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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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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]

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…inaugurates School of Engineering Complex

In line with the Enugu State government’s policy in education and the need to discover and assist intellectuals in the rural areas, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Monday granted scholarship to 340 indigent students of the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state.

Gov. Ugwuanyi explained that 20 indigent students in each of the 17 L.G.As will benefit from the scholarship scheme, which will cover their tuition fees for four years of study at a total cost of N41.6 million.

The governor spoke during the maiden engineering day commemoration at the institution, where he inaugurated the newly constructed School of Engineering Complex sponsored by Prince Arthur Eze and laid foundation for the construction of Prof. Julius Onah School of Management Technology.

The event also witnessed the foundation laying ceremony of School of General Studies by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and conferment of Merit Awards to notable Engineers and other dignitaries, such as the Deputy President of the Senate, Prof. Ike Ekweremadu; former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani; Member representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Oguerinwa Amadi; Prof. Barth Nnaji; Sir Chief Emeka Offor; HRH Igwe Augustine Otiji and Engr. Vita Abba, among others.

Also speaking, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that the cardinal principle of the educational policy of his administration was “the provision of access to qualitative education at all levels to all classes and strata of the society”.

He stated that the event afforded his administration the opportunity to take a major step forward in the advancement of technology in the state “especially at this time when technology has not only turned the world into a global village but has become the major income earner for many nations”.

The governor said that his administration in the light of the above, implemented “firm measures towards repositioning and revamping this institution” to make it a prominent centre for Engineering and Agricultural studies and innovations in the country.

“These measures included the revalidation of old programmes and accreditation of new ones by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) as well as the provision of critical infrastructure and necessary equipment”, the governor added.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, therefore, expressed delight that the efforts of the government towards the institution have been manifesting “as the institution has developed at an amazing pace and has been attracting positive attention and reviews from regulatory authorities in the country as well as stakeholders in the nation’s education sector”.

Describing the School of Engineering Complex as “a watershed in the history of the institution” that would enhance its growth as a citadel of qualitative engineering and technological education, the governor commended Engr. Arthur Eze for “his kind sponsorship of the project”.

He also appreciated the commitment and diligence of the Governing Council, the management and the staff of the institution towards the actualization of government’s vision for the school, and congratulated the award winners for the well deserved honours.

“I use this opportunity also to reiterate the unflinching commitment of the State Government towards the realization of our collective aspirations for the institution and for tertiary education in Enugu State”, the governor reassured.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Hon. Chinedu Onu expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for effective funding of the school and increment of its monthly subventions, which he said “saw us achieving this feat in a very short while.”

He added that the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo desires “to become an institution of choice for Engineering and Technology development” and “to use the commemoration of Engineering Day to attract the attention of students as well as would-be students to this great field of study and practice”.

The Rector of the Institution, Prof C.J.C Akubuilo in his address announced that the school in keeping with the repositioning agenda of the governor, in 2017/2018 academic year, has joined other Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria to key into the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

According to him, “we are now recognized by other national regulatory bodies and agencies such as the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The Polytechnic has between September 2017 and March 2018, mobilized the first two sets of students for their one year National Youth Service”.

Other Award recipients include: Engr. Ebele Ofunneamaka Okeke; Air Vice Marshal Cletus (AVM) Nwannebuike Udeagulu; Dr. Masa’udu Adamu Kazaure; Engr. Obiukwu Chukwuma Okeke; Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu; Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Ezugwu; Mr. Silas Ifeanyi (Baba Edem); Prof. Moses Madueze Okonkwo; Kingsley Eze and Dr. Agu Collins Agu. #amokelouis

http://thepunditng.com/gov-ugwuanyi-grants-scholarship-to-340-indigent-students-of-states-polytechnic-iwollo/

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Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State with his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; the Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in charge of Land Borders, Ishiaka Haliru (left with the Governor); the Comptroller, Enugu State Command, Dora Amahian (right with the Governor), and other Comptrollers during their Executive Leadership Training in Enugu, on Friday.

