₦airaland Forum

#Security: Relocate to your Development Areas to foster grassroots-based intelligence gathering, Gov. Ugwuanyi tells 68 newly sworn-in Administrators

Determined to stem local security challenges, #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State has directed the 68 newly sworn-in Development Area #Administrators in the state, to relocate to their areas and take charge immediately.

Gov. Ugwuanyi also directed that the new Administrators must engage all Traditional Rulers, Presidents of Town Unions, Religious Leaders, Youth Organizations, Women Organizations, Neighbourhood Watch groups, Forest Guards and indeed all stakeholders in their respective Development Areas, to inspire a grassroots security architecture underpinned by robust intelligence gathering and communication of same to security agencies.

The governor who gave the directives when he swore in the Administrators, at the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday, stressed that the grassroots engagement strategy “is the only means of fully reclaiming our neighbourhoods, and we expect no less”.

Harping on the imperative for this new paradigm of neighbourhood-based intelligence gathering, Gov. Ugwuanyi pointed out that the strategy “stares us in the face”, stressing: “If we must secure our communities/neighbourhoods and fulfill our pivotal mandate of security and welfare of our people, as enshrined in section 14 subsection 2(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), then we must necessarily understand our neighbourhoods and the residents; their means of livelihood, lifestyle and networks”.

The governor therefore stated that “Enugu State Development Areas can no longer be superintended by absentee or non-resident Development Area Administrators”.

He reminded the Administrators that they have a duty to also ensure that their subjects are fully enlightened on government’s policies and programmes, and mobilized for collaborative partnership in peace keeping as well as implementation of policies and programmes of government.

According to him, “the government and people of Enugu State are eager to see our Development Area Administrators impact the grassroots with a view to changing the narratives on security, local economy and micro-infrastructure.

“Our new Administrators, I congratulate you on your assumption of duty (today) while assuring you of the all-time support of Enugu State Government as you embark on this critical duty.

“I pray that the abiding grace of Almighty God leads you through this onerous assignment”.

Responding, the Administrators expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for giving them the opportunity to serve the state, their respective local government and development areas, and assured the governor that they will discharge their duties diligently in accordance with his directives.

The event was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi and other Honourable Members of the House, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani, the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers' Council, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, Members of the State Executive Council (EXCO), Special Advisers to the Governor, Council Chairmen, among others.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

… Approves N150m for technical #education

#Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State has offered scholarships, up to University level, to the Enugu and Anambra-born young students of Government Technical College (GTC), Nsukka and Enugu, Master Emmanuel Maduabuchi Chukwu and Master Chukwuebuka Udoye, who locally manufactured two aircraft (helicopter and jet fighter) and an MP3 radio set, respectively, in the state.

Gov. Ugwuanyi announced the scholarships when he received the two students at the Government House Enugu on Tuesday, to appreciate their talents, skills and sheer dexterity in promoting technology-based innovation in the state.

In addition, the governor gave the inventor of the two aircraft, Master Chukwu, an indigene of Nnewe in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, the sum of N1 million, and N500,000.00 to the student of GTC, Enugu, Master Udoye, an indigene of Aguata in Anambra State, who produced the MP3 radio set, to enable them advance their inventions.

Expressing his delight, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that he is very proud of the students and the many feats the educational system has brought to Enugu State since the inception of his administration, stressing that “all the money being spent in education is a worthy investment”.

Appreciating the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, the Executive Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB), Dr. Gabriel Ajah, the Principal of GTC, Nsukka, Peter Ugwuokpe, and other stakeholders in the education system for the achievements being recorded in the sector, Gov. Ugwuanyi requested the Commissioner to immediately present to the State Executive Council (EXCO), a memo for the approval of the sum of N100 million for the construction of more classroom blocks in Government Technical Colleges (GTCs) in the state.

The governor equally directed the Executive Chairman of STVSMB, Dr. Ajah, to apply for the sum of N50 million for the construction of more technical workshops in GTCs Nsukka and Enugu, and also request for employment of additional technical teachers, for the EXCO's approval.

“I am proud of all of you; I am proud of the education system in Enugu State; I am excited. The young student from Anambra State, we give you N500,000.00 and scholarship for manufacturing a radio set in our state”, Gov. Ugwuanyi said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Eze, applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for the premium his administration places on education in the state as well as his gesture to meet with the students to encourage and appreciate their talents.

“We are so happy, and we appreciate this honour given to us to come and make this presentation. Your Excellency, your schools are working; this is just one of the many things that are going on in our technical colleges. Thank you for encouraging our young talents. This is part of the legacies you are leaving behind for posterity”.

Responding, the two students, Chukwu and Udoye, expressed their deepest joy and gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for honouring them, adding that the encouragement and support from the governor, which they never expected, will spur them to fully actualize their dreams. They asked God to continue to bless the governor.

The Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Malachy Okwueze; the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh; the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Scholarship and Education Loans Board (ESSELB), Barr. Levi Abonyi; and the mother of Master Chukwu, Mrs. Grace Chukwu, witnessed the event.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

…Swears in 68 Development Centre Administrators

#Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State will, on Tuesday, August 3, at the Government House, Enugu, by 1pm, receive the young inventor, Master Emmanuel Maduabuchi Chukwu, an indigene of the state and student of Government Technical College (GTC), Nsukka, who manufactured a hand-made aircraft.

Gov. Ugwuanyi will also on Tuesday, at the Government House, Enugu, by 2pm, swear in all the 68 Development Centre Administrators whose nominations were recently confirmed by the Enugu State House of Assembly.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, said the governor’s decision to meet with the young aircraft inventor was “in pursuit of his administration’s commitment to encouraging scientific and technological innovation in Enugu State”.

Aroh disclosed that the parents of the student, the principal of GTC, Nsukka, the Commissioner for Education, and the Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Education Management Board (STVEMB) and other invited guests, are to be seated at the Executive Council Chambers by 12.30pm.

The Information Commissioner added that guests invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Administrators are expected to be seated at the Lion Building, Government House, Enugu, by 1.30pm.

Those invited for the swearing-in ceremony, according to the statement, are the 68 Administrators of the Development Centres; the Speaker and members of Enugu State House of Assembly; members of the State Executive Council (EXCO); Chairmen of the 17 Local Government Areas; and Special Advisers to the Governor.

Others are Chairman and Members of the State Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Chairmen of PDP in the 17 Local Government Areas; State Chairman of the Traditional Rulers' Council and Local Government Chairmen of the Traditional Rulers’ Council.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod #amokelouis

Former Enugu Chief of Staff, Mrs Ifeoma Nwobodo, yesterday received an honorary doctorate degree in Public Administration from Charisma University, Turks Caicos Islands, British West Indies.

Mrs Nwobodo who is currently the Chairman, Governing Council of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, received the award during the special convocation ceremony of the African Centre of the university in Enugu.

Other recipients of the award include the National Vice Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) South East, Chief Ali Odefa, Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Development Partnerships and Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs Margaret Fagboyo and President, Chinmark Group, Mr Chinedu Ijoma.

Speaking after receiving the award, Mrs Nwobodo, who expressed gratitude to Charisma University for recognizing her contribution while in government, attributed her success to God and sound education.

“It is interesting that you have accessed my contribution in service and found it worthy of this award and recognition. It is indeed interesting that I am honoured in an area where I got into by divine providence rather than the private sector where I worked for a long time.

“I am confident to say that one thing that has helped me is the quality of education that I was able to get. That is why I’m congratulating Charisma University and my co-graduands today. Let this be the springboard for us. As much as we can, we shouldn’t get tired of studying and acquiring more knowledge,” Mrs Nwobodo, who served in the administration of former Governor Sullivan Chime, said.

Earlier in his speech, the Coordinator, African Centre of the institution, Prof Chris Onodugo, said that a total of 92 graduands received first degrees and higher degrees from different disciplines, comprising 36 first degree, two post-graduate diplomas, 35 masters and 18 doctors of philosophy.

The management of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), #Enugu, has expressed delight at the massive development projects being executed simultaneously at the permanent site of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (#ESUT) Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine, Igbo-Eno, by the administration of #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi.

Speaking when he led members of the management team of #UNTH to inspect the ongoing works at the site on Thursday, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Obinna Onodugo, disclosed that the vision, the massive projects and the planning are “simply unbelievable” and in keeping with the World Health Organization (#WHO) standard.

Prof. Onodugo stressed that the members of the UNTH management team were highly impressed and amazed, and commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for holding on tightly to the sound vision in spite of the nation’s economic, security and public #health challenges.

The UNTH CMD, who was led round the ongoing projects alongside members of his team by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, his Health counterpart, Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, and one of the contractors, Arc. Henry Arinze, added that the health facility which is sited at Igbo-Eno, Enugu North Senatorial District of the state, is another laudable effort of Gov. Ugwuanyi in developing the rural areas and creating more urban centres for socio-economic expansion.

“This is development moving to a new area. With this you (Ugwuanyi) are actually opening up a new town because this will attract a lot of development around it.

“This is just fantastic. We are all excited about this. We are happy and I want to say kudos to the Governor of this State (Enugu). This is visionary”, the UNTH CMD said.

It would be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi in his inaugural address promised that “Enugu State under us will pay a special attention to rural development because majority of our people live in the rural areas”, adding that “we will create more urban areas to boost economic growth; create fresh economic opportunities and reduce pressure on Enugu metropolis”.

Also commending Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration on the designs and features of the ESUT Teaching Hospital, the College of Medicine buildings and the Students’ Hostels projects at Igbo-Eno, Prof. Onodugo said: “Truly, we saw that the plan is modern; the bed to toilet ratio; there is colour-coding; even the patients' desks are colour-coded, everything is to standard is as recommended by WHO and this is how it is supposed to be; it is just amazing.

