Stakeholders in the Aviation industry have commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his exceptional commitment to the development of the sector in the state and the South East geo-political zone for the safety of air travelers.
The stakeholders made the commendation during the inauguration of the access road to the Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Radio Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu constructed by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration.
It would be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi in furtherance of his administration’s efforts to encourage and ensure that the Federal Government comprehensively rehabilitated the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, last year, to function at optimum capacity and efficiency, for the safety of air travelers, among other time-honoured interventions, promised to reconstruct the VOR/DME access road for NAMA to aid its all-important operations at the site.
The governor fulfilled the promised and delivered to standard the access road to NAMA’s VOR/DME Navigational Aid Site and meteorological facilities, for safe landing of aircrafts at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, located behind NNPC depot, Emene.
Speaking during the inauguration of the road and other airport facilities, the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his commitment to airport development and safety in Enugu State in particular and South East in general.
Hon. Nnaji maintained that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s investment in the Aviation industry is outstanding and worthy of commendation, adding that the governor during the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, showed leadership and made a lot of sacrifices to ensure that the project was fully actualized.
“Your Excellency, we are happy that you have always come to our aid in the sector”, he said.
In his speech, the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Hamisu Rabiu Yadudu, also lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his remarkable contributions to the success story of the Aviation sector in Nigeria.
FAAN MD who presented the Safety Ambassador Award and Outstanding Promoter of Air Safety Award to Gov. Ugwuanyi on behalf of FAAN and NAMA respectively, described the governor as “a special leader” who has displayed vision and uncommon commitment to the industry.
He pointed out that the governor went extra miles to ensure that the Enugu airport rehabilitation was actualized for the benefit of the people of the South East and beyond.
In his goodwill message, the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command Enugu, Air Vice Marshal Frank Goodnews Oparah, expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi “for this marvelous job he has done in constructing this Aviation road”.
Oparah noted that the all-important road was hitherto in a deplorable condition, impassable and hindered the security operation of the Air force officers at the VOR navigation site until the recent intervention of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration.
Also speaking, the Airspace Manager, NAMA, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Yohana lliya Namo, stated that the road was one of the critical issues the agency brought to the attention of Gov. Ugwuanyi that the governor addressed expressly for the safety of air travelers.
He appreciated the governor for his immeasurable support and pledged to sustain the trust and goodwill of the state government.
Other speakers at the event, such as the Chairman, South East Governors Forum Rehabilitation and Palliative Works, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Engr. Chris Okoye, the Enugu State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, the Airport Manager, FAAN, AIIA, Mrs. Cecilia Oguama, and the Chairman, Association of Heads of Federal Agencies in Enugu, Mrs. Lucy Ifeoma Ijeta, Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Hon. Alex Ugwu, joined other stakeholders to applaud Gov. Ugwuanyi for his standing commitment to the progress of the Aviation sector.
Inaugurating the project, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for approving and funding the rehabilitation of the Enugu airport, stressing that “this critical intervention remains abiding”.
Emphasizing the importance of the VOR/DME access road to safety of air travelers, the governor said: “I am glad that our administration successfully undertook the redesign and reconstruction of this road, to complement the laudable airport rehabilitation works undertaken by the Federal Government as well as enhance the safety of air travelers”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi added: “I enjoin the end users of this road particularly FAAN, NAMA and residents of Emene to take ownership of the new road and ensure its proper use. My administration reiterates its commitment to continuing provision of critical infrastructure for the benefit of all”.
Comprehensive rehabilitation of 9th Mile Crash Programme with installation of solar powered boreholes for availability, sustainability of water supply in Enugu, over 90 percent completed, says Contractor
…Commends Gov. Ugwuanyi’s efforts
The Managing Director of FordMarx Nigeria Limited, Dr. Clifford Nnaji, who is handling the complete rehabilitation of the 9th Mile Crash Programme being executed by the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, after over 30 years since the water project was abandoned, has assured residents of Enugu that the issue of potable water supply will soon be a thing of the past.
Dr. Nnaji who spoke on the extent of work done at the site, disclosed that the water scheme which involves the conversion of 13 industrial boreholes to solar power to ensure availability and sustainability of water reticulation to Enugu metropolis “is over 90 percent completed”.
It would be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration in its sheer determination to decisively address water challenges in the state recently awarded contract to FordMarx Nigeria Limited for comprehensive rehabilitation of the 9th Mile Crash Programme which was abandoned after the administration of former Governor Jim Nwobodo of old Anambra State.
Each of the rehabilitated boreholes is solar powered, to address the peculiar challenges of power failure.
The project was conceptualized by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration to boost the volume of potable water being reticulated from the aged water scheme. The project has a two-year warranty and maintenance by the company.
Speaking further, the Managing Director of FordMarx Nigeria Limited stated that “we are getting more than what we expected in terms of the quality of water and soonest we will be rounding off”.
Dr. Nnaji assured that “water will be available at an affordable rate and also sustainable because the rehabilitated boreholes are powered by solar as we will not wait for the grid electricity or diesel powered generator to pump water”.
He revealed that after servicing the 13 boreholes they discovered at the site, eight of them are now in good working condition stressing: “There is enough potable water and we have seen more than what we expected”.
According to him, “the borehole can sustain more than the size of the pump we proposed initially. The borehole can sustain more than 100 horsepower pump. We had expected something about 500 cubic meters per day from a hole, but now we are getting more than double of what we expected”.
