There were rousing receptions and gale of 2023 election campaign: Rousing receptions, gale of endorsements for Gov. Ugwuanyi, PDP as governor visits communities

There were rousing receptions and gale of endorsements for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other PDP candidates in the state when the governor’s campaign train visited Ozi-Edem, Umabi Ugwuoye, Nru, Nguru, and Obimo in Nsukka Local Government Area on Sunday, ahead of the forthcoming general election.

At Ozi-Edem, the jubilant people of the community who came out in their numbers at the residence of Engr. Aloysius Onyebuchi Enete to welcome Governor Ugwuanyi, expressed utmost joy and fulfillment over what they described as the first visit of a governor to their land.

The people celebrated Governor Ugwuanyi for the ongoing construction of Ozi-Edem/Akpa-Edem/Okpuje road as well as his administration’s unprecedented empowerment and rural development programmes which they said have benefited the people of Enugu North Senatorial District immensely.

They declared their resolve to vote Governor Ugwuanyi for Senate, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (PDP governorship candidate) for Governor, Engr. Vita Abba (PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze Federal Constituency) for House of Representatives, and Hon. Amos Amadi Agbo (PDP candidate for Nsukka West Constituency) for House of Assembly, stressing that their support for the governor and the PDP is massive and resolute.

The story was the same in Umabi, Ugwuoye Nsukka, where Governor Ugwuanyi was cheerfully received by the people of the community led by the traditional ruler, HRH Igwe George Asadu, the Board Chairman of the Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA), Pastor Chinweike Amoke (Mohammed), and the President General of Ihe Town Union, Nduka Amoke.

They also declared their support for Governor Ugwuanyi’s senatorial bid and pledged to vote for him and other PDP candidates in the state.

In Nru, the elated crowd was massive as they cheered the governor and expressed their endorsement of his candidature.

In a brief stopover earlier at Ogige Market, Nsukka to identify with the people, Governor Ugwuanyi was cheered by jubilant traders and tricycle (keke) riders who endorsed him for Senate and hailed his remarkable achievements in Nsukka zone and beyond.

Arriving Obimo later in the evening, shortly after a successful outing at Nguru Nsukka where the people of the community including leaders of their religious and traditional institutions equally endorsed the governor for Senate and commended his great transformation programmes in Nsukka zone including the establishment of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, SUMAS, Igbo-Eno; the Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo; ultra-modern Township Stadium; Opi-Nsukka dual carriageway fitted with street and traffic lights, 31km Udenu Ring Road and other network of roads, among others, Governor Ugwuanyi was welcomed to a rousing reception by the people of Obimo community at the residence of their revered leader, a business mogul and major dealer in pharmaceuticals in Onitsha, Chief Tony Ogbuagu.

The Obimo leaders at the event including the host, Chief Ogbuagu declared their support for Governor Ugwuanyi to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly as well as other PDP candidates in the state in the forthcoming elections, appreciating the governor for his developmental interventions in the communities in Obimo/Ikwoka Ward.

Welcoming Governor Ugwuanyi to his palace, when he arrived Nguru with his campaign train earlier, the traditional ruler of Nguru Nsukka Autonomous Community, HRH Igwe Linus Nosike Obayi, on behalf of the community endorsed the governor for Senate and gave him a royal blessing, reassuring him that the people will deliver him at the poll.

In his speech at the reception ground, the Spiritual Director of Okunerere Adoration Ministry, Rev. Fr. Prof. Paul Obayi disclosed that Ugwuanyi was the first governor to visit Nguru Nsukka, adding that Governor Ugwuanyi is the person behind the relocation of the Adoration Ministry to its permanent site in Nsukka.

The cleric asked the people of the community to thank Governor Ugwuanyi for the role he played in the realisation of the permanent site project, stating that the church, the congregation and the people of Nguru will reciprocate the governor's kind gesture at the poll.

Other speakers at the event, namely the President General of Nguru Nsukka Town Union, Builder Ignatius Onyishi, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Prof. Ik Ernest Onyishi, the Special Assistant to the Governor, Luke Eze (MC Elder), Mrs. Theodora Obi-Okeke (Nee Alumona), and the PDP Zonal Woman Leader, Enugu North Senatorial District, Mrs. Esther Agu Nwangwu, etc, all assured Governor Ugwuanyi that Nguru people are for him and will deliver him and other PDP candidates in the state including the party's governorship candidate, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, in the forthcoming general election.

The Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon. Barr. Walter Ozioko, the PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Engr. Abba, the Party’s candidate for Nsukka West Constituency, Hon. Agbo and the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Barr. Peter Okonkwo, were among the dignitaries at the colourful and well-attended events.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other PDP candidates in the state when the governor’s campaign train visited Ozi-Edem, Umabi Ugwuoye, Nru, Nguru, and Obimo in Nsukka Local Government Area on Sunday, ahead of the forthcoming general election.

