₦airaland Forum

Ugwuanyi Reconstitutes New Revenue Board
*Wants All Revenue Leakages Plugged

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday inaugurated the newly reconstituted State Board of Internal Revenue and charged the members to come up with new and effective strategies aimed at beefing
up the State’s revenue base in view of the present daunting Economic challenges in the country.

Lagos-based banker and luxury real estate operator, Mr. Chukwuemeka Anthony Odo, who is the chairman of Bluewaters Capital is the chairman of the Enugu revenue board and pledged on behalf of other members of
the new board to work diligently operate a leak-proof revenue generation system for the state shore up its economy.

While inaugurating the board at the Government House, Enugu yesterday, Governor Ugwuanyi explained that the charge on the members to work hard on their assignment has become necessary in the face of the
severe economic depression that is threatening the solvency of government at all levels.

He noted that how well the new board plays its role was crucial to the economic wellbeing of the State government and by extension that of the people of Enugu Sate.

He observed that with the receipts from the federation account dwindling rapidly, most State governments have become increasingly dependent on internally generated revenue to fund their activities and service their obligations.

“Government as a result of the current economic condition, is struggling to meet its financial commitments to pay salaries, fund development activities, ensure social services and maintain security, among others”, the governor stated.

Governor Ugwuanyi pointed out that he had earlier envisaged this situation when he warned in his inaugural speech that revenue generation agencies should be ready to intensify efforts to generate more revenues to fund government’s developments efforts.

He equally charged members of the board to ensure that all revenues accruable to government are fully collected and all avenues of leakages are effectively checked. The governor then called on individuals and corporate bodies not to fail in their obligations to pay their taxes.

He promised that every kobo that accrues to government will be fully utilized transparently and in a manner that will transform the life of every citizen of Enugu State. On his part, Odo, a former executive director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, stated that their appointment came at a time when the crashed oil price has affected the economic fortunes of the country negatively, and assured that they will explore and exploit
all sources of internally generated revenue to ensure that government meets its obligations to the people.

According to Mr Odo, members of the Board will ensure that all taxable persons in the State are given the opportunity to perform their civic obligations, while equally exploiting technology to block leakages so
that all government revenues be fully collected.

Other members of the board include
Mr Chucks Onodugo member representing Enugu Westsenatorial zone,
Mr Jude Sunday Egbo, representing Enugu East zone,
Barr Joseph Onuoha, representing Enugu North senatorial zone, and
Mrs Chinasa Perpetuul Awkadigwe, a lawyer who would serve as secretary to the board

Enugu Now Centre Of Regional Integration For Korean/Nigerian Infrastructure Backbone

June 14, 2016



Two strategic Korean and Nigerian partners, working on integrated infrastructure backbone for Nigeria, have announced that Enugu state has been designated as the centre point for the regional integration of the economic development of the Southeast under the planned national framework.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state, Monday, night hosted the high powered teams from the Integrated Infrastructure Backbone for Nigeria and Hyundai Engineering of Korea, and the two strategic partners informed him that talks with the federal government on their ambitious project has progressed to an advanced stage.

The two corporate organizations which attended the last Enugu International Investment Summit tagged Oganiru explained in their presentations at the Government House, Enugu, stated that action plans and designs for the proposed infrastructure backbone for the country has made Enugu state the central focus for the South East zone, especially with the proposal for establishment of a dry port at Obollo-Afor, a border town in the state.

The designation of the busy border-town, Obollo-Afor for a proposed inland container/dry port was effected during Governor Ugwuanyi’s tenure as the chairman of the House of Representatives committee on Marine Transport.

The elated Governor Ugwuanyi spoke to his visitors thus: “I wish to thank you for your kind comments on the success of the Oganiru- Enugu State Investment Summit- during which, as you rightly observed, I declared that Enugu State is open for business.

“Your visit today actually goes to confirm that the Summit made the required impact and is therefore yielding the desired results. It is in that spirit therefore that I do warmly welcome the team from Hyundai Engineering and those from Integrated Infrastructure Backbone for Nigeria.

“We are certainly interested in hearing your proposals for investment in Enugu State and you can always count on our cooperation and partnership”, he told the investors.

Those who came for the special presentation before the governor included; (from Korea)- Mr. Hon Byung Chul, the General Manager, Overseas Investments, Mr. Jang Hosung, Manager, Overseas Investments, Mr. Cha Ki Young of Alpos which are Consultants to Hyundai Engineering and Mr. Justin Okafor, President, Nigeria Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Japan.

The delegation from the Integrated Infrastructure Backbone Project was led by Dr Nkemka Jombo-Ofo, Principal Consultant, Dr. Stephen Dike, Principal Consultant, Dr. Solomon Nyagba, Consultant, Mr. Eric Eze, Surveyor and Mr. Kingsley Eze, Consultant.

Dr. Dike of Integrated Infrastructure Development Associate spoke on the dynamics of the ambitious project: “It is a special purpose company established to initiate the integrated infrastructure development project for Nigeria and the whole idea is to create economic development catalyst that would ensure that we have an integrated infrastructure backbone that would go from Akwa Ibom deep sea port all the way to Katsina.

“We also have another one at Bayelsa which would now join the backbone from Akwa Ibom to Katsina at Enugu. Our whole idea is to make Enugu/ Obollo-Afor Centre Point of integrated infrastructure development plan for the whole South-East region.

“Along this backbone, we are going to have five dimensions of infrastructure development. That would include: power grid, fiber cables, high-speed rail road, dual carriage high and finally, it would include the gas pipeline (70-inch diameter gas pipeline).

“The whole idea is that economic development in Nigeria can only go as fast as infrastructure development would go. Infrastructure development in Nigeria has not been strategic and integrated. The highest cost of infrastructure development is the cost of security and the cost of right of wealth.

“We are looking at other developed countries like Shanghai, Japan, Singapore et cetera and we are trying to emulate their successes of those at best practices in order to bring it to infrastructure development in Nigeria”, he further explained.

On the strategic role of Enugu state in the whole project, he also explained that “Our partnership with Enugu State Government is that the infrastructural backbone is going to pass through the state. Obollo-Afor is the center point for the backbone because we are going to have an inland container port at Obollo-Afor.

“Obollo-Afor also is going to be the center point for the inter-connector project that would go to other areas. For instance, the one coming from Bayelsa is going to connect at Obollo-Afor. So the strategic relationship with Enugu State Government is that it is going to be the center point for the South-East region”, he stated.