The contractor who listed other ongoing projects at the site such as perimeter fencing of 250 plots of land covering the facility, severe gully erosion control of about 15 meters depth and a security tower with CCTV cameras, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his unrelenting commitment to the massive water project aimed at addressing the challenges of water supply in Enugu, pointing out that the governor “is the man of the people who listens to the voice of the people”.
Enugu fire chief charges stakeholders to sustain Gov. Ugwuanyi’s safety initiatives
…As agency gets two additional water tankers
...Releases emergency call lines
The Enugu State Fire Service has reiterated its commitment to the untiring efforts and sacrifices of the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in ensuring safety of lives and property of residents of the state.
Speaking during the flag-off of the fire safety campaign in Udenu Local Government Area, the Enugu State Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for the numerous interventions his administration has made in transforming the state fire sector and ensuring that the fire fighting agency discharges its sensitive duties diligently and effectively.
Engr. Ohaa disclosed that besides the various achievements, Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration has also paid for two Water Tankers to be stationed at two of the five newly constructed ultra-modern fire service stations across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“His Excellency (Ugwuanyi) also approved the installation of fire extinguishers of various types and sizes in over 28 major markets in the state. He equally approved the training of personnel of these markets and others on fire safety and how to use the equipment in the event of fire outbreak.
“Our Governor broke records again in the history of Enugu State Fire Service as he provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the safety of all firefighters in the state; the list is endless”, he added.
Engr. Ohaa who disclosed that the training campaign was in furtherance of Gov. Ugwuanyi administration’s Zero Fire Outbreak programme across the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State, charged the stakeholders and participants, such as the Council Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, Presidents-General, Neighbourhood Watch groups, Forest Guards, Market Leaders and youth groups, not to allow the sacrifices of the governor in ensuring the safety of lives and property of residents of the state be in vain.
The state fire chief therefore enjoined the stakeholders to work together with his agency “to keep our state free from fire outbreak and for residents to enjoy a fire free Yuletide”, stressing that “we adopted this approach of engagement because we want the intervention to be wholesome in order to create a safer and more secure living environment for the people of Enugu State”.
Addressing residents on ways to avoid fire outbreak, Engr. Ohaa said: “Always ensure that you put off your electrical appliances each time you are leaving the house. Buy and keep a fire extinguisher in the house as well as in your cars and learn how to use it. Avoid indiscriminate burning of bush or setting materials on fire. We are always available and you can reach us through our phone numbers whenever there is fire outbreak.
“The phone numbers are as follows: Ogui Road Fire Station (07065409291); Nsukka Fire Station (08068079367); 9th Mile Fire Station (08036364051); Govt. House Fire Unit (08169618536); Ogrute Fire Station (08161559393); Oji-River Fire Station (09032389861); Ozalla Fire Station (09033216665); Orba Fire Station (09015886887); Ogbete Fire Unit (08144800422); Timber Shed Fire Unit (07031660024); Headquarters (08080304303)”.
Engr. Ohaa commended the Chairman of Udenu LGA, Hon. Solomon Onah for his resilience and support towards the fight against fire outbreak in the state, stating that “he is the only local government council chairman that provides security for the fire service to protect our fire station and assist us during fire fighting”.
In his address, the Chairman of Udenu LGA, Hon. Onah applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi’s leadership role in reinvigorating the state fire service to meet up with its mandate of safeguarding lives and property.
Hon. Onah, who is also the State Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), pointed out that the ongoing local government enlightenment campaign on fire safety was timely and unprecedented.
He therefore called on the people of Enugu State to avail themselves of the rare opportunity, pay attention and learn safety measures aimed at preventing fire outbreak and safeguarding lives and property.
Enugu govt commences training of 600 women, youths in software IT infusion programme, wealth creation tech courses
The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has commenced the training of 400 women in software Information Technology (IT) Infusion Programme and 200 young men in high powered, life altering and wealth creating tech courses, at the newly established Enugu State Tech Hub Centres in the state.
The IT training scheme, known as "The Arise Women and Blow-my-mind Software Infusion Programme", according to the General Manager of Enugu Tech Hub Centre, Mr. Chidubem Anoworem, is for 600 youths, to be trained over a period of three months, which will enable the students to learn Data Science and Visualisation, and Product Design, free of charge.
The General Manager added that the Arise Women and Blow-my-mind Software Infusion Programme is also the biggest Software Infusion Programme that prioritised women over men in the ratio of 400 women to 200 men.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of the first batch of the software IT infusion students at the Enugu State Tech Hub Centre in Enugu, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Sir Obi Kama explained that the programme will "empower the participants to build cutting-edge innovation that will solve real problems and also create a new wealth index for youths in Enugu State".
Sir Kama disclosed that the IT infusion programme for women was in keeping with Gov. Ugwuanyi administration’s commitment to gender equality as well as its unrelenting and unequivocal passion for enhancing the capacity of youths of Enugu State in IT innovations as a veritable vehicle for wealth creation, economic growth and self-reliance.
The Science and Technology Commissioner commended the management team of the Tech Hub Centres for their bold initiatives and great strides in partnering Tech Hub giants such as Microsoft and TECH4DEV to launch the mega software infusion programme for the targeted audience.
He pointed out that the programme is free and runs for four weeks, noting that the State Ministry of Science and Technology is proud of the commitment, energy and passion being displayed by the Enugu Tech Hub in exceeding the expectations in its roadmap of infusing technology-driven innovations in the youth, aimed at changing the innovation index of the state.
