₦airaland Forum

By Arc Ifeanyi T Obute

The Enugu State Government faces an increasingly difficult question: What exactly is the economic justification for celebrating hundreds of billions of naira in internally generated revenue (IGR) when a significant proportion of the state's population remains trapped in poverty, while the government continues to carry substantial debt obligations?

Governor Peter Mbah's administration has consistently presented its revenue performance as evidence of exceptional fiscal management. According to figures released by the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), the state's internally generated revenue rose from ₦37.4 billion in 2023 to ₦180.5 billion in 2024 and an impressive ₦406.77 billion in 2025 (Enugu State Government, February 2026).

These figures are undoubtedly remarkable. However, revenue generation is not synonymous with economic development, and a government's capacity to collect money should never be confused with its ability to manage public resources responsibly.

The real test of fiscal leadership is not how much money enters the treasury, but how effectively public resources translate into improved living conditions for ordinary citizens.

Revenue Growth Against the Reality of Poverty

The National Bureau of Statistics' Multidimensional Poverty Index (2025) puts Enugu State's poverty incidence at 63.1 per cent, representing approximately 2.63 million people. This means that nearly two out of every three residents experience multiple forms of deprivation, including inadequate healthcare, poor sanitation, educational disadvantages and insufficient living standards (NBS, 2025). This figure is also higher than the 58 per cent poverty rate reportedly recorded at the inception of the present administration.

The critical question is why the administration's extraordinary revenue growth is not translating into a measurable reduction in poverty. Instead, the cited figures suggest an increase in the poverty rate.

What proportion of the state's population has experienced improved economic opportunities? How many sustainable jobs have been created? How much has household purchasing power improved? What deliberate fiscal interventions are helping small businesses survive and expand?

It is difficult to reconcile impressive government revenue announcements with the absence of equally compelling, independently verifiable evidence of corresponding improvements in citizens' economic welfare.

The Questionable Structure of Revenue Growth

Perhaps even more revealing is the composition of Enugu's celebrated ₦406.77 billion IGR for 2025. According to the government's disclosure, only ₦51.5 billion, representing 12.6 per cent, came from tax revenue, while ₦355.2 billion, representing 87.4 per cent, came from non-tax sources (Enugu State Government, 2026; NBS, 2026).

The administration attributes much of this non-tax revenue to the recovery, revitalisation and commercialisation of previously moribund state assets.

While recovering abandoned public assets is commendable, it raises important questions about the sustainability and transparency of this revenue model. Are these earnings recurring? What assets generated the revenue? Were independent valuations conducted? What are the terms of the concessions, leases or commercial arrangements involved?

A government cannot indefinitely depend on the monetisation of existing public assets and present such proceeds as evidence of a permanently sustainable revenue structure.

More importantly, the unusually low contribution of tax revenue to total IGR raises questions about the depth of the state's productive economic base. Sustainable fiscal independence should increasingly derive from a thriving economy, expanding businesses, productive employment and a broadening tax base, rather than predominantly from non-tax collections.

This also raises questions about the administration's much-publicised tax reforms, particularly when many Enugu residents and business operators have complained about what they consider excessive taxation.

The government must demonstrate that revenue mobilisation is not becoming an additional burden on already struggling households and businesses.

Growing Indebtedness Despite Impressive Revenue

The state's debt position presents another dimension of this fiscal contradiction.

According to the Debt Management Office, Enugu's domestic debt stood at approximately ₦194.72 billion as of September 30, 2025 (DMO, 2025).

Debt, in itself, is not necessarily evidence of financial irresponsibility. Responsible borrowing can finance infrastructure and productive investments. However, borrowing becomes questionable when the government cannot convincingly demonstrate the economic returns on its financial commitments.

Enugu's 2024 Debt Sustainability Analysis also projected a debt-to-revenue ratio of approximately 101.62 per cent for 2025. Although the government considered its debt sustainable within its assessment framework, this projection deserves public scrutiny, particularly when viewed alongside the administration's revenue growth claims.

The concern is not simply that Enugu owes money. It is whether the administration's borrowing, expenditure and revenue strategies are producing sufficient long-term economic value to justify the financial obligations being accumulated.