Ehandiagu -Eha- Alumona: A neglected community sitting on highly -needed mineral resources
Mineral resources
The development of any country has often been tipped by experts to depend largely on rural communities which in most cases , is blessed with lots of mineral resources. These resources, it is believed when explored , extracted and utilized reshape the nation’ s economic, political and social system, thereby bringing such country to international limelight .
Ehandiagu-Eha- Alumona community, in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State , is one of such priceless communities blessed with mineral resources which, if well harnessed , could contribute meaningfully to the development of Enugu State and the country at large.
Sprawled across 5000 acres of land and an estimated 3000 residents, Ehandiagu is a community flowing with the proverbial milk and honey. The community - which is surrounded by neighbouring towns like : Mbu , Neke, Ikem in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of the State - is endowed with both human and mineral resources, which earn it the bragging right of being “the food basket of Enugu State .”
The community is one of the largest communities in Nsukka LGA. Resources buried under its ground include: crude oil , coal , clay and limestone. It also has palm oil, honey , cashew plantation which spanned over 50 hectares of land , plantain and banana plantations, yam , garri, orange and the likes.
Such avalanches of resources at the community’s disposal are enough to boost the state’ s economy as by 25 per cent. For instance, the large deposit of crude oil estimated to last for 50 years, it was gathered, has about 30 per cent petrol and 70 per cent natural gas.
Considering the fact that crude oil is the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, and the recognition the federal government gives to any oil producing state in the country, Ehandiagu-Eha-Alumona community has what it takes to transform Enugu State if the state government develops the area and promotes what it has to the government at the centre .
The crude oil in the area will not only provide financial blossom in the state , but also delete the state’ s name from the book of unemployment- which in recent times has escalated and has been tipped by many to be the cause of society ’s menace like terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery among others . When the youths are therefore gainfully employed, it would increase tax payable to the government- resulting to increased Internally Revenue Generation ( IGR) of the state .
Also, the crude oil in the state will increase Enugu State ’s quota in terms of allocation it attracts from the federation account .
Beyond the crude oil, the community has an answer to other aspect of economic , political and social development in the state. The inestimable quantity of coal in the community is 5 per cent capable of bolstering the coal-economic-driven system of the state , which is already known as “COAL CITY ” State and the development agenda of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
In addition , Ehandiagu- Eha-Alumona has an informal agro- based industry, having as much as 80 per cent agricultural products in quantum. The community is said to be the highest honey producing community in Nsukka Zone of the state — where almost every family produces honey in large quantity without stress. The cashew plantation covers more than 50 hectares of land while plantain and banana plantation cover over 80 hectares of land .
According to Elder John Nnaji, the community produces inestimable quantity of palm oil , yam and garri . He noted the reason for the large quantity is the availability of large farmlands which afford every member of the community opportunity to farm as much as he/ she can. It was learnt that about a thousand acres of farmlands lie almost untouched in the community. He further revealed that clay used for production of ceramic utensils is hugely available in the community .
With these mineral and agricultural resources , Ehandiagu-Eha- Alumona is unarguably a custodian of economic solution to Enugu State and Nigeria at large .
In spite of the numerous resources at the community’s disposal , the community is plagued with many challenges which have retarded the development of the area.
One of the major challenges facing the community is lack of good roads. Journeying to the community is always a grave experience to the villagers.
Lamenting the ordeals of the community, the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) Chairman , Ehandiagu Ward, Elder Alexander Ezugwurie Ossai said: “The major problem we have in this community is lack of accessible road. We have everything but the condition of our road is terrible. Nobody comes to this place in rainy season because you will not even see where to follow when going back .”
Continuing, he said, “The deplorable condition of the road has caused us many things . For instance, surveyors from Shanghai came last year to survey lands for farming , and among all the land surveyed , ours was the best but every progress and continuation of that programme was hindered by bad road. ”
Elder Ossai said that the whole resources are wasting because there is no way they can transport them to urban areas where they can get the real price of their products.
He noted that between 1960 s and 1970 s , the road was the only access through which they used to transport cements from Nkalagu in Ebonyi State to University of Nigeria, Nsukka . He added that while it takes only 45 minutes then to travel to town, people can spend more than two hours now due to the state of the road.
Apart from the economic downturn in the area as a result of bad road, Ossai said most residents of the community live in fear of death due to lack of good health facilities, adding that a lot of their women die during child delivery.
“There is no government hospital in this community, rather , we only have five health centres but none of them has even a single doctor let alone offering a reasonable health services. Whenever there is any case of delivery, there will be no health worker ( s) to help and because of the bad state of our road , many of them die before you could reach where you can get health assistance, ” he said.
In the same vein , it was gathered that the state of the roads had also made the community a no-go -area for private investors who intend to visit the area . Speaking in an interview, the youth leader of the community , Mr . Agbo Chikadibia recounted how Geo-Kinetic Oil Company had come to the community having discovered oil in the land, but were discouraged by the road leading to the community which they believe would cost them too much in attempting to repair .

PaulJohn1:
Doesn't look safe for human to walk on. It has no side barrier.

The bridge is about to be removed due to ongoing dualization of the road

A very nice idea, I hope the goals of the summit is achieved. kudos to the Ugwuanyi led Enugu Government for this brilliant idea.

GOVERNMENT OF ENUGU STATE OF NIGERIA MINISTRY OF WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE (M.O.W & I) REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) In line with the grass roots development policy of the Government of Enugu State, the State Government intends to construct/ rehabilitate some infrastructural Projects in the State. Enugu State Government through Ministry of Works and Infrastructure therefore hereby invites Expression of Interest (E.O.I) from interested Civil, water Engineering and Building Contractors with proven experience and competence in road, water and building constructions, willing to bid for the following projects: A. ROADS LOT 1: Construction of Ugbawka-Nara- Nkarafi Road (Phase 1) (LGA-Nkanu East) LOT 2: Construction of Amechi-Idodo- Amuzam-Amagunza Road (LGA-Nkanu East) LOT 3: Design and Construction of Enugu AkwuAchi- NkwoInyi Market Road, (Phase 1) (LGA- Oji River) LOT 4: Construction/rehabilitation of 600Metres Onu Nweneabo-Ndiuno Akpuoga Nike Access Road (LGA- Enugu-East) LOT 5: Construction of 600 metres Ibegwa Nike- Amaokpo Boundary Road (LGA- Enugu- East) LOT 6: Construction/rehabilitation of Iheaka- Ibagqa- AloAgu Road (Phase 1) (LGA- Igbo- Eze South) LOT 7: Design and Construction of Uhugori- Nenwe/Oduma Road (Phase 1) (LGA- Aniri) LOT 8: Design and Construction of Amaeguelu- Amumkpa- Ogbombara/Etitiama – Onuihiala Road (Phase 1) (LGA- Aniri) LOT 10: Construction of Amokwe Road Starting from Udi Station through Ibuzo Amokwe to Amokwe to Amokwe State (Phase 1) (LGA- Udi) LOT 11: Construction of 9th Mile- Ajali- ImeziOwa Local Government Headquarter – Aguobu- Owa- Awka North, Anambra Road, (Phase 1) (LGA- Ezeagu) LOT 12: Construction/ installation of Belly Bridge across Nyama River linking Unuogo Amechi and UgwuagbaAmechi Uno/Obeagu Communities (Phase 1) LOT 13: Completion of the construction of Ndemde Bridge and surfacing of the road linking MaryLand, New Era and Achara Layout (LGA- Enugu South) LOT 14: Reconstruction/Rehabilitation of Poly Clinic- Ilukwe- Church Road, Fork Road, Asata (Phase 1) (LGA- Enugu North) B. BUILDINGS LOT 1: Construction of Nsukka Specialist Hospital, Nsukka (LGA- Nsukka) LOT 2: Construction of 5 No Six Classroom Blocks in the following communities in Aniri Local Government Area: (LGA- Aniri) • Community Primary School, Amachalla, Mpu • Community Primary School, ObeaguOduma • Agboechara High School, Agboechara • Community Primary AAmaezeOkpanku • St- Theresa Primary School, Uhueze, Nenwe LOT 3: Reconstruction/Rehabilitation of Akwuke Health Centre (LGA- Enugu South) C: BOREHOLE: LOT 1: Construction of Amachem – Amogwu Borehole (LGA: Igbo-Etiti) LOT 2: Repair Of Ekwegbe- Borehole (LGA: Igbo-Etiti) LOT 3: Reticulation of Amankpo Water Borehole through Aku Girls Road to Eke Aku (LGA: Igbo-Etiti) LOT 4: Construction of motorized borehole fully equipped at Ette Centre (LGA: Igbo-Eze North) LOT 5: Construction of Motorized Borehole, fully equipped at Agbon Mudaga (LGA: Igbo- Eze North) REQUIREMENT (A) GENERAL COMPANY PROFILE • Full details of company profile accompanied with details of ownership • Evidence of company registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) include forms CAC 2, CAC7 & Memorandum & Articles of Association • Current Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) Years (2013, 2014 and 2015) • Evidence of VAT registration and remittance • Evidence of current registration with Enugu State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure in the Category D (Road, Civil Engineering, Building, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and other Procurement and Installation) (B) TECHNICAL CAPACITY • Curriculum Vitae, evidence of academic qualification and professional certificates of registration with COREN of the Principal officers of the company with good knowledge base in road construction • Organizational structure showing personnel • Evidence of relevant and verifiable similar job experience, interested companies are required to attach evidence of signed completion certificate(s) from clients to support claim • Implementation tools – Attach evidence of ownership where applicable. (C) FINANCIAL CAPACITY • Company’s current audited financial reports for the last three (3) years (2013, 2014 and 2015) stamped and signed by a registered Chartered Accounting Firm • Bank Reference from a reputable bank • Evidence of payment of non-refundable pre- qualification fee of N50,000.00 only. Method of payment is by Enugu State IGR- TSA and bank details First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Enugu Main Branch, Okpara Avenue Enugu. All submission if the pre-qualification requirements should be in two sealed envelopes, clearly marked on the top left corner. Expression of Interest (E.O.I) for construction/rehabilitation of some infrastructural Projects in the State addressed to Permanent Secretary, Enugu State Ministry of Works & Infrastructure and submitted to the Head of Department, Planning Research and Statistics of the same Ministry at a date not later than three weeks from the date of publication. Signed Permanent Secretary Min. Of Works & Infrastructure, Enugu.

