Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, yesterday, invited critical stakeholders of Nkanu West, Nkanu East, Enugu South, Enugu North and Enugu East local government areas to an emergency security meeting on Thursday, February 24, 2022.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Steve Oruruo, those invited for the security meeting scheduled to hold at the Government House, Enugu at 2.30pm are Chairmen of the above mentioned local government areas.

Other invitees are all members of Enugu State House of Assembly, representing the people of Nkanu West, Nkanu East, Enugu South, Enugu North and Enugu East constituencies, all Traditional Rulers and Presidents General of autonomous communities in the affected five LGAs.

The statement reads:

"The following persons are hereby invited to an emergency security meeting with His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on Thursday, 24th February 2022, at the Government House, Enugu.

"Chairmen of Nkanu West, Nkanu East, Enugu South, Enugu North and Enugu East Local Government Councils.

"All members of Enugu State House of Assembly, representing the people of Nkanu West, Nkanu East, Enugu South, Enugu North and Enugu East State Constituencies.

"All Traditional Rulers of Autonomous Communities in Nkanu West, Nkanu East, Enugu South, Enugu North and Enugu East Local Government Areas.

"All Presidents-General of Autonomous Communities in Nkanu West, Nkanu East, Enugu South, Enugu North and Enugu East Local Government Areas.

"All invitees to this meeting are expected to be seated by 2:30pm on Thursday, the 24th day of February, 2022 at the Government House, Enugu.

"*Steve Oruruo*
Special Adviser to the Governor on Information".

A coalition of accredited independent observers for the 2022 Local Government Elections held in Enugu State, on Wednesday, expressed utmost satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise in the state, describing it as “peaceful, transparent, free and fair”.

Speaking to newsmen after the elections, the National Coordinator, Forum of Civil Society Organizations (FCSOs) in Nigeria, Comrade Fidelis Nweke, maintained that the elections were peaceful, transparent and orderly in the various local government areas they visited.

They commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his consistency in conducting council elections in the State, describing the Governor as “a true democrat who had effectively ended the use of caretaker chairmen in running the affairs of the local government areas in Enugu State”

Flanked by the National President, Centre for Positive Change and Civic Responsibility, Amb. Chinyere Manukwem and the Executive Director, Centre for Strategy, Ethics and Value, Mr. Romanus Azubuike, the FCSOs National Coordinator, Comrade Nweke, disclosed that the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) improved tremendously on its electoral process adding that the materials and other logistics arrived the polling units on time as their officials displayed a high sense of professionalism.

“I want to say that the elections we observed today were generally peaceful, because you cannot describe any election in Nigeria as being credible, as being fair without first of all being peaceful.

“It was a peaceful election, so we are happy to see this kind of election in Enugu State.

“We also want to say here that some states in Nigeria should replicate what we have seen in Enugu State. This is because there are some states in Nigeria that have not conducted LGA elections for the past ten (10) years. It really shows that Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is a true democrat,” he said.

Also speaking, Amb. Manukwem of Centre for Positive Change and Civic Responsibility, added that the Enugu State LG elections “went peacefully and there was also a large turnout of voters”, stressing: “We are also impressed with the Enugu people, they came out peacefully and cast their votes”.

On his part, the Executive Director of Centre for Strategy, Ethics and Value, Mr. Azubuike, applauded ENSIEC for its efficiency and transparency of the elections as well as the electoral body’s good relationship with the observers.

National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has notified Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State of its decision to establish Zonal Headquarters in Enugu.

The National Coordinator of NCCSALW, Major General Abba Dikko (Rtd), disclosed the decision when he led a delegation of the agency to the Government House, Enugu, on an official visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi.

The NCCSALW, which is domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser, serves as the institutional mechanism for policy guidance, research and monitoring of all aspects of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Nigeria.

The agency, established in May, 2021, replaced the defunct Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons as part of the restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture to address emerging threats and strengthen the regional mechanism for the control, prevention and regulation of SALW in the country.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign train for the Wednesday, February 23 local government council elections in Enugu state ended on Sunday with Enugu North local government being reckoned and as the progenitor, the doyen and the undisputed head of local government councils in Eastern Nigeria.

