Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, inspects ongoing massive rehabilitation of roads in Ogrute, Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, on his way to Senator Ayogu Eze's country home at Umuida, on a private visit, in the spirit of the season, the existing peace and unity in the state as well as the long-held brotherhood that exists among the people of Nsukka, across party divide.
…Prays for God’s divine intervention in nation’s challenges
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has called on Nigerians to utilise the significance of Christmas to offer sustained prayers for God’s divine intervention and abiding grace for the nation to surmount its various challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the second economic recession in five years.
In his message, Gov. Ugwuanyi felicitated with Christians, the good people of Enugu State and indeed all Nigerians, wishing them Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
The governor urged Nigerians not to lose faith in God in the face of adversity, but to remain committed to the Good News that Jesus Christ was born to bring salvation to mankind.
He stressed that the Yuletide offers Nigerians the opportunity to reflect soberly, pray for the country and her leaders, as well as engage in activities that promote peace, unity, security and progress.
While thanking ‘Ndi Enugu’ for their love, goodwill, solidarity, support and unceasing prayers, Gov. Ugwuanyi reassured them of his firm resolve to sustain the tempo of peace and good governance in the state as well as to continue to serve them with the fear of God.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Wednesday, delightfully received in audience the State Champion at the 2020 Maltina Teacher of the Year competition, Miss Chinwero Chisom Lilian, who was formally presented to the governor by the Management Team of Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc, led by the Corporate Affairs Director, Mrs. Sade Morgan.
Miss Chinwero who teaches at Girls Secondary School, Akegbe-Ugwu, Nkanu West Local Government Area, is an indigene of Igugu, in Udenu Local Government Area of the Enugu State, and a niece to the Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu.
Presenting the Champion to Gov. Ugwuanyi, at the EXCO Chambers of the Government House, Enugu, the Nigerian Breweries’ Corporate Affairs Director, Mrs. Morgan, disclosed that the multinational company relied greatly on digital technology to drive participation in the completion and recorded a 55 percent increase in the number of qualifying submissions from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Director who revealed that the winner was rewarded with a prize of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira), a plaque and certificate, stressed that “she will serve as an inspiration to other teachers in the state and an ambassador for the programme when we open entries for the next edition in 2021”.
Pointing out that the gesture was “part of the company’s commitment to winning with Nigeria”, Mrs. Morgan said that the Nigerian Breweries Plc, in 1994, established the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, to play a pivotal role in the development of the educational sector in Nigeria.
Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi congratulated Miss Chinwero for the landmark feat, her enthusiasm, display of excellence and dedication to work.
The governor also commended the Nigerian Breweries Plc for the initiative and asked the company to write his office formally so that the state government will support Miss Chinwero to further her education as she requested.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing (Worldwide) honours Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State as the best and most peaceful governor in the South East in particular and Igbo land in general.
…Declares open 4-day workshop for Police Spokespersons
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday, said that one of the reasons Enugu is among the safest and most secured states in Nigeria, was because of his administration’s continued support towards the development of security infrastructure in the state.
Gov. Ugwuanyi who disclosed that security provision has been a major plank of his administration, added that the state government has established and resourced the Enugu State Forest Guard Security outfit as well as the Neighborhood Watch groups and went further to legislate the State Security Trust Fund to provide adequate resources for maintenance of security of lives and property.
Declaring open the 4-day Intensive Capacity Building Workshop for all Police Spokespersons in Nigeria, holding in Enugu, with the theme: “Crisis Management and Law Enforcement; the Role of Police Spokespersons”, the governor stated that the event was timely and momentous.
He commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, who was present at the event, for the initiative and other ongoing reforms aimed at addressing the agitations of the Nigerian people for a Police Force that is people-friendly, more professional, accountable, and respects the rights and freedoms of the citizenry.
Stressing that the workshop could not have come at a better time than now, “given the recent #EndSARS protests with its accompanying mayhem, as well as other spikes in criminality”, Gov. Ugwuanyi pointed out that the lesson of the protests with the manifest mistrust and yawning communication gap between the police and the policed, compels a new paradigm for citizen engagement and robust communication strategies to build mutual trust and confidence as well as facilitate the healing of all wounds.
“In enthroning this veritable panacea, the role of the Police Spokespersons in leading the discourse and inspiring new ideas will be key”, the governor said, revealing that the hosting of the workshop was in keeping with his administration’s tradition of supporting worthy causes, especially those bordering on security of lives and property of the people of Enugu State as enshrined in the nation’s constitution.
He therefore urged the participants to optimize this opportunity to network, peer view and cross-fertilize ideas with the experts to sharpen and broaden their public relations knowledge and skills for enhanced service delivery to the Police Force in particular and the nation in general.
In his address, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Adamu, appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for hosting and sponsoring the workshop, stressing that it was a demonstration of the governor’s commitment to security issues in the state and the country at large.
Members of the Police Management Team and Senior Police Officers at the event include the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Celestine Okoye, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in-Charge of Zone 13, AIG Mohammed Danmallam, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, in-Charge of Force CID Annex, Enugu, AIG Fimihan Adeoye.
Others include the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Ahmad AbdulRahman, his Anambra State counterpart, CP Danladi Lalas, the President and Chairman, Council of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Malam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba and Police Public Relations Officers of various Zonal and State Commands, etc.