“We saw elevators and others. We learnt that there is going to be a helipad. Recall that the whole idea of having this type of structure is to reverse medical tourism. So if you really want to reverse medical tourism and you don’t have a place where people (patients) can actually land, then it is not complete.

“In short, one of the members of the team said that now he believes that there is hope in Nigeria.

“We have come; we have seen; we have made our inputs; we have asked questions because each Head of Department (HOD) was asking where is this? where is that? and we have actually been satisfied.

“We also want to express our gratitude to the State Executive Council (EXCO) for supporting the governor immensely. We want to thank everybody and we look forward to the commencement of the services here.

“We hope that when the commissioning of the project will happen, we will be invited so that we will also come to see the fulfillment of a dream”.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Nnaji, thanked the UNTH management team for the validation visit as well as their verdict “that every facility we are putting on ground here is in line with World best practices”.

According to him, “we went round, they saw the facilities; they appreciated the effort of His Excellency, the Governor in having the foresight, the vision to take the healthcare delivery of the state to another level”.

On his part, the Contractor handling the ESUT Teaching Hospital project, Architect Henry Arinze revealed that the health facility is “conceived as Nigeria’s response to the problem of medical tourism”.

He pointed out that “the governor’s vision was to provide a hospital even if himself is sick, he can be brought here; so he wanted a hospital that has provision for everything and that is what we gave him”.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 11TH MEETING OF THE PDP GOVERNORS' FORUM HELD ON MONDAY, 26TH JULY, 2021 AT BAUCHI.

Governors elected on the platform of the PDP met in Bauchi, Bauchi State on 26th July 2021. The meeting deliberated once again on the state of the nation, reviewed the deteriorating state of our democracy, the economic and security situation in the country, the state of the PDP as the main opposition platform in Nigeria, and arrived at the following decisions.

1. On the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, the Governors identified with the need for a free, fair and credible elections in the country and called on the National Assembly to entrench Electronic transmission of results of elections in the nation’s electoral jurisprudence.

2. The meeting requested Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the only body empowered by the Constitution to conduct elections, to deploy appropriate technologies necessary to ensure that the votes of every Nigerian is counted and made to count. The meeting further called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), especially, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), Telephone Companies (Telcos) and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that universal access and service of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are provided especially in rural, un-served and under-served areas of the country before the 2023 General elections.

3. The meeting condemned the attempt to foist on all political parties, one method of conducting primaries, that is, by DIRECT METHOD ONLY, through the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The Governors noted that the method is prone to massive rigging, as evidenced by a situation where President Buhari scored about 15 million votes in the 2018 APC Direct Primaries only to score 15 million votes from the entire country in the 2019 General Election. The Governors advised that political parties, should be allowed to decide whether to use direct or indirect method of conducting primaries as part of internal democracy in political parties.

4. The Governors reiterated, once again, the need for the NNPC and other revenue generating agencies of Government to strictly abide by the Constitution by remitting all their Revenue less cost of Production into the Federation Account as provided for by S.162 of the Constitution.

5. The meeting condemned, once again, the use of underhand tactics to arm twist some PDP Governors and other stakeholders to join the APC, a political party that has wrecked Nigeria's economy, turned Nigeria into a killing field and has nothing to offer Nigerians but misery and bad governance.

6. The Governors condemned Mr President and APC for turning the Presidential Villa, that belongs to all Nigerians, into the new APC headquarters, where coerced PDP members are being paraded at intervals.

7. On the economy, the meeting admonished the APC Federal Government to collaborate more with State Governments to stem the unemployment scourge affecting the youths of Nigeria, through technology and increased production in all fields of endeavour, reiterating that Government should stop paying lip service on the Ease of Doing Business, as foreign direct investments have continued to fall partly due to obstacles placed on foreign companies wishing to invest in Nigeria. A glaring example is that of FACEBOOK who insisted on investing in Nigeria rather than Ghana, and is being frustrated by regulatory authorities.

8. On security of lives and properties, in addition to our earlier recommendations, it is time to bring the activities of bandits, kidnappers and terrorists to an end, through increased use of military equipment, traditional means of conflict resolution and technology for surveillance and the development of the political will to flush them out. Kidnapping, banditry and terrorism ARE NOT BUSINESS VENTURES as claimed by APC but heinous STATE CRIMES, that is destroying the Nigerian economy, the educational and social future of our children and causing significant social upheavals in society, the PDP Governors admonished.

9. The PDP Governors enjoined all Nigerians of goodwill to take advantage of the ongoing registration of Voters by INEC to register to vote, thereby arming themselves with the necessary tools in the struggle to RESCUE NIGERIA from the APC maladministration.

Furthermore, the general public, especially our Youths and Women are implored to use the opportunity of the PDP E-REGISTRATION exercise which will kick off soon, to register as PDP members, while PDP Members should update their membership electronically.

