₦airaland Forum

Investors in the capital market continue to show disinterest in Zenith Bank, as the attempt of the lender’s Group Managing Director, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, and Chairman, Jim Ovia, to save the firm’s falling share fail to convince shareholders.

Year-to-date, Zenith Bank share has lost -8.54% value in the capital market, according to Prime Business analysis, which means an investor who paid N25.15 million to buy 1,000,000 shares of the firm at the start of January at N25.15kobo per share, has lost N2.15 million in investment.

So lack of growth prospects in Zenith Bank is forcing shareholders of the firm to sell off their shares at lower price than they bought it, in a bid to save what’s left of their investment in the bank.

Aside from investors losing part of their investment to the sell off, it has also reduced Zenith Bank’s market valuation to N722.11 billion as at Thursday, against the N789.62 billion held early January – this is a loss of N67.50 billion in six months.

In order to prevent the continuous fall in Zenith Bank share value, the management have been buying large volumes, with Jim Ovia buying 2,000,000 shares between May 9 and May 11, through his investment company, Quantum Zenity Securities & Investment Limited.

The CEO, Onyeagwu, has also been busy in the capital market, purchasing 12.10 million shares last month. Note that the acquisition of shares by top directors at a firm is some management’s way of luring the capital market into buying or demanding for their share.


However, Ovia and Onyeagwu’s acquisition wasn’t convincing enough to investors, considering Zenith Bank share depreciated by -4.16% at the end of May, reflecting heavy investor pessimism, holding believe that the share will still fall.

Ovia, has also been affected by the downward trajectory in Zenith Bank, losing N10.88 billion in the last six months, as his investment in the lender dwindled to N116.42 million, from N127.30 billion.

While Onyeagwu lost N142.10 million during the same period, with his funds in Zenith Bank crashing to N1.52 billion, below the N1.66 billion he held, if all his investment in the last six months in the bank is pegged with current market price of N23.

…engages specialist doctors for 7 district hospitals

…closes Miliken Hill road for repair works

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has approved the release of the sum of N374.9 million for the construction of a 200-bed specialist hospital in the state to be known as Adada Specialist Hospital, Igbo-Ano.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting of the State Executive Council (EXCO), the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji disclosed that the approval was for the first phase of the project located within four neighbouring communities of Ovoko, Iheaka (in Igbo Eze South Local Government Area), Orba and Imilike (in Udenu L.G.A).

It would be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi had performed the ground-breaking ceremony of the specialist hospital, where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to quality, accessible and affordable healthcare delivery and declared his resolve to construct similar specialist hospitals in the two other senatorial districts of the state.

Explaining further on the Adada Specialist Hospital, Engr. Nnaji stated that the phase one of the hospital “has every facility of a specialist hospital such as the maternity section, accident emergency unit, x-ray department, female ward; consulting room, among others”, adding that the whole essence was to take quality healthcare delivery to the rural areas.

Also speaking on the project, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Fintan Ekochin, who described the administration of Gov. Ugwuanyi as “an embodiment of good governance”, stated that the Adada Specialist Hospital was designed to be a tertiary hospital “where you have a top level specialist” to “serve the core need of the masses in respect of healthcare delivery”.

Dr. Ekochin noted that the hospital will be “a very large structure” with “state-of-the-art facilities”, expressing optimism that “the ultimate phase” will be actualized, accordingly.

The Health Commissioner disclosed that that the Council approved the engagement of specialist doctors in various areas of specialization in the 7 district hospitals in Enugu State to “offer specialist healthcare services”

According to him, “this specialist care is going to be tantamount to what we have in the tertiary hospitals”.

He also stated that the Council approved the establishment and equipping of another specialist hospital at Agu Ekwegbe in Igbo Etiti L.G.A by a private partner, stressing that the choice of the location was selected through random balloting.

Dr. Ekochin further stated that the EXCO approved the setting up of the Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage, describing the scheme as a branded version of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), saying that the “Universal Health Coverage is a mandate the whole world has taken upon itself”.

The Education Commissioner, Prof. Uche Eze equally told newsmen that approval was given for the governor to set up a visitation panel for the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) “to assess the state of health of the university” to ensure that it is geared towards achieving the vision and mission of the founding fathers of the institution.

Prof. Eze added that the decision was sequel to the outcome of the earlier meeting held between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the state government including the management of ESUT where a Memorandum of Action was signed in a bid to ensure industrial harmony in the university.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ogbuagu Anikwe on his part announced that the Council in keeping with the four-point agenda of the government in the area of social justice approved medical vacation for Judges.

He also stated that N92.2 million was approved for the purchase of 25-number generators for supply of power at the residence of the Judges, adding six Hilux buses were approved for the Military following the request made by the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu to enhance their security operation in the state.

On the ongoing rehabilitation of the 9th Mile-Ekochin-Ngwo-Miliken Hill- New Market federal road, the Works Commissioner announced that the state government will on Friday, June 8, close the Miliken Hill section of the road for a period of three weeks to enable it carry out the final stage of pavement works and resurfacing.



Engr. Nnaji advised motorists to use the Enugu –Onitsha expressway as alternative route pending the completion of the work.

He stated that the state government regrets all inconveniences the temporary closure of the road will cause the people of Enugu State and beyond, especially road users, maintaining that the decision was geared towards their wellbeing, safety and security.

http://thepunditng.com/enugu-govt-commences-construction-of-200-bed-specialist-hospital/

The Deputy Governors of Enugu and Anambra States, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and Dr. Nkem Okeke have called on border communities of Ibite Olo in Ezeagu local government area (Enugu) and Awba Ofemmili in Awka North local government area (Anambra) to sheathe their swords and allow peace reign in their areas.

The deputy governors, who gave the advice when they visited the two neighboring communities over the lingering boundary crisis, noted the imperative of peace in the areas for the enhancement of development and other dividends of democracy.

They said that the matter has gone beyond the two states and called for the swift intervention of the National Boundary Commission (NBC).


According to the Enugu Deputy Governor, “our coming here is to appeal for peace before you people. You are all brothers. Remember that prior to state creation, you people were in one state and state creation was not to divide brothers but to enhance development. We, therefore, appeal that both communities should maintain the status quo pending the coming of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) for proper demarcation of the boundary”.

