A deep reflection on the striking traits of Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the immediate past governor of Enugu State, as he clocks 60, is indeed a compelling excursion. It is also a veritable opportunity to relive his unique personality, leadership nous and their positive impact on the people.

Marking his Diamond Jubilee on March 20 is a great feat for the former governor who was remarkable in entrenching peace, security, and good governance in Enugu State, amid local, national and global governance challenges.

Ugwuanyi must be a fulfilled man for elevating the state’s development narrative to an enviable height through his special focus on rural development aimed at growing the local economy and giving the rural dwellers and the long-neglected, a sense of belonging.

Ugwuanyi is always grateful for God’s unmerited favour which availed him the opportunity to: serve his state and country selflessly; work as God’s instrument in raising the poor, the underprivileged and long-neglected from the ash heap and make them to inherit a throne of honour; heal the broken hearted and stamp peace and harmony on the state’s marble, in keeping with the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers.

Former Governor Ugwuanyi is a good man, a very calm person, a devout Roman Catholic and a bridge-builder who does not segregate irrespective of class, ethnic, political or religious differences nor sacrifice the needs and wellbeing of the people on the altar of selfishness and parochial sentiments.

He sips deep from the Church’s moral teachings, especially the Christian obligation towards promoting peace, love and unity, and sharing in the pains of others by ameliorating their suffering. His commitment to empowerment and human capital development is outstanding.

No doubt, the ex-governor has always returned all glory, adoration and thanksgiving to God for his remarkable accomplishments in office through his resourcefulness, dint of hard work, vision, dignity, philanthropic and patriotic gestures, peaceful disposition, humility, inclusiveness, kindness, sacrifices, forbearance and commitment to God.

Consequently, Ugwuanyi, fondly known as Gburugburu, even after leaving office as governor, has left no one in doubt about the genuineness of these striking traits of his which have over the years defined his life story and also carved an enviable niche for him as a phenomenal leader with a unique leadership philosophy.

A proud member of the G5, Ugwuanyi during the 2023 presidential election period, alongside his G5 colleagues, led by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, patriotically exhibited courage and firm commitment to peace, unity, and progress of Nigeria as well as the equitable rotation of power between the Northern and Southern parts of the country.

Highly detribalized and a deep man of faith, Ugwuanyi’s broad-minded style of inclusive politics, sacrifice, and commitment to peace and unity have seen him play a unique statesman’s role for the common good and sustainable development of Enugu State, the South East Zone and Nigeria as a whole.

A rare leader who, even when he receives bad coins from his beneficiaries in return for his good coins, remains calm, unprovoked, and willing to do more good for peace to reign.

As a kind-hearted leader with wealth of experience, and one with good conscience always grateful to God for His goodness and amazing grace, Ugwuanyi in keeping with his long held tradition of marking his birthday, is committed to prayers, charity, almsgiving and thanksgiving.

The nucleus of this year’s remarkable event (Diamond Jubilee) is, therefore, anchored on the wellbeing of the needy and underprivileged in the society.

Ugwuanyi’s pre-birthday message, in the spirit of the Lenten Season, has always been that his friends and well-wishers who intend offering him birthday gifts should “channel them to charity homes and orphanages in appreciation of God’s mercies and kindness”. He had also expressed aversion to marking the occasion with public activities.

In keeping with his philanthropic gestures, Ugwuanyi has a rural-based medical programme, “Gburugburu Free Medical Outreach” that renders free medical services to underprivileged patients with surgical conditions but lack funds for treatments, among others. This free medical programme, which has been running effectively and efficiently to date, has successfully saved the life of over 2,340 people through the “Gburugburu’s Free Surgery Programme”.

The ex-governor is unrepentant about his disposition and passion towards alleviating the sufferings of the people and giving succour to the needy and the long-neglected in the society.

This obviously informed his administration’s decision to pay special attention to rural development to benefit the majority of indigenes of Enugu State, who reside in the rural areas.

In his inaugural address as governor in 2015, Ugwuanyi was deliberate when he stated that “Enugu State under us will pay a special attention to rural development because majority of our people live in the rural areas”.

Consciously, the then governor disclosed that his administration in line with the above will equip and modernize Nsukka - a university town founded over half a century ago and the second largest town in Enugu State.

As Ugwuanyi, the pioneer of rural development model in Enugu State clocks 60, one is proud to identify his visionary leadership and indelible footsteps as a peacemaker and one who enjoyed an enduring harmonious working relationship with the legislative arm of government, the judicial arm, the state workforce (labour union), the religious and traditional institutions.

Remarkably, Ugwuanyi is the founder of a university located in Nsukka Zone, the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State; the man who attracted a federal polytechnic to Nsukka Zone, Federal Polytechnic Ohodo, Enugu State; the first governor of Enugu State to construct a flyover bridge in the state, the T-junction Flyover Bridge, Nike, Enugu; the hand that remodeled and reconstructed the ancient, historic and undulating 11km Enugu Milliken Hill-Ngwo-9th Mile road; the man who changed the face of major roads at the heart of 9th Mile Corner, Udi LGA and ended the heavy gridlock in the commercial area with the construction of two bypass roads.

The former governor also constructed the 13km Nike Lake junction-Harmony Estate-Amorji Nike-Adoration Pilgrimage Centre-Orie Emene road linking the ever-busy Abakpa Nike with Emene satellite town in Enugu East LGA; reconstructed the Nike Lake Road and Abakpa Nike Road in Enugu East LGA; reconstructed the Airport Roundabout/Orie-Emene/ St. Patrick’s College/Eke-Obinagu Road in Enugu East LGA; constructed the 8.2km Inyi-Akpugoeze road in Oji River LGA; reconstructed different roads in Enugu City, among numerous other road projects.

Ugwunayi is outstanding as the man who brought transformational development to Nsukka Zone through the construction of the state-of-the-art 12km Opi-Nsukka dual carriageway with underground drainage system and fitted with street and traffic lights, among other numerous roads which gave the university town of Nsukka a major facelift.

The ex-governor is equally the man who constructed the ultra-modern 5,000-seat Nsukka Township Stadium, a befitting State Secretariat Annex at Nsukka and interestingly, a massive Conference Centre adjacent to it.

The former governor, in opening up the rural areas, constructed numerous roads and other amenities. These include the 31km Udenu Ring Road, the 8.8km Nkalagu-Eha Amufu road in Isi-Uzo LGA, neglected for over 35 years, the 26.66km Ukpabi-Nimbo-Ugbene -Ajima-Eziani road in Uzo-Uwani LGA (RAMP-2); the 22.443km Neke-Mbu-Ogbodu Aba-Obollo Etiti inter-community road linking Isi-Uzo and Udenu LGAs (RAMP-2); Type 3 Healthcare Cenres; massive Amenity Ward Facility located at the upgraded Ogrute General Hospital, Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA; numerous educational facilities across the state, such as classroom blocks, school furniture, etc.

One of Ugwuanyi’s greatest achievements for Nsukka Zone was the stepping down of 30MVA in Nsukka from the 132KV Makurdi Feeder, which his administration facilitated. This milestone achievement has effectively improved the quality of electricity supply to the area and has also enhanced the growth of business activities.

The 30MVA Injection Sub-Station in Nsukka, was the programme of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) but received maximum support from Ugwuanyi’s administration which provided sundry assistance such as resolution of all legal issues concerning the project, bush clearing as well as dealing with other obstructions impeding the line's passage, and construction of the outgoing feeders to supply power to end users.

On security, Ugwuanyi achieved several milestones in making Enugu one of the safest states in Nigeria. He achieved this by the overwhelming support he gave to the various security agencies in the state. One of such support was the purchase and donation of 100 units of Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM) patrol vans fitted with communication gadgets to the security agencies in the state to effectively aid their operations.

The former governor also employed 1,700 forest guards, repositioned the vigilante/neighbourhood watch groups, and purchased 260 security vehicles for their community policing operations, among other time-honoured interventions.

