Politics / Enugu State Gives Final Demolition Notice On Dualisation Of Opi-Nsukka Road by Tabithatim: 7:13am On Feb 06 |
To enable the Enugu state government to embark on the dualising projects on some roads in the state, especially the Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka Road, final notice of demolition has been given to owners of houses and property marked for demolition along the affected roads.
To make this effective, those affected have been given up to twenty-four hours to vacate before bulldozers move into action.
The demolition notice signed by the Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ngozi Ngene, said an earlier notice had been given since October 30th, 2024, hence the issuance of the final notice.
“This is to inform the general public, particularly property owners, residents and business owners in the affected areas, that the Enugu state government is commencing the demolition of marked structures along the 44.1km Nike Lake Road dualization Project (Peenox – Nowas – Ugwogo – Opi Nsukka dualization, Abakpa Nike – Opi Nsukka Junction) and also the marked structures along the 21.5km Enugu Airport Road Flyover Bridge – Eke Obinagu – Owo Junction – Amechi Idodo – Ebonyi State Border within 24 hours.
“It is important to note that this is a follow-up to our earlier notifications issued on October 30, 2024. Additionally, a field inspection and evaluation of structures for compensation purposes were conducted from November 4 to November 11, 2024.
“You are hereby advised to remove all your belongings and vacate the premises with immediate effect to avoid damage and/or loss of life.
“Please direct all complaints to the Land/Property Reconciliation and Compensation Committee, Abuja Building, Government House, Enugu,” the notice reads in part. https://blueprint.ng/enugu-gives-final-demolition-notice-on-dualisation-of-opi-nsukka-road/ 6 Likes
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Politics / Governor Mbah Woos Multinationals With Juicy Offers by Tabithatim: 9:22pm On Jan 31 |
Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has assured prospective multinational corporations that his administration would work with them to create an enabling business environment, and to de-risk investment flow and ensure bountiful return on investment.
Mbah listed abundant opportunities and incentives in various sectors, such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, mineral resources, logistics, aviation, tourism, real estate, mineral resources, ICT, among others.
The promises come as Enugu State, for the first time, joins the league of states that multinational corporations are more likely to expand to, according to the survey presented by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Committee (PEBEC).
Mbah gave the assurances during the Second Existing Foreign Direct Investors Roundtable at the Aso Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking at the roundtable, which attracted over 90 existing multinational corporations in Nigeria, including Dow Chemical, Microsoft, the Nigerian-French Chamber of Commerce, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, the Euro Chamber of Commerce, the Indonesia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Corporate group in Nigeria, the governor reiterated his administration’s ambition to grow the state’s economy sevenfold to $30 billion in the next six years, hence the deliberate effort to make it the premier destination for investment, business, tourism and living.
According to him, the growth Nigeria seeks as a country will happen from the peripheral or sub-nationals, hence the massive steps by the Enugu State Government to build infrastructure, ensure security of lives and property, and enhance Ease of Doing Business.
Mbah further listed other incentives such as the existence of the Enugu State Investment Development Authority as a one-stop shop for prospective investors, existence of federal regulatory agencies in Enugu, and the launch of Enugu State Geographic Information System Services, ENGIS, which had reduced Certificates of Occupancy processing time to 72 hours.
Meanwhile, presenting highlights of an empirical study by PEBEC, its Director General and Technical Adviser to the President on FDI, Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, listed Enugu, for the first time, among few states that foreign investors were interested in expanding to.
https://guardian.ng/news/mbah-woos-multinationals-with-juicy-offers/ 8 Likes 1 Share
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Politics / Enugu, Fungtau, National Cashew Association Sign MOU To Boost Agriculture by Tabithatim: 7:48am On Jan 24 |
Enugu, Fungtai Engineering, National Cashew Association Sign MoU to Boost Agriculture, Industrialisation
The Enugu State Government and Fungtai Engineering Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, for the production of cash crops on 7,221 hectares of agricultural land at Ugwujoro, Nimbo, in Uzo-Uwani LGA, in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to ramp up agriculture and agro-industrialisation, boost security, and create employment.