Adding his voice, the Anambra State Deputy Governor while educating the people of the communities on “earth’s ephemeral nature”, said:
“We all know that our earthly sojourn is just for a while, we can only stay at most one hundred years, and none of us will carry land to the grave. When we die, we are buried in the land and none of us was born with land. Our fore-parents have died, still lands remain. So why should we kill ourselves because of land?”

He also reminded them of the age long affinity between Enugu and Anambra states, stressing: “Enugu and Anambra are brothers and sisters. So, kindly eschew rancor and embrace peace until the NBC comes for a lasting solution to the impasse”.


In his own submission, the Chairman of Ezeagu local government area, Hon. Fred Ezinwa blamed the ugly incident on the inordinate ambition of some individuals who according to him are fueling the crisis on selfish grounds.


He maintained that the people of his council are peaceful, expressing delight that this is the first time a deputy governor has visited the area on a peace mission. #amokelouis.

http://thepunditng.com/boundary-dispute-enugu-anambra-sue-for-peace-call-for-nbcs-intervention/

Investors in the capital market continue to show disinterest in Zenith Bank, as the attempt of the lender’s Group Managing Director, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, and Chairman, Jim Ovia, to save the firm’s falling share fail to convince shareholders.

Year-to-date, Zenith Bank share has lost -8.54% value in the capital market, according to Prime Business analysis, which means an investor who paid N25.15 million to buy 1,000,000 shares of the firm at the start of January at N25.15kobo per share, has lost N2.15 million in investment.

So lack of growth prospects in Zenith Bank is forcing shareholders of the firm to sell off their shares at lower price than they bought it, in a bid to save what’s left of their investment in the bank.

Aside from investors losing part of their investment to the sell off, it has also reduced Zenith Bank’s market valuation to N722.11 billion as at Thursday, against the N789.62 billion held early January – this is a loss of N67.50 billion in six months.

In order to prevent the continuous fall in Zenith Bank share value, the management have been buying large volumes, with Jim Ovia buying 2,000,000 shares between May 9 and May 11, through his investment company, Quantum Zenity Securities & Investment Limited.

The CEO, Onyeagwu, has also been busy in the capital market, purchasing 12.10 million shares last month. Note that the acquisition of shares by top directors at a firm is some management’s way of luring the capital market into buying or demanding for their share.


However, Ovia and Onyeagwu’s acquisition wasn’t convincing enough to investors, considering Zenith Bank share depreciated by -4.16% at the end of May, reflecting heavy investor pessimism, holding believe that the share will still fall.

Ovia, has also been affected by the downward trajectory in Zenith Bank, losing N10.88 billion in the last six months, as his investment in the lender dwindled to N116.42 million, from N127.30 billion.

While Onyeagwu lost N142.10 million during the same period, with his funds in Zenith Bank crashing to N1.52 billion, below the N1.66 billion he held, if all his investment in the last six months in the bank is pegged with current market price of N23.

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Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State is always committed to the wellbeing, safety and security of residents of the state.

The Peoples' Governor, in a quick response to the danger being posed by the fast dilapidating state of the ageing Miliken Hill federal road, is currently constructing massive reinforced concrete retaining walls and Jercey kerbs preparatory to re-asphalting for safety of road users and extension of the lifespan of the hilly and undulating road that now stands as another important gateway into the city of Enugu.

Motorists driving on the said road should please drive with care!

Truly, Enugu State is in the hands of God! #amokelouis

http://thepunditng.com/enugu-state-government-fixes-fast-dilapidating-miliken-hill-federal-road/

The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel was reached by Nigerians and all stakeholders of the Health Sector on Thursday as the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) called off it’s 6 weeks strike action following the well thought intervention of Senate President, Bukola Saraki after a series of meetings with the leadership of the Joint Health Sector Union.

Two weeks ago, Saraki began mediating in the ongoing labour action that has paralyzed Nigeria’s healthcare facilities for the nearly 50 days.

Series of meetings between the ministers of Health and Labour, Dr Isaac Adewole and Chris Ngige and JOHESU had all ended in deadlock while the Nigerian people continued to suffer the effects.

The stalemate of negotiations could not meet the demands of the union which had earlier come up with three options, the last of which was to reduce the N22billion correctly calculated by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to N16 billion, in an attempt to resolve the lingering issue.

Recall that the federal government, rather than picking one of these options, decided to offer the health workers 15 per cent of the N22billion which is about N3billion, nearly a quarter of their demand.

A desperate Federal Ministry of Health had earlier threatened that the JOHESU leaders may be jailed after a court hearing where it was strangely alleged that JOHESU is being sponsored to keep on with the strike action by the opposition, especially the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with the aim of destabilising the present government.

The striking bodies had also been directed by the Governing boards of Federal Tertiary Health Institutions to order their striking workers to resume or face proscription as deliberate absence from duty, but to no avail.

Also recall that The Union’s demand had included upward adjustment of CONHESS Salary Scale, arrears of skipping of CONHESS 10, employment of additional health professionals, implementation of court judgments and upward review of retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years.

Senator Bukola Saraki stepped in and requested a meeting with the JOHESU leadership to find a lasting end to the crisis.

After the first meeting had ended in deadlock, Senator Bukola Saraki had met again with the leadership of JOHESU in hopes to persuade them to call off the strike action while still on the negotiation table so as to ease the sufferings of Nigerians who could not afford private hospital services .

After the second meeting held with Senator Bukola Saraki, The JOHESU called of its nationwide strike action on Thursday by the Chairman, Josiah Biobelemoye, who disclosed this in a communique issued at the end of the union’s National Executive Council meeting on in Abuja.

He particularly stated that the suspension of the strike followed the intervention of Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and sympathy for the masses. He praised Senator Bukola Saraki’s high level of statesmanship and sincerity of purpose adding that the Senate President had put in place some machineries with a view to permanently resolve the issues in contention.

The leadership of JOHESU expressed their gratitude to Bukola Saraki whose intervention had brought the 6 weeks strike to an end of pain and suffering for the Nigerian masses.

