Despite her being unqualified for the job as stipulated by the law, President Muhammadu Buhari has failed to rescind his appointment of Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as the head of the anti-trafficking agency, NAPTIP, as the new director-general has since assumed office.
Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim was on December 2 appointed the head of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, also known as NAPTIP, after her predecessor, Julie Okah-Donli, was axed. But she did not assume office until December 22.
Upon her appointment, this newspaper reported how the law establishing the agency was flouted to land Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim the top job.
Section 8 (1) of the NAPTIP Act 2015 mandates any appointee for the position of the the director-general of the agency to be from the directorate cadre in the civil service or from an equivalent cadre in any of the nation’s law enforcement agencies.
“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.
The Act further stipulates that the agency must have a board, to which the director-general is the secretary, and the board must be made up of representatives of the government, all of whom must be within the directorate cadre in any of the ministries of justice, women affairs, labour and productivity, the police, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigerian Immigration Service and the National Population Commission (NPC).
Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s credential does not match these requirements, and her appointment makes it the second time ever the NAPTIP law was breached w
A politician and businesswoman, Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s stint in public office was as a special adviser on strategic communication to the minister of state for education.
This implies that she was only a political appointee whose appointment ends with the expiration of the tenure of the current government, and, therefore, did not meet the directorate cadre prerequisite for the position she now holds.
Authorities have since kept mum about the appointment, an indication they approve of Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim assumption of office or are unwilling to do anything about it.
Again on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, directed all comments to the ministry of humanitarian affairs, whose spokeswoman, Halima Oyelade, declined comment.
The spokesman of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willy Bassey, also declined comment.
Undeterred, the new appointee has since commenced work and has been seen in the public performing functions and visiting dignitaries, including her state governor in Nasarawa.
#EndSARS protest: Principal of Queens School Enugu sends SOS to security agencies to rescue their traumatized female students
…Says no COVID-19 palliatives stocked in the school as they were distributed in August 2020
· “We don’t want what happened to Chibok girls to happen to these students”
The principal of Queens School Enugu, Mrs. Ada Nweke, has cleared the air on the allegation that COVID-19 palliatives earlier stocked in the school were still there, stating categorically that “the materials are no more in the school” as the items had been distributed by the Enugu State Government Committee on Palliatives, on August 2020, to the less privileged and vulnerable groups across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
Speaking to newsmen when she led them to inspect the school, Mrs. Nweke who disclosed that the female students have been traumatized, since the threat by hoodlums to invade the school came up, called on the security agencies in the country to come to their rescue.
The principal said that the call became necessary because “we don’t want what happened to Chibok girls to happen to these students”.
She maintained that “there are no COVID-19 palliatives in Queen School Enugu” and urged the general public to disregard such unfounded rumour.
…Requests interested members of the public to submit Memoranda on or before November 20, 2020
The Judicial Panel of Inquiry inaugurated by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Wednesday, to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra-judicial killings, has swung into action, requesting interested members of the public to submit Memoranda. The eight-man panel is chaired by Honourable Justice Kingsley Ngwu Udeh (Rtd.).
In a statement by its Secretary, Onochiengwu Obuna Esq, the panel said the Memoranda should be in twelve (12) hard copies of A4 size paper with double spacing and addressed to 'The Secretary, Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and Extra Judicial Killings. C/o Enugu State Judiciary Headquarters, Old High Court (3), Enugu'.
The statement added that Memoranda, which should be submitted not later than November 20, 2020, “can also be submitted with the Registrars at the Zonal Judiciary Offices at the following locations: Nsukka High Court; Ogbede High Court; Obollo Afor High Court; Oji River High Court; Ezeagu High Court; Udi High Court; Awgu High Court; Agbani High Court; Enugu Ezike High Court”.
“A soft copy of the memorandum shall be submitted by E-mail to the following E-mail address:panelonpolicebrutality042@gmail.com”, it added, and further disclosed that “the Judicial Panel of Inquiry will hold public sittings inside the Old High Court 3 at the Enugu State Judiciary Headquarters Enugu, on dates to be announced later”.
Reassuring that “the responsive Government of Enugu State will be thorough, firm and decisive in implementing the report and recommendations of the Judicial Panel of Enquiry on Police Brutality and Extra-Judicial Killings in the state”, the statement pointed out that “interested members of the public can call or send text messages to the Secretariat of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on any of the following numbers: 08034272867, 08033062359, 08037722569 and 08036767229 between the hours of 8am - 4pm on weekdays, for further enquiries”.
Full text of the statement reads as follows:
“CALL FOR SUBMISSION OF MEMORANDA BY THE .JUDICIAL PANEL OF INQUIRY TO RECEIVE AND INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF POLICE BRUTALITY AND RELATED EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLINGS WITHIN ENUGU STATE
“1. It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on Wednesday 21st October 2020 inaugurated the Judicial Panel of Inquiry to receive complaints of police brutality and extra judicial killings in Enugu State with Honourable Justice Kingsley Ngwu Udeh (Rtd.) as Chairman.
“2. The Judicial Panel which has six (6) months from the date of inauguration to submit its report has the following terms of reference:
i. to receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra judicial killings:
ii to evaluate evidence presented/other surrounding circumstances and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaint(s); and
lii. Recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate.
3. Interested members of the public are requested to submit Memoranda in Twelve (12) hard copies of A4 size paper with double spacing and addressed to:
The Secretary,
Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and Extra Judicial Killings.
c/o Enugu State Judiciary Headquarters,
Old High Court (3)
Enugu.
4. Additionally, Memoranda can also be submitted with the Registrars at the Zonal Judiciary Offices at the following locations:
i. Nsukka High Court
ii. Ogbede High Court
iii. Obollo Afor High Court
iv. Oji River High Court
v. Ezeagu High Court
vi. Udi High Court
vii. Awgu High Court
viii. Agbani High Court
ix. Enugu Ezike High Court
A soft copy of the memorandum shall be submitted by E-mail to the following
Please take notice that all Memoranda should be submitted to the Judicial Panel of Inquiry not later than Friday 20th November 2020.
5. The Judicial Panel of Inquiry will hold public sittings inside the Old High Court 3 at the Enugu State Judiciary Headquarters Enugu, on dates to be announced later.
6. For further enquiries, interested members of the public can call or send text messages to the secretariat of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on any of the following numbers: 08034272867, 08033062359, 08037722569 and 08036767229 between the hours of 8am - 4pm on weekdays.
Ndi Enugu, Be rest assured that the Responsive Government of Enugu State will be thorough, firm and decisive in implementing the report and recommendations of the Judicial Panel of Enquiry on Police Brutality and Extra-Judicial Killings in Enugu State.”
*Condemns acts of violence and criminality in the state
*Appeals most passionately to youths of Enugu involved in the mayhem to have a rethink, pull back and allow measures instituted to address our collective pains to play out.