Citizens deserve a transparent account of outstanding liabilities, new borrowing, debt repayments, contractor obligations and the specific projects financed through these commitments.

Fiscal Responsibility Is More Than Building Infrastructure

The Mbah administration has repeatedly highlighted ambitious infrastructure projects, including smart schools, primary healthcare centres, roads, bus terminals and other urban development initiatives.

These projects may be valuable, but their existence does not automatically establish sound fiscal management.

A government must demonstrate that project costs are reasonable, procurement processes are transparent, contractors deliver value for money and completed facilities are functional.

There is a fundamental difference between spending public money and investing public money.

An administration that spends billions on infrastructure without adequately demonstrating the economic returns, maintenance arrangements, employment benefits and long-term social impact risks confusing expensive government activity with meaningful development.

The state must also explain its priorities. Why should ambitious capital projects take precedence over adequately funded healthcare, accessible education, rural economic development and targeted poverty-reduction programmes where these remain insufficiently addressed?

Fiscal responsibility requires balancing visible infrastructure with the less politically glamorous but equally important investments that directly improve household welfare.

Enugu Deserves a Better Fiscal Accountability Culture

Governor Peter Mbah's administration must move beyond celebrating revenue milestones and provide a comprehensive account of how public resources are being deployed.

The government should publish detailed quarterly revenue and expenditure statements, disclose the commercial arrangements behind its non-tax revenue, provide independently audited project costs and publish an updated debt profile.

More importantly, it should establish measurable socioeconomic indicators against which citizens can evaluate its performance.

The State House of Assembly, civil society organisations, professional bodies and the media must equally strengthen their oversight responsibilities.

The argument here is not that Enugu should generate less revenue or abandon infrastructure development. Rather, it is that extraordinary revenue growth must be accompanied by equally extraordinary transparency, fiscal discipline and demonstrable improvements in citizens' welfare, and not the reverse.


The greatest indictment of any government's fiscal policy is not necessarily how much it owes, but whether the resources entrusted to it are producing commensurate value for the people.

Enugu State cannot continue to celebrate hundreds of billions in revenue without answering legitimate questions about poverty, indebtedness, expenditure priorities and the sustainability of its revenue model.

The perception of financial irresponsibility becomes difficult to dismiss when government revenue announcements are not accompanied by sufficiently transparent evidence of value for money and measurable improvements in citizens' living conditions.

Governor Peter Mbah must understand that fiscal performance is not a public relations competition. It is a responsibility involving prudent management of public resources.

The fundamental question remains: If Enugu is generating so much money, why are so many of its people still struggling, and what exactly is the government doing with the money?

The people deserve more than revenue statistics. They deserve accountability!



Arc. Ifeanyi T. Obute writes from Enugu. He is the National Secretary of Eyes on Democracy of Nigeria.

By Ekene Okeke

There was wailing and tears on Thursday at the Enugu State House of Assembly as protesters from Obuofia community of Awgu Town in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State broke down while narrating their ordeal.

The protesters, comprising elders, women and youths, had marched to the Assembly complex to protest the kidnapping and killing and burial of their kinsmen in Ogbunka forest. They carried placards with inscriptions such as "Obuofia Wants Peace", "re arrest the released kidnapper", "Stop Killing Us", "Say No to Mkpurummiri" Grant no bail for any Obuofia kidnapper and "Say No to Hard Drugs."

Midway into their address, the protesters burst into tears, saying the community is still living in fear as they continue to receive more threats from the kidnap gang.

They alleged that some of their kidnapped kinsmen were killed and buried in a shallow grave at Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The community further alleged that one of the suspects arrested in connection with the crime has disappeared from detention, raising fears of compromise and denial of justice.

They passionately appealed to the Enugu State Government and the State House of Assembly to intervene and reach out to the Anambra State Government and other security agencies to help recover the bodies of their kinsmen from the shallow grave in Ogbunka to enable them give them a befitting funeral.

Receiving the protesters on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, the Member representing Nkanu East Constituency, Hon. Okey Mbah, described the development as heartbreaking and assured them of legislative intervention.

"I am deeply touched by your tears. Your complaints will be presented to the Speaker and the entire House. The Assembly will engage the Executive and relevant security agencies in both Enugu and Anambra to ensure the bodies are recovered and justice is served," Hon. Mbah said.