At Ozi-Edem, the jubilant people of the community who came out in their numbers at the residence of Engr. Aloysius Onyebuchi Enete to welcome Governor Ugwuanyi, expressed utmost joy and fulfillment over what they described as the first visit of a governor to their land.

The people celebrated Governor Ugwuanyi for the ongoing construction of Ozi-Edem/Akpa-Edem/Okpuje road as well as his administration’s unprecedented empowerment and rural development programmes which they said have benefited the people of Enugu North Senatorial District immensely.

They declared their resolve to vote Governor Ugwuanyi for Senate, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (PDP governorship candidate) for Governor, Engr. Vita Abba (PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze Federal Constituency) for House of Representatives, and Hon. Amos Amadi Agbo (PDP candidate for Nsukka West Constituency) for House of Assembly, stressing that their support for the governor and the PDP is massive and resolute.

The story was the same in Umabi, Ugwuoye Nsukka, where Governor Ugwuanyi was cheerfully received by the people of the community led by the traditional ruler, HRH Igwe George Asadu, the Board Chairman of the Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA), Pastor Chinweike Amoke (Mohammed), and the President General of Ihe Town Union, Nduka Amoke.

They also declared their support for Governor Ugwuanyi’s senatorial bid and pledged to vote for him and other PDP candidates in the state.

In Nru, the elated crowd was massive as they cheered the governor and expressed their endorsement of his candidature.

In a brief stopover earlier at Ogige Market, Nsukka to identify with the people, Governor Ugwuanyi was cheered by jubilant traders and tricycle (keke) riders who endorsed him for Senate and hailed his remarkable achievements in Nsukka zone and beyond.

Arriving Obimo later in the evening, shortly after a successful outing at Nguru Nsukka where the people of the community including leaders of their religious and traditional institutions equally endorsed the governor for Senate and commended his great transformation programmes in Nsukka zone including the establishment of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, SUMAS, Igbo-Eno; the Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo; ultra-modern Township Stadium; Opi-Nsukka dual carriageway fitted with street and traffic lights, 31km Udenu Ring Road and other network of roads, among others, Governor Ugwuanyi was welcomed to a rousing reception by the people of Obimo community at the residence of their revered leader, a business mogul and major dealer in pharmaceuticals in Onitsha, Chief Tony Ogbuagu.

The Obimo leaders at the event including the host, Chief Ogbuagu declared their support for Governor Ugwuanyi to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly as well as other PDP candidates in the state in the forthcoming elections, appreciating the governor for his developmental interventions in the communities in Obimo/Ikwoka Ward.

Welcoming Governor Ugwuanyi to his palace, when he arrived Nguru with his campaign train earlier, the traditional ruler of Nguru Nsukka Autonomous Community, HRH Igwe Linus Nosike Obayi, on behalf of the community endorsed the governor for Senate and gave him a royal blessing, reassuring him that the people will deliver him at the poll.

In his speech at the reception ground, the Spiritual Director of Okunerere Adoration Ministry, Rev. Fr. Prof. Paul Obayi disclosed that Ugwuanyi was the first governor to visit Nguru Nsukka, adding that Governor Ugwuanyi is the person behind the relocation of the Adoration Ministry to its permanent site in Nsukka.

The cleric asked the people of the community to thank Governor Ugwuanyi for the role he played in the realisation of the permanent site project, stating that the church, the congregation and the people of Nguru will reciprocate the governor's kind gesture at the poll.

Other speakers at the event, namely the President General of Nguru Nsukka Town Union, Builder Ignatius Onyishi, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Prof. Ik Ernest Onyishi, the Special Assistant to the Governor, Luke Eze (MC Elder), Mrs. Theodora Obi-Okeke (Nee Alumona), and the PDP Zonal Woman Leader, Enugu North Senatorial District, Mrs. Esther Agu Nwangwu, etc, all assured Governor Ugwuanyi that Nguru people are for him and will deliver him and other PDP candidates in the state including the party's governorship candidate, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, in the forthcoming general election.

The Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon. Barr. Walter Ozioko, the PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Engr. Abba, the Party’s candidate for Nsukka West Constituency, Hon. Agbo and the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Barr. Peter Okonkwo, were among the dignitaries at the colourful and well-attended events.

Enugu APPEALS WYEP implementation flag off: Gov. Ugwuanyi commended for empowering 1,700 women, youths, people with disabilities

Enugu being the only state in the South East geo-political zone and among the six states in Nigeria that are participating in the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) project, stakeholders, technocrats, international players and beneficiaries have paid glowing tributes to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his administration’s vision and steadfastness in keying into the World Bank assisted programme aimed at achieving food sufficiency and improving the livelihood of the masses, especially, the women, youths and people with disabilities (PWDs) in the rural communities of the state.