17 firms for privatisation, commercialisation By Francis Igata Residents of Enugu State are in a frenzy following the readiness of the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to host the Enugu Maiden Investment Summit, christened,”Oganiru Enugu State”(Progress of Enugu State), expected to re-launch the economic fortunes of the state into the global arena. The summit,geared towards attracting prospective investors to take over some state owned companies and corporations through the Privatization and Commercialization Council, inaugurated by the governor,will serve as a catalyst to reposition Enugu economically. Sunday Vanguard’s visit to the Micheal Okpara Square,venue of the two-day summit, holding 12-14 April, showed that facilities to be used for the exercise were being put in place. It was also found that the Senior Special Adviser,SSA,Project Development Implementation, PDI, to the Governor, Uchenna Abel Nwobodo, had erected a tent where he sleeps within the premises, to ensure that the facilities were ready. At the street leading to the venue, new street light poles have been mounted while flood lights in the venue were being test run to ensure illumination during the summit. Electricians from the PDI office had their hands full, trying to ensure that the 1,000KVA standby generator installed in the square was functioning optimally to serve as alternative power supply. The flowers within and outside the square have been cut into lush green lawns.

17 firms for privatisation, commercialisation By Francis Igata Residents of Enugu State are in a frenzy following the readiness of the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to host the Enugu Maiden Investment Summit, christened,”Oganiru Enugu State”(Progress of Enugu State), expected to re-launch the economic fortunes of the state into the global arena. The summit,geared towards attracting prospective investors to take over some state owned companies and corporations through the Privatization and Commercialization Council, inaugurated by the governor,will serve as a catalyst to reposition Enugu economically. Sunday Vanguard’s visit to the Micheal Okpara Square,venue of the two-day summit, holding 12-14 April, showed that facilities to be used for the exercise were being put in place. It was also found that the Senior Special Adviser,SSA,Project Development Implementation, PDI, to the Governor, Uchenna Abel Nwobodo, had erected a tent where he sleeps within the premises, to ensure that the facilities were ready. At the street leading to the venue, new street light poles have been mounted while flood lights in the venue were being test run to ensure illumination during the summit. Electricians from the PDI office had their hands full, trying to ensure that the 1,000KVA standby generator installed in the square was functioning optimally to serve as alternative power supply. The flowers within and outside the square have been cut into lush green lawns.

Governor Ugwuanyi Moves To Revamp State Own Ailing Industries … Reconstitutes Bodies On Privatization And Commercialization.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday advanced the move of his administration to reinvigorate the economy of the state and boost her revenue base when he reconstituted two separate bodies on privatization and commercialization to revitalize the state-owned ailing industries.

Reconstituted are the Enugu State Council on Commercialization and Privatization and the Enugu State Technical Committee on Privatization and Commercialization headed by the State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and a seasoned investment banker, Mr. Ikechi Chioke, respectively.

Governor Ugwuanyi while inaugurating the bodies at the Government House, Enugu, charged the members to swing into action immediately and effectively spearhead the drive for credible and suitable investors to turn around the fortunes of the affected enterprises and companies for its inherent economic benefits to the state.

He noted that the council and the committee have a vital role to play in the economic revival and the stability of the state in this moment of economic hardship.

Governor Ugwuanyi added that it is expected of both bodies to give fresh impetus to the current efforts by the government to attract direct foreign and local investments to the state as part of its commitment to turn the state into a major hub for economic activities in the country.

The Governor revealed that both bodies are expected to play a key role in the fourth coming international investment summit scheduled to hold in Enugu from 12th to 14th April, 2016 to showcase the numerous potentials of the state to investors around the world.

He therefore charged members of both bodies to deploy their integrity, experience and competences unreservedly towards the successful accomplishment of their set objectives

Responding on behalf of members of the bodies, the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ezeilo thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve in that capacity and assured him of their commitment to ensure that the set objectives of the council and committee were actualized.

Enugu exco moves to fast-track infrastructure devt

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/01/enugu-exco-moves-to-fast-track-infrastructure-devt/


ENUGU—Enugu State Executive Council has approved the release of N184,476,135.98, for various developmental projects in the state. Commissioner for Information, Godwin Udeuhele, made this known during a briefing at the end of the council meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, yesterday.
Udeuhele noted that out of this amount, the sum of fifty-nine million, nine hundred and ninety thousand, six hundred and seventy-one naira was approved for the completion of the state government counterpart funds for the 2015 Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, State Track Project Fund to consolidate the gains of the MDGs in the state. According to the commissioner, payment of the counterpart fund would also prepare the ground for commencement of the sustainable development goals of the state. He said the council equally approved that the State Ministry of Housing should release the sum of N74,306,000 for payment of the outstanding balance to land owners at Satellite Estate Akpoga Nike, Enugu and to construct an internal earth road network, security post, and perimeter fence wall in the estate. The council also re-authorized the establishment of the State One Stop Investment Centre, ESOSIC, to boost investment potentials of the state. The added that the council approved the construction of 9th Mile Mega Estate through public private partnership initiative and directed the Ministries of Justice and Lands to collaborate with the Ministry of Housing in the perfection of title and legal documents to forestall any hindrance.

I wasn’t in Dublin to party around – Governor Ugwuanyi
The Enugu State Government has denied the publication in an online media outfit, Nairaland.com, which alleged that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his entourage were in Dublin, Ireland for a Gala Night Party.

Reacting to the said publication, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Louis Amoke through a statement issued to newsmen said that there was no iota of truth in the story and called on the public to disregard it as it was meant to mislead and undermine the genuine intention of the governor regarding the trip.

He stated that contrary to the erroneous impression created by the publication, the governor and his team were in Dublin for an aggressive investment drive, in keeping with his campaign promises to navigate the state through the current economic crunch and exploit other avenues of revenue generation for development.
Amoke revealed that the visit was fruitful, adding that the State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Authorities of Dublin City University on how to promote and develop Education in the state as one of the focal points of the government’s development initiatives.