10. The Governors thanked the Chief Host, His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohamed, CON, of Bauchi State for providing a conducive atmosphere for the meeting and for the huge difference he has made in provision of infrastructure and general welfare of citizens of Bauchi State, the Pearl of Tourism.

In attendance are:
Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR - Sokoto State - Chairman
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu -Abia State - Vice Chairman
Gov. Udom Emmanuel - Akwa Ibom State - Member
Gov. Sen. Douye Diri - Bayelsa State - Member
Gov. Samuel Ortom -Benue State -Member
Gov. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa - Delta State - Member
Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi - Enugu State - Member
Gov. Nyesom Wike, CON - Rivers State - Member
Gov. Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde - Oyo State - Member
Gov. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri -Adamawa State -Member
Gov. Godwin Obaseki - Edo State -Member
Gov. Bala Mohammed -Bauchi State - Member
Gov. Arc Darius Ishaku -Taraba State -Member
Deputy Gov. Mahdi Mohd -Zamfara State -Deputy Governor

Both agencies on Friday marked for removal of over 2000 containers and other illegal makeshift shops that annexed the service lanes at Dhamija, Upper North, Phase six, Sani Abacha and other areas of Trans-Ekulu Housing estates.

The agencies regretted that the local government council authorities now issue container permits to illegal shops owners as if the councils have become the Nigeria Customs Service that license container haulage operators.

Chairman of ECTDA, Dr Josef Onoh said that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s eyes were drawn to the nuisances of flagrant abuse of the capital territory master plan with container shops, defacing the entire city, blocking public drains and which he said has taken a large toll on the capital territory in trying to distil most of the drains.

The Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority, ECTDA, in conjunction with the state Housing Development Corporation, ESHDC, have commenced efforts aimed at reclaiming the city service lanes annexed by street traders.

Both agencies on Friday marked for removal of over 2000 containers and other illegal makeshift shops that annexed the service lanes at Dhamija, Upper North, Phase six, Sani Abacha and other areas of Trans-Ekulu Housing estates.

The agencies regretted that the local government council authorities now issue container permits to illegal shops owners as if the councils have become the Nigeria Customs Service that license container haulage operators.

Chairman of ECTDA, Dr Josef Onoh said that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s eyes were drawn to the nuisances of flagrant abuse of the capital territory master plan with container shops, defacing the entire city, blocking public drains and which he said has taken a large toll on the capital territory in trying to distil most of the drains.

Onoh also noted that the excavations in providing telecommunications infrastructure have equally contributed to the erosion of the surfaces in the city which the ECTDA has had to contend with.

He however said that ECTDA will continue to carry out street development control and we will not allow the illegalities to take the city away from investors and residents alike.

“Despite the challenges the country is facing which is not just peculiar to Enugu, the city still remains one of the safest places to invest. The governor has put so much to ensure that the security infrastructures are provided even as the state House of Assembly has passed a bill on Enugu State Security Trust Fund.

“The Governor has now made the security of the state his priority hence we are mandated to clean up so that investors and residents could take back the city. We will go further to restore the green areas, even as the city control measures continue in all parts of the city.

“We are trying to reclaim our streets because some people want to turn everywhere into the Onitsha main market at an alarming rate. The governor now wants all agencies to do their duties because he wants to reduce crime in Enugu state, Onoh said.

He hinted that the court has already given the order for the demolition of markets in the capital city that has constituted nuisances to public order.

Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, ECTDA, on Friday arrested seven fake revenue collectors operating within Enugu North Local Government Area.

The fake revenue collectors who claimed they were staff of the state Ministry of Environment and Enugu North Local Government Area were apprehended by the Executive Chairman of ECTDA, Mr Josef Onoh and a team of security operatives.

It was gathered that the suspects at the point of arrest, had confiscated building materials from different construction sites within G.R.A axis of Enugu metropolis.

Items recovered from the suspects include, 10 cartons of 60×60cm tiles, 2 bags of white cement, fake ID cards, fake Ministry of Environment tax force letter and Youth Empowerment Levy receipts of Enugu North Local Government Area

Briefing to journalists briefly after the arrest Mr Onoh said the brutality of the suspects action in collecting property levy and other revenue has sabotaged economic development in the state. He assured the suspects would be handed over to the Police who will charge them to court.

“We intercepted them during inspection. I heard some people screaming and shouting and we were already about driving out, so we thought they are robbers. My security team intercepted them and found out they are carrying out illegal duties under the disguise of youth empowerment.

“Their excuses to me was that there was no more political thuggery since the election has ended, they don’t have any work and decided to engage on youth empowerment levy, collecting building levies and every other thing and there is no where in the law of the state because we have banned youth empowerment program and Federal Government has already created youth empowerment program and if you’re lazy and did not tap into it, you should not go down to local government and convert the name youth empowerment program to become development control.