It was the progenitor himself, Onoh, who recalled to the electrified campaign train of how the arena they stood produced the first Mayor of Enugu, Umaru Altine in 1952, thus setting the stage of detribalized politics, liberal democracy and egalitarian society.

Denge Dr Josef-Ken Onoh showcased Enugu-North local government as a trailblazer and pacesetter for inclusive local government administration in Nigeria, which is yet to be equalled by any other council in Nigeria, including the present Federal Capital Territory councils that were created to be symbolic centres of Nigeria unity.

Speaking amid frenzy and jubilant supports that ushered him into the area, Onoh elevated Enugu north local government council as the centre of unity, when he greeted the assembly in Nigeria’s major three languages – Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. With inferences, Onoh pointed to Enugu north local government as the epicentre of political administration, the master and the knowledgeable, pivotal in the Enugu East senatorial district chess game for 2023 governorship of the state.

His entry and speech silenced the other agitating local government councils of the zone that had previously shouted Nkanu Ogbuzuru in the campaign rallies at other local government councils. From the ovation and silence, it was an apparent pointer that Onoh is in the frontline calculation.

Quoting the bible succinctly, Onoh told Governor Ifeanyi that “even Jesus nominated his successor, Peter, and called him Peter the Rock upon which he built his Church and which no power on earth destroyed. “And so Your Excellency, no powers on earth can destroy your choice of successor. Nobody has opposed Jesus Christ for bringing a successor, and so why won’t you?”

Onoh further told Ugwuanyi that where he stood was his fathers’ land from generations and the heartbeat of the Igbo nation; recalling that in 1952, Dr Nnamdi Azikwe supported Umaru Altine, a Fulani man from Sifawa in Sokoto Caliphate, to become the first elected Mayor of the coal city. He said that the Alhaji Altine precedence was a manifestation of Enugu as an embodiment of unity and capacity for inclusion by the aborigines of Enugu, who are essentially located in Enugu north local government area, the hub of Enugu east senatorial district from where the next governor of Enugu state, it has been agreed, will come from.

He went on to express joy at seeing an incumbent governor and a past one (Chimaroke Nnamani) sitting side by side in a campaign rally and praised Ugwuanyi’s political mannerism that brought the former governor back to mainstream politics. Onoh said it was only under Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration that a deputy governor was not threatened with impeachment and a state House of Assembly not revolting against the executive arm.

“All these people clamouring for you to name your successor don’t like you and you don’t need to do that. You should name your successor when the time is right and you should focus on the remaining projects you have to do. Go to Isaiah 30:15, the Bible said ‘in quietness and in your confidence shall be your strength’ so keep being silent. Even the President said he will not name his successor because he will be killed. So anybody asking you to name your successor doesn’t like you. Your major preoccupation should be to focus and deliver your projects in Enugu North and when the time is ripe, you will call us and let us see who will come against you,” Onoh said.

Ever since Onoh spoke at the rally, tongues have been wagging, insinuating that the Igede cultural dance may have shifted from Nkanu to Ngwo, particularly with Onoh’s liberalism of accommodation for Isi-Uzo local government. The ‘Ka-Isi-Uzo Jee’ campaigners in the area made Onoh underscore the point that Enugu North is the centre of unity after Ngwo and Ogui ceded their land upon which everyone is now clamouring to rule.

It is pertinent to note that Enugu north local government hosts major political, administrative and economic hub of Enugu state and it is gradually becoming clear that Onoh is a major contender in the 2023 governorship pursuit, with fear hitting contenders who have been mounting pressures for the state governor to endorse them as their successor.

Onoh as the Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) has been able to tame the city metropolises of physical distortion nuisances and his leadership ability is no longer in doubt and for a man that has the Enugu city under his grip, Governor Ugwuanyi’s calculation of a successor may not be far from such a Man which may be the reason the Governor chose Enugu north as a destination for closure of the PDP campaign rallies for the council elections.