He also urged youths to shun hard drugs, particularly mkpurummiri, which he said is a major driver of insecurity.

The protesters submitted a written petition to the Assembly through Hon. Mbah.

High Chief Chiedozie Patrick Mbah (Obata Obie 1 of Enugu State), also known as Address Amechi Idodo heartily congratulates Hon. Engr. Martins Amadieze on his well-deserved victory and historic inauguration as the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Your emergence is not just a victory, but a victory for the entire people of Igbo-Etiti! It is a clear testament to your outstanding capacity, uncommon leadership prowess, impeccable integrity and your undying love for the people.

You are a well-known goal-getter, a trailblazer, a man of action, a man of vision and a man of the people! A leader who talks and does!

We have no doubt that as a proven goal-getter, you will make Igbo-Etiti LGA proud, rewrite the history of good governance and deliver purposeful, people-oriented, result-driven and transformational leadership to the good people of Igbo-Etiti.

Igbo-Etiti is in safe, capable and God-fearing hands!

I pray that the Almighty God will grant you divine wisdom, sound health, protection and the needed grace to pilot the affairs of Igbo-Etiti LGA to greater and enviable heights.

Igbo-Etiti LGA, Get Ready For Massive Development!

Congratulations, the Capacity Chairman!

Signed:
High Chief Chiedozie Patrick Mbah
Obata Obie 1 of Enugu State

The ancient town of Ukehe in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State is set to come alive on Saturday, 3rd October, 2026 as it celebrates this year's New Yam Festival.

The festival which is locally called Shujok in Ukehe dialect, is what is known as Iri-Ji in many parts of Igboland. It is a time to thank God for bountiful harvest.

Ukehe is popularly known as home of brotherliness. Till today, our people drink with one cup. That spirit of oneness is what we celebrate every Shujok.

This year's celebration is being organized by the Ukehe Progressive Agenda and according to the organizers, Shujok Ukehe 2026 will be a carnival of sort.

The event will be chaired by a renowned son of Ukehe, Ozo Chief Ifeanyi Udeaku, Ozo Nwanne Di Namba 1 of Ukehe. Chief Udeaku is a well known businessman with interests in hospitality and importation, and a great philanthropist who has contributed immensely to the growth of Ukehe.

The Royal Fathers of the Day are His Royal Highness, Igwe Emmanuel Arua, Onu-Ukehe of Agu-Ukehe Autonomous Community and His Royal Highness, Igwe Ignatius Ojili, Ifeabata of Amakofia Autonomous Community.

Spiritual Director for the day is Rev. Fr. Dr. Evaristus Emeka Isife.

The venue is the popular Nwankwo-Ukehe Market Square which has just been given a facelift by the CWO Ukehe Home and Abroad.

Activities for the day will include the traditional blessing of the new yam, cultural dances by different villages in Ukehe, women and youth groups, celebration of the biggest yam farmer in Ukehe, folklore by the elders and communal sharing of new yam.

Speaking to journalists ahead of the event, Secretary of Ukehe Progressive Agenda, Comrade Matthias Aroh (Skino) said this year's Shujok will be memorable.

He said it will be a celebration of culture, unity, peace, thanksgiving and collective progress. He added that Ukehe will use the opportunity to celebrate her rich cultural heritage, strengthen the bonds of unity and brotherhood and thank God for the new yam.

He invited all sons and daughters of Ukehe both at home and abroad as well as well wishers to come and be part of the celebration.

Date is Saturday, 3rd October, 2026. Venue is Nwankwo-Ukehe Market Square. Time is 12 noon prompt.

The ancient town of Ukehe in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State is set to come alive on Saturday, 3rd October, 2026 as it celebrates this year's New Yam Festival.

The festival which is locally called Shujok in Ukehe dialect, is what is known as Iri-Ji in many parts of Igboland. It is a time to thank God for bountiful harvest.

Ukehe is popularly known as home of brotherliness. Till today, our people drink with one cup. That spirit of oneness is what we celebrate every Shujok.

This year's celebration is being organized by the Ukehe Progressive Agenda and according to the organizers, Shujok Ukehe 2026 will be a carnival of sort.