…Hails U-TOLF, Vitamin Angles’ collaboration towards women, children’s health
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Monday, reiterated that quality, accessible and affordable healthcare delivery to the people of the state will remain at the front burner of his administration’s eight point agenda.
Gov. Ugwuanyi restated this when he flagged off the distribution of medical commodities received from the pet-project of the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi, Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation (U-TOLF), for the good health of the mothers and children in the state.
The commodities were donated to U-TOLF by the Vitamin Angles to provide succor to vulnerable pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children under five years, especially those who are at risk of malnutrition and do not have access to national health services.
Flagging off the distribution exercise, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that his administration’s concerted efforts in ensuring that mothers, new born babies and children under five years get the best healthcare have been supported by the gesture.
The governor therefore commended Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation and the Vitamin Angles for their rewarding years of partnership in providing succor to women and children in the state, stressing that U-TOLF is “unarguably the most impactful NGO in Enugu State”.
He disclosed that “this partnership is currently in its fourth year”, saying: “With this collaboration, we have had the opportunity to further strengthen health and well-being promotion in the communities we serve”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi, who pointed out that the Enugu State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ENS-PHCDA) and the people of the state have been beneficiaries of this partnership between U-TOLF and the Vitamin Angles, revealed that the state government has recorded over 3 million women and children who have benefited from distributions using the state channels.
The governor therefore directed the State Ministry of Health to ensure the efficient and effective distribution of the commodities through its channels “in a manner that they will reach the target population”.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, expressed delight that the four-year old partnership between the Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation and the Enugu State Government through the State Ministry of Health has continued to yield fruits “impacting positively on the vulnerable maternal, new born babies and children under five-year population”.
Dr. Obi highlighted that the commodities received for distribution include, multiple doses of Prenatal Multivitamins, cartons of Vitamin A and multiple doses of Albendazole (for treating worms), which were donated by the Vitamin Angles as well as Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) (for the management of diarrhea) and Paracetamol tablets (for pains and treatment of fever) donated by Sidom Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd based in Enugu.
The Health Commissioner announced that a distribution monitoring team will be headed by the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. George Ugwu “drawing membership from the Ministry of Health and Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation, with the purpose of ensuring that the targeted beneficiaries will be the final recipients with proper records”.
Also present at the event include the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Sam Ngene, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, the Executive Secretary, ENS-PHCDA, Dr. Ugwu, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage, Dr. Edith Okolo, the Hospital Administrator, State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Okechukwu Ossai and the Executive Director, U-TOLF, Stanley Okere, among others.
…Targets employment for 10,000 youths, creation of 1,500 small scale tech businesses
Following its recent approval for the establishment of Enugu Tech Hub and Youth Innovation Centres, at Enugu City and Obollo Afor, the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has commenced massive construction and renovation of facilities at the areas.
A statement by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Obi Kama, stated that the all-important projects initiated by Gov. Ugwuanyi to bring technology-driven innovations down to the grassroots for digital economy, has reached advanced stage.
Hon. Kama disclosed that the target of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration “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”.
The Science and Technology Commissioner 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”.
Hon. Kama 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.
He stated that “the centres will be equipped with computer sets, solar power source, 100 KVA Generator, internet access, training tools and consumables”.
The Commissioner explained that the facilities being installed at the centres are state-of-the-art “in line with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s vision for ICT and technical skills acquisition for employment generation and wealth creation”.
Kama noted that “Enugu State, over the years, has been rated the highest academic hub of the Southern Nigeria, hosting more than 10 indigenous Universities, Polytechnic and Colleges of Education”, which turn out great number of first class and second class graduates in the areas of Mathematics, Sciences, Engineering Technology and others.
The Commissioner added that “some of these graduates travel abroad for more sophisticated skills acquisition”, stressing that the Enugu State Tech Hub intends to drive technology innovation down home as “it is designed to discourage our youths from travelling to Lagos, India, China, other countries, to acquire technical skills that will enable them fit into the modem society and compete favourably with other professionals, saying:“Those skills you travel abroad to acquire, will be provided them at your doorsteps”.
According to him “The hub will not only groom them, it will also provide a ‘Tech Cluster’ (temporary office accommodation) for ‘Tech Start Ups’ for those who want to own businesses but may not have enough capital to rent offices and start up. It will create enabling atmosphere for them to start businesses with ease”.
Pointing out that target candidates for the programmes are graduates of Universities, Polytechnic, among others, who want to make a career in professional ICT and technology related disciplines, non graduates with some technical skills, entrepreneurs and prospective farmers and artisans, the Commissioner said the project will serve as an interface between Tech giants like Microsoft, IBM, HP, Alibaba, Google, Facebook etc and Enugu Tech Start ups.
He highlighted that the courses to be offered at the centres include web application development, mobile app, and software development; website design and hosting; professional graphics - Adobe Suits; data science and analytics; business intelligence; agro business and automation and Ease of Doing Business (EODB), among others.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) yesterday unveiled its 2019 Accountability Index (ICAN-AI) Report which showed that Kaduna State maintained its previous year’s ranking as the best state in terms of accountability in the country.