They appreciated the governor's humble gesture in identifying with them, disclosing that the choice of Enugu for the programme was because of its peaceful and secure environment, saying: "We have a good history to tell about your state and your humble person".

Enugu State is truly in the hands of God, the People's Governor reechoed.

http://thepunditng.com/gov-ugwuanyi-attend-customs-executive-leadership-training-in-enugu-pictutes/

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Anyone who knew how deplorable the condition of the road from Dental School, Trans Ekulu, Enugu to Tipper Garage, New GRA was in the past, would agree with me that the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration is not only sensitive to the plight of the people of the state but also committed to development programmes that touch their lives positively as the true heroes of democracy.

It is worthy of note that the road, which the State Executive Council awarded contract for rehabilitation recently to ease the pains experienced by road users has been completed to serve the public better.

As an important road, it also serves as a bypass for motorists driving into the city of Enugu through the popular Nike Lake road by Timber junction.

Enugu State is truly in the hands of God! #amokelouis

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Dominique

This question was asked by Lux recently

"A woman gets a new job. The job comes with a higher position and double the salary she earned before plus some other benefits. However, she is required to move to a new location. What do you think her husband will do? #IAmMoreThanYouCanSee "

What do you think?

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If this isn't one of the best political shades, I dont know what is.

An Osun indigene chose to remind the PDP that their choice of vebue for the PDP rally used to be a criminal hideout when the state was governed by a PDP governor.

He said "We in Osun welcome @OfficialPDPNig Southwest to Freedom Park, Osogbo

We thank you for helping to bring much publicity to this park built by @raufaregbesola.

Recall during your tenure, the place was a criminal hideout

Your visit will remind us, never to allow you back in power!"

https://twitter.com/IleowoKikiowo/status/992439506317053952

See pictures

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday lashed out at the association of newspaper owners in the country, reprimanding them for allegedly deploying their “platform to pursue personal interests.”


In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, the anti-graft agency said the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN, wrongly accused it of attempting to stifle free press in raiding the head office of The Sun Newspapers last week.


The anti-graft agency was responding to an advert which NPAN placed in THISDAY and Leadership Newspapers Monday, condemning the June 12 presence of anti-graft operatives at The Sun office, which is located in Apapa, Lagos.


“The manner of the invasion tends to suggest that the EFCC was out on a self-help mission, a voyage to intimidate journalists, criminalise journalism and cower free speech,” Mr. Uwujaren quoted the advertorial as stating.


The ‘invasion’ was also condemned by the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the Nigerian Guild of Editors who asked the anti-graft agency to apologise for its action.


The EFCC, however, denied the charge of media clampdown, saying NPAN was out to whip up undue sentiments for its own aggrandisement.


Mr. Uwujaren took specific aim at the NPAN boss, Nduka Obaigbena, stating that the newspaper proprietor was trying to seize the situation as a way of getting back at the agency’s acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu.


The EFCC briefly detained Mr. Obaigbena in 2016 over allegations that the journalist benefited from the $2.1 billion arms purchase scandal that rocked the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Mr. Obaigbena admitted he received up to N670 million from Sambo Dasuki, the former National Security Adviser at the heart of the alleged arms procurement fraud, but said a large chunk of it was meant as compensation for the 2012 Boko Haram attack at THISDAY bureau in Abuja.


Mr. Uwujaren, in his latest statement, said Mr. Obaigbena was still reeling from the action the anti-graft agency took against him last year, but said Mr. Magu will not be deterred in his quest to contain sharp practices across all sectors.


“If the EFCC has committed any sin against Obaigbena and some members of NPAN, it was in carrying out its statutory mandate of fighting corruption and ensuring that impunity was checked,” Mr. Uwujaren said. “It is no secret that some NPAN members are yet to forgive the Commission for the money recovered from them in the course of the ONSA investigation.”