The event will be chaired by a renowned son of Ukehe, Ozo Chief Ifeanyi Udeaku, Ozo Nwanne Di Namba 1 of Ukehe. Chief Udeaku is a well known businessman with interests in hospitality and importation, and a great philanthropist who has contributed immensely to the growth of Ukehe.

The Royal Fathers of the Day are His Royal Highness, Igwe Emmanuel Arua, Onu-Ukehe of Agu-Ukehe Autonomous Community and His Royal Highness, Igwe Ignatius Ojili, Ifeabata of Amakofia Autonomous Community.

Spiritual Director for the day is Rev. Fr. Dr. Evaristus Emeka Isife.

The venue is the popular Nwankwo-Ukehe Market Square which has just been given a facelift by the CWO Ukehe Home and Abroad.

Activities for the day will include the traditional blessing of the new yam, cultural dances by different villages in Ukehe, women and youth groups, celebration of the biggest yam farmer in Ukehe, folklore by the elders and communal sharing of new yam.

Speaking to journalists ahead of the event, Secretary of Ukehe Progressive Agenda, Comrade Matthias Aroh (Skino) said this year's Shujok will be memorable.

He said it will be a celebration of culture, unity, peace, thanksgiving and collective progress. He added that Ukehe will use the opportunity to celebrate her rich cultural heritage, strengthen the bonds of unity and brotherhood and thank God for the new yam.

He invited all sons and daughters of Ukehe both at home and abroad as well as well wishers to come and be part of the celebration.

Date is Saturday, 3rd October, 2026. Venue is Nwankwo-Ukehe Market Square. Time is 12 noon prompt.

A group identifying itself as the Concerned Citizens of Igbo-Etiti East Constituency in Enugu State has called for the resignation of the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly over allegations bordering on certificate forgery and criminal misrepresentation.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, the group alleged that the Deputy Speaker sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2019 after already serving two terms in the State Assembly.

According to the group, the development raises questions regarding the academic qualifications allegedly presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the electorate during the 2015 and 2019 general elections.

The group further alleged that the Deputy Speaker had previously been withdrawn from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) over issues relating to the presentation of a certificate, and called for clarification regarding the qualifications allegedly used in contesting the elections.

The concerned citizens said they had issued the Deputy Speaker a seven-day ultimatum to voluntarily resign from office in the interest of accountability and the integrity of the legislature.

They also urged the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly to suspend the Deputy Speaker if he fails to resign within the stipulated period, stating that such action would pave the way for an impartial investigation into the allegations.

According to the letter, a formal petition alleging forgery and criminal misrepresentation has also been submitted to the Inspector-General of Police for investigation.

The group maintained that the people of Igbo-Etiti East Constituency and Enugu State deserve public officials who uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability, expressing confidence that the leadership of the 10th Enugu State House of Assembly would act in accordance with the law.

As of press time, efforts by our correspondent to obtain the Deputy Speaker's reaction were unsuccessful, as he did not answer repeated telephone calls placed to his mobile line. The Enugu State House of Assembly had also not issued an official statement on the matter.

Chiziterem is 10 years old. His books are waiting at school, his friends are waiting for him on the football field but Chiziterem is on a hospital bed recovering from injuries no child should ever know injuries caused by the aunt he was sent to live with.

The Amazon Ladies , is raising her voice over Chiziterem’s case. As a group of women committed to community welfare, we see his story as not just about one boy. It reflects a painful truth spreading across Nigeria: too many children are being abused inside the very homes meant to protect them.

“A child’s home should be a place of love, not fear”

We are heartbroken for Chiziterem and his parents. When a guardian becomes the abuser, the child loses every safe place to run to. Chiziterem deserves care, education and childhood joy, not beatings and certainly, not trauma.

We Amazon Ladies believe child abuse destroys futures. Whether physical or emotional, it leaves scars that affect development, trust and mental health. No child in Ukehe, Enugu, or any part of Nigeria should grow up thinking pain is normal.

“Parents, never send your underage children away”

The Amazon Ladies is sending a strong message to parents nationwide: No hardship, no financial pressure, no difficulty justifies handing over your underage child as a “househelp” or “ward” to anybody, not even a relative.