Enugu State emerged the second best state in terms of accountability in the 2019 index, which was an improvement from the seventh position the state attained the previous year. Enugu state was closely followed by Jigawa, Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Kogi, Kano, Ondo states, in that order.
Presenting the report during a hybrid event, ICAN’s Chairman Steering Committee, Zakaria Muhammed, said Kaduna emerged the best state in terms of accountability with 72.7 percent; Enugu with 58.2 percent and Jigawa with 55.9 percent.
On the other hand, Imo, Adamawa and Edo states were the last three states on the list. While Edo scored 15.1 per cent; Adamawa had 16.3 per cent and Imo 16.5 per cent.
In her keynote address during the public presentation, President of ICAN, Dame Onome Adewuyi, pointed out that in 2017, the ICAN-AI was launched as a mechanism for assessing the level of accountability and quality of public finance management practices across the three tiers of government in Nigeria.
According to her, the initiative was born out of the commitment to serve the public interest as well as to support the institute’s work in promoting accountability, transparency, accuracy and integrity in the Nigerian economy over the past 55 years.
“I wish to inform this esteemed audience that the 2019 ICAN-AI report was initially scheduled to be presented publicly in March 2020. The plan was disrupted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and led to the lockdown of most economies across the world.
“The outbreak of the pandemic, with its great toll on public finances, has made it even more urgent for countries to develop a more robust assessment framework for their Public Financial Management systems.
“The need for an effective and efficient PFM system is also underscored by the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number Sixteen (SDG 16) that emphasises Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Achieving these three global desires by the year 2030 as envisaged, requires a dogged commitment accountability and transparency in governance.
“Sequel to the launching of the ICAN-AI in 2017, the institute set up a star-studded Steering Committee consisting of members with proven integrity and first-hand knowledge of Nigeria’s public sector governance. The membership of the Steering Committee was painstakingly selected to comprise Chartered Accountants who have served in the capacity as Accountant-General, Auditor-General, Commissioner for Finance, and Academicians with high pedigrees for seminal research in public sector governance and technology-proficient members who assisted in automating the ICAN-AI, in formulating the ICAN-AI Framework and automating its processes, thereby significantly reducing human interference and errors in the generating the results of the ICAN-AI Index,” she said.
She revealed that the physical and online data collection stages of the index was handled by assessors selected from renowned members of the institute with several years of public sector experience.
Adewuyi said one of the central objectives of the ICAN-AI was the need for governments to publicly make available relevant fiscal information which facilitate the assessment of their PFM practices.
“We are, nonetheless, aware that some governments in the country have not yet fully adopted global best practices in terms of transparency and making relevant financial information publicly available. “Hence, the ICAN-AI field Assessors had to physically visit as many as fifteen government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to obtain information. This is in addition to painstaking desk research they carried out in their efforts towards sourcing public available documents on the various governments’ and other relevant agencies websites.
“Undoubtedly, the ICAN-AI continues to receive encouraging feedback from stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors of the economy as well as from international partners and development agencies. Specifically, the Institute in its development of this pioneering tool has enjoyed immense technical and financial assistance from the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the Department for International Development (DFID) for which we remain eternally grateful,” she added.
Adewuyi said the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), under the leadership of the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, as well as the various state governments have keyed into the initiative by insisting that relevant officers in their ministries department and agencies to avail our ICAN-AI Assessors of all relevant fiscal information required in developing the Index.
“This positive supports has further deepened the quality and reliability of the ICAN-AI as a trusted and methodical tool for assessing Public Financial Management (PFM) practices in the three tiers of government in Nigeria.
“The multi-stages quality control of the ICAN-AI, supervised by the Steering Committee members, has earned the Index the expected high level of trust among government functionaries and other public sector players. This trust will further increase the confidence of users of the Index for decision-making processes in the private sector and among development partners,” she added.
She said the full report would be made available on the dedicated website – www.ican-ai.icanig.org.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Wednesday, presented to the State House of Assembly, the 2021 Budget estimates of One Hundred and Sixty Nine Billion, Eight Hundred and Forty Five Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Eight Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N169,845,758,500.00), for consideration and passage.
Presenting the budget proposal tagged: “Budget of Recovery and Continued Growth”, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that it “is 13.8 percent higher than our revised 2020 budget”.
The governor explained that the budget proposal was carefully designed to strategically enhance the recovery of the state from the drawbacks of 2020, occasioned by the unexpected and unpleasant outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and the negative effects of the #EndSARS protests, which were hijacked by miscreants and hoodlums to unleash mayhem on the country, “pushing back all the efforts at economic recovery from COVID-19 challenge”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi added that these setbacks to the full implementation of the 2020 budget ensued shortly after his administration commenced payment of the new Minimum Wage of N30,000 in February this year with its consequential adjustment.
“We had adjusted to this new cost centre and set in motion procurement processes for the delivery of services to Ndi Enugu as appropriated by this Honourable House. Suddenly, we slept in one world and woke up in another, confronted with the unpleasant news of a strange illness – Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19)”, he said.
Gov. Ugwuanyi pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and pertinent restriction of economic activities across the country caused a significant drop in the global energy demand that led to oil prices crash with huge drop in Statutory Allocation accruing to states in Nigeria, as well as the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which compelled state governments to revise their 2020 approved budgets as directed by the National Economic Council and inspired by World Bank.
