₦airaland Forum

…March on streets to Government House

*Say gov is the first to pay them new wage without crisis

There was jubilation in Enugu State, Tuesday, as civil servants marched through the streets of Enugu to the Government House, to thank Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for being the first governor of the state, since the inception of democracy in 1999, to pay them the minimum wage without rancour.

The jubilant workers, who were led by the leadership of the Organized Labour in the state, comprising the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Virginus Nwobodo, his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Benneth Asogwa and Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe, among others, marched from the State Secretariat in GRA, through Garden Avenue, Ogui road and Bisala down to the Government House at Independence Layout. It was such an emotional event as the workers sang solidarity songs while also thanking Gov. Ugwuanyi for paying them the agreed new minimum wage, during the weekend.

They displayed banners and placards with inscriptions such as: “Enugu State workers say Thank You His Excellency for the new minimum wage”, “Gburus, Enugu workers say Thank You for regular payment of salaries”, “Gburus, thank you for giving us new minimum wage without stress”, “Thank you for regular payment of monthly pensions”, “Gburus, you are a pacesetter”, Gburus is our man”.

Speaking at the Government House, Enugu, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Nwobodo, told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “Enugu workers are very happy and delighted that this is the first time since the inception of democracy in 1999 that a governor in Enugu State paid us a new minimum wage without any crisis, stress or industrial action”.

Comrade Nwobodo disclosed that the workers were surprised and elated to receive their salary alerts during the weekend reflecting the new minimum wage in line with the agreed consequential adjustment chart.

“Today is a special day in the history of Enugu State”, the labour leader noted “because there is no worker in Enugu State that did not benefit from Ugwuanyi’s alert, and that is why we are singing now”.

In his speech, the State Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, Comrade Asogwa, narrated Gov. Ugwuanyi’s numerous interventions towards the welfare of the state workers, such as the 100 units of one-bedroom flats for civil servants between grade levels 01-10, regular payment of salaries and pensions and the payment of 13th month salary.

“It’s instructive that Gov. Ugwuanyi was recording such feats at a time when many states could not pay their workers’ salaries”, says Asogwa. According to the union leader, the process through which the winners of the houses emerged was “the greatest transparency we have ever seen in the history of leadership”.

The TUC chairman maintained that the state workers marched to the Government House to let the world know that “it is because you have been able to turn the history positively as far as minimum wage is concerned in Enugu State”.

According to him, “we want to also tell them that what we are doing today is significant because in the past, whenever minimum wage was being expected, it was always negative. Then, we would mourn from, maybe, New Haven to our Secretariat crying and shouting. Then, you would see all Enugu in pains. But today, we have come to Government House, smiling”.

Comrade Asogwa, who maintained that this was the first time the workers had a salary chart that was a product of collective bargaining, told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “the greatest political party you have identified with is the public service and you are a full registered member and we can tell you that you have our mandate, anytime.”

His words: “Your Excellency, I want to summarize by saying that history will never forget your regime. We stand here to say that in Enugu State, we have worked for years without salary chart until somebody called Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi a.k.a Gburugburu came and the dignity of workers was restored. We stand here today to say, Your Excellency, we are very grateful.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Igbokwe, endorsed the expressions made by his fellow labour leaders, adding that “what is happening here today is the first in this country as far as the implementation of minimum wage is concerned”.

Comrade Igbokwe, who joined other labour leaders and the State Head of Service, Mr. Chidi Ezema in presenting a Thank You card to the governor on behalf of the state workers, revealed that “the joy in the hearts of the workers today is overwhelming”.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked the state workers for their support, solidarity and appreciation in respect of the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state. The governor stated that the mandate of his administration is to serve the people with the fear of God, and reiterated his firm belief that “a worker deserves his wage”. He also appreciated the labour unions for the discipline and maturity they displayed in their engagement during the processes that led to the implementation of the new minimum wage.

“You will recall that in my inaugural address, I said that we will deploy government services to create fair and equal opportunity for every willing citizen to make a living and create wealth, educate our children, and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment. We remain committed to this.”