Sir kama who congratulated the graduands, urged the fresh students to remain steadfast and take full advantage of the programme to impart knowledge and "bring about the generation shift this government hopes to achieve before the end of 2022 in making Enugu State the Hub for tech infusion, incubation and acceleration of tech start ups in South East".
In her address, the Commissioner for Special Duties and the Focal Person, Enugu Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Hon. Mrs. Mabel Agbo revealed that Enugu State Tech Hub Centres were not only designed to provide trainings and Technology solutions to the challenges confronting the society, but also to acquaint the beneficiaries with the necessary skills to be able to set up their own technology hubs in their various communities.
Hon. Agbo maintained that the centres equally provide the platform for businesses to thrive.
She therefore enjoined the youth of Enugu State to utilize the State Tech Hub Centres to realize their potentials instead of indulging in unlawful activities and waiting endlessly for limited vacancies in both federal and state civil services.
Also in his remarks, the General Manager of the Enugu Tech Hub Centre, Mr. Anoworem, applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his sound vision in establishing the Enugu State Tech Hub Centres in Enugu Urban and Obollo-Afor, stating that the great initiative will positively impact the youth of the state in IT innovation.
Mr. Anoworem further explained that Enugu State Tech Hub Centres have produced a lot of students in the IT infusion programme which started in September 2021 and lasted for 4weeks.
He stressed that the programme was specifically on IT software skills like 3D animation, video editing, data analysis using excel, online collaboration software tools and graphics design.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of certificates to the graduating students.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has felicitated with the Muslim faithful on this year’s commemoration of Eid-ul-Mawlid, calling on all Nigerians to renew their faith in God and intensify prayers for the country to surmount its challenges.
In his goodwill message, Gov. Ugwuanyi urged Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to remain committed to the core values of the nation’s founding fathers so that the concerted efforts at sustaining the peace, unity and progress of the country will be fully actualized.
The governor pointed out that the significance of Eid-ul-Mawlid anchored on love, sacrifice, obedience, tolerance and charity, as exemplified by the deeds and teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad, is germane to the peaceful co-existence, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
Gov. Ugwuanyi therefore wished all Nigerians a peaceful celebration as well as the guidance and blessings of the Almighty God.
Ugwuanyi Felicitates With Muslims, Calls For Prayers, Renewed Faith In God
ENUGU – Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has felicitated with the Muslim faithful on this year’s commemoration of Eid-ul-Mawlid
He called on all Nigerians to renew their faith in God and intensify prayers for the country to surmount its challenges.
In his goodwill message, Gov. Ugwuanyi urged Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to remain committed to the core values of the nation’s.
He said “we must all be committed to our founding fathers concerted efforts at sustaining the peace, unity and progress of the country will be fully actualized.
The governor pointed out that the significance of Eid-ul-Mawlid anchored on love, sacrifice, obedience, tolerance and charity, as exemplified by the deeds and teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad, is germane to the peaceful co-existence, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
Gov. Ugwuanyi therefore wished all Nigerians a peaceful celebration as well as the guidance and blessings of the Almighty God.
The Enugu State House of Assembly, on Thursday, described as ‘great’ the enormous job being executed by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, ECTDA, and commended it’s Chairman, Dr Josef Onoh for his brave leadership of the agency.
The House made the commendation when it invited Onoh to appeared before the general House to answer questions on why he failed to appear before the House Special committee investigating alleged double taxation in the state.
Tempers however flayed when some members of the House of Assembly made remarks on the media attention Onoh’s gained when the house extended three invitations to him without his appearance.
Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Edward Ubosi, however doused the tension when he extolled Onoh’s job demands, remaking that Onoh’s father contributed greatly to the creation of Enugu state.
Ubosi stated that the House did not in any of it’s invitations to Onoh and other Executive members indicate land grabbing as part of it’s investigation.
“It was only on the allegations of extortion of levies and double taxation, the house is not happy with you because you were a member of this House of Assembly who served well as House Committee chairman on appropriation and the records are there. I remember your father fought for the State House of Assembly and for the state, same as my grandfather.
“We don’t have issues with you. We are happy with your duty as the Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority because I know that it’s not easy. Our invitation was just a meeting which was turned into politics and you are a young man with a future, just take a bow and go,” Ubosi said.
Earlier while responding to questions from members of the House of Assembly, Onoh remarked that he did not disrespect the House of Assembly since it would have amounted to disrespecting himself, adding that he never accused the house of land grabbing since the House has no business with land allocations.
“I didn’t turn your invitations down, the only thing is that the staff we sent came empty-handed because we didn’t give him any document to present to the committee. I never said that the House wanted financial inducement” Onoh responded.
Fire: Gov. Ugwuanyi intensifies safety measures ahead of dry season
The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has emphasized the need for residents of the state to adhere strictly to safety measures that will help in checkmating the outbreak of fire as the dry season approaches.
The state government made the call during the fire safety training workshop for officials of Neighbourhood Watch groups, Forest Guard, President Generals (PGs) of Town Unions and other relevant stakeholders in Enugu South Local Government Area.
The training workshop is in continuation of the sensitization tour of the 17 LGAs of the state being championed by Gov. Ugwuanyi and the council chairmen through the Enugu State Fire Service.
Speaking at the fire safety workshop, the State Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa, urged the participants to pay close attention to the free training to enable them benefit maximally to be able to control fire outbreaks and save lives and property.
Engr. Ohaa who noted that the workshop was timely, stressed the importance of the exercise to safety of lives and property in the state especially during the dry season which is fast approaching.
According to him, “the issue of fire can never be over emphasized owing to the fact that fire is one of the essential needs of man without which life itself will be difficult. But irrespective of the numerous advantages of fire, it has got its bad sides. Fire could be seen as death, fire is destruction, fire is disaster and therefore should not be played with.
“That is why it requires a trained expert to control fire.
“For this reason, we stand with His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and the Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Hon. Monday Eneh, together with the good people of Enugu South to say NO to fire outbreak in the council area”.
The Chief Fire Officer therefore applauded the governor for his administration’s unprecedented transformation of the state fire service, which he said was hitherto in a deplorable condition for decades.
“Our unreserved gratitude goes to the ever conscious and kind hearted Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who saw the deplorable condition of Enugu State Fire Service, fought and conquered by lifting us from 56 years of stagnation with only three fire stations to eight fire stations and four fire units making it eleven.
“These additional five new ultra-modern fire stations the administration of Gov. Ugwuanyi constructed are scattered across the width and breadth of the state.
“He went further to boost our firefighting equipment with five brand new mini fire engines and five Rapid Response Vehicles among others”, he said.
In his address, the Chairman of Enugu South LGA, Hon. Eneh commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the initiative and other innovations his administration has brought to bear in repositioning the state fire service to serve the public efficiently in safeguarding lives and property.
Hon. Eneh who narrated the past ugly experience encountered by the people of Enugu State in the hands of the state fire service, disclosed that the people of the state are pleased with the effective, efficient and prompt services being rendered by the establishment under the governor’s watch.
His words: “What Gov. Ugwuanyi has done in the fire sector is glaring and laudable because in the past what we experienced during fire outbreak was that the fire fighting vehicles broke down, no water, or holdup.
“But today, the story has changed. Immediately you call the fire service officials, within five minutes, they are there, depending on the location. Many fire stations have been constructed and put to effective use. The rate of fire disaster has been minimized, every right thinking person is now happy.
“We equally thank our governor for appointing Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa to pilot the affairs of the state fire sector. Engr. Ohaa is no doubt a hard working man”.
Enugu govt suspends Amechi Awkunanaw Traditional Ruler
The Enugu State government has withdrawn the Certificate of Recognition of Igwe Anthony Ogbodo Okorie as the Traditional Ruler of Amechi Awkunanaw Autonomous Community in Enugu South Local Government Area of the state, over the unfortunate breakdown of law and order in the community.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Dr. Charles O. C. Egumgbe, the state government condemned the persistent crisis pervading Amechi Awkunanaw Community, and expressed dismay that “attempts at bringing peace to the community have been stone-walled”.
Dr. Egumgbe told suspended Igwe Okorie that law and order have indisputably broken down in his community leading to injuries to persons and property, stressing that “the situation if not checked may exacerbate the present security challenges in our land”.
The Commissioner pointed out that the actions and inactions of Okorie in the crisis were inconsistent with section 15 (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i) and (j) of the Traditional Rulers Law Cap 141, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004.
“In consequence therefore, and pursuant to section 10 (a) and (b) of the Traditional Rulers Laws, Cap 141, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, the Government of Enugu State has suspended your recognition as the Igwe and Traditional Ruler of Amechi Awkunanaw Autonomous Community, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State this Tuesday, October 5, 2021”, Dr. Egumgbe said, adding: “Take notice that your suspension shall subsist pending the conclusion of investigations and aftermath”.
Communique issued at the end of the meeting of South East Governors and other leaders of the zone, hosted by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, at the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday, October 5, 2021....
#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod #amokelouis
COMMUNIQUE ARISING FROM THE MEETING OF SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS, SOUTH EAST LEADERS, TRADITIONAL RULERS, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LEADERS AND THE CLERGY HELD ON TUESDAY, 5TH OCTOBER, 2021 AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, LION BUILDING, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ENUGU.
1. The Governors and leaders of the South East condemned the killings in the region and have agreed to join hands with security agencies to stop the killings;
2. The meeting condemned the sit-at-home orders, which are mostly issued by our people in the Diaspora who do not feel the pains. The meeting resolved that Governors and all people of the South East do everything within the law to ensure that there is no further sit-at-home in the South East and that people are allowed to freely move about in the Zone;
3. The meeting agreed that the South East Ebubeagu security outfit be launched in all the South East States and laws passed in various South East States before the end of 2021;
4. The meeting received the Committee report from Ohaneze on various matters affecting the South East, especially on the issue of security and marginalization of the South East people, and resolved to study the reports from Ohaneze Worldwide for immediate implementation, and engagement with the Federal Government for amicable settlement of all issues agitating the minds of our people, especially the youth;
5. The meeting agreed to support security agencies to restore peace in the South East;
6. The meeting resolved to support election in Anambra State and directed security agencies to ensure a peaceful election in Anambra State come November 6th, 2021.
7. The meeting commended all groups and the clergy for their efforts at interfacing with our youths;
8. The meeting mandated our clergy men, Bishops, CAN, Ohaneze and Traditional Rulers to continue to dialogue with our youths.