“While we are doing the searching we found out in their position that they have already disposes the owner of the property, his house and other building materials and given him receipt on how to pay.

“The State government have a consolidated account where everybody should pay in and when we look into these boys book log we found out that they have other documented details on how they collect property levy and other money. Some of them have three different fake Identity card from different local government, while some have tax force letters from Ministry of Environment and we contacted the ministry of environment and they denied the letter.

“Because of the way they are brutally enforcing it, it has amounted to broad daylight robbery. Their actions have frustrated positive development in Enugu.

Collecting property levy and other levies are illegal and against the law of Enugu State. They will be charged to court to face legal action if found guilty”, Onoh said.

When contacted, the Head of taxforce Ministry of environment, Mr Amaechi Orji who came for clarification denied knowledge of them as a staff of the ministry, stressing that the ministry do not embark on drive without a team of security agents and do not collect cash.

“None of them is a staff of the Ministry. All the documents they have here are fake. None of them emanates from the ministry of environment. We don’t go on drive without team of security agents and don’t accept or collect cash because Enugu state have a single account where we pay. The ministry also give notice of grace before confiscating any item”, He said.

One of the suspect, Mr Chukwuemeka Iloeme who disclosed that they work for Enugu North local government chairman, Hon Emeka Odunze said that he is not aware of the ban on Youth empowerment levy in the state.

#Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi’s administration has delivered to standard the access road to the VOR/DME Navigational Aid Site and meteorological facilities of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (#NAMA), for safe landing of aircrafts at the Akanu Ibiam International #Airport, #Enugu, located behind NNPC depot, Emene.

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.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

#Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State, on Thursday, paid condolence visits to families of some of the #police officers who were attacked by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, at checkpoints in Obeagu-Amechi, Enugu South Local Government Area and Amagunze, Nkanu East LGA, residing at the suburb of Ugbo-Odogwu, Trans Ekulu and Edward Nnaji Street, Abakpa Nike, in Enugu East LGA.

The grief-stricken governor, who condoled with the families, offered automatic employment to the wives of the deceased and paid three months salaries of their late husbands including other cash donations.

Gov. Ugwuanyi announced that the condolence package is applicable to wives of other affected officers, adding that the spouses also have the option of scholarship of their children to secondary school level in place of automatic employment.

At the Ugbo-Odogwu residence of late Inspector Timothy Tion, an indigene of Benue State, Gov. Ugwuanyi consoled the wife, Janet Okuma, offered her automatic employment and gave her three-month salaries of her husband with other cash donations.

The governor, who was accompanied by a team of senior police officers led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), ACP Fidelis Ogarabe, prayed for the repose of the souls of Inspector Tion and other victims, assuring that their death will not be in vain.

At Edward Nnaji Street, Abakpa, Gov. Ugwuanyi met with the father and siblings of one of the slain police officers, Inspector Emeka Nnaji, from Owo in Nkanu East LGA, and consoled them.

He equally offered automatic employment to the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Nwadi Nnaji, who was at his husband’s residence at Agbani, and announced the same amount of money with other packages for her.

Responding, the wife of late Inspector Tion, Janet, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his kindness in coming to console them, and for offering her automatic employment.

The aged father of late Inspector Nnaji, Mr. Christian Nnaji, also thanked the governor for the rare gesture and asked God to continue to bless him.

The Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, had disclosed that “preliminary investigations have commenced”.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

Ugwuanyi offers automatic employment, support to wives of slain police officers

Peace entrenched in Enugu by Gov. Ugwuanyi encouraged me to establish farming business at home - Northern-based farmer

…Says Isi-Uzo LGA can now feed Enugu State, create jobs

A Northern-based wealthy farmer and indigene of Mbu, in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of #Enugu State, Alhaji Sani Friday Nnaji has applauded #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi for providing the peaceful and conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

Alhaji Nnaji, who is deep-rooted in agricultural business, has large farms in the Northern part of the country such as Zamfara State. He is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ANSAR Technology Nigeria Limited, as well as the Founder of Alhaji Sani Nnaji Foundation, which empowers local farmers in food production and marketing.

Speaking when Gov. Ugwuanyi joined him and other Muslim faithful to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir #eidelkabir at his Country home in Mbu, Isi-Uzo LGA of the state, yesterday, Alhaji Nnaji disclosed that he returned home from the North to establish him farming business because of the enduring #peace the governor has entrenched in Enugu State.

The wealthy and successful farmer stressed that emplaced peace in Enugu State since Ugwuanyi assumed office in 2015, is one of the greatest achievements of the governor, adding that his agricultural business is thriving favourably in the state because of the existing peace in the state.

Alhaji Nnaji who revealed that his farming business has created many jobs for the people of the state and beyond, stated that “Isi-Uzo can today feed Enugu State”.

He pointed out that “we took 1, 200 farmers from Isi-Uzo LGA and invested the sum of N177 million to give them inputs for cultivation of maize”.