Enugu State is in the hands of God!##

…As Ugwuanyi signs state’s Security Trust Fund bill into Law

*Govt directs owners of public buildings to install CCTV cameras within six months

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, has approved intervention funds for infrastructural development in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka and Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

The approvals, according to the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, who briefed newsmen after the meeting of the State Executive Council (EXCO), were in continuation of the efforts of the state government to advance development and increase the level of partnership with private and faith-based organizations, towards enhancing good governance in the state.

Consequently, Aroh stated that the council approved the immediate release of the sum N150 million to Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka, for upgrade of facilities in the hospital, which is a major health service centre in Nsukka zone.

The information commissioner pointed out that the upgrade of facilities at Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka, which is a faith-based organization, will go a long way to complement the health services of state government’s hospitals in providing quality healthcare to the people of the state.

Aroh added that the council approved the release of additional N100 million to Uzo-Uwani LGA, for further intervention along Nkpologu-Uvuru-Ukpatu-Adaba- Umuluokpa road, particularly the section that urgently requires erosion control work and embankment.

He recalled that prior to the inception of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, people from 13 out of 16 electoral wards in Uzo-Uwani could not access their council headquarters, Umulokpa, unless they go through Anambra State or Nsukka-9th Mile-Ezeagu LGA, disclosing that “through the intervention of this administration, the road is accessible and the people of the area can now go to their headquarters with ease”.

The commissioner further added that the council also approved the release of N24 million to Uzo-Uwani LGA for overhaul of the medical centre at Umulokpa, which was built during the military era, to enhance healthcare services to the people of the council.

The council equally approved the release of the sum of N100 million to Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, for the completion of the access road to its permanent site at Ugwuomu Nike, Enugu East LGA. This, according to the information commissioner, is in addition to the sum of N500 million earlier approved and released to the university by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration for the construction of the said road.

On security, Aroh revealed that Gov. Ugwuanyi, at the EXCO meeting, signed the Enugu State Security Trust Fund bill recently passed by the State Assembly into Law, “to strengthen our commitment to provide security in the state and ensure there is private sector participation, in a transparent mode”.

It would be recalled that when the governor unveiled to journalists, the security vehicles his administration procured, he disclosed that the state government would engage the State Assembly and partner Ndi Enugu, home and abroad, to set up a Security Trust Fund that will ensure efficient security operations in the state.

The information commissioner explained that following the signing of the Security Trust Fund bill into law, a management team would be established to manage the funds that will come from development partners and private sectors for the enhancement of security in the state.

Aroh stated that the council has directed all owners of public buildings in the state to install CCTV cameras within six months to further enhance the security architecture of the state. He further stated that the state government, in a bid to stop multiple taxation, has approved a harmonized schedule of fees particularly to private schools in the state, reducing the charges from thirty two (32) to eight (. The council went further to ban the collection of fees outside the registration fee in crèches where children under the age of three are looked after.

Also approved by the council was the immediate purchase of water treatment chemicals by the Enugu State Water Corporation for proper treatment of water at Ajali and Oji River water schemes for the wellbeing of the consumers. Approvals were equally given for forwarding of a bill to the State Assembly for the provision of Water and Sanitization Law of Enugu State and the immediate recruitment of twenty (20) Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) to enhance the work of the Vehicle Inspection Unit, under the State Ministry of Transport.

Enugu State is in the hands of God! ##

Ohanaeze, PDP Leaders hail Ugwuanyi on participatory democracy

The leadership of the Igbo apex organization, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu State, on Thursday, joined stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in applauding Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his peace and good governance initiatives and inclusive leadership style, which have entrenched participatory democracy in the state.

Speaking during the PDP State Flag-off of the Chairmanship Campaign in Ikem, the headquarters of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, ahead of the February 29 LG Elections in the state, the State Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Alex Ogbonna, who led a delegation of the organization to witness the event, said they are impressed with the good works of Gov. Ugwuanyi in the state.

Chief Ogbonna added that the governor’s penchant for peace and deep commitment to participatory democracy through wider consultation and consensus building, were responsible for the existing peace and security in the state.

He maintained that the governor’s uncommon leadership style also ensured the peace that exists in the State Assembly, describing the governor as a rare leader who does not segregate or hold grudges against anybody.

The Ohanaeze Chairman therefore called on residents of the state to support Gov. Ugwuanyi, stressing that “he is the kind of person we want”.