While negotiations are set to resume on the 4th of June, it is, however, fair to mention that the National Assembly has once again provided thought leadership in steering the affairs of the nation as it concerns the Nigerian people.

By intervening in the crisis, the National Assembly has proven that it is indeed interested in the general welfare of the Nigerian people and will continue to do so.

http://thepunditng.com/johesu-strike-sarakis-intervention-made-the-difference-johese/

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Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (3rd right) with the Chairman, State Assembly Committee on Education, Rt. Hon. Mathew Ugwueze (left); Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze (2nd left); Chairman, Governing Council of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo (3rd left); IMT Rector, Prof. Augustine Nweze; Representative of the MD/CEO of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Victor Etukudoh (2nd right), others, during the 4th Distinguished Academic Lecture of the Institute delivered by Gov. Ugwuanyi, yesterday

Gov. Ugwuanyi offers scholarship to 340 IMT students, few weeks after similar gesture, amid jubilation

…delivers lecture on good governance, functional science and technology education

A few weeks after Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State offered scholarship to 340 indigent students of the State Polytechnic, Iwollo, the governor on Thursday granted yet another scholarship to 340 students of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, at the cost of N54.4 million, covering their tuition fees for four years of academic studies in all engineering programmes of the institution.

Gov. Ugwuanyi announced the scholarship when delivering the 4th Distinguished Academic Lecture of the institute, titled: “The place of good governance in achieving functional science and technology education in Nigeria”.

The governor said that the decision was “in line with our policy of providing access to education at all levels to all strata of the society in all educational fields of engineering and technology”.

He explained that the 340 beneficiaries of the scholarships will be spread across the 17 local government areas, resulting in 20 students per council.

Gov. Ugwuanyi added that the gesture was “aimed at encouraging our people to do engineering and help position the state for rapid industrial development”.

Delivering the detailed, educative and captivating lecture at the colourful event held at IMT’s Conference Centre, which was richly attended by dignitaries across the state and beyond, such as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Priscilla Emehelu; the MD/CEO of Access Bank Plc, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, represented by Mr. Victor Etukudoh, among others, Gov. Ugwuanyi emphasized the importance of functional science and technology education towards national development and promotion of good governance.

The governor stressed that “for every nation to get developed, the application of both science and technology has to go hand in hand”, adding that “villages are developed into towns and towns to cities and cities are expanding to greater horizons all because of science and technology”.

According to him, “today, countries are classified as developed and developing countries based on economy and the application of science and technology. It goes without saying that a nation’s development and prosperity are judged to a large extent by the status of science and technology of the nation”.

On good governance, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that “the concept of good governance emerged mainly because of practices of bad governance, characterized by corruption, unaccountable governments and lack of respect for human rights”, saying that “when talking about good governance, what is generally referred to is the ability to perform efficiently, effectively and responsively, guided by principles that are feasible and desirable at all levels of the society”.

Narrowing down the lecture on the contributions of his administration to science and technology education with IMT as a case study, the governor said that “in keeping faith with the motto, vision, mission and philosophy of the institute, Enugu State under my leadership has been doing her utmost best to bring about functional science and technology in the country”.

The governor disclosed that his administration in this regard and “in our continued commitment to elevate the Institute of Management and Technology to a centre of excellence in technological development, the Executive Council of Enugu State on the 19th Day of April 2018, approved the release of the sum of N810 million for the construction of an ultra-modern fully furnished classroom complex; a purpose built and fully furnished office complex; a complex for the Exams and Records Division; two buildings that will house modern public conveniences for staff and students; and a fully furnished medical centre”.

He noted that the said amount (N810 million) excludes the earlier sum of N290 million released to the institute for purposes of reaccrediting 18 of her academic programmes, expressing delight that the entire 18 programmes were successfully reaccredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

“It, therefore, follows that in past few months, Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, got a total of N1.1 billion, from Enugu State Government as grants, excluding the monthly subvention of N120 million” he said.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairman of IMT Governing Council, Deaconess Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo appreciated the governor and other guests for gracing the occasion, saying that the choice of the lecture was aptly chosen “after a thorough and sober reflection over Your Excellency’s avowed and unprecedented visible commitment towards qualitative tertiary education in Enugu State in general and in IMT in particular”.

“It is therefore, our expectation that this distinguished audience will at the end of the lecture come to know the secret of the success story of good governance in Enugu State”, she stated.

Other speakers at the event, such as the representative of Chairman of the Occasion and CEO of Access Bank Plc, Dr. Wigwe; Rector of the Institute, Prof. Augustine Nweze, etc, also commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his commitment to the development of education in the state in particular and entrenchment of peace and good governance in general.

http://thepunditng.com/gov-ugwuanyi-offers-scholarship-to-340-imt-students-few-weeks-after-similar-gesture-amid-jubilation/

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…expresses gratitude to God, Enugu residents



It was a festival of gratitude and jubilation at the event marking the 2018 Democracy Day celebration in Enugu State as Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi reassured people of the state of his administration’s firm resolve to continue to put them first and fulfill its promises.



Addressing the people of Enugu State at the colourful and well attended ceremony, Gov. Ugwuanyi in his address christened “a festival of gratitude”, listed the numerous achievements his administration has recorded so far in all spheres of development to improve their living standard as the true heroes of democracy.



Gov. Ugwuanyi who was overwhelmed by the large turnout of leaders and people of the state at the event expressed immense gratitude to them, adding that it was also “a day of gratitude to God Almighty from whom all blessings flow and whose ceaseless grace has continued to sustain and give us a lifting up in the midst of the current economic realities”.



The governor congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, his deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; the leadership and members of the National Assembly; the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the entire judiciary; fellow governors, among others on the nation’s 19th Democracy Day celebration and third anniversary of the present administration.







The governor stated that his administration has made tremendous progress in the past three years in spite of the challenges it was confronted with at inception in 2015 such as the “huge debts profile of the State breathing down our necks, huge salary and pension arrears confronting us in the midst of economic crunch and very depleted revenues from the centre occasioned by the fall in oil revenues”.



Dedicating the successes recorded so far by his administration to God, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that the government also employed utmost determination, aggressive revenue drive and prudent management of available resources to render good governance in the state.