According to him, “our maize today, after harvesting, can serve the purpose of Enugu State. Our yam farming is encouraging. In fish production, together with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), we access Ebonyi River here, and we are going to have fish ponds that will serve the entire South East geo-political zone.

“Today cotton in Enugu State is better than cotton in anywhere in Nigeria. We planted cotton and we harvested cotton more than 12 times in the North where I am coming from. We harvest cotton 4 times and it will dry up; so we have gotten more than our target in Enugu State.

“We tried cultivating onions in Enugu and it does well. We are going to Soya Beans in Enugu. Now we have over 50 hectares of land for farming; it is doing well and we believe that it is going to do more than the one in the North.

“Your Excellency, with your support, with the peace you have entrenched here, we have created a lot of jobs for our people. The peace here is what made me to come back home. Thank you very much and may God bless you sir”.

Dignitaries at the Sallah event include the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji; the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani; the member representing Isi-Uzo Constituency, Hon. Mrs. Catherine Amaka Ugwueze; her Enugu North counterpart, Hon. Barr. Ibenaku Onoh; the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga; and the State Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and Chairman of Udenu LGA, Hon. Solomon Onah.

Others are the Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Hon. Jacob Abonyi; his Uzo-Uwani, Enugu East, Igbo-Eze South and Igbo-Eze North counterparts, Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie, Hon. Alex Ugwu, Hon. Andy Omeje and Hon. Ejike Itodo, respectively; the Chairman, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Chief Ikeje Asogwa; Traditional Rulers from the council area; the Sarkin Hausawa, Enugu State, Alhaji Abukakar Yusuf Sambo; the Chief Imam, Enugu State, Said Zulqarnaini; State Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Chief Innocent Ezeoha; the State Secretary of the Party, Hon. C. C. Akalusi, etc.

eidelkabir: Let’s remain committed to God in prayers - Gov. Ugwuanyi

On the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State has enjoined Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians, to remain committed to God in prayers for the peace, unity, security and progress of the country.

In his Sallah Message, Gov. Ugwuanyi felicitated with all Muslim faithful, wishing them the blessings and guidance of Allah.

The governor urged Nigerians to embrace the cherished virtues of love, peace, charity and sacrifice as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Mohammed.

He stressed that the significance of the Islamic celebration has a huge positive impact in enhancing the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria as well as the nation’s efforts in surmounting its security, socio-economic and public health challenges.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who called for a secure, peaceful and healthy celebration, advised Nigerians to stay safe and adhere strictly to all precautionary measures put in place to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

The administration of #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State through the Enugu Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (#SMEs) Center, has commenced a sensitization/enlightenment campaign across the 17 local government areas of the state on the inherent socio-economic benefits of the scheme to the people at the grassroots.

The enlightenment campaign, tagged: ‘Local Government Area Sensitization Tour’, according to the Governor’s Special Adviser on SMEs Development and Head of the Center, Hon. Arinze Chilo-Offiah, was conceived “to ensure that those at the grassroots level benefit from the Enugu SMEs Center’s programmes".

Hon. Chilo-Offiah added that it is in line with the rural development agenda of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration which has impacted positively on the lives of the rural dwellers in so many ways.

He pointed out that the ongoing sensitization tour is championed by Gov. Ugwuanyi “in an endeavour to enlighten Ndi-Enugu about schemes that would be of benefit to the development of their communities”.

The Enugu SMEs Center head revealed that “delegates from the Enugu SMEs Center are visiting various local government areas in Enugu State to interact and enlighten the people on what they stand to benefit from the programmes, ranging from skills acquisition to Human Capital Development Loans (HCDL) made available by the Center”.

Hon. Chilo-Offiah disclosed that five LGAs, namely, Enugu East, Nkanu West, Udi, Ezeagu and Nkanu East have been successfully enlightened since the inception of the tour in June 2021, adding that “the remaining LGAs will be covered within the third quarter (Q3) of 2021”.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

Cholera cause of deaths in Enugu New Artisan Market - Health Commissioner

The #Enugu State Ministry of Health has confirmed that there is a Cholera outbreak in New Artisan Market, Enugu, which resulted in the death of seven people in the market with 19 sick persons identified with the symptoms of loose stool and vomiting.

Confirming the Cholera outbreak in the market, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, disclosed that the Ministry's rapid response team, upon receiving reports of the incident carried out an immediate investigation and "it was observed that the patients presented with sudden onset of passage of loose stool and vomiting".

He added that "the ill persons identified within the area were immediately and safely evacuated to the state teaching hospital and are receiving treatment, while health education on safe and hygienic practices were given to the inhabitants of the market".

According to the Health Commissioner, "further tests carried out by the State Ministry of Health at the Teaching Hospital revealed that all the persons were suffering from Cholera.

"Samples were collected for further confirmatory tests of this finding.

