₦airaland Forum

…As governor unveils company in Enugu

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Audi Company Limited, Mr. Clem Ifezue has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his commitment and contributions in ensuring that businesses flourish in the state.

Mr. Ifezue who made the commendation when Gov. Ugwuanyi unveiled the Audi Company Limited and Partners South-Eastern Business Hub in Enugu, on Thursday, disclosed that the business outfit, which offers services in power solution, automobile and engineering works, was established in the state following the outcome of the objective survey carried out by the company across the five states of the South East geo-political zone.

The Audi boss stated that all the indices towards the choice of state for the establishment of the company in the South East, in terms of security, peaceful atmosphere, human resources, historical background and centrality, favoured Enugu State.

He noted that the Enugu office was established to bring the company’s products closer to the final consumers who are dominant in the South East.

According to him, “Siting where the company will be in the South East became a challenge. We looked at security of the states; the state with the best security. We went further to look at the reports from the Nigeria Police. We looked again at the historical background of all the South East states. We also looked at the state that has created the best environment for businesses to thrive. We once again looked at the human resources, where we can have people that will be able to deliver our goals.

“In all the indices Enugu State came first. His Excellency (Ugwuanyi) we thank you for your commitment and all you have done to make business prosper in Enugu State”.

Also in his opening prayer, the Chaplain, Government House, Awka, Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Patrick Okafor stressed that “Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration has been able to provide the enabling environment for this industry to thrive”, and thanked the governor for his dedication to peace, development and business growth in Enugu State.

Unveiling the company, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed delight that the company has joined the growing number of businesses and investments that have birthed in Enugu State under his administration.

The governor stated that his administration has continued to serve as a business and investment enabler through the sustained provision of a friendly business and investment climate underpinned by robust infrastructure, peace, security, consistent and favourable policies, friendly tax regime and professional regulatory oversight.

According to him, “We go a step further by facilitating all bureaucratic processes required for starting and doing business through our One-Stop-Investment-Centre (OSIC) under the Enugu State Investment Development Authority (ESIDA).

Pointing out that many business and investment promoters have taken advantage of the opportunity provided by his administration by deciding on Enugu as a preferred destination in their location consideration, Gov. Ugwuanyi applauded the management of Audi Company Limited for the decision to locate their South- Eastern Business Hub in Enugu.

The governor therefore welcomed the company to Enugu and conveyed “the felicitations of the government and good people of Enugu State, as well as their expectation of your impactful presence in job creation, wealth creation and the state’s internal revenue”.

The Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi and other top government functionaries witnessed the event.

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State through the State Fire Service has frowned at the spate of unauthorized and indiscriminate location of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)/Cooking Gas plants in the state, stressing that the associated risks are grievous because of the high inflammability of the substance.

Speaking during the ongoing state-wide fire safety training workshop held separately at Nsukka and Igbo-Etiti local government areas, the State Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa, disclosed that “these small LPG refill outlets have geometrically increased the Fire Risk situation in our society today”.

Engr. Ohaa who pointed that “it is the mandate of the fire service to fight fire, prevent fire and perform rescue functions during emergencies”, adding that part of the agency’s regulatory function is to “inspect, recommend appropriate fire safety measures and issue fire permit/fire safety reports where these LPG (Cooking Gas) outlets and plants should be located”.

The Enugu State Fire Chief revealed that the State Fire Service has in its usual proactive nature embarked on enforcement to close and prosecute those behind all illegal LPG retail outlets and plants across the state.

According to him, “As the Chief Fire Officer of Enugu State, I have constituted and empowered an enforcement team to ensure that the exercise is professionally done. The enforcement team is working with relevant stakeholders including the LPG Retail Association and the Nigeria Police to ensure that Enugu State continues to be safe.

“A total compliance with fire safety is therefore demanded from all LPG (Cooking Gas) operators, domestic users and users of other flammable and non-flammable materials to avoid fire outbreak in Enugu State”.

Engr. Ohaa who sought the cooperation and engagement of individuals and corporate bodies for “an air tight fire safety environment in Enugu State”, hinted that the workshops in Nsukka and Igbo-Etiti LGAs were in continuation of the fire safety awareness campaign across the 17 LGAs of the state aimed at safeguarding lives and property.

“We adopted this approach of engagement with the traditional institutions, the Presidents General, Market Leaders, Neighborhood Watch groups, religious and youth groups because we want this fire safety workshop to be wholesome to create a safer and more secured living environment for us, our friends and family.

“For this reason, we stand with His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Executive Chairman of Nsukka LGAs, Hon. Barr. Cosmas Ugwueze, the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Etiti LGA, Hon. Mrs. Nkechi Ugwu-Oju, and other 15 Council Chairmen, together with the good people of Enugu State to say No to fire outbreak in Enugu State”.

In her speech, the Chairman of Igbo-Etiti LGA, Hon. Mrs. Ugwu-Oju applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his exceptional leadership, and for providing the enabling environment for the council chairmen to work to complement the efforts of his administration in addressing the plight of the people in the rural areas.

Mrs. Ugwu-Oju described the fire safety outreach as awesome and educating, saying that “we have learnt a lot”.

Also in his speech, the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon. Ugwueze thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for availing the people at the grassroots the unique opportunity to be educated and sensitized on fire.

Represented by the Secretary of the Council, Hon. Charles Nnamdi Onyeke, Hon. Ugwueze equally commended the State Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Ohaa for his vast knowledge in the fire sector, urging the participants to utilize what they learnt from the training to enhance the safety of their environment.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, Enugu North Senatorial District, Igwe Barr. R.S.N. Eze lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for the proactive measures as well as the positive transformation being witnessed in the State Fire Service.

Igwe Eze stated that the upgrade of the fire service stations and construction of new ones have enabled the people of the state to benefit maximally from the services of the agency, stressing that the fire safety workshop was unprecedented in the history of the state.