He reassured the excited and enthusiastic residents of the state and teeming supporters that his administration will continue to honour God and run a focused, developmental and conscience-driven leadership, reaffirming its commitment to consolidate on rural development to enhance participatory democracy.



Gov. Ugwuanyi further stated that his administration in keeping with the constitution of the country has made frantic efforts towards the security and welfare of the people of the state, saying: “To the glory of God, Enugu is now rated as one of the most peaceful and secure states across the Federation. We are most grateful to God, the good people of Enugu State, the church, and the security agencies for making this possible”.



According to the governor, “we partnered and supported the security agencies to build their capacities to rise to the challenges of securing a modern society. We launched the Enugu State Security/Neigbourhood Watch Endowment Fund and provided support in the forms of vehicles and equipment to complement the efforts of the security agencies”.



On investment drive, Gov. Ugwuanyi said that “the peace and security in Enugu State have transformed the State into a popular destination for investments and tourism”, disclosing that the state’s Investment Summit, Oganiru Enugu, organized by his administration unveiled the potentials and economic opportunities in the state to the world.



“Both foreign and local investors keep coming”, he said, adding that “in addition to the ENPOWER Free Trade Zone, which was envisioned as a world class in-land technology, industrial, and business hub and licensed by the FG in December 2015, we have also set up the Lion Industrial Park, 9th Mile Corner, to create fresh economic and industrialization opportunities as promised in our inaugural address”.



On infrastructure, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that “this administration is synonymous with rural development” as “the bulk of the infrastructural development efforts of the administration are in the rural areas and there is hardly any community in the state without one form of government presence or the other in the form of development projects”.



He added that the government conceptualized “The One Community One Project (OCOP)” with the sum of N10 million per community to make all the communities in the state “the chief drivers of their infrastructural development priorities”. “This is already yielding fruits” as “not only have communities received the initial installment of N5 million, I have also had the honour and pleasure to commission some of the projects”.



The governor also disclosed that the five new Ultra Modern Fire Service stations his administration is constructing across the state, after 56 years such projects were built in the state, the Eastern Region, are nearing completion, with that of Ogrute in Igbo Eze North L.G.A completed and inaugurated in a record time.



On education, he stated that the government has worked to restore confidence in public educational institutions and has embarked on massive renovation, rehabilitation, and re-equipment of primary and secondary school buildings to make them friendly and safe for learning. He equally stated that his administration has invested heavily in the recruitment of primary and secondary school teachers and has also regularized the appointment of volunteer teachers declaring that the employment of more teachers in the state continues because of “the premium we place on this all-important sector”.



Gov. Ugwuanyi said that the government has paid close attention and carried out reforms at the state’s tertiary education, revealing that the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) “is set to hold its convocation for the first time in nearly 11 years”.



The governor maintained that his administration adopted a “multi-strata empowerment approach” that touches the lives of traders, market women, the youth, urban and rural dwellers alike, adding that it has remained consistent with its promise to pay civil servants on or before the 23rd of every month and pay the pensioners.



He also added that through the recent launch of “the Enugu Clean Team Project”, 1,000 youths were gainfully employed to clean up the state, revealing that “the State Executive Council has also approved the recruitment of an additional 1,000 youth for the Initiative”, among other numerous achievements.



“As we embark on the fourth lap of this glorious and God-given tenure, rest assured that we will never let you down. With God ordering our steps, we will continue to put you first, fulfilling our promises, and ensuring that the common good remains our watchword.



“We will continue to deliver democracy dividends to you. We will also continue to count on your prayers, support, and cooperation as we build an Enugu State of our dreams. As you return to your various communities, take home this message of hope and assurance that together, we will get to the Promised Land as Enugu remains firmly in the hands of God”, Gov. Ugwuanyi pledged.





Other dignitaries at the event include the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi; the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and other members of the National Assembly from the state; state’s Deputy Governor, Hon. (Mrs) Cecilia Ezeilo and other members of the State Executive Council; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi and members of the State Assembly; the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Ngozi Priscilla Emehelu, and the entire judicial arm of the state government; Heads of Security Agencies in the state; State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani; President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo; Chief Nnia Nwodo; former Deputy Governors of the State; all the leaders of the Religious Institutions in the state; revered traditional rulers as well as all the state’s major stakeholders of the state, among others. #amokelouis







Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State acknowledging cheers from jubilant residents of the state during the 2018 Democracy Day celebration held at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, yesterday

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…Residents hail initiative

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, yesterday, amid excitement inaugurated the 1000 youths recently engaged by his administration to clean up the state under the Enugu Clean Team Project.

Inaugurating the project at the popular Michael Okpara, Square, Enugu, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that the initiative was in keeping with his administration’s vision and promise to create a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for the people of the state.

The governor added that the project will not only help reduce the risk of epidemics and other health hazards but will also help to improve the aesthetic outlook of the state, saying: “We are indeed hopeful that the project will help us achieve our aspiration of making Enugu the cleanest state in the country”.

He further stated that the project was also in line with the state government’s roadmap for generating employment and creating avenues to engage the teeming population of youths in the development process of the state.

“Accordingly, 1000 Enugu State youths have been recruited to participate in the project. This vision had also guided the creation of other youth development and empowerment schemes that are already being implemented in the state”, Gov. Ugwuanyi explained.

Promising that the state government will continue to provide the team with the necessary equipment and other enablers that will it function effectively, the governor charged the newly recruited youths to approach their duties with patriotic diligence and commitment for the full actualization of the initiative.

The governor, however noted that the task of keeping the environment clean should not be left to government agencies alone, urging residents, institutions and private agencies to join hands in ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

Earlier in his address, the Coordinator of Enugu Clean Team Project, Rev. Fr. Michael Amobi Ogbu expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for initiating the project and sustaining it thus far, disclosing that “we have been equipped with the needed paraphernalia for the project's take-off, functioning effectively and efficiently”.

He added that members of the team have been trained and devoted to daily sanitation at their duty posts “on individual basis and collectively on weekends”, declaring: “There is no going back in the inner drive for “A Cleaner and Healthier Enugu State”.