On the 2020 budget performance, the governor said that apart from the payment of the N30,000 Minimum Wage to workers, provision of critical road infrastructure in urban and rural areas, interventions in security, judiciary, education, tourism, legislature, religious, agriculture, redevelopment of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Urban water supply, among others, his administration has made huge investment in the health sector/COVID-19 related interventions.
On the 2021 budget estimates, Gov. Ugwuanyi revealed that the projections were predicated on the macro and micro-economic indicators of national inflation rate of 11.95%, national real GDP growth of 3%, oil production benchmark of 1.86 million barrels per day, oil price benchmark of $40 per barrel, and exchange rate of N380 per US dollar.
He further stated that the “Enugu State Medium Expenditure Framework (MTEF) 2021-2023 and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) are aimed at prudent fiscal management coupled with prioritisation of public expenditure”, stressing that “this is focused on achieving a better balance between capital and recurrent expenditures”.
The governor noted that out of the total budget size of N169.85 billion, the sum of N68.711billion, representing 40% of the total budget is for Recurrent Expenditure while the sum of N101.1billion is for Capital Expenditure, representing 60% of the budget size.
Consequently, Gov. Ugwuanyi highlighted that the key deliverables of the 2021 capital budget include rehabilitation of the 9th Mile crash water borehole programme; commencement of AFD-funded 3rd National Urban Water Sector Reform Project; completion and landscaping of International Conference Centre and construction of a flyover Bridge at T-Junction of Nike Lake Resort Road/Nike Road, Enugu.
The governor hinted that the all-important flyover project will necessitate closure of the Nike Lake Resort/Nike Road T-junction and all approach routes to it, adding that “preparatory to the project commencement therefore, alternative routes for traffic diversion are being prepared and will be adequately communicated to the public in due course”.
Other key deliverables were the completion of construction of ESUT Teaching Hospital Igbo Eno; installation of Astro-turf & Tartan Tracks, floodlighting with associated Works at Nsukka Stadium, Nsukka LGA; rehabilitation/construction of more Urban and Rural roads; construction of Station Road-Subway Flyover/Underpass to Ogui road with a spur to market road by Red-Cross; construction of additional type III Model Primary Health Centers in Oji River, Aninri, and Awgu LGAs; establishment of Fertilizer blending plant and cottage Rice Mill; completion of the rehabilitation of Enugu Ezike General Hospital and construction of its Amenity Building; integration of Adada Water Scheme and rehabilitation of other Water Schemes in Enugu North Senatorial District, and drilling of new Water boreholes with storage facilities and reticulation across the State.
While expressing profound appreciation to members of the State House of Assembly for their diligence and commitment to the task of taking Enugu State to an enviable height, “consistent with our founding fathers’ dream of a peaceful, united, secure and prosperous Enugu State”, Gov. Ugwuanyi also appreciated deeply the people of the state “for their unflinching support, cooperation and resilience especially in the face of all the storms of year 2020”.
Responding, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for weathering the storms during the year to ensure that his administration provided the dividends of democracy to the people of the state especially in the rural areas.
The Speaker therefore assured the governor that the House will pay diligent attention to the budget for residents of the state to continue to enjoy peace and good governance.
...Lauds Gov. Ugwuanyi's commitment to peace, good governance
The Enugu State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies, for the conduct of a credible, transparent and hitch-free bye-election for Isi-Uzo Constituency seat in the State House of Assembly, won by the party’s candidate, Mrs. Catherine Amaka Ugwueze.
In a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Chief Jude Ugwu, the PDP congratulated the House of Assembly Member-elect, Mrs. Ugwueze, “on her landslide victory during the bye-election, held on Saturday, December 5, 2020”.
The party also expressed deep appreciation to “the good people of Enugu State, for their tremendous support, goodwill and solidarity to the PDP-led state government of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi”.
According to the PDP, “we reiterate our commitment to the existing peace and good governance entrenched in Enugu State by the State Leader of our Party, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi”.
*Full text of the statement reads...
PRESS STATEMENT December 8, 2020
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Enugu State Chapter, congratulates our House of Assembly Member-elect for Isi-Uzo Constituency, Mrs. Catherine Amaka Ugwueze, on her landslide victory during the bye-election, held on Saturday, December 5, 2020.
The PDP most sincerely thanks the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for the conduct of a credible, transparent and hitch-free electoral exercise.
Our great Party deeply appreciates the good people of Enugu State, for their tremendous support, goodwill and solidarity to the PDP-led state government of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi.
We reiterate our commitment to the existing peace and good governance entrenched in Enugu State by the State Leader of our Party, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
PDP... Power to the People!
Signed:
Chief Jude Ugwu Publicity Secretary, PDP, Enugu State
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday, declared Mrs Amaka Ugwueze, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), winner of Isi-Uzo State Constituency By-Election in Enugu State.
Declaring the results at Isi-Uzo council headquarters in Ikem, INEC Collation Officer for the By-Election, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwachukwu, said that Ugwueze polled 11,041 votes to defeat her close rival, Mr Ejiofor Okwor, candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 2,293 votes.
Nwachukwu said that the rest of the other seven political parties that contested in the by-election scored less than 70 votes each.
The Isi-Uzo Constituency By-Election took place on Saturday, Dec. 5, in the 11 political wards within Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.