*Condemns acts of violence and criminality in the state
...As #24-hour curfew continues tomorrow, Friday, October 23
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Thursday, addressed the people of the state over the unfortunate hijack of the peaceful #EndSARS protests by miscreants, leading to acts of violence, criminality and destruction of public and private property.
Gov. Ugwuanyi who condemned the acts of violence and criminality perpetrated by hoodlums, sympathized with victims of the violent protests.
The governor therefore appealed “most passionately to youths of Enugu involved in the mayhem to have a rethink, pull back and allow measures instituted to address our collective pains to play out”.
He disclosed that his administration has inaugurated the Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate complaints of police brutality and/or related extra judicial killings in the state, reiterating that the 24-hour curfew imposed in Enugu East, Enugu North and Enugu South Local Government Areas of the state is still in place.
Appealing further to the protesting youth the governor said: “Let us take back our hitherto peaceful Coal City from hijackers of the peaceful protesters and perpetrators of violence and criminality who do not represent our collective wishes”.
Calling on parents and guardians to restrain their wards from engaging in any unlawful conduct as well as the traditional rulers, religious leaders and stakeholders to help in calming frayed nerves, Gov. Ugwuanyi maintained that “Enugu is our common heritage, our home and we deserve to live, work and rejoice in it”.
The world should see the atrocities #IPOB members & miscreants have turned the peaceful #EndSARS protests #Enugu @Coal_City to. When the security agencies react now people will start saying they killed innocent citizens carrying out a peaceful protest #NIGERIAPREVAILS @phynofino https:///4CBLRBP54p
Enjoins residents, youths to remain law abiding, calm as outcome will soothe their pain
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Wednesday, inaugurated an 8-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry recently constituted by his administration to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality and/or related extra judicial killings in the state.
It would be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi while addressing the protesting youth last Saturday, disclosed that his administration had set up the panel as part of the measures to address the demands of the protesters.
Inaugurating the panel at the Government House, Enugu, the governor disclosed that on the heels of the diffuse national protests, the National Economic Council (NEC) in its meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, directed the immediate establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry across the country “to receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality and/or related extra-judicial killings with a view to delivering justice for all victims of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other Police Units".
Gov. Ugwuanyi consequently announced Hon. Justice Kingsley Ude (Rtd) as Chairman. He also announced the founding Director of Women's Aid Collective (WACOL), Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo (OON) and the President of International Solidarity for Peace and Human Rights Initiative, Comrade Osmond Ugwu as members representing the Civil Society Organizations.
Other members of the panel include the Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Ikechukwu Odokoro (Rtd); representative of the youth, Charles Ogbu; representative of students, Comrade Stephen Ani, who is the Student Union President, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN); the State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission, Enugu State office, Dr. Valentine Ekeoma Madubuko and Barr. Onochie Ngwu Obuna, representing the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who serves as secretary of the panel.
Gov. Ugwuanyi, who noted that "in the past two weeks, we have been witnesses to the escalating protests against Police brutality and related extra-judicial killings, on the streets of major cities in our country, Nigeria, by our young people", added that "our youths have been consistent and resilient in their demand for justice for all victims of these twin vices as well as far-reaching reforms in the Nigerian Police".
While expressing implicit confidence that the members of the panel have the requisite competence, experience and character to deliver on the crucial mandate, Gov. Ugwuanyi enjoined “all residents in Enugu State to remain law abiding and go about their normal businesses”, urging “our youths to have faith in this process and remain calm as the outcome will certainly soothe our pain".
“Ndi Enugu, we reiterate our faith in the Nigeria project and our commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria that holds hope, justice, freedom and equal opportunities for every Nigerian, especially the youth, irrespective of religious bent or ethnic distinction”, he added.
The panel's terms of reference, according to the governor, are "to receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra-judicial killings; evaluate evidence presented/other surrounding circumstances and to draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints; and recommend compensations and other remedial measures”.
Responding on behalf of members of the panel, the Chairman, Hon. Justice Ude (Rtd), thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for finding them worthy to serve “in this onerous and very important assignment”, assuring him that they will do their best to address the inherent issues to the satisfaction of the public, especially the protesting youth.
Gov. Ugwuanyi visits defunct SARS office to confirm closure
*To inaugurate panel on Wednesday
…As he visits ailing Mbazulike Amaechi in hospital
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Monday, visited the defunct office of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Enugu to confirm that the facility has been closed in compliance with the Federal Government’s directives based on the demands of the protesting youth against SARS brutality in the country.
Gov. Ugwuanyi who was accompanied by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Miletus Eze and his Information counterpart, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, was received by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Abdurrahman, who took him round the facilities including the empty cells.
Speaking, the Commissioner of Police confirmed to the governor, who he described as “the most-friendly and security-disposed governor” that the SARS unit has been closed accordingly and the eleven detained suspects evacuated from the cells, saying: “Today, we don’t have SARS in Enugu”.
In his remark, the State Attorney General, Mr. Eze disclosed that the Judicial Panel of Inquiry recently constituted by Gov. Ugwuanyi to investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra judicial killings, as demanded by the protesters, will be inaugurated on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, Gov. Ugwuanyi also visited the ailing first Republic Minister and prominent Igbo chieftain, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, who is in a hospital in Enugu and wished him quick recovery.
Chief Amaechi who expressed delight that Gov. Ugwuanyi visited him assured the governor that he will recover soon to reunite with his loved ones.
Gov. Ugwuanyi sets up panel to investigate police brutality, extra-judicial killings
…Promises compensation, other remedial measures
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Saturday, for the second time in two days, addressed some youths in the state who were protesting against #PoliceBrutality in the country, announcing the setting up of a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra judicial killings, as demanded by the protesters.
Gov. Ugwuanyi who addressed the #EndSars protesters amid cheers, reiterated his endorsement to the state government's position on the demands made by the protesting youth, disclosed that the panel will be chaired by a High Court Judge with two representatives of the Civil Society Groups and one retired Police Officer of high repute as members.
Other members of the panel, according to Gov. Ugwuanyi, include one youth representative, one student representative, a representative of the State Attorney General and another from the Human Rights Commission.
The governor who applauded the protesters, led by two prominent artists, Flavor and Phyno, for the peaceful nature of the protest expressed the solidarity of the government and people of the state to their cause.
He added that the panel is saddled with the responsibility of receiving and investigating complaints of police brutality or related extra judicial killings; evaluate evidence presented/other surrounding circumstances and draw conclusion as to the validity of the complaints and then recommend compensation and other remedial measures where appropriate.
Gov. Ugwuanyi also announced that his administration will establish a human rights public complaints team of between two and three persons to receive complaints on an on-going basis, adding that the team will be established by the special committee on security and human rights.
“We have also resolved that we will set up complaints commission which the public can relate by telephone or social media channels”, the governor said.