When you give out your child, you lose control over who raises them, how they are treated and who they become. Many children sent away like Chiziterem end up being overworked, denied education, and abused. Your child is your responsibility. Even in the hardest times, you owe them care, protection and love.

If you must seek support, do it through proper channels social welfare, community leaders, faith organizations and check on your child regularly.

Parents will also be held liable. Ignorance is not an excuse.

Why this keeps happening in our communities
The Amazon Ladies has observed that poverty, stress, unchecked anger, and lack of parenting support trigger many abuse cases in homes. Worse, silence from neighbors and relatives gives abusers courage.

Silence is abuse too

Child abuse is everyone’s business. If you hear it, if you see it, speak up. Protecting children is a collective duty not just for government or police, but for all of us as a community.

Our commitment to Chiziterem
The Amazon Ladies is closely monitoring Chiziterem’s case and we are available to give the needed assistance towards his full recovery. His healing and wellbeing remain our priority.

Our appreciation

We sincerely appreciate the Government of Anambra State for their swift response. We also thank other agencies and NGOs for their interest in this matter. Special thanks to Ukehe Community, especially Umuofiagu Union, Onitsha Branch, for standing with the child, speaking out and giving regular update.

As an association, we remain committed to community sensitization, counseling for struggling families, and supporting victims like Chiziterem. But we cannot do it alone. We need traditional rulers, faith leaders, law enforcement, and every citizen to act.

Our message is clear

We believe that peaceful homes raise strong children while strong and healthy children build a strong nation,”

For Chiziterem, and for every child suffering quietly in Nigeria we say
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!

The candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) for the forthcoming Enugu North Senatorial District bye-election, Mr. Okwudili Ossai, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of being compromised following the omission of his name from the commission's final list of candidates for the June 20 poll.

Ossai expressed dissatisfaction with the electoral body's decision, arguing that INEC exceeded its constitutional role by excluding his candidacy despite what he described as full compliance with nomination requirements.

According to him, the NDC duly notified the commission of his candidacy and completed all necessary documentation before the June 2 deadline for the submission of nomination forms.

“INEC is not a coach; it is a referee. The duty of INEC is to present candidates nominated by political parties to the electorate. It has no right to remove anyone's name from the portal. But INEC is compromised,” Ossai alleged.

The controversy follows the release of the final list of candidates by the Enugu State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, which featured candidates from only three political parties—the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the BOOT Party.

INEC had stated that only the listed parties successfully completed the submission of Forms EC9, EC9C and other required documents through its Nomination Portal within the stipulated timeframe.

Reacting to the development, Ossai said the NDC was reviewing available legal and political options and would soon announce its next course of action.

He called on party supporters across the six local government areas that make up the Enugu North Senatorial District—Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Igbo-Etiti and Uzo-Uwani—to remain calm and united.

“The struggle to ensure proper representation for the people of Enugu North is not over,” he said.

The bye-election is scheduled to fill the Enugu North Senatorial seat, which became vacant in November 2025.

The Waiting Ends Now

Igbo Etiti East has waited too long for leadership that feels the pulse of the people. Not speeches, not empty promises, but real representation that understands the daily struggles and aspirations of the community. That wait ends now.

A Defining Moment, Not Just Another Election

This is more than a political season. It’s a chance to rewrite the story of Igbo Etiti East. The future won’t change by accident. It changes when people choose a leader who combines vision with action, compassion with capacity.

The Candidate: Dr. Clinton Ide Okwudili

Dr. Clinton Ide Okwudili is that leader. Known as _The Man The Cap Fits_, he has built his reputation on service, not self-interest. He listens to the people, understands their needs, and has the intellect and network to bring development and opportunities to Igbo Etiti East.

His track record speaks to empowerment, community upliftment, and accountability — the exact qualities the people are demanding today.

Leadership That Represents Everyone

The message from the ground is simple: Igbo Etiti East needs a representative for all, not just a privileged few. Dr. Clinton stands for inclusive leadership built on responsibility and sacrifice.

The Call to Action

The time is now. Every son and daughter of Igbo Etiti East has a role to play in shaping what comes next. Put aside sentiment. Choose progress. Choose unity. Choose a future you can believe in.