He noted that the by-election had 13,597 total valid votes and 391 rejected votes, while a total of 13,988 votes were cast.
“From the result announced and displayed herein, it is clear that the candidate of the PDP scored the highest valid vote cast.
“By the power conferred on me, I hereby announce that the PDP candidate is hereby duly elected,’’ he said.
Reacting, Dr Emeka Ononamadu, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu State, thanked the electorates and the entire people of Isi-Uzo council area for conducting themselves very peacefully during and after the by-election.
“I appreciate our INEC staff, security men, stakeholders and especially the good people of Isi-Uzo for ensuring that this by-election was hitch-free,’’ Ononamadu said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC conducted the by-election in the State Constituency following the death of the member representing the constituency, Mr Chijioke Ugwueze.
Ugwueze died earlier in 2020.
The late lawmaker’s wife, Mrs Amaka Ugwueze, is the Peoples Democratic Party Candidate and the fourth female legislator in the state assembly.
A total of 69,626 registered voters in Isi-Uzo LGA collected their voter cards before the by-election. (NAN)
#Enugu #PDP Youth group celebrates Party's victory
...Congratulates the State Leader of PDP, Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi, the House of Assembly Member-elect, Mrs. Catherine Amaka #Ugwueze, the PDP family in Isi-Uzo LGA and the entire Enugu State.
…Asks over 10,000 graduands to come for collection of certificates
The Governing Council and Management of the Enugu State College of Education (Technical) - ESCET, have expressed their immense gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his passion, commitment and numerous interventions towards the growth and development of the College. Speaking when she led members of the Governing Council, Management and academic staff of the College to formally present to Gov. Ugwuanyi an Award of Fellow of Enugu State College of Education (Technical), the Chairman of the Council, Amb. Mrs. Fidelia Akuabata Njeze, stressed that the governor’s support to the institution was “unprecedented”.
Amb. Njeze stated that the school, prior to the inception of the present administration in 2015, was confronted with the challenge of non-accreditation of courses for over a decade, which resulted to non-issuance of certificates to the College graduands and threatened the existence of the College as a tertiary institution.
The Council Chairman disclosed that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration gave the College financial support when the institution sought the state government’s assistance to meet the requirements of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and National Universities Commission (NUC) in order to obtain accreditation.
“I make bold to state that today, we have full accreditation in all our courses both at NCE level with NCCE and Degree level with NUC in affiliation with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka”, Amb. Njeze said.
She further disclosed that the governor’s interventions ensured that the College was able to successfully hold its first ever consolidated convocation ceremony (2009-2020) in October this year (10 years backlog of convocation of the College).
The Council Chairman therefore informed Gov. Ugwuanyi that “we are here today with your kind approval to conclude the ceremony, which will not be concluded without His Excellency’s participation”.
Amb. Njeze also thanked the governor for the ongoing construction of a Computer Based Test Centre (CBT) holding Hall with a seating capacity for 250 students, which she said, was 95 percent completed.
She equally appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for the “construction of first event modern students’ hostel since the College was created out of IMT, Enugu”, as well as “prompt and regular release of monthly subventions to the College”, among others.
Also speaking, the Provost of the College, Dr. Osondu Eze, while commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s remarkable support, told the governor that “it is unprecedented that for the past 13 years of the establishment of this College, you are the only governor that gave us the approval to do convocation and start issuing certificates to graduands”.
Pointing out that “the era of no certificate is gone” as “we have more than 10,000 certificates waiting for graduands to come and collect”, the Provost called on those who passed through the College and have obtained clearance to come for collection of certificates.
Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked God and the College for the honour and reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue to change the school’s narrative, notwithstanding the fact that the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges bothering on the economy and security, have reset and affected programmes of government at all levels.
Colourful images from the South East Zonal Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), held in Enugu, on Sunday, which ratified Chief Ali Odefa as the acting National Vice Chairman (South East) of the Party, as well as other members of the Zonal Working Committee.
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, has described Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State as a “great man” and “an all-rounder” who has demonstrated enormous commitment towards the security of lives and property in the state.
Babandede who spoke when he led his entourage to the Government House, Enugu, on Thursday, stressed that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration has been of great support to the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The Comptroller-General was in Enugu with his entourage to assess the degree of damage done to the newly constructed office of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Enugu State Command, during the hijacked EndSARS protests in the state.
Appreciating Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s support towards the completion of the office project, which he said was billed for inauguration a day before the EndSARS destructions, Babandede disclosed that the state government “donated four transformers and vehicles to us”.
He pointed out that “the vehicles were not only donated to us but also to all the law enforcement agencies so that security of lives and property of the people is assured in Enugu State”, saying: ‘We commend you (Ugwuanyi) for that good job”.
The Immigration boss who maintained that “the people of Enugu State are peace loving” commiserated with the state government and families of victims of the hijacked EndSARS protests, both civilians and security agents, who lost their loved ones during the unfortunate incident.
Assuring that the Immigration office will be inaugurated, Babandede equally applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for setting up an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to look into the loss of lives and destruction of private and public property during the protests, stating: “That shows that you care”.
Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi regretted that the sad events of loss of lives and destruction of property by hoodlums during the EndSARS protests were in spite of the state government’s earlier constitution (by Executive Order) of Panel of inquiry on Police brutality and related extra-judicial killings.