He also stated that remarkable success was recorded in shopping for investors and donor agencies that would key freely into the new phase of development in Enugu State, assuring that the results of the fruitful discussions will be felt by the people of the state in no distant time.

The governor’s spokesman also quoted the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Special Projects, Dr. Josef Umunnakwe Onoh as saying that the governor’s visit to Europe had witnessed positive development as some Enugu indigenes in the Diaspora in association with Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), Scotland have shown interest to partner the State in the rehabilitation of Government Technical College (GTC), Enugu and the Enugu State Library, which have not been given adequate attention in the past.

While calling for the cooperation of the public towards the governor’s vision for the State, Amoke, however, noted that the gala night was a routine event organised by Enugu State indigenes residing in Ireland to interface with the governor on how to engage them in assisting the government to achieve its foreign investment agenda, through home investment and their wide network of contacts.
He maintained that governor was committed to the principles of accountability, fiscal discipline and transparency aimed at saving cost for development issues for the advancement of good governance in the state.

Enugu targets roads, infrastructure with N85bn budget By Kodilinye Obiagwu, South East Bureau Chief on December 24, 2015 5:39 am THE Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has restated the kernel of his election campaign promise of positive continuity, by building on the developmental framework of the previous administration to enhance the living conditions of the people and in moving the state forward. Presenting the N85,179,449,000 (eighty five billion, one hundred and seventy-nine million, four hundred and forty-nine thousand naira), 2016 Budget, tagged, “Budget of Stability and Consolidation to the State House of Assembly yesterday, Ugwuanyi noted that the main thrust of the budget is in line with the pledge in his inaugural speech, in which he stated his commitment “to employment generation, enhanced social services and good governance, rural development and indeed, security and justice.” Perhaps, in line with his mantra of continuity, that works and infrastructure got the lion share or 49.3 per cent of the budget. The budget, which the governor acknowledged as the lowest in the state in recent years, which is 12 per cent or N11,555,851,000 (eleven billion, five hundred and fifty-five million, eight hundred and fifty-one thousand naira), lower than the 2015 budget of N96,735,300,000, reflects “the current economic difficulties that the nation is passing through, while ensuring the seamless continuity and consolidation of the progressive policies and programmes of government that we promised our people, considering the present macro-economic climate and other prevailing variables, like the realities of revenue inflow from Federal Allocation.” Stated the governor: “ In the area of road construction, we have already keyed-in to the goal of the immediate past administration to make every community in Enugu State accessible by road. In this regard, we will consolidate on the achievements in road construction and rehabilitation by striving to complete all on–going urban and rural roads while new ones will be awarded soonest. By this way, we will enhance rapid socio- economic transformation of the entire State. “It was for this purpose that Ministry of Works and Infrastructure received an allocation of N20.442 billion in 2016 budget representing 49.3 per cent of the entire Capital Budget as against N21.625 billion allocated to the ministry in 2015 budget. This allocation will take care of the on- going urban road rehabilitation at Enugu, Nsukka and other urban areas of Enugu.” In the estimated Recurrent Expenditure N28, 843,291,948 (twenty-eight billion, eight hundred and forty-three million, two hundred and ninety-one thousand, nine hundred and forty-eight naira), or 65.95 per cent of the budget will service personnel costs, including Consolidated Revenue Fund Charges. In the meantime, N6,361,652,177 or 14.55 per cent of the budget for subvention to parastatals and tertiary institutions. Acknowledging that the 2016 budget is the lowest Budget for the State in the past few years, Ugwuanyi urged that “in times like this, we must change our ways of doing things if we are going to take a giant stride and achieve the expected results.

Enugu Govt approves N1.5b loan to improve primary education December 05, 2015 at 3:12 am in News Ugwuanyi •Awards contract for the construction of Ebonyi bridge BY FRANCIS IGATA Determined to reposition education at the primary school level, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at the State Executive Council’s 11th meeting, yesterday, approved the procurement of N1.5 billion loan facility for the provision of counterpart fund to enable the State Universal Basic Education Board to access the World Bank grants for the development of primary schools in the state. The government said it was part of its drive to reposition primary schools in the state to meet the demands of the millennium. In a press briefing at the end of the Council’s meeting presided over by Governor Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, noted that the grant would enable government to renovate some primary schools in the state that are in dilapidated state, among others. According to the Commissioner, the council had also approved the award of contract for the construction of a bridge across Ebonyi River at Ikem to a reputable company, COMAG Construction Company. He added that the bridge would be of immense benefit to the people traversing to neighbouring towns like Obollo Afor, Obollo Eke and to the Northern part of Nigeria.

