Outreach







There was wild jubilation in OHANIVO,
Ohaozara/ Onicha/ Ivo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi as over 25,000 persons benefited from this year's free medical outreach organised by the member representing the Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama .

Speaking during the outreach at Oshiri community of Onicha LGA of the State, Hon Kama said surgeries, cancer screening and many others have been included in this year's outreach.

The Lawmaker said he would sustain the medical outreaches on his constituents to enhance their health wellbeing.

He noted that such outreaches would continue until health centres and hospitals in the constituency are functional.

"The outreaches would be conducted bi-annually as about 16,000 indigents benefitted from last year's outreach.

"We are expecting between 20,000 to 25,000 beneficiaries' this year as we have included surgeries, cancer screening, among others.

"We have already distributed 100 glasses since morning and I have directed that arrangements should be made for more 100.

Kama said complicated or severe cases are being referred to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) for adequate medical attention.

"We don't want to be doing good and situations would arise and that is why I am shouting that we should handle the cases we can handle,".

He thanked Governor Francis Nwifuru for his support to his activities which has made him excel in the House of Representatives.

"He is only interested in whoever is working for the people and not the political party one belongs.

""We would continue doing our best for Oshiri people and other constituents and the ones we can't do, we plead with the governor to intervene,".

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma commended the lawmaker for the outreach and urged the people to ensure they promote their health wellbeing.

Represented by Dr Lawrence Ezeogo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Commissioner said the governor is interested in the people's health as whoever supplements his strides in the sector would be appreciated.

"We are here because you are on the right track by taking care of the health of your people. We have gone round and saw the caliber of Doctors engaged to undertake this outreach. They are consultants from reputable hospitals.

"What you are doing here is to complement the efforts of the State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Bldr Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. The government is happy with you, that's why the Ministry of Health brought mobile X-ray to support this program.

One of the beneficiaries of the health outreach, Mrs Okike Elizabeth, said she was happy about this outreach which was why they came out in our large number to benefit.

"We thank the Lawmaker for making our health and welfare his priority and our prayer is that God will protect him so that he will continue to represent us well", she said.

Ignore PDP Utterances Against Nwifuru-APC Media Aide Tells Ebonyi People


Media Aide to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Leonard Okosun Ibiam has come hard on the People's Democratic Party Candidate in the 2023 general elections.

Prince Ibiam's reaction follows a publication by the PDP titled:"Governor Ogbonnaya Nwifuru Profligacy is leading Ebonyi to the Golgotha: Ebonyi State is Endangered{Part1}

The APC Chairman's media aide who described the statement by the Media Aide of Ifeanyi Odi, Moses Idika Head of Media of Media Organization christined 'Anyi' Ga Emeya Movement as waggish, and haphazard work.

He said in a statement, "My attention has been drawn to the malicious and fabricated publication entitled "GOVERNOR OGBONNANYA NWIFURU PROFLIGACY IS LEADING EBONYI TO THE GOLGOTHA: EBONYI STATE IS ENDANGERED [PART 1]" which was authorised by the 2023 Gubernatorial candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chukwuma Odii.

"Moses Idika j,speaks volumes about the despicable character, level of incompetence and total ignorance of man who wants to become the governor of our dear State.

"In as much as I have vehemently vowed not to contend with political neophytes nor give them unmerited publicity, I will not accept or tolerate any unwarranted and inexcusable attack on the Ebonyi State Governor, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru whose leadership ingenuity has brought peace and development to the state and her inhabitants.

He faulted Moses Idika's knowledge of the governor's name, " Before taking on the content of the ignominious and mortifying article point by point, it is most perplexing that one who claimed to be a head of the candidate's media team in the said election does not know the name of his executive Governor and number one citizen as he wrote "OGBONNANYA" instead of "OGBONNA".The avoidable mistake in the Governor's name raises a serious question on his mental health condition.

"It is obvious that he is battling with dementia, bipolar, neuro-developmental and/or any other mental health related disorders. And this is enough reason for no one not to give attention to anything unguarded utterances from a man who needs to consult his psychiatrist urgently.

"His latest act of shame and timidity have not only proven that he is under the influence of toxic substances but also reveals his embittered heart after losing the election he participated in through the back door.

He further said that Odii shocked Ebonyians as a businessman to question the importance of building Ebonyi Airport.

"For Mr Odii who arrogates himself as an international business magnet to have unguardedly question the importance of rebuilding the Chuba Okadigbo Airport , Onueke runway leaves everyone in shock because his action has just confirmed the fact he has been nothing other than an adversary to the state and her people and requires urgent therapy.

"In view of the potential benefits of the project which has the capacity to make every business within Ebonyi and her environs to blossom, the consummate Governor has disappointed and weakened the camp of the opposition political parties, the PDP inclusive by reconstructing the Chuba Okadigbo Airport, Onueke runway.Already locals are making lots of money because the value of lands around the vicinity have skyrocketed.

"From an objective view the Governor should be commended for taking the bold step and not be criticised by people whose business is not known to be genuine and who cannot authoritatively defend their identity as bona fide citizens of the state. It is high time some of the street children are tamed to save Ebonyi State embarrassment from the outside world", he said.