While appreciating Ndi Enugu for the overwhelming support and goodwill especially when they reelected him in 2019 with an unprecedented 95.54 percent of the valid votes cast, which he said was a referendum on his performance, Gov. Ugwuanyi reassured them that his administration will do all that it has promised to do for the people in spite of the nation’s challenges.
The deputy governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, who accompanied the governor to the event, had on Tuesday, presented the state government’s position accepting to address all the demands made by the protesting youth also led by Flavour and Phyno.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Friday, addressed youths of the state who visited him at the Government House, Enugu, to press further their demand for the #EndPoliceBrutality in Nigeria, lending his support to the state government’s position as earlier presented by his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, on Tuesday, as well as the decisions of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
Gov. Ugwuanyi who described the protest as a solemn moment for the country, called for prayers and a minute silence for the departed souls of victims of extra-judicial killings in the nation.
The governor, who was accompanied by his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Ezeilo, commended the protesting youth for their peaceful conduct and urged them to remain law-abiding.
He therefore promised them that his administration will intervene and look into their demands, accordingly.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday, inaugurated multiple development projects executed by his administration in some schools in the state, amid jubilation.
The projects inaugurated include solar powered water boreholes newly constructed by his administration through the Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB) in Model Secondary School and Urban Girls Secondary School in the University town of Nsukka, as well as Girls Secondary School Owerre-Ezeorba in Udenu LGA.
Also inaugurated at Girls Secondary School Owerre-Ezeorba, were two ultra-modern hostel blocks comprising 8 halls, a dining hall with kitchen; 60KVA Soundproof Electric Power Generator; renovated 28 classroom blocks and 800 capacity school main hall.
Gov. Ugwuanyi while in Nsukka inspected numerous ongoing construction projects in Command Secondary School, Orba, Udenu LGA, preparatory to its official commencement of academic activities, following its take-over by the military.
Speaking, the governor expressed delight that the newly constructed solar powered boreholes were executed by his administration to address water supply challenges in the schools, to advance the realization of the goals of the Enugu State School Water, Sanitization and Hygiene (WASH) programme.
Gov. Ugwuanyi added that the strategic aim of the water projects in the schools was also to stem the tide of hygiene-related infectiousness diseases, including COVID-19 and to create a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
The governor disclosed that his administration has significantly improved on the infrastructure of the schools.
He stated that the administration had in the recent past, renovated two hostel blocks, one dining hall and 9 buildings of four classroom blocks each, in Modern Secondary School, Nsukka, which facilitated the emergence of the school as the 5th best in the Public School Category in Nigeria, in the 2019 edition of the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award.
This feat, according to the governor, was based on the Federal Ministry of Education’s assessment of infrastructure, teaching and learning, quality of teachers and school administrator as well as school performances in Senior and Junior WAEC examinations.
"In this benchmarking, Model Secondary School, Nsukka brought pride to the state and the school Principal, Mr. Obiora Ezugwuorie has long been appreciated through the Enugu State Executive Council (EXCO) approved promotion to Salary GL-17", he said.
While congratulating the Principal, staff and students of the school for their diligence, Gov. Ugwuanyi, upon the request of the students, approved the immediate construction of a male hostel and an ultramodern hall for the school.
At Urban Girls Secondary School, Nsukka, the Gov. Ugwuanyi administration also carried out a turn-around renovation of three-unit buildings of 8 classrooms which were hitherto damaged by rainstorms in 2018. It equally reconstructed a multi-purpose hall with seating capacity of above 1000 students.
In their speeches, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, the Chairman of PPSMB, Barr. Nestor Ezeme and the Principals of the schools, expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s support and special attention in education, assuring the governor that history will forever remember his footprints in the sector and beyond.
…As he reiterates commitment to children’s protection, education, empowerment
A delegation of female students of secondary schools, across the three senatorial districts of Enugu State, has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his administration’s outstanding commitment in promoting the wellbeing of the state's children, most especially the girl child.
The students made the commendation when the governor wife’s pet project, Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation (U-TOLF) led them to pay an advocacy visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, Enugu, in commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, which took place on October 11.
Speaking, the students appreciated the governor “for your concern for the welfare of children and women”, adding that “this is evident through the signing of the Child Rights and Responsibility Act into Law and further domestication of the law in the state through establishment of family courts and a rehabilitation home for vulnerable women”.
They disclosed that the law has been ensuring the protection of children from all forms of violence and abuse, stressing that “children in Enugu State are empowered to seek for justice when their rights are infringed upon. For this, we are immensely grateful”.
The students who applauded the governor’s swift and silent responses to the plight of the oppressed and destitute, expressed gratitude to him for his fatherly and timely intervention in the case of the 10-year old girl child, Nneoma Nnadi, who was physically abused by her guardians.
“Not only did you (Gov. Ugwuanyi) direct that she receives the best medical attention by taking charge of her hospital bills, you also offered full scholarship for the child up to University level, provided funds for welfare of the widowed mother and her family and equally directed that the Ministry of Justice works to ensure that the perpetrators of the violence are brought to book.
“This demonstrates your zero tolerance to gender based violence, abuse and violation of the rights of a child, support for education and empowerment of women. On behalf of the child and every child in the state, we say thank you”.
Commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for acceding to their request for creation of recreation centres in the state, the students said: “Your Excellency, Last year on the event of the Day of the African Child, we requested that new recreation centres be created in the state and the revitalization of the existing tourist and recreation sites.
“Today, we are excited to witness the manifestation of these requests, tourist sites and recreational centres are springing up in different corners of the state.
“Noticeably in the centre of the metropolis is the Unity Park, beautiful to behold, modern yet retaining its natural features. We are confident that this development will be highly beneficial to Enugu residents both young and old and also attract more tourists into the state. Thank you for hearkening to our call”.
The female students also congratulated the governor on his administration’s massive strides in the education sector, especially in primary and secondary schools across all the three senatorial districts of the state through the Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB), saying that “over a hundred schools can boast of equipped new class room blocks and offices. We currently enjoy improved learning environment”.
They equally commended the governor for his administration’s giant steps to ensure that Enugu State is placed on the national map as one of the best states in the WASH sector, through the recent workshop, organized by the State Ministry of Water Resources and U-TOLF in collaboration with UNICEF, for the development of the state’s roadmap for the attainment of the “Open Defecation Free (ODF)” goal by 2025.
“We believe that this step will position the state to access more funding to improve sanitation in the state, especially in our schools. In no distant time, we want to boast of a state where all children have access to good sanitary facilities. Thank you so much for your commitment to improved healthcare for your people”, they added.
Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi who appreciated the remarkable contributions of U-TOLF in touching lives, reiterated his administration’s commitment to change the narrative in girl child protection, education, opportunities and empowerment in the state.
Disclosing the state government’s willingness to partner U-TOLF for the benefit of the girl child and women in keeping with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the governor maintained that his administration has been in the vanguard of the global agenda through the passage of the Child Rights Law in 2016; establishment of six family courts across the three senatorial districts of the state; provision of free medical, legal and counseling services for victims of rape especially women and girls at Tamar SARC centre; consequential increase in girl child school enrollment, and rescue and rehabilitation of over 1000 young girls who were victims of unwanted pregnancy.