His words: “This enlightenment has made us to know certain things. Formerly, I didn’t know that one has to crawl in the event of fire outbreak; I thought that one must run.

“We sincerely thank and highly commend our governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the numerous innovations his administration has brought to bear in the transformation of the fire sector for the safety of lives and property in Enugu State”.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday flagged off Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) mass vaccination campaign in the state.

Gov. Ugwuanyi also used the occasion to launch the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund Programme Implementation in Enugu State explaining that the two important and closely related programmes in the health sector were commenced together “in our frontal attack on the Coronavirus pandemic”.

Represented by his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that his administration, since the outbreak of COVID-19, has been proactively taking all the necessary measures for prompt containment of the virus including the implementation of sundry programmes designed to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic on the people of the state.

The governor added that the state government also carried out comprehensive upgrade and conception of the health systems “and wide deployment of social safety nets and other measures designed to reduce resulting fragilities and sustain our livelihoods”.

Stressing that mass vaccination is a global and nationwide measure adjudged by both World Health Organization (WHO) and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to effectively combat the obviously rampaging pandemic, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that the state government through the flagship of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ENS-PHCDA) and Ministry of Health has commenced the mass vaccination campaign for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines for those who have not been vaccinated before.

The governor pointed out that the mass vaccination campaign targets at least 50 percent of the eligible population of Enugu State, expressing delight that ENS-PHCDA is leaving no stone unturned to achieve this target.

“Accordingly, it (ENS-PHCDA) has taken concrete steps to expand vaccination sites to at least one primary healthcare centre in every ward. It has also created vaccination sites in all our secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities in addition to 24 new mass vaccination centres, 36 mobile vaccination vans and some selected private healthcare facilities designated as vaccination sites”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who noted that ENS-PHCDA has received deserved commendations from both the NPHCDA and Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for its sheer determination in maintaining its pace since the commencement of the exercise in Nigeria, appealed to residents of Enugu State who has not been vaccinated to get immunized against the rampaging pandemic.

Launching the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) programme, the governor hinted that the action was sequel to the approval by the NPHCDA to implement the programme in all the 291 healthcare facilities in the state, which translates to at least one per ward.

The fund will enable government to provide the additional and improved infrastructure, personnel and materials that can enhance the services provided in the healthcare facilities.

The governor further stated that Enugu was one of the few states that got all its recommended primary healthcare facilities approved for the implementation of the BHCPF programme after series of capacity assessments and verifications conducted by NPHCDA and its partners.

He therefore commended the board, management and staff of the ENS-PHCDA for their sacrifices and contributions towards the success of the verification and assessment exercises that led to the approvals received from NPHCDA, expressing optimism they would deploy the same level of dedication and hard work in the implementation of the programmes of the Fund.

In his address, the Executive Secretary of ENS-PHCDA, Dr. George Ugwu applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his unprecedented support to the agency, stating that “the target for this vaccination phase (mass vaccination campaign) is to get at least, 1,265,013 persons in Enugu State vaccinated by January 5th, 2022”.

Dr. Ugwu disclosed that the agency has already trained 1,942 vaccination personnel including vaccinators, e-recorders and validators, adding that “we have also inaugurated special teams of DSS and ICPC to ensure a vaccination card racketeering-free campaign”.

According to him, “We wish to leverage our good performance in the first and second phases of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout to deliver the vaccines to our eligible population. Enugu State currently leads in the Southeast and joins other few states that met all their set targets in COVID-19 vaccination rollout in the country.

“In phase 1, we vaccinated 65,703 persons with the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine. In phase 2, we vaccinated 28,325 and 45,085 persons with Oxford astrazeneca and Moderna vaccines, respectively. In total, we have so far, vaccinated 139,113 persons out of which 50,161 are fully vaccinated with both Oxford Astrazeneca and Moderna vaccines.

“Riding on this track record, I implore the citizens and inhabitants of Enugu State to come out en masse to receive the COVID-19 vaccines which are free, safe and effective. We currently have the Oxford AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Pfizer Bionthech”.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Development Partners, WHO, UNICEF, NPHCDA, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for showing exemplary leadership and immense support which they said have manifested in the successful rollout and coverage of COVID-19 vaccination in Enugu State.

They stressed that the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ENS-PHCDA) is so far leading in the entire South East in meeting the set targets in COVID-19 vaccination and expressed hope that the flagged off mass vaccination campaign will see Enugu State covering the expected target.

According to the UNICEF representative, Mrs. Maureen Okolo, “Enugu State has not allowed any of the vaccines to expire in her hands and has always consumed her assigned doses and even more. Kudos to the Executive Secretary and his team”

Other Participants at the event include Hon. Sam Ngene (House Committee Chairman on Health); State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Obi represented by the Director of Public Health, SMOH, Dr. Boniface Okolo; Hon. Alex Ugwu (Chairman of Enugu East LGA); Dr. T.C. Asogwa (ENS-PHCDA Board Chairman); Dr. Edith Okolo (Executive Secretary, ENS-AUHC); Sir Philip Ugwueze (NPHCDA State Coordinator); UNICEF Chief Field Officer, Ibrahim Conteh represented by UNICEF Nutrition Specialist Maureen Zubie Okolo; Dr. Ada Erinne (WHO State Coordinator), among others.

The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority has indicated readiness to barricade the Government Reserved Area, GRA, starting from Park Avenue by Abakaliki road, within the state capital, from uses by heavy-duty vehicles.The development followed the frequent breakdown of trucks in the area and several petitions by residents of the area over the damage being caused by such heavy-duty vehicles.

An incident occurred recently when residents were alerted to vacate their homes following the fall of a fuel tanker, which attracted the mobilization to the incident arena of both the state Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the State Fire Service and other rapid response agencies.