"Surveillance, contact tracing and risk assessment have commenced at the market and its environs, while the Enugu State Ministry of Health Emergency Operations Centre for Cholera outbreak response will be activated on Saturday 17th July 2021".

Dr. Obi, who on behalf of the Enugu State Government, prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and commiserated with those who lost their loved ones, enjoined "the general public to keep safe as the situation is under control and the Enugu State Ministry of Health will keep the public informed on future developments".

He explained that "Cholera is an infection caused by some strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Risk factors are from poor sanitation, and contaminated drinking water.

"The classic symptom is large amounts of watery diarrhea that lasts a few days. Vomiting and muscle cramps may also occur. Symptoms range from none, to mild, to severe.

"Diarrhea can be so severe that it leads within hours to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and even death. Symptoms start two hours to five days after exposure.

"It is prevented by improvements in sanitation, use of clean water, hand washing and vaccines. Treatment involves replacement of lost body fluids orally or intravenously, zinc supplementation and antibiotics."

Read full text of the statement...

"The Enugu State Ministry of health received reports of deaths occurring suddenly, after a short spell of illness, on Friday morning, the 16th of July 2021 around the New Artisan livestock market in Enugu, Enugu State.

"Upon immediate investigation by the Ministry of Health’s rapid response team, it was observed that the patients presented with sudden onset of passage of loose stool and vomiting. It was revealed that the illness had resulted in the death of seven persons, and that subsequently, several others numbering about 19 were ill with the same symptoms of loose stools and vomiting.

"The ill persons identified within the area were immediately and safely evacuated to the state teaching hospital and are receiving treatment, while health education on safe and hygienic practices were given to the inhabitants of the market.

"Further tests carried out by the State Ministry of Health at the teaching hospital revealed that all the persons were suffering from Cholera. Samples were collected for further confirmatory tests of this finding.

"Surveillance, contact tracing and risk assessment have commenced at the market and its environs, while the Enugu State Ministry of Health Emergency Operations Centre for Cholera outbreak response will be activated on Saturday 17th July 2021.

"Cholera is an infection caused by some strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Risk factors are from poor sanitation, and contaminated drinking water. The classic symptom is large amounts of watery diarrhea that lasts a few days. Vomiting and muscle cramps may also occur. Symptoms range from none, to mild, to severe. Diarrhea can be so severe that it leads within hours to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and even death. Symptoms start two hours to five days after exposure.

"It is prevented by improvements in sanitation, use of clean water, hand washing and vaccines. Treatment involves replacement of lost body fluids orally or intravenously, zinc supplementation and antibiotics.

"While we commiserate and pray with those who have lost their loved ones, we enjoin the general public to keep safe as the situation is under control and the Enugu State Ministry of Health will keep the public informed on future developments.

Signed

"Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi

Commissioner of Health, Enugu State."

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State, yesterday, reiterated that justice and equity shall prevail regarding the senatorial district of the state where his successor will emerge from in 2023.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who spoke when the people of Awgu Egbeleli Community in Awgu Local Government Area, led by the Council Chairman, Hon. Pedro Nwankwo, paid him a Thank-you/solidarity visit at the Government House, Enugu, pledged that he will continue to work with the fear of God.

The governor maintained that he will not take the favour granted to him by God to serve the people of Enugu State for granted.

He therefore reassured the people of Enugu State that he will always ensure that justice and equity take firm footing in the affairs of the state.

The people of Awgu Egbeleli Community during the visit unanimously pledged that they will stand firmly by Gov. Ugwuanyi in the 2023 governorship election.

It would be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi had during the Oganiru Enugu East Senatorial District rally on the 2023 governorship election in Enugu State, declared that “in the fullness of time, dialogue, justice and equity shall take pre-eminence”.

The governor disclosed that “at the end of our administration, we will bequeath to all, a just, equitable, peaceful, united and prosperous Enugu State that has ascended more rungs on the development ladder”.

The well-attended Enugu East Senatorial District rally which was convened by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi, demanded that it is the turn of the zone to produce the governor’s successor in 2023, based on the long established rotational template, and in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice.

Aligning with the Speaker’s statement, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye announced that the party has zoned its governorship position in 2023 to Enugu East Senatorial District.

The APC chairman eulogized Gov. Ugwuanyi for his uncommon leadership qualities as a peaceful, humble and development-oriented governor, saying: “When you have peace you have order; when you have peace you have development, you (Ugwuanyi) are a peaceful governor and you have brought peace to our people”.

In his speech at the rally, the former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, expressed optimism that Gov. Ugwuanyi will endorse his successor from Enugu East Senatorial District, pointing out that “Gburugburu is a peace-maker; Gburugburu entrusted Enugu State to the hand of God; Gburugburu will give Ndi Enugu East Senatorial District governor in 2023; we are only waiting for the time to come to know who will be the next governor from our zone”.