In their separate goodwill messages in solidarity with Governor Ugwuanyi during the flag off of the implementation of Women and Youth Empowerment Programme (WYEP) of the APPEALS project in Enugu, Rev. Fr. Prof. Monsignor Obiora Ike, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Charles Igwe, the founding Director of Women's Aid Collective (WACOL), Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN, the Special Adviser to the Governor and Focal Person, World Bank/Development Partner Projects, Hon. Uche Fidelis Nnadi, the acting Project Coordinator, APPEALS, Enugu State, Mrs. Ihuoma Eze, beneficiaries, among others, lauded the governor for the successes the programme has recorded in impacting positively the lives of women, youths and people with disabilities in the rural areas.

They said that Enugu State’s effective participation in the APPEAL project is a testimony to the governor’s commitment to the wellbeing of the people and the fulfillment of his four-point agenda anchored on employment generation, social services and good governance, rural development, and security and justice.

The stakeholders disclosed that this is the first time in the history of Nigeria where a project is targeted at people with disabilities, stressing that such an initiative is worthy of commendation.

While Prof. Ike said he joined many others from far and near to congratulate Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who he described as a peace loving leader, for the great support he gives the APPEALS project supported by the World Bank in touching the lives of many young people and the PWDs in all parts of Enugu State, Prof. Igwe (UNN) and Prof. Ezeilo (WACOL) also hailed the governor and the good people of the state for the huge and excellent initiative.

Hon. Nnadi (focal person) hinted that “this is the first time in the history of Nigeria where a project is targeted at touching the lives of people with disabilities," adding: “So, it is a salutary development in Nigeria that we are now allowing people with disabilities to benefit; they are part and parcel of us. They are our brothers and sisters, including our wives. And this is the first programme that is targeted at them."

In his welcome address at the flag off of the WYEP implementation performed by Governor Ugwuanyi at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, the APPEALS Project Coordinator in Enugu State, Mrs. Eze, disclosed that the Enugu State government through effective collaboration with the World Bank disbursed N3.4 billion to 1,700 women, youths and people with disabilities resident across the 17 local government areas of the state.

Mrs. Eze who revealed that each of the beneficiaries got N2million and have been able to start businesses in agriculture in five value chain (cashew, poultry, rice, aquaculture and cassava) focusing on production, processing and marketing, added that out of the 1,700 beneficiaries, “55.8 percent are women and girls while 5 percent are persons with disabilities and special needs.”

She said that WYEP which began in Enugu State in August 2019 with a call for expression of interest as advertised in national dailies for eligible residents of Enugu State, had a total submission of 29,707 valid applications which were pruned down to 1,700 beneficiaries through a rigorous, competitive and transparent selection process.

Mrs. Eze explained that the beneficiaries went through a two-week intensive business and technical training at reputable training centres which the state conducted along chosen value chain of poultry, rice, cashew and cassava.

The coordinator added that “the beneficiaries were further assisted by the project with the development of a fundable and viable Business Investment Plans (BIPs) which have all received clearance from the World Bank and start-up grants for the establishment of the agribusinesses as contained in the cleared business plans all lodged into their respective corporate accounts.

“It is interesting to note that although an individual enterprise accessed approximately N2 million each, group enterprises, comprising two to five individuals per group, accessed between N4 million and N10 million.”

Pointing out that Enugu is the only state in the South East to participate in the APPEALS project “while having five other participating states namely Cross River, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi and Lagos,” Mrs. Eze urged residents of Enugu State and the beneficiaries “to ensure that they fulfill their citizenship obligation by voting into office credible men and women who will continue with the trajectory of development already established by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration.”

Recall that the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah when “Development Partners’ Family” in Enugu paid a solidarity/thank you visit to Governor Ugwunayi recently promised to continue with the programmes of the development partners if elected as governor.

Speaking further, the APPEAL State Coordinator expressed sincere gratitude to Governor Ugwuanyi for ensuring a smooth implementation process of the WYEP in the state “across the various components of the project, thus, touching lives directly and indirectly.”

Mrs. Eze wished the beneficiaries of the programme in the state success in their various agribusiness enterprises so that they can become employers of labour, adding: “You serve as champions and role models for the teeming women and youths in the society; and you positively transform your own livelihoods for the best in all ramifications.”

Flagging off the implementation programme, Governor Ugwuanyi represented by his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, stated that his administration committed itself to the APPEALS project to achieve food sufficiency and empower the people of the state, especially the women, youths and people with disabilities in the rural areas.

The governor stressed that the APPEALS project touches on three thematic areas namely; productivity enhancement, growing private investment and institutional alignment, noting that the project is germane to the state government’s four-point agenda.

Represented by the Commissioner for Rural Development, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Mbah commended Governor Ugwuanyi for always having the interest of the people at heart, describing the governor as “a leader who is keen on getting people out of poverty; a man who is the foundation behind APPEALS project in Enugu State.”