Ugwuanyi presents 6 months score card December 05, 2015 at 12:45 am in News, Politics Ugwuanyi By Francis Igata As the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State clocked six months into its first four years tenure,stakeholders gathered last Saturday at the Old Government Lodge where they rose in unison to embrace daring efforts made by his government to place the state in a pedestal of economic growth. Apparently determined to entrench and run an all inclusive government to serve as a recipe for the sustenance of the prevailing peace in the state,Governor Ugwuanyi last Saturday,summoned an expanded stakeholders meeting to acquaint them on the programmes and policies of his administration. The Old Government Lodge brimmed with the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP,officials from the 260 wards in the state. Party Chairmen from across the 17 council areas,State Executive members,senators and House of Representative members representing the various constituencies,former ministers,former governors,former deputy governors among other party faithful who thronged the venue to be part of the maiden stakeholders meeting called by Ugwuanyi since taking over the realm of power last May 29. A close peep at the governor’s principles of governance showed that he operates a government of consultation such that every segment of the stakeholders are carried along in all decisions affecting the people. This is to weed out possible bickering which usually snowball into political warfare. Such situation breeds anarchy,smolders scarce resources which would have been deployed to meaningful ventures that will better the lot of the people and above all,remain a distraction to the government of the day that will have its hand full, building political trenches from where plans for major conflagration will be launched. Those who have made appreciable personal contact with the governor likens his humane disposition to that of a Vatican Bishop who remains unprovoked when bile regurgitates in times of frayed nerves. It however,did not take the stakeholders by storm when they received notice of meeting knowing the pedigree of Ugwuanyi as one who runs an open,accessible,transparent government with the singular aim of alleviating the suffering of his people. INFRASTRUCTURE/ HOUSING Setting the tone at the meeting,Governor Ugwuanyi reeled out the remarkable achievements of his administration in the past six months saying,”Let me first of all announce the good news of the reception of a part of the bailout fund for offsetting outstanding emoluments of workers and retirees. Even though what we have received is small, we are looking forward to receiving the main part of the fund in no distant time. “Also in line with the interest we have in the welfare of workers, we have continued the prompt payment of salaries and provided electricity, water, and other ancillary services at the New Secretariat Complex. Work has also reached advanced stages at the Workers’ Estate at Ogbeke and we paid 30 percent Equity Contribution to enable interested Enugu State civil servants from Grade Level 01 to Grade Level 10, to acquire 100 units of one bedroom flats at Elim Estate, Ibagwa, Nike, Enugu. The beneficiaries of this scheme have since been selected through an open lottery system held recently at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu. LOCAL GOVT ADMINISTRATION “Early in the life of the administration, we set up an 11-man Committee on Local Government Audit and Biometric Data Capture headed by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi. Among others, the Committee’s responsibility is to determine the true staff strength of each of the 17 Local Government Areas, the financial implications of the staff in respect of monthly remunerations, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, and the Local Government Pensions Board. “We believe that this exercise will help to arrest the perennial problem of profligacy, corruption, and other sharp practices and also eliminate the ghost worker syndrome. I am pleased to announce that the exercise is already yielding the desired results and will soon be extended to the school system where we have also observed that, the number of teachers in the records, is far above the number we have on ground in the schools. EDUCATION “An Administrative committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo is already looking into the issue of ENSUBEB projects in our primary schools and related matters. We have nonetheless undertaken the renovation and re-equipment of secondary and primary schools across the state to ensure that our children and their pupils enjoy a conducive environment for learning. “Soon also, we will, as required by law, apply for a loan to enable us assess the state’s counterpart funds for ENSUBEB which will add value to educational sector in the State. We have also made fruitful efforts to provide and improve necessary infrastructure in our Tertiary institutions just as we intervened to rescue the Institute of Management and Technology,IMT, from the crumbling weight of salary arrears and resultant low staff morale. I am glad to announce that government has decided to make the IMT a degree awarding institution and that the necessary machinery to enable us realize this objective, will soon be in put in place. “We have also taken decisive steps towards repositioning and revamping the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo through our push for the re- validation of old programmes and the accreditation of five new courses by the National Board for Technical Education,NABTEB. Disturbed by the fact that the Enugu State College of Education,Technical, has not been able to award certificates to its graduands for nine years due to non- accreditation of its courses, the State Executive Council re- validated the approval of a substantial sum of money to enable the institution scale its accreditation hurdles and be in a position to issue certificates. URBAN AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT “In fulfillment of our promise to catalyze urban and rural development and develop new cities in the state to boost economic activities, we embarked on the massive development of roads across the state. A few weeks ago, we flagged off the construction of eight major roads across the state. These were: The Ameke Ngwo-Nsude Junction bypass,Ninth Mile Corner Bypass, Dualisation of Opi-Nsukka Road,Abakpa Nike Road,Nike Lake Road,Ohom Orba Junction-Imilike Ani – Ezimo Uno – Ezimo Agu – Imilike – Ogbudu Aba – Obollo-Etiti – Amalla – Obollo Afor (Udenu Ring Road,Enugu Road Junction – Umuezebi- Nru Junction- University Gate Nsukka,Post Office Roundabout – Odenigbo Roundabout- Ogurugu Road – Ikenga Hotel Junction,Obechara Road Junction – Umuakashi Mechanic Village – Ikenga Hotel Junction. “We are also doing drains, culverts, earthworks, and asphaltic wearing courses on the Ugwogo Nike-Ikem Road. We have completed the hitherto intractable Ogbete Market and gone far with the rehabilitation of the Airport Roundabout – Orie Emene – St. Patrick’s College – Eke Obinagu Road Project, Mbanefo II, New Haven. We also directed the continuous maintenance of roads in Enugu. AGRICULTURE “As part of our rural and agricultural development initiatives, we initiated the construction of a 15-kilometre Inter-Town Connection ,ITC, 2.5MVA Injection Sub-Station at Ezi-Nze, Udi Local Government Area just a few days after my assumption of office. This initiative will supply electricity to communities in Udi, Igbo-Etiti, and Uzo-Uwani Local Government Areas. It will also activate businesses in these rural communities and power the Adada Dam Project as well as the Greater Nsukka Water Scheme. “We procured 20 tractors to be hired to genuine farmers at very low rates. I also directed the release of counterpart funds for the robust participation of our State in the implementation of the N2 billion Staple Crops Processing Zone ,SCPZ, programme by the African Development Bank in conjunction with the Federal Government of Nigeria. The fund will be channeled to the revival and expansion of the Adani Irrigation Scheme as well as the construction of feeder roads and other critical infrastructure that will catalyze agriculture in the State. HEALTH “Our health sector is already receiving a breath of fresh air as we have, among other things, continued to sustain our well acclaimed Free Maternal Health and Child Care programme while ensuring the proper equipment and staffing of existing health institutions in the state. We are also on the verge of completing the ultra-modern medical diagnostic centre in Enugu and have initiated the construction of three new Specialists Hospitals in the three Senatorial Zones of the State with the flag off of the scheme at Orba, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State. DISCIPLINE “The Child rights Act is now before the House as an executive bill and in collaboration with the UNICEF, we have carried out sensitization activities to ensure its successful passage. In response to the persistent complaints of our people, we have taken concrete steps to end touting, illegal collection of fees and undue harassment and intimidation of citizens by unscrupulous persons and others purporting to be working for government agencies in Enugu State. This informed the recent suspension of the collection of fines for traffic offences and the reinforcement of the ban on cash payment of rates or fees to government agencies including ESWAMA and the Local Government Councils. I have also directed the State Ministry of Environment to stop the collection of levies for sand excavation in the State till further notice. INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE “To standardize, streamline and shore up our Internally Generated Revenue, we have set up a team to design a blueprint for the collection of revenue which we believe will help eliminate corruption and illegal collections. We are already working on the promulgation of a Property Tax Law and other revenue related laws that will regulate revenue collection in the state. “We have also interviewed some Banks and other organizations with regards to this matter and very soon, we will announce the institution that will drive our IGR enhancement activities. We also have plans to reorganize the system of Land Allocation and related matters in order to plug the loopholes and leakages that we have observed in the process. In the area of industrial development, I wish to inform you that we have resolved all the bottlenecks militating against the take off of the Enugu State Industrial Park and that, in partnership with Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the DFID, we are planning a drive for investors through an investors’ forum that we have scheduled to hold next year. SPORTS DEVELOPMENT “Having acknowledged Sports as a major avenue for engaging our youth positively, creating jobs, and marketing our State, we are taking steps to return Enugu to its glorious days as the breeding ground for celebrated sports personalities. In this regard, we have resolved to take immediate steps to reorganize and revive the Rangers International Club- a club that is dear, not only to Ndi Enugu, but also to every Igbo man. We have earlier moved to resolve the impasse between the players and management of the club over unpaid salaries and other entitlements. EMPLOYMENT “Also in line with our polices on human development, youth empowerment and poverty alleviation, we recently appointed 600 (six hundred) Executive Assistants and we are on the verge of making other major appointments and reconstituting Boards for Parastatals in the state. We are currently lacing their job schedules with local content to ensure enhanced and effective rural development. LOCAL GOVT ELECTION “I have also called this meeting to reason with you all, on some very critical issues affecting the third tier of government- the Local Governments. As you know, the tenure of the current Councils will expire on the 4th of January, 2016. However two major reasons have prevented us from initiating the processes for the election of new officials for the Councils. The first is the on-going local government staff audit and others reforms. Recall that the State Caucus had in its last meeting at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Enugu, agreed that all activities towards the local government elections, be put on hold to enable the Committee handling the exercise, conclude its assignment. It indeed, appears to be a widely shared view among our people, that it will be unwise and imprudent to conduct election for new councils when this very important exercise has not been concluded. “The second problem is that of low funding for the exercise. The exercise, as matter of fact, is not properly provided for in the current budget. The little appropriated for it is grossly and manifestly inadequate. We therefore expect to address this deficiency in the 2016 budget. We are therefore asking for your mandate to decide on the next and appropriate line of action that we must take in view of the issues we have raised above.” STAKEHOLDERS APPROVE CARETAKER C’TTEES After listening with wrapped attention as the governor enumerated the achievements of his administration in the last six months which elicited a thunderous ovation,Deputy Senate President,Ike Ekweremadu,Enugu-West senatorial constituency,Prof. Barth Nnaji,Enugu- East senatorial constituency and Chief Nnia Nwodo,Enugu-North senatorial constituency led other stakeholders from the three senatorial zones in the state,to approve the setting up of a Caretaker Committee at the expiration of the incumbent council chairmen tenure on January 4,2016.

