₦airaland Forum

Enugu govt has executed 1,355 school projects across 17 LGAs - ENSUBEB Chairman

…Says Aguobia-Nomeh school, others already captured for intervention in next phase

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State said it has carried out 1,355 verifiable projects in various primary and secondary schools across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state, under the State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) and Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB), in line with its vision to improve the learning condition of the students.

The state government disclosed that besides recruiting 7,030 primary and secondary school teachers, it procured and distributed over 48,000 classroom furniture and other learning tools for school children and their teachers across the state.

The Ugwuanyi administration also revealed that it supplied and installed computers to 490 primary and secondary schools; science equipment to 151 secondary schools, and constructed and renovated classroom blocks, offices and hostels, among others, under PPSMB.

Speaking on the recent call for urgent repairs of classrooms in Aguobia-Nomeh Community Junior and Secondary School, in Nkanu East LGA, the Chairman of ENSUBEB, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, stated that though six school projects have been successfully carried out in Nomeh community, “Aguobia -Nomeh Community Secondary School is presently captured in the action plan of the projects to be embarked upon by state government in this season”.

ENSUBEB Chairman listed the school projects executed in Nomeh Community to include “reconstruction of 12 classroom blocks at Station Primary School Nomeh, which was done in two phases; construction of 3 classroom blocks with an office at C.P.S Nomeh; construction of 3 classroom blocks and an office at St Patrick Primary School Nomeh; and construction of 4 classroom blocks at Onuode Primary School, Nomeh”.

Chief Asogwa disclosed that in spite of decayed educational infrastructure the present administration met on ground at inception in 2015, “the Government of Enugu State in collaboration with Universal Basic Education Commission Abuja, through the ENSUBEB, has transformed the education sector in the state and enhanced the quality of learning, conducive environment and productivity

“To ensure quality impartation, the state government ensured that all renovated or newly constructed schools were fully equipped with learners’ chairs and lockers; teachers’ tables and chairs; marker boards and ceiling fans; instructional materials/teacher’s guide; sporting equipment, among others”, he said.

Pointing out that he recently led a team on inspection tour of different schools in Enugu State on a fact-finding mission for enhanced teaching and learning output, the ENSUBEB Chairman reassured the people of the state that their findings and recommendations are being followed to the letter.

Enugu State is in the hands of God!
#amokelouis

...Insists devt. control exercise followed due process, aimed at safeguarding lives and property.

Published on March 29, 2021 by www.dailypost.ng

The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, ECTDA, on Monday, justified the development control activities it carried out at Works Layout, GRA, within the State capital.

A resident of the State, Mr. Anthony Njoku had in a trending video accused the agency of pulling down his 15-year-old property without any justifiable reason.

Njoku had claimed that he is only a victim of a vendetta and that he presented fence permits, certificate of occupancy, title documents and building plan approvals to the chairman of the agency, but it fell on deaf ears.

But addressing journalists in his office on Monday, Chairman of the ECTDA, Mr. Joseph Onoh said the demolished structures had no approval, adding that they were also erected on power transmission line and waterway.

He said whereas the only approval for the Plot 17 was for a bungalow, a duplex, serving industial purposes, was standing on the property.

Onoh said there was need to clear “mischievous, political and malicious information currently trending and designed to discredit the development control activities of this agency by a certain Mr. Anthony Njoku, who I do not know personally, except for the discharge of my duties.

“He has gone further claiming that the agency has caused him grievous harm, amounting to N700m and he also alleged that he actually presented this agency with building approvals before the demolition was done.

“Normally, the agency does not owe any apology when we try to sanitize the State because that is what it is meant to be, but we have decided to address the press in order to put on record the true state of things. The intention of the purveyors of the fake news is to present this government as reckless, heartless, land grabbers and lawless administration, hence it became necessary that the press should be addressed.”

He further disclosed that “the agency had on the 14th Day of October 2020, issued a notice requesting for building plan and approvals; a violation notice was also issued on the same date.

“It is also important to note that after that, where was no submission to this agency. According to the law, once the agency writes, the person has 14 days to respond, failing which we will do the needful and the person will bear the cost, that is the violator.

“Then again, on 12th day of November, 2020, a demolition notice was served and pasted on plot 17 and also other relevant plots, including the former MAN Petrol, which has an eatery by the side. The first demolition occurred on that waterway and he complied.

“It is also important to note that the Plot 17 was not registered in the name of the said character, Mr. Anthony Njoku as the property has already been sold to someone else, Okechukwu Aneke, who we were told was not in the country and who we met on the day of the exercise.”

He said the agency decided to carry out the development activity on the 24th of January, adding “Enugu State is one of the greatest violators of city masterplan, especially the national transmission line wich requires at least 22.5 metres set back and people have actually resorted to using it for trading, some are erecting structures, stalls, houses but it is not about flouting the law, it is about what time the law will catch up with you, and in that aspect, we owe to apology in the discgarge of our duties because we do that without sentiment; it is dicharged without intent to politicize or carry out personal vendetta.”

Onoh stressed that the video being circulated on social media was full of lies to attract pubic sympathy, stressing that “the said building had no approval from any government agency.”

“Let’s keep away sentiments and think more about safety of lives and property. High tension electricity lines are not something to play with at all.

“Lagos State carried out development control exercises to Banana Island, Delta State, Ebonyi State and the rest of them are doing the same, there is no public outcry especially on social media.

“In the course of doing the right thing, we would step on toes and as the Chairman of this agency, I have never for one day, pursued any personal vendetta.

“I have kept proper records of every engagement we do and I will not be little or tarnish the image of this agency to get involved in cheap political goal aimed at tarnishing the good image of this administration”, Onoh said.

...As govenor's team visits site, collects water samples for laboratory examination

*Mulls emergency boreholes for affected communities

Following the directives of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, a government team led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources, Hon. Anthony Dubem Onyia and the Managing Director of EN-RUWASSA, Dr. Frank Omeje, yesterday, visited the Nvuna River that traverses four communities of Nomeh, Unateze, Mburumbu and Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state, on facts-finding mission.

There were reports that the Nvuna River, which is the major source of water for domestic activities in the four communities, has turned bloody and later blackish in colour, with accusations and counter accusations pointing at bandits and fishermen.

An Ethanol production factory located at Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu State, known as D-HAP Enterprises Services Ltd, which sources water from the Nvuna River was also suspected to have allegedly discharged effluent into the river.

Complying with Gov. Ugwuanyi’s directives, the state government's team, after their on-the-spot investigation, established that there was indeed a contamination.

They collected water samples for laboratory test, in line with international best practice.

The team also discovered that the effluent in question has destroyed all living organisms in the river including fishes. They also discovered that the water body emmited some odour.

Addressing the people of the communities, the Special Adviser on Water Resources, Hon. Onyia, identified with them and expressed the governor's deepest concern and commitment to addressing the issue, as well as mitigate the challenges they are facing.

The governor's aide, who advised the people of the communities to avoid water from the river, added that the state government is already considering emergency interventions such as drilling of boreholes for the affected communities prior to the river cleanup exercise, among others.

Hon. Onyia disclosed that state government will constitute further sanction as soon as laboratory test and more contact tracing are completed.

Enugu State is in the hands of God!
#amokelouis

The Chairmen of the seventeen (17) Local Government Areas of Enugu State, under the aegis of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), said they paid over N6.7 million hospital bills of discharged indigent patients and donated food items as well as toiletries to orphanages and correctional centres in the state, worth over N7 million, during Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s 57th birthday, in keeping with the governor’s aged-long tradition of celebrating the annual event.

Throwing more light on the humanitarian gesture, the State Chairman of ALGON, Hon. Solomon Izuchukwu Onah, who is the Council Chairman of Udenu LGA and National Publicity Secretary of the association, pointed out that Gov. Ugwuanyi has consistently celebrated his birthday with prisoners, orphans, the sick and the elderly since he assumed office in 2015. The Council Chairman added that it was a rare display of the governor’s uncommon philanthropy, and identification with the needy and the less privileged.