Reacting to the development, a cross section of residents of Enugu who witnessed the ceremony has commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his brave initiative in launching the project, saying that it was a demonstration of his untiring commitment to employment generation and social services and good governance in the state in line with his administration’s four-point agenda.

They stated that the initiative was the first of its kind in the state, adding that it will not only ensure that the state is cleaner and healthier, but will also provide employment for the unemployed youth to better their lives.

Dr. Chidi Nzeobi, a resident of Independence Layout, Enugu, applauded the governor for the unique innovations his administration has brought to bear in the governance of the state, saying that it gladdens his heart that the programmes and policies of the governor are people-centered.

“I came here not just to witness this epoch-making event, but because I m happy and satisfied with the innovative style of leadership of this governor, Gburugburu. His leadership and programmes touch the lives of the commoners, the ordinary people.

“1000 youths is not just a small number, and as we heard him speak here a while ago, he said he will increase the number to 2000. This is great. It means Enugu will be cleaner and healthier and more unemployed youths will be gainfully employed. I sincerely commend him for his good works in Enugu State", he said.

Gov. Ugwuanyi shortly after the event inspected the ongoing evacuation of refuse dump at Ogui Nike site by Enugu - Port Harcourt expressway that had been in existence in the past 12 years without any intervention.

http://thepunditng.com/excitement-as-gov-ugwuanyi-inaugurates-1000-youths-to-clean-up-enugu/
CC: Mynd44
Lalasticlala

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Pictures

Just Stumbled into This 2 minute view into the world of the third most powerful person in the most populous black Nation in the world. It is a 2 minute peak into the busy world of _public service, hearings, policy making_, and the constantly moving world of developing Nigeria’s democracy

Enjoy


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW0l2QK91iI

On May 29, 2015, the good people of Enugu State, friends and well-wishers gathered in large numbers at the popular Michael Okpara, Square, Enugu, to witness the inauguration of a pragmatic leader and true friend of the people, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as the third executive governor of the new Enugu State.

On that historic occasion, Gov. Ugwuanyi in his inaugural address promised to work assiduously towards entrenching peace and good governance in the state despite the nation’s daunting economic challenges.

The governor pledged to embark on an aggressive infrastructural development across the state especially in the rural areas, where the majority of the people reside.

Consequently, Emene, Abakpa Nike, 9th Mile Corner and Nsukka – a University town founded over half a century ago and the second largest town in the state, among other satellite towns, got the endorsement of the stakeholders of the state for the governor to commence immediate development of the areas as a matter of priority. A committee on Enugu State Urban Renewal was systematically constituted to ensure the full actualization of the governor’s well-thought-out programmes in line with the four-point agenda, despite the nation’s economic reality.

Three years down the line, Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, in spite of the state’s lean resources and its financial status as third from bottom of the Federation allocation chart, was able to grab the bull by the horns in fulfillment of his promises to provide the dividends of democracy and create more urban centres to enhance rural development and boost economic activities in every corner of Enugu State.

Apart from regular payment of workers’ salaries Ugwuanyi’s administration embarked on development of urban and rural roads across the three senatorial districts of the state, focusing more on rural development.

The governor, in keeping with his inaugural address, within three months after his inauguration simultaneously flagged-off construction and reconstruction of over eight massive road projects in 9th Mile Corner, Nsukka, Abakpa Nike and Emene, among others.

This was in addition to completion of works on projects started by the previous administration, such as the state-of-the art Enugu State Diagnostic Centre, the first of its kind in the South East geo-political zone, established to create hospital chains to make Enugu the preferred destination for receiving high quality and affordable healthcare delivery in the country.

Enugu State has so far spent over N45 billion on road construction and rehabilitation across the state, covering about 300 kilometres.

Consequently, the following road projects were among the projects successfully delivered:

The two 9th Mile Bypasses in Udi Local Government Area, which now serve as alternative roads for travellers from the Northern parts of the country to Onitsha and western states.

The Agbani-Amurri road in Nkanu West LGA, newly constructed for a community that has never experienced any form of development on its land in the past 100 years, and also the Ogonogoeji-Ndiagu-Akpugo road (from Atavu bailey bridge to Afor Onovo), in the same council, which has a historic and symbolic attraction as the first state government road project in the entire Akpugo zone since the creation of Enugu State.

Another project is the Ngenevu road, which was constructed with the provision of two 500-KVA transformers. Ugwuanyi also directed development to other high density areas and suburb such as the Iva Valley; the Ugbodogwu, off Phase 6 Trans Ekulu; the Ogwuagor, Abakpa Nike, Emene, etc.

The story is the same in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area – another long neglected agrarian community that is currently witnessing massive reconstruction of 8.8 kilomters of the Nkalagu-Eha Amufu road, after over 35 years of neglect.

There is also the Holy Ghost-Ogbete Main Market road, Enugu, which was hitherto in a bad state to the extent that the governor found it difficult to access it during his post-inauguration thanksgiving Mass at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu.

Others include, the Nike Lake road and Abakpa Nike road in Enugu East Local Government Area, which were hitherto a nightmare to residents and travelers, who usually got trapped in traffic for several hours because of their deplorable conditions. The Opi-Nsukka Dual Carriageway in Nsukka Local Government Area, delivered with the state-of-the-art facilities befitting a University town and the second largest city in the state, to enable it compete favorably with other University towns in attracting technology and knowledge-based businesses and other industrial support ventures. The Ogbaku road in Awgu L.G.A (one of the 35 simultaneous development projects) that was constructed on a difficult terrain that is both hilly and undulating. The New Market-Milliken Hill-Ngwo- 9th Mile road that now serves as an alternative gateway into the city of Enugu, from Onitsha-Enugu expressway as well as the Ebonyi River Bridge construction in Isi Uzo Local Government Area, which is nearing completion and would connect adjoining communities to Ikem, the headquarters of the Council, among others.