Dr. Mbah promised to sustain the laudable project and urged the beneficiaries to avail themselves the opportunity of enhancing their economic and social development.

In their separate remarks, the National Project Coordinator, APPEALS, Alhaji Mohammed Jobdi, represented by the National Women and Youth Livelihood Specialist, APPEALS, Ms. Heather Ronke Akanni, the Task Team Leader (World Bank), Dr. Manievel Sene, represented by the Co-Task Team Leader and Senior Agricultural Specialist (World Bank), Dr. Chidozie Onyedikachi Anyiro, and Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Matthew Idu thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for sustaining the APPEALS in the state as well as the successful implementation of the project for the benefit of the people.

The climax of the event was the presentation of cheques to some beneficiaries of the WYEP by representative of Governor Ugwuanyi, Hon. Mrs. Ezeilo.

Dignitaries at the occasion include the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, represented by the lawmaker representing Ezeagu Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Hon. Mike Ogbuekwe, the Deputy Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Dr. Julius Nnaji and other royal fathers, Bishop Chinedu Nwoye, among others.

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A former Governor of old Enugu State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo and the former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi have expressed satisfaction with the performance of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in office in spite of the nation’s economic, security and public health challenges. They went on to declare their unalloyed support for the governor’s quest to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly on the platform of the PDP.

The duo who are from Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State also expressed satisfaction with the profile, vision, credibility and action plan of the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and reiterated their support for his candidature.

They equally declared their support for all other candidates of the PDP and urged the people to come out en masse and vote massively for the PDP at the polls.

Speaking when a mammoth crowd received Governor Ugwuanyi who is the candidate of the PDP for Enugu North Senatorial District at Ogbede, the headquarters of Igbo-Etiti LGA, during the governor’s visit to the council, yesterday, Dr. Nwodo disclosed that the massive turn up of their people was a testament to Governor Ugwuanyi’s popularity and their appreciation of his administration’s remarkable achievements in the council in particular and the state in general.

The former Governor of old Enugu State revealed that the PDP had won all the elective positions in Igbo-Etiti LGA since 1999, adding that “this time will not be an exception.”

Nwodo told Governor Ugwuanyi that “you have come to fulfill the rules of campaign because as long as we are here, we have decided to follow PDP, no going back, no turning back.”

Speaking on Dr. Mbah’s candidacy, Nwodo stated that the PDP governorship candidate “going by his profile, his vision and plans for Enugu State, Peter Mbah is not supposed to campaign. Peter Mbah is solid; Peter Mbah is credible.

“We have said it is five over five starting from our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar who has served as the Vice President and is over capable.”

Commending the governor for his laudable achievements in the state, especially in Igbo-Etiti LGA and Enugu North Senatorial District, the former PDP National Chairman said: “I am happy that Hon. Ezenta Ezeani (lawmaker representing Igbo-Etiti East Constituency) has highlighted the projects our governor did for us especially in our place and also in Enugu State.

“Projects that touch a large number of people. I don’t think that there is any government in the whole Nigeria that has targeted the youths and the rural dwellers like that of Gburugburu (Ugwuanyi).

“You know he (Ugwuanyi) came to the area of education and we now take first in WAEC exams in the whole of Nigeria. We know that he is the first to build three tertiary institutions including the medical university at Nsukka (State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, SUMAS, Igbo-Eno). Nobody had attempted three-four tertiary institutions in a state at a time of COVID-19 and economic recession.

“On road infrastructure, there were some roads in Enugu State that had been neglected for 30 to 50 years. He (Ugwuanyi) went to those communities and tarred these roads and opened up their areas and gave them hope for economic activities.

“Your entrepreneurial training for children is second to none. Anybody that is in this state who is a young person, who wants to acquire skills and become an employer of labour has every opportunity to do so now. Anyone waiting for a white collar job is holding back himself because we have monumental training programmes for skill acquisition. And that have empowered a lot of our people.

“A lot of our young people were also employed in security; Forest Guard and Neighborhood Watch associations/vigilante. All these have employed a lot of people who could have been doing nothing but become miscreants today.

“So the reason I have to emphasise on what Hon. Ezenta has said is that the person going to Senate is the person who understands what Nigeria needs. A man with experience who has been in the House of Representatives; he has been a governor; he can only become a ranking Senator. Our prayer and hope is that he becomes the Senate President.”

On his part, the former Deputy Governor, Ezenwata Itanyi, corroborating the achievements of Governor Ugwuanyi as earlier highlighted by Hon. Ezenta Ezeani, expressed gratitude to the governor for the emergence of their illustrious son, Hon. Justice Afojulu Raymond Ozoemena, as the Chief Judge of Enugu State and another of their son, Rt. Hon. Martins Oke as the PDP candidate for Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency.

Itanyi went further to thank Governor Ugwuanyi for the remarkable role he played when their son, Chief John Nnia Nwodo emerged as the President General of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, saying: “I was present on that day and if not for you (Ugwuanyi), it couldn’t have been possible.”

He equally appreciated the governor for the appointment of their sons and daughters into sensitive government positions, such as the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission in the person of Prof. Osy Okanya, among others.

On development projects, Itanyi applauded Governor Ugwuanyi for choosing Igbo-Etiti LGA among the seven councils where model Type-3 Primary Healthcare Centres were constructed and inaugurated to enhance provision of healthcare services in the rural areas.

“The roads you (Ugwuanyi) you constructed in Igbo-Etiti are many and I am not here to count them. The ones I will talk about are the ones I passed through today while coming here because I came from Agu-Ukehe. The road you are constructing from Ukehe to Umunko is a very important road. It only took me an hour to be here but before it normally takes me two hours.

“Our father, the governor, we are promising you that we will deliver you, Peter Mbah, Rt. Hon. Martins Oke (PDP candidate for Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency), and other PDP candidates. When you get to the National Assembly, you will be a ranking member. You have the knowledge it takes to be in the National Assembly. When you get there, there is what they call constituency projects, bring back appointments and projects. That is what we want.

“Please our father, we are promising you that we will stand by the umbrella; because the umbrella is a life shade for everybody. We promise to vote the umbrella (PDP) all the way at the polls. Everybody must deliver his polling booth; everybody must deliver his ward and we will deliver Igbo-Etiti LGA so that at the end of the day when we come out with our number of votes, you and Peter Mbah, Martins Oke, Ezenta Ezeani, and others will give us our due rights,” he added.

Highlighting Governor Ugwuanyi’s achievements in the area, earlier, Rt. Hon. Ezeani who described the governor as “a gift to mankind,” spoke glowingly about the Type-3 hospitals in seven LGAs, the newly established State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, the construction of 76 Police Mobile Force Squadron Facility at Ekwegbe, Igbo-Etiti LGA, about 23km roads (asphalt and earth roads) across the council, among others, reassuring the governor that they will deliver the PDP in all the elections.

Adding that Governor Ugwuanyi attracted a federal polytechnic to Ohodo in Igbo-Etiti LGA, Rt. Hon. Oke stated: “We cannot count all your achievements and I pray that the Almighty God will bless you for all the things you have done for the people of Igbo-Etiti LGA in particular and Enugu State in general.”

Other speakers at the event, namely, the Chairman of Igbo-Etiti LGA, Hon. Ikenna Nwodo and the PDP LG Chairman, Okoro Eze spoke in the same vein, reiterating that “Igbo-Etiti is PDP as PDP is Igbo-Etiti” and that the party will win all the elective positions in the council in the forthcoming elections.

Other dignitaries at the colourful and well-attended event include the wife of Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Dr. Mrs. Dorothy Nwodo; the lawmaker representing Igbo-Etiti West Constituency, Rt. Hon. James Akadu; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ortuanya; Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Aroh; Special adviser to the Governor, Samson Ezea; former SSG, Dr. Dan Shere; Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Prof. Okanya; Permanent Secretaries, Hon. Ogbons Idike, Dr. Ifeanyi Aguiobi, Mr. Chinonye Okegbe and Mr. Remi Eze; former Council Chairmen; among others.

Group of Five (G-5) Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (Rivers), Dr. Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Engr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo) on Friday commended their colleague, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his exemplary leadership qualities and role in galvanising the people towards ensuring that the PDP continues to win elections in the state.

The G-5 Governors also hailed Governor Ugwuanyi, who is the candidate of the PDP for Enugu North Senatorial District, for the love, solidarity and support he enjoys from the people of the state, declaring that they are confident that Ugwuanyi will lead the PDP to victory in the governorship, state assembly and National Assembly elections in Enugu State.

They described Governor Ugwuanyi as a great achiever, a good man and a dependable ally, who always stands by his words and believes in the principles of equity, justice and fairness which the G-5 Governors are pursuing to uphold and protect in the country.

The governors who made the remarks in their separate speeches during the colourful and well-attended flag off of the Enugu State PDP campaign ahead of the 2023 general election, held at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, reiterated their solidarity and support for the PDP in the state, stressing that Enugu will remain PDP.

This came as 12 registered political parties in Enugu State at the campaign ground adopted and declared their support for all the PDP candidates in Enugu State in appreciation of Governor Ugwuanyi’s humility, good works, inclusive governance and partnership.

Led by Afam Ani of Actions Peoples Party (APP), the leaders of the political parties reassured Governor Ugwuanyi that they will give Dr, Mbah the same support and cooperation they extended to him. Ani said that the governor has never disappointed them and thanked “God for the gift of Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.”

In his speech, Governor Wike of Rivers State said: “Our coming here today is to tell you that we are solidly behind Governor Ugwuanyi. Ugwuanyi is a dependable person. Ugwuanyi is somebody you can go to war with and your two eyes will be closed. Ugwuanyi is somebody that when he says yes, his yes is yes.