ENUGU: STAKEHOLDERS APPROVE SETTING UP OF LG CARETAKER COMMITTEES * IMT to Be Made Degree-Awarding Institution* Stakeholders from across Enugu State yesterday approved the setting up of Local Government Caretaker Committees for the 17 local council areas in the state pending the time adequate budgetary allocations would be provided in the 2016 state appropriation for the conduct of local government elections in the state. The stakeholders who gathered at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu gave the approval after Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi briefed them on various programmes and projects of his administration, including the issue of the pending local government polls since the tenure of the local government councils will expire on January 4, 2016. Consequently, the governor announced at the expanded meeting that “in order to avoid vacuum, on 4 January, 2016, the local government caretaker committees will be constituted and this is in keeping with the extant laws of Enugu state. “Whatever we are doing will be in consonance with the Local Government Laws”, he told the political and opinion leaders including deputy senate president, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, immediate past governor off the state, Chief Sullivan Chime, former information minister, Chief Nnia Nwodo, former minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, among very many others. Addressing the people, Governor Ugwuanyi had offered two reasons the local council polls would not hold before the expiration of the tenure of the present councils, saying that the first reason is “the on-going local government staff audit and other reforms” in that tier of government in which the state government wants to fish out ghost workers said to be prevalent in the system. The governor reminded the leaders that during the last meeting of the State Caucus at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Enugu, it was agreed “that all activities towards the local government elections be put on hold to enable the committee handling the exercise to conclude its assignment. “It indeed, appears to be a widely shared view among our people that it will be unwise and imprudent to conduct elections for new councils when this very important exercise has not been concluded”, the governor stated. Giving a second reason for the postponement of the council elections, Governor Ugwuanyi explained that the second problem is that of inadequate funds for the exercise as it is not properly provided for in this year’s budget. “We, therefore, expect to address this deficiency in the 2016 budget”, he explained, as he called for the stakeholders’ approval which was granted as Ekweremadu, Nnaji and Nwodo led the people from their respective senatorial districts to ask the governor to go ahead to set up the Local Government Caretaker Committees to avoid possible vacuum at the end of the tenure of the present council officials. During the meeting, the governor drew ovations after his state of the state address that summarized achievements of his administration in the past six months. The aforementioned leaders who spoke for the three senatorial districts in their separate remarks in response to the governor’s address gave him high ratings not only for the numerous projects embarked upon and others in the offing but also for Governor Ugwuanyi’s phenomenal feat of restoring peace and harmony among hitherto warring political leaders in the state. The governor had also drawn the ovation of the people when he announced that all contractors handling on-going road projects in the state should on Wednesday approach the state Ministry of Works for further briefing. The directive meant that more work would be in the offing in various locations in the state. Also at the meeting, the governor announced to the stakeholders that the state-owned Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu would be made a degree-awarding institution to place it at the same progression level with similar institutions elsewhere in the country established in the 1970s. IMT was established in 1973 and its present management and the state government in a meeting a few days ago agreed that it was long overdue for becoming a degree- awarding institution. The governor’s announcement of the move yesterday was greeted with a resounding applause as he also enunciated plans to rehabilitate the institution.

ENUGU: STAKEHOLDERS APPROVE SETTING UP OF LG CARETAKER COMMITTEES * IMT to Be Made Degree-Awarding Institution* Stakeholders from across Enugu State yesterday approved the setting up of Local Government Caretaker Committees for the 17 local council areas in the state pending the time adequate budgetary allocations would be provided in the 2016 state appropriation for the conduct of local government elections in the state. The stakeholders who gathered at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu gave the approval after Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi briefed them on various programmes and projects of his administration, including the issue of the pending local government polls since the tenure of the local government councils will expire on January 4, 2016. Consequently, the governor announced at the expanded meeting that “in order to avoid vacuum, on 4 January, 2016, the local government caretaker committees will be constituted and this is in keeping with the extant laws of Enugu state. “Whatever we are doing will be in consonance with the Local Government Laws”, he told the political and opinion leaders including deputy senate president, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, immediate past governor off the state, Chief Sullivan Chime, former information minister, Chief Nnia Nwodo, former minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, among very many others. Addressing the people, Governor Ugwuanyi had offered two reasons the local council polls would not hold before the expiration of the tenure of the present councils, saying that the first reason is “the on-going local government staff audit and other reforms” in that tier of government in which the state government wants to fish out ghost workers said to be prevalent in the system. The governor reminded the leaders that during the last meeting of the State Caucus at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Enugu, it was agreed “that all activities towards the local government elections be put on hold to enable the committee handling the exercise to conclude its assignment. “It indeed, appears to be a widely shared view among our people that it will be unwise and imprudent to conduct elections for new councils when this very important exercise has not been concluded”, the governor stated. Giving a second reason for the postponement of the council elections, Governor Ugwuanyi explained that the second problem is that of inadequate funds for the exercise as it is not properly provided for in this year’s budget. “We, therefore, expect to address this deficiency in the 2016 budget”, he explained, as he called for the stakeholders’ approval which was granted as Ekweremadu, Nnaji and Nwodo led the people from their respective senatorial districts to ask the governor to go ahead to set up the Local Government Caretaker Committees to avoid possible vacuum at the end of the tenure of the present council officials. During the meeting, the governor drew ovations after his state of the state address that summarized achievements of his administration in the past six months. The aforementioned leaders who spoke for the three senatorial districts in their separate remarks in response to the governor’s address gave him high ratings not only for the numerous projects embarked upon and others in the offing but also for Governor Ugwuanyi’s phenomenal feat of restoring peace and harmony among hitherto warring political leaders in the state. The governor had also drawn the ovation of the people when he announced that all contractors handling on-going road projects in the state should on Wednesday approach the state Ministry of Works for further briefing. The directive meant that more work would be in the offing in various locations in the state. Also at the meeting, the governor announced to the stakeholders that the state-owned Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu would be made a degree-awarding institution to place it at the same progression level with similar institutions elsewhere in the country established in the 1970s. IMT was established in 1973 and its present management and the state government in a meeting a few days ago agreed that it was long overdue for becoming a degree- awarding institution. The governor’s announcement of the move yesterday was greeted with a resounding applause as he also enunciated plans to rehabilitate the institution.

In its determination to actualise the state government’s drive to provide basic facilities to the people, the Enugu State Executive Council has set-up an inter- ministerial committee to improve upon the revenue base of the state. In a press briefing at the end of the Council’s 10th meeting held at the Government House, Enugu, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, disclosed that it had appointed a private company, Bricks Data Limited, to collect revenue on land and properties through geographic information system approach. This was as the state Exco approved a contract for the construction of Orie-Emene- Adoration road, stressing that the move was to enhance transportation in the area.

In its determination to actualise the state government’s drive to provide basic facilities to the people, the Enugu State Executive Council has set-up an inter- ministerial committee to improve upon the revenue base of the state. In a press briefing at the end of the Council’s 10th meeting held at the Government House, Enugu, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, disclosed that it had appointed a private company, Bricks Data Limited, to collect revenue on land and properties through geographic information system approach. This was as the state Exco approved a contract for the construction of Orie-Emene- Adoration road, stressing that the move was to enhance transportation in the area.