Hon. Onah explained that the Council Chairmen visited Bishop Shanahan Hospital Nsukka; Children’s Orphanage in Ibeku Opi; Enugu Correctional Centre; Nsukka Correctional Centre; Ezeagu Correctional Centre; Mother of Christ Hospital in Enugu and Enugu Cheshire Home, among others.

He disclosed that they paid the hospital bills of twelve persons who had been discharged from Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka but were unable to offset the bills, to the admiration of doctors, nurses and the beneficiaries.

At the orphanages, the Cheshire homes and the correctional centres, the council chairmen donated various food items to the inmates.

“We are here as ALGON, Enugu State chapter to identify with you in honour of our dear governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who is celebrating his 57th birthday.

“As you all know, he has always been here on the occasions of his birthday celebrations to ask after your wellbeing, to pray with you and to rejoice with you. It is in the same spirit that we have come here today”,” Hon. Onah told the inmates.

Leading his colleagues from one place to the other, the ALGON boss had the same message: “Our governor is not used to throwing parties and dining with the wealthy during his birthdays. Rather, he often prefers to be with the less privileged. We (ALGON members) have decided to follow the footsteps of the governor and to be with you. We have also come to ask you to always remember him in your prayers”.

An elated Bishop Shanahan Hospital Administrator, Rev. Fr. Greg Onah was full of praises that the Council chairmen settled the bills of twelve discharged patients, saying that it was a thing of joy that they were emulating Gov. Ugwuanyi.

According to Rev. Fr. Onah, “what you people have done as Enugu ALGON members is quite remarkable and commendable. Gov. Ugwuanyi has not failed to identify with the less privileged in the society each birthday circle. That singular act has distinguished him as a rare humanist and philanthropist. So, I thank you (ALGON members) for emulating him and settling the bills of these persons in honour of our governor’s birthday.

“I must tell you that the governor has been surprising us each year. This year’s own is not an exception. Our prayers are that the Almighty God will continue to bless him and his family, give him sound health and the resources to continue to deliver good governance to our people.”
At the Enugu Correctional Centre, the Deputy Controller, Mr. Kolawole lauded Governor Ugwuanyi for associating with the poor in the society. As he put it, “I’ve been here for more than one year, and I am happy to note that Governor Ugwuanyi has kept faith with visiting us and donating vital items to us on the occasion of his birthday. He did it last year and today, you people (LG Chairmen) are here on his behalf. Do extend our gratitude to him as we wish him a momentous birthday”.

Enugu State is in the hands of God!
#amokelouis

…Say governor’s spirit of nationhood well established, appreciated, documented

The National Executive Council and members of Arewa Youth Forum (AYF), both in the country and the Diaspora, have lauded Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his untiring efforts in ensuring peace, economic prosperity and a unified Nigeria.

In a congratulatory message to Gov. Ugwuanyi on his 57th birthday, the National President of Arewa Youth Forum, Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, on behalf of the forum, described the governor as “a worthy son of Nigeria, a humane, simple, humble, focused and accessible leader”.

The Northern forum told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “your untiring efforts aimed at ensuring a unified Nigeria is established, well appreciated and documented, given by your good virtues and all-inclusive leadership style”.

According to them, “you (Ugwuanyi) have within the shortest period of your political career made yourself to be an astute and exemplary leader who has committed the greatest part of his cherished days on earth to Nigeria’s quest for economic prosperity, peace and national unity.

“We at Arewa Youth Forum are happy to be associated with you in upholding this spirit of nationhood.

“However, on this occasion of your 57th birthday, it is our prayer that God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob and the awesome God of David continues to strengthen and uphold your patriotic zeal to contribute more to serving the good Ndi Enugu and building of Enugu State.

“Once again, congratulations to our Gburugburu and many more fruitful years ahead in prosperity and good health”.

Enugu State is in the hands of God!
#amokelouis

Seven key attributes define his life story: faith in God, peacefulness, humility, compassion, discipline, vision and forbearance. Attaining 57 years of age on Saturday, March 20, His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, has carved an enviable niche for himself as an outstanding leader with a unique governance philosophy.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, fondly known as ‘Gburugburu’, habitually appreciates and acknowledges his beloved ‘God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob and the awesome God of David’, for the bold statement the Almighty has decreed in his life odyssey. His peers readily acknowledge this strikingly humble trait.

A leader who stresses consensus, widely recognized by all for his commitment to peace, development and wellbeing of the people, especially the lowly and less privileged, Gov. Ugwuanyi has gone down in history as a phenomenon that stands tall among his contemporaries and tells the story that life is better enjoyed on side of the above attributes.

Assuming office in 2015, at a time the state’s resources were growing leaner because of the nation’s adverse economic realities, Gov. Ugwuanyi was undaunted and resolute in his steadfastness to build Enugu State of the founding fathers’ dreams, where peace, harmony, inclusive governance and rapid development hold sway.

The governor’s sheer determination to alleviate the sufferings of the people and make life more meaningful for them, against all odds, gave birth to his administration’s rural development policy aimed at taking democracy dividends to the doorsteps of the rural dwellers.

His driving focus remains remembering the long-neglected, reconnecting the rural dwellers with the realities of governance and addressing the hydra-headed imbalance between urban and rural populace in terms of distribution of infrastructure and other basic amenities.

Besides the nation’s economic meltdown, the governor when he assumed office, also inherited a huge debt profile and other wage bills to be serviced. At that time, 27 states, excluding Enugu, could not pay workers’ salaries, let alone embark on capital projects.

Governors resorted to bailout funds to meet up with high demands of governance. What was more challenging was their inability to access the nation’s excess crude oil funds, which enabled their predecessors to execute capital projects and address other sundry public needs.

In spite of all these, Gov. Ugwuanyi was able to lead Enugu State out of the woods and attain enviable heights as one of the most peaceful and safest sates in Nigeria, as well as being among the six economically most viable states in the country that can survive without federal allocations.

Enugu State, with no oil, under Gov. Ugwuanyi’s watch, was also rated as the second most advanced state in Nigeria, on the Ease of Doing Business by the World Bank Group; one of the only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that have fulfilled obligations to their workers (BudgIT) and among the seven states that are solvent with impressive over 30 percent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund additional economic activities (Economic Confidential magazine verdict).

It is on record that Enugu is in the list of the few states that commenced payment of N30,000 new minimum wage to their workers without any form of rancour, in January 2020. It is also on record that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration has invested huge resources in road infrastructure, covering about 680km, largely concentrated in the rural areas.

Looking at history, Ugwuanyi is the only governor of Enugu State to witness two economic recessions in five years of his administration, the recent #EndSars protests and a pandemic (COVID-19) that has brought a major setback to the entire world in terms of growth and development, coupled with other challenges.

The construction of the state’s first flyover bridge, a landmark project, has commenced at the intractable Abakpa Nike/T-Junction road, to ease the traffic gridlock in the area. His administration has also made huge investments in other sectors of development such as health, education, security, investment promotion, agriculture, workers’ welfare and empowerment, etc.

For instance, the Ugwuanyi administration has constructed and renovated district hospitals and health centres in the state, especially in the rural areas under the primary healthcare programme.

It has massively rehabilitated and transformed the former Colliery Hospital Enugu, with the construction of new structures, which is now designated as the Enugu State Infectious Disease Hospital, for isolation and treatment of patients with infectious diseases.

Ugwuanyi’s administration is presently constructing multi-billion naira Specialist Hospital and College of Medicine blocks for the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital, Igbo-Eno, Enugu North Senatorial District.

In Education, besides recruiting over 5000 primary and secondary school teachers, Ugwuanyi’s administration has constructed, renovated and equipped 1,205 classroom blocks and other school projects under ENSUBEB. It procured and distributed over 50,000 classroom furniture and other learning tools for primary school children and their teachers.

Under the PPSMB, the state government supplied and installed computers to 200 secondary schools and science equipment to 151 secondary schools; constructed and renovated classroom blocks, offices and hostels, among others. The story is the same in the state owned tertiary institutions.

On workers’ welfare, Ugwuanyi, who has been widely adjudged as one of the most labour-friendly governors in Nigeria, is known for his administration’s prompt and regular payment of workers’ salaries and retirees’ pensions, among other incentives.