Our reporter learnt that the incident made the Governor immediately approve the installation of the barrier with immediate effect. Residents of other parts of the state have in the same manner urged the ECTDA to save them from the menace of such heavy-duty vehicles.

The residents also complain of abuse of the city master plan which made the ECTDA demolish an ongoing property development along Nnaji street by Uduma at New Haven, where to the shock and dismay of everybody, natives sold a portion of the road to an unsuspecting property developer, claiming to have carried out a variation in the state ministry of Lands, thereby abusing the 1975 New East and west layout master plan.

Speaking on the development, Chairman of ECTDA, Denge. Josef Onoh said that “from January, we shall start intensive enforcement to sanitize Enugu once more.”

…Directs police, DPR, others to apprehend perpetrators

The Enugu State government has raised the alarm over the illegal circulation, distribution and sale of compromised Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and other related products to unsuspecting residents of the state.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Steve Oruruo, the state government expressed dismay that “this dangerous substance surreptitiously marketed as genuine product to innocent residents has already inflicted devastating fatalities and produced gory sights of bodily injuries and horrific destruction of properties in Enugu State”.

Oruruo added that “the state government is concerned about this unfolding situation and to that effect has directed the Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and other related Government Agencies to swing into immediate action, investigate and arrest all the persons involved either directly or remotely in the illicit distribution or sale of this highly perilous product”.

The Special Adviser disclosed that the state government extended its unalloyed commiserations to the victims of the dastardly act and their loved ones and advised the general public to be profoundly wary of where they purchase Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and other related products.

The government therefore enjoined residents of the state to “report any suspected peddlers of this illegal product to the security agencies” for immediate action.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday, presented to the State House of Assembly, the 2022 Budget estimates of One Hundred and Eighty-Six Billion, Six Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, One Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy Naira (N186,635,135,770.00) for consideration and approval .

Presenting the budget proposal tagged: “Budget of Sustained Growth and Consolidation”, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that it “is 9.9% higher than our 2021 budget”, adding that out of the total budget size, the sum of N71,477,449,812.00, representing 38% of the total budget is for Recurrent Expenditure while the sum of N115,157,685,770.00 is for Capital Expenditure, representing 62% of the budget size.

The governor explained that the projections for the 2022 Budget of the state were founded on the economic and fiscal updates of “National Inflation Rate of 13%; National Real GDP Growth of 4.2%; Oil Production Benchmark of 1.88 million barrels per day; Oil Price Benchmark of $57 per barrel and Exchange Rate of N410.15 per US Dollar”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi hinted that the key deliverables of the 2022 Capital Budget include completion of all ongoing projects; purchase of 10 tractors and other agricultural equipment to assist mechanized farming in the state; provision of agricultural inputs, infrastructure and upgrading of wet markets for production and enhanced food processing (NG-CARES); using the Agro processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) for Capacity Building, Women/Youth Empowerment, and Development of Farmers' Aggregation and Processing Centres; purchase of Waste Disposal Compactor Trucks and dumpsters to enhance urban cleanliness; and launch of the 4th edition of Traders Empowerment scheme for 57 major urban and rural markets in Enugu State.

Other key deliverables of the 2022 budget, according to the governor, were the establishment of facility centers for industrial processing of value chain for palm oil, cassava and cashew nut in Enugu State; construction of Ibagwa – Itchi, Iheaka – Iheakpu-Awka Roads in Igbo Eze South Local Government Area; rehabilitation of Agbani Road-Police College-Gariki Flyover Road (By Port Harcourt Expressway); construction of Bridges/River crossings over Ogurugu River, Adada River and River Obinna in Uzo-Uwani LGA, Ike River in Aninri LGA, Ogbafun River, Agu Idume in Nkanu East LGA amongst others; rehabilitation of basic schools across the 17 LGAs of the State; construction of Type III Primary Healthcare facilities in Oji River, Awgu and Aninri LGAs; completion of ongoing key infrastructure for the take-off of College of Medicine and Teaching Hospital, Enugu State University of Science & Technology, Igbo Eno; and drilling, rehabilitation and reticulation of Water Boreholes in Communities across the State.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who revealed the desire of his administration to hit the ground running in the New Year, as it implements its last full year budget; added that the key deliverables of the 2022 budget proposal were also rehabilitation and upgrading of Recreational Parks (Eze, Onwudiwe and Coal Camp); upgrading and improvement of Enugu Urban Water Supply and Distribution System through the AFD-funded 3rd National Urban Water Sector Reform Project (3rd NUWSRP); construction of Court buildings to include three (3) High Court buildings in three (3) Judicial divisions - Udi, Orba and Amagunze, six (6) Magistrate Courts buildings in Amechi Idodo, Nike, Orba, Nara, Ozalla and Awhum, Enugu State; perimeter Fencing, Landscaping and Furnishing of thirty-four (34) Customary Courts already built across the State; bulk Purchase of Electricity Distribution Transformers (500KVA and 300KVA) to upgrade and replace the failed ones in the rural communities of the State; construction of Oji River Township Stadium, Oji River LGA, and establishment of additional Enugu State Technology Hub and Innovation Centre at 9th Mile, Udi LGA.

On 2021 budget performance, Gov. Ugwuanyi pointed out that the year started on a note of recovery as national and sub-national governments embarked on strategic economic engineering, through innovative economic policies, to reflate the Covid-beaten economy of the previous year.

He said that his administration embarked on deliberate measures to bring succour to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, adding that “Enugu State engaged fully in the preparatory activities for the Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Program for Results, an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria supported by World Bank to mitigate the economic disruption occasioned by the Covid-19 Pandemic by protecting the livelihoods and food security of the poor and vulnerable families while facilitating the recovery of local economic activities in all the participating States”.