During the recent maiden Founders’ Day celebration of SUMAS, the Chairman of the Occasion and Chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu applauded Ugwuanyi for his foresight in establishing the “unique university” during his tenure as governor of the state.

Igwe Agubuzu described former Governor Ugwuanyi as “an inimitable and inscrutable politician who deserves to be acknowledged and honoured not just for founding this university (SUMAS) but for the lightning speed with which he did so in the twilight of his second tenure as Governor of Enugu State,” congratulating him for the remarkable achievement and legacy.

According to him, “This unique university, located in a unique place, was conceived and delivered under unique circumstances by a unique person, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, CON; former Governor of Enugu State, an inimitable and inscrutable politician." The monarch acknowledged Ugwuanyi for developing his constituency.

Ugwuanyi was born to late Chief David and late Lolo Veronica Ugwuanyi, from Orba in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State on March 20,1964. He attended his secondary education at St. Theresa’s College, Nsukka, from where he gained admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). From the nation’s foremost university, he obtained a B.Sc. degree in Finance and M.Sc. degree in Marketing (Public Relations). Ugwuanyi equally holds MBA degree in Finance and Banking and another MBA degree in Accountancy from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).

He had an outstanding career in the financial sector having worked in insurance brokerage where by dint of hard work, he rose to the position of Chief Executive Officer of Premier Brokers, the then prime insurance brokerage firm in the South East zone of the country, owned by the five states in the zone and now African Continental Bank (ACB).

On his public life, Ugwuanyi joined active politics in 2003 when he contested for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives. He was elected member for Igbo-Eze North /Udenu Federal Constituency in the 5th National Assembly (2003-2007). Subsequently, he was re-elected to the same seat in the 6th National Assembly (2007-2011) and again, for the third time, to the 7th National Assembly (2011-2015) serving a total of 12 years in the green chambers of the National Assembly.

In the National Assembly, Ugwuanyi left a great imprint and an enviable record. Between 2003 and 2007, he served as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Public Service Matters and Deputy Chairman House Committee on Pensions, respectively.

Following his victory at the National Assembly elections of 2007, he was appointed Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Transport (2007-2011).

On account of his stellar performance as Chairman of the Committee on Maritime Transport, he was re-appointed to the same committee position on winning back his House seat in 2011 thereby emerging as the first member of the National Assembly (both the Senate and the House of Representatives) to chair this all-important committee for two consecutive legislative sessions.

While in the National Assembly, Ugwuanyi expanded his philanthropic reach by awarding scholarships to indigent students at all levels of education in his constituency and beyond. He provided infrastructure in educational institutions and in churches. He also constructed boreholes to solve the water needs of some communities in his constituency and donated transformers to many communities to boost electricity supply, to mention but a few.

In 2015, Ugwuanyi was overwhelmingly elected as the governor of Enugu State. He was re-elected as governor of the state in 2019, with unprecedented 95.54 percent of the votes cast. The landslide victory was actually the highest in the nation’s electoral history and also a referendum on his remarkable achievements in spite of the state’s lean resources as well as the nation’s economic, security, and public health challenges during his tenure as governor.

Ugwuanyi, to the glory of God, successfully ended his eight-year tenure as governor of Enugu State on May 29, 2023, and seamlessly handed over to his preferred successor from his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who is full of ideas and adroitly and successfully applying his administration's disruptive innovation to governance for the exponential growth of the state.

Little wonder, the famous American poet and essayist Maya Angelou, observed that “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” For His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the former governor of Enugu State, his light indeed shines from within.

Your Excellency, may the good Lord continue to guide, protect and bless you with peace, joy, good health, strength, prosperity, and more years of selfless service to the state, Nsukka Zone, Nigeria and humanity.

Happy 60th Birthday, The Udulekenyi 1 of Orba Udulekenyi!

Renowned communicator and political analyst Ambrose Igboke clears the air on the false and misleading claims by Senator Okey Ezea and his social media praise singers, over the recent flag-off of the second phase of the Markudi-Nsukka-9th Mile federal road by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, revealing that "Records show that the contract for that road was awarded during Fashola's time as Works Minister. Indeed the work commenced from the Abuja-Makurdi end".

Igboke further revealed that the MD of FERMA, in July 2023, (before Senator Ezea's purported motion on the floor of the Senate) disclosed "that the contract has since been awarded and that the Chinese contractors were already mobilizing to site for the second phase of the road: Makurdi - 9th Mile. He promised that the contract will be funded soon. This was in July, 2023."

Ambrose Igboke who debunked Senator Ezea's claims that "his action was what made the government begin work on that road," wrote...

"While we commend Senator Ezea for adding a voice to the deplorable condition of 9th Mile-Opi Road, it is unethical to say that his action was what made the government begin work on that road. Records show that the contract for that road was awarded during Fashola's time as Works Minister. Indeed the work commenced from the Abuja-Makurdi end.

"As at July, 2023, a team of Nsukka Concerned People visited the MD of FERMA who assured that the contract has since been awarded and that the Chinese contractors were already mobilizing to site for the second phase of the road: Makurdi - 9th Mile. He promised that the contract will be funded soon. This was in July, 2023.

"It may also interest you that the team which went for that visit, called Senator Ezea to intimate him and urged him to raise the issue on the floor of the Senate, which he did.

"We are all Nsukka people and we should allow the Senator to do his work which he was voted to do. Our Senator is yet to settle down. Yet media praise singers are already dishing out phantom achievements. We should begin to engage him to do well, not praise singing.

"We wish our Distinguished Senator well." - Ambrose Igboke (January 29, 2024).

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State on Thursday sought constructive partnership with the 24 Members-elect of the State House of Assembly to accelerate development and render utmost service to the people of the state.

Governor Mbah who spoke while declaring open a two-day pre-inauguration workshop for the 8th Assembly Members-elect at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, assured them that his administration would do what it takes to ensure that the constructive partnership in the service of the people of the state will be sustained.

Represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the governor disclosed that he is making every effort to infuse the executive arm of government with the intellectual energy needed to deliver on his mandate, and fulfill his campaign promises to the people of the state.

Governor Mbah described the workshop as a step in the right direction, adding that it will extensively equip the incoming members of the state parliament with the necessary tools needed to execute their constitutional assignment.

Reminding them that quality service is expected of the new executive and legislative arms of government by the people of Enugu State, the governor said that he has no doubt that the Members-elect will perform their legislative duties efficiently and effectively.

Conveying the goodwill and felicitations of Governor Mbah to the Members-elect, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ossai explained that the governor came prepared with his mantra of disruptive innovation, adding: “And the disruptor himself, Dr. Peter Mbah is making every effort to infuse the executive arm with the intellectual energy needed to execute this assignment.

“I am left with no doubt that our people will be happy at the end of the day because there is capacity in the governor to navigate us through a complex and possibly complicated process.

“But that process is the only pathway to the great Enugu State we have all envisioned. It is the only pathway to the apex of development that we need to keep Enugu competitive and ensure that we will be able to compete with cities around Africa and the world.”

In his welcome address, the Clerk of the House, Barr. Dr. Emmanuel Okey Udaya, stated that Governor Mbah in the light of his vision and innovative approach to issues gave him the approval to organise the two-day orientation programme for Members-elect of the State House of Assembly.

Barr. Udaya, who pointed out that the workshop has remained a valuable platform for exposing members to the fundamentals of legislative business, told the 8th Assembly Members-elect that the modified induction programme will “expose you more to the fundamentals of governance, legislative practice and procedures, leadership, management and related issues.”

According to the Clerk of the House, who is also the Head of Legislative Service: “This programme is aimed at providing a platform for participants to deepen their understanding of the mandate, workings, vision, governance and legislative processes, and to guide you to collectively reflect and initiate strategies that will enhance the delivery of the mandate of the Members and Management of the State Assembly.”