In his peacefulness, despite the nation’s avalanche of challenges, Gov. Ugwuanyi has continued to spearhead and advance peace in Enugu State in a rare, dignified manner.

Today, Enugu State is not only enjoying a secure environment, businesses have continued to flourish as investors, tourists, families, relations and friends, keep trooping to the state for various socio-economic engagements, with hotels fully booked most times.

The peace in Enugu State, which is largely responsible for the milestone achievements recorded by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, in spite of various challenges, has also engendered real estate development in the state and increase the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

In actualizing this peace, Gov. Ugwuanyi has invested and sacrificed a lot. The governor has no enemy and has continued to pay the ultimate price for peace to reign in the state, and history will forever remember him for spearheading and institutionalizing such campaign that is extremely critical to the progress of the state.

His simplicity, goodwill, open-door policy, tolerance, compassion in uplifting the downtrodden and direct contact with everyone, irrespective of class or status, are eloquent testimonies to his sophisticated background as a humble leader.

Ugwuanyi is one who delights in the joy of his people and shares in their grief as well, keeping in touch at all times. Early this year, Ugwuanyi was at the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, with cash gift and food items, to solemnly identify with widows of fallen heroes, in commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

This attribute was among the factors responsible for the governor’s unprecedented victory, winning 95.54 percent of the votes cast during his reelection in 2019. This is actually the highest in the nation’s electoral history.

As a man of conscience, Gov. Ugwuanyi, through his life’s journey experience and encounter with the people, has proved to be someone who does not forget the past or where he is coming from. He appreciates friendship, brotherhood and any deed of goodwill from people.

A case study in mind is the governor’s rare leadership role in reinvigorating the political expedition of the former Governor of Enugu State, Senator Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani. The senator, after he left office as governor, was confronted with stern challenges that almost retired him from active politics. But Ugwuanyi ensured that he returned to the senate in 2019.

Nnamani as Governor of Enugu State in 2003 and leader of Ebeano political family was instrumental to Gov. Ugwuanyi venturing into active politics as the member representing Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

Speaking when he visited Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House Enugu, for the first time after 12 years he left office, Nnamani thanked the governor for his benevolence, display of conscience, and for "giving me a second chance", saying: "Ugwuanyi has wiped my tears".

Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, who described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “a symbol of peace” and frowned at the handiwork of political jobbers, when he led stakeholders of Enugu West Senatorial District to pay a solidarity visit to the governor, pronounced that they will continue to stand by Ugwuanyi to ensure that he advances and actualizes his peace and development initiatives for the state.

Besides, virtually all leaders of political, religious, traditional and socio-economic institutions in Enugu State and beyond are unanimous in their positive stance on Gov. Ugwuanyi’s peace and good governance initiatives.

The Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has on several occasions, eulogized Gov. Ugwuanyi for entrenching peace and good governance in Enugu State, describing him as “a good man; a man of peace; a perfect genius; humble and ever patient leader".

Recently, the new National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, at the church’s 16th Biennial Conference in Enugu, where Gov. Ugwuanyi was conferred with the ‘Defender of the Faith” award, alongside Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, expressed delight at the governor’s simplicity, his generosity to PFN and other churches in the state, as well as his disposition as a peaceful and God-fearing leader.

As Gov. Ugwuanyi clocks 57 years, it is worth noting that despite the avalanche of economic, security and public health challenges, he has kept faith with his core vision to “deploy government services to create fair and equal opportunity for every willing citizen to make a living and create wealth, educate our children, and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment”. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency!

Amoke writes from Enugu

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Thursday, inaugurated the new Technology Hub and Youth Innovation Centers established by his administration to systematically prepare the youth of the state to become competitive in the national and global space, in line with the emerging digital economy.

Inaugurating the Tech Hubs and Youth Innovation Centers located within the precincts of the Three-Arms-Zone, Independence Layout, Enugu North LGA, Enugu, and another in Obollo Afor, in Udenu Local Government Area of the State, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that the centers will offer services such as ICT training in Software Development, Website design/Hosting, Linus/Unix systems, Graphic Designs, Internet of things (IoT), etc.

The governor added that they will also offer services in craftsmanship and fabrication, entrepreneurship development, innovation programmes, career enhancement initiatives, electronics/robotics, facilitation of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), among others.

He pointed out that the decision to establish the Tech Hubs in Enugu State was informed by the large numbers of youths who graduate from numerous science and technical colleges and tertiary institutions in the state, most of which offer quality programmes in vocational training, skill acquisition, Sciences, Engineering, Technology and Management.

“Yearly, substantial numbers of youths graduate from these institutions, many of whom are willing to set up innovative business ventures to showcase their skills and talents but have been hindered by dearth of requisite resources and favourable operation environment”, he said.

According to him, “Enugu State is imbued with a favourable Tech ecosystem fueled by the substantial intellectual resource of these academic institutions.

“Our administration understood the need to intervene by providing these youths a well-resourced, affordable, and competitive environment via Tech Hubs and Youth Innovation Centers to pursue their passion and deploy their skills.

“We are therefore deliberate in our effort to harness these intellectual and human resources to provide Tech Hubs where technology enthusiasts, innovators and entrepreneurs will engage to share ideas and develop products and services that will make the society better while creating jobs and wealth for our teeming youths.

“Today’s event is therefore a watershed in the concerted efforts of our administration to create new opportunities and expand existing ones for our youths and other citizens through start-ups acceleration and business incubation that will promote youth inclusion, job creation and wealth creation. The envisaged productive engagement of our youths will also reduce youth restiveness and promote security”.

Consequently, Gov. Ugwuanyi therefore charged the youth of Enugu State, to utilize the opportunity to equip themselves with cutting-edge digital skills for the emerging digital economy.

Commending the State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Sir Obi Kama and his team, for effective supervision of the project, the governor revealed that his administration has initiated a transparent and competitive process for hiring competent management teams for the Tech Hubs, whose mandate will include establishing liaison and co-operation with Global Tech giants and very successful business models through mentorship, training and certification.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Sir Kama, narrated that the new Tech Hubs were the brain child of Gov. Ugwuanyi in line with his administration’s youth empowerment agenda, stressing that despite the dwindling resources due to the nation’s economic challenges coupled with the outbreak of the novel COVID-19 pandemic, the all-important projects were conceived and delivered 100 percent by the state government.

In their goodwill messages, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, represented by the House Committee Chairman on Education, Science and Technology, Rt. Hon. Arc. James Akadu, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mrs. AdaOnah Kene-Uyanwune, Chairman, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Chief Ikeje Asogwa and the Special Adviser to the Governor on SMEs, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for the bold initiative aimed at harnessing intellects and providing employment for teeming youths of the state.

They described it as uncommon and urged the youth of the state to make themselves available and tap the inherent benefits the innovation centers offer.

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, honoured Master Izuchukwu Godswill Edeani, an Enugu State student, who won this year’s edition of “The 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award” (774 - YONSPA), in Abuja, on Sunday.

The prestigious national scientists presidential award was presented to Master Edeani by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on behalf of President Buhari, at the popular Eagle Square, Abuja.

The historic event was witnessed by the Senate Committee Chairman on Science and Technology, Senator Uche Ekwunife, the Minister of Science and Technology, Hon. Ogbonaya Onu and the Enugu State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Sir. Obi Kama, who represented Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, among others.

Master Edeani, an indigene of Nara in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, is a 16-year old student of Air force Comprehensive School, Agbani, Nkanu West LGA.

He won the first position at the “National Final Science Competitive Examination of the 774 – YONSPA”, held in the Headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Science And Technology, Abuja, on March 14, 2021.

The Enugu State Government had congratulated the winner for making the state proud.

The Enugu State Science and Technology Commissioner, Kama, had disclosed that Master Edeani was sponsored to the national competition by the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, after he emerged winner in the exercise organized by the state government.

The Commissioner noted that the accomplishment was one of the fallouts of Gov. Ugwuanyi administration’s transformational agenda and huge investments in the education sector, especially in science and technology.

The Commissioner had also disclosed that Master Edeani will be honoured with a Presidential Financial Award of N1million and also a Presidential Academic Award/scholarship to PhD level in any Nigerian University, which took place, on Monday.