They also signed another MoU with the National Cashew Association of Nigeria, NCAN, for the establishment of a pre-fabricated Domestic Export Warehouse at the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo on 5 hectares of land.
Speaking at the different MoU signing ceremonies at Government House, Enugu, Governor Mbah described agriculture as a major Gross Domestic Product-enabling sector in his administration’s effort to grow the state’s economy to a $30bn economy in the next six years.
At the signing of the MoU with Fungtai Engineering, Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to State Government, SSG, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the over 7,000-hectare agricultural initiative at Ugwujoro, Nimbo, ensures active utilisation of the area bothering the state and Kogi that had hitherto suffered attacks.
“We expect that a lot of our GDP growth will come from agriculture; hence, we are aggressive about agriculture and agro-industrialisation. As you are also probably aware, Ugwujoro Nimbo is a border area and had been a source of security concern. So, in addition to what we are doing with technology to secure our state, this massive agricultural initiative will effectively occupy that large expanse of land and there will not be any room for any criminal to hibernate or launch an attack. So, this MoU will boost agricultural production and agro-indutrialisation, enhance security, and create employment.
“As a government, we will play our part to ensure that this initiative takes off in earnest and also succeeds because it is a win-win situation for both the state and the investors,” he stated.
Speaking, the Managing Director of Fungtai Engineering Ltd, Sir Isaac Chuks, said the firm was eager to launch out, describing Enugu State under the Mbah Administration as an investor’s haven
“We will make the government and the people of Enugu State proud for believing in us. We are happy the state is pioritising agriculture and de-risking investments. So, just wait and see,” he assured.
Also signing the MoU with the National Cashew Association of Nigeria, NCAN, Mbah, also represented by Prof. Onyia, described the venture to establish a pre-fabricated domestic export warehouse at the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo as a strategic move with multiple benefits for the state and the nation.
“We recognise the immense economic potentials of the cashew industry, valued at over $7bn in the global market, and the governor has deemed it necessary to engage in this value-adding relationship. We are very mindful of the reputation, the experience that you have, and we want to collaborate as a state to make sure we harness this opportunity in a way that there is value on both sides on the table.
“This collaboration ensures that cashew production is processed locally, enhancing our GDP and creating significant job opportunities. With over six local government areas suited for cashew production, we are poised for a transformative journey,” he said.
Speaking, the National President of NCAN, Dr. Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, assured Governor Mbah of a reliable and timely delivery, disclosing that the relationship they were building with the state government would optimise the state’s cashew potentials, expressing interest to also ultimately help to revitalise the moribund Premier Cashew Industry Limited at Akama Oghe
“We deemed it fit that we should go about this Domestic Export Warehouse to aggregate what the farmers are producing, encourage farmers to go to farm and produce more, and to make it easy for our processors in the country; we believe that this collaboration will help us achieve our goal. We have plans again to go further from this move.
“We thank you for this opportunity and promise that we will not disappoint you. We are going to make sure we do what is required of us because of the experience we have in the sector” Dr. Ajanaku stated.
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2025/01/23/enugu-fungtai-engineering-national-cashew-association-sign-mou-to-boost-agriculture-industrialisation/?amp 3 Likes
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Politics / Peter Mbah Congratulates New Ohanaeze Leadership, Says Ndigbo Stronger Together by Tabithatim: 6:33am On Jan 13 |
Says their victories a collective triumph for NdigboGovernor of Enugu State Dr. Peter Mbah has congratulated the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on their emergence, stressing that Ndigbo were better together.
Mbah, who expressed happiness over the peaceful process and the outcome of the Friday election, described the election of the new Ohanaeze national executive as a collective victory for Ndigbo globally and reminded the new leadership of the pan-Igbo organisation that the Igbo nation was full of expectations, given their individual pedigrees.
The governor spoke when he received members of the new National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze led by the new President-General, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, in his office at the weekend.