Prof. Osy Okanya, one of the resource persons present at the opening ceremony, delivered a lecture titled: “Principles of Separation of Powers and Understanding the Legislative Rules, Practice and Procedures (Standing Order) and Role of Bureaucracy and Aides.

The Speaker of the 7th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi, is billed deliver a lecture on "Fundamentals of Committee System and Oversight Process."

He said that the decision of Ugwuanyi with the members and leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to support his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate was driven by patriotism.

Governor Mbah told Ugwuanyi that “you recognised that the line of the land is shifting rapidly and you took a view that if we must accelerate development in Enugu State, the people who will be leading or championing that development must also have the necessary public and private sector background.

“In the light of that, you fixed your eyes on the fight despite the blackmail, discord and vilification you received during the campaigns and electioneering processes.”

The governor disclosed that in constituting the committee which was chaired by Ike Chioke “we searched for the very best in virtually all views of development,” adding: “Here gathered are the products of that scrutiny. We have experts from virtually all fields of development, these are technocrats, these are private sector giants both men and women that have distinguished themselves in their various professional endeavours.”

Prior to the visit, Governor Mbah had at different fora explained that his ambitious economic plans for Enugu State as contained in his manifesto cannot be actualised with the state’s lean resources alone but by doing things differently that would take the state through a consequential journey of growth, development and greatness.

The governor had promised to grow the state’s economy from its current level of $4.4 billion to $30 billion. He talked about ensuring that his administration achieves a zero per cent rate in the state’s poverty headcount index.

Governor Mbah had also talked about making Enugu State the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living as well as unpacking the skills of the youths in digital technology so that he will be able to equip a minimum of 40,000 youths in digital technology and a minimum of 10,000 youths in practical skills yearly.

Dwelling further on his plans, adjudged by many to be ambitious, Governor Mbah had equally said that they are “achievable because they are measurable. We also know that the growth level we are talking about cannot come from the public sector alone. This growth will happen through constructive investment, and they will come largely from the private sector.”

Addressing the people of Enugu State at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu shortly after his inauguration as Governor of the State, Dr. Mbah expressed gratitude to them for the opportunity they gave him to serve them as their governor, saying that he will forever be grateful to them for the honour.

The governor declared that “the youths of Enugu State will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the tomorrow that is now here today. We want to expose our youths to the skills required to grasp the emerging future and create opportunities for the genius in them to flourish. We also want to invoke and instill in them the can-do spirit that is innate in the Igbo man. Enugu will rubbish ‘Japa’, not by legislation but by creatively addressing the challenges to the future of our youths.

“We will equip our youths with e-commerce, fintech and cyber-security skills, such that they will become globally interconnected, and can indeed ‘Japa’ all over the world by providing services online through their e-commerce skills. They will be champions of the globe without necessarily having to leave Enugu.

“I am standing before you today pregnant with ideas on how to rescue our youths and indeed the whole of Enugu State from the threats against our existence. You can trust me. I will be operating from the vantage of transcendental values and not narrow interests. That is what we are driven by. I will not let you down. We believe that the only purpose of leadership is to bring the best out of every one of us. You are why all these are possible.”

Harping on doing things differently, Governor Mbah among other promises stated: “Take notice that this administration will be business unusual. Tough decisions will be taken. Those decisions will, however, be taken in the best interest of Ndi Enugu and Enugu State in general. You will constitute the driving force of every action we take as your representatives.

“We will serve you with every fiber of our being and devote all our energy and your resources to working for you and your interests. Our driving force and governance philosophy will be always based on transcendental values.

“We will invoke the spirit of enterprise, the creative energy of our people and the remarkable industry on the streets of Enugu State to create the difference in governance. We will pursue an economic growth that is unrivalled in this part of the country. We will tap into the limitless resources of the private sector to provide world-class infrastructure and productive sector growth.

“We will retool and re-energize our agriculture/agro-allied sector. We will unlock our rural economy through the implementation of Special Economic Zones and Special Agro-allied Processing Zones. The commerce and industry sector will help us to kick-start this drive. We also plan to provide a N100 billion revolving fund for our SMEs in partnership with the Private Sector and other Development Financial Institutions.

“In the area of Information and Communication Technology, (ICT), we will provide a Tier 4 Hyper Scale Data Centre to attract hyper-scale businesses like Amazon, Google, Netflix, Tik Tok and Microsoft.”

Demonstrating his persuasion and steadfastness towards achieving his ambitious economic plans for the state, Governor Mbah immediately after his inauguration headed for his office, at the Government House, Enugu and performed his first executive task as governor by signing three Executive Orders including the Citizens’ Charter which demands that “we manage your money, the people’s money, in the people’s interest.”

The governor explained that “this Charter holds me and members of my team to account on your funds. The Citizens’ Charter mandates us to provide detailed information on our public financial management system, report our revenue to you in detail and ensure that we adequately capture our expenditure. The Charter demands, in the same vein, that our expenditure is consistent with government priorities.

“In line with the Public Financial Management (PFM) system, we will also ensure implementation of programmes and projects that deliver value for our money, factoring due process and public procurement laws into them.”

Ending his inaugural address, Governor Mbah directly invited Ndi- Enugu to his envisioned journey into prosperity.

His words: “Let me invite the people of Enugu State to accompany our administration on this journey into prosperity. This is not time for politics. It is not time for passion as well. It is time for the sowing of the seed for the Enugu of our dream. Each Enugu son and daughter should ask themselves the question: what sort of future do we desire for our children? In answering the question, we must begin to work together to forge that future of our dream. Posterity will not forgive us if we fail.”

It has always been Ugwuanyi’s wish that his successor will perform better than him as father prays that his son does better that him. Governor Mbah has shown that he has the will, fortress, capacity and courage to take Enugu State to the next level, doing things differently for Tomorrow is indeed here.

Amoke writes from Enugu

On Monday, May 29, 2023, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi constitutionally transferred power to Dr. Peter Ndubuisi #Mbah as #Governor of Enugu State, marking the successful end of his eight-year tenure. Ugwuanyi and Mbah are both leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) signifying a seamless transition from one PDP-led administration to another.

Thanks to former Governor Ugwuanyi who amid the nation’s economic downturns, state’s limited resources, outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, EndSARS protest, the daunting effects of the Obidient Movement during the last general election laced with betrayals, sabotage and religious influence, among other unforeseen circumstances, was able to stem the tide and hold the tempo of peace and good governance in the state till the end of his tenure.

Ugwuanyi’s eight years in the saddle was an uneasy experience that could be best appreciated from the standpoint of the things he refused to do with the enormous powers he had, even in the face of provocation, so that good governance and peace could reign in Enugu State. In all circumstances, Ugwuanyi was fast not to be shortchanged in his firm belief in peace, broad vision, brotherhood across board, equity and justice.

As governor for eight years, Ugwuanyi was godly and compassionate in managing the affairs of the state that he tolerated, persevered and sacrificed a lot to ensure that peace reigned, and that the state’s limited resources were judiciously channeled to development issues in the overall interest of the people of the state. He is one leader who is conscious of the fact that development and progress can only be achieved when there is peace.

Ugwuanyi gave the people’s welfare the utmost priority it deserved to the extent that when some of his peers were busy starving their workers and channeling their states’ lean resources to the execution of projects that had no direct impacts on their people, he chose to first pay the state workforce the N30,000 new minimum wage with its consequential adjustment, which takes the chunk of the Enugu State’s resources, leaving the state with very little to embark on infrastructural development and other sundry expenditures. He was committed to regular payment of workers’ salaries and retirees’ pensions.

In spite of the precarious situation, Ugwuanyi astutely managed the available meagre resources leaving an indelible footprint in the sand of time at the end of the day.

It is on record that Ugwuanyi’s eight-year administration in Enugu State enjoyed a harmonious working relationship with the organised labour, the legislature and judiciary to the extent that it never had any form of confrontation and industrial dispute with them. It was peace and cordiality all the way. This feat was never experienced in the past.