Also speaking, the Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, who spoke on behalf of the members of the National Assembly from the state, extolled the leadership qualities of Gov. Ugwuanyi as a humble, visionary, hardworking and popular leader.

Senator Utazi disclosed that members of the National Assembly from Enugu State are solidly behind Gov. Ugwuanyi and will all be at the grand finale of the chairmanship campaign, next week, to demonstrate their solidarity and support for the governor and the party.

The senator told Gov. Ugwuanyi that his all inclusive leadership style and the ability to give everybody a sense of belonging are exceptional, revealing that “our people are very happy with your administration”.

He therefore urged the people of the state to come out en masse on February 29 to vote for the PDP and its chairmanship and councillorship candidates in all the 17 LGAs and 260 electoral wards respectively.

Speaking on behalf of members of the State Assembly, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, equally commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for inclusive governance style and commitment to peace and delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of the state, in spite of the nation’s economic challenges.

The speaker stated that the governor as the leader of the PDP in the state “is leading us well”, disclosing: “that is why the party is waxing strong in the state”.

Ubosi also appreciated the state leadership of the party for the mobilization and huge turnout of party members and supporters at the rally, stating that the governor’s good works and uncommon leadership style will ensure victory for the party.

He pointed out that the participatory democracy entrenched by the governor was responsible for the caliber of persons who emerged as candidates of the party in the 17 local government areas of the state, stating that “they are the choice of the people”.

In his speech, the PDP state chairman, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, stated that the party is alive in the state because of the remarkable achievements of the governor, who he said has kept faith with his campaign promises.

The chairman, who presented the party’s flags to the chairmanship candidates alongside their deputies, urged the electorate to vote for PDP.

Gov. Ugwuanyi in his speech thanked the enthusiastic party members and supporters as well as the entire people of the state for their solidarity, goodwill, prayers and support and urged them to vote for PDP candidates in the forthcoming LG elections.

…Hail gov on youth inclusion

A youth advocacy group in Enugu State, Coal City Youths Development Initiative (CCYDI), on Saturday, honoured Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi with an award of Leadership Excellence.

The award, presented to Gov. Ugwuanyi, at the group’s Town Hall Meeting on Governance in Enugu State, held at Villa Toscana Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu, was received on his behalf by the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh.

Speaking at the event, the group’s Director-General, Comrade Johnpaul Anih, said the excellence award was in recognition of the governor’s “outstanding achievements in your service to humanity”.

Comrade Anih, who disclosed that the meeting was an opportunity for youths of the state to brainstorm and make contributions towards advancing good governance in the state, stated that “the governor has been trying his best, given the availability of resources, to put up some good infrastructural development” across the state.

The Director-General added that the group appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for appointing youths into sensitive positions such as Chairmen of Transition Committees in some Local Government Areas, as well as his uncommon leadership style.

Comrade Anih stated “categorically clear that we are not fighting Governor Ugwuanyi-led administration, neither are we fighting the leaders of this state”, stressing that the youth body “actively seeks to partner with the government for better results”.

He explained that the “Coal City Youths Development Initiative is ardently and unequivocally committed to pushing for development and putting a call on accountability, open budgeting, public participation in governance, projects evaluation cum monitoring”.

Speaking on the forthcoming Local Government Elections in the state, Comrade Anih wished all members of the group who are contesting elections in their various political parties, success, and called on the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) to conduct fair, credible and rancour-free exercise.

“We reiterate our resolve to support the good intentions of the present administration under Governor Ugwuanyi. As we extend our hands of partnership to the state government under our dynamic governor, we urge the present administration to redouble her efforts in infrastructural development”, the group leader said.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who spoke through his Commissioner for Information, thanked the youth for the honour done to him and reassured them of the firm commitment of the administration to do more and fully actualize its campaign promises to the people of the state.

Award recipients at the event also include the member representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Oguerinwa Amadi, Special Adviser to the President on Justice Sector Reform and International Relations, Barr. Mrs. Juliet C. Ibekaku-Nwagwu and the member representing Ezeagu Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze.

Others include Engr. Prince Lawrence Eze (Prince of Mbulumbu Kingdom), State Chairman of United Progressives Party (UPP), Mr. Ken Onyekaonwu, State Chairman of African People’s Alliance (APA), Barr. Chinonso Daniel Ogbe, Hon. Chinedu Onyeagba (OMEX GLOBAL). Etc.