“Nigeria is bigger than any individual and NPAN must be mindful not to allow members to hijack its platform to pursue personal interests,” he added.

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/234554-efcc-tackles-nigerian-newspaper-owners-attacks-thisdays-obaigbena.html

The Federal Government said it will continue to encourage investments in diverse sectors, particularly the hotel, tourism and hospitality sectors of the economy as part of plans to diversify the economy.

 

Speaking during the launch of BON Hotel Abuja on Tuesday, the Deputy Senate President, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu, said with investments coming into various sectors of the economy, that Nigerians will gradually develop international and home-grown skills that will sustainably keep the economy in top shape.

 

The Deputy Senate President commended the BON Hotel Group for emphasizing their strategy of local skills and training in the Nigerian hospitality sector, pointing out the group made their home-grown policy known when they entered the Nigerian hotel management arena some two years ago.

 

 According to him, recent reports issued by the group which indicates that the number of Nigerian managers coming through their program shows BON Hotel’s commitment to skills development and transfer for Nigeria and Nigerians.

 

Speaking at the launch of the newly refurbished BON Hotel Abuja, the Chairman of BON Hotels International West Africa, Mr. Otto Stehlik, said he is extremely pleased at the progress of the BON group, saying BON Hotel recognized the need of skills development when it began operating in Nigeria.

 

“We put together a transformation program, which the board identified as a priority. We are finally in a

position where we have a team of elite Nigerians who have been trained, educated, skilled and, importantly, mentored to head up and be supported by senior executive management and head office.

 

Stehlik said this idea formed an ideal base for future growth in Nigeria on all levels, saying It’s apparent that BON Hotels have a sincere strategy of tapping into the skills and expertise of seasoned hoteliers of upskilling local talent.

 

Giving insights into how far the group has come, the Executive Director of BON Hotels International West Africa, Mr. Bernard Cassar, said the organization is proud that its hotels across Nigeria is peopled by mainly Nigerians and a few expatriates staff have have devoted their energy into transferring their knowledge and abilities to eager Nigerian recruits.

 

“We are able to boast from the rooftops that more and more of our hotels are managed on a senior level by locally trained Nigerian staff. This strategy has been a work in progress, when as far back as 2001, Nigerian individuals were identified and fast tracked to form a new generation of localized senior managers”.

 

According to the BON Hotel executive director, of the 25 hotels which BON hotels manage across Nigeria, 80% of their general managers, deputy managers, senior management, department heads and executive chefs have, over the last two years, been trained, skilled and promoted to senior level positions by the group.

 

He explained that the Nigerian management headed by a Nigerian, Mr.  Paul Umoh, who, from his position as executive director and major shareholder at BON Hotels International West Africa, has been one of the many local Nigerians who have been fast-tracked through the transformation policy, adding Umoh heads up the on-the-ground operational management of the Nigerian hotels.

 

Pointing out that multinational Nigerian hotel sector has been run and managed by expatriate leaderships imported from countries such as the United Kingdom and South Africa in the past, Casser said the predisposed support of imported staff, imported raw material, and imported supplies with very little local encouragement is one that BON Hotel has come to address, adding  in two years, that  BON Hotels has been able to identify the right talent within their ranks and has placed a strong focus on fast-tracking and supporting their home-grown program.

 

 http://thepunditng.com/fg-lauds-bon-hotels-on-home-grown-skills-in-nigerian-hospitality-sector

There was excitement in Enugu State yesterday as 200 lucky traders went home with the sum of N50, 000 each at the second raffle draw of the repackaged state’s Traders Empowerment Scheme held simultaneously across the 54 registered markets in the state.
The money is meant to assist the traders grow their various businesses to help promote all-round economic growth in the state.
Addressing jubilant traders at the famous Oji-River Urban Market, Oji River Local Government Area, Gov. Ugwuanyi, while declaring the lottery draw open, said that his administration built on the success of the first phase of the scheme, “to introduce an improved and modified version that would accommodate more beneficiaries and also extend the scheme to more markets in the State”.