Significantly, Ugwuanyi entrenched enduring peace in Enugu State and maintained a peaceful relationship with his predecessors and other leaders of political, religious and traditional institutions. This scenario had its positive impact as it made the state a safe haven for investors and one of the most peaceful and safest states in Nigeria.

During the Transition Thanksgiving Mass for Ugwuanyi and his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo at Holy Ghost Cathedral, Ogui, Enugu, on the eve of the handover, Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike spoke glowingly about Ugwuanyi's commitment to making peace to reign in Enugu and went on to decree that history will be kind to Ugwuanyi for entrenching peace in the state when security challenges were being experienced in other states of the South East geo-political zone.

Prof. Ike extolled Ugwuanyi’s virtues as a peacemaker and unassuming leader who accommodates everybody irrespective of political or religious differences and goes extra mile to dialogue with people and make peace, stressing that his positive impacts will be felt greatly in the future.

The cleric pointed out that Ugwuanyi’s administration encountered so many unforeseen challenges such as the nation’s economic recession (twice), the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the EndSARS protest and the Obidient Movement that affected the outcome of the last general election especially in the South East zone, stating that despite all these setbacks, he ensured that Enugu remains peaceful and progressive in terms of development in education, health, infrastructure, workers’ welfare, security, agriculture, youth empowerment, among others.

“We shall have one day to look back and say Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi did this. We want to thank you. You said, as the bishop announced here, #EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod ,” Prof. Ike added.

Besides, another pertinent aspect of Ugwuanyi’s administration that engendered peace and rapid development, which though didn’t go down well with majority of residents of Enugu City was its decision to concentrate massive developments in the rural areas through its peace and grassroots development initiatives.

Ordinarily, Ugwuanyi like most chief executives would have chosen to toe the path of his predecessors in concentrating developments in Enugu City to win the accolades of the residents who are largely non-indigenes, enlightened, and exposed to the world of social media.

But as a compassionate and God-fearing leader he felt that the rural dwellers also deserved democracy dividends as bona fide citizens of the state and needed to be remembered and given a sense of belonging.

This display of conscience and a great sense of passion for those in the rural areas became a challenge to him as the majority of the urban dwellers, who believe that democracy dividends belong to them alone, became pessimistic in their verdict on the former governor’s achievements, just because they are not direct beneficiaries of most projects his administration executed in the rural areas. It is easier to destroy than to build.

Nevertheless, posterity will remain kind to Ugwuanyi for grabbing the bull by the horns through his novel rural development programmes that opened up the rural areas and gave hope and instilled in the rural dwellers, the long neglected and deprived in the state a new strong sense of belonging.

Ugwuanyi’s firm belief in patriotism, peace and wellbeing of the masses especially the lowly, long neglected and deprived was exceptional, and he never pretended about that.

A just, God-fearing, humble, compassionate, visionary, peaceful and kind-hearted leader, Ugwuanyi is one person whose leadership qualities remain rare among his contemporaries in the country. A bridge-builder and ardent promoter of national unity, good governance and the principles of equity, justice and fairness, Ugwuanyi will also be remembered for his genuine interest and commitment to upholding the existing rotational zoning arrangement of the governorship position among the three senatorial districts of Enugu State.

Posterity will equally remember him for the patriotic role he played in the emergence of Dr. Mbah, from Nkanuland, as the governor of Enugu State in spite of the abuses, blackmail, betrayals, sabotage and parochial sentiments that greeted the decision.

Governor Mbah has never failed to acknowledge this fact each time he speaks before the former governor.

Stepping down early last week after handing over the baton of leadership to Governor Mbah, it is a good time to put Ugwuanyi’s stewardship on the scale to gain some insight on how history will judge his legacies.

It is often said that a powerful vision draws in ideas, people and other resources and creates the momentum and will to make change happen. It also inspires individuals, complementary organisations and institutions to commit, to persist and to give their best.

This was what Ugwuanyi adroitly deployed with discipline and persistence to change the traditional narrative of governance. Today, Enugu State is better for it.

Notably, he rejected staying tamely at the end of received policy prescriptions but rather coveted knowledge-driven innovations, proactive engagement with stake-holders, policy makers and sure-footed action. He brought these dimensions to bear on his political and developmental leadership of Enugu State.

Ugwuanyi assumed executive leadership of the state in 2015 when Enugu’s purse grew leaner and Nigeria’s economy was in recession as federal allocations dwindled to an all-time low - a major setback his predecessor, Mr. Sullivan Chime acknowledged during the thanksgiving Mass to commemorate the end of his administration.

Ugwuanyi’s administration was receiving less than 30% of federal allocations the previous regime received due to the nation’s economic downturn occasioned by the tail-spin of oil prices in the international market.

Despite this, his administration was up-to-date in the payment of the new N30,000 minimum wage and its consequential adjustment to the state civil servants - a huge burden on the state’s lean resources.

At the peak of nation’s economic recession between 2015 and 2016, he was able to pay workers’ salaries when 27 states of the federation could not pay, let alone embark on capital projects, as state governors resorted to bailout funds unlike their predecessors who had access to crude oil funds which enabled them to execute capital projects.

This astute governance vision explains why the people of Enugu State overwhelmingly re-elected him in 2019 with an unprecedented 95.54 per cent of the votes cast, the highest margin of victory in the nation’s electoral history.

It is now on record that Ugwuanyi was the only governor in the history of Enugu State to witness two national economic recessions within five years of his administration, and also witnessed the enervating #EndSARS protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, security challenges, among others, which brought major setbacks to the actualisation of his lofty visions for the state, as contained in his well-spelt-out four-point agenda (manifesto) of seamless continuity and consolidation.

He is the first governor of Enugu State since 1999 to lead the state on the platform of a political party (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) that is in opposition to the political party at the national level (All Progressives Congress, APC). What an obvious disadvantage, vis-à-vis setback in terms of federal government patronages and considerations.

Ugwuanyi is regarded by many as the unsung hero of infrastructure, as he continued with his aggressive execution of legacy projects - projects that impact directly on the people till his last week in office.

Ugwuanyi’s administration covered about 850 kilometres of urban and rural roads largely concentrated in the rural areas. Concerned about the health and wellbeing of the rural dwellers, Ugwuanyi renovated district hospitals and constructed healthcare facilities such as 9 units of Type 3 Healthcare centres in LGAs across the state, Amenity Facility within the premises of the rehabilitated Ogrute General Hospital, Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, and cottage hospitals with isolation wings in the rural areas to provide adequate and affordable healthcare services to the people.

According to BudgIT, Enugu is one of the three states in the federation that fulfilled obligations to their workers.

The immediate past governor of Enugu State is the man behind the eventual listing of Enugu as an oil producing entity - one of the lifelines for the new administration.

Taking education as another critical development arena, Ugwuanyi is the second person after Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, to bring a university to Nsukka zone, the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State. Ugwuanyi is the founder of SUMAS and it was the venerable Zik who attracted the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) to Nsukka.

The ex-governor also attracted a federal polytechnic to Nsukka Zone, in Ohodo, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area and transformed the university town of Nsukka with a befitting State Secretariat Annex, Conference Centre, 5,000-seat Township Stadium, the 12km Opi-Nsukka dual carriageway with underground drainage system and network of roads fitted with street and traffic lights, among others.

His administration constructed the 31km Udenu Ring Road, 26.66km Ukpabi-Nimbo-Ugbene Ajima-Eziani road in Uzo-Uwani LGA (RAMP-2) and 22.443km Neke-Mbu-Ogbodu Aba-Obollo Etiti inter-community road linking Isi-Uzo and Udenu LGAs (RAMP-2), among numerous others.

The first flyover bridge to be constructed by Enugu State government, the T-Junction Flyover Bridge, Nike Lake Road, Enugu, was executed by his administration. Remarkably, Ugwuanyi’s administration reconstructed and remodelled the ancient, historic and undulating 11km Millken Hill Road, Ngwo, Enugu.

His administration’s massive infrastructural interventions in the State Judiciary were unprecedented.