In furtherance of its efforts at saving cost of governance and reinvigorating the status of Enugu, to continue to play a leading role as the historic capital of the South East geo-political zone of Nigeria, the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State is constructing a 600-seater state-of-the-art Banquet Hall with basement offices, meeting rooms and retaining walls, among other facilities, located within the premises of the recently remodeled Old Government Lodge at GRA, Enugu, which has a newly constructed Annex.
Other projects at the premises of the remodeled Old Government Lodge, Enugu, include 10 units of Executive Guest Houses and 24 units of Guest Flats with Dining Hall, for routine guests of the state government, as well as a standard Lawn Tennis Court fitted with lighting facilities for physical exercise and landscaping works at the site, among others.
The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, completes the rehabilitation of Last Bus-Stop Abakpa Nike/Nkwor Nike Junction Road, one of the major designated routes for motorists and road users as a result of the ongoing construction of the top-flight flyover bridge project by the state government, located at the intractable Nike Lake Road T-junction, Enugu East Local Government Area.
COMMUNIQUE AT THE END OF THE PDP ZONING COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD IN ENUGU AND ABUJA, ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2021.
At the end of the deliberations of the PDP National Zoning Committee , it was resolved as follows:
1. The National Zoning Committee of the PDP was given the mandate to zone National offices to be contested by all PDP Members of the Party at the PDP National Convention of the Party scheduled for October 30/31 2021 by the National Executive Committee of the Party.
2. That the mandate of the Committee does not include Zoning of the offices of the President, Vice President and other Executive and Legislative offices of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And the decision of the Committee to zone the Party offices does not in any way affect the executive and legislative offices in Nigeria.
2. That zoning of offices on PDP has traditionally been between the North and South of Nigeria.
3.The decision of the PDP Zoning Committee is in line with the Constitution of the Party on Zoning and rotation of Party and national offices in the interest of justice, equity and fairness. Consequently, the current offices being held by officers in the Southern Zones of the country, namely, South West, South East and South South zones , should swap places with the offices currently in the northern zones of Nigeria, namely, North West, North East and North Central zones.
4. We want to thank the Party, especially the National Executive Committee that set up this Committee on September 9, 2021 for finding us worthy to serve the Party in the capacity as Zoning Committee members.
5 We shall pass on our recommendations to the National Executive Committee of the Party through the National Working Committee of the Party.
H.E. Governor Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (Chairman)
H.E. Governor Samuel Ortom (Deputy Chairman)
H.E Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed Deputy Governor of Zamfara State
Enugu govt calls on indigenous fresh graduates to apply for FG, UNDP empowerment programme
As a fallout of the recent interactive meeting the United Nations (#UN) Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon and his delegation had with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and members of the State Executive Council (EXCO), the Enugu Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has announced that the Federal Government in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is offering a unique opportunity for a total number of 20,000 fresh graduates to earn money and experience for 12 months under the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP).
A statement by the Focal Person, Enugu SDGs Office, Hon. Mrs. Mabel Agbo, which called on fresh graduates of Enugu State extraction to hurry and apply for the programme via: www.njfp.ng before the October 20, 2021 closing date, explained that “the NJFP involves a work placement process that will place young Nigerians in private and public sector organizations in the country across multiple industries and sectors”.
Mrs. Agbo disclosed that “participating companies are connected directly to graduates”, adding that “once matched, the benefiting company is able to welcome talented and skilled young persons to their team for a year, with salary covered by the programme”.
According to Enugu SDGs’ Focal Person, “this fellowship is designed to help fresh NYSC graduates with zero work experience, who often find it challenging to break into the professional world.
“Applying for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is free and should only be done at www.njfp.ng
“For further inquiry contact the Focal Person, Sustainable Development Goals Office Enugu using the phone number 08033392108”.
WAHO designates Enugu Diagnostic Centre as one of the beneficiaries of its laboratory programmes
…As Gov. Ugwuanyi seeks greater collaboration among ECOWAS member-states
....Declares three-day conference open
The West African Health Organization (WAHO) has announced Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre, Enugu, as one of the beneficiaries of its laboratory strengthening programmes funded by the German Government.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of a three-day conference in Enugu, on Monday, being attended by all the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member-states and declared open by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, the Director-General of WAHO, Prof. Stanley Okolo, disclosed that the laboratory strengthening programmes, which include “both those funded by community levy and those funded by our partners” are in the spirit of taking ECOWAS to the grassroots.
“I hope that Enugu State will maximize the opportunity of being included in West Africa's network of regional reference laboratories created for the sole purpose of early detection and response to outbreaks and epidemics”, Prof. Okolo added.
The Director-General of WAHO revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed over nine thousand lives in the West African region, pointing out that the conference was historic as it was the first time such regional meeting was holding in Enugu, the former capital of the old Eastern Region.
He said it was also “the first meeting of the Programs Committee being held physically during the COVID-19 pandemic”, revealing that “as at yesterday, 26 September 2022, we had 644,521 cumulative cases of COVID-19 in the region, 9,464 deaths and 24,410 (active) cases in the ECOWAS region.”
Prof. Okolo stated that in the view of the challenges posed by the pandemic, “the WAHO 2022 budget being discussed over the next three days will therefore be reflective of the challenges we have faced in the region due to the pandemic, the lessons learnt, and the need for accelerated post pandemic recovery".
According to him, “Over the next three days, we will present some activities undertaken so far by WAHO during the year 2021, and our plans and programs for 2022.
"We will engage all of you on the development of WAHO's Strategic Plan for the next 5-10 years, our Vision 2025/30, a piece of work which is being led by our management partner the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) who are supporting the Director General in strategy development, delivery and communications."
Declaring the conference open, Gov. Ugwuanyi, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, pointed out that the state government has continued to develop critical health infrastructure both in the urban and rural areas.
The governor called for greater collaboration among West African countries in checkmating any outbreak of disease in the region, stating that the Enugu State government recognizes the importance of the overall objective of WAHO “as we all, acting together with other Community Institutions, contribute to the attainment of the ideal of the creation of an Economic Union of West Africa, in accordance with Article 3 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty”.
While appreciating WAHO for choosing Enugu for the programme, he said: “Specifically, I know that you will in this meeting focus on the laudable objectives of this organization as in its founding protocol that touches on Endemic Disease Research, Training, Information Management, Quality Control for Laboratories and Vaccine Production, Eradication of Drug Dependency and Abuse, Human Resources for Health, Health Technology, Health Services and Infrastructure, Emergencies, Collaboration, Cooperation and Conventions.
“I call on you to kindly deliberate, as I am sure you will, on how this region will emerge from this pandemic, stronger, better and able to withstand any such global health security threat in future.
“We have a public sector driven economy with the state government as the highest single employer of labour, a situation however that this present administration is gradually changing.
“Our giant strides (with representations in the health sector) have attracted international recognition and awards such as the Rockefeller Foundation’s recognition of Enugu among most Resilient Cities in the World in 2015”.
In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Emmanuel Kontor from Ghana enjoined the participants to be serious with the meeting considering the effect of COVID-19 on various ECOWAS countries.
He thanked WAHO for its support in the areas of technical support and some necessary supplies to member countries during the peak of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Convention Committee on Zoning in Enugu on Thursday ended in a stalemate as stakeholders could not reach a definite decision on where the next national chairman of the party should emerge from, Daily Independent gathered.
Following the development, the committee adjourned till next week Thursday in order to allow it to consult with other relevant stakeholders in the party, especially the PDP Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees (BoT).
Addressing newsmen after the closed-door meeting held at the Government House, Enugu, chairman of the committee and governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, said that “we had a fruitful meeting and we adjourned to conclude next week”.
There was a sharp division among members of the committee headed by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on which zone should produce the next national chairman of the party which is currently occupied by the Southern part of the country.
While some members of the committee wanted the South to retain it with the hope that doing so will pave way for the presidential candidate of the party to come from the North, others canvassed that the North should produce the next national chairman in the spirit of the four-year rotational agreement in the party.
Daily Independent gathered that two groups emerged from within and outside the zoning committee with both disagreeing on where the next national chairman should come from.
The first group, the ‘Maintain the Status Quo Group’, wanted all the party offices retained in the geographical side to which they presently are.
However, the second group, the ‘Move Around Group’, wanted all the positions presently in the South to be transferred to the North while the ones in the North should move southward. By the calculation of the ‘Maintain the Status Quo Group’, the chairmanship of the party will be retained in the South while the national secretary will move to the North.
However, the ‘Move Around Group’ wanted the next chairman of PDP to emerge from the North while the South produces the secretary. Also while the ‘Move Around Group’ believed that zoning the chairman’s position to the North will make the presidential ticket to be automatically zoned to the South, they continued to insist that the issue at hand now is party position and when the party gets to the point where it has to nominate the presidential flagbearer, the matter will be resolved.
However, the ‘Maintain the Status Quo Group’ believed that the zoning committee should also adopt the position of the Bala Mohammed Committee which reviewed the performance of the party in the 2019 general election. It wanted the presidential ticket of the party thrown open for aspirants from all the six zones.
Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim led the ‘Move Around Group’ with the support of some elements in the South-South and SouthEast zones. The ‘Maintain the Status Quo Group’ is led by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo and has the buy-in of key leaders of the party across South-West and the three zones in the North.
Earlier in his welcome address, Gov. Ugwuanyi clarified that the committee has no mandate to zone political offices such as president or vice president. The governor explained that “our committee is strictly limited to the PDP national executive offices to be contested at the 2021 PDP National Convention scheduled for the end of October 2021”, stressing: “We have no mandate to zone political offices such as president or vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi maintained that the PDP remains the most credible platform to deliver good and accountable governance to Nigeria, adding that the work of the committee will contribute immensely “in this deliberate search for national officers of our party that will help PDP achieve the lofty ideals and goals of our founding fathers”.
He, therefore, encouraged members of the committee to be frank, open and constructive in their proposals and debates, and also exhibit consistency with the enormity of their mandate.
“The membership and leadership of this committee have been carefully selected as it is composed of very experienced, competent and eminent Nigerians who are desirous of repositioning the PDP to play its role not just as the main opposition political party in Nigeria but to build a party that offers alternative policy proposals and hope to Nigerians that there is still light at the end of the tunnel”, Gov. Ugwuanyi said.
Members of the committee present at the meeting included the governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, who is the Deputy Chairman; the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Barr. Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed, who serves as secretary; former Presidents of the Senate, Senators Iyorchia Ayu and Anyim Pius Anyim; and former governors of Niger, Ekiti, Sokoto, Jigawa and Adamawa states, Dr. Muazu Aliyu Babangida, Ayodele Fayose, Attahiru Bafarawa, Sule Lamido, and Boni Haruna, respectively.