Other sustainable policies and bold actions, according to the governor, “rescue and re-union of over 50 physically abused children (mostly girls) with their families; award of scholarship to some victims of the domestic violence; provision of shelter at the FSP Children’s Home and Oasis of Hope for the Needy for over 100 vulnerable children, and establishment of School Gender Based Clubs”.
On his administration’s commitment in encouraging girls to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses, the governor pointed out the state government, through the well-resourced Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB) has vigorously promoted STEM education in the state.
Consequently, he stated that his administration has improved the infrastructure in the 295 Secondary Schools and 41 Science Technical and Vocational (STV) schools in the state, recruited professionally trained science, technical and mathematics teachers for secondary and STV schools, continued training and retraining of teachers and provision of science and technical equipment for schools as well as provision of computers and accessories to basic, secondary, science and technical schools.
Other measures include “conduct of annual science and technology fair at the basic education level; participation in local and national science, technology and mathematics competition, formation of science and mathematics clubs in our schools and formation of Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientist’s Clubs in our schools”.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Saturday, attended the monthly Local Government meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in some council areas of the state, unscheduled, to indentify, appreciate and inspire party members and teeming supporters, amid excitement.
Addressing party members at the meeting, which was the first since the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), Gov. Ugwuanyi appreciated God for His protection, mercy and kindness throughout the peak of the pandemic, stressing that “we have come here to thank God for our life and health”.
The governor, who maintained that the PDP in Enugu State under his watch is very strong, told the jubilant party faithful that “we are not taking your support for our party for granted”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi urged PDP members in Enugu State to continue to keep faith with the party’s ideals, reiterating his administration’s commitment to sustain the tempo of peace, security and good governance in the state.
While expressing delight at the enthusiasm and happiness on the faces of large numbers of PDP faithful at the various Local Government Party offices he visited for the meeting, the governor thanked God for the existing peace and unity in the PDP family in the state, disclosing that his administration is devising a means to appreciate and recognize those who have not been recognized.
Receiving the governor, the enthusiastic party members reassured him of their total support and loyalty, commending his uncommon leadership qualities that have entrenched peace, security, good governance and participatory democracy in Enugu State.
Some of the Local Government Party offices he visited include Enugu South, Enugu North and Enugu East LGAs.
Enugu State shines again at the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award (PTSEA)
Enugu State has sustained its outstanding performance at the annual President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award (PTSEA), as the Principal of Urban Girls Secondary School, Enugu, Mrs. Chioma Ebue, was decorated as the 1st Runner Up - Best Administrator in Junior Secondary School category in Nigeria, at the 2020 edition of the event, recently held at Eagle Square, Abuja, to commemorate Teachers’ Day celebration.
It would be recalled that Model Secondary School, Nsukka, in Enugu State, during the 2019 edition of the PTSEA, emerged the 5th best school in public category in Nigeria, sequel to the general assessment of infrastructure, E-Library, quality teaching & learning in public secondary schools in the country, by the Federal Ministry of Education.
The outstanding feat, according to the Executive Chairman of Enugu State Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB), Barr. Nestor Ezeme, who received the award on behalf of the school, was a fallout from various educational interventions by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi's administration, which ensured the overhaul of all classroom blocks at Model Secondary School, Nsukka, construction of dormitories and dining hall with state-of-the-art facilities”.
Other pivotal interventions, according to the PPSMB Chairman, include “installation of ICT/E-Library through the works department of the Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB) and recruitment and training of quality teachers, leading to excellent performance of the school's JSS3 and SS3 students in junior and senior WAEC, respectively, among others”.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, yesterday, performed the ground breaking ceremony of an auxiliary office complex for the State House of Assembly, amid excitement.
Performing the foundation laying, in a colourful event witnessed by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi and other 23 members of the House, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that the befitting office complex, covering 3,500 square metres, at the premises of the Enugu State Parliament Building located within the three Arms Zone of the Independence Layout, Enugu, is “the audacious infrastructural improvement” to the historic public structure since its initial construction.
The governor, who disclosed that his administration had undertaken a series of renovations of the state legislature's complex to improve the operating environment, added that the aim of the new office complex was to ensure that the state parliament was well equipped and motivated for efficient delivery of its legislative mandate in a conducive working atmosphere.
He said that the commencement of the project was consistent with his administration’s policy of building capacity of the state public institutions to equip them for improved service delivery, stressing that “the Enugu State House of Assembly, the second arm of government in our constitutional democracy, is a critical public institution”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi explained that the new office complex for the State House of Assembly, comprising of two floors, has a total of 29 offices for members and their support staff, with two functional court yards and an interactive Speaker’s Chamber housing a befitting conference room and other ancillary facilities.
Stating that his administration has made concerted efforts in providing the needed infrastructure for the State Judiciary in keeping with its avowed commitment to development of state public institutions, Gov. Ugwuanyi pointed out that it undertook extensive renovation of the State Judiciary Headquarters complex; construction of one new High Court, 11 Magistrate Courts, two Open Registries, permanent site of the State Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters, and thirty-four model Customary Courts, two in each Local Government Area.
The governor further disclosed that his administration also provided soundproofed generators for the High Courts as well as Judges’ residences, among others.
“Our administration certainly respects the interdependence of the three arms of government. The other sectors of governance have also enjoyed significant boost in their infrastructure”, he said.
“The Enugu State Parliament/Legislative Complex succinctly tells the Enugu story. Enugu became capital of Eastern Region after Nigeria’s independence in 1960 (1960-1967), East Central State (1967-1976), old Anambra State (1976-1991), old Enugu State (1991-1996) and new Enugu State (1996 till date).
“The old Eastern Nigerian Parliament Building, located in the State Secretariat, gave way to the present Enugu State Parliament Building following the construction of the latter which commenced in 1963 in response to increasing number of Legislators beyond the Chamber capacity of the former. Ever since it came into use, it has housed the state level parliament through a succession of territorial adjustments as mentioned above”, the governor explained.
Responding, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ubosi, on behalf of the members and staff of the House of Assembly, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s laudable vision in transforming the infrastructural deficits in the legislative complex, such as re-roofing of the building, furnishing of the hallowed chamber including the installation of digital microphone, landscaping, remodeling of the entrance gate and rehabilitation of the access road, among others. The Speaker said that the governor’s intervention has guaranteed a conducive environment for them to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
He stated that the edifice is of international standard and will enhance their service delivery to the public, when completed, stressing that “the Enugu State House of Assembly will not take this kind gesture by His Excellency for granted”.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, assured the governor and members of the House that the project will be delivered in record time in line with the specified standard for public buildings and practice of engineering across the world.