“And no wonder the entire people of Enugu State have shown it by coming to say my brothers, Ugwuanyi is our own, Mbah (PDP guber candidate) is our own.

“Let me assure you that we will all pray for him, the governorship candidate (Dr. Peter Mbah) and his deputy (Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai), our colleague (Ugwuanyi) who is going to Senate and the other candidates for the Senatorial, House of Representatives and State Assembly elections in the state.

“We will all give the necessary support and make sure you emerge victorious in these elections coming on February 25 and March 11.”

Governor Wike who was impressed by the enthusiasm and large turnout of PDP members and supporters at the event, expressed confidence that Governor Ugwuanyi, Dr. Mbah and other candidates of the PDP in Enugu State will win the elections, saying: “Know that it is obvious that Mbah has won, know that it is obvious that the senatorial candidates and others led by Ugwuanyi have all won.”

The Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the G-5 Governors thanked the people for their solidarity and urged them to continue to support and listen to Governor Ugwuanyi, revealing that “the young man (Mbah) who is going to take over from him will do the consolidation and continuity of where he is going to stop.”

Also in his speech, the Benue State Governor, Dr. Ortom, stated that the events of the campaign flag off have boosted their confidence that “Enugu State is PDP from the gubernatorial, the senatorial to the House of Representatives and House of Assembly.”

Pointing out that the forthcoming elections are “very critical,” Ortom expressed gratitude to the mammoth crowd and people of Enugu State for “the support you have been giving to our brother- governor, the Gburugburu of Enugu State.”

He stressed that Governor Ugwuanyi “is a good man and God will bless him,” saying: “May I declare as Ocheoha of Enugu State that PDP will win in Enugu State.”

On his part, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Makinde congratulated Governor Ugwuanyi and the PDP family in Enugu State for the successful flag off of the campaign, stating that the outcome of the rally was a clear indication that Enugu will remain PDP.

“I have seen the people. This is indeed going to be a successful election. Enugu will remain PDP,” he said.

Earlier in his address, Governor Ugwuanyi expressed immense gratitude to the people of the state for “the true support and solidarity all these years,” disclosing that they have been giving the PDP maximum support and votes during elections since 1999.

The Enugu State Governor urged the people to continue to support and vote for the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Mbah and other candidates of the party in the state, expressing optimism that his administration will finish strong, finish well and it will end in praise.

Speaking on behalf of the PDP candidates in Enugu State, shortly after they received the PDP flags from Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Party, Amb. Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja, the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Mbah welcomed the G-5 Governors to Enugu and appreciated them “for their tireless pursuit of equity in our land.”

Dr. Mbah recounted the laudable achievements of Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration in the state in providing critical infrastructure, extensive investments in education, peace and security, among others, despite the nation’s economic and security challenges and promised to sustain and consolidate on the remarkable achievements if elected.

The PDP guber candidate equally extolled the leadership qualities of Governor Ugwuanyi and thanked the G-5 Governors for “the brotherly love you have shown to our leader, our mentor, our inspirer, a man that is highly beloved and adored for his humanism and unexampled love for his people, Gburugburu The Great.”

Dr. Mbah maintained that the PDP holds all the axes to win the forthcoming elections in Enugu State, stating that “what is left is for us to speak in one resounding voice in the next election and reach out and seize the future because tomorrow is indeed here.”

He commiserated with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and the people of Abia State for the unfortunate death of the PDP Governorship candidate in the state, Prof. Uchenna Ikonne, adding that “our thoughts and prayers go to his family, the wife and his children.”

Other speakers at the event, the State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani and the Director General of the PDP State Campaign Council, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, spoke in the same vein highlighting the good works of Governor Ugwuanyi, stressing that the PDP is alive in Enugu State and will win the elections because of the governor’s remarkable achievements and uncommon leadership style.

Other dignitaries at the event include the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; former Deputy Governors, Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi, Hon. Sunday Onyebuchi and Bishop Ralph Nwoye; PDP National Vice Chairman (South East) Chief Ali Odefa; his South South counterpart, Chief Dan Orbih; Party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Wife of former Governor of old Enugu State, Dr. Mrs. Dorothy Nwodo; Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu; Members of the State House of Assembly; EXCO Members; Chief Hyde Onuaguluchi, Senator Ben Collins Ndu; Chief Maxi Ukuta, Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Amb. Emmanuel Edeh and other clergymen, PDP Presidential Aspirant, Barr. Charlie Ugwu, among others.

2023 polls: Ette community endorses Gov. Ugwuanyi for Senate, Peter Mbah, other PDP candidates

At the residence of a successful businessman and selfless leader, Steve Agada, in Ette, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, the elated people of Ette endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s candidature to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The people also endorsed other candidates of the PDP in the state including the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and the party’s candidates for Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency and Igbo-Eze North II Constituency, Hon. Engr Simon Atigwe and Hon. Clifford Obe respectively, pledging to give the PDP 100 percent votes at the polls.

They thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for his unprecedented interventions in the community in the areas of security, human capital development, and infrastructure such as renovation of schools, earth road, three boreholes, among others.

The people of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, comprising political, religious, traditional, and community leaders have expressed immense gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his exemplary leadership role in restoring peace and security to Eha Amufu.

The people said that Governor Ugwuanyi’s intervention in the Eha Amufu crisis was responsible for the peace the community is enjoying presently, disclosing that after the emergency peace and security meeting the governor had with stakeholders of Eha Amufu, there has not been any further attack in the area.

They reassured Governor Ugwuanyi of their overwhelming support and votes for all the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state including the party's governorship candidate, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

Isi-Uzo people made the remarks yesterday when Governor Ugwuanyi visited Ikem, the council headquarters to identify with them and ascertain how they were faring.

Welcoming Governor Ugwuanyi, the Council Chairman, Hon. Barr. Obiora Obeagu stated that the five old communities and 21 autonomous communities in Isi-Uzo LGA were grateful that “today our governor has brought peace to us,” revealing that “today Eha Amufu is back to its feet.”

Hon. Obeagu thanked God for the feat, adding that the governor did not only ensure that the crisis reduced, but that he also brought palliatives in the form of cash and food items to assist those who were displaced.

Declaring that “PDP is Isi-Uzo and Isi-Uzo is PDP”, the chairman assured Governor Ugwuanyi that the party will record a landslide victory in the council area in the forthcoming general election.

Also speaking, a community leader from Eha Amufu and former chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Hon. Eric Ebe, pointed out that when Eha-Amufu had security challenge last year, Governor Ugwuanyi made tireless and frantic efforts to address the issue, stating that he visited the community at night, had sleepless nights and did everything humanly possible to ensure that peace was restored to the area.

Hon. Ebe reassured the governor that Isi-Uzo LGA will deliver the PDP in the forthcoming elections in Enugu State, stating that the council has always delivered the PDP 100 percent in all the elections contested in the state since 1998 the party was formed.

Speaking in the same vein, a former chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA and former acting National Financial Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Osita Ogene, reiterated the untiring efforts Governor Ugwuanyi made in restoring peace to Eha-Amufu in particular and Isi-Uzo LGA in general, stressing that “from the day we had the security meeting with the governor till today, Eha-Amufu has been coming back fully, unbelievably.”

He asked Governor Ugwuanyi to “keep doing good as God will continue to remember you.”

The Bishop of Aha Amufu Diocese (Anglican Communion), Most. Rev. Daniel Olinya equally thanked God for the good works He has been using Governor Ugwuanyi to do in Eha-Amufu and Isi-Uzo LGA, especially in the areas of peace, security and development.

Other speakers, namely the State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, the lawmaker representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji, the member representing Isi-Uzo Constituency, Hon. Mrs. Catherine Amaka Ugwueze, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Jideofor Ebeh, and Igwe Ogbodo, all thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for his positive intervention in the Eha Amufu crisis and reassured him of the overwhelming support of the people of Isi-Uzo LGA for the PDP as well as their commitment to ensure that all the party’s candidates win at the polls, maintaining that “Isi-Uzo is PDP and PDP is Isi-Uzo.”

Warmly received on arrival by a jubilant crowd and leaders of Isi-Uzo LGA, including Bishop Olinya, other clergymen and the traditional rulers led by HRH Igwe Sam Ogbodo, Governor Ugwuanyi appreciated the people of the council for the support they have been giving his administration since 2015 and the PDP since 1999.

The governor explained that he came to know how the people were faring considering what they passed through last year.

Governor Ugwuanyi prayed for the repose of departed souls and further prayed that God will never allow such to happen again.

Thanking the people of Isi-Uzo for accepting to deliver the PDP at the polls in Enugu State, the governor stated that by the virtue of his position as the leader of the PDP in the state, he is canvassing votes for all candidates of the party in the state.

He, therefore, urged the people to vote for the PDP and ensure that those who have not collected their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) do so for the full realisation of their support for the party at the polls.

Other stakeholders of Isi-Uzo LGA who graced the event include the PDP LG Chairman, Hon. Uche Ugwueze; former Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Godwin Ogenyi; former Council Chairmen, Prof. Sam Ugwu and Hon. Jacob O. Abonyi; Prof. Odoziobodo; Alhaji Sani Friday Nnaji (farmer/philanthropist); former Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Igwurube; Sylvester Ugwuagbo (former Permanent Secretary) and Anselm Onah (Registrar, State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) Igbo-Eno

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has taken a bold step towards promoting uniformity in the application of road tax laws in the state and across states to avoid double or multiple taxation.

Consequently, Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration, through the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), yesterday launched the Single Inter State Road Stickers (SIRTS) and Single Haulage Fee (SHF) in the state.