The governor revealed that in spite of economic, security and public health challenges his administration maintained the payment of the N30,000.00 Minimum Wage, as at when due, since February 2020; made substantial progress in the construction of the first Enugu State Government’s Flyover which is progressively taking its pride of place at the T-Junction, Nike Lake Road - a 105 meters bridge section, with ramps measuring 590m in cumulative length and four (4) Service lanes which on completion will enhance traffic flow around Trans-Ekulu, Nike and Nike Lake Resort axis; continued massive construction of new roads and rehabilitation of existing ones in both urban and rural areas of the state, to ease the movement of persons and materials in keeping with the state government’s policy on roads.

Other key achievements include the ongoing construction of 600-Seater Event Hall; Lawn Tennis Court; Security Personnel Quarters; and Remodeling of 2 No existing Duplexes; expansive Car Park and landscaping at the old Governor’s Lodge; and the ongoing construction of Nsukka Conference Centre in Nsukka LGA with facilities such as five units of Halls of various seating capacities ranging from 200 to 1,000, a Swimming Pool, Lawn Tennis Court, amongst other recreational facilities; construction of 194 units of Ultra-Modern Bus Shelters in Enugu Metropolis since December 2020 with 107 units of the facility already completed; completed the State Secretariat Annex at Nsukka and relocation of the Zonal Offices of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that were hitherto operating in make-shift structures under one roof, to the new befitting structure.

The governor stated that all Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Deputy Directors, select Middle Level Manpower across MDAs, State EXCO Secretariat Staff and New Employees, have engaged in trainings (ICT, Peer Learning, Knowledge & Experience Sharing, Interactive Sessions) to build capacity required in a modern-day Civil Service.

“Notably, Three (3) Permanent Secretaries; Thirty-One (31) Directors; and Nineteen (19) Deputy Directors have undergone Four (4) Weeks Policy, Strategy and Leadership Course at National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State (within three months - 6th September, 2021 to the 27th November 2021).

“All these are purposeful human capital investments aimed at building capacities of Civil Servants for enhanced service delivery. It is our sincere wish to bequeath Enugu State Civil Service that is well-equipped and well-motivated for the job in hand.

“We are yet to fully recover from the negative economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and have not rested on our oars in the battle for the containment of this contagion. Within the period under review, we have continued the following interventions:

“The ongoing construction of Amenity facility in Enugu Ezike General hospital, the completed seven (7) Model Type III Primary Healthcare facilities in Nkanu East, Igbo-Etiti, Igbo-Eze South, Isi-Uzo, Udenu, Ezeagu and Uzo-Uwani LGAs when put into use will boost the delivery of healthcare services in the State.

“Within the period under view, we attained significant milestones in the development of ESUT College of Medicine and Teaching Hospital, Igbo Eno.

“The construction of Cottage Hospitals with Isolation Wards in Awgu, Orba, Enugu Ezike and Oji-River have been completed and these will enhance the delivery of secondary healthcare services within their environs.

“We have successfully installed 100 (One Hundred) units of 200 litres Solar Refrigerators and Freezers at various Health Centres across the State”.

“We are transposing our State Health Systems to provide primary healthcare through the Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage. Under the Enugu State Universal Health Coverage Scheme (ESUHCS), we are targeting the enrolment of all Enugu State residents. This will also facilitate the provision of free healthcare to vulnerable persons in the State, among others”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi further stated that despite the slow recovery of the Nigerian economy from the challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and others, his administration has been able to maintain traction in other sectors such as education, security, tourism, human capital development, Judiciary, religion, agriculture, water supply, scholarship schemes, sports development, science and technology, state parliament and chieftaincy matters, among others.

Responding, the Speaker of the State House Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for presenting a modest and realizable budget estimates, assuring him that the House will give it expeditious consideration and passage.

The Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, member representing Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ofor Chukwuegbo, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani, members of the State Executive Council, Council Chairmen, the Royal Fathers led by the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, former State Chairmen of PDP, Chief Engr. Vita Abba and Chief Ikejeu Asogwa, and other top government officials witnessed the
event.

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has successfully trained one hundred and fourteen (114) indigent girls, women and boys in Information Communication Technology (ICT) at the newly established State Tech Hub and Youth Innovation Centre in Obollo Afor, Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking during the graduation of the beneficiaries, the General Manager of the Obollo Afor Tech Hub and Youth Innovation Centre, Dr. Emmanuel Uba Nwani disclosed that one of the cardinal aims of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration in establishing the centre was to empower the girl-child by exposing them to the digital world through knowledge of computer applications and other digital intricacies, to enable them to earn a living and be self-reliant in future.

Dr. Nwani who noted that the five-week training was conducted free of charge at the cost of the state government in collaboration with Tech 4 Development, explained that the pupils and women were exposed to graphic design, software development, web designing and solar energy installation, among others.

The General Manager who presented certificate of participation to the beneficiaries, urged other pupils in the area to develop interest and avail themselves of the opportunity.

“This is to host and train mostly the girl-child; not only the girl-child, but the vulnerable women and boys in the society who do not have access to modern telecommunication infrastructure.

“We train them in ICT programmes such as digital technology and digital literacy to expose them to the technology world. They were taught how to work with computer system; they were shown computer parts; they were trained on how to open some of the applications like Microsoft window; they were shown how to create email addresses; they were also trained on how to browse the internet.

“We know that presently Nigeria is working towards Computer Based Test (CBT) for all grades and the people concerned especially the people in the hinterland must be acquainted; must be knowledgeable on how to use computer system”, he said.

Also speaking, one of the facilitators, Brown Ini expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for establishing the programme, stressing that it will go a long way towards empowering the girl-child in ICT.

Some of the children who benefited from the training thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for the noble achievement and promised to utilize the gains in their daily activities.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State says it has raised massive awareness on its up-coming month-long mass COVID-19 vaccination of residents from 18 years and above.

Dr George Ugwu, Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, made the declaration when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Enugu.

Ugwu spoke on the side-lines of actions by the state government to protect residents against the pandemic, especially its mutating and dreaded Omicron variant.