From rural to urban areas with a deliberate emphasis on rural Enugu State, he incepted changes that will stand the test of time. From mortar and brick projects to sophisticated socio-economic support constructions in the health, education, judiciary and road arenas, he simply touched a wide swathe of the state’s local government areas positively.

Ugwuanyi’s administration took bold step to optimise healthcare benefits of the Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre, Enugu for residents of the state and beyond, through the Official Transfer of the health facility to the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), a federal agency, for its rehabilitation, upgrading and re-operationalisation to a comprehensive diagnostic and oncology (cancer) treatment centre.

Under his watch, Enugu was also rated as the second most advanced state in Nigeria on the Ease of Doing Business by the World Bank Group, and among the seven states that are solvent with an impressive over 30 per cent internally generated revenue (IGR) to fund additional economic activities, among others.

Besides the foregoing, Ugwuanyi’s administration recruited over 7,030 primary and secondary school teachers and executed over 1,355 verifiable projects in various primary and secondary schools across the 17 local government areas of the state under ENSUBEB and PPSMB, in line with the administration’s vision to improve the learning condition of the students.

His administration computerised 490 secondary schools (under ENSUBEB and PPSMB) and converted 1,000 volunteer teachers to permanent staff as well as releasing all outstanding arrears of promotion to date (under PPSMB).

The massive infrastructure development and upgrade of facilities in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, including construction of four massive academic buildings and other structures, to address the challenges associated with shortage of classrooms, laboratories, studios and offices should of course not be forgotten.

Thereafter, he transitioned IMT into a degree-awarding institution as well as the rehabilitation of the school’s internal roads, Administrative Block, Mass Communication Block, Engineering Blocks, among other buildings.

He ensured the consistent and timely releases of monthly subventions for smooth running of other state-owned tertiary institutions, namely the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT); Institute of Management and Technology (IMT); the Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET); and the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo.

These institutions witnessed various degrees of interventions in the provision of infrastructure, teaching, learning, laboratory and workshop equipment for the purposes of programmes accreditation, teaching and learning.

On youth empowerment, Ugwuanyi’s administration through the Enugu Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) Centre initiated a sustained and radical transformation that ensured that Enugu youths were equipped with 21st century high income skills that provide pathways to employability and entrepreneurship development.

Against the forgoing backdrop, it was not surprising that Enugu was rated among the 1,000 cities in the world with the most impressive and vibrant startup ecosystem by StartupBlink, a Swiss-based research hub that publishes an annual global startup index.

Indisputably, the ex-governor’s worthy stewardship and unswerving commitment to the progress of Enugu State in spite of all the related governance challenges places him favorably in the court of posterity.

It is indeed worth repeating that in terms of peace, security, infrastructural development, education, health, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment etc, Ugwuanyi stands very tall. As legacies go, history will certainly remember him kindly.

*Gov. Mbah’s mission to do things differently*

In his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, Governor Mbah, while appreciating all those who contributed to the success of his governorship struggle, dwelt on the invaluable contributions of former Governor Ugwuanyi towards his emergence as governor stating that “posterity will certainly be kind to you for your deep sense of patriotism.”

A month before his inauguration, Governor Mbah was at the Government House, Enugu with members of his Transition Committee on a courtesy visit to Ugwuanyi. The governor (then Governor-elect) expressed profound gratitude to Ugwuanyi for standing firm in his belief in patriotism.

Dr. Mbah equally thanked the immediate past governor for successfully leading the campaign for the emergence of someone with public and private sector background as his successor in spite of blackmail, discord and vilification, to accelerate development in the state.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, on Sunday said that history will be kind to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for entrenching peace in the state when security challenges were being experienced in other states of the South East geo-political zone.

Prof. Ike extolled Governor Ugwuanyi’s virtues as a peacemaker and unassuming leader who accommodates everybody irrespective of political or religious differences and goes extra mile to dialogue with people and make peace, stressing that “history is in the future, history is in the past and history in the present is not correct.”

In his sermon during a Thanksgiving Mass for Governor Ugwuanyi and his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, for the successful completion of their eight-year tenure, the cleric also commended Governor Ugwuanyi, the founder of SUMAS for investing heavily in education by empowering people during the establishment of the university, among other interventions in the sector.

The Thanksgiving Mass held at Holy Ghost Cathedral, Ogui, Enugu, was equally to thank God for the emergence of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai to serve the people of Enugu State as governor and deputy governor respectively, from May 29, 2023.

Prof. Ike disclosed that the influx of people into Enugu State and high cost of house rents were because of the peaceful atmosphere in the state made possible by Governor Ugwuanyi’s uncommon leadership style and his commitment to the affairs of God.

“Jesus said to his apostles today I give you peace. Lawrence Ugwuanyi you tried by God's grace to give us peace. May peace be with you, may peace stay with you. History is in the future, history is in the past and history in the present is not correct.

“We shall have one day to look back and say Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi did this. We want to thank you. You said, as the bishop announced here, Enugu State is in the hands of God.”

The cleric pointed out that Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration encountered so many unforeseen challenges such as the nation’s economic recession (twice), the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the EndSARS protest and the Obidient Movement that affected the outcome of the last general election especially in the South East zone.

He stated that despite all these setbacks, Governor Ugwuanyi ensured that Enugu remains peaceful and progressive in terms of development in education, health, infrastructure, workers’ welfare, security, among others.

Earlier, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus Onaga, disclosed that Pentecost Sunday Mass was a big celebration of the universal church and also a big celebration in Enugu Diocese “because this is a Holy Ghost Diocese.”

Speaking on the Thanksgiving Mass, Bishop Onaga said: “Today, the Enugu State government is saying thank you to God because for the past eight years, they (Ugwuanyi and Ezeilo) have piloted the affairs of this very state and God has been with them because Enugu State is in the hands of God. God has done it, from a very turbulent period to a very wonderful and great period. So, God takes all the glory for everything.

Bishop Onaga appreciated Governor Ugwuanyi and his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Ezeilo for deeming it fit to come and thank God for the successful completion of their tenure, stating that “eight years is not eight days.”

He said that God blessed the governor that his choice successor, Dr. Mbah and his deputy, Barr. Ossai will be inaugurated as governor and deputy governor respectively on May 29, adding that the development also calls for thanksgiving to God.

The Thanksgiving Mass was attended by Dr. Mbah and his wife, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, Barr. Ossai and his wife, Mrs. Adaeze Ifeyinwa Ossai, the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Afojulu Raymond Ozoemena, the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Enugu State, Hon. Justice George Nnamani, former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Dr. Jim Nwobodo, his wife, Mrs. Pat Nwobodo, former Governor of old Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, his wife, Dr. Mrs. Dorothy Nwodo, Bishop of Nsukka and Awgu Dioceses, Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah and Most Rev. Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okoye respectively, the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Ernest Obodo, the Bishop Emeritus of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Gbuji, among other dignitaries.

Shortly after the Mass, Governor Ugwuanyi inaugurated the administrative building of the Enugu State House of Assembly, the first ever flyover bridge to be constructed by Enugu State Government, located at T-Junction, Nike Lake Road, Enugu East Local Government Area, a befitting event hall at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu named “Udulekenyi Hall”, among other projects marking the successful completion of his tenure.

Inaugurating the flyover bridge, Governor Ugwuanyi said the event was very fulfilling to him, revealing that his administration, regardless of the austere times, approved the design and construction of the project to tackle the menace of traffic gridlock at the Nike Lake Road/Nike Road T-Junction.

“I must pertinently remark that this project is the first ever flyover bridge, properly so called, to be constructed by any state administration in Enugu State,” the governor disclosed, expressing confidence that the incoming administration of Dr. Mbah will embark on similar interventions in some other parts of Enugu metropolis with similar traffic challenge.

In their separate speeches, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ubosi, Senator Gil Emeka Nnaji, the lawmaker representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji, the outgone Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, the Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Hon. Livinus Nze Anike and Igwe Barr. Julius Nnaji celebrated Governor Ugwuanyi for his laudable achievements in the state especially in the council area.