The federal government, governors of the South East geo-political zone and other stakeholders, have commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, for his administration’s commitment and uncommon support towards the completion of the Administrative Block of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Academy, at Udi Local Government Area of the state.
The FRSC Academy which is a centre of excellence for the acquisition of skills in road traffic administration and safety management in Africa was relocated from its temporary site in Jos, Plateau State to Udi, Enugu State, in 2014, after the Enugu State Government gave the Corps 35 hectares of land and further committed to providing the internal road network in the facility as well as a befitting administrative block.
Speaking during inauguration of the administrative block, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, expressed the immense appreciation of the federal government to “the Enugu State Government, under the amiable leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the show of uncommon support for the Corps”.
Mr. Mustapha told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “your goodwill and that of the good people of Enugu State is highly acknowledged by the federal government”.
Represented by the Director, PRS, Jamiu Adelabu Abdukalreem, the SGF, who expressed confidence that the establishment of the FRSC Academy in Enugu State will continue to aid the realization of the FRSC vision, added that the purposeful partnership with Enugu State Government in this regard “should, therefore, be emulated by other state governments, organizations and individuals to enhance the country’s road safety management efforts”.
Mr. Mustapha, therefore, reassured the people that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari will continue to support all noble aspirations of FRSC, especially as it concerns the provision of adequate funding and necessary logistics for sustainable safety campaigns to rid the nation’s highways of road traffic crashes.
“This administration is equally poised to facilitate the leading role of FRSC in road traffic administration and safety management in Africa. On this note, I wish to convey the sincere appreciation of Mr. President, over the support of the state governments to FRSC, in various capacities. Similarly, I wish to call on members of the public to collectively take responsibility of safety awareness and key into road safety programmes to achieve a safe motoring environment in Nigeria”.
Earlier in his opening address, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, who also thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for what his administration has done for the Corps, disclosed that the governor has agreed to provide additional land for the Academy for its proposed expansion.
Dr. Oyeyemi said that the governor on assumption of office demonstrated a renewed vigour to fulfill the pledge of the previous administration, stressing that “following the commitment of His Excellency (Gov. Ugwuanyi), fund was released to the Corps with the counterpart funding provided by the Federal Government to actualize this project”.
“I am short of words to convey the gratitude of the Corps to the Government and good people of Enugu State”, the Corps Marshal added.
In their goodwill messages, the governors of Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra and Abia states, who were represented at the event, respectively, applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi’s efforts, support and magnanimity towards the realization of the FRSC Academy project.
Inaugurating the project, Gov. Ugwuanyi who acknowledged the sacrifice made by the royal fathers and people of the three communities in Udi LGA that jointly own the parcel of the land where the academy is located, also commended the giant strides of the present leadership of the FRSC, in pursuing vigorously the provision of infrastructural facilities for the Corps which enabled the academy to move from the temporary site at Jos, to its permanent site at Udi. The governor explained that the completion of the administrative block was a tasking demand on the state government’s meager resources on assumption of office.
“However, with the passion of our government for road safety and our synergy with the Corps as exemplified in the professional and technical support provided by the FRSC, through the academy, in the training of the staff of the Enugu State Traffic Management Agency and drivers of the Enugu State Government, we were encouraged to ensure the delivery of the project as earlier agreed”, the governor said.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to good governance and safety, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed: “The Enugu State Government has prioritized road infrastructural development and maintenance of existing roads since the inception of this administration.
“We have improved on road furniture in all our roads and traffic lights within the urban areas. Our administration launched the State Traffic Management Agency to make our roads safer and more user friendly. We are conscious of the link between transportation and the economy hence the determination of our government to create a safe road system that will encourage economic growth and development”.
Enugu Government has directed all state and private tertiary institutions operating in the state to reopen from October 12.
The directive was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze.
Eze said the decision was taken “following the consensus reached with the management of tertiary institutions in Enugu State after series of consultations and the gracious approval of Enugu State Government.”
He said the state government also directed the management of each of the institutions to announce specific date of resumption of academic activities “when the approved guidelines for COVID-19 have been met. The State Ministry of Education has set up a monitoring team to ensure that every institution abides by the approved guidelines for safe operations in our schools.”
In a bid to position the state as the digital and business hub of the southeast geopolitical zone, the Enugu State government has rolled out a metro Wifi project, a statewide wireless network.
The low-cost Wi-Fi hotspot connection project, which runs under a first-of-its-kind franchise model, offers job opportunities to Enugu youths as independent data resellers, who are deployed across various locations within the state known as Wi-Fi zones.
With the WiFi data, which is sold at NGN 250/GB by agents in 22 WiFi zones of the state, users can have more access to the Internet via their mobile phones or personal computers.
The project, which is a boost to the digital economy of the state and the medium and small-scale businesses, is part of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s job creation initiatives, as well as, his commitment to the betterment of Ndi-Enugu.
Speaking on the project, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, special adviser to the Governor on SME Development and head, Enugu SME Center, explained that the aim of the project is to enable the youths in Enugu State to become gainfully employed by reselling Internet data at lower rates, as well as, driving a lot of users to subscribe for data using mobile apps.
Enumerating the socio-economic benefits of the initiative, Chilo-Offiah noted that, “It will boost employment opportunities, which is part of the job creation initiatives of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and also provide data at lower cost”.
According to the special adviser to the Governor on SME Development and head, Enugu SME Center, the Enugu WiFi franchise model is a business model that enables individuals or groups to acquire the Enugu WiFi devices for the purpose of reselling Internet to people within their WiFi zones at a cheaper rate for the purpose of making a profit.
The project is coming at a time there is an urgent need to bridge the digital gap and the state seems to be taking the lead.
Moreover, the coronavirus pandemic has prompted a surge in the ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide between those who do and those who do not have access to internet connections necessary for distance learning, remote work, telemedicine, and day-to-day essential services.
According to Chilo-Offiah, the COVID-19 pandemic is shining a bright light on what was already a significant challenge for the state such as delivering ubiquitous, scalable broadband connectivity to people in the state, as well as, businesses. The crisis has fueled the energy around seeing these deliverables come to fruition as broadband is no longer a luxury, but the critical infrastructure for all.
“I am proud of the work to bring connectivity to our communities, and I will continue challenging our public and private partners to break down systemic barriers for our students and MSMEs to have access to learn and connect using online tools,” Chilo-Offiah concluded.
The project is modeled after the live WiFi offering built by Wicrypt; an Enugu-based Tech company, which allows its users to get paid while sharing their WiFi.
Excited on the WiFi rollout, Aronu Ugochukwu, CEO of Wicrypt, said, “This solution will enable over 3 million residents in Enugu State to have access to affordable Internet”.
Moreover, offices, homes, parks, can purchase the WiFi to provide free Internet at their establishments or for resale purposes.
With just 22 WiFi zones in the rollout stage, the Enugu State government, through the Enugu SME Center, the sponsor of the Wi-Fi hotspot connection, is hoping to increase the number of the zones to over 500 by the end of the year.