The governor disclosed that the government was in Oji River Urban Market and other 53 registered markets “in continuation of this historic journey to empower traders in Enugu State through a monthly open lottery draw to be held in selected markets across the State”.

He added that the exercise took place simultaneously in all the registered markets in the state to accommodate all interests and “ensure that only genuine traders who are present and participating in the draw will have the opportunity to win”.

While thanking the traders and market associations “for their cooperation and enthusiastic participation in the scheme and continued support for our administration”, the governor reiterated his administration’s “unwavering commitment to improving the standards of living of our people and ensuring that opportunities for growth and rapid development are extended to every class of people in Enugu State”.

Climax of the event in all the markets was the emergence of winners through an open raffle draw and presentation of cheques to the lucky winners amid jubilations.

The second phase of the empowerment scheme was launched in March at the Nkwo Ogbede Market, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, with an annual packaged of N120 million instead of the initial N60 million in keeping with the vision to enhance the living standard of the traders in particular and people of the state in general.

http://thepunditng.com/excitement-as-200-traders-win-n10m-in-enugu-states-empowerment-programe/

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provides shelters and relief materials

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to scenes of the rainstorm that led to the destruction of about 100 homes, schools, a poultry farm and other public amenities at Agbogugu, Awgu Local Government Area of the state.

Gov. Ugwuanyi while at the disaster scenes sympathized with the affected persons and informed them of the decision of his administration to provide shelters and relief materials to cushion the effect of their loss.


The governor had in the wake of the natural disaster on Monday night, which also wreaked havoc at Ugbawka, Nkanu East Local Government Area, “sympathized with the affected persons and directed the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to commence immediate response by providing shelters and relief materials to the affected persons”.

He assured the persons affected by the disaster that his administration will “do everything possible to protect and provide them with the necessary assistance”, reassuring the people of the state of the government's commitment to their welfare and security of lives and property.

Speaking on behalf of the people of the area, the Traditional Ruler of Eziama Agbogugu autonomous community, Igwe Desmond Chukwu expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for “his prompt visit and response through the provision of relief materials and other assistance”.

The Traditional Ruler described the natural disaster as devastating and unfortunate, disclosing that the last time they experienced such havoc was in 1979.

He added that “the state government’s intervention was a welcome development and would go a long way to cushion the effect of the loss”, praying that such calamity does not happen again. #amokelouis

http://thepunditng.com/enugu-rainstorm-ugwuanyi-visits-sympathizes-with-affected-persons/

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… .

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Gov. Ugwuanyi promises upward review of corps members allowance

…reiterates commitment to youth empowerment

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has promised that corps members posted to state government’s institutions will soon enjoy an upward review of state allowance, as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to their welfare.

Gov. Ugwuanyi also reiterated the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through implementation of policies and programmes aimed at equipping them to optimize their capacity to drive national development.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of 2018 Batch ‘A’ Corps Members, who were deployed to Enugu State for their national assignment, Gov. Ugwuanyi congratulated them for the successful completion of their educational pursuits from various institutions of higher learning in the country and beyond.

The governor noted that his administration had recently increased the allowance of corps medical personnel posted to the state to encourage them to serve in rural health centres in line with the government’s rural development agenda.

He described the National Youth Service Corps scheme as a unifying programme aimed at fostering national unity and development, adding that its objective was also “to bring together young Nigerians of varying cultural and socio-ethnic backgrounds to promote the integrity of our nation as one united, indivisible entity”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, therefore, informed the corps members that the orientation programme was designed to instill in them the leadership qualities of perseverance, endurance, discipline and peaceful co-existence with their fellow compatriots from different socio-cultural and religious background, stressing that “the success of every service year is dependent on the foundation laid during the orientation exercise”.

Identifying the empowerment of teeming youths as one of the key elements of his administration’s agenda, the governor commended the NYSC management for inserting the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training into the orientation programme.

He therefore, advised the corps members to participate in the training and draw the maximum benefit to be self-reliant after the national service.