Enugu Sate is in the hands of God!
#amokelouis

I have followed with the keen interest the current debate over the existing Enugu State Gubernatorial Pensions Laws 2007, which was represented as a personal bill to the State House of Assembly for amendment. I have observed the genuine concerns being expressed by people on social media over this issue.  I also observed acts of mischief and undue personal vendetta being advanced by cynics and pessimists, who usually cash in on such engagements to expose their unruliness, lack of character and sense of respect, as portrayed by one Ikem Okuhu.

May I therefore point out that the grundnorm of the Federation, i.e. the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) gave legal backing to the issue of pension for persons who have held office as the Governor or Deputy Governor of a State in Nigeria.
Specifically, section 124(5) of the Constitution provides for this and gives the House of Assembly of the State the power to enact a law to that effect. The section further provides that such pension shall be a charge upon the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State.

Pursuant to the above provisions of the constitution, on the 2nd day of August, 2007, the Enugu State House of Assembly under the leadership of Eugene Ogbonna Odo, the then Speaker, during the administration of former Governor Sullivan Chime enacted the Enugu State Gubernatorial Pensions Law, 2007.

The said Gubernatorial Pensions Law, 2007 provides that “Any person who has held office as Governor or Deputy Governor under the provisions of the Constitution shall be entitled to Pension for life at a rate equivalent to the annual salary of the incumbent Governor or Deputy Governor respectively, provided that such a person was not removed from office by the process of impeachment or for breach of any provisions of the Constitution...”

The said Law was amended on the 9th day of May, 2017 by the Enugu State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi, the Honourable Speaker. The essence of the amendment was to inter alia restrict the applicability of the law to elected persons only and thereby reduce the number of persons to whom the law would have applied to. This amendment effectively reduced the financial burden that would have been borne by the State under the 2007 Law.
However, in 2021, a need arose to amend the law further and introduce new provisions. Accordingly, a Bill was introduced into the House of Assembly and has only scaled first reading. These new provisions will be explained hereunder.

Key New Provisions in the 2021 Bill
Reduction of the Pension Payable- Under section 3 the 2007 Law, former Governors and Deputy Governors were entitled to a pension at a rate equivalent to the annual salary of the incumbent Governor or Deputy Governor respectively. However, the Bill in question reduced this sum by providing for pension at a rate equivalent to the annual basic salary of the incumbent Governor or Deputy Governor respectively in Section 3.
Death of a former Governor or former Deputy Governor - This is provided for in section 6 of the Bill. It provides that where a former Governor or former Deputy Governor dies, Government shall make adequate arrangement and bear the financial responsibility for his burial and pay a condolence allowance of a sum equivalent to the annual basic salary of the incumbent to his next of kin, among others.
Various concerns have been raised as a result of the bill. Some of them will be highlighted and addressed.
First, it has been argued that this is an act of financial recklessness. But the contrary is really the case, as I am aware that the state has received avalanche of endorsements and ratings from reputable financial organization for its fiscal discipline, accountability, transparency and prudent management of the state’s resources. Such ratings, according to records, listed Enugu among the six economically viable states in Nigeria that can survive without federal allocations.
I am also aware that Enugu was also rated as the first state in Nigeria to publish its Audited State Final Account for three consecutive years; first in the South East geo-political zone and ninth in the country based on IGR as against Federal Allocation.

Further analysis, shows that this Bill under debate will not cost the state billions per month, as mischievously alleged. I discovered that the only financial provision relates to payment of annual basic salary, House maintenance allowance, Vehicle maintenance allowance and purchase of vehicles (which will be purchased once in four years). It should be noted that the annual basic salary of a Governor or Deputy Governor (which is publicly available online at www.rmafc.gov.ng) is not what is been bandied around in the media. The sum is N2, 223, 705.00 per annum (N185,308.75 per month) for the Governor and N2, 112, 215.00 per annum (176,017.91 per month) for the Deputy Governor. A percentage of this figure will then be paid as House maintenance allowance, Vehicle maintenance allowance and personal staff allowance. This is obviously not a case of financial recklessness.
Another issue raised is the payment of Primary School Teachers’ Pension and Gratuity. I am very much aware as it is common knowledge that those monetary expenditures are under the responsibility of the local government administration which is the third tiers of government.

Ugwuanyi’s administration in all honesty is committed to timely and regular payment of state workers’ salaries and pensions of the retirees. In fact, that administration is among the first states in Nigeria to approve and commence payment of N30,000 new minimum wage to its workers. This rare feat prompted the state workers to pay a Thank-you visit to the Government House, Enugu.  
      
Unfortunately, it is equally on record that before Ugwuanyi’s administration, the Pension and Gratuity of the local government retirees were paid last in Enugu State in 2001, ie 14 years before Ugwuanyi’s administration was inaugurated. What it simply means is that the previous administration with the enormous resources at its disposal such as excess crude oil shares, in eight years of its tenure, could not pay LG retirees their pension even for a month.  So from 2001 up to 2015, when this administration came on board, no retiree at the local government level - whether you were a teacher or you were a local government staff - ever received his or her gratuity. It was that bad. Coming to the monthly pensions, they had, in fact, forgotten how to count it in months.
Well Enugu has had this singular fortune, or perhaps misfortune, of being the capital of the old Eastern Region, the old Eastern Central State, the old Anambra State and the old Enugu State. You may not believe that there are some people from Cross River and Akwa Ibom that are receiving their pensions here in Enugu because they were teachers here before they relocated to their state. The State thus, has the highest number of pensioners to pay. Some people have even suggested, including my humble self, that the state government should send all the pensioners back to their various states but the governor said no.

Following the receipt of the Paris Club Refund from the Federal Government, Gov. Ugwuanyi constituted a committee made up of all relevant stakeholders including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), ICPC and DSS for the disbursement of the fund. The sharing formula was between the state and the local governments  in which the state government got N3.1 billion to offset workers arrears of salaries (accrued under the previous administration) while local governments got N2 billion.
The state government utilized the fund in this manner despite the fact that the salary and pension of local government staff are paid by the various local government areas of the state and not the state government.

Apart from the Ugwuanyi administration’s judicious utilization of part of the Paris Club refund to pay arrears of pension and gratuity, a transparent exercise the Senate adjudged as the best in the country, the present administration out of its passion and commitment to the well-being of the retirees, dedicated the sum of N100 million every month for payment of arrears of pension and gratuities of former local government staff. The administration, I learnt, has been conscientious in providing the N100 million every month.
On welfare of the state workers, I was dismayed to read people alleging that this was not a priority for the state government. As I noted earlier, Enugu is among the few states to implement the payment of N30,000 new minimum wage in the country, despite the adverse economic effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. BudgIT listed Enugu alongside Lagos and Rivers as the only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that have fulfilled obligations to their workers. The state government has remained regular in payment of workers’ salaries on the 23rd of every month and state retirees’ pensions before the end of the month. The novel 13th month salary to workers as Christmas bonus is yet another accomplishment the people-centered administration of Gov. Ugwuanyi will be remembered for.

This administration also paid 54 percent equity contribution for 100 lucky civil servants to own a house in Enugu and become proud Landlords.
Besides, the Ugwuanyi administration introduced the traders’ empowerment scheme that assisted genuine traders in the state to grow their various businesses. It has continued to offer scholarship to indigent students of the state to study both home and abroad, among others.  
 
On COVID-19 Concerns, Enugu State, under the watch of Ugwuanyi, in the wake of the pandemic, publicly distributed sundry items as palliatives to the state residents. It equally granted tax relief and incentives to taxpayers in the state including the ordinary people, among others.

I am convinced therefore that there is no hidden agenda behind this Bill, as is being misconstrued on social media by agents of mischief, who sit in the comfort zones to dish out falsehood and smear campaign. If there were, the House of Assembly would have suspended its Standing Rule and pass the Bill on the same day it was introduced. But this was not the case. The Bill has only scaled the first reading and will still pass through, second and third readings before it is passed.