While noting that the South East governors and other stakeholders had conducted extensive tour of affected facilities in the state to assess the level of damage, the governor said that they paid due attention to the Immigration office and “we were grateful to God for the minimal damage”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed delight at the quality of service and advisory the state office of the Immigration service has continually availed the state and reiterated his administration’s willingness to partner the body in the discharge of its mandate which is key to robust internal security.
Members of the Comptroller-General’s entourage include the Assistant Comptroller-General (General Services), Don O. Asogwa, the Assistant Comptroller-General, Zone G, J. C Kwazu, and the Comptrollers of the five states of Zone G, among others.
…As agency commences sensitization campaign against fire outbreak
The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday, handed over four rapid response vehicles and a 12,000-liter capacity water tanker it newly purchased, to the State Fire Service, to aid operations of the fire-fighting agency in the state, especially this dry season.
Handing over the utility vehicles to the State Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Okwudiri Daniel Ohaa, on behalf of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, disclosed that the state government procured the vehicles “to enhance the work of the Enugu State Fire Service”.
Prof. Ortuanya noted that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, in recognition of the importance of an effective and efficient fire service in safeguarding lives and property, had earlier constructed five ultra modern fire service stations across the three senatorial districts of the state, after 56 years such life-saving infrastructure were built in the state.
The SSG added that the state government had also procured five IVM fire-fighting trucks for the five fire service stations, stressing that the newly procured rapid response vehicles and the water tanker handed over to the agency were timely in view of the harmattan season.
“It is therefore, to the glory of God and in the interest of our state and humanity that I, on behalf of His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, inaugurate these rapid response vehicles and also perform the formal hand over of these vehicles to the Enugu State Fire Service”, Prof. Ortuanya said.
Responding, the Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Ohaa expressed the agency’s deep appreciation to Gov. Ugwuanyi for “the type of attention His Excellency is paying to us to ensure that we discharge our duties effectively, professionally and efficiently”, saying: “There is never a time we received this type of support in the past”.
Engr. Ohaa who disclosed that the state government has approved the procurement of additional water tanker for the State Fire Service, promised the governor and the people of Enugu State that the fire-fighting agency will not disappoint them but “will do our best to make sure that lives and property of our people are protected”.
The Chief Fire Officer had earlier in the day led his team to Ogbete Main Market, Enugu and Timber Market in commencement of the scheduled public enlightenment campaign in the markets to sensitize traders on how to prevent fire outbreak during this dry season. A mini fire-fighting truck was stationed at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, by the agency, Engr. Ohaa further disclosed.
“You and your children deserve a place for relaxation and recreation”, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State tells residents of Eze Street, Uwani, Enugu, as he inspects the reclamation and rehabilitation of the hitherto abandoned Eze Park and Onwudiwe Park in the neighborhood, by his administration.
Behold! Here comes the first ever Christian Chapel of Worship @ Enugu Government House
The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, delivers to standard, the first ever Christian Chapel of Worship, at the Government House, Enugu.
Enugu govt organises ICT training for civil servants
Sequel to the approval of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, the Office of the State Head of Service, on Monday, commenced a three-week training for civil servants in the area of Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Declaring the training open, the State Head of Service, Mr. Ken Chukwuegbo, disclosed that the essence of the exercise was to enhance the intellectual ability of the civil servants to meet up with the demands of modern administrative engagements.
Mr. Chukwuegbo pointed out that "to get a civil service knowledge-based society; training is utmost", stressing that “for any government to be successful, it requires the inputs of civil servants”.
The Head of Service therefore commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for being in the vanguard of changing the face of the civil servants in the state through innovations, reforms and commitment to their welfare.
He advised the trainees to show utmost interest in the programme by paying attention to what they would be taught, “knowing full well that when you acquire new knowledge, you acquire new skills; not just for the government but for self development, so that you can cope with the challenges that are associated with your duties”.
In another development, the newly inaugurated Administrative Panel of Inquiry for the determination of compensation for loss of lives and properties resulting from the unfortunate hijacked EndSARS protests in Enugu State, held its inaugural meeting at the State High Court in Enugu, calling on those who submitted memoranda to appear before the panel.
Presenting the rules and procedure of the panel, the Chairman, Hon. Justice Frederick Obieze (Rtd.) disclosed that persons who may lodge complaints before the panel are “a victim of the hijacked #EndSARS protest in Enugu State” and “a family member(s) of a victim(s) where the victim is dead, incapacitated by injury of body or mind, outside the jurisdiction of Enugu State or is otherwise unable to appear in person to present his or her grievance or complaint in person”.
Speaking further Hon. Justice Obieze added that such person(s) include(s) “an agent, lawyer or other representative of a victim or family member of a victim who shall show apparent authority, either written or otherwise recorded by audio or video giving him or her the authority to act on behalf of such victim or the family of such victim” and “the Nigerian Bar Association or any such public interest group or body”.
The panel consequently announced that hearing for Enugu East Local Government Area will hold from Wednesday, November 25, 2020 to Friday, November 27, adding that Enugu North LGA will take place between Wednesday, December 2, 2020 and Friday, December 4, while Enugu South LGA is slated for Wednesday, December 9, 2020 to Friday, December 11.