The executive secretary said that the mass COVID-19 vaccination would run from Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021 to Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2021.

It would be used to launch the third phase of COVID-19 vaccination in the state, he said.

He said government had engaged private and mission hospitals to join in the mass exercise to ensure accessibility by all residents.

Ugwu said that the agency and its partners would strive to vaccinate up to half of residents aged 18 years and above.

“At this third phase, the agency and its partners will be more robust and aggressive about giving the vaccine to people above 18 years in the state.

“We will have increased number of vaccination teams deployed to health centres, hospitals, schools, churches, market places.

“Some will be deployed to parks, public and government establishments and other selected places throughout the state.

“We are appealing to those that have taken the vaccine to persuade, convince and make their friends, colleagues and family members available for the vaccination.

“Mass vaccination of all remains the surest way to ensure that everyone within families, offices, neighbourhoods and communities is protected,’’ he said.

Ugwu commended international and local health partners as well as traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and community-based organisations for their mobilisation and support in tackling COVID-19.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

Recount benefits

The two-week free training programme for graduate Engineers and Technologists from the South East geo-political zone on sustainable water technology and renewable energy resources by Fordmarx Nigeria Limited and its foreign partner, Lorentz Germany, in collaboration with Enugu State Government, ended yesterday with expression of gratitude and accomplishment from the participants.

The free training tagged: “Train the Trainer/Capacity Building Programme on Sustainable Water Technology” was flagged off by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on November 23, 2021 at The Base Event Centre, Enugu.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Water Resources, Anthony Dubem Onyia (Jnr.), Gov. Ugwuanyi explained that the programme was intended to build capacity for sustainable water technology especially in the area of borehole drilling, water treatment and plant management, renewable energy, irrigation and fire fighting.

The governor urged the participants to pay attention and utilize the ample opportunity to learn more about their areas of interest, and commended Fordmarx Nigeria Limited for the programme which he said was the first of its kind in Enugu State.

Speaking at the end of the two-week programme, the Managing Director of Fordmarx Nigeria Limited, Dr. Clifford Nnaji, explained that the training was initiated to expose the participants to the modern ways of doing things in terms of installation, maintenance and designing of solar power system, renewable energy, water supply, water treatment and plant and fire fighting.

Dr. Nnaji said that the event was successful and impactful, pointing out that the participants were happy and satisfied with the training they received.

“They will go back to their various communities and train others, transfer that knowledge they have acquired here to other people to make sure that potable water is available for everybody in their communities, South East and Nigeria in general”.

The Fordmarx MD, who disclosed that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration has been supportive, added that “the state government has been doing a wonderful job to ensure that we build capacity for leaders of tomorrow”.



Reacting at the end of the programme, a cross section of the participants described the event as the first of its kind in Enugu State in particular and the South East in general and thanked Fordmarx Nigeria Limited and Enugu State Government immensely for the initiative, which they said was innovative, engaging and impactful.

One of the participants, Emmanuel Okona, disclosed that the programme taught them how to harness water as well as how to drill and treat water using modern technology without altering the environment “with regards to the carbon and decarbonization agenda of the world”.

According to him “This training has opened our eyes to make us understand to a larger extent that water is not just water; that water that is not potable is not safe for any domestic activity.

“We have learnt that water is not just used for domestic activities; water is used for industrial, commercial and very wide-range of activities in the society. So you can say that water is a very important aspect of human living.

“We sincerely thank and commend Fordmarx Nigeria Limited for collaborating with Enugu State Government to give us this programme as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of giving back to the society.

“It is a very good initiative for Enugu State Government to partner a big company like Fordmarx to train us. I mean what a better way to give back to the society than to train the youth, young engineers who will take over the industry tomorrow?"

The participant who noted that the Enugu State government has been proactive in addressing the issue of potable water for the citizens to enjoy sufficient supply, said: “We know about a lot of programmes they have been doing in the villages. Even in my own village, Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area there is a EN-RUWASSA project there and a lot of other villages.

“Also in the course of the training, we were taken to some of the facilities the Enugu State Government contracted Fordmarx to develop for them such as the 9th Mile Borehole Crash Programme which involves the total rehabilitation and conversion of so many industrial boreholes to solar power to ensure sufficient and sustainable water supply to Enugu residents.

“There at the site, you will see the wondrous work the state government is doing to tackle the water problem that we are facing in the city for so many decades.

“So, on behalf of other participants, I must commend Enugu State Government and the company (Fordmarx) because it is a very big plus for us the participants to come close and learn a lot about water techniques”.

Also speaking, the representative of Network of Civil Society Organizations, Okechukwu Umeh, maintained that the training was “one of the most impactful programmes that I have seen organized that tend to address the global core challenge of climate crisis”.

Umeh added that “the programme has come to also address the issue of job creation”, stating that “we have observed a lot of empowerment programmes held by Enugu State Government”.

Another participant, Osita Ogwacha from Imo State equally appreciated Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his efforts in tackling the challenge of unemployment in the state through various innovative training and empowerment programmes.

He described the training organized by Fordmarx Nigeria Limited as a veritable opportunity for participants who are graduates in engineering fields to come together, learn and try to proffer solutions to water problems in the country.

In her reaction, Juliet Udakwu, a beneficiary, revealed that the training has spurred her to develop interest in renewable energy.

According to her, “Before now, I didn’t have any intention of going into renewable energy resources but after this training programme, I discovered that there are a lot of things I can do concerning these renewable energy resources.

“I have learnt a lot through this training and I am grateful to Fordmarx Nigeria Limited for orgainsing this programme. I must applaud the Enugu State government because this is a wonderful project. As the theme of the programme reads: “Train the Trainer”, after here we will go out there to train others; what we have learnt here, we will educate others and correct the mistakes they make during drilling and other related activities”.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths in Enugu State has distanced themselves from a publication which says the socio-political organisation is calling for a one million-man match to demand accountability from the governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Mazi Nnamdi Odo, the Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu State said he was hearing about the call for the first time stressing that such call couldn’t have emanated from them as they have no reason to call for such yet.