Support Dr. Clinton Ide

Courtesy of Dr Ide Digital Force

Diaspora Power: Enugu North Indigenes Abroad United Behind Mbah


The 2027 political atmosphere in Enugu State got louder on Saturday as Enugu North indigenes in the diaspora formally backed Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for a second term.

The endorsement came during a well-attended gathering in Nsukka that linked diaspora members across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, United Arab Emirates, and South Africa.

Diaspora Position Made Clear

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Apostle Mike Ugwu said the decision reflects the collective view of Enugu North indigenes living abroad.

“Distance has not cut our ties to Enugu North. We are part of this zone, and we care deeply about its direction,” Ugwu stated.

“Having observed the administration’s footprint across our communities, our conclusion is simple: continuity serves the best interest of our people. Enugu North is fully behind Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for 2027. The matter is settled.”

Summary of interventions

Nsukka Local Government Diaspora Desk made donations of security drone and motorcycles to support the security work in Nsukka Local Government which is to prove our corporate social responsibilities to our people.

Diaspora Desk Office, Igbo-Etiti LGA Secured 4 ADB-funded solar agro-processing plants worth ₦80m each under the National Rural Electrification Initiative — 2 rice mills, 1 cassava mill, 1 feed mill — at 10% counterpart funding of ₦8m per plant. To be installed across Igbo-Etiti LGA to boost food production and reduce poverty.

Uzo-Uwani LGA Diaspora desk office donated academic books to UNN, one other university, and libraries at St. Patrick’s and Winners Church Schools, Uvuru; packaged Ada Rice to export standards; and paid hospital bills for 20+ indigent persons in Enugu North Senatorial Zone.

The Udenu LGA Diaspora Desk Office facilitated the full sponsorship of 77 individuals for skills acquisition under the SUSTALENT Project. The Office also established strategic partnerships with La Vera College of Nursing, Nsukka, and La Vera College Hospital and Diagnostic Centre. Additionally, negotiations are ongoing with UK-based companies for a proposed 200-hectare agricultural project in Udenu.
Igbo Eze North Diaspora desk office has made substantial contributions to enhancing security. Most recently, the community donated two Toyota Sienna vehicles and five motorcycles to strengthen the local security framework.
Igbo-Eze South has done wonders too in their LGA

Ugwu added that the diaspora will “work hand in hand with stakeholders at home” to ensure the decision holds through the election.



Full text of Apostle Mike Ugwu’s address on behalf of Enugu North indigenes abroad attached below

They always think home and this time, they backed it with power bikes.


If you want a real example of “aku lue uno” in action, look no further than what happened in Nsukka on Wednesday.

The Nsukka Diaspora Community just raised the bar for grassroots security. They donated high-powered motorbikes and a DJI MAVIC 4 PRO surveillance drone to neighborhood watch officials across Nsukka LGA — with border communities getting first dibs.

Over 200 excited neighborhood watch officials showed up for the handover. That includes 36 Community Security Officers (CSOs) from 56 communities spread across the 20 wards in Nsukka LGA. Even the DPO and Area Commander stopped by to show support before rushing off to other duties.

Who got the first batch?

Council Chairman Hon. Engr. Jude Chinedu Asogwa, KSJI, made it clear: the most vulnerable communities come first. So Anụka, Agụ Ama-Agụ, Agụ-Opi, Eha Ndị Agụ, and Agụ-Obimo, which shares a boundary with Ụzọ-Uwani, are the initial beneficiaries.

Up next? Agụ Adada Lejja, Agụ Ụmabọ, Okutu, Ụtọbọlọ, and Ibagwa Agụ are slated for phase two.

Why it matters

Rev. Mike Maduabuchi Ugwu, the Nsukka LG Diaspora Desk Officer, didn’t mince words when he addressed the joint assembly of Neighborhood Watch, Anti-Cult, and Anti-Drug Units.

He said the donation came from “genuine concern for the safety and protection of our communities and people.” And he made sure to appreciate Nsukka Diaspora members “who always have the well-being of their people at heart.”

According to Rev. Ugwu, the bikes and drone will boost mobility, speed up response time, and improve surveillance in flashpoint areas. “It's a commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Nsukka LGA,” he said.