The governor equally promised that his administration will intervene on some of the challenges and needs of the NYSC state’s orientation camp, disclosing that the completion of the female hostel started by the previous administration, the renovation of the abandoned male hostel and the general upgrade of facilities in the camp were captured in the 2018 budget.

While commending the NYSC state coordinator, Alhaji Ahmed Wada Ikaka for the development projects he has carried out since his assumption of office, the governor, who was informed of the problem of power outage in the orientation camp because of lack of distribution transformer directed the Enugu State Rural Electrification Board (REB) to restore supply of electricity to the camp immediately. He also promised to repair the mini-water scheme in the camp to boost water supply, among other interventions for the wellbeing of the corps members and staff of the establishment.

“The state government has been resolutely implementing policies aimed at equipping youths to optimize their capacity to drive national development. This informed the recent increment in the allowance of corps medical personnel in order to encourage them to serve in rural health centres where their service is mostly needed.

“The welfare of corps members is given priority by Enugu State government. That is why allowances of corps members are paid as at and when due. Very soon every corps member posted to the state institutions will enjoy an upward review of state allowance”, Gov. Ugwuanyi said.

In his address, the NYSC state coordinator, Alhaji Ikaka, who commended the governor for being physically present at the event, also applauded him for his support and assistance to the scheme.

He told the corps members that the orientation camp was “deliberately fashioned to afford you the opportunity to interact with your contemporaries from other cultural, social and economic backgrounds”, and urged them to take advantage of the scheme to promote national unity and integration, which he said was the basic goal of the NYSC.

http://thepunditng.com/gov-ugwuanyi-promises-upward-review/

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The third African Drum Festival In Abeokuta is about to enter its third day and Preparations have started. The stage has been set, the performars are preparing and we have exclusive pictures. 

http://thepunditng.com/pictures-final-day-third-african-drum-festival-abeokuta/

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…

..Sets to recruit 1000 youths

The Enugu State government yesterday took a major step towards protecting and exploiting the Iron smelting site discovered at Otobo Ugwudinoke, Lejja, Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.

Briefing newsmen after a presentation made to the State Executive Council by an Associate Professor in Department of Archaeology, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Dr. Pamela Eze-Uzomaka, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Rita Mbah disclosed that the Lejja Iron smelting site is “one of the oldest in the world, which dates back to about 2000 BC”.

Hon. Mbah stated the Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration is passionate, committed and delighted at the revelation made by Dr. Eze-Uzomaka, who she said has been carrying out research on the site.

The Culture and Tourism Commissioner announced that the council has in a quick response to the presentation, set up a 3-man committee that would visit the site and devise the best means of protecting it “as a world heritage centre”.

She added that the state government intends to construct the road leading the site to be able to exploit its natural contents as “a tourism site and money spinning venture”, stressing that a lot of other benefits are accruable from it.

Also speaking, the Associate Professor told newsmen that she was at the EXCO meeting with her team to brief the state government on the outcome of their findings, saying that they “were able to get over 40 nationals from about 18 countries of the world to come and help us excavate Lejja site”.

Dr. Eze-Uzomaka disclosed that one of their findings was “radio carbon dates”, which according to her places the Lejja as one of the oldest Iron smelting sites in the world.

“This discovery means that Enugu State has one of the oldest iron smelting sites in the world and this site is being visited by so many countries of the world. I have travelled to some parts of the world, giving lectures about these sites and yet our people do not know about what they have.

“So we have come here to tell the Government of Enugu State that we have something here in Enugu State worth protecting, because people are coming from all over the world to visit this site.