Enugu State Government reopens all state and private tertiary institutions in the state from October 12, 2020
...Directs the management of each of the institutions to announce specific date of resumption of academic activities "when the approved guidelines for COVID-19 have been met".
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze "The State Ministry of Education has set up a monitoring team to ensure that every institution abides by the approved guidelines for safe operations in our schools".
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has been inducted as the first Fellow of the Institute of Peace, Conflict and Development Studies (IPCDS) of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu.
Speaking during the induction, the Director of IPCDS, Prof. Felix Asogwa disclosed that the choice of Gov. Ugwuanyi, which was a unanimous decision, was made “on account of Your Excellency’s sterling qualities and achievements in Enugu State, since 2015, especially in the area of peace-building."
Disclosing that the exercise was the first of its kind since the inception of the Institute, Prof. Asogwa added that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration “has been the most friendly and peaceful administration ever in Enugu State”.
The Director described the governor as a man of peace and an astute conflict manager, explaining that the Institute, which is novel in the entire South-East and South-South geo political zones, is saddled with the responsibility of “academic training and sundry needs of individuals, groups and government in the aggregated areas of peace, conflict, security, defence, leadership and development, among others”.
Performing the induction, Prof. Asogwa said: “In the fulfillment of our mandate as a research-based institution, we have painstakingly studied your leadership style, which is anchored on accommodation, openness and strategic engagement with various interest groups in the state and beyond, and came to the conclusion that only such style of leadership could have spawned such unprecedented developmental strides, which your administration has recorded since inception.
“Beyond the drive in infrastructural development, your administration has done exceptionally well in the areas of peace building and human security. Your Excellency’s administration has also prioritized the health security of the people, which was significantly scaled up in the management of the novel COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is for this and many more reasons that the Board of the Institute, in total agreement with the University Management, approved Your Excellency’s induction as Fellow, Institute for Peace, Conflict and Development Studies (FIPCDS), in recognition of Your Excellency’s outstanding leadership qualities in the areas of peace, conflict management, human security and development”.
In their separate speeches, the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of ESUT Governing Council and Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah and the acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Charles Eze, endorsed the decision, stressing that the governor’s commitment to peace and good governance was unprecedented.
Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi who delightfully accepted the fellowship award, pledged his support to the goals of the Institute, promising to live up to the highest ideals expected of him as a fellow of the body.
The governor expressed deep appreciation and immense gratitude to the Institute as well as the Chairman and members of ESUT Governing Council, noting that he was humbled when he received the information of the induction “particularly because the award is predicated on my modest efforts on Peace and security which remain cardinal to democracy and governance”.
The governor pointed out that in spite of the difficulty of achieving and maintaining peace and security, his administration has been “investing heavily on and still committed to doing whatever I can to continue to build and sustain peace in Enugu State and to continue to guarantee the safety of all citizens and residents”.
He revealed that “consequent upon the resolution of the South East Governors Forum, I remain the first Governor to constitute and set up Enugu State Forest guards backed by legislation in addition to the Neighbourhood Watch to check the menace of criminals, especially in our rural communities which aligns with my policy and emphasis on the development of our rural communities”.
According to him, “these deliberate steps, including support to Law enforcement agents to strengthen their commitment and increase their capacity to check crimes within Enugu State, are undoubtedly cardinal but certainly not sufficient to guarantee peace and security.
“This is why as Governor, I spend a lot of energy, time and resources to encourage all citizens, groups and communities to eschew conflicts and live in peace. Along this line, I have taken pains to run an all-inclusive government devoid of divides that weaken rather than strengthen the chains of peace and security.
“Beyond all these human efforts, I have from the date of my oath of office as Governor handed over Enugu State to the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob and the awesome God of David. ‘Enugu State is in the Hands of God.’
“My desire as Governor is to continue to work on peace and security until they can habitually be taken for granted by all citizens and residents of Enugu State. This award therefore touches on the very essence of our vision and mission in governance”.
Earlier in the citation on Gov. Ugwuanyi, the Institute stated that “the peace we have today in Enugu state has translated into a secured environment of existence, where people can sleep with their two eyes closed” adding that “Enugu State today is one of the most peaceful and secured State in the country and this has increased the confidence of investors that have identified the State as an investment destination, especially with the existence of Free Export Processing Zone”.
They maintained that “Governor Ugwuanyi’s managerial acumen in relation to the management of human and material resources is awesome”, pointing out that “in a country reeling in economic recession; a country where many states cannot afford to pay workers’ salaries, Governor Ugwuanyi has brought his Midas touch to bear”.
According to them, “Today, Enugu State is ranked among the three most resilient state economies in Nigeria; and one of the States that has kept faith with the prompt payment of workers’ salaries even when it is not an oil-producing State. His administration has repositioned the LG Areas in the state and cleared the backlog of salaries inherited by his administration. Furthermore, by dint of hard work, altruism and sacrifice the governor has sustained the development tempo in the state and taken it a step further by bringing the rural communities into the mainstream of development in the state.
“For instance, on October 15th 2016, various rural development projects were simultaneously flagged off in all the 17 LGAs. Apart from this, his administration has embarked on numerous legacy projects in the state that time may not permit their enumeration here.
“To add to the foregoing, Governor Ugwuanyi has demonstrated enormous capacity in managing and resolving conflicts in the state by adopting a bipartisan approach to governance. He has been able to manage the herdsmen crisis in most parts of the state and brought peace among the herdsmen and their host communities. He has been able to bring together sworn enemies to the table of peace and they shook hands and ate together.
“He has been able to resolve the intractable Oruku-Umuode conflict which had defied all previous solutions. During the COVID-19 national lockdown, he personally supervised adherence to the lockdown in our various borders at odd hours of the night.
“Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has demonstrated to humanity that peace is a product of positive mental attitude, while violence is the result of negative thinking. This is the lesson that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has taught us since his emergence as Governor of Enugu State. No legacy can be greater than this. Governor Ugwuanyi has indeed shown persistence in the presence of challenges; courage in the face of obstacles and resilience in the face of trials.
“His disposition to peace is one of the major reasons why the Global Society for Anti-Corruption (GSAC), recently appointed him as a Global Peace Ambassador. This appointment has shown that while many people may be disposed to violence, there are still men and women of honour and conscience who deny themselves a lot to seek and sustain peace at all costs. Such people are rare and Governor Ugwuanyi falls into this category. Despite the many studs in the way, Governor Ugwuanyi has remained as calm as a gentle dove; preferring to conquer his adversaries through peace and love.
“John Okwoeze Odey wrote in his epic book “Mahatma Gandhi: A Profile in Love, Peace and Non-violence” that as early as December 1909, Gopal Krishna Gokhale told the members of the Indian National Congress at Lahore that “a purer, a nobler, a braver and more exalted spirit than Gandhi have never moved on this earth. Gandhi, he said is “a man among men, a hero among heroes, a patriot among patriots”. This testimony aptly befits Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and we may well say that in Governor Ugwuanyi, Enugu State, humanity at the present time has reached its high water-mark.