He also stressed that border points need stricter monitoring. Opi-Agu, Eha-Ndiagu, Anuka, Agu-Edem, and Agu-Obimo have all seen security challenges before — and they’re part of this first phase.

This is just the beginning

Rev. Ugwu revealed that this security support is only the first of many projects the diaspora community has lined up. Expect more foreign investment, job creation, and youth empowerment programs soon.

But they’re not just handing over equipment and walking away. “We will be closely watching and observing how effectively this equipment is deployed and the results of their activities within the LGA,” Rev. Ugwu warned.

The verdict from the ground

People at the event couldn’t stop praising the Nsukka Diaspora model. Many called it a best practice that other LGAs in the Nsukka zone should copy. The common refrain? “They always think home.”

Others went further, urging government at all levels to partner with the diaspora community and tap into their members’ expertise and knowledge in key areas.

This latest handover follows the formal presentation of security apparatus to the Council Chairman back on January 11, 2026, at Adada House, Nsukka.

A recent town hall meeting convened by Comrade General Kennedy Iyere, a prominent Humanitarian Activist, Justice Crusader, and Philanthrepreneur, at Radisson Blu, Victoria Island Lagos, has sparked a renewed call for change in Enugu State. The meeting, which brought together citizens from across Nigeria, emphasized the need for youth to take up political space and shape the future of the state.

Comrade Iyere, Founder of Youths of the Street Initiative (YOTSI), FUBD-YES Cooperative, 40Million Ballots movement, Food4All Initiative, and other organizations, has been a vocal advocate for social justice and youth empowerment. His efforts to mobilize citizens and drive positive change are widely recognized.

The town hall meeting, hailed as a first of its kind, featured free speeches by young and old people from different states, all echoing the same message: it's time for a new direction in Enugu State. Participants stressed that the state must "get it right" come 2027, with a unanimous call for an "all-rounder" governor who'll prioritize transparency, accountability, and the welfare of citizens.

"Ndi Enugu want an all-rounder for Governor come 2027, not a tyrant," was a key takeaway from the meeting. Citizens are demanding improved infrastructure, enhanced healthcare services, quality education, economic empowerment, and security for all.

The town hall meeting has galvanized support for a change in government, with citizens eager to work together to build a better Enugu State.

Private school owners in Enugu State are sounding the alarm over what they describe as "strangulating policies" by the state government, which they claim are threatening the very existence of their institutions. The owners are decrying heavy taxation, stringent measures, and unrealistic policies that are forcing them to shut down their schools.

The Issues:

Heavy Taxation: Taxes range from N450,000 to N2.2 million, depending on school size, which owners say is unsustainable.
- Unified Exam: Private schools are required to conduct a unified exam in SS 2 as a condition for WAEC and NECO registration, which owners see as an overreach of authority.
- Census Figures: The government collects census figures from private schools, which owners believe is unnecessary and burdensome.
- School Closures: The government has ordered the shutdown of unapproved private schools, citing substandard facilities and lack of registration.
- Data Upload: Private schools are required to upload their data on the ministry's portal, which owners see as a threat to their autonomy, especially since students are on holiday and schools are closed.

The Consequences:

- School Shutdowns: Many private schools may be forced to shut down due to the heavy taxation and stringent measures.
- Loss of Jobs: Thousands of teachers and staff may lose their jobs if private schools are shut down.
- Education Crisis: The state's education sector may face a crisis if private schools are unable to operate effectively.

The Solutions:

- Downward Review of Taxes: A downward review of taxes to make them more manageable for private school owners.
- Categorization of Schools: Categorizing schools into high, medium, and low-cost schools to ensure fair taxation.
- Financial Support: Providing financial and material support to private schools to improve their facilities and operations.
- Moratorium: A 3-year moratorium to allow schools to improve structures and facilities without fear of closure.
- Dialogue and Consultation: Engaging in dialogue and consultation with private school owners to address their concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions.
- Extension of Data Upload Deadline: Considering an extension of the data upload deadline to a later date, after the holiday period, to allow schools to comply without disrupting their operations.

The private school owners are calling on the state government to reconsider its policies and work with them to find solutions that will promote quality education and support the growth and development of private schools in the state.