While appreciating the commitment of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration towards the project, she also called for the collaboration of the state government with the National Commission for Museum and Monument and the Tourism board for the protection of the area as a world recognized tourism site.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment, Amb. Fidel Ayogu, also told newsmen that the council approved the rehabilitation of the popular Murtala Muhammed Park - a triangular piece of land at New Market, Enugu - to beautify, preserve and make it a standard recreational venture that will be a centre of attraction for those entering into the city of Enugu through Milliken Hill or New Market road.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ogbuagu Anikwe, stated that the council was updated by the Coordinator of Enugu Clean Team Project in respect of the ongoing engagement exercise of 1000 youths to clean up the state, disclosing that before long “Enugu will become if not the cleanest state in Nigeria”.

Mr. Anikwe added that the council approved funds for the upgrade of the Enugu State Emergency Call Centre for greater service to the people especially in time of emergency.

He equally told newsmen that the council approved funds for the renovation of the dilapidated building where the Enugu State Archives was relocated for effective service delivery.


http://thepunditng.com/enugu-state-protect-exploit-2000-year-old-iron-smelting-site/

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The national leadership of the the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the "unprecedented" peace and good governance he has entrenched in the state.



The PDP said that Gov. Ugwuanyi is a peaceful leader who honors God and works very hard to provide the dividends of democracy to positively impact the lives of the people in line with the dictates of the party's manifesto.



Speaking at the colourful peace rally of the PDP in Enugu West Senatorial District of the state held at Udi local government area, which witnessed a mammoth crowd, the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, represented by his deputy, Senator Garba Babayo Gamawa, stated that the PDP is "very proud with Gov. Ugwuanyi".



Prince Secondus stated that there is "absolute peace in Enugu State" and remarkable achievements recorded by Gov. Ugwuanyi, saying:"We are very happy with your leadership style and good performance".



The national chairman stressed that "Enugu State Governor deserves to be emulated", adding further that "Nigerians are very happy with the governor". He disclosed that "it is because of state like Enugu that other states will vote for the PDP".



He also appreciated the unity between Gov. Ugwuanyi and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, and urged the governor to continue with his good works to take the PDP-led government in the state to the next level.



Also speaking, the South East National Vice Chairman of the PDP, Chief Austin Umahi applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his good works and existing peace in Enugu State.



Chief Umahi, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as "a man of peace", adding that Enugu people are blessed having him as their governor.



"He has handed over Enugu State to God and Enugu State is better under his leadership. There is now peace in the state and that is why there is no other political party in the state", he said.



Senator Ekweremadu in his remark, explained that the essence of the peace rally was to appreciate the governor for entrenching peace and good governance in the state, pointing out that prior to the inception of his administration, the state had witnessed some challenges that undermined its peace.



The Deputy Senate President said that the people of Enugu State and Enugu West Senatorial District in particular were happy that Gov. Ugwuanyi has brought "permanent peace" in the state.



He said: "There is peace everywhere in Enugu State. Peace between government and workers; government and national and state assemblies' members; PDP and APC, among others.



"Enugu State is the best place to live in Nigeria. That is the reason why any person who wants to go to National Youths Service Corps, wants to be posted to Enugu State, because of the leadership style of our peace-loving governor", Senator Ekweremadu said.



A business mogul and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, who graced the event, equally lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his peaceful and humble disposition and pledged to support his re-election in 2019.



"I decided to follow him (Ugwuanyi) to this rally because he is a good man. People love him because he is peaceful. I have many friends in APC, but I will support this man. So I urge you to support him", Prince Eze stated.



In his response, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed gratitude to God for making it possible for the state to have peace and enjoy good governance, in spite of the nation's economic challenges.



The governor also thanked the people of Enugu West Senatorial District in "a special way" and all stakeholders in the state for their prayers, goodwill, solidarity and support, noting the peace rally was the first of its kind in the history of the state.



He therefore, urged the people of the state to continue to commit the state and the nation in prayers, saying: "With God on our side victory is ours in Jesus Name. Amen".



Other speakers at the event include the Deputy Governor of the State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, members representing the two federal constituencies in the zone, Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu and Hon. Dennis Amadi, among others.

http://thepunditng.com/proud-ugwuanyis-peace-good-governance-initiatives-says-pdp/

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