They stated that it was symbolic that the governor started his project execution in 2015 in Enugu East LGA and performed his last inauguration of projects as governor of Enugu State in 2023 in the same council area.

The people reassured Governor Ugwuanyi of the unceasing prayers, solidarity and support, informing that he will remain one of them and also be indelible in their hearts.

The Enugu State Inauguration Committee has uniformed the general public that it has not issued or released any programme of events in respect of the inauguration ceremony of the incoming administration of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on May 29, 2023.

Reacting to the purported programme of events circulating on social media, the Secretary of the inauguration committee, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, in a statement said that it is “fake and should be completely disregarded.”

Ogbu-Nwobodo disclosed that “the inauguration committee set up by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is charged with the responsibility of overseeing the planning and execution of the ceremonies for the inauguration of the Governor-elect, Barr. Peter Mbah and the Deputy Governor-elect, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, slated for May 29, 2023.”

He stated that the inauguration committee will unveil the official programme of events for the inauguration ceremony in due course.

Workers of #Enugu State under the umbrella of the organised labour have maintained that Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi is the best leader they have ever related with in terms of welfare, cordial working relationship and progress.

The workers comprising members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) proudly appreciated #Governor Ugwuanyi for all his sincere efforts in reinvigorating the civil service and ensuring a productive workforce in Enugu State in spite of the state’s lean resources and the nation’s numerous challenges.

Speaking during the event marking this year’s Workers’ Day held on Tuesday at the popular Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, the State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Barr. Fabian Nwigbo and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Benneth Asogwa told Governor Ugwuanyi who was present at the event that the Enugu State workers were delighted with all he has done for them since he assumed office in 2015, especially the governor’s labour-friendly disposition.

They reiterated that the workers will greatly miss Governor Ugwuanyi’s humility, kindness, vision, peaceful disposition and commitment to their welfare, praying that the incoming administration of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah will toe the same line, and even do better than his administration.

In their separate speeches, Comrade Nwigbo and Comrade Asogwa of NLC and TUC respectively, commended Governor Ugwuanyi for the payment of N30,000 new minimum wage with its consequential adjustment.

They disclosed that the seamless implementation of the N30,000 new minimum wage with its consequential adjustment has positively distorted the long history of industrial dispute, intimidation and neglect that heralded the previous minimum wage implementation in the state.

The organised labour also applauded the governor for the provision of subsidised 100 units of houses for 100 workers at Elim Estate to mark his 100 days in office; regular and prompt payment of workers’ salaries notwithstanding the high level wage bill occasioned by the new minimum wage; promotion of workers as and when due; extension of the service years of secondary and primary school teachers to 40 and 65 years of service or age respectively; rural development trajectory through the provision of access roads and other related infrastructure to better the lives of people in the rural communities; and payment of new minimum wage to parastatals and central payment of same.

The workers equally lauded Governor Ugwuanyi for the establishment of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State; simultaneous construction of ultra-modern state secretariats for NLC and TUC; recruitment of youths into the state civil service; payment of CONMES, and 60% CONHESS to Enugu State Health Workers; restoration of the previously revoked 213 plots of land belonging to ESUT Teaching Hospital Health Workers; the extension of N30,000 minimum wage payment to the state parastatals and local government workers, among numerous others.

Harping on the importance of peaceful and harmonious working relationship, the state Chairman of TUC, Comrade Asogwa said: “The most important in the achievements of this government is the enthronement of peace and tolerance that cuts across political, social and religious divide.

“While we have other numerous unmentioned achievements to the credit of this administration, I crave the indulgence of Your Excellency to say that there is no better reward for good works than more work.”

[b]Corroborating the TUC chairman’s statement, the State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Nwigbo, paid glowing tribute to Governor Ugwuanyi for being labour-friendly and committed to the workers’ welfare, adding: “We most sincerely appreciate the employers of labour in Enugu State particularly the Government of Enugu State ably and humbly led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the most labour-friendly governor in Nigeria for ensuring that workers’ rights as enshrined in the laws are strictly complied with especially providing workers with decent work [/b]environment and wages.

“Flowing from the above, it is obvious that workers of Enugu State have never had it as rosy as it is under the present administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

“Your Excellency, we cannot thank you enough for your worker-friendly disposition which is manifestly translated into enormous benefits workers of Enugu State are enjoying.”

The organised labour equally made demands that would further enhance their welfare, appreciating Governor Ugwuanyi for finding time to celebrate with them since he took over the mantle of leadership of the state.

In what he highlighted as the last time he will attend the Workers’ Day commemoration in the capacity of the Governor of Enugu State, Governor Ugwuanyi saluted the workers for their hard work, resilience, patience and understanding, stressing that they have been a critical success factor in the delivery of the policies and programmes of his administration.

The governor stated that since he assumed office, Enugu State has been famed for its industrial peace with his administration being acclaimed as the most labour-friendly, time and time again.

“What has not been said is that the humble, committed, dedicated, honest and hardworking workers of Enugu State made it possible” he said.

Highlighting some key achievements of his administration, Governor Ugwuanyi hinted that it “consistently paid workers emoluments and timeously promoted our workers while providing capacity improvement trainings.

“We implemented the new minimum wage with its consequential adjustment and continually elevated service delivery standards through our Service Improvement Bureau. Indeed, it has been a mutually rewarding experience.”

Governor Ugwuanyi who ended his address with a heart full of gratitude, assured the workers that as he leaves office in a few weeks, “our common heritage as Ndi Enugu and your support over the years compel the unchanging sentiments of my love and friendship.”

The governor commended the leaders of the organised labour for their exemplary leadership, promised that he will always wish the workers well, and prayed that they extend even more co-operation and support to the incoming administration of the Governor-elect, Dr. Mbah.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, the Head of Service, Mr. Ken Chukwuegbo, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Uchechukwu Ogbonna, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Mrs. Chinwe Anibeze, the Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Enugu State Chapter, Comrade Dr. Ezekiel Omeh, the President, National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Enugu State Chapter, Comrade Kenneth Ugwueze, were among the dignitaries at the event.

Gov. Ugwuanyi to handover Enugu Medical Diagnostic Centre to NSIA, Tuesday for comprehensive diagnostic, oncology services

In commencement of the first phase of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority’s (NSIA's) healthcare expansion programme following the collaboration agreement the administration of #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi in #Enugu State recently reached with the NSIA for the upgrade of the State Medical Diagnostic Centre, Enugu, to a comprehensive diagnostic and oncology (cancer) treatment centre, Governor Ugwuanyi will on Tuesday perform the transfer of the health facility to NSIA, as well as launch the Equilease Systems Limited.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Health, Enugu State, Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, the Equilease Systems Limited is a specialty equipment leasing company established by NSIA, which will provide the medical diagnostic equipment required for the upgrade, “to fully equip the centre and also enable it to render oncology and other services.”

Dr. Obi added that the Equilease will be responsible for equipping other centres under the healthcare expansion programme using a lease arrangement.

The Health Commissioner explained that the transfer of the Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre to NSIA and launch of Equilease Systems Ltd signpost the commencement of the first phase of NSIA's healthcare expansion programme.

He disclosed that the first phase of the expansion programme “entails the development, construction and operationalisation of 23 new modern medical diagnostic centres of excellence, two oncology centres and six catheterisation laboratories across Nigeria,” pointing out that “the Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre will be the first in this phase to be operationalised to serve as the pivotal centre in the South East zone for provision of comprehensive medical, diagnostic and cancer treatment services to the people of Enugu State and beyond.”

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State during the maiden matriculation ceremony of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, on Saturday addressed the pioneer students in his capacity as founder and pioneer Visitor to the medical university.

Speaking at the first SUMAS’ academic ceremony marking the planting of her first seeds, Governor Ugwuanyi disclosed that his administration conceived the founding of the budding specialised university to provide more opportunities for all desiring youths in the country especially the youthful citizens of Enugu State to gain training in their chosen professional disciplines.