Also speaking, a member of the panel, Prof. Frank Ezugwu, pointed out that the complaints should be backed up with credible evidence, adding that the complainants must be present in person.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Mrs. Chinwe Anibeze, who represented the Chairman of the ICT training committee, expressed delight at the training exercise for the civil servants and assured that it will bring positive development to the state.
In his remark, the Resource Person and Director, Information Technology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Dr Lois Ifeanyi-Nwobodo, said that the training will make the civil servants in Enugu State to be ICT compliant.
...Hails governor on peaceful co-existence with Northern community in Enugu
The Emir of Bichi, Dr. Nasiru Ado Bayero, has expressed gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the peace the Northern community has been enjoying in the state, under his administration.
The Emir of Bichi told Gov. Ugwuanyi that his administration’s commitment to national integration and peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians in Enugu State, irrespective of tribe, religion and political differences is “well acknowledged”, adding that “we will not forget that; we will be grateful to you forever”.
Dr. Ado Bayero also appreciated the traditional rulers in Enugu State, stressing that based on “your relationship with the Northern community in your own local communities, our reports from them have been positive; so we are very grateful”.
Speaking when Gov. Ugwuanyi played host to him at the Government House, Enugu, the Emir, who is the younger brother to the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, used the opportunity to assure the governor that “back in Kano State, we will protect your interest; we will make sure that any Igbo man or any other Nigerian who lives Kano is safe.
He maintained that “our relationship has grown beyond now and we will not allow this to grow any bad situation”.
The Emir therefore lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his hospitality and uncommon leadership style anchored on peace, security, inclusive and good governance.
Describing his visit to Enugu State as a homecoming, he narrated the enduring relationship his late father, Ado Bayero, enjoyed with his Igbo friends, especially when he was the Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) for over 20 years.
He disclosed that his visit to the state was “to build that bridge between the Northern Nigeria and this part of Nigeria, the East”, stressing: “We shall continue to build that bridge; we shall continue to make sure that Nigeria remains one and despite all of these, we shall remain brothers by the grace of God”.
By appointing Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as the new director-general of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), President Muhammadu Buhari has flouted the law establishing the agency.
Section 8 (1) of the NAPTIP Act 2015 stipulates that the director-general of the agency must be appointed from the directorate cadre in the civil service or from an equivalent cadre in any of the nation`s law enforcement agencies.
But the credentials of Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim does not match this requirement.
“There shall be for the agency a Director-General who shall be from the Directorate cadre in the public service of the Federation or its equivalent in any law enforcement service and shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister,” the section reads.
Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim, a politician and businesswoman (dealing in Mary Kay products), does not, however, qualify for the position as she is neither of the directorate cadre in the public service nor does she hold any equivalent position in any of the country’s law enforcement agencies.
Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Tuesday announced the appointment of Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim saying until her appointment she was a special adviser on strategic communication to the minister of state for education.
She is therefore a political appointee, whose appointment ends with the expiration of the tenure of the current government.
The people of Enugu North (Nsukka) Senatorial District of Enugu State, from all walks of life, converged on Nsukka High School, for a Unity Rally in honour of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and unanimously declared their support for the governor, reassuring him they are solidly behind him.
The people of Nsukka also applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s sustained efforts in developing the zone, which they said had been marginalized. They also praised the governor for entrenching peace and good governance in the entire state.
Speaking at the well attended rally, some of the leaders of Enugu North Senatorial District told Gov. Ugwuanyi that the entire people of Nsukka zone are united and proud of his remarkable achievements in the area and the state in spite of the nation's economic, security and public health challenges, reiterating their unalloyed support for him.
The leaders who spoke at the event include the Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Senator Chukwuka Utazi; the former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ayogu Eze; former governor of old Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo; the member representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Pat Asadu; the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; the Bishops of Nsukka Catholic and Anglican Dioceses, Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah and Most Rev. Aloysius Agbo respectively; the Nsukka Professors, 145 traditional rulers in the zone who came with their cabinet members, and the Chairman of Odinma Nsukka that organized the event, Chief Vita Abba, among others.
Speaking, Senator Ayogu Eze told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “this gathering is to reassure you that your people are solidly behind you” charging him to “march on” and “move on”.
Senator Eze who stated that he was very happy to be alive to witness the event where every Nsukka man gathered in unity to show support and solidarity to one of their own, in the person of Gov. Ugwuanyi, also charged the governor to continue with his laudable vision for the zone and the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Odinma Nsukka, Engr. Abba, pointed out that the group felt that it was imperative that Nsukka people should unite and come together to support their own, encourage and offer prayers for his continued success till the end of his tenure, declaring that “our support for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is irrevocable”.
On his part, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Chief Nwodo, spoke in the same direction, reemphasizing the need for the people of Nsukka zone to unite and rally round the governor, saying: “We were marginalized in the past but Gov. Ugwuanyi has wiped away our tears”.
The former governor of old Enugu State, Dr. Nwodo said that it was a thing of joy that he was alive to see an Nsukka governor after him, and urged the people of Nsukka zone to also unite and take advantage of the numerical strength to give Gov. Ugwuanyi the maximum support he deserves.