Onoh’s stint in the state House of Assembly reputed him as a lawmaker extraordinary when he headed the Finance and Appropriation Committee which the present Speaker of the House, Edward Ubosi, give Kudos to him when he appeared before the House recently. As a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ugwuanyi on Special Projects, Onoh continued with the execution of the International Conference Center Enugu and excelled.

At a younger age, he was Executive Director (personnel management)with Eastern Bottlers limited (Limca bottlers plc) that produced Limca soft drinks and exhibited his managerial skills, he’s also a Member of the international institute of hospitality united Kingdom. His present hospitality outfit, the Arribba Entertainment centre promoters of Voodoo Lounge, Terminal 1(Aviators club), 608 smokehouse grill, skydome cinema, Morehouse hotel, Riversafari zoo waterfront and many others of which the Voodoo lounge is rated as one of the best lounges in Nigeria.

There is no doubt, therefore, that as a man renowned for perfection in both private and public endeavours, his pedigree throws him out as a man to be trusted with the leadership of Enugu state.

At the rally, the House of Assembly member, representing Enugu North State constituency, Hon. Ibenaku Onoh also took time to demonstrate the capacity of the local government, complimented the Onoh dynasty leadership capabilities. His pedigree at the parliament as he showcased has also made other young people in the state become conscious of young people’s good leadership traits in governance.

The non-indigenes resident in Enugu North LGA commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the existing peace and good governance in Enugu State, stating that they are happy living in the state. In their goodwill message, the Muslim community in Enugu thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his inclusive leadership, describing him as a good man who accommodates everybody irrespective of religion or ethnic background. They pledged their support for the governor and his political aspirations, urging other states to emulate his uncommon leadership style.

Concluding the statewide rallies, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked God for a peaceful and successful outing of the party and urged the electorate to come out en masse on February 23, 2022, to vote for the 17 and 260 chairmanship and counsellorship candidates of the PDP, respectively.

The Governor thanked all the stakeholders of the state irrespective of their political differences for the peace and progress of the state.

The Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, Senator Gil Nnaji, the member representing Nkanu West/East Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, his Enugu East/Isi-Uzo counterpart, Hon. Cornelius Nnaji, were among some of the dignitaries at the rally.

The Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Prof. Ike Ekweremadu, has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for providing good governance in the state.

Senator Ekweremadu, thrice Deputy Senate President, also applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for the leadership he is providing in Enugu State, and for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South East geo-political zone, describing him as "a visionary leader".

Senator Ekweremadu made the commendation when he joined Gov. Ugwuanyi in Ezeagu Local Government Area for the PDP campaign ahead of the February 23, 2022 Local Government Elections in the state.

The party's rally which witnessed a large turnout of party faithful and supporters, was also attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, the member representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dennis Amadi, his Aninri/Awgu/Oji River counterpart, Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu, Senator Ben Collins Ndu, the member representing Ezeagu Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze, among others.

Speaking further, Senator Ekweremadu expressed delight at Gov. Ugwuanyi’s remarkable achievements in office in spite the nation’s economic meltdown, stressing that it was an indication that the governor was prepared for the job.

"Your Excellency, thank you for the provision of good governance in Enugu State; for the leadership you have shown in our state and our party, to South East and to Nigeria.

"Remember that about two years ago, we discussed that in recent time or less than that there will be economic challenge in Nigeria and we discussed that you need to be prepared.

"I am happy you are prepared, that is why salaries (new minimum wage) are still being paid. We want to thank you for being a visionary leader", Senator Ekweremadu said.

In his speech, the member representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Amadi told Gov. Ugwuanyi that "We have to come and join this campaign to show you solidarity".

Hon. Amadi lauded the governor for his consistency in conducting local government elections in Enugu State and applauded him for restoring peace and security in the state.

The federal lawmaker assured Gov. Ugwuanyi that the people of Ezeagu LGA will vote for the PDP overwhelmingly in the forthcoming LG elections and beyond.

On his part, the member representing Ezeagu Constituency, Rt. Hon. Obieze maintained that the LG elections is a walkover, disclosing that "the governor has moved round and has watered the ground" for a smooth victory for the PDP.