The state government has equally executed numerous development projects in the urban area, such as the Holy Trinity Street and Bishop Michael Eneje Street, Independence Layout, Enugu; Mount Crescent, GRA, Enugu; Orofia Street, off Nza Street, Independence Layout, Enugu; Dental School – Tipper Garage road, Trans Ekulu, Enugu; Loma Linda- Timber Shed road, Maryland, Enugu; Nwafia Street, Independence Layout, Enugu; Mbanefo Street, New Haven, Enugu.

Others include, the Secretariat Road, G.R.A, Enugu; Court Avenue by new State Secretariat, Enugu; Ibuza Street at Independence Layout, Enugu; Isi Uzo Street at Independence Layout, Enugu; Owerri Road and Poly Clinic Road, Asata, Enugu; Renovation of the Enugu State House of Assembly Complex and rehabilitation and re-asphalting of the popular Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, and a host of others.

It is remarkable to note that 56 years after three fire service stations were built in Enugu State, then Eastern Region, Gov. Ugwuanyi is currently constructing five new ultra-modern fire service stations across the three senatorial zones, strategically located in Four-Corner, Ozalla, Nkanu West LGA; Ogrute, Igbo Eze North LGA; 9thMile Corner, Udi LGA; Orba, Udenu LGA and Oji, Oji River LGA.

Still in the years under review, the state government introduced a programme on road maintenance in Enugu metropolis tagged: “Operation Zero Potholes”. It has also been consistent in the maintenance of street and traffic lights as well as other facilities such as the bus-stop shelters. In addition to this, 1000 youths have been recently recruited under the Enugu Clean Team Project to enhance and sustain the State’s rating as one of the healthy and cleanest cities in the country.

The Ugwuanyi administration has also intervened swiftly on the rehabilitation of failed sections of federal roads in the state, such as the 9th Mile-Udi-Oji River-Ugwuoba-Anambra State Border by old road; Aguabor Interchange slip road to New Market roundabout, Enugu with installation of solar powered street lights; Opi-Obollo Afor-Amalla road, among others.

Apart from massive road construction and rehabilitation, the Gov. Ugwuanyi administration has also taken bold steps in other spheres of development in keeping with the promises to diversify the economy to improve the living standard of the people and economic fortunes of the state. These initiatives saw to the first ever Enugu State Investment Summit christened: “Oganiru Enugu”, successfully organized to showcase the economic potentials of the state and woo investors.

The success of this innovative investment drive has continued to manifest in the quest to reinvigorate the state’s economic potentials for the benefit of the masses. Recently, a Chinese Investment Company, Lion Business Park Limited, entered into a business engagement with the government to establish an industrial market on 2000 hectares of land located in the proximity of the Enugu Industrial Park – FTZ (ENPOWER Free Trade Zone) at the 9thMile Corner, Enugu, to be known as Lion Business Park, modeled after the Dragon Market in Dubai.

One of the major commitments to this all-important business venture was the formal presentation of N300 million to three communities of Ogwofia Owa, Enugu Eke and Akama Oghe by the company as agreed compensation for the economic items, on the acquired land for the development of the project under Public Private Partnership (PPA).

There is also HELIU Residence project – a world class Residential Estate with infrastructure worth N25 billion embarked upon by the state government in partnership with Fit-Consult and China Shenyang International Economic and Technical Cooperation Limited, Shenyang, China through Public Private Partnership (PPP) to provide quality and affordable houses to address the accommodation deficit in Enugu because of high inflow of people into the state.

The state government in its frantic efforts to also address the issue of accommodation, through the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC) has actualized the site and services of the following houses estates:

The Valley Estate, GRA, Enugu; the WTC Estate, which has 22 number of two-bedroom flats newly built by the present administration; the Victory Estate; the Trinity Estate; the Fidelity Estate adjacent to the popular Ebeano Tunnel which is currently undergoing massive erosion /flood control work, among others.

As a government committed to the welfare of its civil servants, 100 lucky workers under grade level 1 to 10 won one-bedroom flat each at Elim Estate, Enugu, through an open lottery system which enabled them to become proud landlords after Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration paid 54 per cent of the equity contributions. With regular payment of workers’ salaries on 23rdof every month and the recent 13th month salary paid to all civil servants including the Local Government Staff as Christmas bonus, it is also on record that the administration of Gov. Ugwuanyi has, within three years in office, recruited the highest number of primary and secondary school teachers ever in the history of the state to improve the quality of education in the state.



Also committed to ensuring qualitative education under a conducive environment, the state government within its first year in office constituted an administrative committee on full and proper execution of Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) projects, headed by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo. The committee in line with its mandate ensured that over 276 primary and secondary classroom blocks were constructed and renovated. The state government also provided 12, 480 writing desks and chairs for primary school pupils in the state and 868 tables and chairs for teachers to improve the standard of learning.



State-owned higher institutions have not been left out. The governor in his concerted efforts to reposition the foremost Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu to transit into a degree-awarding institution, recently approved N810 million in addition to over N200 million expended for upgrade of infrastructure in the institute. The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT); the Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET); and the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, among others, have also been benefitting from the government’s educational transformation programmes.

On empowerment, Gov. Ugwuanyi recently launched the repackaged widely cherished Enugu State Traders Empowerment Scheme designed to assist genuine traders in the state, who won the monthly open raffle draw with the sum of N50,000 each to grow their various businesses.

The re-launched scheme, which costs the government the sum of N120 million annually as against the initial N60 million, was equally raised from 100 beneficiaries per month to 200 at the same rate of N50,000 per beneficiary with an increase in number of participating markets from 37 to 54, to give more traders, especially those in the rural areas, better chances of participation.

The administration recently empowered 750 youths selected from the 17 Local Government Areas, who attended a one-year free vocational training organized by the state government under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) programme, to assist them start-off their various businesses. This gesture did not only earn the governor commendation from the federal government as the SDGs friendly governor, other states were also asked to emulate him.

The N10 million “one community, one project” scheme of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration has also recorded a huge success in expanding development to the frontiers of the rural areas – an initiative that has made it possible for communities that had never experienced any government presence to benefit, accordingly.