Besides there will be a public hearing in respect of the Bill. It is during these processes of passing the Bill into Law that the merits and demerits of same will be debated, and the popular opinion will eventually carry the day.
Let us not forget that a law already exists on this subject matter. This Bill only makes small adjustment to accommodate issues that ought to have been addressed ab initio.
Jude Nnamani Esq

An indigene of Nara in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Master Izuchukwu Godswill Edeani, has won this year’s edition of “The 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award” (774 - YONSPA).

Master Edeani, a 16-year old student of Air force Comprehensive School, Agbani, Nkanu West LGA, won the first position at the “National Final Science Competitive Examination of the 774 – YONSPA”, held in the Headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Science And Technology, Abuja, on Sunday, March 14, 2021.

Breaking the news, the Enugu State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Sir. Obi Kama, on behalf of the state government, congratulated the winner for making Enugu State proud.

Obi who disclosed that Master Edeani was sponsored to the national competition by the Enugu Sate government, after he emerged winner in the exercise organized by the State Ministry of Science and Technology, stressed that the accomplishment was one of the fallouts of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration’s transformational agenda and huge investments in the education sector, especially in science and technology.

The Commissioner disclosed that Master Edeani is expected to be presented with a Presidential Financial Award of N1million and also a Presidential Academic Award/scholarship to PhD level in any Nigerian University, in Abuja, on Monday.

.Chief of Defence Staff lauds governor’s commitment to peace, security

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has pledged his administration’s maximum cooperation and support for the newly appointed Service Chiefs of the Nigerian Armed Forces, to enable them successfully perform their duties of protecting the territorial integrity of the country and warding off external aggression.

Speaking during an interactive session between the new Service Chiefs and stakeholders in Enugu State, held at the Government House, Enugu, Gov. Ugwuanyi, represented by his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, expressed optimism that the engagement will deepen and strengthen the current synergy between the state government and the military over security matters.

The governor stressed that such synergy was responsible for the enviable rating of Enugu as one of the most peaceful and safest states in the country.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who congratulated the Service Chiefs for their richly deserved appointments, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his wisdom, courage and sagacity in giving the highly demanding jobs to best hands.

“As a government, we would like to use this opportunity to thank the military for internal security services in our state which obviously is an additional burden to their primary responsibility of protecting the territorial integrity of the country and warding off external aggression.

“We join other well-meaning Nigerians in praying for your unequalled success in the very sensitive and onerous tasks of leading the country’s defence and security”.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence, Gen. Irabor, who commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his hospitality and immeasurable support to the military, disclosed that they were in Enugu to reach out to their troops in furtherance of their mandate to ensure peace and security of the country in keeping with the directives given to them by President Buhari.

Stating that it is the responsibility of the every citizen of Nigeria to ensure peace and security in the country, the Chief of Defence Staff appreciated the Enugu State government, the traditional and religious institutions in the state, among others, for their active participation in the event.

“I want to thank everyone, especially the government and people of Enugu State for the warm reception we received and equally the support you (Ugwuanyi) have been giving to us as members of the Armed Forces. I will like this spirit of cordiality to prevail”, he said.

In their separate remarks, stakeholders at the event including the leadership of Hausa Community in the state acknowledged the prevailing peace and security in Enugu State, made possible by the outstanding leadership style of Gov. Ugwuanyi.

They assured the new Service Chiefs of their support and commitment to their noble efforts to maintain peace and security in the state in particular and the country in general.

Enugu State is in the hands of God!
#amokelouis

The wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi, has urged Nigerian women in authority to rise, champion and protect the rights and privileges of women in the country.

Mrs. Ugwuanyi, who stated that “it is obvious that women rights need to be brought to par with that of men to ensure equality and justice”, stressed that it is only strong feminist movements that can create thriving democracy and a catalyst of positive change.

Speaking during an event to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day in Enugu State, the governor’s wife disclosed that the occasion offered women the veritable platform to chart and plan for their future and “how to be relevant and achieve an equal future in this COVID-19 world”.

Noting that women’s participation in politics has increased in recent years, Mrs. Ugwuanyi said that it is “yet not sufficient to fulfill the objectives we set for ourselves, not even the ambition of Beijing Declaration of 1995”.

Highlighting that the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 World”, the Enugu First Lady pointed out that most of the healthcare workers pioneering the treatment of COVID-19 in various hospitals throughout the world are women.

“This puts them at a high risk, yet they are the minority when it comes to decision making”, she said.

Pushing further on feminism and active involvement of more women in leadership, the Enugu governor’s wife said: “You need to prepare and develop yourself to be worthy of being a leader. Read, learn new skills, go for seminars, strive for the best and leave no stone unturned. Remember you cannot give what you do not have.

“We have had a lot of women in leadership positions. Currently we have the first female Vice President of the United States of America (USA), Mrs. Kamala Harris, and our own Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first female Director General (D.G.) of the World Trade Organization.

“Let us come back home; the first female Deputy Governor of Enugu State Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, and first female Chief Judge of Enugu State, Hon. Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu.

“As Governors wives, we have started in our various states to make sure that we place before our husbands, things that matter for women. Now we have an association called Nigeria Governors Wives Against Gender Based Violence (NGWA- GBV).

“We made sure that various states in Nigeria domesticated the national laws concerning the rights of women and children.

“In Enugu State, the Child Rights Act was signed into law in 2016 and the Violence Against Persons Act (VAP Act ) was signed into law in 2019. We have also domesticated social protection policy. This policy helps empower women and girls to seek justice in the face of violation and exploitation.

“Women should know that there are specific rights to be enjoyed exclusively by women and there are general rights women enjoy with both men.

“The 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the economic rights of women, where it stated that all citizens have equal opportunity to secure suitable employment and there shall be equal pay at work without discrimination.

“Our constitution also granted us inheritance rights; women are mostly denied inheritance due to some cultural practices. Other rights are right to personal dignity, this right is an integral part of women’s right in Nigeria. Some conducts that violate these rights are rape, sexual assault and molestation, women and children trafficking, female genital mutilation etc; and the right to education, environments, healthy leaving, social and cultural rights.

“It is crystal clear that the above rights are not being enjoyed by women in our country. The way we can regain these badly compromised and marginalized rights is to support women in politics to make sure that these laws are implemented by putting strict measures to its implementation.

“A great leader should also clone herself in many young girls by empowering them (financially or otherwise).

“It is obvious that women rights need to be brought to par with that of men to ensure equality and justice. We urge women already in power, notable women organizations, female judges, female law makers etc. to rise, champion and protect rights of women and privileges in Nigeria.

“It is only these strong feminist movements that can create thriving democracy and a catalyst of positive change”.

He ended her campaign for women at the event with Sheryl Sandberg’s quote: "We need women at all levels, including the top to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure, women's voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored."

Enugu govt commences first flyover bridge project located at Nike Lake/T-Junction

*Closes road, midnight of Monday, March 8

*Announces five designated route diversions

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, has formally announced commencement of the first ever flyover bridge project by the state government, located at the intractable Abakpa Nike/Nike Lake/T-Junction road, in Enugu East Local Government Area of the state, on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

Speaking when he inspected the project site’s readiness for work commencement, alongside the Commissioners for Works and Infrastructure and Housing, Engr. Greg Nnaji and Hon. Vitus Okechi respectively, the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, maintained that the government’s order announcing a shutdown of the road by midnight of Monday, March 8, stands.

Aroh who revealed that he led a state government delegation to also inspect the construction yard of the company handling the flyover, IDC Construction Limited, said that all was now set for the commencement of the project in earnest. He added that the contractor assured that he would deliver the project before the end of 2021.

The Information Commissioner said the flyover project, when completed, would ease traffic gridlock in the area.

Also speaking, the Works Commissioner, Nnaji, stated that the contractor had been fully mobilized and was ready for the take-off of the project, pointing out that five roads have been designated for public use as diversions.

Engr. Nnaji who said that the five designated roads are being announced on air, listed them to include, Abakpa Nike Last Bus Stop-Oda Ngene- Umuchigbo-Nike Harmony Estate Adoration Road Junction; Bishop Shanahan- Ugbene 11-Ugbo Ndafe-Ama Owelle- Alulu-EELG HQ-Nkwor Nike Junction, and Emene-Adoration Ministries Pilgrimage Center- Harmony Estate- Umuchigbo bye-pass.