Hon. Obieze appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi "for making the work easy for us", and assured the governor that people of Ezeagu LGA are solidly behind him, saying: "Where you stand is where I will stand and where I stand is where the 24 members of the State House of Assembly stand".

The lawmaker cautioned that "any leader in Enugu West Senatorial District who does not support Gov. Ugwuanyi" should retrace his or her steps, amend and support the governor as "we will turn against that person".

Other speakers at the rally, such as the State Chairman of PDP, Hon. Nnamani, Senator Ben Collins Ndu, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor, Commissioner for Budget, Dr. David Ugwunta, Ozo Okey Ozoani, and Council Chairman, Hon. Chukwudi Ani, expressed profound gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for his development projects in Ezeagu LGA in the areas road infrastructure, health and education as well as human empowerment.

Addressing the jubilant crowd, Gov. Ugwuanyi who acknowledged the dignitaries at the event, urged the people of Ezeagu LGA to come out in their numbers on February 23 to vote massively for the PDP and its chairmanship and councillorship candidates, enjoining the party’s candidates to serve their people with the fear of God, if elected.

The Gov. Ugwuanyi-led PDP LG Elections campaign train was also at Uzo-Uwani LGA, on Thursday, where Senator Chukwuka Utazi of Enugu North Senatorial District, the member representing Uzo-Uwani Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Josephat Okika, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Matthew Idu, the Council Chairman, Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie, Special Advisers to the Governor, Hon. Cornell Onwubuya and Hon. Jonathan Chukwuma, the LG PDP Chairman, Hon. Jude Okonkwo, the PDP National Ex-Officio, Princess Nwanneka Edith Okoro, among other stakeholders thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s special attention to the council area in terms of road infrastructure, agricultural revolution vis-à-vis revitalization of Ada Rice Farm Settlement, education and healthcare facilities, etc.

The people reassured Gov. Ugwuanyi that they are solidly behind him and will continue to stand by his political decisions in 2023.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, on Thursday, continued its campaign ahead of the February 23, 2022 Local Government Elections in the state, as Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi led the PDP campaign train to Eke-Otu Market in Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area and Eke Agbani Market in Nkanu West LGA to canvass votes for the Party.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was accompanied by his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, among others, made a brief stopover at Amodu Awkunanaw, in Nkanu West LGA, to inspect the erosion control project newly executed by his administration, for safety of motorists and other road users, before proceeding to Nkanu East and Nkanu West LGAs with the PDP train for the LG campaigns.

While at Eke-Otu Market, Gov. Ugwuanyi identified with the jubilant traders and their customers and passionately canvassed votes for Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates of the PDP, urging them to come out en masse on February 23, 2022 to vote for the PDP (Umbrella).

The governor did the same at Eke Agbani Market and thereafter proceeded to Amagunze, the headquarters of Nkanu East LGA, for the Party's LG campaign rally.

Received by the Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial District and former Governor of Enugu State, Senator Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji, the Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Engr. Abel Uchenna Nwobodo, among other Party stakeholders, Gov. Ugwuanyi also urged the people of the area to vote massively for the PDP in the forthcoming LG elections by casting their votes where the logo of umbrella is in the ballot paper.

The governor assured the people that the Chairmanship candidate of the Party, Hon. Sydney Okey Udeh and his deputy, Hon. Ndubuisi Agbo, will serve them with the fear of God.

He thanked the people for accepting to support the PDP in the coming elections.

Earlier, Nkanu East stakeholders including two former Deputy Governors of the State, Hon. Sunday Onyechuchi and Bishop Ralph Nwoye, member representing Nkanu East Constituency, Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, the Council Chairman, Engr. Abel Uchenna Nwobodo, the State Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Rt. Hon. Princes Peace Nnaji, and the Chairman of Nkanu East PDP, Hon. Emeka Nwatu, applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his development strides, the peace he has brought to the state as well as his empowerment programmes that have benefited their people in so many ways.

They reassured the governor that they are solidly behind him and all his decisions in respect of 2023 general elections.

At Nkanu West LGA campaign, the campaign message was the same but the event took a different dimension as emotions ensued when Senator Nnamani recalled his ordeals after he left office as Governor of Enugu State 15 years ago and how Gov. Ugwuanyi, who is from another Senatorial District, brought him back to political limelight and ensured that he returned to the Senate.

"The mandate given to me is why I am here because many years ago I came to campaign here I did not know that it will take 15 years for me to be here again.

"The lesson is that 'Nwanne di na mba'. Nobody knows where succour will come from. In the midst of dryness nobody knows where water will come from. In the midst of drought nobody knows when rain will come. When challenges become overwhelming nobody knows where help will come.

"For me if every door closed, you look for key, it is lost and also darkness is everywhere, nobody knows who will bring the light and find the key to open the door.

"It is Ifeanyi Nwa Ugwuanyi, Udulekenyi 1 of Orba (Governor) that brought the light, the key and opened the door.

"He (Ugwuanyi) is not from Nkanu, he is from Udenu. Nwanne Di na mba", Senator Nnamani said in an emotion laden voice.

One of the highlights of the rally was the presentation of PDP flags to the Councillorship candidates of the party by the State Chairman of PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani.

#Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State has reiterated that his administration will continue to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state to ensure that they effectively discharge their duties.

Gov. Ugwuanyi gave the assurance during the 82 Division Nigerian Army West African Social Activities (WASA) 2021, held yesterday at the 82 Division Garrison Parade Ground, Abakpa Cantonment, Enugu.

The governor expressed delight that the annual event was a platform for officers, soldiers, their families, friends and the host community to gather in a joyous and relaxed mood to appreciate God for the successful completion of training activities and operations for the past year while heralding the beginning of the New Year.

Gov. Ugwuanyi said that the occasion offered him the opportunity to celebrate the Nigerian soldiers for their gallantry in battling insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in the past year.

“The events of the past year really put your courage and patriotism to test but your successes were cheering and reassuring to Nigerians that we have a dependable, disciplined and committed Army”, the governor said.

Acknowledging, with deep sense of patriotism, the anxiety and emotional challenges the soldiers’ families and friends have to contend with as the officers and soldiers strive for the peace and unity of Nigeria, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked them for “all your unsung sacrifices for our great nation, Nigeria”.

The governor, who pointed out that the state government has a long tradition of mutual understanding and cooperation with the 82 Division Nigerian Army, paid respect to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General F. Yahaya, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General T.A. Lagbaja and all the officers and men of the Division for their continued support to his administration especially in the areas of security, civil-military cooperation and peace advocacy.

“Your efforts in providing security are highly appreciated and our administration will continue to assist you and other security agencies in the state to ensure effective discharge of your duties”, Gov. Ugwuanyi assured.

In his address, the GOC 82 Division Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Lagbaja, welcomed Gov. Ugwuanyi to the event as the Special Guest of Honour and commended him for always supporting and identifying with the activities of the Division in particular and the Military in general, aimed at protecting lives and property.

The GOC disclosed that WASA provides an avenue for the Barrack community of various rich and diverse cultures of the country to display their potentials, adding that it is also a forum for peaceful interaction of soldiers and their families as well as the host community and friends.

The climaxes of the event were cultural displays, Tug of War competitions, presentation of awards, gifts and souvenirs, band display, beating of retreat, and the lighting of Bonfire which was performed by the governor.

Dignitaries at the event include the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Enugu, Air Vice Marshal I.O. Daramola; the Wife of the GCO and Chairperson, Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association, Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja; the Chief of Staff, 82 Division Headquarters, Brig. Gen. G.O. Omorogbe; the Garrison Commander, 82 Division, Brig. Gen. C.A. Ataki, and the Chief Judge of Enugu State ably represented by Hon. Justice C.O. Ajah.

Also at the colourful event were other Heads of Security Agencies in the state; representative of Prince Engr. Arthur Eze, Commander Matthew Amor; Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu; HRH Igwe Julius Nnaji; and Sariki Hausawa, Alhaji Yusuf

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to support and encourage genuine private sector-driven business investments to bloom in the state.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who spoke when he received the management team of United Nigeria Airlines, led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, at the Government House, Enugu, yesterday, assured the delegation that his administration will fully support the company to grow its business in Enugu State.