They also included Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Rt. Hon. Sunday K. E Okoye, Chief Dan Orbih, Chief (Dr.) Ali Odefa, Amb. (Mrs.) Kema Chikwe, Chief Osita Chidoka, Chidi Lloyd, Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw, Senator Emmanuel Nwaka, Engr. Donatus Udeh, among others.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national convention slated for October 30, 6000 delegates will converge on Abuja to elect new National Working Committee (NWC) to pilot the affairs of the party.
This is even as Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom and Darius Ishaku of Taraba have emerged as chairmen of sub-committees. These developments emerged on Thursday during the inauguration of the party’s 15 sub-convention committees.
Disclosing this after the inauguration, the chairman of the national convention organising committee and Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, also said that the leadership tussle in the party has largely been addressed.
He said: “We are expecting over 6,000 delegates by our new constitution and we are fully prepared for that. We’re expecting everybody in every ward that is a delegate to attend the convention.
“We are moving on. I am the chairman of the convention committee and you can see that we are doing our work. Everybody is happy and participating. I don’t see any crisis in this party.”
On which provision of the party’s constitution is likely to be amended, Fintiri stressed the importance of allowing the committee to complete its job, saying, “I don’t want to preempt anybody’s job. The work is segmented into sub-committees. The constitution committee is working, and I will wait for the report to be submitted before I make any comment on it,” he added.
Meanwhile, Governor Wike has emerged as the Chairman of Special Duties Sub-Committee; Governor Emmanuel, Chairman of Constitutional Amendment and Governor Darius, Chairman of Contact and Mobilisation.
Other appointments as announced by Senator Duoye Diri include Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Mohammed Bello Adoke, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Solomon Arase as chairmen of zoning, screening, screening appeal, accreditation and security committees.
Others are Ahmadu Fintiri (electoral), Godwin Obaseki (publicity), Bala Mohammed (venue), Mariya Waziri (welfare and entertainment), Ibrahim Dankwambo
Enugu meeting: We have no mandate to zone president, vice president positions - PDP Zoning Committee
…Adjourns till next week for conclusion of work
The meeting of the Zoning Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for National Offices of the Party ahead of the October 30-31 National Convention ended in Enugu, on Thursday, with the members of the committee adjourning till next week for conclusion of their work.
Addressing newsmen after the closed-door meeting held at the Government House, Enugu, the Chairman of the Committee and Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, said that “we had a fruitful meeting and we adjourned to conclude next week”.
Earlier in his welcome address, Gov. Ugwuanyi clarified that the committee has no mandate to zone political offices such as President or Vice President of Nigeria.
The governor explained that “our Committee is strictly limited to the PDP National Executive Offices to be contested at the 2021 PDP National Convention scheduled for the end of October, 2021”, stressing: “We have no mandate to zone political offices such as President or Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi maintained that the PDP remains the most credible platform to deliver good and accountable governance to Nigeria, adding that the work of the committee will contribute immensely “in this deliberate search for National Officers of our Party that will help PDP achieve the lofty ideals and goals of our founding fathers”.
He therefore encouraged members of the committee to be frank, open and constructive in their proposals and debates, and also exhibit consistency with the enormity of their mandate.
“The membership and leadership of this committee have been carefully selected as it is composed of very experienced, competent and eminent Nigerians who are desirous of repositioning the PDP to play its role not just as the main opposition political party in Nigeria but to build a party that offers alternative policy proposals and hope to Nigerians that there is still light at the end of the tunnel”, Gov. Ugwuanyi said.
Members of the committee present at the meeting include the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom who is the Deputy Chairman, the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Barr. Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed who serves as Secretary, former Presidents of the Senate, Senator Iyorchia Ayu and Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, and former Governors of Niger, Ekiti, Sokoto, Jigawa and Adamawa states, Dr. Muazu Aliyu Babangida, Ayodele Fayose, Attahiru Bafarawa, Sule Lamido, and Boni Haruna, respectively.
They also include Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, Rt. Hon. Sunday K. E Okoye, Chief Dan Orbih, Chief (Dr.) Ali Odefa, Amb. Mrs. Dr. Kema Chikwe, Chief Osita Chidoka, Barr. Chidi Lloyd, Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw, Senator Emmanuel Nwaka, Engr. Donatus Udeh, among others.
Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Zoning Committee for the National Offices of the Party, arrive Lion Building, Government House, Enugu, for their meeting, ahead of the October 30-31 National Convention...
Enugu govt suspends Igbo-Etiti monarch over demolished building of visually impaired man
The Enugu State government has announced the immediate suspension of the recognition of Igwe Christopher Everestus Okwor as the Traditional Ruler of Ihekwuenu Aku Autonomous Community in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the state.
The suspension, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Charles C. O. Egumgbe, “is in the interest of peace, order and good governance and in compliance with Section (10b) of the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap 151, Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2004”.
Dr. Egumgbe, in the statement, told Igwe Okwor that “your Community is presently in turmoil due to wanton destruction of property and threat to lives of the members of the community”.
The Chieftaincy Commissioner, who disclosed that Igwe Okwor’s letter of recognition MCM/CM/98/VOL.11/116 is dated January 28, 2008, added: “Your suspension takes effect today, September 21, 2021, and would subsist pending the conclusion of investigation by the relevant bodies”.
The suspension of Igwe Okwor is part of the outcome of the meeting Dr. Egumgbe held on Tuesday with the suspended Traditional Ruler and the Chairman of Igbo-Etiti LGA, Hon. Mrs. Nkechi Ugwu-Oju, following the trending video of the demolition of a two bedroom building belonging to a visually impaired man in the community.