Others are Abakpa Nike Road-Liberty Junction- Ogwuagor- Uzo Aku Layout- Umuchigbo Harmony Estate Adoration Pilgrimage Centre, and Nike Lake Road- Ugwueke Junction- Igwe Edward Nnaji Palace- Enugu East Development Center-Amangwu Umuenwene - Oda Ngene- Umuchigbo Harmony Estate Adoration Pilgrimage Centre.

Gov. Ugwuanyi had inspected the designated road diversions to ensure their accessibility and readiness prior to closure of the Nike Lake/T-Junction road for construction work.

Clarifying further, the Information Commissioner, Aroh, noted that the state government has erected road signs and massive billboards to redirect motorists and road users accordingly, in the affected areas.

“Part of our responsibility is to once more inform the people that we are shutting down this road by 12 midnight; we have created five diversions; the announcements have been there in the radio; at the point of each diversion, we have put road signs; we are not stopping at that, we are going to put bigger billboards; we are going to ensure that our people don’t suffer too much while this massive work is going on,” Aroh said.

According to the Works Commissioner, “our responsibility in the next 48 hours is to ensure that work starts in earnest. Three links to T-Junction would be closed by 12 midnight today; part of why we are here is to see the preparedness of the contractor. Over there, you can see the concrete blockages, by tomorrow the actual setting out will begin.

“The five designated lanes for diversion are on air, we will all make sure that this big project is realized; Enugu people are waiting, the word is waiting, it is a state-of-the-art bridge and we can’t wait any longer to have it.

“The state government has been very proactive in planning for this construction; mid last year, we commissioned the first by-pass, Nike Road by-pass, it is in anticipation that we will do this project. From just after Nike Road, you head to Umuchigbo, Harmony Estate layout, Adoration Pilgrimage Centre and Orie Emene, it is one of the major roads that will take traffic, especially articulated vehicles. We advise all articulated vehicles to take that route.

“Then, if you are coming from NOWAS, get to Zenith Bank, UBA, you go left, then at a Roundabout, you turn and hit Dental Technology, then you tee off to Bishop Shanahan, that is on the lext axis, you now meet Ugbene 2, Ugbo Ndafe, then to Local Government Headquarters.

“If you are also coming from the Timber, very close to where we are now, we have recently put some culverts to ensure that people pass, in anticipation that this project will go through; when you pass through that place, you go through Igwe Edward Nnaji Palace, you now come to the Development Centre, you take the Old Road, and still hit Umuchigbo.

“If you are coming from Abakpa Nike, Nike Grammar School, you cross the bridge, you come to St. Theresa, you tee off to the right, to Ogwuago, from Ogwuago you go down to Ugwuaku Layout, you are at the same Nike Lake Harmony bypass.

“The collector road, the main road that takes all the traffic, it was our proactiveness to make sure that the road was done; you can now see the relevance, the vision of the Enugu State Government in doing things in order. That road was given a priority and it is now living up to expectations.

“We are appealing to our people to be patient with us; they should put enough care while passing through these roads; it is going to take some time but it is worth it.”

On his part, the project manager of IDC, Mr. Youssef Zghaib said the company was ready to hit the ground running, assuring that, “we were awarded this project with the duration of one year, but we promise to do our best to deliver within less than one year for sure.

“We don’t want to reach the deadline; with the promise that the funds are available, for sure we will try to deliver before the end of 2021, we deliver projects on time; we have the machines; what you see here is a very small sample of what you will see in the next two weeks.”

In a remark, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Hon. Alex Ugwu commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the landmark project, stressing: “Our able governor has done all the needful, the contractor will now go to the site, any structure he marks, we will inform the owner to remove it.”

Enugu State is in the hands of God!
#amokelouis

#AdequateWaterForNdiEnuguSoon

We are totally confronting water challenge in Enugu, says SPA

…Reassures residents on adequate potable water supply soon

The Special Adviser (SPA) to the Governor of Enugu State, on Water Resources, Hon. Anthony Dubem Onyia, has reassured residents of the state that the issue of inadequate water supply, one of the key challenges the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi inherited, will soon be history.

In statement, Onyia maintained that the present administration is doing a lot, with the lean resources at its disposal, to address the issue of water in Enugu metropolis.

Noting that some areas in Enugu metropolis, such as, Iva Valley, GRA, New Haven, Ogui/Asata, Uwani, parts of Achara Layout, Abakpa Nike, Trans Ekulu, Independence Layout and Thinkers Corner, enjoy potable water supply, Onyia reassured residents in other areas that they will soon enjoy adequate potable water supply.

The Special Adviser disclosed that the state government has commenced comprehensive rehabilitation of the 9th Mile Crash Programme, with solar powered boreholes to ensure adequate supply of potable water from Oji River, Ajali and Iva Water schemes to Enugu metropolis.

Onyia revealed that a contract of N600 million was recently awarded to FordMarx Nigeria Limited, for the rehabilitation of the 9th Mile Crash Programme, adding that the company has mobilized to site.

The Special Adviser explained that the contract which will be solar powered, to address the peculiar challenges of power failure, will boost the volume of water being reticulated from the ageing water schemes to Enugu metropolis.

He revealed that the state government has commenced the bid opening and evaluation meeting for new Okwojo Ngwo boreholes augmentation to Enugu metropolis.

Onyia said that the Okwojo Ngwo boreholes augmentation to Enugu metropolis, which is a network of 10 solar powered boreholes, is a newly conceived design which will help boost water production for the newly awarded 9th Mile Crash Programme.

“It will equally augment the existing water schemes in order to effectively manage and meet the demand of the growing population of Enugu metropolis”, he said.

At the managerial level, Onyia pointed out that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, in its determination to address the issue of water in the state, recently constituted the Board of Enugu State Water Corporation, headed by a foremost consultant in the water industry and the first Managing Director of the corporation, Engr. Innocent O. Diyoke, to vigorously drive the state government’s sustained programmes towards ensuring adequate supply of potable water in the state.

The governor’s aide further disclosed that the state government, in February 2021, advertised for the post of Managing Director of the State Water Corporation Board, to join the team for effective implementation its agenda in the sector.

He further explained that the state government has also committed funds to the actualization of FG Adada Dam Water Project in Nsukka, to guarantee its speedy actualization, stressing that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration is not relenting in its bid to increase the sources of potable water supply, and to continue to maintain existing facilities.

Enugu State is in the hands of God!
#amokelouis

…As state govt partners agency on IT training of physically-challenged youths

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has urged the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to consider siting its South East Zonal Office in Enugu, in view of the state’s background as the historic capital of the zone and its inherent potentials as an educational and scientific centre.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of a 5-day training programme for 50 Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in Information Technology (IT) and Entrepreneurship, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who spoke through his Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Obi Kama, stressed that the request was also in line with the state government’s passion and commitment to IT, innovation and youth empowerment.

The governor disclosed that it was in line with this vision that his administration recently established the Enugu Technology Hub and Youth Innovation Centres in Enugu Urban and Obollo Afor, Udenu Local Government Area, stressing that the unexpected outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the transition to more digitally enabled lifestyles and system of working globally.

The entrepreneurial training, which is taking place at the Enugu State newly established Tech Hub and Youth Innovation Centre in Enugu, is a partnership programme between Enugu State Government and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Enugu State tapped into the training which is an initiative of Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy led the Minister, by Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) and being implemented by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), to empower PLWDs through IT entrepreneurship, policies and solutions to enable them live productively with good sense of inclusion in the IT ecosystem, their immediate society and the country.

Speaking further, the governor disclosed that the state government is taking a proactive step to create programmes for Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills development to reduce the risk of massive labour substitution and endemic unemployment, especially in this COVID-19 era, by enabling the youth to leverage on the new entrepreneurial and economic opportunities associated with digital economy.