The governor stressed that the state government wants more business investments in Enugu State, and is poised to encourage the private sector to thrive in the state, to add value to the economy and wellbeing of the residents.

“We will give you the whole support; be rest assured of our support; we have to support you. Once I see a private sector- driven investment, I will support it. We want more business investments here”, he said.

Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that the peace and security being enjoyed in Enugu State was as a result of the concerted efforts of his administration to protect lives and property, improve the welfare of the people and encourage businesses to grow in the state.

“I cherish this peace. People cherish the way we do things here”, the governor added.

Speaking after the interactive meeting with Gov. Ugwuanyi, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Okonkwo, disclosed that the delegation was at the Government House, Enugu, on a courtesy visit to the governor as part of the company’s programme of its Annual Retreat taking place in Enugu “which is our hub”.

Dr. Okonkwo, who revealed that “we want to start shifting our base to Enugu”, said that they discussed the need for closer relationship and partnership with the Enugu State Government.

“We were able to enumerate our strategic expansion plans within the year 2022”, he said.

The Chairman expressed delight that Gov. Ugwuanyi understood their strategic plans and “granted all our requests”.

According to him, “And with these requests we have no doubt that within the next 12 months, you will see more of our presence in Enugu and we will be here for better and greater service to the people of the state.

“The governor (Ugwuanyi) actually has shown also that he is very comfortable with the aviation sector having worked in the Aviation Committee in the National Assembly. So, it was a very easy discussion; we understood ourselves without stress”.

Earlier during the interactive meeting with Gov. Ugwuanyi, Dr. Okonkwo hinted the governor of the company’s plans to establish a Maintenance and Repair Organization (MRO) facility in Enugu State, indicative of making Enugu its hub of aviation operations.

The Chairman said that United Nigeria Airlines choice of Enugu as its operational hub was because of the state’s business-friendly environment and the company’s commitment to the development of numerous opportunities in the South East geo-political zone in general and Enugu State in particular.

He pointed out that an MRO facility in Enugu will create more jobs and expand opportunities for both expatriates and indigenes of the state, as well as attract potential business investments and contribute positively to the growth of the revenue base of the state.

Other members of the delegation from United Nigeria Airlines were the Director of Administration, Mr. Linus Awute; the Director of Flight Operations, Capt. Chimara Imediegwu; the Director of Maintenance, Engr. Alex Iheuwa; the Head of Training, Mrs. Barbara Ade-Asamoah; and the Head, Cabin Crew, Mrs. Aderounke Babalola.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--qPJvQH_kM

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday, swore in Hon. Justice Afojulu Raymond Ozoemena as the substantive Chief Judge of the State after he served as Acting Chief Judge for three months on two consecutive occasions.

Hon. Justice Ozoemena’s appointments on acting capacity by Gov. Ugwuanyi was sequel to the retirement of the former Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu, who attained the constitutionally prescribed retirement age of 65 years on September 7, 2021.

The governor explained that the decision to swear in Hon. Justice Ozoemena as Acting Chief Judge of Enugu State on September 7, 2021 and the renewal of the appointment on December 8, 2021 upon the expiration of the first three months, was based on the order of seniority of the Judges of Enugu High Court as confirmed by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Swearing in Hon. Justice Ozoemena as the Chief Judge of Enugu State, at the EXCO Chamber of the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that the function was sequel to the recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and subsequent confirmation of his appointment by the Enugu State House of Assembly, in fulfillment of the provisions of Section 271 Sub-section 1 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Stating that he swore in Hon. Justice Ozoemena as the Chief Judge of Enugu State after all the conditions precedent for the appointment was dutifully fulfilled, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who described the exercise as “God’s will, made manifest at God’s own time”, congratulated the newly sworn in Chief Judge.

The governor pointed out the Hon. Justice Ozoemena is eminently qualified for the job, expressing confidence that “you will bring your juristic erudition, diverse experience and integrity to bear on the administration of the Enugu State Judiciary”.

“I wish you well and pray God to grant you stellar career as the Chief Judge of Enugu State”, Gov. Ugwuanyi added.