The founder of SUMAS pointed out the challenges that numerous applicants in Enugu State face gaining admission into tertiary institutions especially for professional and competitive courses such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering, Law, etc.

Thousands of well qualified candidates, Governor Ugwuanyi said are left stranded without admission in the country bedeviled by socio-economic challenges and attendant implications.

The governor revealed that it was against the backdrop of acute shortage of health personnel in the state and across the country as well as the consequential effects of brain drain in view of the fact that the few available are unceasingly leaving the country in their numbers that his administration decided to establish another state-owned university with a specialised brief on professional disciplines.

“As the records indicate, every year, thousands of candidates apply to study Medicine and Allied Health Sciences in the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) respectively but a total of less than one thousand are given admission into these programmes in both institutions. This leaves several thousands of well qualified candidates stranded without admission. The socio-economic implication of this is better imagined,” the governor said.

Governor Ugwuanyi went down memory lane to eulogise the first President of Nigeria and a foremost nationalist, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (The Great Zik of Africa) and recalled his leadership role, patriotism and selflessness in founding the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, stressing that “the uniqueness of what Zik altruistically did for the nation and particularly for Nsukka by siting the university in Nsukka land remains a godly act, recreating Nsukka as a land and redefining the destinies of her people.

“It brought light into a place where there was darkness. It made Nsukka come into the map of the world when many Nigerian cities of today were hardly known to other Nigerians not to say Africa and beyond.”

Congratulating the “lucky pioneer students” including their parents/sponsors for their landmark and historic achievement of being admitted into the brand-new university, Governor Ugwuanyi added that his administration had invested a lot and had provided all the needed infrastructure for the smooth take off of the university.

According to him: “There are six faculty buildings each with eight to 12 huge classrooms, laboratories and 36 offices. There are also two completed hostels each with 450 bed spaces (one for male and one for female), a medical centre that is well equipped to even provide tertiary medical services, the solar powered streetlights, and a teaching hospital which has reached an advanced stage.

“I have also made adequate provisions to ensure that all the ongoing projects (the teaching hospital, the ICT building, the road network, the perimeter fencing and the main gate are completed. The entire university is provided with multiple numbers of industrial scale boreholes for efficient supply of water.

“In addition, the construction of 33KVA dedicated high voltage powerline from Nru-junction injection sub-station to the university has been approved for the university. This is to ensure steady power supply to the university.”

The founder of SUMAS, therefore, expressed optimism that with the facilities already provided and the crop of management staff chosen, the medical university will grow to be among the top universities in the country.

Governor Ugwuanyi went further to disclose that provisions for sustainable funding of the new university had been made, stating that “this is to put a safe guard against the consequences of producing poorly trained medical and allied personnel to serve the society.”

Ending his address, the founder and pioneer Visitor to SUMAS further said: “Once again, I congratulate our dear matriculants and I urge you to study hard and make good use of the good facilities available in this university to create a bright future for yourselves, our nation and become, in the years coming, great ambassadors of SUMAS.

"In all, just like I handed over the fate of Enugu State into the hands of God on the assumption of office as Governor, on May 29, 2015, as founder and pioneer Visitor to SUMAS, I hand the affairs, growth, development and wellbeing of this university into the hands of the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob and the awesome God of David.”

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of SUMAS, Prof. James Chukwuma Ogbonna, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Ugwuanyi for his vision and passion for human resource development that led to the establishment of the university.

Prof. Ogbonna hinted that the governor’s investment in the medical university will contribute in addressing the acute shortage of manpower in Medical and Allied Health Sciences, as “it has already created employment opportunities for our people, has already engendered a flurry of activities around her immediate community and will definitely contribute in large measure to the socio-economic development of Enugu State.”

Disclosing that the first set of 789 students had been admitted into the 23 programmes approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), spread into six faculties, the Vice Chancellor congratulated the matriculants, their parents and guardians, and urged the students to exhibit high sense of discipline and seriousness by attending lectures, studying very hard and participating in all the academic activities, etc.

Prof. Ogbonna equally appreciated the Governor-elect of the state, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah who was ably represented at the ceremony by the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Dan Shere, and his Deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai “for the great interest you have shown in this university, saying: “Your presence today assures us that you share the same dream with His Excellency and that you will continue to support SUMAS to attain greater heights.”

Dignitaries at the colourful event include the Chairman, Project Implementation Committee, SUMAS, Prof. Val. O Ekechukwu; wife of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christiana Ogbonna, Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Aloy Okolie; the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Charles Igwe, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Johnson Urama, Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu, Prof. Malachy Okwueze; the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr. David Ugwunta; other members of the State Executive Council (EXCO) and the House of Assembly Member-elect for Igbo-Eze North II Constituency, Hon. Clifford Obe.

Others were the Registrar of SUMAS, Mr. Anselem Onah; the University Librarian, Dr. Mrs. Monica Eze; the Bursar, Dr. Elvis Ozoadibe; his ESUT counterpart, Dr. Augustine Ojeh; the State Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Innocent Ezeoha, the State Chairman of ALGON and Chairman of Udenu LGA, Hon. Solomon Onah and other council chairmen; Hon. Chinedu Onuh; Gen. Godwin Ugwuoke (Rtd); Prof. Ugwudioha Ofili; other academics; Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Boards, Institutions, Agencies and Parastatals; the Chaplain, SUMAS, Rev. Fr. Jude Ugwueke and other clergymen; Royal Fathers, etc.

As Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, to mark the end of Ramadan, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has called on Nigerians to see the celebration as a morale booster in our nation’s quest for peace, unity and progress.

Governor Ugwuanyi in his Sallah message congratulated Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan, adding that the inherent benefits from the spiritual rebirth offered by the fast are enormous and compelling.

The governor stressed the need for all Nigerians to be prayerful and continue to live in peace and harmony, love and cherish one another as people of one nation under God bound in freedom, peace and unity.

He, therefore, wished Nigerians a pleasant celebration, urging Muslims to remain committed to the core values of peace, love, unity, patience, tolerance, perseverance and sacrifice as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu State has announced the commencement of reconstruction and maintenance of failed sections at New Market Roundabout–Agu Abor Interchange road and other critical sections within Enugu metropolis, respectively.

A statement by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, informed the general public especially road users that “traffic will be obstructed on this road (New Market Roundabout - Agu Abor Interchange) and other critical road sections within the metropolis scheduled for maintenance works.”

Engr. Nnaji assured that all necessary measures including adequate diversionary signs will be put in place by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure “to ensure reasonable unhindered movement throughout the scheduled six weeks period of the maintenance works.”

The Works Commissioner recalled that the state government had earlier issued a statement to commercial bus drivers and traders who operate around the New Market Roundabout to stop all commercial activities in the area to ensure smooth flow of traffic and maintain the required ambience as one of the major gateways to Enugu city.

“Furthermore, the state government has now directed the Nigeria Police, Enugu Command to enforce this order,” he said.

While soliciting the cooperation and understanding of road users, the statement reiterated that the ministry will continue in its commitment to provision of quality infrastructure as well as periodic maintenance in the state.

Gov. Ugwuanyi appoints Dr. Ezugwu as Provost of Enugu State College of Health Technology, Oji River

...As govt notifies general public of Nigerian Defence Academy Screening Test (NDAST)

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has approved the appointment of Dr. Lazarus Eneje Ezugwu as the Provost of Enugu State College of Health Technology, Oji River.

The appointment, according to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, took effect from Monday, March 27, 2023.

In another development, the Enugu State Government has notified the general public of the Nigerian Defence Academy Screening Test (NDAST) for the 75 Regular Course scheduled to hold on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at various centres in the country.

A statement by the SSG disclosed that Command Day Secondary School, Enugu, is the centre for the NDAST in Enugu State.

The statement advised that “all those who applied for admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy are expected to arrive at the venue by 7.00am prompt with their writing materials.”

Leaders of Agbaja comprising Udi and Ezeagu local government areas of Enugu State on Sunday commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for entrenching peace, security, unity and progress in the state in spite of the numerous challenges confronting the state and the country since he assumed office.

The Agbaja leaders, who spoke when they joined Prince Victor Ogakwu of Udi Ancient Kingdom and his friends to host and celebrate Governor Ugwuanyi at Ogakwu’s residence in Udi Town, also extolled the governor for his goodness and rare leadership qualities, which ensured the state and its residents are safe especially during and after the just concluded general election.

Welcoming Governor Ugwuanyi during the fraternal visit which was also attended by the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the former Deputy Governor of the state, Hon. Sunday Onyebuchi, the Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Most Rev. Dr. Ernest Obodo, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Charles Egumgbe, the Chairman of Udi LGA, Hon. Philip Okoh, a leading member of Agbaja Leaders of Thought, Rev. Surv. Ugochukwu Chime, Dr. Tony Eze, Hon. Garry Eneh, Ozo Luke Mamel, some traditional rulers, among others, the host, Prince Ogakwu said that “this is a way of appreciating His Excellency (Ugwuanyi) for all the goodness; for keeping us safe.”

He added: “All of us here, nobody was injured because of the elections. We had God on our side. Our governor allowed peace to reign unlike what happened in some other states, and that is leadership.”

Speaking on behalf of the people of Agbaja, the Okwuluoha IV of Udi Ancient Kingdom, Igwe Sam Aneke, stressed their gratitude, love and solidarity for Governor Ugwuanyi saying: “You have done us well; the relationship we have with you will continue; it won't end here. Wherever you are, we are with you and we are behind you.

“We thank God on behalf of everyone here. We call on the Agbaja land to come and be with us as we gathered here with our leader, our governor and his deputy. The way he governed us, we like it. They have led us and have led us well.

“Since they want peace, peace will follow them anywhere they go. They will have peace in their homes; peace shall follow them in their next office.

We welcome you, our governor and we pray for the mercy of God in Enugu State; we pray for the continuation of the peace which Governor Ugwuanyi maintained all through in Enugu State; let that peace remain.

“In the last elections, there was no news of violence, nobody was injured, no casualties. We pray it continues like that.”

Corroborating Igwe Aneke's remark, Dr. Egumgbe reassured Governor Ugwuanyi of the continued support, love and loyalty of the people of Agbaja, stressing that the visit was a testament to their resolve.

Other dignitaries who joined Prince Ogakwu to honour Governor Ugwuanyi were HRH Igwe Chike Onodugo (the Ujaligwa II of Abor, Udi LGA); HRH Igwe Mike Uzoigwe (Chinenyeze II of Uwani Amokwe); HRH Igwe Onuoha Eke; Ozo Prof. Ike Oluka; Ozo Emeka Odenigwe; Barr. Tahil Ochi; Barr. Matthew C Obodoechi, Prof. Sam Ugwu, Mr. Betram Ogakwu, among others.

As a champion of rural development policy in Enugu State and a firm believer in the miracle of five loaves and two fish, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, weathering the storm of the state’s lean resources, nation’s economic realities, backlog of inherited debt profile and huge monthly workers' and pensioners' wage bills to be serviced, among other financial obligations, has commenced the asphalting of a section of Eha-Ndiagu road, in Eha Alumona, Nsukka Local Government Area in keeping with promises in his inaugural address, while still attending to other development issues in the state.

A group, the Niger Delta Integrity Group (NDIG), has dismissed the call for the sack of Major General Barry Ndiomu (rtd), Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

In a statement, Boma Horsfall, Convener, NDIG, said beneficiaries of the corruption of the past were the ones making such statement.

He said some of the persons behind allegations were receiving stipends from Amnesty through frivolous means.

“The attention of the Niger Delta Integrity Group (NDIG) has been drawn to a prankster threat by a group of disgruntled elements who claim to be under the first, second and third phases of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), and have resolved to occupy the Amnesty Office to demand for the sack of Major General Barry Ndiomu (rtd), the visionary Interim Administrator of the PAP.”

“Let it be on record that Gen. Paul Johnson and Solomon Adu – the two sponsors of the recently publicized communique threatening protest, are fighting back because the new administration of the PAP has stopped their fraudulent practice of feeding fat from the Programme.

“While John has been criminally receiving monthly stipends with two separate accounts since 2010, Solomon has been doing same with six accounts, all linked to one BVN for the same period.

“The duo are now frustrated by the glaring reality that General Ndiomu is out to rid the system clean, and discontinue this fraud. The Amnesty Programme implies that after beneficiaries are absolved, trained and empowered, they are to exit and pave way for others. Sadly, they (Paul and Solomon) have both refused to exit the Programme after 12 years.

“Deserving Niger Deltans who are highly industrious and are engaged in credible ventures, have never gained access to the huge sums of monies that have been stolen by these two. They must now bury their head in shame, as their malicious attempt to blackmail the highly revered Interim Administrator is already dead on arrival.

“The Media Aide to the Interim Administrator has graciously reminded purveyors of mischief that the irregularities surrounding multiple accounts tied to a single BVN is being investigated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, and that those found culpable will be made to face the law.

“The NDIG thus enjoins the Interim Administrator not to be deterred in his resolve to reposition the Amnesty Programme. Niger Deltans are also encouraged to disregard the naggings of these criminal elements.”

Now that the general election is over, our immediate attention must be geared towards the leadership of the National Assembly, the representatives of the people in Government. While Nigerians were engrossed in the Presidential election race, most people ignored the National Assembly elections. According to a poll by the intelligence company SBM, interest in National Assembly elections by the electorate was below 20% before the election on February 25, showing ,out people do not under stand the importance of the National Assembly. Nigerians must immediately change this attitude and follow the nomination and election of Leaders in the 10th Assembly keenly as they did the Presidential Election.

One of the major factors in National Assembly leadership is the zoning of roles to reflect the diversity of the country, since the National Assembly is filled with Senators and Reps from all states in the country cutting across most tribes, the zoning arrangement usually come from the political party with the majority in the house and legislators usually follow this agreement to share principal offices, we have seen little exceptions like the infamous election that made Dr Bukola Saraki the Senate President when he was able to unite opposition Senators with a faction from his own party to emerge victorious like his colleague in the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara that was able to achieve same.

As the election for the Speakership draws close, the APC must look within itself and remain steadfast to do the right thing for national unity in sharing these positions, they must consider competence, character, experience, contribution to the party and victory and the principle of Federal Character. These are all factors that will determine the speakership position and this will also depend largely on the Senate Presidency tussle.

After the success of the APC ticket, it is apparent that the Senate Presidency will be zoned to either one of the two Christian majority zones, The South East and the South South in order to emphasize national unity. Seeing as both the President (South West) and Vice President (North East) are muslims, it goes without saying that the Senate Presidency is now a straight battle between the other two Southern zones, after competence and experience is considered and most legislators will be expecting the party leadership and the President elect to provide instructions on this.

This takes us to the Speakership, the North West, Nigeria’s most populated zone with the most states and voters contributed immensely to the APC victory in the Presidential election. President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu polled 2,652,824 of his votes, some 31% from the North west region alone, more than any other zone, the North West will definitely make a strong claim for Speakership and they have experienced legislators to present to the party and the House of Representatives. One of the experienced lawmakers that is expected to throw his hat into the ring is Hon. Tajudeen Abass Kaduna(APC) a 4th term representative that is cool headed, a requirement for a potentially volatile 10th National Assembly. Hon Abass sponsored the most number of bills assented to by the President in both the 8th and 9th Assembly, showing his effectiveness and brilliance in Law making.

With the names above, it is clear that the North West’s claim to speakership, counting for experience and competence is solid and it will be very good for the progress and unity of the country if the party leadership and the President elect provide immediate guidance and leadership in order of us to have a peaceful and effective 10th National Assembly.