He added that “Enugu State is also home to 7 innovation hubs and 16 Tertiary Institutions with over 20 campuses”, revealing: “I will also proudly point out that the 1st Computer System in Nigeria was assembled in Enugu at ASUTECH now Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUTH)”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi maintained that “the state government is willing to partner NITDA by making available the entire required infrastructure to reactivate the South-East Zonal Office at Enugu”, requesting: “kindly indicate your requirements as soon as possible to Enugu State Government”.

The governor also used the occasion to congratulate the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy for getting Nigeria out of recession through expansive growth in the ICT sector.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who pointed out that the training programme was designed to afford Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) the opportunity to be self-reliant and make meaningful contributions to the society by building on their Digital Literacy Skills, among others, charged the participants to leverage on the opportunity the training presents to prepare themselves for active engagements in digital economy.

On his part, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Kama, described the training as timely, saying: “The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development elicits that gaps and risks implicit in the digital economy are more exposed by the COVID-19 shock particularly in the African countries”.

His words: “The current ‘New Normal’ situation therefore requires the need to empower PLWDs through investments in ICT infrastructure, policies and solutions that will accelerate their efforts in tapping into the new possibilities unlocked by digitalization.

“I appreciate the inclusive nature of this training in bridging the Digital divide among PLWDs in the South-east, especially Enugu State.

“I’m convinced that this training will mitigate the existing digital divide and foster the digital inclusion of Persons Living With Disabilities within an educational context as well as within the society as a whole”, he said.

In his remarks, the Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT, Hon. Emeka Ani, told the participants that society has shifted from an economy based on commodities and manual labour to an economy based on knowledge and highly qualified human capital.

“Therefore, employees need to be prepared to shift jobs and to be flexible in acquiring skills. Information and communication technology (ICT) is pervasive in the workplace and there is a high demand for ICT-proficient employees with technical know-how, information, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. That is why this training is very important to our youths”, he said.

NITDA Director General was represented by Dr. Collins Agu, who expressed delight at Gov. Ugwuanyi administration’s commitment to the development of IT and youth empowerment programmes in the state.

The Governor of Enugu State, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has set up a free door-to-door medical initiative to take care of the health needs of the elderly in the state.

The initiative, ‘Gburus-Care’, is the first of its kind in the state and is led by Dr Melchizedek Ani and his team of medical doctors, medical laboratory scientists, nurses and pharmacists who visited Edem in Nsukka Local Government Area, recently.

The team moved from one home to another tending to the medical and health needs of aged persons and extending the love of the executive Governor of Enugu State.

Explaining how the programme functions, Dr Ani said: ‘While the Nurses are responsible for checking the vital signs of the patients, the Medical laboratory scientists conduct tests such as Random Blood Sugar (RBS), Hepatitis B & C and Malaria Parasite using RDT. While the doctors would then consult and counsel the patient and prescribe medications that would then be dispensed to the patients by the Pharmacist.

‘The medications were sorted to address recurrent health challenges of aged people such as Hypertension, High blood sugar, ulcer, arthritis, worm etc. Patients were also provided with multivitamins that would help boost their immunity against diseases. Patients, where necessary were also counseled and recommended higher medical attention or medications.

‘The mission, even though rigorous, proved to the aged people and others how much premium the governor of Enugu state places on the health of Ndi Enugu.’

The technical assistant to Governor Ugwuanyi on Healthcare, Darlington Ugwuegbe, said that it was Governor Ugwuanyi’s love for the elderly that motivated him to deploy such number of healthcare professionals to tend to their medical needs.

Enugu govt to commence operations of its Tech Hubs, Youth Innovation Centres

…Advertises posts of General Managers

To actualize its policy on skills acquisition and youth empowerment, the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, has called for applications from qualified candidates for appointments as General Managers of the newly established State Tech Hub and Youth Innovation Centres in Enugu Urban and Obollo Afor, Udenu Local Government Area.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, disclosed that the advertisement for the posts of General Managers was in keeping with the state government’s commitment to the immediate commencement of the two Technology Hubs and Youth Innovation Centres.

Prof. Ortuanya explained that “the General Managers shall be the Chief Executive Officers responsible for the day to day administration of the Enugu State Technology Hubs and Youth Innovation Centres”.

The SSG added that their duties also include managing the business of training youths in the centres; coordinating and directing the Departmental Heads; supervising staff matters and carrying out such other functions as may be delegated to them from time to time by the Supervising Ministry.

He pointed out that a candidate eligible for appointment as General Manager of the centre must possess “a good Honours Degree or its equivalent in Information and Communication Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Administration, Management and other related disciplines from a recognized University or other institution of higher learning”.

Prof. Ortuanya who maintained that interested candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years cognate experience in the relevant industry, revealed that “possession of a Master’s degree or post-graduate certificate will be an added advantage”.

The SSG therefore asked qualified and interested candidates to submit in sealed envelopes, their typewritten applications with ten (10) copies of relevant credentials, Curriculum Vitae (CV), two (2) recent photographs, names and addresses of three (3) referees, one of whom must be the candidate’s present employer, to the Permanent Secretary (General Administration), Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Abuja Building, Government House, Enugu, on or before March 12, 2021.

The statement noted that the sealed envelopes should be marked “Post of General Manager, Enugu State Technology Hub and Innovation Centre” on the top left corner, indicating the preferred centre (Enugu Urban or Obollo Afor).

It highlighted that each referee is to forward a confidential report on the applicant directly to the address above, stating that “the conditions of service are as obtainable in the state’s Public Service System” as “the successful candidates will be entitled to all officially approved benefits attached to the post of General Manager”.

Recall that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration last year commenced massive construction and renovation of facilities at the centres, a worthwhile venture which the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Obi Kama, said was initiated by the governor to bring technology-driven innovations down to the grassroots for digital economy.

Hon. Kama disclosed that the target “is to turn Enugu into a Tech tourism state within the next three years by bringing in the best Tech solutions and innovations through localization and consequently increase the state Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by at least 15 percent”.

He added that “the hub also targets to create more than 1,500 small scale tech businesses in the region; employing more than 10,000 youths within the short space of time”, revealing that “the centres will be equipped with computer sets, solar power source, 100 KVA Generator, internet access, training tools and consumables”.

The Commissioner further disclosed that the services to be rendered at the Tech Hub centres for the benefit of the people of Enugu State, especially the youth, include, computer training programmes, solar skills acquisition training, computer coding, web site designs, graphic designs, confectionaries and hands-on technical skills training, among others.

Enugu State is in the hands of God!
#amokelouis

…Thanks President Buhari for the recognition

*As NYSC lauds governor’s contributions to its success story

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Friday, received the six National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from the state who were among recipients of the President’s NYSC Honours award in Abuja, on February 11, 2021, for distinguishing themselves creditably in the service of their fatherland, during the 2018/2019 service year.

The six awardees from Enugu State, alongside others across the nation, were also given automatic employment and scholarship for their post- graduate programmes by President Muhammadu Buhari who directed the relevant government agencies to ensure timely implementation of all the incentives for the award recipients.

Receiving the Enugu State indigenes, at the EXCO Chambers of the Government House, Enugu, Gov. Ugwuanyi who described them as “our ambassadors and the very best we have”, thanked God Almighty for their successful and outstanding service year.

The governor applauded them for returning home with the prestigious Presidential awards, saying: “Since you have done our dear state this great honour, our prayer is that more honours will come your ways”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi also thanked President Buhari “for considering our brothers and sisters worthy of this outstanding award”.

He equally commended the NYSC in the state for the sterling performance of the awardees and went further to announce a donation of N10 million to the agency, and a cash reward to the six award recipients in appreciation of their patriotic zeal and dedication to service.

In his brief remark, the Enugu State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Sam Ujogu, expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for granting them audience, stressing that “it is a living testimony that you have been very passionate about the NYSC scheme in Enugu State”.

Mr. Ujogu disclosed that the governor has demonstrated his administration’s support to NYSC scheme in the state, in so many ways, especially the construction of the perimeter fence of the camp, which he said, has improved the security of the federal government facility during camping activities.

“Before now we have been having altercation and encroachment in the camp, but with the fencing of this facility by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration, the security is now very assured and when the Corps members come they feel very relaxed and secured”, he said.