Reaffirming their firm support for Gov. Ugwuanyi, the 145 traditional rulers in Enugu North Senatorial District told the governor, who they described as a “worthy son”, that “we are solidly behind you” and pledged the consistent support and prayers, saying: “Wherever you are going, we will go with you”.
Speaking on behalf of the Nsukka Professors, Prof. Fabian Onah thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his massive infrastructural development in Enugu State, maintaining that “we are solidly behind you and we will continue to pray for you to realize more successes in this last lap of your tenure”.
Other speakers, such as Senator Utazi, Rt. Hon. Asadu, Bishop Onah and Bishop Agbo, also extolled the governor’s leadership qualities and assured him of the unalloyed support and solidarity of the people of the zone.
Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked the people of Nsukka zone for their demonstration of love, support, solidarity and goodwill and reassured them of his administration's commitment to the sustenance of peace, unity and good governance in the state.
*Explains it has started fully in three Local Government Areas (Igbo-Eze North, Nsukka and Isi-Uzo) where Yellow Fever has been confirmed and will be extended to six LGAs then gradually to the entire state.
*Says it has adequate supplies of vaccines and accessories to all health facilities and outreach centres as well as properly trained, oriented and deployed all cadres of health workers and teams.
"The government is in control..., clinically and has taken right and appropriate steps to see that our people are protected", the Executive Secretary, ENS-PHCDA, Dr. George Ugwu, assures, appreciating Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his support and personal involvement...
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, former governor of old Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Senator Chukwuka Utazi representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Senator Ayogu Eze, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi, 38 Catholic Bishops across the country and some Anglican Bishops, were among the dignitaries that witnessed the dedication of St Theresa's Cathedral Nsukka, on Thursday.
Speaking during the epoch-making event, Gov. Ugwuanyi who conveyed the felicitations of the government and people of Enugu State, to Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah and the Diocesan faithful, expressed gratitude to God for making the dedication of the Cathedral possible.
The governor stated that it was a great privilege for him to be part of this history and disclosed that the towering architectural masterwork was "the product of divine inspiration and three decades of toil of our Catholic Diocesan faithful".
He expressed delight that "today, it (Cathedral) stands elegantly completed under the leadership of our revered Bishop, His Lordship, Most Rev. Professor Godrey Igwebuike Onah".
While commending Bishop Onah's diligence and tenacity, Gov. Ugwuanyi also appreciated the great role of the retired Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Emmanuel Okobo, "in the visioning and implementation of the project". The governor prayed God "to abundantly bless all those who sacrificed their resources, time and labour for the realization of this dream". Acknowledging, thankfully, that the peace and unity in Enugu State were largely because of the prayers and wise counsel of the religious faithful, Gov. Ugwuanyi implored them to continue to avail the state "these twin supports of inestimable value".
He appreciated the presence of the Papal Nuncio, the Bishops of the Catholic Church and sister Christian denominations and beseeched God to grant more strength and spiritual vision to Bishop Onah as well as "all our Clergy in the Diocese as they shepherd the flock of God".
Earlier in his sermon, Bishop Onah expressed delight that the Cathedral project has finally become a reality. He thanked the Almighty God for his mercy and love and also thanked the initiator of Cathedral and Bishop Emeritus of Nsukka Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Okobo for his vision and steadfastness, saying: "Today, Bishop Okobo will be joining in dedication this Cathedral" despite his health challenges.
Bishop Onah went further to appreciate all those who contributed in the building of the Church including the state government, professionals, prayer warriors, Diocesan faithful, the Muslim community, among others and asked God to reward them abundantly.
In their goodwill messages, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria and the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, among others, congratulated Bishop Onah, his predecessor, the priests, religious and the entire Nsukka Diocesan faithful on the remarkable dedication of the Cathedral, stressing that their strong faith and sacrifices saw to the realization of the magnificent edifice. Also present at the event were the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu; the member representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu, and his counterpart in Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Martin Oke.
Others include the former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi; former Minister of Information, Chief Frank Nweke Jnr.; Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu; former State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Engr. Vita Abba and Chief Ikeje Asogwa; members of the State House of Assembly; members of the State Executive Council; Council Chairmen, etc.
Quality, Accessible and Affordable #Health for All In #Enugu #Rural #Communities:
Gov. Ugwuanyi inspects massive projects going on simultaneously at ESUT Teaching Hospital, Igbo-Eno, Enugu North Senatorial District
After laying foundation for the construction of Amenity Complex at the General Hospital Ogrute, Enugu Ezike, in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, on Monday, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, took out time to inspect massive infrastructural projects going on simultaneously at the permanent site of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital, Igbo-Eno, in Enugu North Senatorial District, located along Opi-Obollo Afor expressway.
Some of the construction works at the Igbo-Eno site include the ESUT Teaching Hospital complex; 2 nos. 12-classroom faculty buildings; 2 nos. 10-classroom faculty buildings and 2 nos. 8-classroom faculty buildings, for the ESUT College of Medicine as well as industrial water borehole projects.
It would be recalled that the first phase of a Tertiary Hospital, Igbo-Eno, has been completed to serve as one of the facilities for the ESUT College of Medicine, which has been relocated to Nsukka.
Politics › Re: Governor Ugwuanyi Inspects Ongoing Projects In Ogrute, Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze LGA by OEPHIUS(op): 6:29pm On Dec 24, 2020