The Enugu State government through an earlier statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, had expressed utter dismay over the incident and the allegation of the involvement of the now suspended Traditional Ruler in the demolition as well as the negative effect of the development on the peace and security of the community, reassuring the people of Enugu State of its irrevocable commitment to their welfare, as well as the peace and security of the state.
Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, ECTDA, Dr Josef Onoh has refuted the insinuation by Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is among some governors of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, expected to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC, sooner than later.
Onoh described Fani-Kayode’s gaffe as a “figment of his imagination” and borrowed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s words to say that “Governor Ugwuanyi dey PDP kamkpe!”
Onoh said that if anybody was in doubt of Governor Ugwuanyi’s stable and courageous character, such a person should refer to last Thursday’s Southern Governors’ meeting in Enugu where Ugwuanyi was the only substantive Governor from the South east zone that attended.
According to Onoh: “What Femi Fani-Kayode said was his personal opinion, it did not reflect the opinion of the government, the state or the present state of affairs of the PDP and our Governor in Enugu state.
“Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is the leader of the PDP in the south east, he was just been made the National Chairman of PDP zoning committee and that shows the level of confidence the PDP as a party has in him.
“It’s like saying that the President of Nigeria could turn around and accept to become a ward councilor. The responsibilities saddled on him, not only as a governor, but to pilot the affairs of over 100 million active registered members of the party is a huge task. We respect Fani-Kayode’s conviction in joining the APC but in this game there are men of integrity and honour. I can tell you authoritatively, not just as an ally of the Governor, that the long rumour of Ugwuanyi joining the APC is false. Ifeanyi Ugwuany in Obasanjo’s words, we still dey kamkpe in PDP.”
Appreciating the role of opposition political parties in democracies, Onoh said that there cannot be vibrant democracy without opposition political parties that he said their role is to keep a tab on fair play and participation in politics.
“Here in Enugu state, we in the PDP are in opposition but we respect and accommodate the APC and other political parties, but the problem is that Femi Fani-Kayode mistakes Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s approach to politics to the general accepted barbaric norm played by some Nigeria politicians.
“Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is the Governor of Enugu state, and so he is the Chief Security officer of the state and the father of all political parties in Enugu state. He even has the right to revoke the land that any political party office is located, but he provides security for all. If there is a problem in APC secretariat, he will ensure there is security to protect there, same as in APGA or any other party and so he is the Governor of all political parties in the state but he is a registered member and an active participant of the PDP because he rules with conscience.
“So whatever Femi Fani-Kayode said is a figment of his imagination and I want members of the general public to disregard that. This is a governor who courageously hosted the southern Governors irrespective of the fact that other South East Governors were not present, but he proved that he is the lion of the south east. For him to have stood on behalf of the other south east governors would have told you that there is no other way to define courage, integrity and what else do you need to question,” Onoh stated
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNORS OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA IN THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE, ON THURSDAY, 16TH SEPTEMBER 2021.
The Nigerian Southern Governors’ Forum at its meeting of today, Thursday, 16th September 2021 held in the Government House, Enugu, Enugu State reviewed the state of the nation and the progress of implementation of the decisions reached in her previous meetings and further resolved as follows:
1. Expressed satisfaction with the rate at which the States in the Southern Nigeria are enacting or amending the Anti- Open Grazing Laws which align with the uniform template and aspiration of Southern Governors and encouraged the States that are yet to enact this law to do so expeditiously.
2. Encouraged the full operationalization of already agreed regional security outfits; which would meet, share intelligence and collaborate, to ensure the security and safety of the region.
3. Reaffirmed its earlier commitment to fiscal federalism as resolved at the inaugural meeting of the Forum held on Tuesday, 11th May 2021 at Asaba, Delta State and emphasized the need for the Southern States to leverage the legislative competence of their respective State Houses of Assembly as well as representation in the National assembly to pursue its inclusion in the Nigerian Constitution through the ongoing constitutional amendment.
4. Following from paragraph “3” above, the meeting resolved to support the position that the collection of VAT falls within the powers of the States.
5. Expressed satisfaction with the handling of issues around the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and ownership of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) by the larger Nigerian Governors’ Forum.
6. Reiterated their earlier position that the next President of Nigeria must come from the Southern part of Nigeria in line with politics of equity, justice and fairness.
7. The Forum thanked the host Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and chose Rivers State as the next host for the Southern Governors’ Forum meeting in November 2021.
His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN Governor, Ondo State and Chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uguwanyi, Governor, Enugu State
His Excellency Gboyega Oyetola, Governor, Osun State His Excellency Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor, Delta State
His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu Governor, Lagos State
His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri, Governor, Bayelsa State
His Excellency Udom Emmnuel Governor, Akwa Ibom State His Excellency Nyesom Wike, Governor, Rivers State
His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor, Ogun State His Excellency Hon. Shaibu Philip, Dep. Governor, Edo State
His Excellency Prof. Placid Njoku Dep. Governor, Imo State His Excellency Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Dep. Governor, Abia State
His Excellency Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi Dep. Governor, Ekiti State His Excellency Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, Dep. Governor, Ebonyi State
His Excellency Rauf Olaniyan Dep. Governor, Oyo State
His Excellency Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu Dep. Governor, Cross River State
Politics › Aviation Stakeholders Hail Ugwuanyi’s Commitment To Air Safety by OEPHIUS(op): 4:24am On Oct 27, 2021