The state government has so far donated 40 brand new patrol vans to the State Police Command to enhance their security operations in the state. As a prelude to the second anniversary of the Governor Ugwuanyi administration, the governor revitalized the Neighbourhood Watch Association with the launch of the Enugu State Security Trust Fund to galvanize resources and provide the enablers that will ensure that the vigilante groups are well equipped to effectively complement the efforts of the Nigerian Security Agencies. Consequently, Security Vehicles and Motorcycles were presented to strengthen their efficiency in combating crimes at the community level.

In addition to the completion of the Enugu State Diagnostic Centre, under primary healthcare delivery the government is constructing and renovating district hospitals and health centres in the state especially in the rural areas such as the poly clinic, Asata, Enugu and Udi District Hospital. The state government also recently approved the monthly contribution of N8.5 million as counterpart fund for the Free Maternal and Child Health programme designed to provide primary healthcare to pregnant women at the grassroots and children under the age of five years.

Determined to ensure that residents of Enugu enjoy adequate water supply, the government provided the fund to rehabilitate the facilities at Ajali and Oji River Water Treatment Schemes. This decision resulted in the recent improvement in the supply of water in Enugu metropolis and its environs.

Gov. Ugwuanyi- the jinx-breaker, through his sheer dexterity and commitment to the success of the Enugu Rangers International Football Club, the Pride of Ndigbo, ensured that the club won the 2015/2016 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) title after 32 years in the wilderness without a trophy.

All these landmark achievements, too numerous to mention, have earned the peoples’ governor chains of endorsements for re-election in 2019 from all spheres of the society, including the religious institution, the entire PDP family in the state, leaders and members of opposition political parties, traders, civil servants, artisans, transporters, proprietors and teachers of private schools, Local Government workers, and pensioners, among others.

Flowing from Gov. Ugwuanyi’s financial background and commitment to public expenditure management, the following outstanding ratings and commendations have ensued from the Senate on the judicious utilization of the bailout funds; the BudgIT report, which listed Enugu, Lagos and Rivers as the only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that have fulfilled obligations to their workers; the recent Economic Confidential magazine verdict that listed Enugu among the seven states that are solvent with impressive over 30 per cent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund additional economic activities.

Others include, the fifth most competitive state in Nigeria, according to the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria; the third most debt sustainable State in Nigeria; the first state in Nigeria to publish its Audited State /Final Account for consecutive three years; first in the South East geo-political zone and ninth in the country based on IGR as against Federal Allocation; one of the twelve states in Nigeria that can survive without federal allocations, among others.

As Gov. Ugwuanyi has continued to receive commendations for the marvelous job done so far based on the three-year assessment of his administration, it is the collective responsibility of the people of Enugu State to continue to support and encourage him to do more in the coming years of selfless service to the state, fatherland and humanity at large. Enugu State is truly in the hands of God

Amoke Louis, SA to Ugwuanyi writes from Enugu

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/05/ugwuanyi-restructuring-day-ndigbo-spoke-boldly-awka-declaration/

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Mynd44

Muslims in Enugu State on Friday unanimously endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwunayi for a second term in office for promoting peace, security, national unity and good governance in the state.

Rising from the Jumat prayers commemorating this year’s Democracy Day held at the Central Mosque, Owerri Road, Enugu, which was attended by Gov. Ugwuanyi in company of his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, Leader, Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, among other top government functionaries, the Muslim faithful said they are pleased with the governor for his special love for the Muslim community.

The Muslins who offered special prayers for Gov. Ugwuanyi, Enugu State and the country at large, added that they were impressed with the governor’s humble disposition towards them and the entire people of the state.

They told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “no governor loves Muslims more than you”, stressing that they are solidly behind his re-election in 2019 and will vote for him massively.

Speaking, the Sarki Hausawa, Enugu State, HRH Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar Sambo, who is also a member of the state’s Security and Peace Committee, informed Gov. Ugwuanyi that “we have cause to thank Allah for the fact that you have established the most essential aspect of governance that is security of lives and property”.

Alhaji Sambo stressed that the Muslim community in the state has every reason to celebrate, saying “Allah has given us a man with humility, with love for all residents of Enugu State and a special love for the Muslim community”.

Alhaji Sambo disclosed that the Jumat prayers call for celebration in appreciation of “19 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria and three years of sustained peace and good governance in Enugu State”.

He thanked the governor for the food items for the breaking of fast, saying: “You have handed Enugu State to the hands of Almighty Allah, and He says whoever entrusts in Him, he will lead his way and Insha Allah, Allah will lead your way”, he said.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked the Muslims for their prayers for his administration and the country, reassuring that the state will remain peaceful and secure for every resident irrespective of tribe or religious differences. The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, Alhaji Danmallam Mohammed was also at the event


http://thepunditng.com/3-yrs-in-office-muslim-community-in-enugu-endorses-ugwuanyi-for-second-term/

Picture credit: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, addressing Muslim faithful during Jumat prayers in Enugu, yesterday. With him is his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo (4th right).

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…inaugurates FG project in Enugu

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has extolled the leadership virtues of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, describing him as “a very good and humble man” who she would wish to see return to office in 2019.

Senator Tinubu, who is former first lady of Lagos State and wife of national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, spoke in Enugu, when she represented President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate the gully erosion control and road improvement works executed by the federal government at Awlaw, Orji River Local Government Area.

She expressed delight at the peaceful atmosphere in the state and the warm hospitality accorded members of the committee by Gov. Ugwuanyi, saying: “The people of Enugu State are very lucky to have you as their governor”. The senator, who told Gov. Ugwuanyi that God has already ordained his re-election, added: “I wish to see you back on the seat in 2019”.

Senator Tinubu while inaugurating the project disclosed that it was “one of the 18 ecological intervention projects approved by Mr. President for the first quarter of 2017”, stressing that the intervention has brought a huge relief to the sufferings of the people of the community.

While appreciating the federal government for the project, Senator Tinubu also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha; Gov. Ugwuanyi; the Ecological Fund Office; the Project Contractor and Consultant as well as the Traditional Ruler of Awlaw community, Igwe Samuel Uka and his people for the “timely and speedy completion of the project”.



In his address, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed gratitude to President Buhari “for approving this very important project”, which he said “has not only brought succor to our people but will significantly reduce the threat posed by gully erosion and other ecological issues in this area”.