“People like Governor Ugwuanyi are sent by God to redeem us from a sense of common place and futility, and are an inspiration to us not to weary in well-doing and promoting peace. Ugwuanyi has shown us a new technique in peace building, which we cannot ignore. We must praise him for taking a non-violent approach to governance in Enugu State; for demonstrating love instead of hate for his people. This, for us, is the most essential work; the most important of all the work being done in Enugu State today, wherein not only the people of Enugu State but the entire southeast will partake of.
“In Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu State has seen a man without armies; without political thugs, without showmanship, with nothing but goodness; the goodness that is willing to be vilified by men of lesser understanding, whose disposition to good has risen from the north of Enugu to govern men in the east and west of Enugu State.
“Ugwuanyi has shown us the way out of political crisis and that way is the way of love, benevolence and non-violence. This approach is the moral equivalent of war against bellicosity and high-handedness in governance. Governor Ugwuanyi is indeed a man among men, a patriot among patriots and a dove of peace. Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has taught us that where war destroys and tears apart, peace builds, strengthens and restores.
“He has shown us that peaceful revolution is the outcome of peaceful thinking; that peaceful minds make for a peaceful world and that a peaceful society is the result of peaceful persons promoting peace at all costs; that peace can be established only when every single unit of society is ready to live in peace; and that only those persons who are ready to embrace peace, regardless of the circumstances, can live in peace.
“For Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount that “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God”, is absolutely true. It is in view of the numerous achievements of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu State, especially in the area of peace building that we proudly present him to you as the first recipient of the prestigious Fellow of the Institute of Peace, Conflict and Development Studies, (IPCDS), Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu”.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (left), receiving a book from the former Chief of Naval Staff and former Military Governor, old Anambra and old Imo States, Rear Admiral Alison Madueke, on the latter's autobiography, titled "Riding The Storms With God In My Sails", at the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman (South East), Chief Austin Umahi, others, receive the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, enroute Anambra State, for an official engagement.
NAPTIP Lauds Ugwuanyi’s Development Strides, Support For Frontline Health Worker
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has applauded Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, for his administration’s “giant developmental projects” in the state since its assumption of office in 2015.
NAPTIP also commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for “your recent consistent support for your frontline health workers to safeguard the lives of the citizens of Enugu State, to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic”.
The body gave the commendations when the Director General (DG), Dame Julie Okah-Donli, led a delegation to the Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday, for the inauguration of the Enugu State Task Force on Human Trafficking, which was performed by Gov. Ugwuanyi.
Okah-Donli said that “it takes a man with strong vision and purpose to achieve these feats”.
The DG explained that NAPTIP as the focal agency in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria, “is also the implementing agency for the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015, which Enugu State domesticated on 8th May 2019”.
She disclosed that NAPTIP was collaborating with state governments to set up task forces against human trafficking, under the supervision of the state governors, to be chaired by the State Attorney Generals, in order to consolidate the efforts of the agency and other stakeholders.
The NAPTIP boss pointed out that the problems associated with human trafficking as well as irregular migration have become of great national concern, “especially with the large number of Nigerians trapped in sexual and labour exploitation in various African and European countries”.
Expressing worries that human trafficking portends danger to human and national security, the NAPTIP DG stressed that “it must be addressed boldly and frontally”.
She therefore maintained that the state task forces on human trafficking have a pivotal role to play in ensuring adequate sensitization at the grassroots and among vulnerable groups, “providing services and support to victims who have been rescued and returned, as well as information sharing and law enforcement”.
Inaugurating the Enugu State Task Force, chaired by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Miletus Eze, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who described human trafficking as “an open wound on the body of our society, a crime against humanity, and a global phenomenon that exceeds the competence of any community or country”, stated that it requires a mobilization comparable to the size of the phenomenon, in order to be eliminated.
The governor noted that his administration had earlier demonstrated commitment to the elimination of the human trafficking menace, disclosing that Enugu was among the first few states in Nigeria to pass the Child Rights and Responsibility Law of 2015.
Gov. Ugwuanyi appreciated the laudable efforts of NAPTIP and its brilliant move in reconstituting the state working groups into state task forces “to provide a platform to articulate and consolidate state governments’ policies and programmes to counter the terrible scourge of human trafficking”.
He therefore called for enhanced partnership among government institutions, the private sector, academic institutions, the media, civil society and the faith-based organizations, to eradicate trafficking and rehabilitate survivors.
Other members of the state task force include Prof. Malachy Okwueze (Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor); Tochukwu, Emmanuel Anyanwuma (State Ministry of Justice); Mr. Chuka Umunna (Federal Ministry of Labour& Employment); Okenwa Uzoamaka Uzoechina (State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development); CSP Ezenwa Onyekaba (Nigeria Police Force); CIS Nneka Ilojeme (Nigerian Immigration Service); Achi Idris (National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency); Ikpa Chinyere Rose (National Security and Civil Defence Corps), and Uwa Chioma (Federal Road Safety Corps).
Others are HRH Igwe Emmanuel Umunna (Representative of Traditional Institutions); Prof. Fred Eze, (OHANEZE) (Representative of Socio-Cultural Organizations); Ogbuefi Esther (Representative of Youths and Women Group); Ogbonna Ugochukwu (WACOL), Chinelo Dim (WINET), Comrade Elias Agu (CLO), Amara Amusi (DOVES Foundation) and Chinyere Mgbo (NAWOJ).
The Enugu State Government has announced the phased re-opening of all primary and secondary schools in the state, for 3rd term academic activities, on Monday, September 28, 2020.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, the decision was reached “following the Enugu State Education sector stakeholders’ consensus and gracious approval of His Excellency the Governor”.
Prof. Eze pointed out that “it is important to note that necessary measures have been put in place in our schools for safe re-opening”.
He added that “teachers/students/pupils are therefore requested to ensure that they abide by the approved guidelines on COVID-19”, stressing that “no person will be allowed into any school without appropriate facemask/shield”.
According to the commissioner, “strong monitoring teams at state and Local Government Areas have been constituted to monitor compliance with the approved guidelines for the safety of all that operate in our schools”.
He therefore noted that “Primary six and Junior Secondary three students have completed their examinations and are not expected to be back to school”.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday, declared open a workshop for the development of the state’s roadmap for the attainment of the “Open Defecation Free (ODF)” goal by 2025.
The two-day event, which is being organized by the Enugu State Government and Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation (U-TOLF) in collaboration with UNICEF, is expected to set the agenda for actualization of improved sanitation and hygienic status for the state as well as behavioural change amongst communities, etc, for healthy living.
Declaring open the workshop, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that available statistics indicate that about 46 million Nigerians practice open defecation, stressing that such an awkward act impacts negatively on the health, educational outcomes and socio-economic life of the people.