Mazi Odo attributed the publication to the actions of renegades and assured they will go after such persons once their identity is known to them.

“I have no idea of what you are saying because there’s only one Ohanaeze Ndigbo and I’m not aware of such call and there is no reason to protest against the workaholic Governor of Enugu State.

“You have called my attention to this, we are actually going to do something about it, impersonation is a crime and we are going to do something about it once I finish talking to you now,” he said.
Also commenting on the publication, Enugu Youths Renaissance, EYR, said the publication is laughable and shouldn’t be discussed.

The Acting Publicity Secretary of EYR, Umeayo Caleb said the faceless group deserves no response as they’re playing a kite.

“Anyone that is in Enugu and says the current administration have done nothing about insecurity is either a drunk or suffering from acute memory loss.”

He went on to say that the publication is just a political hatchet job by some disgruntled element that believes the only way they can achieve their political dream is by blackmailing any government in power.

“We know these antics my brother. This is purely a political gimmick and I can assure you that this is a blackmail tool of some disgruntled politicians whose stock in trade is blackmail and mudslinging.

"EYR does not pay attention to such characters but if there’s need to reply them, I believe my Director General and the entire executive will do that because we can’t watch anyone set this place on fire because of their inordinate ambition," he said.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Wednesday, inspected the ongoing comprehensive overhaul of the pitch of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, a project to bring the stadium at par with international standard.

Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration recently awarded contract for the upgrade of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium’s pitch with the installation of state-of-the-art turf in line with the requirements of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Licensing Regulation on sports infrastructure and facilities.

Speaking during the inspection, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Manfred Nzekwe, who led Gov. Ugwuanyi to the site, disclosed that the discarded turf was installed 12 years ago, precisely in 2009 and has not been changed since then until the current intervention by the present administration in Enugu State.

Hon. Nzekwe pointed out that, although the state government had been maintaining the pitch and other infrastructure at the Stadium, prior to commencement of the upgrade, Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration decided to install a new pitch as part of its concerted efforts at upgrading the stadium to international standard.

The Sports Commissioner added that there had been a yearly routine maintenance of the turf and other sports facilities in the stadium since the inception of the present administration, commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for his commitment to youth empowerment and sports development in the state.

Reacting, a cross section of jubilant sports enthusiasts who witnessed the governor’s inspection tour of the ongoing works at the stadium applauded him for the remarkable intervention and other efforts of his administration in repositioning the sports sector in the state.

They hailed Gov. Ugwuanyi’s passion for sports and youth development in Enugu State, stressing that the ongoing upgrade of facilities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, was a right step in the right direction.

…Says issue will soon be history

*Flags off Ingrace Water-on-Wheels enterprise

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has assured the people of the state that water supply challenges will become history as soon as the AFD (French Development Agency) supported water projects come fully on stream in a few months time.

Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration is participating in the AFD (French Development Agency) Support to 3rd National Urban Water Sector Reform Project, which will deliver end-to-end water supply solution in Enugu metropolis.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Water-on-Wheels enterprise, an initiative of Ingrace Group designed to deliver potable water to points of need through mobile application order and other ancillary services, to complement the remarkable efforts of the state government to ensure steady supply of potable water to Enugu people, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that within the AFD implementation plan, the Detailed Engineering Design of works component of the project is in progress.

The governor, who highlighted the progress made by his administration in providing potable water to the people of the state in spite of the heavy challenges it met on ground in the water sector, added that “the tender for rehabilitation of Oji and Ajali water schemes (including water treatment plants) and other works would commence by the end of this year”.

According to him, “the dilapidated water pipeline networks in Enugu metropolis will be replaced with new ones while new estate developments and unserved neighbourhoods will be connected to the public water supply system”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who stated that at inception he met a heavily challenged water sector especially at the production end, revealed that “the Oji River and Ajali water schemes were decrepit with daily water production far below their installed capacities” and “the 9th Mile Crash Borehole Programme was comatose and its major installations had been vandalized occasioning grossly inadequate potable water supply to Enugu city”.

On progress made by his administration in providing potable water to the people of Enugu State, the governor listed as follows: “Emergency rehabilitation of Oji and Ajali water schemes resulting in improved water supply to most parts of Enugu city including GRA, New Haven, Asata, some parts of Independence Layout, Achara Layout, Trans-Ekulu and Coal Camp areas, etc.

“Construction of additional five (5) functional water boreholes in Nsukka and this has led to great improvement in water supply in Nsukka Urban; construction of water pipeline extensions in many streets and communities in Enugu Urban and Nsukka due to increased water supply; complete rehabilitation of 9th Mile Crash Borehole Programme that is fully powered by solar energy.

“Eight ( water boreholes are already productive in this scheme and soon, with the imminent inauguration of this project, water supply to Enugu metropolis will receive a significant boost.

“Rejigging and retooling of Enugu State Water Corporation to ensure a competent, well-equipped and well-motivated workforce; bidding process for drilling of ten (10) new solar energy-powered water boreholes in Okwojo Ngwo is on course; and Enugu State government’s participation in the AFD (French Development Agency) Support to 3rd National Urban Water Sector Reform Project will deliver end-to-end water supply solution to Enugu metropolis”.

Appreciating the complementarity of the Ingrace Water-on-Wheels initiative, Gov. Ugwuanyi congratulated the President of Ingrace Group, Mr. Chinedu Onu for the business venture, describing him as “one of our illustrious sons, a young and bold entrepreneur, imbued with uncommon courage and the willingness to take the plunge”.

In his remarks, Ingrace Group President, Mr. Onu expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for honouring the invitation to flag off the enterprise.