Speaking during the launch of the scheme, the Executive Chairman of Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), Prince Emeka Odo, disclosed that the exercise was in line with the initiative of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) which “the Enugu State Government, under the distinguished leadership of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has keyed into in the interest of the tax payers of Enugu State.”

Odo explained that “the JTB, last year, introduced the Single Haulage Fee (SHF) at points of loading and off-loading in states of departure or discharge and the Single Inter-State Road Taxes Sticker (SIRTS) for any vehicle within Nigeria.”

The ESIRS Chairman announced that Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration has approved and adopted the mandate with effect from January 1, 2023, revealing that Enugu State “will now make use of a Single Inter State Sticker for all commercial vehicles that ply its road anywhere in the state.”

Explaining the modalities, Odo said: “The Single Haulage Fee will be paid at the point of loading or off-loading of any type of goods anywhere in Enugu State. These SIRTS and SHF are to be handled and enforced by Enugu State Internal Revenue Service.

“All motorists are expected to pay for SIRTS either at the point of registration/renewal of papers or with the Enugu State approved consultant while SHF will be paid per trip.

“These payments will be made at the point of loading through a profiled vendor who will capture the details of the haulage operator into the system. The system will use the information to determine the amount to be paid. Any sticker bought elsewhere apart from ESIRS is illegal.”

The Chairman stated that ESIRS has put measures in place to ensure that illegal persons do not duplicate the physical stickers hence the adoption of the electronic sticker that will have a Quick Response Code that will enable seamless verification.

“Alongside the electronic stickers, the taxpayers will be issued a POS payment printout showing details of payment. The electronic sticker has been enhanced with internal control mechanism which comes with specialised bar codes and embedded details, including vehicle particulars and serial numbers for authentication. The electronic stickers also come with new improved security features such as anti-counterfeit properties and authentication system against fraud,” he added.

Expressing the commitment of the agency to the success of the scheme in Enugu State, Odo issued “warning to unscrupulous persons parading themselves as staff of ESIRS” to desist from such an illegal act as “we will stop at nothing to arrest and prosecute them accordingly.

“We have an e-enforcement team with a device that can capture the number of the vehicle from a 100-meter radius. This system automatically checks for the level of compliance without stopping the vehicle.

“Only non-compliant vehicles will be impounded and grounded at the next entry/exit point. Note that upon registration e-stickers will be available to the taxpayer within 48 hours.

“With the kind permission of His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, I hereby declare the sale of these stickers open,” the ESIRS Chairman said.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, on Sunday, participated in the activities marking this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD), assuring wives of fallen heroes in the state that his administration shares their pains.

Governor Ugwuanyi, on arrival, observed and inspected the parade mounted by the military, laid the Remembrance Wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and released the pigeons symbolising peace in honour of the fallen heroes.

Immediately after the activities marking the AFRD, the governor identified with wives of fallen heroes seated at the event and assured them of the continued prayers and support of the state government towards the wellbeing of their families, amid tears of joy.

The governor, therefore, announced the donation of cash and food items to each of the 210 wives of the fallen heroes in Enugu State, describing the event as a solemn moment for the state and the country.

Governor Ugwuanyi also identified with officers of the military and commended them for the sacrifices they make for the peace and stability of the state, stressing that “the peace we have here in Enugu would have been difficult without you people; we are grateful.”

Earlier, prayers were said by Christian and Islamic clerics for the repose of the fallen heroes’ souls and the wellbeing of their families after a minute silence was observed in honour of the departed military personnel.

Prayers were equally offered for the peace, security and progress of Enugu State and Nigeria; for God’s guidance and protection upon all those in leadership positions in the country including President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Ugwuanyi and other governors, and the Service Chiefs; as well as for peaceful general election and successful transition in 2023.

The laying of wreaths were also performed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Major General Umar Musa, represented by the Garrison Commander, Brigadier General M.K Ibrahim; the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Ground Training Command, Nigerian Air Force, Enugu, Air Vice Marshal S. Olatunde; the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Afojulu Raymond Ozoemena; the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Ahmed Ammani; the Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Enugu State Council, Asst. Cmdt. General Emeka Norman Igwesi; the Chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, and representative of wives of fallen heroes, Mrs. Gracious Moses.

The President, Customary Court of Appeal, Enugu State, Hon. Justice George Chibueze Nnamani; the lawmaker representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji; the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Ugwu; other members of the state parliament; representative of the State Director, Department of State Services (DSS); other Heads of Security Agencies in the state; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu, Prof. Malachy Okwueze; the State Head of Service, Ken Chukwuegbo; other members of the State Executive Council (EXCO), Special Advisers to the Governor; Council Chairmen; Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Emmanuel Edeh; Judges of the State Judiciary; Senior Military Officers; and members of the Nigerian Legion, Enugu State Council, attended the colourful and memorable event.