The governor who further disclosed that “the Federal Government of Nigeria has committed to end open defecation in Nigeria by 2025, in line with revised global targets set by United Nations”, added that his administration is determined to domesticate this vision and align its actions to national goals.
Consequently, he pointed out that his administration has declared emergency on Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector in the state with the target of making the state open defecation free by 2025, and also inaugurated the inter-ministerial steering Committee for revitalizing the WASH sector to lead coordinated actions in the state.
Gov. Ugwuanyi also pointed out that the state government signed up to the national Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) strategy – a national collaboration for a multi-sector partnership designed to provide opportunity for the water and sanitation sector to leverage expertise, technology and financial resources from all levels of government, development partners, private sector, civil society and community, to improve the sector.
The governor maintained that “Enugu State Government needs a Roadmap that provides clear vision, mission, strategy, prioritized costed plan, milestones and targets to qualify to leverage the available national resources for sanitation”
He therefore added that the state government will also lead in strengthening systems at local levels including planning, human and financial resourcing, implementation, private sector mainstreaming as well as monitoring of results, expressing optimism that “this two-day inception workshop is expected to set these agenda”.
While thanking UNICEF and U-TOLF for their invaluable support for the workshop, Gov. Ugwuanyi urged other private sector organizations including Rotary Club and religious organizations to help drive the behavioural change needed for attainment of these goals.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, the organization’s WASH Manager in Enugu, Ms. Mamita Bora Thakkar, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration for its commitment to the attainment of the national goal of open defecation-free status by 2025, stressing that the governor’s presence, support and inspiration were exceptional and commendable.
She added that UNICEF remains committed to providing technical support to the federal and state governments for the actualization of the set goals of the ODF Roadmap.
In his opening remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources, Mr. Anthony Dubem Onyia, stated that the Ugwuanyi administration has undertaken concrete steps towards the fulfillment of its obligation to participate in the PEWASH process and tap into the Federal Government’s National Wash Action Plan.
Onyia said that “Enugu State had before now declared over 44 communities in Igbo-Etiti, Nkanu East, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North and Udenu LGAs, Open Defecation Free (ODF) with support from WaterAid”.
Igbo leaders have commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, for his accomplishments in the areas of peace, good governance and the recent state’s economic rating.
Speaking when the leaders visited Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, applauded the governor for the recent rating of Enugu as one of the six economically viable states in Nigeria that can survive without federal allocations.
Chief Nwodo, who was accompanied by the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, added that Enugu was the only state in the South East geopolitical zone to accomplish such an outstanding feat.
He disclosed that they were at the Government House, Enugu on a routine consultation “we are having with our governors on matters of Igbo concern”.
The Ohanaeze President-General revealed that they appraised the developmental issues in Igbo land and took brief on Gov. Ugwuanyi’s budget priorities in the areas of digital education, health, infrastructure, security, among others “and we are pleased with what he told us”.
The Igbo leaders expressed delight that the governor has maintained a peaceful atmosphere in Enugu State, and has equally reduced political differences to the barest minimum that there is no more issue of bickering or quarrel.
According to Nwodo, “we have listened to the governor about things he has done to make Enugu remain peaceful and to ensure that the people of the state live in peace, and we commend him for what he has done to earn Enugu the enviable status as one of the most peaceful states in Igbo land and Nigeria.
“This is not the only governor we have visited. This is the third governor we have visited in the ten days. We have paid a visit to the Governor of Imo State; we met with Governor of Ebonyi State this morning and we are going to meet with the Governors of Abia as well as Anambra States in the coming days.
...Pledges absolute loyalty, support for governor’s political decisions in 2023
Thousands of jubilant members and supporters of the resilient Ebeano Political Family in Enugu State, on Saturday, unanimously endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as their leader in whom they are well pleased.
The members of the political movement gave the endorsement, when the founder who was a former governor of the state and Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial District, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, led them to pay a solidarity visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, Enugu.
Describing Gov. Ugwuanyi as one of them and an unassuming, peace-loving, visionary and worthy leader who has kept the vision and philosophy of the movement alive, the Ebeano family pledged their unalloyed loyalty and support to the governor in his choice of a political successor.
The Ebeano family maintained that Gov. Ugwuanyi deserves the same political privileges enjoyed by his predecessors in the choice of their successors as well as other positions.
Speaking at the colourful and well-attended event, the founder of the Ebeano Political Family, Senator Dr. Nnamani, reassured the governor that they will fully mobilize and rally support on his political decisions in 2023, stressing that “where you are going is where shall go”.
Sen. Nnamani who disclosed that Ebeano signifies “balancing of interest, applying leverages to guarantee interest”, added that Gov. Ugwuanyi is “a man of destiny, with political savvy and sagacity, who is far above others”.
Recalling how Gov. Ugwuanyi brought him back from political retirement, Sen. Nnamani pointed out that the Ebeano movement is not a political party but only playing a complementary role to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to actualize its lofty agenda.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was delighted at the event, said that “today’s visit to show solidarity is akin to a family reunion as I see many friends and associates of old, political associates, business friends and indeed my peers in the streets of Enugu growing up”.
The governor added that the solidarity was “a spontaneous freewill demonstration of your support with the sole aim of affording our administration the peace, focus and conducive operating political environment to consolidate our modest achievements and deliver more dividends of democracy to Ndi Enugu”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi who paid glowing tribute to Sen. Nnamani for the unique role he played in his political career, said that “I therefore proudly acknowledge God’s faithfulness using this family at the beginning of my political odyssey and I say – to God be the glory”.
Reiterating his resolve to continue to serve the people of Enugu State diligently, the governor noted: “The event of today is a most humbling experience; it challenges us to a deeper reflection and further reinforces our commitment to serve Ndi Enugu”.
He therefore assured the people of the state that his administration will always work for their great good.
“In 2015, it pleased God, and through the instrumentally of the good people of Enugu State, I was elected governor of the state and re-elected in 2019 to serve our people. Our second term re-election was a referendum on our first term performance which saw Ndi Enugu giving us 95.54 percent of total valid votes cast in 2019 gubernatorial election; a phenomenal and unprecedented expression of support across party lines, religious divide and cultural distinction. This underscores the quantum of confidence reposed in our leadership by Ndi Enugu”, Gov. Ugwuanyi said.
Other speakers at the event, such as the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu of the Federal House of Representatives; State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani; Chief Frank Nweke Jnr. and Dr. Dan Shere, who is the Coordinator of the group, eulogized Gov. Ugwuanyi’s uncommon leadership roles in unifying all political interests as well as reinvigorating the philosophy of the Ebeano political movement, which gave birth to virtually all political actors in the state today.
Politics › ..Buhari keeps mum as unqualified NAPTIP boss assumes office by OEPHIUS(op): 10:20pm On Oct 24, 2020*. Modified: 12:48pm On Mar 01, 2023