The governor also thanked Senator Tinubu and other members of her committee, including other relevant committees of the National Assembly as well as the federal ministry of Environment, the contractor and others who contributed to the success of the project.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue to “support and collaborate with the federal government and donor agencies to combat the menace of gully erosion and other ecological threats in Enugu State effectively and satisfactory”.

The permanent secretary, Ecological Fund Office, Dr. Mrs. Habiba Lawal, added that the project was initiated through “a request for urgent intervention forwarded from the Awlaw Community to the Ecological Fund Office in order to arrest the gully erosion and flooding that had been threatening lives and property in the community”.



The community while thanking the federal government for the project also appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for his commitment to the wellbeing of the people of Enugu State, saying that they were touched that he is the first governor of the state to visit the community. #amokelouis


http://thepunditng.com/senator-tinubu-supports-ugwuanyis-re-election-bid/

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Lalasticlala
Dominique

…seeks refund of money spent on federal roads

History was made in Enugu State, yesterday, as Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi inaugurated one of the five new Ultra Modern Fire Service stations being constructed by his administration across the three Senatorial Districts after 56 years such projects were built in the state.

It would be recalled that the last time three fire service stations located at Ogui, Enugu North Local Government Area, Nsukka, Nsukka LGA and Idaw River, Enugu South L.G.A were built was in 1962 when Enugu State was under the defunct Eastern Region.

This came as the governor made a further passionate appeal to the federal government to reimburse the state government the money spent on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some federal roads in the state.

Receiving the Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola at the Government House, Enugu, when the latter paid a courtesy visit, Gov. Ugwuanyi explained that based on the report from the committee set up by the Minister to assess the true value of works executed by the state government on federal roads in 2009 and after 2009, the total certified amount stands at N22.8 billion.

The governor further explained that the state government’s interventions between 2015 and 2018, which are yet to be certified by the Federal Ministry, have been assessed at N13.015 billion.

He stated that the “humble and passionate appeal to the Federal Government for the refund”, not only “accords with best practices and fairness but will significantly boost our capacity to tackle some of the state’s pressing challenges especially in the face of the severe economic circumstances confronting the nation today”.

The Minister, who informed the governor that he was in the state on inspection tour of the on-going federal government’s development projects in the South East geo-political zone to ensure that they are delivered on time and according to specifications, stressed that “irrespective of political structures, development is the ultimate”.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Fire Service station at Ogrute, Igbo Eze North L.G.A, the state’s Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his “total commitment towards safety in the state by constructing 5 new ultra modern fire stations across the state bearing in mind the last time a fire station was built in the state was in 1962, in the now defunct Eastern Region, which is over 56 years”.

“I equally praise the quality of work done, which is of international standard. I pray God to continue to strengthen His Excellency to continue the good work he is doing in Enugu State and bless him (Ugwuanyi) in a special way for remembering the abandoned Enugu State Fire Service”.

Other four stations, nearing completion, are strategically located in Four-Corner, Ozalla, Nkanu West LGA; 9th Mile Corner, Udi LGA; Orba, Udenu LGA and Oji, Oji River LGA.


http://thepunditng.com/56-years-after-gov-ugwuanyi-inaugurates-new-fire-service-station/

[center]Commend Gov. Ugwuanyi for peace, security, good governance

Manufacturers in Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states under the aegis of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have described Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state as “a visionary and pragmatic leader”, who has brought his ingenuity to bear in the effective governance of the state for the overall interest of the people.


The Manufacturers said they were impressed with Gov. Ugwuanyi’s “unparallel achievements on infrastructural development, peace and security”, saying: “Enugu state is one of the safest states in the country to live and do business, as widely adjudged by various reports”.

Speaking on behalf of members of the Association when they paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu, the branch chairman, Chief Alloy Okafor noted that Enugu is “perhaps the only state you can walk free without
fear of molestation or waylay even in the wee hours”, adding that “worthy of note
is Police Patrol vehicles prowl almost every streets and crannies on
hourly basis”.

Chief Okafor explained that the visit was “borne out of the need to
commend His Excellency for a job well done so far and also to thank
you as you have demonstrated once again your ardent believe in
dialogue as the only viable option to air issues and the best
mechanism of feed backs”.

He also enumerated other areas where the governor has made
giant strides in infrastructural development of the state saying that “the construction and maintenance of state and federal government roads are things that gladdens the hierarchy of the association.

“Though the association might be oblivious of how much the federal
government is owing you on intervention on federal roads. However,
it warms the heart that your government is more concerned about the
welfare of the citizens and Nigerians at large that ply these roads
daily.

“Your Excellency Sir, kudos also goes to your administration on
provision of street lights, continuous beautification and neatness of
the streets, which has kept diseases and germs away from the state,
bearing in mind that Lassa fever and other contagious diseases are
ravaging some states in the country. The continuous sustenance and inculcation of good-house-keeping culture by His Excellency has kept the state clean, safe and habitable”, MAN Chairman said.

The Chairman therefore, urged the governor to sustain the tempo and assured him
of the association’s unflinching support to his administration.

Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi stated that his administration has since
inception been striving on how to make Enugu state the economic hub of
the country, stating that his council on the Ease of Doing
Business in Enugu State has, in addition to other enabling provisions,
encouraged and assisted investors in this direction.

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo
added that the administration has “been doing our best to sustain a
conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Enugu state,
especially through our massive investment in security and social
infrastructural development”.

According to Gov. Ugwuanyi, “only recently, we inaugurated the Enugu
State Ease of Doing Business Council (SEODBC). The council is charged
with the primary role of implementing the national Ease of Doing
Business Action Plan with particular attention being given to six
critical indicators out of the eleven recommended by the World Bank.

“This includes starting a business, registering a property, access to
land, regulatory environment, and security”.

The governor also stated that “these and other measures including our
efforts to attract direct foreign investment are geared towards
helping us achieve our aspiration of making Enugu state the hub of
business activities in the South East region and the choice
destination for investments in Nigeria”.

He thanked the Enugu business community for their support and assured
the association of his administration’s readiness towards
industrializing the state

http://thepunditng.com/enugu-safe-for-investment-says-manufacturers/ [/center]