Responding, the new Chief Judge of Enugu State, Hon. Justice Ozoemena, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his endurance and consistency in ensuring that he was sworn in as Acting Chief Judge for two consecutive times and thereafter as the substantive Chief Judge of the State.

He therefore promised the governor of the cooperation and support of the State Judiciary under his watch, stressing that they will maintain the tempo of peace and harmonious relationship that exist between the Executive and the Judiciary in the state.

The event was witnessed by the President, Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice George Nnamani; former Minister of Information and immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Malachy Okwueze; the State Attorney-General, Chief Miletus Eze; other members of the State Executive Council (EXCO); Special Advisers to the Governor; Judges of the State Judiciary and members of the State Judicial Service Commission, among others.

Update on the ongoing massive projects at the permanent site of ESUT Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine, Igbo Eno, Enugu State, initiated and being executed by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration.

This is to provide quality and affordable healthcare services to all residents of Enugu State, as well as make the state a choice destination for healthcare tourism, despite the nation’s economic challenges as well as the state’s lean resources.

The health facilities made up of two sections of a Teaching Hospital, seating on two floors (the outpatient department of seven sections and in-patient department with 200-bed wards); a College of Medicine comprising 2 units of 12 classroom blocks, 2 units of 10 classroom blocks, 2 units of 8 classroom blocks and 2 units of 208 student-capacity hostel; and provision for the construction of a helicopter landing pad (helipad) reserved for hospital emergency operations, were adjudged as “simply unbelievable” and in line with World Health Organization (WHO) standard, by the Management of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, during their recent validation visit to the site.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Friday, received a Haitian delegation at the Government House, Enugu, amid excitement and fulfillment.

The 10-man Haitian delegation, led by Senator Moise Jean-Charles, were on a home-coming mission to Enugu, the historic capital of Igboland, to perform conventional Igbo rituals such as traditional naming and name adoption, after they traced their roots to Igboland.

Addressing the delegation, Gov. Ugwuanyi represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, delightfully welcomed them to Enugu State in particular and the entire Igboland in general, and commended them for the bold step.

Gov. Ugwuanyi also appreciated them for “keeping a date with history, for following your heart, and for following your roots and getting back to your roots”.

The governor, who stressed the significance of the visit, stated that “today is a new beginning for all of us”.

He added: “We open our doors to you and we are ready as we have demonstrated. We also want you to know that changing your names is in agreement with the Igbo tradition that you have a new name for a new born.

“Today, you are born new in Enugu State and in the land of your fathers. Congratulations!”

In his address, the leader of the delegation, Sen. Jean-Charles, who described the visit to Enugu State as home-coming, rooting back to their origin in Igboland, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for the hospitality accorded to them in the state.

He recounted the affinity of the people and culture of Enugu State and Haiti, revealing that Enugu has five letters as Haiti and that Enugu and Haiti mean cities on top of a hill.

According to the leader of the Haitian delegation, “I have visited many countries, many places around the world but this is the first time I have visited a country that everybody looks like me”.

Sen. Jean-Charles went further to say: “I have not come here as a foreign person. I have come back home. Before I keep on talking, I want to on behalf of all Haitians, all the blocks in Haiti, to thank you (Ugwuanyi) for receiving us after 218 years.

“We have decided that people in the whole continent of Africa and all of us who are there in Haiti is a wind following the bird from the African continent and it has brought bear in America which means all of us are one”.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ugonna Ibe, the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, the immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo and Ozo (Dr.) Ferdinand Anikwe, gave a historic background of the Haitians and their link with Igbos, applauding the visitors for taking such a bold step in identifying with the people of their origin.

The climaxes of the event were the traditional naming and name adoption by the Haitian delegation, which were performed by Igwe Agubuzu in company of other traditional rulers present, dancing of Igede cultural dance by the visitors, and presentation of souvenirs to them by Enugu State government.

Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, State Executive Council (EXCO), Special Advisers to the Governor, other top government functionaries and the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Enugu State Chapter, Prof. Fred Eze witnessed the historic event.