Digitron:
Gov. Ugwuanyi’s good tidings for schools, by Emmanuel Onwubiko
Posted by Adewole Martins on November 17, 2015 in Columns | Leave a response

News report has it that the Enugu Universal Basic Education Board said on Monday in Enugu that it would start a School Feeding Programme in public primary schools in the state in 2016




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Monday November 16th 2015 will remain evergreen in the young minds of millions of public primary school pupils in the old Eastern regional capital of Enugu following the unfolding by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of a blueprint to introduce the immediate implementation of school feeding programme.
News report has it that the Enugu Universal Basic Education Board said on Monday in Enugu that it would start a School Feeding Programme in public primary schools in the state in 2016.
The Chairperson of the board, Nneka Onuorah, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the programme would begin with a pilot scheme with selected public schools.
Onuorah said that mothers of the pupils and their communities would be involved in the programme.
She said: “Unlike in the past where the government used vendors to provide meals to children, this school feeding programme is more unique in that the community is fully involved.
“It involves the mothers; the mothers will divide themselves into teams of two or three.
“So each week, at least say team A group of mothers will cook for the children and feed the children and they will rotate.
“So the following week, team B group of mothers will now cook for the children.
“Now we find this model to be the most sustainable and we hope that we can branch it out to other schools in other communities and local governments.
“Now, if we do start, we won’t start with every school because of cost.
“We will start small, maybe we will choose one to two schools per local government; and it is always better to start small with this kind of programme.”
Onuorah, who said that the state government would include the programme in the 2016 budget, appealed to the Federal Government to support it.
She said that the board had sponsored a project aimed at de-worming pupils in primary school between June and Nov. 2015.
According to her, nearly 300,000 children benefited.
She said that the children also underwent ear, eye, and nose screening during the exercise, adding that the programme was to promote healthy growth among the children and lay a better foundation for learning.
Onuorah said that the board had organized series of training and re-training for teachers to enable them to manage schools effectively, according to a report from the Nigerian official news agency.
One fact left unmentioned by the reporter is the charisma of the person of the Enugu State governor whose mien and approach to governance has endeared him to credible civil society stakeholders. I know the governor in person and can attest that this school feeding programme won’t go like what obtains in some States such as Imo State my state of origin whereby the governor declared free education with the compliments of free feedings but what is obtainable in Imo State as I write is anything but free because apart from the tuitions which is no longer charged the other components like good teaching facilities such as school structures and well trained and motivated teachers are absent in my state. I have interviewed half a dozen senior teachers from different parts of Enugu State and what I take out from them is that all that they need to kickstarting this ambitious feeding programme are in place. My plea to the governor is that he should appoint credible supervision teams to monitor and account for the funds used in feeding the school children and to make sure that quality foods are given to our children. There must be no half measures.
Speaking about school feeding brings us to the universal fact that it is not a new concept since most countries both in the developed and developing economies have one free feeding programme or the other but essentially it is predominantly practiced in countries where the poor are in larger population.
The World Food programme which is an agency of the United Nations has clearly captured in its official website the historical documentation of the concept of school feeding. To the World Food Programme we will turn our attention to for a clearer understanding of this revolutionary scheme which the Enugu State governor has commenced for the benefits of millions s of school children in public schools from very poor backgrounds. What is School Feeding? The WFP responded thus to the question: “School programmes include meals for students and high-energy biscuits or snacks at schools where a crisis or emergency has struck. WFP also provides take-home rations to families with children who attend school regularly.”
What are the Benefits? The World Food Programme says thus: “A meal at school acts as a magnet to get children into the classroom. Continuing to provide a daily meal to children helps to keep them in school. The benefits of school feeding extend beyond the classroom. Safety Nets: the UN says that School meals help families to educate their children and protect their food security in times of crisis. School meals support development so children can become healthy and productive adults, breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty in the world’s most vulnerable areas. On the Nutritional value of the programme we are told that In poor countries, school meals are often the only regular and nutritious meal a child receives. They are an investment in the child’s future. Without them, hunger and micronutrient deficiencies can cause irreversible damage to their growing bodies. When school meals are combined with deworming and micronutrient fortification, especially when tailored to specific nutritional needs – such as those for adolescent girls – that investment is multiplied. Further, the UN believes that qualitative free feeding programme promotes qualitative Education. A daily school meal, the WFP affirms, provides a strong incentive to send children to school and keep them there. It allows children to focus on their studies rather than their stomachs and helps to increase school enrollment and attendance, decrease drop-out rates, and improve cognitive abilities. Programmes can be tailored to provide take-home rations to target girls in areas where there is a gender gap. Free school feefibg program has a business investment dimension because it promotes a viabrant Local Agriculture sector. According to the WFP as often as possible, food is bought locally, which benefits local farmers and the whole community while enhancing the sustainability of the programme.
It is safe to conclude that governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who has begun this revolutionary school feeding programme designed to reflect local peculiarities is not only promoting patriotism and qualitative education of our children but he is by and large promoting the local agricultural sector and by logical extension is creating jobs for local industrialists in Enugu State. This project deserves duplication in all parts of Nigeria so the millions of poor families will be assisted to cater for their disadvantaged children. Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria fully identifies with the Governor Ugwuanyi-led administration to promote and protect the Human Rights of Nigerians.

i dont think this should be our priority at this point in time, i stand to be corrected

Gov. Ugwuanyi’s good tidings for schools, by Emmanuel Onwubiko
Posted by Adewole Martins on November 17, 2015 in Columns | Leave a response

News report has it that the Enugu Universal Basic Education Board said on Monday in Enugu that it would start a School Feeding Programme in public primary schools in the state in 2016




Tweet

Monday November 16th 2015 will remain evergreen in the young minds of millions of public primary school pupils in the old Eastern regional capital of Enugu following the unfolding by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of a blueprint to introduce the immediate implementation of school feeding programme.
News report has it that the Enugu Universal Basic Education Board said on Monday in Enugu that it would start a School Feeding Programme in public primary schools in the state in 2016.
The Chairperson of the board, Nneka Onuorah, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the programme would begin with a pilot scheme with selected public schools.
Onuorah said that mothers of the pupils and their communities would be involved in the programme.
She said: “Unlike in the past where the government used vendors to provide meals to children, this school feeding programme is more unique in that the community is fully involved.
“It involves the mothers; the mothers will divide themselves into teams of two or three.
“So each week, at least say team A group of mothers will cook for the children and feed the children and they will rotate.
“So the following week, team B group of mothers will now cook for the children.
“Now we find this model to be the most sustainable and we hope that we can branch it out to other schools in other communities and local governments.
“Now, if we do start, we won’t start with every school because of cost.
“We will start small, maybe we will choose one to two schools per local government; and it is always better to start small with this kind of programme.”
Onuorah, who said that the state government would include the programme in the 2016 budget, appealed to the Federal Government to support it.
She said that the board had sponsored a project aimed at de-worming pupils in primary school between June and Nov. 2015.
According to her, nearly 300,000 children benefited.
She said that the children also underwent ear, eye, and nose screening during the exercise, adding that the programme was to promote healthy growth among the children and lay a better foundation for learning.
Onuorah said that the board had organized series of training and re-training for teachers to enable them to manage schools effectively, according to a report from the Nigerian official news agency.
One fact left unmentioned by the reporter is the charisma of the person of the Enugu State governor whose mien and approach to governance has endeared him to credible civil society stakeholders. I know the governor in person and can attest that this school feeding programme won’t go like what obtains in some States such as Imo State my state of origin whereby the governor declared free education with the compliments of free feedings but what is obtainable in Imo State as I write is anything but free because apart from the tuitions which is no longer charged the other components like good teaching facilities such as school structures and well trained and motivated teachers are absent in my state. I have interviewed half a dozen senior teachers from different parts of Enugu State and what I take out from them is that all that they need to kickstarting this ambitious feeding programme are in place. My plea to the governor is that he should appoint credible supervision teams to monitor and account for the funds used in feeding the school children and to make sure that quality foods are given to our children. There must be no half measures.
Speaking about school feeding brings us to the universal fact that it is not a new concept since most countries both in the developed and developing economies have one free feeding programme or the other but essentially it is predominantly practiced in countries where the poor are in larger population.
The World Food programme which is an agency of the United Nations has clearly captured in its official website the historical documentation of the concept of school feeding. To the World Food Programme we will turn our attention to for a clearer understanding of this revolutionary scheme which the Enugu State governor has commenced for the benefits of millions s of school children in public schools from very poor backgrounds. What is School Feeding? The WFP responded thus to the question: “School programmes include meals for students and high-energy biscuits or snacks at schools where a crisis or emergency has struck. WFP also provides take-home rations to families with children who attend school regularly.”
What are the Benefits? The World Food Programme says thus: “A meal at school acts as a magnet to get children into the classroom. Continuing to provide a daily meal to children helps to keep them in school. The benefits of school feeding extend beyond the classroom. Safety Nets: the UN says that School meals help families to educate their children and protect their food security in times of crisis. School meals support development so children can become healthy and productive adults, breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty in the world’s most vulnerable areas. On the Nutritional value of the programme we are told that In poor countries, school meals are often the only regular and nutritious meal a child receives. They are an investment in the child’s future. Without them, hunger and micronutrient deficiencies can cause irreversible damage to their growing bodies. When school meals are combined with deworming and micronutrient fortification, especially when tailored to specific nutritional needs – such as those for adolescent girls – that investment is multiplied. Further, the UN believes that qualitative free feeding programme promotes qualitative Education. A daily school meal, the WFP affirms, provides a strong incentive to send children to school and keep them there. It allows children to focus on their studies rather than their stomachs and helps to increase school enrollment and attendance, decrease drop-out rates, and improve cognitive abilities. Programmes can be tailored to provide take-home rations to target girls in areas where there is a gender gap. Free school feefibg program has a business investment dimension because it promotes a viabrant Local Agriculture sector. According to the WFP as often as possible, food is bought locally, which benefits local farmers and the whole community while enhancing the sustainability of the programme.
It is safe to conclude that governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who has begun this revolutionary school feeding programme designed to reflect local peculiarities is not only promoting patriotism and qualitative education of our children but he is by and large promoting the local agricultural sector and by logical extension is creating jobs for local industrialists in Enugu State. This project deserves duplication in all parts of Nigeria so the millions of poor families will be assisted to cater for their disadvantaged children. Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria fully identifies with the Governor Ugwuanyi-led administration to promote and protect the Human Rights of Nigerians.