Disbursement of FG's Cash Transfer commences for 5,000 Ebonyi beneficiaries



The Ebonyi State government has commenced the Federal Government Renewed Hope Cash Transfer of 25,000 for 5,000 poor and venerable persons from the 13 local government areas of the State.

The State Commissioner for Human capital development and monitoring Mrs Ann Aligwe who monitored the exercise told journalists in Abakaliki that the disbursement of the fund started on Sunday at Old government house, Abakaliki after the flag off by the wife of the governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru last week.

She said two beneficiaries selected from each local government areas in the state received their debit cards for Cash withdrawal during the flag off.


The commissioner who reiterated the commitments of Gov Nwifuru's administration to reduce poverty and sufferings amongst the citizens, said that it's not doing an audio empowerment.

She said the administration has initiated several empowerment programmes to uplift the poor standard of living of citizens, through agric training and cash empowerments, with the aim of reducing poverty and sufferings to the barest minimum in the state.

She said: "Ebonyi State government through the wife of the governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, recently flagged off the cast transfer empowerment to over five thousand women and youths in the state.

"And during the flag off, there was a distribution of debit cards for cash withdrawal where two persons were selected from each local government areas in the state, were selected.

"Each person received Twenty Five thousand naira cash to show that what Ebonyi State government is doing, is not an audio empowerment.

"This is the renewed Hope cash transfer, where the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the former Minister of Humanitarian affairs promised Nigerians that they were going to pay them twenty five thousand naria.

"All of you knew how the ministry of humanitarian affairs had issues, and all these things came to a close, because no body to anchor it. And lucky this time around, we have been remembered, and the wife of governor, Mary-Maudline Nwifuru did the flag off.

"The distribution started fully today, and for security reasons, we had to invite the beneficiaries from the 13 local government areas of the state to come to this place (Old government house Abakaliki) for the cash transfer distribution" she stated.

Responding, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Egbe Roseline from Ohaukwu LGA, said this is the first time she is receiving palliatives from government, and however applauded the state government for showing transparency and prudence in the distribution of the federal government cash transfer in the state.

Many injured, properties looted as
Ugboenyim, a border community of Ebonyi/Benue clash over leadership tussle



Many persons were injured in a fresh power tussle between the people of Ugboenyim, a border community between Ebonyi and Benue States.

The fresh clash in the community also led to the destruction and looting of properties including domestic animals.

Recall that the community have been at war since 2006 over the control of community which has claimed lives with properties destroyed.

Ugboenyim, an Izzi speaking community is anthropologically Ebonyi State and geographically Benue State.

The people are under Ado local government area, Benue State and southern senatorial zone of the state.

Efforts were made to resolve the crisis but the people have returned to trenches with many sustaining grievous, canes, machetes and gunshots injuries when the two warring factions clashed.

Some of those injured include; Chukwuma Iboko, Bernard Ukpa and Nwofor Chukwuemeka.

They alleged that they were attacked by those who call themselves Plan B club in the community and accused one Romanus Ishiali said to be their leader of being behind the attack.

They explained that they were tied up like common criminals and flogged with canes and matches on the ground that they didn't participate in communal work in the community when according to them, there was no such work in the area.

Mrs. Obaleze Eto, one of those whose goats were looted in crisis, said her own goat which she was preparing to use and perform burial rites of his late child, was forcefully collected from her by the group.

"Romanus came and collected a goat I wanted to use for the burial of my child and left without telling me my offence.

"I waited for him to bring it back to me but he refused. I bought another goat for the burial rites. Up till now, that goat has not been returned to me", she said

Chief Omogo Ijere, village head of the community, told Our correspondent in the community that members of the Plan B club in the area have been terrorizing the people, attacking, maiming them and looting their properties which forced him to report their actions to the police in Igumali, Benue State.

"When, I was coming back after reporting the matter, I was called by one of my children and warned not to return to our place, that this Plan B club people have blocked our community and are very armed", he stated

But Romanus Ishiali denied all the allegations against him.

He told journalists that it was rather Chief Omogo Ijere faction were the ones looting domestic animals and properties and forcefully harvesting yams and other people's crops in the community.

He accused Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi of sponsoring the faction and alleged that he and some members of the community have been sacked from the community.

"Our lives are under threat, we have been marked for elimination. They have been looking for me to kill me.

"Senator Nwebonyi has been arresting our people and imprisoning them in Benue State just because we refused to follow him. He gave me monetary offers and motorcycle and I rejected it because I don't want those things and that is the cause of ordering my removal as the youth leader of our community.

"Some of us can't enter our village again and that is why you are seeing us here in Abakaliki because they said that they will kill us if we enter the village. We want governors of Ebonyi and Benue State to come to our aid before this thing cause inter-state war.

Nwebonyi, in his reaction, said Romanus Ishiali and members of his plan B group, committed a lot of crime in the community and that police is after them.

"They committed a lot of crimes; maiming some members of the community and stealing their properties and police is after them.

"They begged me to suppress the matter but I told them that what they did is evil, that even my cousin brother who is said to be among them should be charged to court

"So, they got and started paper war which I know is being sponsored by some of my political friends.

"So, they are trying to divert attention here while police is looking for them there. That place is Ado local government area, Benue State. The Chairman is looking for them and that's why they are running helter -scalter", he said