Governors of the South East Geo-political zone, on Wednesday, endorsed the new community policing model of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), for effective security in the zone.

Rising from the South East Geo-political Security Summit, initiated by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, the governors in a communiqué read by the Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, Engr. David Umahi, said that contents of the new community policing strategies of the police were not different from their security measures already in place in the zone.

Gov. Umahi disclosed that South East Governors, before the summit, had a closed-door meeting with the Inspector General of Police, at the Government House, Enugu, where the police chief explained to them extensively the concept and effectiveness of the community policing in addressing security challenges in the zone.

Other governors at the event include the host governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and the governor of Imo State, represented by his deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku.

Speaking further, Gov. Umahi added that all security concerns raised by the traditional and religious leaders in the South East zone, including those presented by the Imeobi of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, at the last meeting of the South East Governors’ Forum, have been addressed in the community policing strategy of the Nigeria Police Force.

The governor who maintained that the people of the zone will begin to see a lot of positive changes as fallout of the summit, pointed out the governors have agreed to invest in social intervention programmes for teeming youths.

According to him, “The community policing was proper and explained to us in full details and it is not different from our Neighbourhood Watch and the Vigilante operation, the Forest Guard, the gate keepers, the herdsmen and farmers conflict committees and others.

“And so we saw that this is totally in tandem with what we pray. We decided as your governors to embrace this initiative of community policing, which is an official endorsement in line with what the police and what we are doing to safeguard the lives and property of our people”.

In his address, IGP Adamu Abubakar, who described the South East summit as the best in the country, noted that the event was “convened within the framework of our community policing initiative and as part of the strategies of Nigerian Police to employ all inclusive strategy towards helping us in the achievement of our internal security management, particularly in the South Eastern states”.

The IGP disclosed that the community policing approach was necessitated by the increasing complexity of crime and the challenges of policing the vast and diverse country such as Nigeria, stressing that “this requires that the Nigerian police should continually engage the citizens in seeking their input and soliciting their support”.

He appreciated the governors of the South East, the traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders across the states of the zone for their active participation in the event which he said was “the 6th and the best of the security summits” across the six geo-political zones of the country.

“All the summits ended in a very successful outcome and I am delighted to confirm that the strategies jointly developed as well as the partnership we built at the meetings that were so far held, have been effective in addressing the security tricks that are peculiar to each of the geo-political zones."

Earlier in his address, Gov. Ugwuanyi who welcomed the Inspector General of Police to Enugu State, on behalf of his colleagues, expressed optimism that the summit’s outcome will facilitate rejigging and re-tooling of the security architecture in the South East Geo-political zone and bring it up to speed with emerging dimensions of insecurity and criminality.

While noting that the summit was “both timely and most compelling”, Gov. Ugwuanyi congratulated the Inspector General of Police and his team for the great initiative, maintaining that his administration has not rested on its oars in providing a safe and secure environment for residents to live, work and enjoy their leisure.

According to him, “We have strengthened our Neighbourhood Watch Associations, blazed the trail in enthronement of Forest Guards which is a novel initiative of the South East Governors Forum and have continued to support the security agencies in our state with security patrol vehicles, communication gadgets, etc.

“We have institutionalized the needed collaboration between our Neighbourhood Watch groups, Forest Guards and security agencies especially in the area of intelligence sharing. Enugu State Security Trust Fund law is in place to ensure sustainable support for security agencies in the state while the State Forest Guards law is before our State House of Assembly.

“We are also on the threshold of deploying our Automated Drone Surveillance Solution to give the needed impetus to our security surveillance.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who stressed his administration’s commitment to security and welfare of the people as enshrined in the country’s constitution, expressed hope that the outcome of the interactions will chart the course for improved security of the South East zone “as a significant co-factor in our economic development”.

Other speakers at the event were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Njoku, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, Chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, the Guest Speaker, Prof. Felix Asogwa, who presented the Keynote Address.

…Commend Buhari, Ugwuanyi, others, on Enugu airport rehabilitation

Governors of Nigeria’s South-east states have resolved to ensure the creation of laws to establish a regional security outfit.

The governors’ stance comes weeks after South-west governors met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo where they agreed to pass similar laws to back up the South-west security outfit, Amotekun.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, had earlier declared Amotekun illegal, saying the constitution only allowed a unitary police structure to be controlled by the federal government.

To resolve the impasse, the South-west governors met with Mr Malami and Mr Osinbajo where it was agreed that the South-west state assemblies should pass laws to legalise the already launched Amotekun.

In their meeting on Sunday, South-east governors resolved to have their state assemblies pass laws to establish their own security outfit.

Details of the discussion of the South-east governors were sent to PREMIUM TIMES by the spokesperson to the Enugu State governor.

Read the full statement below.

The governors of the South East geo-political zone rose from a closed-door meeting at the Government House, Enugu, disclosing their plan to forward a bill to South East State Houses of Assembly to enact a law to back-up the South East Regional Security Programme.

Briefing newsmen after meeting which lasted over five hours, the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, stated that the arrangement with the States Houses of Assembly will arrive at a name for the regional security outfit.

Engr. Umahi, who maintained that the South East Governors had earlier formed their joint regional security on July 28, 2019 and consequently inaugurated the committee on August 31, added that the Forum had written the Federal Government concerning the security outfit.

According to him, “at an appropriate time we shall be inviting the Federal Government to note the details of our Joint Security Programme”.

The governors assured the people of the South East zone that “we have our State Vigilante and the Forest Guards in all the South East States, who work with the security agencies daily in our various communities for protection of lives and property”.

They reassured the people that “the protection of their lives and property is paramount to us and we are committed to just doing that”.

On ongoing rehabilitation of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the South East governors, while noting the quality and speed of work by the contractor, PW Nig. Ltd, expressed satisfaction with the progress so far made and assurances of integrated safety and landing facilities, fencing and drainage system incorporated in the package.

The Forum, therefore, “commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his prompt response in full release of special funding for the project”.

The Forum also commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State “for making more land available and his commitment in the overall success of the project”, as well as the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and the Works Committee Chairman on the project, Sir. Engr. Chris Okoye and his team, for their commitment and constant supervision and monitoring of the project.

The governors assured the people that President Buhari, the Aviation Minister, the President’s Chief of Staff and all other stakeholders are committed to the re-opening of the Enugu airport by March 31, 2020, saying: “All inconveniences are regretted”.

The Forum equally applauded the federal government on the speedy and quality work on the ongoing Enugu-Port Harcourt federal highway, with reservations on a number of sections yet to be attended to, “especially the Abia-PH axis being handled by a Chinese Company”.

According to the Forum, “Our findings show that they are not yet properly funded, as to effect reasonable work before the rainy season. While thanking Mr. President and the Hon. Minister of Works for this road, we appeal that all the companies be fairly funded so as to attend to most of the deplorable sections before the rainy season.”

On the 2nd Niger Bridge, after a brief on the progress of work from the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, the Forum and other stakeholders who were present at the meeting commended President Buhari, the works minister, the President’s Chief of Staff and the Managing Director of National Social Insurance Authority (NSIA), Mr. Uche Orji, for making the all-important project a reality.

“With the level of funding by Mr. President, we are confident that this project shall be completed in his tenure”, the Forum declared.

They thanked members of Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo for visiting them during the meeting, assuring them that their useful advice was noted with a pledge to work with them for the benefit of the people of the zone

Enugu government has given a one month ultimatum to tricycle and motorcycle operators in Enugu North senatorial zone to obtain their plate numbers and rider’s permit or risk sanctions.

The senatorial zone comprises Igboeze North and South with the following local government areas, Igboetiti, Nsukka, Udenu and Uzouwani. Commissioner for Transport,Chief Matthias Ekweremadu, gave the directive in Nsukka, yesterday, at an interactive forum with the National Union of Road Transport Workers, tricycles and motorcycles associations in the zone.

The commissioner warned that failure would attract sanctions, including impounding their tricycles and motorcycles.

Ekweremadu noted with dismay that over 60 per cent of tricycles and motorcycles operating in the zone had no plate numbers and rider’s permit, describing such operators as engaging in “illegal and unacceptable” businesses.

“All operators of tricycles and motorcycles in the zone are given one month from today, February 5 to get their plate numbers and rider’s permit from the state government or their tricycles and motorcycles will be impounded by the ministry. Operators should also have correct paper particulars of their tricycles and motorcycles as well as ensure that their side mirrors are functioning well, while plying on roads,” he said.

He explained that the rider’s permit which was an equivalent of drivers’ license was approved by the Enugu government in 2019 for tricycles and motorcycles operators..

The Enugu State Government has commenced the distribution of the 260 motorcycles and 260 bicycles it procured for the 260 electoral wards in the state, to complement and facilitate the operations of the Forest Guards.

It would be recalled that the state government engaged 1,700 Forest Guards and purchased 260 security vehicles, which were distributed to the 260 electoral wards in the state for their operations.

The state government also purchased 100 units of Innoson patrol vans equipped with communication gadgets, which were distributed to the security agencies in the state to aid their operations.

Announcing the distribution of the motorcycles and bicycles, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortunaya, disclosed that the deployment of automated drones for surveillance is underway.

Prof. Ortuanya stated that the exercise, which was in furtherance of the state government’s commitment to effective operations of the Forest Guards and community policing in the state, is aimed at ensuring that the state remains secure and peaceful for people to live, work and do business.

The state government commended the security agencies in the state for their dedication to duty and reassured the residents of its unflinching commitment to the security of lives and property.

The people of the three autonomous communities in Ede-Oballa, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, have commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the ongoing construction of the State Secretariat Annex and other development projects, such as various housing estates, on their land.

Ede-Oballa people gave the commendation when they paid a ‘Thank you’ visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, Enugu.

The jubilant people, who came out en masse, to express their deep appreciation of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, were led by the former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Engr. Vita Abba, in company of their revered priests, traditional rulers, academics, politicians, community leaders, and entrepreneurs, among others.

They used the opportunity to again congratulate Gov. Ugwuanyi for his unprecedented victory at the last governorship election.

They equally thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for appointing two of their children into government positions, as well as provision of road infrastructure in Ede-Oballa, especially the state-of-the-art Opi-Nsukka dual carriageway, which they said, stretched longer in the community.

They pointed out the State Secretariat Annex and other development projects will bring rapid development to their community as well as boost socio-economic activities, stressing they were highly delighted at the love and outstanding vision the governor has for the area in particular and the state in general.

The people who offered special prayers for the governor, through their priests, reassured him of their unalloyed support and cooperation towards the full actualization of his administration's transformation agenda in their community and beyond.

Notable indigenes of Ede-Oballa that were at the colourful event also include, Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation (PDI), Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) Obiageli Abba, HRH, Igwe Remigus Ugwuja of Ede-Enu Ede-Oballa Autonomous Community, HRH, Igwe Christian Asogwa of Ede-Oballa Autonomous Community, HRH, Igwe Christopher Agu of Owerre Ede-Oballa Autonomous Community, former State Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Patricia Eze (3rd right), Parish Priest, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Ohom Orba, Udenu LGA, Msgr. Bernard Ik Ngwoke, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Ngwoke, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Eze, Prof. Simon Asogwa and his wife, Ethel.

Others were a Director with Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Engr. Bede Obayi, former Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon. Dr. Dan Ugwuja, former Registrar, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, Mr. Sylvanus Asogwa, Chief Superintendent of Nigerian Customs Intelligence Unit, Sly Ugwu, Engr. Austine Ugwoke, Collins Asogwa, etc.

…Honours him with an award of excellence

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Enugu State chapter, on Friday, honoured Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi with an award of excellence in recognition of his unrelenting efforts in entrenching peace and good governance in the state.
Enugu State CAN presented the award to Gov. Ugwuanyi, when its leadership from the state and the 17 local government areas, led by the State Chairman, Rt. Rev. Christian C. Obiefuna, paid a courtesy call on the governor at the Government House, Enugu.

Presenting the award, Obiefuna, who described Gov. Ugwuanyi as an exceptional, grassroots-oriented, humble, humane, peaceful and generous leader, said: “You do not discriminate in your services as a leader; I am proud of you and God shall continue to provide and uplift you”.

The cleric told Gov. Ugwuanyi that the Christian body is delighted that “you paid the 13th month salary; you have continually kept awake and deployed all resources for security and peace in Enugu State; you pay workers’ salary as at when due; you broker peace among several communities/organizations who have one conflict or the other.

“Our church leaders and members are being honoured and respected; we do ply different roads which you have constructed in all the zones in Enugu State; you have approved the payment of N30,000 Minimum Wage from February this year; there is visible harmony among all tiers and branches of government in Enugu State; you made Enugu State a peaceful and united family, among others. These are worthy of commendation”.

The state chapter of CAN disclosed that the award was also in appreciation of the governor’s “resilience, sleepless nights and uncompromising decision to provide security in Enugu State”, adding that “because you have timely deployed unprecedented human and material resources to protect lives and property in Enugu State, Enugu is the safest place to live, courtesy of your commitment”.

Also speaking on why CAN honoured Gov. Ugwuanyi, the State Legal Adviser, Barr. Onuora Okeke, stated that the body is impressed that Enugu State is the most peaceful and secure state in the South East zone because of the governor’s capacity as a peace-loving and security-conscious leader.

Barr. Okeke pointed out that the outstanding efforts the governor deployed to tackle the security challenges in the state, such as the establishment of the Forest Guards, purchase of security patrol vehicles, visit to thick forests, during the day and at night, which the kidnappers and other criminal elements used as hideouts, among others, were eloquent testimonies to his firm commitment to the safety, security and wellbeing of the people of the state.

“We are very happy that this award is given to you, not on grounds of politics. It is given to you because we know your worth and what you have done for this state”, he said.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi appreciated God for the honour and thanked the state chapter of CAN for recognizing the modest achievements of his administrations in spite of the nation’s security and economic challenges.

The governor, who stated that his greatest support comes from the church, noted that the success his administration has achieved, in spite of the nation’s economic challenges, was a product of the prayers of the church and urged them to continue to pray for him and the state.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Thursday, handed over five newly procured Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) fire fighting trucks to the state fire service, for the five newly constructed fire service stations across the three senatorial districts of the state, to enhance their efficiency and effective response to emergencies.

The strategic event, also witnessed the passing-out parade of 62 men and officers of the state fire service, who were recruited and trained by the state government.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was represented at the colourful event by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, reiterated his administration's commitment to the safety and security of lives and property in the state, adding that the state government will continue to intervene and collaborate with the fire fighting body in this regard, especially during this dry season.

The governor noted that such collaboration/precautionary measures his administration adopted before the dry season, aborted the fire incident at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, commending the State Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa and his men for their doggedness, professionalism and diligent service to the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, who confirmed to newsmen that the state government has handed over the five fire fighting trucks to the state fire service, stressed that the commitment of Gov. Ugwuanyi's administration to the safety and wellbeing of the people of the state is sacrosanct, as has been demonstrated in so many ways.

The State Chief Fire Officer, in his address, expressed delight that he is on the saddle "at this time Enugu State Fire Service has been transformed from a moribund department to an effective, efficient, vibrant and responsive department through the unwavering support of the present administration led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi".

According to him, "Enugu State Fire Service has seen massive improvement through this administration of which some of the areas include, building and furnishing of five new ultra modern fire stations across the three senatorial zones of the state, increased hazard allowance for fire service personnel from N200 to N5000, which is among the highest in the country, provision of fire fighter suits and service uniforms for all the staff regularly, provision of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and other fire fighting aids for protection and safety of the state fire fighters.

"Constant supply and availability of chemicals used for fighting all types of fires, promoting our drive in creating public awareness on fire safety and prevention, recruitment of 11 drivers in 2016 and 51able bodied men into the job in 2019, capacity building through personnel training including international trainings and procurement of fire appliances and equipment vehicles, including the five new fire fighting trucks, which will be handed over to us today".

Picture one below shows Gov. Ugwuanyi in a group photograph with the new squads and other men and officers of the state fire service, shortly after the ceremony...

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (middle) with the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya (7th left), Permanant Secretary, State Ministry of Rural Development, Mr. Chuka Ezike (6th left), State Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa (7th right) and men and officers of the state fire service, during the passing out parade of the 2009-2019 squads and handing over of five newly procured fire fighting trucks to the agency by the state government, held at the the Government House, Enugu, on Thursday.

Enugu State is in the hands of God!##