Ugwuanyi Seeks Partnership With NBL

By Nnamdi Mbawike
— Nov 15, 2015 6:46 am | Leave a comment

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state has charged Nigerian Breweries PLC (Ama Breweries in Enugu) to assist his government in the completion of the International Conference Centre in the state capital as part of its contribution to the growth of the economy of the state.

The governor equally charged the company to build parks for its heavy-duty trucks and remove them from the roads that cost government so much to maintain.

The governor made this charge when he toured the facilities of the company at the weekend.

Delivering an address during tour, he thanked the company for their Corporate Social Responsibility which they offer the government, the host communities, the general public and other non-governmental agencies in the state.

He asked the company to “assist his government in the completion of the International Conference Centre, Enugu and equally remove its heavy duty trucks from the roads around Nsude, Eke, and Ngwo in order to allow easy human and vehicular movements around the areas”.

The Managing Director of the company, Nicolaas Vervelde thanked the governor for his speedy intervention in issues affecting the operations of the company in the state especially the award of the 9th Mile Bypass for construction, which according to him “would in no doubt, de-conjest traffic around 9th Mile Corner which cripple their operations especially during festivities”. He also said he would present the request for assistance made by the governor to the management for discussion, stating that Ama Breweries which was commissioned in 2003 by Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo remains the single biggest investment by Heineken outside Netherland. He equally announced that the world-class facility is run and operated completely by Nigerians from top to bottom.

Good news! The Igbo should start investing on their home soil. kudos to ibeto

I think you are unfair to the govt by posting the pictures of the bad side of ibagwa, I hail from a neighboring community and I visit there often, and I know the exact state of infrastructure there. by the way what part of ibagwa are you from. Ndi Agu ibagwa I guess

HappyJoe:
Jonathan was in office for 5 years.

Obasanjo was in office for 8 years, did absolutely nothing too.

We will never benefit from the Federal Government, not matter who is in charge. We must fight for devolution.

You are correct but with the way Nigeria is structured, it will be very hard to correct, therefore we must fight hard to remain relevant and competitive even without the FG.
if a small Jigawa and Keebi states could build international airport within 8 yrs, why can't Enugu and Anambra collaborate and reconstruct Enugu Onitsha road and then ask the FG to repay them.

Bishop42:
We ruined our chances by not coming out in our numbers to massively vote for Goodluck Jonathan who really meant well for Igboland and could have constructed those roads.
But here is what I think we should do,let us allow North to complete their 8yrs to make igbo presidency easier and possible. 2019 we should all encourage every igbo person to come enmass and sweep out the brainless old tribalist from power.
Not every one is a tribalist or islamist. There are many detribalised popular Northern politicians who we can trust and work with 2019.
Atleast many Northerners,Southwesters and Middlebelters are beginning to realise that Buhari is a con artist who is not worth dying for ( "not worth dying for" is good for opposition party in 2019.).

Meanwhile Biafra agitators must continue their good work. Nigeria unity isn't sustainable. What we see happening in Syria and Iraq can actually happen in Nigeria on a bigger scale. Biafans could end up being the most prepared if something like that happens here and Every southern tribe would likely want to join the most prepared breakaway countries like Biafra

why didn't GEJ construct that road through out his 6 yr tenure. the Igbo were the greatest looser in the last dispensation. Even though we had very prominent easterners in key position, we achieved little in term of infrastructure and that is why am not among those who are shouting that no easterner is in buhari govt because I didn't feel their effect in the last dispensation.

DikeOha882:
Greater Awgu are the marginalised group of people in Enugu, we had issues with Okwy Nwodo cos we voted our son Gbazuagu Nweke, Nwodo caused a lot of havoc to us, the only governor that has ruled Enugu that touched our lives is Jim Nwobodo, Chimaroke did not, sullivan plotted against our son Barr Ike Ekweremadu and our son revolted like a wounded lion,if not he would have being a gonner, the light we have today is as result of community effort ranging from Ituku, Agbogwugwu, Ihe,Ogbaku, Nenwe,Mgbowo and Agwu etc we are part of Enugu west but we the Awgu people are being sidelined by Udi and Ezeagu.

I sympathize with you and your people over there but you people should fight for your right in Enugu east.

DikeOha882:
When Is our turn coming, we the people of Greater Awgu that comprises of. Aninri,Awgu and Oji? If not for Ekweremadu and dodgedness of our people, we would have been backward.

is greater awgu another senatorial zone ?

milychocs:
We get your drift

Contribute more and meaningfully (I am here to learn politics) and I won't see you AND the newcomer on this page as divisive mischief makers

You know what?
I really dislike your post...no disrespect meant

sir, you don't have to like every post here, I have a right to express my opinions, so if u don't like my post then ignore it. happy Sunday

Unemadu:
There is no "government presence" anywhere else except state capitals in Nigeria

I disagree with you sir, agbani was unknown if not for chimaroke who moved ESUT there and also influence the sitting of the law school there. I don't think agbani would be this developed if not that chimaroke was from that area

basilo101:
while sullivan wasted money in rural Udi.

exactly, that is the problem with Nigerian leadership, every leader focuses on his part and the state capital. agbani was develop by chimaroke UDI by Sullivan and ugwuanyi has now trying to balance the equation at nsukka

Nsukka is the most underdeveloped and underutilized part of Enugu state. No government presence there at all