The NYSC State Coordinator disclosed that the Corps members won a “digit trophy” during a nation-wide competition, “for the first time in the history of Enugu State”.

He revealed that “in addition to the six Corps members who were awarded the Presidential Honours Award in Abuja, there were two others who served in Enugu State and were in the awardees’ list but were incidentally not indigenes of Enugu State”.

Expressing further gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for his immense contributions to the success story of the NYSC scheme in Enugu State, the State Coordinator beseeched God to bestow on the governor the strength, wisdom and fortitude to continue to discharge his responsibilities diligently, reiterating the federal agency’s commitment to development of the state.

The six awardees from Enugu State are Jude Ogbodo Ogene (Isi-Uzo LGA); Victor Chidiebere Ezebuilo (Ezeagu LGA); Jane Akudinanwa Egbo (Enugu South LGA); Dr. Victor Sunday Eze (Nsukka); Cynthia Odinaka Ezeiloh (Awgu LGA) and Boniface Tochukwu Obiekwe (Ezeagu LGA).

Other dignitaries at the event include, the Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, the member representing Ezeagu Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze and the Special Assistant to the Governor on NYSC Affairs, Ferguson Chimaroke Nnamani.

Enugu State is in the hands of God!
#amokelouis

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has assured the new Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 13, Dunukofia, Anambra State, AIG Mohammed Hafiz, of his administration’s continued support to enable the zone perform more effectively.

Speaking when he received in audience the new AIG, at the Government House, Enugu, Gov. Ugwuanyi stressed that his administration remains committed to security issues and will give the Zone 13 Police boss the needed support to succeed in office.

The governor, who formally welcomed the AIG and his entourage, added that it is the utmost desire of his administration to maintain Enugu State’s rating in the nation’s security chart as one of the most peaceful and safest states in the country.

Earlier in his speech, AIG Hafiz expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi and his Anambra State counterpart, Chief Willie Obiano, for their commitment and support, stating that “the zone is the most blessed because of you (Ugwuanyi) and your Anambra State colleague”.

He explained that the Zone 13 was newly established in July last year to take charge of the administrative and operational control of Enugu State and Anambra State Commands of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Police boss added that he was appointed the second AIG in charge of Zone 13 following the recent elevation of the pioneer AIG, Danmallam Mohammed, to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG).

The new AIG who endorsed the unique practice of Community Policing model in Enugu State in particular and Nigeria in general, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi’s support to the new initiative of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, aimed at deepening community approach as well as confidence, trust and mutual respect between the Police and the people, in the management of crimes and criminalities.

Recently, Gov. Ugwuanyi inaugurated the 272 Special Constables from the 17 local government areas, recently recruited and trained at Oji River Police College, for Community Policing in the state.

While thanking the governor for his hospitality and commitment, AIG Hafiz assured him that the young zone and the two Commands under its jurisdiction will continue to work in synergy with the governments of Enugu and Anambra states for effective operationalisation of the Community Policing, to ensure minimal crimes in the area.

In the AIG’s entourage were the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Admin.), Zone 13, DCP Olim Eyim Betty, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the DC Operations, Enugu Command, DCP Ahmed Garba and Assist Commissioner of Police (ACP), CID, Enugu Command, ACP Fidelis Ogarabe, among others.

Enugu State is in the hands of God!
#amokelouis

'(Enugu witnessing influx of people because of the peace you entrenched - NSCDC boss tells Gov. Ugwuanyi

The new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, Commandant Africa Valentine Ezenyimuru, has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s peace and development initiatives, stressing that he was impressed to observe that a lot of people were flooding into the state because of the enduring peace and good governance entrenched by the governor.

Speaking when he paid a maiden courtesy visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday, Commandant Ezenyimuru, also applauded the governor for the cooperation and support his administration has continued to extend to the security agencies in Enugu State, to ensure that the existing peace and good governance in the state are sustained.

The NSCDC Commandant, who was accompanied by his management team, equally thanked the governor for his hospitality and accommodating spirit, saying: “Because of the peace that rules in Enugu State, people are flooding into this state. You (Ugwuanyi) said that Enugu State is in the hands of God and you are attracting peace unknown to you”.

Speaking further, Commandant Ezenyimuru disclosed that “through intelligence gathering, one of those we interviewed told me that it is only in Enugu that they can sleep with their two eyes closed; that they have not seen a peaceful state better than Enugu State”.

The new Commandant who informed Gov. Ugwuanyi that the essence of the visit was to formally introduce himself to him, assured the governor of his cooperation and support towards the full actualization of his administration’s sound vision for the state, especially in the area of peace and security.

“This place (Enugu) is the regional headquarters of the old Eastern region; the population is high and a lot of people do come here, mainly because of the peace that rules in this state”, he said.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi formally welcomed the NSCDC new Commandant to Enugu State and assured of his administration’s willingness to support and cooperate with him and his team to actualize the Command’s set objectives in the state.

Enugu State is in the hands of God!
#amokelouis

…Canvasses residents’ maximum support, co-operation

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Friday, inaugurated the 272 Special Constables from the 17 local government areas, recently recruited and trained at Oji River Police College, for Community Policing in the state.

It would be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi, on July 9, 2020, inaugurated the 17-man Enugu State Community Policing Advisory Committee (SCPAC), under the Chairmanship of the State Commissioner of Police with the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRH, Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, as co-chairman.

The novel Community Policing programme, which is an initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, as communicated by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, is saddled with the responsibility of deepening community approach as well as confidence, trust and mutual respect between the Police and the people, in the management of crimes and criminalities.

Inaugurating the 272 Special Constables, also known as Community Policing Officers (CPOs), at the Government House, Enugu, Gov. Ugwuanyi explained that 16 of them were recruited from each local government area of the state and drawn from the existing Neighborhood Watch Associations and Forest Guards.

The governor disclosed that the Special Constables will be deployed to their wards and local government areas to assist the extant security apparatus in gathering and sharing of intelligence with the security agencies as well as maintain liaison between their communities and the Police.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who pointed out that “our rejigged and re-tooled Enugu State Security Architecture will facilitate their new role”, congratulated the leadership and members of the SCPAC, saddled with the responsibilities of overseeing and coordinating the implementation of Community Policing in the state, for the self-evident progress they have recorded.

The governor said that the state government will continue to provide the necessary support for Community Policing in the state “in furtherance of its unflinching commitment to the protection of lives and property of all law-abiding residents in Enugu State”.

He therefore urged all residents of the state to avail the newly inaugurated Special Constables their maximum support and co-operation.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of SCPAC and State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu, stated that the inauguration was a remarkable feat in the implementation of Community Policing practice in Enugu State.

CP Aliyu commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for pioneering and making the new Community Policing Model initiated by the Inspector-General of Police, a reality in the state.

The CP charged the trained Community Police Officers (CPOs) to be professional and abide by the stipulated guidelines in their duties of information/intelligence-gathering and apprehending of criminals and other law offenders in their various localities.

The CP added that the CPOs are also to, under the supervision of the Divisional Community Policing Committees, detect crimes; settle low-level civil disputes and petty crimes; complement the conventional Police in the patrol of the public spaces within their local communities; sensitize, reassure and advise the public safety, crime prevention and security tips, and deal with minor offences and social vices.

He further added that Special Constables are to equally “work with the community, schools and young people, business communities, religious bodies, cultural groups, Community-based Associations, recreational centres and hospitality businesses towards crime control, and assist in traffic management and school safety duties”.

Also in their separate remarks, the Chairman and Co-chairman of the Enugu State Community Policing Committee (SCPC), DCP Fred Ekokotu and HRH Igwe (Dr.) Emma Ugwu, respectively, applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his consistent support and commitment to security issues in the state, stressing that the 272 trained Special Constables are combatant ready to assist the state, their communities and the general public to combat crimes with the Police.

Other dignitaries that witnessed the event were the former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Prof. Malachy Okwueze, the State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Edeh, the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, Sarkin Hausawa Enugu State, HRH Sarki Abubakar Yusuf Sambo, and the Council Chairmen led by the State Chairman and National Publicity Secretary of ALGON, Hon. Solomon Onah, among others.

Enugu State is in the hands of God!
#amokelouis