He explained that the scheme was designed to complement the laudable efforts of the state government at providing potable water to Enugu people, stressing that “there is no state in this country the government has sufficiently provided enough water for the people”.

Mr. Onu pointed out that Enugu State has grown in population under Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, adding that the friendly investment climate the governor has sustained in the state “has made it possible that investors troop down to Enugu for investment. Hence the high demand for potable water in our state”.

Dignitaries at the event include the Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Hon. Innocent Ezeoha, the Chairman of Udi Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Agu, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Pilgrims and Welfare Board, Barr. Nestor Ezeme, and the Chairman, Enugu State Local Government Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC), Hon. Engr. Hyacinth Ngwu, among others.

…Engages citizens on 2022 budget

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, through the State Ministry of Budget and Planning, yesterday, held a One Day Citizens’ Engagement on the 2022 Budget, at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu.

The event, according to the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr. David O. Ugwunta, was in line with Gov. Ugwuanyi’s commitment to openness in governance and all inclusive budgeting process as well as a requirement of the State’s Fiscal, Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme.

Addressing participants at the event, Gov. Ugwuanyi represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, reiterated his commitment to the underlining principles of transparency, accountability, fiscal discipline, inclusiveness and partnership in governance.

Gov. Ugwuanyi maintained that his administration from inception signed up to the open government partnership which transcends into openness, inclusiveness and transparency in the state's budgetary procedure.

Stressing the need for citizens’ engagement in the preparation of the 2022 budget, the governor stated that the exercise provides a veritable platform for citizens of the state to make inputs on developmental projects they want the government to execute in the next fiscal year.

Gov. Ugwuanyi pointed out that his administration has put an end to the era where the people were presented with a catalogue of budgets that were never executed, adding that the state government has always taken practical steps in identifying people-oriented projects that are achievable in line with Section 14 sub-section 2 of the Nigerian Constitution.

He emphasized the premium the state government places on the welfare of residents and security of lives and property, urging citizens at the event to maximize the opportunity and make inputs that would help in the development of the state.

In his address, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr. Ugwunta commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his transparency and accountability in governance, maintaining that “the essence of the citizens' engagement was to carry the citizens who are the sole beneficiaries of all the government projects along in all the activities of the government”.

Dr. Ugwunta added that “in preparation for the 2022 budget, it is expedient to elicit inputs from the citizens of what they want the government to do in the next fiscal year and beyond”.

He noted that despite the dwindling revenue witnessed in the 3rd Quarter of 2021; the state government has remained committed to appropriate utilization of available resources towards human capital and infrastructural development of the state.

Some of the participants at the event were Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyanwune and members of the State Executive Council (EXCO); members of the State Council of Traditional Rulers led by HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu; Civil Society Organizations led by Barr. Cromwell; Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Enugu State Chapter; Rev. Emmanuel Edeh; President-General of Town Unions, Sir Paully Eze; Women Group led by Mrs. Vera Ezeugwu; Chairman, Lead Network Africa; Mr. Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa; Chairman, National Union of Journalists, Enugu State Chapter, Mr. Rex Arum; former State Accountant General and Special Adviser to the Governor on Financial Matters; Dr. Sir Pascal Okolie, and Permanent Secretaries.

Others include delegations from the National Youth Council of Enugu State Students; Nigerian Youth Parliament, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS); National Youth Council of Nigeria led by Hon. Barth Okoh; Enugu State Female Comrades; National Youth Assembly of Nigeria; Heroine Foundation; Amaka Chinwuba Foundation, and Connected Development, etc.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

…Hail him on peace, security, development

…Pledge loyalty, uncompromising support

Traditional Rulers from Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Thursday, paid a solidarity visit to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, commending him for his giant developmental strides especially in the rural areas as well as his unparalleled commitment to peace and security in spite of the nation’s economic, security and public health challenges.

The Royal Fathers expressed delight that the peace, security and good governance entrenched in Enugu State by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration have made the state “the destination of choice for all people in Nigeria, particularly our brothers of the South East”.

Led by the Chairman, Igbo-Etiti Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Michael C. Odo, the Traditional Rulers, said: “Your Excellency, we visit you today with pride and satisfaction. It is indeed no gain saying that since you came into office in 2015, you have manifestly and undoubtedly shot Enugu State into global reckoning with your massive and wide spread infrastructural development across the 260 wards and 450 autonomous communities in the state.

“We cannot thank you enough for the love you have shown to our people of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area. You have indeed shown this love in the number of critical appointments you have given to our people, like never been done in the history of the state.

“Your Excellency, we are greatly indebted to you for the massive developmental projects you have done in our Local Government.

“Prominent amongst them include construction and commissioning of the state-of-the-art Ogbede General Hospital with Staff Quarters; construction of all required structures for the immediate take off of the Federal Polytechnic Ohodo which you attracted; construction of the Ohodo-Umunna-Ozalla-Ohebe-Aku Road by the State Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP).

“Construction of a full mobile police barracks with Army Parade Ground and Quarters at Ekwegbe, Igbo-Etiti LGA; construction of various river crossings in Agu Ukehe and Agu Ekwegbe all in Igbo-Etiti LGA; rehabilitation of Ekwegbe borehole; and provision of Transformers and extension of Power lines in Ukehe, Aku, Ikolo, Ohodo, etc all in Igbo-Etiti LGA”.

Stressing that they are proud of the unique and outstanding efforts of his administration in transforming the state and ensuring peace and security of lives and property, the Monarchs assured Gov. Ugwuanyi of “our loyalty and uncompromising support”, saying: “As Traditional Rulers we are irrevocably committed to the declaration of our people at the ‘Odinma Nsukka Rally at Nsukka High School”.

The event was witnessed by top government functionaries from Igbo-Etiti LGA such as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, two members of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ezenta Ezeani and Rt. Hon. James Akadu; Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh; the Council Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Nkechi Ugwu-Oju, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Hon. Ikenna Nwodo.