On his part, the former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, endorsed the stance of the people of Enugu East Senatorial District at the rally and commended the organizers of the event for galvanizing the people of the zone to come and appraise the existing rotational principle of zoning in Enugu State.

Sen. Nnamani lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for the peace being enjoyed in Enugu State, expressing confidence that the governor’s disposition to peace and good governance will guarantee a peaceful transition in 2023, where a candidate from Enugu East Senatorial District will be elected governor of the state.

In their separate goodwill messages, the members of the National and State Assemblies from the zone, the Council Chairmen, the Clergy, traditional rulers and State Executive Council, among others, equally paid glowing tributes to Gov. Ugwuanyi’s leadership qualities and appealed to him to stick to the existing rotational zoning arrangement in respect of the Office of the Governor of Enugu State, in the spirit of justice and equity, stressing: “We want governor of Enugu State come 2023”.

Dignitaries at the solidarity visit by Awgu people include the Chief Whip of Enugu State House of Assembly and member representing Awgu North Constituency, Hon. Mrs. Jane Eneh; former Senator-elect Enugu West Senatorial zone, Senator Nze Orji; former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Awgu LGA, Hon. Joe Ani; Secretary, Awgu LG Council, Hon Barr. Linus Maduka, and the Councilor representing Awgu Ward I, Hon. Benneth Kene.

Others are His Royal Highness, Igwe Godwin Okosisi Nwobi; the Traditional Prime Minister of Awgu Egbeleli, Chief Dr. Stephen Onuoha; the National President, Awgu Town Youth Association, Oba JC Nwanwko; the President General, Awgu Egbeleli, Professor Reko Okoye, represented by his deputy, Felix Okoli; the Traditional Prime Minister, Ogboli-Ohaja Autonomous Community, Chief Sir Tobias Udeji (Ezeugo I) and former President, Awgu General Assembly, Dr. Adonai Okechukwu Okonkwo.

Enugu: Gov. Ugwuanyi has done well in peace, security, development - ALGON National Chairman

…Declares support for State Police

The National Leadership of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (#ALGON) has commended #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State for the state’s secure and peaceful atmosphere as well as the giant feats his administration has recorded in infrastructural development with the limited resources at its disposal.

Addressing newsmen after members of the National Executive Council (NEC) of ALGON inspected some projects being embarked upon by the Gov. Ugwuanyi administration across the state, the National Chairman of the association, Hon. Kolade David Alabi, said that "my impression about Enugu State is what the legal minds will call fact speaks for itself”.

The ALGON National Chairman, who disclosed that they were in Enugu for their National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, stressed that “Gov. Ugwuanyi has done very well”.

Hon. Alabi further said: “I was completely amazed when I got to the College of Medicine (ESUT) that is being put in place by the Executive Governor.

“You know this COVID-19 pandemic has already exposed that we have deficit of healthcare facilities, and what the governor is doing is commendable.

“The Commissioner for Information has told me that he (Ugwuanyi) has also provided Isolation Centres in the General Hospitals. That is commendable too.

“Enugu is peaceful; we have seen that; like I said, to measure a state is to look at the security of that state”.

Speaking on ongoing calls for State Police, the ALGON boss urged the Federal Government to grant the request to enhance the security of the country.

“We also use this medium as a point of contact to the Presidency that they should grant State Police because to me security is a bottom-top approach. It is not a top-bottom approach, and when we adopt this bottom-top approach to security then the country will be safe for all of us”.

Hon. Alabi also applauded the Council Chairmen in Enugu State for their efforts in promoting peace, security and infrastructural development in the rural communities, adding: “From what I have seen so far, they have also performed creditably well”.

He added: “It is not all about building infrastructure; it is also about investing in physiological infrastructure which is what we have seen. They are promoting peace, art and culture and it is a very good one.

“So, thank you to the Chairman of ALGON in Enugu State (Hon. Solomon Onah) you have done well. Since yesterday we came into Enugu, the way you conducted the affairs of ALGON is the best in the country. I gave them a good mark yesterday and of course there is a reward for that.

“Our purpose in Enugu State is to hold our National Executive Council meeting and this is the third since we decided to be rotating our NEC meeting. Before now we use to hold our meeting in Abuja.

“The reason for doing that is that we want to assess the performance and the activities of all our people in various states and you agree with me that it is a good one.

“We can’t sit in Abuja and know what is going on in all the states and all the local government areas in the country”.

In his remark, the Chairman of ALGON in Enugu State and Chairman of Udenu LGA, Hon. Onah, expressed delight at the verdicts by the national body of the association on the modest achievements of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration and that of the council chairmen in the state.

On his part, the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, who led the team to the project sites such as the Nike Lake Road T-junction flyover bridge, Enugu East LGA, the Nsukka Township Stadium and the ESUT Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine projects, spoke of the significance of the projects to the health and socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Enugu State.

The Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman of ALGON, Mr. Odunayo Adegbero, and some State and National Executive Council Members of the association accompanied the National President on the tour.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis