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A delegation of the people of Ogrute, Enugu Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State on Thursday converged on the Government House, Enugu, to express their immense gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the special attention his administration has paid to their community in terms of development projects such as roads, education and healthcare facilities, fire service station, court buildings, among others.

The people said that Governor Ugwuanyi is the first and only governor in Enugu State that executed numerous development projects in Ogrute, the headquarters of Igbo-Eze North LGA, adding that his administration built landmark projects in the area such as the Amenity Hospital and a Cottage Hospital with isolation wing, both located within the premises of the upgraded and rehabilitated General Hospital, Ogrute.

They also thanked the governor for the construction and reconstruction of the major roads in Ogrute with drainages, revealing that no past government did the roads prior to Governor Ugwuanyi’s interventions.

The Ogrute people equally applauded Governor Ugwuanyi who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Enugu North Senatorial District, for the construction and renovation of classroom blocks, equipping them with modern furniture, and other educational facilities for conducive teaching and learning atmosphere.

They went further to appreciate the governor for constructing an ultra-modern fire service station and court buildings in Ogrute, stating that the projects were unprecedented in the annals of the local government area in particular and the state in general.

The grateful people of Ogrute pledged to vote massively for Governor Ugwuanyi in the forthcoming general election for him to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly. They equally pledged to vote overwhelmingly for the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai and other candidates of the party in the state.

Speaking during the visit, the traditional ruler of Ogrute Ulo Autonomous Community, HRH Igwe Ogbonna Ekere, stressed that they are delighted at Governor Ugwuanyi’s interventions in Ogrute.

Igwe Ekere revealed that Governor Ugwuanyi has kept faith with his promises to the people of Ogrute and Igbo-Eze North LGA despite the state’s lean resources and avalanche of challenges confronting the country which border on economy, security and public health.

The monarch informed the governor that the community judiciously utilised the money his administration gave to each of the over 450 autonomous communities in the state to execute projects of their choice, reiterating their gratitude and commitment to the success of his administration.

Speaking in the same vein, the Councillor of Ozzi Ward 5 (Ogrute), Hon. David Idoko, former Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Bonaventure Onuh and Hon. Ifeanyi Agashi, stated that the people of Ogrute are delighted that Governor Ugwuanyi has never abandoned them even when he was in the House of Representatives as their lawmaker, and as Oliver Twist who would always ask for more, they appealed to the governor to consider more of their people, especially the youths, for political appointments and recruitment when the newly constructed government facilities become functional to balance the injustice meted out to them in the past, especially at the local government level.

They reassured the governor of the overwhelming votes of their people for him and other candidates of the PDP at the polls, thanking him for his administration’s remarkable interventions in Ogrute and beyond.

Also at the Government House, Enugu to appreciate Governor Ugwuanyi for his good works in the state in general and Enugu North Senatorial District in particular were representatives of a support group for the governor and Dr. Peter Mbah, Pinnacle Movement, led by Hon. Hillary Onah and that of Nsukka Professional Women Support Group for PDP led by Dr. Mrs. Obioma Eze.

Displaying their uniqueness, the groups in their separate meetings with Governor Ugwuanyi informed the governor of their mission to go to the field, propagate his good works to the electorate and galvanize them to vote for him, Dr. Mbah and Barr. Ossai, and other PDP candidates in the state.

They revealed that they have mapped out strategies to actualise their mission, pointing out that the governor has done so much with the state’s limited resources in terms of infrastructural projects, workers’ welfare, peace and security, education and healthcare facilities cum quality education and affordable healthcare delivery, rural development, youth and women empowerment, agriculture, investment promotion, among others.

In his speech, the Director General of Pinnacle Movement, Hon. Onah, assured Governor Ugwuanyi that the group will mobilise massive votes for him in Enugu North Senatorial District, adding that his good works in the area have made their work easier.

The Director General further assured that the group will equally mobilise overwhelming votes for Dr. Mbah and other PDP candidates, saying that they will commence television and radio jingles and other aggressive campaign mechanisms in support of Governor Ugwuanyi, Dr. Mbah and others.

On their part, the Nsukka professional women, hinted that the time has come for them to step out and publicise the outstanding achievements of Governor Ugwuanyi in every nook and cranny of the state particularly in Nsukka zone for the electorate to appreciate better, the governor’s good works.

Speaking, the leader of the group, Dr. Mrs. Eze told the governor that “what you are doing is great and numerous. We want to disseminate the message so that the world will hear and know that what you are doing is great.”

She disclosed that the group comprises lecturers, non-academic staff, market women at various places in Nsukka zone, among others.

Enumerating the laudable achievements of Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration across the state as listed by the group, Mrs. Georgina Odigbo, who described the governor as “a silent achiever,” said that the governor made positive impact on security, flyover bridge and road projects, rural development, health and education facilities, peace and security, workers’ welfare, youth and women empowerment, inclusive governance, among others.

In his goodwill message, the Patron of Nsukka Professional Women Support Group for PDP, Prof. Damian Opata, described Governor Ugwuanyi as “a beacon of light” to Enugu State and Nsukka people, adding that the women are committed and driven by passion borne out of their conviction that the governor has done a lot for the state and Nsukka zone despite the nation’s economic, security and public health challenges.

Prof. Opata reassured the governor that the women will live up to their words and ensure that the PDP secures total victory in the forthcoming elections in the state.

The PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Engr. Vita Abba witnessed the event.

In fulfillment of his pledge to the 36 players of Enugu Rangers International Football Club who won the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has approved the immediate allocation of a plot of land to each of them, accordingly.

The governor’s approval was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh.

Aroh disclosed that the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, in compliance with the directive, has consequently allocated 36 plots of land to the said players at the Golf Annex II, Enugu.

The Commissioner added that Governor Ugwuanyi also approved the waiver of all land charges on the allocated plots of land and immediate issuance of certificate of occupancy to the players.

According to the statement: “The players are, therefore, advised to collect their respective allocation letters from Tuesday 29th November, 2022 at the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, Enugu, with a letter of introduction from the Rangers Management Corporation.”

The benefiting players are Akor Itodo, Nana Bonsu, Etim Matthew, Odita Okechukwu, Nwobodo Obinna, Dada Bitrus, Egbuchulam Chisom, Sane Dusmane Pape, Eze Emeka, Anyasodo Nnamdi, Christian Madu, Okoro Osadebamwen, Okagbue Orji Kalu, Aguda Godwin W., Clement Bobby, Chinedu Sunday, Eseme Bright, Madu Chiamaka, Amanfor Chimezie, Donou Kokou, and Togaba Komlan Kontiwa.

Others are Camara Cheik Abdel-Aziz, Osarumwense Jolly, Okorie Chidebere, Egwim Ifeanyi, N’Guissan Yao Djehani, Nnamani Chinedu, Olusesi Temitope, Ogbodo Michael, Agbo Charles, Ocheme Edoh, Madu Godson Chibuzor, Ikpo Okemini, Ezugwu Oforka, Daniel Emmanuel Shinkut and Enete Chukwuchebem Morris.

T[b]he people of Nsukka West Constituency in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, yesterday, gathered in their numbers in Nsukka town to celebrate Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for his good works in the state, Nsukka zone and the area in particular.
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The Nsukka West people assured Governor Ugwuanyi of their 100 percent votes for him to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly in 2023.

They also pledged to vote massively for the PDP governorship candidate in Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the party’s candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Constituency, Engr. Vita Abba, the candidate for Nsukka West Constituency, Hon. Amos Amadi Agbo, and equally support other candidates of the PDP in the state.

The jubilant people of Nsukka West Constituency, comprising political leaders, stakeholders, traditional rulers, women and youths, among others, endorsed Governor Ugwuanyi and other PDP candidates in the state at a well-attended rally organised by the PDP candidate for Nsukka West Constituency, Hon. Agbo in support of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s senatorial bid.

This came as the grateful people of Ozalla, the third largest community in Igbo-Etiti LGA of the state, at a thanksgiving service/rally, unanimously declared their support for Governor Ugwuanyi and pledged to vote massively for him and other PDP candidates in the state, disclosing that the governor has liberated them from political bondage.

The Ozalla people, who conferred a chieftaincy tittle of “Oguguma 1 of Ozalla” on Governor Ugwuanyi in recognition of his administration’s unprecedented interventions in their community and recent appointment of their sons and daughter into sensitive government positions for the first in the history of the state, told the governor that “we are going to surprise you by making sure that none of the PDP candidates in Enugu State will lose one vote in any of the polling units in Ozalla community come 2023 elections.”

Similarly, the people of Edem Ani in Nsukka LGA, gave the governor a pat on the back for his good works in Enugu State in general and Nsukka zone in particular and assured him that they will deliver 100 percent votes for him and other PDP candidates.

Speaking when Governor Ugwuanyi visited the Igwe-elect of Ugwu Na Agbo, Engr. Jude Eze, at his country home, the Edem Ani people also applauded Governor Ugwuanyi for commencing construction work on Ozzi/Akpa Edem/Okpuje road, among other remarkable interventions, describing the governor as “a true brother and friend.”

They presented ‘Ofo’ to the governor as a symbol of their endorsement of his senatorial bid.

At the rally, the people of Nsukka West Constituency said that Governor Ugwuanyi has sacrificed a lot for the state to enjoy peace and good governance in spite of all the economic, security and public health challenges confronting the country since he assumed office in 2015.

The people added that they were delighted and fulfilled that Governor Ugwuanyi, who was present at the rally, kept faith with his inaugural address to equip and modernise Nsukka as a university town and the second largest town in Enugu State, stressing that Nsukka West Constituency is a major beneficiary of the governor’s milestone achievements in Nsukka zone.

Speaking, the PDP candidate for Nsukka West Constituency, Hon. Agbo, disclosed that the major reason they gathered in their numbers was to show support for the governor and ensure that he wins the forthcoming senatorial election overwhelmingly.

Hon. Agbo stated that the people of Nsukka West Constituency are delighted at the good works of the governor, stressing that the PDP-led state government has been good to them and that they have decided to continue to follow the party.

“Your Excellency, these women, youths and the elderly here have seen your good works and that of the PDP and they chose to follow you. The most surprising aspect of it all is that most of them are not from the PDP. Most of them are not registered PDP members but they said that the government of PDP is good to them and for that reason, they chose to join PDP and deliver the party 100 percent in 2023 elections.”

Thanking Governor Ugwuanyi on behalf of the people of Nsukka West Constituency, the PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Engr. Abba maintained that even a blind man can feel and believe in what the governor has done in Nsukka zone especially in the constituency.

Engr. Abba told the governor that the crowd at the rally and the joyful expression of the people were clear indications that “all the lies that have been told to you are now known to you.”

Commending Governor Ugwuanyi for numerous ongoing development projects of his administration in communities in Nsukka, the Engr. Abba said: “Your Excellency, my people here are happy with you for so many reasons. At Nru, a lot of projects are ongoing around the community; at Okpaligbo, projects are ongoing; at Ozzi/Akpa Edem, road construction is taking place; in Lejja, Opi, Eha Alumona, roads are being constructed; most of the massive projects in the newly established State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) are completed and the remaining ones almost completed. How many should we count? Thank you so much.

“Your Excellency, God gave you to Nsukka and Nsukka knows that you are her true son. We don’t have much to say now because this is just Nsukka West House of Assembly campaign. You will still come back for the House of Representatives campaign and the senatorial campaign, and we will unveil everything.”

Welcoming Governor Ugwuanyi to the rally earlier, a group of like minds who were behind the organisation of the rally, revealed that the crowd at the event were majorly young people the governor has empowered and shown quality leadership in their various communities.

Speaking on their behalf, Barr. Foster Ugwuoke revealed that “the people here are the crowd required to give you (Ugwuanyi), Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai landslide victories come 2023 as well as other candidates of the PDP in Enugu State”.

He maintained that the crowd was grassroots-oriented “not urban guerrillas", adding that they have the capacity to deliver the governor, Dr. Mbah and other PDP candidates in Nsukka West Constituency.

Other speakers, namely, the lawmaker representing Nsukka West Constituency, Hon. Dr. Emma Ugwuerua, the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon. Barr. Walter Ozioko, Member, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Mrs. Nkem Oloto, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor, Hon. Aniebonam Ezeugwu, the Director General, Hon. Amos Amadi Agbo Campaign Organisation, Hon. Engr. Celestine Ezechinedu, all eulogised Governor Ugwuanyi’s peace and good governance initiatives as well as his administration’s legacy projects in Nsukka zone and beyond, and reassured him of the overwhelming support and votes of the people of Nsukka West in the forthcoming elections.

Addressing the crowd, Governor Ugwuanyi expressed gratitude to them for their show of love, solidarity and support, expressing confidence that the PDP will record landslide victories at the polls.

The governor used the medium to urge all politicians in the state to imbibe the spirit of peace, love and unity while engaging in campaign, saying: “We all are brothers, all Nsukka people are related; all Enugu people are related; we all are one family.

“Today, it pleases God that I am the governor of the state; I am the father of the state; I plead that peace should reign in Enugu State in Jesus Name.

“As we campaign, do it as relations. And above all, pray always for the state; and with your prayers and support it will surely end in praise.”

Dignitaries at the rally include the PDP deputy governorship candidate, Barr. Ossai, the former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dan Shere, the Director General of PDP Campaign Organisation in the state, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the PDP candidate for Nsukka East Constituency, Barr. Mrs. Christiana Onah, among others.

On their part, the emotional people of Ozalla community describing Governor Ugwuanyi as a jinx breaker, reiterated that he wiped away their tears and put an end to the neglect they suffered for decades.

Welcoming Governor Ugwuanyi, the President General (PG) of Ozalla General Assembly, Dr. Ndubuisi Okwor-Igwe, stated that “today is a memorable day in the history of Ozalla as this is the first time we are seeing a governor in Ozalla.”

Dr. Okwor-Igwe said that the day was “a time to celebrate the man who did the earthwork and drainages on Ozalla-Ohodo road, Ozalla-Aku road, Ozalla-Ohebe road and Ozalla-Lejja road.

“It is a time to celebrate the man who renovated Central School Ozalla, Community Primary School Ozalla, Migrant Farmers’ School Nnaru Ozalla, Akaibite Primary School Ozalla, and Ijoh Primary School Ozalla; the man who constructed classroom blocks and an examination hall in Community Secondary School Ozalla, and established Ujoma Technical College, Ozalla.

“It is a time to celebrate the man who appointed our sons and daughter into the most exalted positions in the history of the town, including Barr. Kingsley Awuka as a Special Adviser (SPA) to the Governor; Engr. Remi Eze as a Permanent Secretary in the Enugu State Civil Service; Hon. Ekene Ojobeagu, Hon. Clinton Ogbonna and Hon. Nnaemeka Nweze as Special Assistants (SAs); Hon. Alex Ugwu and Hon. Mrs. Nwanaso as Technical Assistants (TAs) to the Governor.

“I have not also forgotten that I am not only the first Administrator of the Igbo-Etiti North Development Centre, but also the only Administrator in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area that is serving his second term. His Excellency alone made all these possible.”

Corroborating the PG’s remarks, Barr. Awuka, lauded the governor’s display of exemplary leadership qualities by involving the community in the choice of those who were recently appointed into government positions, stating that it was a rare privilege they will not take for granted.

“We have never voted any other party apart from PDP talk more of now that you have given us a sense of belonging and placed us in different political positions,” he said.

Conferring the Chieftaincy tittle of Oguguma I of Ozalla, the Traditional Ruler of Ozalla Uwani, HRH Igwe Akubue Ezeja, supported by the traditional ruler of Ozalla Uwelu, HRH Igwe Emmanuel S. Ugwuada, thanked Governor Ugwunayi for liberating their people and breaking the jinx of neglect and deprivation they had suffered in the past, and asked God to continue to bless and reward him abundantly.

Present at the Ozalla event were the Member representing Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency and candidate of the PDP for House of Representatives election, Rt. Hon. Martins Oke, PDP deputy governorship candidate, Barr. Ossai, the party’s candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Engr. Abba, the lawmakers representing Igbo-Etiti East and Igbo-Etiti West constituencies, Rt. Hon. Ugo Ezenta Ezeani and Rt. Hon. Arc. James O. Akadu respectively, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the Chairman of Igbo-Etiti LGA, Hon. Ikenna Nwodo, Dr. Shere, former Council Chairmen, among others.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has harped on the need for Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) to re-invent and re-commit to its founding objective to engender development and transform the financial standing of the institution as a citadel of knowledge founded to drive global science and technology projects.

Governor Ugwuanyi pointed out that the founding objective of ESUT which appeared realisable at the early stages of the University’s existence, when it earned accolades for fabrication of motor pistons, mace, computer panels and solar panels, seemed relegated subsequently.

Speaking at the 18th convocation ceremony of the University, on Saturday, Governor Ugwuanyi stated that in view of the alarming disparity in the cost of university education between public and private universities, inadequacy of government funding of public universities, and other challenges, the public universities that would survive and remain competitive are those that strategically explore and leverage alternative funding opportunities through research grants and earnings as well as economically rewarding projects and partnerships.

The governor, therefore, advised that “ESUT, being a science and technology university should deploy her intellectual resources to fuel research and creativity and ultimately drive innovation of products and services,” stating that “this would attract huge income through patents and royalties to the University and complement government funding.”

Stressing that the power of technology and its propensity for revenue earning are phenomenal, Governor Ugwuanyi maintained that for ESUT to achieve the founding objective, the University curriculum must be functional and tailored to the true societal needs, assuring the institution of the support of the state government in this paradigm shift through enabling policy and legal frameworks.

According to him “This event is also an occasion to remind the leadership of ESUT that the world, including Nigeria, is going through one of the most difficult economic eras. This, in concomitance with the rising cost of education, has put the funding of universities in jeopardy.

“Furthermore, the capacity of parents/guardians to respond to the ever-increasing need for fees’ hike in public universities as well as the ability of government to continue to increase grants and subventions to public universities have also become inelastic.”

The governor hailed the new management of ESUT under the leadership of Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie for rekindling hope, and for breaking the five-year jinx of convocation in the institution “by today’s event, the last ESUT convocation being in the year 2016.”

He expressed hope that the University would henceforth conduct annual and timeous convocation ceremonies.

Governor Ugwuanyi congratulated all the graduands of ESUT on their deserving degrees and rejoiced with parents/guardians who toiled and sacrificed to afford their children/wards the priceless gift of education and the most veritable equipment for life journey.

The governor also congratulated and appreciated the recipients of honorary degrees “for impacting the world on a scale and scope that earned you this outstanding recognition.”

He said that their individual track record speaks to their superlative performance in their different fields of endeavour, adding that “today’s award of honorary degree is not an end but a tonic to do more and an impetus to be part of making the world a better place.”

The awardees were Hon. Justice Chima Centus Nweze of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, who received Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa), the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Cubana Group, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana) who was awarded Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa), and Mr. Michael Ikebudu of Human Resources Directorate, Brunei Shell Petroleum, who was also awarded Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa).

Others were the Isagba of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Chief Dr. Jude Ndudi Ozah, Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), Sir Ike Nwokolo, Doctor of Public Finance (Honoris Causa) and Mrs. Agatha Obiekwugo, Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa).

In his address, the Pro-Chancellor of ESUT and Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah expressed gratitude to Governor Ugwuanyi who is the Visitor to the University, for “his commitment to funding and improving the condition of service of the staff of ESUT”, revealing that “through the Governing Council the governor has been faithful to his promises and the promises of the government.”

Delivering his address, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Okolie, welcomed and appreciated the presence of the governor at the event, pointing out that his fatherly role and wisdom have continued to direct and impact meaningfully on the growth and development of “the first University of Science and Technology in the country.”

The ESUT VC further appreciated Governor Ugwuanyi “for all his support and encouragement to keep ESUT in the global race for academic excellence”, revealing that “his (Ugwuanyi) non-interference in the administration of the university is a sufficient proof that he wants to enthrone objectivity, and level playing ground devoid of bias and nepotism in the University

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on arrival at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, this evening, proceeded straight to Eha Amufu, on a fact-finding visit to obtain first-hand information about the issues that led to the recent crisis in Aguamaede and Mgbuji communities.

Governor Ugwuanyi, accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Ammani, the Garrison Commander, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. M.K Ibrahim, and the Anglican Bishop of Nike Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Christian Onyeka Onyia, visited Mgbuji community, different forests, markets, village squares and other locations in Eha Amufu where he interacted with the indigenes to ascertain the remote cause of the recent crisis in the community with a view to addressing the lingering issues in the area decisively.

The governor empathised with the people, ascertained how they were faring, and assured them of his administration’s commitment to their safety and wellbeing as well as the resolution of the crisis between farmers and herders.

The Eha Amufu indigenes appreciated Governor Ugwuanyi for the rare visit, especially at night, stressing that the gesture was a demonstration of his commitment to ending the farmers/herders issues in Eha Amufu.

They pointed out that Ugwuanyi was the first governor to visit Eha Amufu over the lingering crisis in the area and thanked him for the N10 million he released for the immediate needs of the victims, among other interventions.

Governor Ifenanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Monday, at the Government House, Enugu, received Mr. Noel Ifeanyi Alumona, an indigene of the state and first African to win 108-year-old AFS Award for Young Global Citizens at the 2022 United Nations’ International Youth Day.

Mr. Alumona, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Chinenye Beatrice Uzochukwu and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, Mrs. Olangwa Ezekwu on the visit, formally presented the prestigious award to Gov. Ugwuanyi and invited the governor as a Special Guest of Honour to a youth leadership conference being organised by his organisation, Boys Champions, Washington, DC, at The Base Landmarks Event Centre, Independence Layout, Enugu, on November 25, 2022.

The AFS Award winner from Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, used the opportunity to commend Governor Ugwuanyi for his good works, “especially your commitment to youth development,” and thanked the governor and his administration for congratulating him earlier on his award.

It could be recalled that Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration had congratulated

Mr. Alumona on his emergence as the winner of the 2022 AFS Award for Young Global Citizens, expressing delight at "the uncommon emergence of a young Nigerian of Enugu extraction."

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Steve Oruruo, the state government took “special cognizance of the huge inspiration and unprecedented impetus this phenomenal feat will invariably engender in the psyche of our teeming youths."

The statement added that "of greater and more enduring significance is the fact that this is the first time an African is winning this prestigious award since inception in 1914.''

The state government commended "the unflinching sense of dexterity, unwavering commitment, unyielding vigour, sustained candour and unflappable diligence with which our illustrious son has pursued the emancipation of the global community; a seemingly intolerant world and elimination of all prejudice against persons in special education, especially, women and the girl child."

According to the statement, "the tenor and purpose of his 'BOYS CHAMPION ORGANIZATION' align completely with the state government’s deliberate policies of prioritising the rejuvenation of education, welfare and security of the people while maintaining zero tolerance for all forms of violence against humanity.

"The Government of Enugu State hereby enjoins the youths of the state to keep striving relentlessly for more laurels while promising to partner with Mr. Noel Ifeanyi Alumona and his organisation for proper domiciliation of the impacts of this remarkable and colossal accomplishment within the fabrics of our immediate societies."

The visit was also witnessed by the former Chief of Staff to the Governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor.

In furtherance of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi recently granted approval to the Enugu State Civil Service Commission (ESCSC) to conduct promotion exercise for eligible staff across the state's Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The promotion exercise was in fulfillment of Governor Ugwuanyi's earlier promise to clear all backlogs of promotions for civil servants in the state.

Consequently, over 3,000 state civil servants last weekend converged on the Government Secondary School (GSS), Enugu, for their 2021/2022 promotional examination.

Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the ESCSC, Mr. Robinson Odo, said that "the agenda for the 2021/2022 promotion is to ensure that members of staff who scale through in the exercise are promoted without delay to enable them celebrate the upcoming yuletide as promoted officers."

Odo explained that "the just concluded promotional examination was in written form, and encompassed staff on salary grade levels 07 and above, whose briefs had earlier been received by the commission."

He added that the "ESCSC has announced that the oral interview for the promotion exercise will hold from November 22 to 29, 2022, at the commission's premises, at 9am daily."

The Chairman disclosed that all hands have been on deck both at the commission and the MDAs levels to ensure that the promotion processes are successful.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Tuesday said that the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted a robust campaign organisation populated at different strata by battle-tested, competent and experienced politicians who will ensure that all candidates of the party achieve early and comfortable win in the 2023 polls.

Speaking while inaugurating the PDP Campaign Organisation in Enugu State under the formidable leadership of Chief Ikeje Asogwa, a former State Chairman of the party, as the Director General (DG), Gov. Ugwuanyi congratulated the DG and members of the organisation selected for the onerous task, reminding them and all teeming members of the PDP that “we are in this together.”

The governor who harped on grassroots' campaign and mobilisation stressed that “we must campaign for our party in our political wards and communities as politics is indeed local,” adding: “When we win all the polling units in our ward, our ward is won; when we win all the wards in our local government area, our local government area is won; when we win all our local government areas, our state is finally won. Therefore, in reality, it is everybody’s business to sell our party.”

Gov. Ugwuanyi pointed out that the PDP has enjoyed the overwhelming support and kind consideration of the good people of Enugu State in the past two decades, stressing that this demonstration of love, unflinching support and committed solidarity have been the wind in the sail of the party in the state.

Stating that the consecutive PDP governments in Enugu State have also strived to fulfill their contracts with the people within the limit of the available resources, the governor expressed confidence that "our campaign will leverage the stellar performance of the current PDP government in the state, the goodwill of our great party ,the PDP, the intimidating credentials and general acceptability of the flag-bearers of our party to achieve landslide victory for all of them in the 2023 general election."

Gov. Ugwuanyi maintained that the Enugu State chapter of the PDP has a tradition of being peaceful, united, law abiding and yet resolute in the conduct of its affairs," disclosing that "these attributes, as always, should guide the conduct of our campaigns in the state."

Formally inaugurating the PDP campaign organisation for the 2023 general election in Enugu State, the governor prayed for the party's total victory, a successful campaign process and charged members of the newly inaugurated campaign organisation to go to the rural areas, speak the language the people will understand and the strive to ensure that the PDP wins all the way.

Speaking on behalf of members of the PDP state campaign organisation, the Director General, Chief Asogwa, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi who is the leader of the party in the state and the South East geo-political zone, for giving them the opportunity to serve the party and assured the governor that they will deliver all candidates of the party.

"Your Excellency, the assurance we want to give you is that we are going to deliver all our candidates 100 percent starting from you (Ugwuanyi) to the last man.

"On behalf of all the members of the campaign council, we thank you all , be rest assured that the job will be done."

The event was graced by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, the PDP governorship candidate in Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the PDP State Chairman, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, the Member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji, candidates of the PDP for Senate, Federal House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Ugwu, Council Chairmen, among others.

The wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi, has decried the prevailing rate of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Mrs. Ugwuanyi, therefore, called on victims of the inhuman acts to always speak out and not to be intimidated by keeping quiet while the perpetrators go scot-free.

The Enugu Governor’s wife made the call during this month’s women’s prayer rally held at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, yesterday, where she flagged off a 16-day of activism to enlighten rural dwellers on the negative consequences of gender-based violence, rape and other acts of domestic abuse, as well as the need for the victims to speak out for possible assistance.

Mrs. Ugwuanyi explained that the 16 days of activism will enable the organisers to touch all the local government areas and communities in the state to further sensitise the people on gender-based violence, stressing that “no knowledge is a waste.”

She disclosed that the Nigerian governors’ wives, concerned about the increasing rate of gender-based violence in the country during the COVID-19 lockdown, which forced victims and their perpetrators to stay together, came together and prevailed on their husbands (governors) to declare a state of emergency on GBV through adequate sensitisation.

“Today, in all the states of the federation, we (governors’ wives) are going round our different communities especially those hard to reach areas to carry out this sensitisation exercise.

“That is why today (yesterday), I am flagging it off for our chairpersons, the council chairmen’s wives, so that they will start the 16 days of activism.

“We are not going to sit in Enugu and do the 16 days of activism. We are now going to do it in all the LGAs by involving all our communities and engaging their leaders; traditional rulers; all those stakeholders these perpetrators go to when the chips are down; all those who rescue them (perpetrators); and all those who are being influenced by the perpetrators and allow the perpetrators to go scot-free for them to continue perpetrating their wicked acts.

“So, we are going into the communities to sensitise our people. We have flagged it off today (yesterday) in Enugu, different local government areas will continue with the activities until the next 16 days,” Mrs. Ugwuanyi said.

In her speech, the Director, Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ministry of Justice, Enugu State, Barr. Ngozi Catherine Ikem Okoye, thanked Mrs. Ugwuanyi for her passion and commitment to the wellbeing of the women and children of the state, especially the widows and the less privileged in the society.

Barr. Okoye prayed that the legacies and foundations the Enugu governor’s wife has laid will be sustained after her husband’s tenure ends next year.

On her part, Evangelist Mrs. Favour Ugwuanyi harped on the need for unrelenting prayers, meditation, church attendance and other religious activities for God’s continued blessings and intervention in the individual and collective interest of the women of Enugu State as well as the peace and progress of the state.

Wife of the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Lady Princess Akunna Ubosi and wives of the council chairmen were among the dignitaries at the event.

Putting an end to speculations about his alleged divergent political interest, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu, the lawmaker representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Sunday, organised a solidarity rally in support of all the candidates of the PDP and pledged to mobilise resources and galvanise his teeming supporters to ensure a landslide victory for the party at the polls come 2023.

Dr. Asadu debunked the speculations that he was working against the PDP and its candidates in the state, stating categorically that he is for the PDP “whole and entire”.

The federal lawmaker added that he has benefited immensely from the party since 1999 having served as commissioner in various ministries and spent 16 years in the Federal House of Representatives.

Speaking at the colourful and well-attended rally which was graced by the Governor of Enugu State and candidate of the PDP for Enugu North Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the PDP candidate for Enugu West Senatorial District, Engr. Osita Ngwu, the party’s candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Chief Engr. Vita Abba, those of Igbo-Eze North/Udenu and Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani federal constituencies, Hon. Engr. Simon Atigwe and Rt. Hon. Dr. Martins Oke respectively, among others, Dr. Asadu stressed that “I am committed to PDP and I will vote and work for PDP from president to councillor.”

The lawmaker thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for honouring him with his presence at the rally in spite of his tight schedule, adding that the governor was instrumental to his political ascendency in the National Assembly. He also appreciated the presence of the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Mbah and his running mate, Barr. Ossai, expressing confidence that Dr. Mbah will be the next governor of Enugu State as “there is nobody he is contesting the election with.”

Stressing that the PDP holds all the aces in winning elections in Enugu State, Dr. Asadu stated that all the candidates of the PDP ranging from Dr. Mbah, Gov. Ugwuanyi, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, Engr. Osita Ngwu, Engr. Abba down to the 24 flag-bearers for the House of Assembly seats will win “because you are standing on the solid rock of God and the PDP.”

Reiterating his commitment to the PDP and its victory at the polls, Dr. Asadu said: “PDP has people and I am one of them. I am thanking God for being in the PDP family.”

Also speaking, the PDP guber candidate, Dr. Mbah, applauded Dr. Asadu for keeping to his words and putting an end to the speculations about his position on the PDP, describing him as a perfect gentleman.

“What we are here today to witness is the demonstration of a perfect gentleman. A gentleman is a man who understands and who knows the value of his words. Who knows that his words are his bonds.

“We are here to put an end to the speculations. We have heard the naysayers; we have heard the traitors; we have heard the doubters who conjectured all sorts of things against our Right Honourable (Asadu).

“He is here before all of us to announce that I (Asadu) am very happy and proud to have been a PDP member in the last 23 years and nothing is farther from the truth for anybody to suggest otherwise.

“He has come here openly to say look, what have made me who I am, and what I am today is PDP and on no account will I leave the PDP.

“So, we are putting an end to the doubters, we are putting an end to those speculations today,” Dr. Mbah said.

Appreciating Gov. Ugwuanyi’s leadership prowess, penchant for peace, quality and sustainable socio-economic polices cum programmes, the PDP guber candidate told the governor that “the proposal we have presented to Ndi Enugu about the ambitious economic growth we have, we are only able to do so because of the enabling environment you have provided.”

According to him:“We cannot be talking about growth and economy or have a sustainable development if we do not have peace and security.

“We cannot be talking of growing our economy exponentially if you have not provided quality leadership and extensive infrastructure across the state in the last seven years plus. We cannot be talking about growing of our economy exponentially if we do not have peace among our civil and public servants that you strongly and full pay their emoluments. So we are very happy and proud that we are riding on the pedestal you have provided to move our state to the next level of our economic goal.”

Attributing Dr. Asadu’s solidarity rally to the demonstration of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s exemplary leadership style, Dr. Mbah maintained the demonstration has proved that Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency is now completely intact, adding that the feat will guarantee 100 percent victory for the PDP in the state.

In their separate goodwill messages, the PDP deputy governorship candidate, Barr. Ossai, the party’s candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Engr. Abba, Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Hon. Vitus Okechi, former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dan Shere, among others, lauded Dr. Asadu for organising the rally in support of the PDP and its candidates, restating that the gossips are now over.

On his part, Gov. Ugwuanyi equally thanked Dr. Asadu for the bold initiative he took as well as his support over the years.

The governor went further to thank the stakeholders and people of the state for their unceasing prayers and support, expressing optimism that “by the special grace of God we will finish well, we will finish strong and it will end in praise.”

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, accompanied by the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, today, visited former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Dan Shere, at his Opi country home, Nsukka Local Government Area, following his release by his abductors.

Dr. Shere was among the victims of recent kidnappings along Ugwogo-Opi road.

The PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Chief Engr. Vita Abba; the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon. Barr. Walter Ozioko; the party’s candidate for Nsukka East Constituency, Barr. Mrs. Christiana Onah; the Deputy Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon. Sylvanus Asogwa, the Founder, Power and Victory In Christ Ministry, Nsukka, Senior Prophet Dr. Kan Ebube Muonso; Dr. Shere’s wife, Pharm. Loretta Osondu; former Chairman of the Council, Hon. Alpho Nweze; Prof. Damian Opata; relatives, other friends and well-wishers of the former SSG, were on ground to join him (Shere) to receive the governor on arrival.

Immediately after the visit, Gov. Ugwuanyi embarked on an unscheduled assessment tour of Lejja-Aku road to obtain firsthand information on the state of the road for further state government’s intervention.

Recall that the governors of the South East geo-political zone on Sunday raised the alarm over the spate of kidnappings and wanton killings in the zone, calling on the Federal Government to come to their aid by providing improved security in the area, bearing in mind that elections are around the corner.

Rising from a closed-door meeting at the Government House, Enugu, the South East governors agreed to set up a 24-hour joint patrol on all major highways within the South East, especially during the Christmas season.

The governors decried the state of insecurity in the region, adding that economic activities in the zone have come to a halt “while kidnapping and wanton killing have become the order of the day.”

The meeting was attended by Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (host), Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Ebonyi State Governor/Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Engr. David Umahi, while the governors of Anambra and Imo states, Prof. Charles Soludo and Senator Hope Uzodimma were represented by their deputies, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim and Prof. Placid Njoku, respectively.

The people of Eha-Alumona in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State have reiterated their confidence and sincere gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his commitment to their wellbeing especially his administration’s intervention in their roads that were hitherto abandoned for over 50 years by successive governments.

In a communiqué signed by the stakeholders of Eha-Alumona including the youth, the people of the community commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his intervention in the construction of Eha-Ndiagu road "after many years of dilapidation and abandonment by successive governments."

The signatories to the communiqué include the member representing Nsukka East Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr Chinedu Nwamba; the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Miletus Eze; the Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Prince Emeka Odo; the General Manager, Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA), Hon. Ike Ezugwu; the General Manager, Enugu State Tourism Board, Chief Steve Odo; Hon. Rodrick Ugwu; Chief Ugochuku Ugwunnadi; Prof. Ignatius Madu; and Roy Ekwueme of Nsukka Youths General Assembly.

Others include Mr. Cornelius Ogbonna; Engr. Kingsley Ugwu; Chief Pius Ugwunnadi (PG); Prince Ibeamaka Odo; Mr. Paulinus Ossai; Presidents-General (PGs) of the town unions and the councilors of the three wards in Eha-Alumona, namely; Eha-Ulo, Eha-Ndiagu and Agbamere Umabor, among others.

It would be recalled that the people of Eha-Alumona, comprising their elders, clergymen, stakeholders, youths and six traditional rulers had paid a thank-you visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, in recognition of the infrastructural projects his administration has executed in their community, stressing that no past administration did what the governor has done for them, in the last five decades.

The Eha-Alumona people debunked a communiqué purportedly issued by "some faceless people who claimed to be youths of Eha-Alumona" alleging neglect of the community and threatened to ban political activities in the area.

The people of Eha-Alumona stressed that the said communiqué “did not emanate from Eha-Alumona youths or any other body in Eha-Alumona."

The people said that "the faceless person or persons who issued the communiqué used the age-long desire of Eha-Alumona people for the complete reconstruction of Eha-Ndiagu road as a foot mat for the communiqué.”

Expressing confidence in Gov. Ugwuanyi’s commitment to further work on the Eha-Ndiagu road, the Eha-Alumona people said: "Our stakeholders who have been interfacing with the governor on the said road have assured us that His Excellency will further intervene on the road before the end of his tenure. We do not have any reason to doubt them."

The people of Eha-Alumona, therefore, apologised to “the Government of Enugu State and all political parties in Nigeria for the embarrassment the faceless communiqué might have caused them”, maintaining that "Eha-Alumona remains open and unbiased towards political activities within the ambit of the law."

They commended their stakeholders, youths and all concerned persons "for their quick intervention and peaceful conduct throughout the unfortunate incident"

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has commended the resilient spirit of indigenes of the state in excelling in their various business endeavours nationally and internationally in spite of the challenges confronting the country, stressing that “Ndi Enugu have shown resilience in the face of the nation’s economic challenges.”

Gov. Ugwuanyi made the assertion, yesterday, when he inspected the 1500-120 TPH capacity Marini Batch Asphalt Plant at Emene, Enugu, newly built by an indigenous construction company, Eketeson Resources International Limited.

The governor in a special way thanked the Managing Director of the company, Chief Engr. Donald Ekete, an indigene of Enugu State, for the bold initiative of investing in the state, describing the asphalt plant as a great project.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who attributed the existing peace and security in Enugu State to God’s kindness and mercy, beseeched Him (God) to give more indigenes of Enugu State the enablement to invest and open more business ventures in the state.

Stating that the Eketeson asphalt plant project will be a reference point in the next 50 years, the governor prayed that the company will grow from strength to strength and provide employment opportunities for more people of Enugu State.

He therefore used the opportunity to appeal to other indigenes of Enugu to come home and invest, stressing that God is in charge of the affairs of the state.

Welcoming Gov. Ugwuanyi to the asphalt plant, the Managing Director of Eketeson Resources International Limited, Engr. Ekete, described the governor’s presence as a great honour and a demonstration of his commitment to investment and business growth in Enugu State.

Engr. Ekete disclosed that the Eketeson marine asphalt plant is 001-2022, adding that “Eketeson has the latest version in the world.”

The Managing Director explained that the company’s asphalt plant produces 120 to 150 tons per hour (TPH) and has the capacity to do any mixed design for its clients, revealing: “It is only RCC and Julius Berger that have this kind of asphalt plant in Nigeria.”

He said that the project has a minimum capacity of one hundred workers and other inherent benefits for the people of the state and the state government.

Engr. Ekete expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Enugu State, especially the opportunity the governor and the state gave the company to actualise the landmark project.

In his goodwill message, the traditional ruler of Agunese Mmaku, Awgu Local Government Area, HRH Igwe Cyprian Maduabuchi Nevobasi, applauded Engr. Ekete for the milestone achievement and appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for providing peace and security in Enugu State which he said made it possible for the siting of the asphalt plant in the state.

The Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Prof. Christian Anieke; the Commissioner for Rural Development, Dr. Kingsley Udeh; HRH Igwe Eric Chijioke Nwafor; Permanent Secretary and Liaison Officer, Enugu State Liaison Office, Abuja, Barr. Chukwuka Ugwu; the representative of the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ogugua Emehelu; Engr. Ekete’s wife, Elizabeth Chidimma; and the General Manager, Eketeson Resources International Limited, Emmanuel Abbi were among the dignitaries at the event.

The Nigerian Red Cross Society has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the remarkable interventions his administration has made in the provision of road infrastructure, healthcare facilities and efficient fire service operations in Enugu North Senatorial District and beyond, disclosing that the amenities have aided the voluntary organisation to discharge its duties perfectly in the district.

Speaking when representatives of the Nsukka Division of the Nigerian Red Cross Society visited Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu on Wednesday, the Chairman of the organisation, Engr. Pascal Chukwuemeka Asadu, applauded the governor for “your gigantic developmental strides in Enugu North Senatorial District in particular and the state in general.”

Engr. Asadu stressed that the impact of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s developmental trajectory in Enugu North Senatorial District in terms of road construction, healthcare infrastructure, traffic lights, fire service facilities, among others, has contributed to the success story of the organisation in the zone.

“As an emergency organisation which one of its duties is responding to accident scenes, we have noticed a total reduction in the level of accidents in our zone which can be attributed to the quality roads which you (Ugwuanyi) delivered within this period of your administration.

“We have responded to 90 percent of road accidents within Enugu North Senatorial District. We have in collaboration with the fire service responded to various scenes of fire outbreak including the one at Ogige Market in Nsukka. Our emergency team has been on search and rescue operations during heavy downpours, among other interventions.

“Although, so much has been said by various quarters on how your administration’s agenda has affected lives positively, the roads you constructed have saved lives and made food available.

“Your Excellency, your intervention on health by building ultra-modern health centre in almost all the local government areas in our zone; the introduction of traffic lights also reduced accidents on school children and gave us relief as traffic wardens,” Engr. Asadu said.

Applauding Gov. Ugwuanyi for the efficiency and professionalism of the state fire service in responding to emergency, the Nsukka Division chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Engr. Asadu, thanked the governor, who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Enugu North Senatorial District, for repositioning the sector in spite of the state’s lean resources and nation’s economic challenges.

Expressing the confidence they have in Gov. Ugwuanyi, the chairman added: “Your Excellency, as we are standing now, we believe in you; we believed in you yesterday; we believe in you today and we will continue to believe in you.

“As Nigerian Red Cross Society, Nsukka Division, we are apolitical but we have to stand on something that will assist us. We have come to do that for you, Your Excellency.

“Your first and second tenures as governor have been favourable to us. Among the people that you see here, we have doctors, we have engineers and other professionals.”

The PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Chief Engr. Vita Abba graced the event.

In a comprehensive document detailing his agenda for the people of Enugu state, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Dr Peter Mbah, has pledged to run a quality and people-focused government when elected.

In a 64-page manifesto/statement of purpose, tagged: “Ndi Enugu, Tomorrow Is Here,” the Owo, Nkanu East-born, British-trained lawyer, vowed to make Enugu one of the top three states in Nigeria in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and achieve a zero per cent rate in the poverty headcount index in eight years.Mbah, who holds a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Maritime and Commercial Law, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the IESE Business School, Barcelona, Spain and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science specifically noted that he will raise the GDP of the state from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within the period.

A former Chief of Staff to Senator Chimaroke Nnamani and Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mbah stated that his mission is to make Enugu the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and habitation.As part of his objectives of achieving, peace and security as well as inclusive economic development, he promised to accelerate youth employment, introduce integrated rural development programmes as well as community policing and inclusion of all citizens in the governance of the state.“We will achieve these through targeted policies and programmes to: Grow the GDP of Enugu state sevenfold in the next eight years, from the current level of $4.4 billion in 2022 to $30 billion by 2031,” he explained.

In addition, Mbah stressed that he would achieve a zero per cent rate in the poverty headcount index through government-enabled private sector development and reduce the percentage population in abject poverty to zero per cent, from the current levels by 2031.To build confidence and de-risk investment flows, the businessman pointed out that his government shall foster a sense of belonging among Enugu people through proactive and transparent engagement with all stakeholders.

Through proactive community engagement and use of digital technologies, he posited that he will execute a performance-based social contract with the citizens of Enugu and be fully transparent and accountable to them on a continuous basis.“My government will embrace modern technologies to entrench e-governance – publish digital state accounts annually, and implement quarterly delivery accountability reporting at all tiers of government- from the local government, civil service commissions and state cabinet.“We will personally report to citizens on progress each quarter through an open State of Enugu Reports made available to all citizens of Enugu State through the social media.

“We will encourage all members of my government to do the same from councillors to commissioners and my cabinet. We will enact executive performance contracts with each of my direct reports and liaise with citizens to hold government accountable on quarterly basis,” he affirmed.He promised to take ownership of all projects and programmes initiated and currently being executed by the government while projects still under construction at handover will be completed for the benefit of Enugu people.

In driving development across the industrial sectors, Mbah said the he and his team will adopt poverty eradication, promote ease of doing business and enhance access to funding as key measurable indicators.On agriculture, he maintained that his objective in the sector shall be to: “Feed Enugu State and turn the state into a food-basket for Nigeria and a hub for export of cash crops”.

“The target is to eliminate food insecurity in the state by 2031 through massive investments in technologies for agricultural productivity in the state, technology-enabled agricultural extension services, implementation of specialised agro-allied industrial zones in all senatorial zones of the state, and accelerated technologies for agricultural systems transformation in Enugu State,” he said.

Among others, he explained that he would focus on harnessing the available resources in Enugu State to light up and power the state, create jobs for youth and women while growing the GDP by mobilising investments to develop energy, natural and mineral resources across the state.

“ We shall strive to ensure that Enugu gains the status of an oil bearing and producing state within a year of our administration. To achieve this, we shall prevail upon the oil companies operating OPL 916 to bring into production, their wells within Enugu State, while we will engage with the investors in OPLs 914, 905 and 907 and work with them to achieve commercial production in their fields.

“The resulting natural gas from these production activities will be gathered for use in powering industries in the State. Additionally, we shall seek collaborations with reputable investors to commence the economic exploitation and exploration of the other key minerals in the state,” he noted.Mbah stressed that his government shall establish industrial parks and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in each senatorial zone of the state focusing on key areas of competitive advantages.

To facilitate venture capital investment in existing Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in selected areas, he promised to float in partnership with venture capital firms an over N100 billion venture capital for the businesses in the state per annum.“Within the First 100 days in office, the Enugu State Investment Forum (ESIF) shall be convened to bring together all the key players needed to drive and sustain investments in key areas of commerce and industry in the state,” he added.

Because he understands that shelter is a basic human need, Mbah said his focus will be geared towards the provision of mass housing programme.He noted that this will be affordable to cross sections of the populace as well as establishment of housing finance schemes, including mortgage schemes to assist those willing to buy and own their own homes as well as generation of revenue through appropriate administration of property tax.In view of its development plan, he posited that Enugu will seek to evolve a multimodal transport system incorporating light rail, tram services and inland waterway services to complement the existing road transportation.

He stressed that the ongoing efforts at digitalisation of the High Courts will be completed and expanded to cover court administration.In addition to this, Mbah said that he will address the current internal security issues resulting in the agitation for separation.“Our preferred approach is to engage all our people in maintaining peace which is necessary for growth and development. Measures taken would be geared towards community participation in the provision of security so that our farmers can return to their farms without fear of molestation. We will expand collaborations with the security agencies in communities,” he said.

He said that because education in Enugu state has benefitted from a significant investment in infrastructure in the last seven years, this has resulted in the state’s ranking as number one in the utilisation of the Universal Basic Education funds based on the recent evaluation by the national Universal Basic Education Board as well as the excellent performance in the 2021 West Africa examinations, where the state came first among the 36 states.“We will build on this achievement in our quest to revolutionise education in Enugu state. Education empowers the individual; and provides key manpower needs for the state to develop.

“Therefore, we will carefully ensure that we provide qualitative formal and informal education across the state from primary to tertiary levels,” he added.Mbah also pledged the provision of a daily healthy balanced meal for each child from primary to secondary school, free malarial prophylaxis and vitamin supplementation.

Furthermore, he pledged to provide free immunisation for the key preventable diseases as well as provision of free health checks including visual and ocular checks, hearing checks, and checks for attention disorders.On sports, he said that sports is not only for recreation, but also a huge profitable business.According to him, with a proper policy and implementation, the state ought to generate revenue through sports and sporting events which he said are tourist items.

#TomorrowIsHere

It was a cheering experience for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on arrival in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of the state, which is the country home of the former Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Prof. Hilary Odo Edeoga, as the people of the area, women, youths and stakeholders of the council area trooped out in their numbers to welcome the governor amid cheers and excitement.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was accompanied by the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani and the Member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji, was in Eha-Amufu, on a private visit to celebrate with Prof. Edeoga on his recent conferment with the National Honours award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.

The governor who was accorded a rousing reception was also entertained with different cultural displays with traditional renditions that dramatised the people’s love and endorsement of the governor’s rare leadership qualities and sterling contributions to the development of Eha-Amufu in particular and Isi-Uzo LGA in general.

Welcoming Gov. Ugwuanyi, youths of Isi-Uzo LGA reassured the governor that they are solidly behind him. They also reassured the governor that Isi-Uzo LGA is PDP, stressing that the council area will deliver PDP 100 percent in the 2023 general election.

Presenting the stance of Isi-Uzo youths, Innocent Lotachukwu Odo told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “the promise we make to you is that since we have been delivering PDP 100 percent in the past, we will still give the party 100 percent votes in these coming elections.

“We are here to reassure you that Isi-Uzo youths are fully with you, 100 percent with you as well as assuring you that Isi-Uzo LGA is PDP. There is no shaking!”

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders and people of Isi-Uzo LGA, former Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Godwin Ogenyi, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for honouring them with the visit stating that it was a mark of respect for their people.

Thanking the governor for the special attention his administration has paid to Isi-Uzo LGA, Hon. Ogenyi said: “The people of Eha-Amufu are happy with you. The people of Isi-Uzo are equally happy with you. We are happy with you the way you are taking care of our people. The way you are taking care of our children and the way the things that concern our people touches your heart.

“We are not saying this just as an expression because the time will come when we will show you that we are standing with you.

“Just know that after a dark cloud of rain, the moon will definitely shine. At that moment every eye will witness its brightness to the earth. We say welcome, Your Excellency.”

Stakeholders of Isi-Uzo LGA who graced the event include the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Jideofor Ebeh; the Council Chairman, Hon. Barr. Obiora Obeagu; PDP LG Chairman, Hon. Uche Ugwueze; former Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA and ex-acting National Financial Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Osita Ogene; former Council Chairmen, Hon. Eric Ebe and Hon. Jacob O. Abonyi; National President, Eha-Amufu Federated Development Union, Eberechukwu Japhet; former Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Igwurube; former PDP LG Chairman, Hon. Benjamin Ebe, Franklin Nnamani, etc.

Other dignitaries present at the event include the Provost, Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, Dr Pauline Onwuegbu and the Parish Priest, Holy Cross Parish, Eha-Amufu, Rev. Fr. Francis Okigbo.

The unfortunate viral video clip of alleged helicopters dropping hundreds of unknown persons on the top of Ugwu-ajali hill, bordering Ologo, Jamboree and Coal Camp areas of Enugu is FAKE and should be DISREGARDED - Police

Read full text of the statement by the Enugu State Police Command...

"*ENUGU STATE POLICE COMMAND BULLETIN OF 14TH OCTOBER, 2022*

"*RE: VIRAL VIDEO OF ALLEGED HELICOPTERS DROPPING HUNDREDS OF UNKNOWN PERSONS AT OLOGO/JAMBOREE/COAL CAMP AREAS OF ENUGU; RESIDENTS URGED TO DISREGARD FAKE AND DISINFORMATIVE VIDEO,*

"_*- As CP Ammani orders discreet investigation to fish out its creators*_

"Following the receipt of a viral video, with female voices alleging, in a mixture of Igbo and English languages, that in the afternoon hours of 14/10/2022, helicopters dropped unknown persons, numbering about one hundred (100), on the top of Ugwu-ajali hill, bordering Ologo, Jamboree and Coal Camp areas of Enugu; the State Police Command wishes to inform residents of the said locations and the entire State, that the clearly doctored video and information therein is fake and purely a product of the mongers' figment of imagination and disinformation, aimed at misleading and creating panic and confusion amongst law-abiding citizens of the State.

"2. Consequently, the Command being mindful of the negative impacts of disinformation on public peace, security and safety in this age, is calling on the citizenry to totally disregard the unfounded and fake video, as there is no record of such incident in the mentioned locations or any other part of the State.

"3. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, *CP Ahmed Ammani, fdc*, has ordered the conduct of intelligence-guided discreet investigation to fish out the creators and peddlers of the fake video, while reiterating the Command's unwavering commitment to ensure maximum public security and safety of citizens of the State.

"4. The Commissioner further calls on residents of the State to always remain law-abiding, vigilante and endeavour to analyze and/or verify tensive and misleading social media information of this nature, before acting on them.

"5. He also enjoins them to continue to promptly report criminals and acts of criminality to the nearest Police Station or by calling the Command's hotlines on: 08032003702, 08075390883 or 08086671202. Or alternatively send emails to infoenugupolice@gmail.com.

"Signed:
*DSP DANIEL NDUKWE, Anipr*
Police Public Relations Officer,
State Headquarters,
G.R.A., Enugu."

As endorsements of #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State’s bid to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continue to gather momentum, youths of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of the state, under the umbrella of Great-16, have thrown their weight behind the governor and the PDP.

The Great-16 comprising youths from the 16 electoral wards in Igbo-Eze South LGA also threw their weight behind the governorship candidate of the PDP in Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Chief Engr. Vita Abba, the party’s candidate for Igbo-Eze South Constituency, Hon. Vitus Okechi, and all other candidates of the party.

Similarly, the elated people of Nachi community in Udi LGA, Enugu West Senatorial District, during their 'Thank-you' and solidarity visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the weekend, equally declared their support for the PDP and its candidates in the forthcoming elections.

They pledged to deliver all the candidates of the PDP at the polls, including galvanising and mobilising their friends and in-laws from Enugu North Senatorial District to vote for Gov. Ugwuanyi to represent the district at the Senate.

Also on a 'Thank-you' and solidarity visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the weekend were the people of Mbulujodo Nike Autonomous Community led by their traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Gabriel N. Okoh and the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji.

They equally declared their unflinching support for the governor and pledged to vote overwhelmingly for all the candidates of the PDP in the forthcoming elections in the state including the party’s governorship candidate, Barr. Mbah, who hails from Owo, a neighbouring community in Nkanu East LGA.

Led by the leader of Great-I6, Hon. Chimezie Darlington Mama, on a solidarity visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu, the Igbo-Eze South youths said they are “people in charge of local government, wards, and down to the polling units.”

Disclosing that the Great-16 is an extension of Enugu State Youth Parliament, Igbo-Eze South LGA Chapter, Hon. Mama added that “it has been long we have been existing, we have been operating and we have been delivering at the grassroots.”

The group’s leader commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for accommodating and empowering the youth in his administration, stressing that the feat is unprecedented in the annals of Enugu State.

Hon. Mama also applauded the governor for the peace and good governance his administration has entrenched in the state as well as his humble disposition. He said: “We have tried to learn that from you (Ugwuanyi) but it seems very difficult.”

Corroborating Mama’s remarks, Ikenna Ugwuanyi emphasised the vital role of the youth in the forthcoming elections and assured Gov. Ugwuanyi that they have already compiled facts and figures of his administration’s remarkable achievements and deployed other genuine strategies that would “attract young persons to vote for you and the PDP.”

Expressing profound gratitude to Gov. Ugwunayi for the establishment of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, another speaker, Hon. Valentine Udoka Eze, pointed out that Igbo-Eze South LGA as one of the host communities of the medical university stands to benefit immensely from the milestone achievement.

“Your Excellency, you have done noble in terms of education, infrastructure, peace and security, among others. The best graduating students are from Enugu State in both JAMB and WAEC, among other feats. It is courtesy of what you have done in the education sector. So we are thankful to you for that. The Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, is in the land of Nsukka among many other achievements. So, we say thank you very much, Your Excellency,” he added.

Presenting the address by the people of Nachi community, the President General of Nachi Development Union (NDU), Dr. Chukwuma Ogugua Orji, explained that they came to thank Gov. Ugwuanyi for giving them a sense of belonging after decades of neglect by previous administrations.

Thanking Gov. Ugwuanyi for appointing their illustrious son, Engr. Kene Eze, as the Transition Committee Chairman of Udi LGA, which he served out meritoriously, Dr. Orji told the governor that “you broke that yoke of abusive neglect of Nachi community” by that singular act for “it is a known fact that since the return of democracy in 1999, no son or daughter of Nachi had occupied any elective or appointive position in Enugu State.”

The Nachi people went further to appreciate the governor for the selection and subsequent recognition of their Traditional Ruler, HRH Igwe Cosmas Chizoba Ezeumeh, stating that “this also wouldn’t have been possible without your kind considerations.”

Also lauding Gov. Ugwuanyi for Enugu’s enviable status as one of the peaceful and safest states in the country, the people of Nachi pledged their unalloyed solidarity, support and loyalty to the governor and his exemplary leadership, stressing: “We pledge to continually pray for you and support your leadership; we shall equally transfer same support to all the PDP candidates in the forthcoming elections in the state.”

Also lending their voices, the Chairman of Udi LGA, Hon. Philip Okoh and the former Transition Committee Chairman of the council, Engr. Eze paid glowing tribute to Gov. Ugwuanyi for being a role model for others to emulate and reassured him of the determination and resolve of the people of Nachi to vote massively for the PDP in 2023, stressing that the community has been delivering the PDP 100 percent since 1999.

The PDP candidate for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor was at the event.

On their part, the people of Mbulujodo Nike Autonomous Community expressed sincere gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for the appointment of their illustrious son, Engr. Nnaji as a member of his cabinet since the inception of his administration in 2015, the election and subsequent recognition of HRH Igwe Okoh as the traditional ruler of the community as well as the leadership role the governor played in the emergence of Barr. Mbah as the PDP governorship candidate in the state.

They said that their people are delighted at the choice of Barr. Mbah because of his sound track record in both private and public dealings as well as the inherent benefits attached to the brotherhood they share with his community as neighbours.

Reiterating their support for Gov. Ugwuanyi, Barr. Mbah and all other candidates of the PDP, the people maintained that “Mbulujodo is PDP, we will vote for the PDP all the way.”

Following the release of water from Ladgo Dam by the Cameroonian authorities during the peak of the recent downpours which unfortunately caused flooding in parts of Nigeria, including some communities in Enugu State, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has assured residents of the state, especially those in the affected areas, that the state government is tracking the movement of the flood water and has mapped out strategies and mechanisms to completely remove or minimise its impact on the people.

In a statement by the Executive Secretary of the SEMA, Nkechi Eneh, the state government sympathised with some communities in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area affected by the incident.

Eneh stated that the state government is following the unfortunate development “very closely with a view to mitigating or minimising the impact of this flooding.”

She reassured the victims and indeed all communities in Enugu State that the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led administration is poised to tackle this issue conclusively, stressing that the state government “is focused on this challenge and will spare no effort in combating it.”

The SEMA Executive Secretary maintained that “we will continue to deploy all necessary response mechanisms to ensure that this flooding is managed safely,” reiterating that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration “remains resolute in its desire to continue to deliver good governance to the people.”

Eneh therefore restated the SEMA’s earlier alerts to people living in flood prone areas to as a matter of urgency, evacuate to higher and safer grounds; desist from drinking or using flood water to avoid communicable diseases and prevent the outbreak of epidemics; stop stepping into flood water because of reptiles and sharp objects; shun dumping of refuse or defecating inside drainages; avoid building or carrying out socio-economic activities along flood plains; and constantly desilt drainages.

The leadership of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) on Wednesday visited Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State at the Government House, Enugu, to appreciate him for his administration’s giant strides in the education sector in spite of the state’s lean resources and the economic, security and public health challenges bedeviling the country.

Led by the Dean, Faculty of the Social Sciences, UNN, Prof. Ike Onyishi, the academicians commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the establishment of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, describing the medical university as one of the legacy projects the governor will be remembered for after his tenure. He said that the SUMAS is a worthy project which “is going to live after all of us.”

Prof. Onyishi expressed delight at the quality of massive structures at the permanent site of the State Medical University (SUMAS), constructed by the Ugwuanyi administration, stressing that they are amazing.

The Dean assured Gov. Ugwuanyi of their support towards the success of the medical university, adding that the inherent benefits of the educational establishment are enormous, especially, its proximity to the UNN, its socio-economic development of the affected rural communities as well as its ability to provide more opportunities for numerous students in the country seeking to study medical courses.

Prof. Onyishi, on behalf of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, UNN, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for appointing one of them, Prof. Aloysius Michael Okolie, as the Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Malachy Okwueze as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu and Prof. Uche Eze who is the Commissioner for Education, among others.

He acknowledged the existing peace and security in Enugu State entrenched by Gov. Ugwuanyi, pointing out that the unprecedented feat has made it possible for education and development to thrive in the state.

The erudite professor stressed that “Enugu is one of the safest states in the country and the safest in the South East,” maintaining that the governor has been proactive in responding to security issues in the state.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu, Prof. Okwueze, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Eze, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Okolie, Prof. Fab Onah, Prof. Lawrence Amazue, Prof. T.C Nzeadibe, Prof. Uche Nnadozie, Prof. Leonard Ugwu, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Ngwoke and Dr. Sam Ugwu were among the leadership of the Faculty of the Social Sciences at the event.

During the visit, a delegation of the ‘UNN Staff Support Group for Gburugburu’ equally applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s transformational programmes in the university town of Nsukka, Enugu North Senatorial District and the state in general.

They unanimously endorsed the governor’s bid to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The group, comprising academic and non-academic staff of the UNN, also endorsed the PDP governorship candidate in Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the party’s candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Chief. Engr. Vita Abba and the candidate for Nsukka West Constituency, Hon. Amos Amadi Agbo, pledging to mobilise the electorate in the university community to vote for them overwhelmingly at the polls.

Speaking, the Coordinator of the UNN Staff Support Group for Gburugburu, Godwin Okechukwu Asadu, told Gov. Ugwuanyi that the staff are major beneficiaries of his administration’s developmental projects in the university town of Nsukka, which he said are (projects) unprecedented.

Disclosing that “this is the first time the University of Nigeria Nsukka is having a support group for a sitting governor,” the group’s coordinator stressed that Gov. Ugwuanyi deserves their support and votes because of his outstanding achievements, humility, fear of God and peaceful disposition.

They paid glowing tribute to the governor for establishing the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno and attracting the Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, stating that the remarkable feats have supported the legacy of the late legendary Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who attracted the UNN to Nsukka town.

In their separate remarks, the group’s Secretary and Publicity Secretary, Mike Ogbobe and Dr. Saint Ngwoke respectively, joined the academicians from the Faculty of the Social Sciences, UNN, in thanking Gov. Ugwuanyi for appointing educationists from the university into sensitive government positions including the principal officers of the SUMAS.

They said that the governor’s decision in that regard has brought so many laurels to Enugu State in the education sector and has equally helped his administration in actualising its policy thrust.

The group reassured Gov. Ugwuanyi that they will rally support for him, Barr. Mbah, Barr. Ossai, Engr. Abba and other PDP candidates in 2023, revealing that they are prepared and committed to actualising their mandate.

In another development, the members of ‘Gburus Committee for Senate’ led by the Chairman, Barr. Kester Kaunda Ekwueme, paid a solidarity visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, where they equally declared their support for the governor’s senatorial bid in 2023.

Comprising members from other senatorial districts of Enugu State, the group explained that they are poised to ensure that Gov. Ugwuanyi emerges victorious at the poll, adding that their broad-based outlook is borne out of their conviction that the governor is not only going to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly but also the entire state.

In his address, Barr. Ekwueme informed Gov. Ugwuanyi that “we are here to appreciate you, show our unwavering support for you today, tomorrow and forever and thank you for the good works you are doing for the people of Enugu State,” adding: “Because of your peaceful nature, you have given the people of Enugu State the gift of peace and Enugu is the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

“Your Excellency, you have empowered and transformed the lives of very many ordinary indigenes of Enugu State like no other leader in the state has done before.

“We see the emergence of Dr. Barr. Peter Mbah as the PDP gubernatorial candidate and all other PDP candidates for the 2023 general election as the will of the people, the will of God.

“Your Excellency, you are a great leader and you have redefined the dynamics of Enugu politics. There are lots of high quality infrastructural developments going on in Enugu State but the one that I describe as the game changer that has capacity to level the playing field is the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno.

“You believe in human capital development and that is very fundamental to the growth of any individual and any state and this is why I describe you as a transformational and charismatic leader, a role model any reasonable person would like to be like.

“Your Excellency, the purpose of this committee is to mobilise support for you, campaign for you, have a bond with you, a covenant with you and promise you that we shall do everything humanly possible. I repeat, we shall do everything humanly possible to ensure a landslide victory come 2023 Enugu North Senatorial election. We can’t wait to celebrate the victory.

Lending his voice, the secretary of the group, Francis Onyeke spoke in the same vein, reiterating that Gov. Ugwuanyi has “set a standard with proven leadership track record of some unique project profiles in addition to sustaining the legacies of our past leaders combined with resplendent, sumptuous giant strides and multifaceted monumental tasks cutting across the 17 local government areas of Enugu State that earned you the nickname Mr. Project.”

The group’s patrons, Chief Engr. Abba (the PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency) and Dr. Dan. Shere (former Secretary to the State Government); the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon. Barr. Walter Ozioko; and the party’s candidates for Nsukka East and Nsukka West constituencies, Barr. Mrs. Christiana Onah and Hon. Agbo respectively, witnessed the event.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday, led revered stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southeast geo-political zone of the country to interact with the presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abukakar.

The meeting was in furtherance of Atiku’s consultations, preparatory to the commencement of campaigns for the 2023 presidential election.

In his speech, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who is the leader of the PDP in the Southeast zone and candidate of the party for Enugu North Senatorial District, formally welcomed former Vice President Abubakar to Enugu, the capital of the Southeast, assuring him that Enugu State is essentially a PDP state.

The governor also acknowledged and welcomed other esteemed leaders of the party who travelled from far and near to be part of the epoch-making event. Other dignitaries at the event include the Governor of Delta State and vice presidential candidate of the PDP, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu; the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Umar Damagum; the National Secretary of the party, Senator Sam Anyanwu; the Acting Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), Senator Adolphus Wabara; former presidents of the Senate, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Senator Dr. Bukola Saraki; members of the BOT of the party, Senator Dr. Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, Dr. Okwesileze Nwodo, Senator Ben Obi and Amb. Mrs. Justina Eze; the National Vice Chairman (Southeast zone), Chief Dr. Ali Odefa; the PDP governorship candidates in Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi states, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Prof. Uche Ikonne and Mr. Ifeanyi Odii respectively, the party's deputy governorship candidates.

Others include serving and former principal officers of the National Assembly; serving and former members of the National Assembly; serving and former members of the National Working Committee of the party; former ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Speakers of the state Houses of Assembly; Senatorial and House of Representatives candidates of the party; serving and former state chairmen and secretaries of the party; state youth leaders, women leaders and publicity secretaries of the party; LGA chairmen; among others.

Addressing the audience, the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, commended the host governor, Ugwuanyi, for his support, patience and selfless service to the progress of the party, stressing that the governor has always demonstrated utmost leadership and commitment.

Atiku, who was received at the airport by teeming party faithful and supporters on arrival in Enugu, also appreciated other Southeast leaders for their immense support for his presidential ambition in 2015, stressing that “your sons and daughters have played major roles in the development of my life and the country.”

Revealing his massive development agenda for the Southeast zone, the PDP presidential candidate, who outlined five priorities, namely; reunification of Nigeria, security, restructuring, improvement of the economy and human capital and infrastructural development, stressed that the agenda will benefit the Southeast zone as “a Nigeria that truly works will work for all zones.”

Promising to tackle the issue of marginalisation which he said “is providing an excuse for separatist agitation particularly the people of this zone," Atiku said: “I made it quite clear and confidently too that I will be your stepping stone to becoming the president of Nigeria.

“It is important to Enugu State that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, gains full approval to operate in full capacity to handle international flights.

“Once more, I thank you most sincerely for your support to the party. We must all work hard to make sure that the Southeast remains for our party now and after elections.”

On his part, the PDP vice presidential candidate, Gov. Okowa, lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for providing true leadership and mobilising party members to attend the event. He stressed that PDP is Southeast and Southeast is PDP and urged the people of the zone to support the party at the polls.

Other speakers at the event, namely the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Oko Chukwu; the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Damagun; the Acting Chairman, PDP BOT, Senator Wabara; PDP National Secretary, Senator Anyanwu; the PDP National Vice Chairman, Southeast zone, Chief Odefa; Senator Ben Obi and Senator Dino Melaye, expressed confidence in the PDP and the quality of its leaders in the Southeast as well as the party’s ability to win in the zone in the forthcoming elections, stressing that the party is strong, focused and formidable in the region.

Stakeholders have commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for making the state a reference point in public service reforms in the country.

The commendation came on the heels of the recent visit to Enugu State by a delegation of Bayelsa State Government led by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, who was accompanied by the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade John B. Ndiomu and many others, to study the strategic reforms and other giant strides Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration has made in the public service.

The team from Bayelsa State government, according to the Enugu State Head of Service, Mr. Ken Chukwuegbo, visited Enugu “on an experience sharing visit through which they (Bayelsa team) gathered more strategies in the ongoing reforms of the state’s public service”.

The Bayelsa State Government team leader, Dambo, had explained that the state government decided to visit a sister state, Enugu, for cross-fertilisation of ideas on how to plug loopholes in governance, its public service and consequently draw comparison to see if their structure was in tandem with what obtains in Enugu, adding that the choice of Enugu was due to its huge success in public service reforms.

The Attorney-General said they were in Enugu to get information on the salary structures and other related allowances, noting that Bayelsa State has a population of more than two million people with 48,000 work force in the civil service.

The Enugu State Head of Service, Mr. Chukwuegbo, who received and welcomed the team from Bayelsa State government on behalf of Gov. Ugwuanyi during the recent visit, disclosed that the state’s public service and indeed other sectors of development had truly undergone series of reforms under Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration.

Chukwuegbo told the Bayelsa team that with a workforce of more than 20,000 core civil and public servants, Enugu is one of the few states in the country that embraced the new National Minimum Wage of N30,000.00 with its consequential adjustments and had been up to date in the payment of workers’ salaries, even during the global lock down occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

He added that Enugu State, under Gov. Ugwuanyi sponsored more than 50 top civil servants for training at the highly revered National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, and was acknowledged by the institute as the state that sponsored the highest number of civil servants during the PSLC41 set.

Chukwuegbo assured the Bayelsa team that they made the right choice to visit Enugu State, as the state operated a Central Payroll System, which had helped to check fraud and ghost worker- syndrome by 90%.

The Enugu State Head of Service stated that new entrants were made to undergo biometric capturing under his office, during which employee details were captured and stored in the system, which automatically disengaged the employees on retirement.

He said that the state operated ‘I’m Alive Scheme’ for pensioners, in synergy with banks, which checked the incidence of deceased pensioners who continued to receive salary. He noted that pensioners now have to be physically present in the banks with their pension authority for confirmation before subsequent payments.

The Head of Service maintained that the visit provided opportunity for exchange programmes and visits between the two states.

Reacting, the Enugu State Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Virginus Nwobodo and Comrade Ben Asogwa respectively, applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for making Enugu a reference point in public service reforms in Nigeria.

They stressed the priority the governor placed on the welfare and capacity building of civil and public servants in Enugu State.

The labour leaders expressed delight at the inherent benefits of the visit to both states (Enugu and Bayelsa) towards the advancement of innovative, effective and efficient public service for optimal results, stressing that it was a good sign of synergy and fruitful relationship.

Nigerian former professional footballer and Olympic gold medalist, Kanu Nwankwo, has extolled the leadership virtues of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, describing the governor as a God fearing, peaceful and kind-hearted leader who has made a lot of sacrifices and frantic efforts to keep the state peaceful and progressive.

Nwankwo disclosed that Enugu State is peaceful because Gov. Ugwuanyi is “a man of good heart and a peaceful leader.”

Speaking when he led a delegation of Kanu Heart Foundation to the Government House, Enugu, on a courtesy visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi, yesterday, the football legend, Nwankwo, popularly known as ‘Papilo’ also commended the governor for his good works in the state in spite of the economic, security and public health challenges bedeviling the country.

Nwankwo, who said that Enugu is his second home, informed Gov. Ugwuanyi that he and his team were in the city for the Kanu Heart Foundation Fitness Walk billed to take place at the end of the month to commemorate this year’s World Heart Day.

The ex-international football star and founder of the Kanu Heart Foundation revealed that the foundation chose Enugu for the event because it (Enugu) is the most peaceful state in the Southeast geo-political zone.

His words: “We thank you very much for what you are doing. We say may God bless you and give you strength. The good things that we do live with us; know that all the good things you have done will live with you. We will all remember you and will never forget all your good works.

“In life, not everybody will like you but if you have 70% or 80% of people who will like you, you are good.

“We know that by encouraging your good works, you will do more. And we know that even if you are not here tomorrow, your good works will talk about you positively. Keep it up.”

The founder of Kanu Heart Foundation pointed out that there will be free medical care on the day of the fitness walk in Enugu “to know who is fit and who is not fit.”

Nwankwo, who sought the blessing and cooperation of the Enugu State Government towards the success of the scheduled fitness walk, expressed confidence that the governor will give them support.

He disclosed that the Kanu Heart Foundation, since its establishment in 2,000, has carried out 600 open heart surgeries, with 200 patients on the waiting list, adding that 150 indigenes of Enugu State are beneficiaries “and we have 45 on the waiting list.”

Revealing what motivated him to embark on the life-saving humanitarian programme, Nwankwo who thanked God for saving his life after battling with heart-related ailment, said: "I am a symbol of hope and I believe that you out there will learn from me and that is why I am doing what I am doing.”

Earlier, Kanu Nwankwo’s Manager and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of First Choice Afro Villa Ltd, Engr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, explained that the fitness walk is to create awareness about heart-related ailments, prevention, early detection and treatment. He told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “we are here (Enugu) because we know that this Kanu Heart Foundation walk will be done peacefully because you are a man of peace.”

Welcoming the football legend and his team to the Government House, Enugu, Gov. Ugwuanyi invoked the blessings of the forefathers of Enugu on them, expressing delight at Nwankwo’s humanitarian gesture, saying that it is very rare.

[b]The governor lauded Nwankwo for the life-saving foundation he has laid, adding that it is a world-wide recognition of which he (Nwaknwo) will be remembered for.
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Gov. Ugwuanyi assured Nwankwo of his administration’s support and commitment to the success of the event, and beseeched God to continue to be with him and see him through.

A former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and candidate of the Party for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Chief Engr. Vita Abba, former Chief of Staff to the Governor and the PDP candidate for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor, the State Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Chief Innocent Ezeoha, the Zonal Chairman of the party in Enugu North Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Nze Michael Onyeze, the Executive Secretary, Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Barr. Nestor Ezeme, the Executive Secretary, State Scholarship and Education Loans Board (ESSELB), Barr. Uche Levi Abonyi and a former Commissioner for Health, Enugu State, Dr. Uche Uzochukwu, joined Gov. Ugwuanyi to receive Nwankwo and his entourage.

The heads, managements and staff of Boards, Institutions, Parastatals, Agencies and Commissions (BIPAC) working under Enugu State Government, on Tuesday, converged on the Government House, Enugu, to appreciate Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his good works in the state in spite of the nation’s challenges bordering on economy, security and health.

The jubilant Enugu workers who were led by the Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ESUBEB), Chief Ikeje Asogwa, also appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for the choice and emergence of Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai as the governorship candidate and deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, respectively.

They declared their solidarity and support for Gov. Ugwuanyi, who is the candidate of the PDP for Enugu North Senatorial District, Barr. Mbah, Barr. Ossai and other candidates of the PDP in the 2023 elections, promising to work round the clock and mobilise the electorate during the electioneering process to ensure landslide victories for the PDP and its flag-bearers.

Speaking at the event, Chief Asogwa told Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was with the PDP governorship candidate, Barr. Mbah, his running mate, Barr. Ossai and the State Chairman of the Party, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, that the workers came on a solidarity visit “to applaud you for the good works you have been doing in the state.”

He added that the visit was also “to thank you for our brothers that emerged from the last PDP governorship primary election in Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai.”

Chief Asogwa, who is the Director General of Enugu State PDP Campaign Organisation, stressed that the workers are poised to ensure that Barr. Mbah and Barr. Ossai win the governorship election in the state in 2023 “to move the state to greater heights.”

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Local Government Pensions Board, Hon. Barr. Nana Ogbodo, reiterated the workers’ unflinching support for Gov. Ugwuanyi, Barr. Mbah, Barr. Ossai, and other candidates of the PDP in the state.

Barr. Ogbodo extolled Gov. Ugwuanyi’s sterling leadership qualities, describing him as an unassuming, peace loving and God fearing leader with a lot of accomplishments, stressing that the workers are fortunate to work under his result and people-oriented administration.

“We have had the fortunes to work with a governor (Ugwuanyi) who has enormous powers yet he is humble. Your Excellency, you are a master of science of human relationship. You have been a perfect source of good and you are a national champion of peace and humility and we are proud to work with you,” he said.

In their separate speeches, the Chairman of Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, Hon. Mrs. Ugochi Madueke and the Managing Director of Enugu State Waste Management Agency (ESWAMA), Chief Mrs. Amaka Anajemba, expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for empowering the women of the state in various capacities, reassuring him that the workers are solidly behind his administration and the candidates of the PDP.

They went further to thank the governor for the choice of Barr. Mbah and Barr. Ossai and pledged that they will join hands together and galvanise the women of the state to elect them into office come 2023.

They, therefore, expressed confidence that the PDP governorship candidate and his running mate, who are both lawyers, have the capacity to take Enugu State to the next level.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked the workers for their prayers, solidarity and support for his administration, Barr. Mbah, Barr. Ossai and all other candidates of the PDP in the state, saying: “We have not taken them for granted.”

The governor, who stressed that God is in charge of the affairs of Enugu State since his administration entrusted the state to His hands, urged the jubilant workers to continue to pray fervently “so that we finish well, finish strong, and it will end in praise.”

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Malachy Okwueze, the State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Edeh, the State Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Godwin Madu and all the Chairmen, Managing Directors, General Managers, Rectors and Executive Secretaries of BIPAC, were also present at the colourful event.

Traders of Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, have declared their unalloyed support and solidarity for the Enugu State Governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Enugu North Senatorial District in the 2023 general election, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, and other candidates of the party.

The jubilant traders pledged to move from shop to shop, community to community, village to village and ward to ward, during electioneering process to galvanise and mobilise the electorate to vote for Gov. Ugwuanyi, Dr. Mbah and all other candidates of the PDP in the state.

They said that the PDP will be the only product they will market from now till 2023 in appreciation of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s peace and good governance initiatives, benevolence and commitment to their well-being.

They expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for maintaining the existing rotational governorship zoning arrangement among the three senatorial districts of the state, which led to the emergence of Dr. Mbah, from Nkanu East Local Government Area, Enugu East Senatorial District, as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2023 general election.

The traders said that the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Mbah, is a good product and choice that reflect the principles of equity, fairness and justice.

The Ogbete traders also thanked the governor for the novel traders’ empowerment scheme of his administration that assisted traders in Enugu State to grow their various businesses, stressing that he is the first governor in Nigeria to initiate and implement such a unique and impactful programme for the traders.

They equally applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for entrenching peace in the market in particular and Enugu State in general, adding that his administration has made numerous life-saving and developmental interventions in Ogbete Main Market, Enugu and other markets in the state, such as construction of roads, provision of palliatives during the COVID-19 pandemic and provision of fire service facilities to safeguard life and property.

The traders pointed out that Gov. Ugwuanyi has always visited various markets in the state to identify and assist them in time of distress, revealing that such humanitarian gesture is uncommon among leaders.

They went further to thank the governor for the emergence of Chief Stephen Aniagu as the Chairman of Ogbete Main Market Traders Association (OMATA), pointing out his emergence has brought peace and unity to the market.

Speaking, Chief Aniagu maintained that the traders’ support and solidarity for Gov. Ugwuanyi, Dr. Mbah and the PDP, are unanimous and overwhelming, saying that “the happiest part of the journey we remember is the fulfillment of the promise you made then that come 2023 that you will maintain the zoning system of governorship position in Enugu State.”

Stressing their commitment towards PDP’s victory at the polls, the OMATA Chairman said: “Your Excellency, since you have governed Enugu State with the footstep of Jesus Christ and decided to place Enugu State on the rock (Peter), we the Ogbete traders pledge from this day forward, that we are moving from shop to shop, community to community, village to village, ward to ward to preach this good news to the people.

“We are giving you assurance. We did it for Chimaroke Nnamani, Sullivan Chime and we are assuring you that we are going to do that same thing for you.

“We will ensure that on that day of the election, all PDP candidates will be delivered. This is because if you come to the market, all the local government areas and senatorial zones are represented and we know our numbers.

“Your Excellency, we are happy with you because you have kept to all your campaign promises. So, come rain, come shine, we are with you and the people that will help you move Enugu State forward.

“What you have done for traders during that traders’ empowerment really changed their lives. It was after that the Federal Government copied the scheme and called theirs traders’ money.

“We know that the person you have chosen (Mbah) is just like you and will show that same love you have for traders because we know that good governance is endless.

“Your Excellency, the empowerment you gave to the poor traders, we will never forget that and we keep saying that it shall be well with you and your generation.”

Speaking in the same vein, Chairman of Enugu North LGA, Hon. Emeka Onunze, the Chairman, Rep members, OMATA, Udoka Ozoani, the Woman Leader, Esther Edeh, Prince Boniface Eze, Chief P. Ekezie and Ngozi Nnamoko, lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for bringing peace, security and good governance to the market and the state, praying that his administration finishes strong and that it will end in praise.

The PDP deputy governorship candidate, Barr. Ossai and the governor’s Special Adviser, Samson Ezea, witnessed the event.