Others were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Hon. Ogbons Idike, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, their counterpart in Debt Management Office (DMO), Chinonye Okegbe, and Samson Ezea, Media Aide to the Governor.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

The Enugu State Fire Service, on Wednesday, assured residents that the firefighting agency is well equipped by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration and prepared to combat any fire outbreak in the state “including high-hazard flammable, non-flammable and hydrocarbon fire”.

The State Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa, who gave the assurance during a fire safety training workshop at Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of the state, disclosed that Gov. Ugwuanyi has approved the purchase of Film Forming Fluoro-Protein Foam (FFFP) professionally used in combating of all types of fire as Harmattan season draws near.

Engr. Ohaa noted that the training workshop at Isi-Uzo LGA was a continuation of the massive fire safety workshop initiated by Gov. Ugwuanyi in collaboration with the 17 council chairmen aimed at controlling, preventing and suppressing fire incidents as well as mitigating the effects of fire outbreak in the state.

The Chief Fire Officer disclosed that the state government and the agency adopted the approach of engagement of stakeholders such as the Traditional Rulers, Presidents General, Market Leaders, Neighbourhood Watch groups, Forest Guards, Religious and Youth groups to wholesomely create “a safer and more secure living environment for our people”.

Pointing out that the fire safety workshop will take place in the 17 LGAs of Enugu State, Engr. Ohaa charged the stakeholders to work with the state government to protect their environment in line with the directive of the governor.

Appreciating Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s steadfastness and commitment to the safety of lives and property of residents of Enugu State through provision of all the necessary support needed by the state fire service, the Fire Chief explained that the FFFP is a highly effective foam used for fighting high-hazard flammable and non-flammable fire.

According to him, “His Excellency (Ugwuanyi) has equally approved the refurbishment of six fire trucks and procurement of motor spare parts and working tools to aid Enugu State Fire Service to maintain its prompt response to fire related emergencies and rescue operations and to boost fire prevention and revenue activities”.

Stressing that the campaign was in furtherance of the Gov. Ugwuanyi administration’s Zero Fire Programme in Enugu State, Engr. Ohaa harped on the important role of the stakeholders in ensuring that “we have zero fire outbreak in our domain”.

In his speech, the Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Hon. Abonyi applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for equipping the state fire service which has enabled it to carry out its onerous task efficiently and effectively.

The Chairman stated that the state fire service training workshop has helped in enlightening him and the people of the local government area on causes of fire outbreaks and preventive measures.

He thanked the Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Ohaa and his team for the education and enjoined participating stakeholders of Isi-Uzo LGA to utilize the training to protect and safeguard lives and property of residents of the area and beyond.

Concerned about the increase in population of Enugu State and the imperative for functional recreation and relaxation centres for the residents, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on Monday, visited some bastardized state government parks in Enugu City, determined to restore them to their original purpose comparable to the newly established Enugu Unity Park, adjacent to the popular Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.

The recreation centres visited by Gov. Ugwuanyi, in company of the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ugonna Ibe and a major stakeholder in the state, Hon. Gary Eneh, were the newly remodeled Eze and Onwudiwe parks located at Uwani, Enugu, the Ejindu Park, Coal Camp Enugu and the Ude Ubaka Park, along Agbani Road, Enugu, which has been illegally converted to churches, residential areas and automobile workshops.

Gov. Ugwuanyi made funds available for immediate clearing of grasses and removal of other obstructions at Eze, Onwudiwe and Ejindu parks, disclosing that the state government will follow due process to restore Ude Ubaka Park to its original purpose.

The governor’s mission is to ensure that these government facilities are put into effective use in line with their original purpose in the overall interest of residents of the state.

He therefore assured jubilant residents living within the areas, who hailed him over the visit and planned intervention on restoring the parks for recreation and relaxation, that the facilities will soon be put into effective use.

The Chairmen of Enugu South and Enugu North local government areas, Hon. Monday Eneh and Hon. Emeka Onunze respectively, joined the governor and his team in the inspection tour of the facilities.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, for ensuring justice, equity and due process are followed in resolving the NULGE land impasse.

Its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, and media affairs, Zainab Yusuf, in a statement, yesterday, said the restoration of the land, plot P/23CA, located in Independence Layout Enugu, allocated to NULGE, Enugu chapter in 2011 in line with Allocation Reference No. LEN 29329/4 of January 21, 2011, was purportedly revoked by the immediate past commissioner for Lands, Victor Nnam, without the governor’s approval pursuant to the Land Use Act.

The association expressed gratitude to Ugwuanyi for his labour-friendly programmes and prompt intervention in the NULGE land matter, which would have degenerated into crisis.

‘Your Excellency, you will recall that a few weeks ago, the Department of State Service (DSS) knowing how much you have invested in terms of time, efforts and resources to ensure a peaceful Enugu had alerted you of a crisis that was brewing in the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development over the purported revocation of Plot P23CA Independence Layout, Enugu belonging to NULGE.

“Your Excellency, as you were digesting this important report from a trusted partner in the security of the state, the DSS and members of the state House of Assembly after their investigation further alerted you of this crisis and the injustice that was done.

The said Ugwuanyi had displayed similar support and solidarity with NULGE during the local government autonomy rally, pointing out that such disposition was a proof that the governor believes strongly in the struggle and betterment of rural dwellers in particular and Nigeria in general.

HURIWA described Ugwuanyi as “the most labour-friendly governor in Nigeria” and “the ray of hope in the South East.”

“Ugwuanyi believes in his people, he believes in the betterment of rural dwellers, he believes in a better Nigeria and most importantly, he believes that there must be quality education, quality healthcare delivery system, good road network, potable water supply to the rural dwellers because that is the basis and pillar of governance,” HURIWA said.