He said, “I would like to start by heartily congratulating you all, on behalf of the Government and the people of Enugu State, on your election to lead this very important organisation. I can only imagine the weight of expectations that must be on your shoulders now.
“But as I said yesterday, this is not a personal triumph. We see it as a collective victory for Ndigbo.
“It is also a demonstration that we now have a solid succession pattern in Ohanaeze. The election was rancour-free, and I also take this opportunity to commend my brother governors who decided not to be passive, knowing how important this body is to the affairs of Ndigbo.
“We know you; we know your pedigrees and we also know that both your leadership experience and your intellectual pedigree preceded you. So, we have no doubt that the task ahead is one that you have the capacity to discharge. It is indeed an onerous task and it begins now, knowing all the existential threats we are all exposed to as Ndigbo.
“I did describe, in my metaphor of the arrow, how strong we will be if we are able to constitute ourselves as a quiver or a whole rather than just a single arrow. The same thing will go for the broom metaphor. You know you can easily snap a broomstick, but a bunch will almost be impossible to snap. So, I think my charge will be for us to forge a united front as a people in resolving all these challenges.
“We are stronger together. As I said yesterday, Ohanaeze Ndigbo represents the soul of our people. It is a very important organisation, which is why we are very happy with the profiles of people that have been elected to its headship.
“We are full of expectations and we pray God to imbue you with the wisdom of Solomon and great health to successfully pilot the affairs of the entire Ndigbo.”
Speaking earlier, Azuta-Mbata commended Governor Mbah for his leadership and pivotal roles in seeing to the success of the election.
He assured that the new executive would not fail Ndigbo and the nation in general, especially given the unprecedented support accorded them by the governors and Ndigbo.
“As you know, we have only just been sworn into office. You were gracious to be in attendance with your colleagues, the governors of all Igbo states, and it was unprecedented in the history of Ohanaeze Ndigbo meetings.
“So, we thought it appropriate to stop over and thank you for your immense efforts and support to Ohanaeze Ndigbo. We thought we should extend our gratitude to you and to the government and people of Enugu State for what you have done and continue to do,” he stated. https://thesun.ng/gov-mbah-congratulates-new-ohanaeze-leadership-says-ndigbo-stronger-together/ 1 Like
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Politics / Peter Mbah Signs Land Use Regulation, Executive Order Creating New Urban Areas by Tabithatim: 9:15pm On Jan 12 |
•says no more confusion, hidden charges in land transactionsIn the exercise of his powers under the Land Use Act 1978, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, on Thursday, signed Land Use Regulation 2025 as well as Executive Order No. 1, 2025, designating some areas in the state as urban areas.
By the provisions of the Executive Order, entitled “Enugu State Designation of Land as Urban Areas,” the entire Enugu East, Enugu North, and Enugu South Local Government Areas have been designated urban areas.
Likewise, the entire Udi LGA, Nkanu West LGA, Nkanu East LGA, and Nsukka LGA have been designated as urban areas.
In the same vein, parts of some LGAs have been designated urban areas. Consequently, Ndeabor Urban Area measures 10km radius and Oduma Urban Area, measures 20km radius both in Aninri LGA; Agwu Town measures 25km radius, Ihe, Agbogugu, Mgbowo, Isu-Awa, Mmaku, Ituku, and Owelli-Court; Aguobuowa and Oghe in Ezeagu LGA; Ogbede, Ukehe, and Aku in Igbo-Etiti; Enugu Ezike in Igbo Eze North LGA; Ibagwa Aka in Igbo Eze South LGA; and Ikem and Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area have been so designated
The Executive Order equally designated urban areas Oji-River, Ugwuoba, and Inyi in Oji-River LGA; Obollo-Afor and Orba in Udenu LGA; Umulokpa and Adani in Uzo-Uwani LGA.
Meanwhile, speaking at the brief signing ceremony, Mbah said, “I have just a few minutes ago signed a Land Use Regulation of 2025, and also an Executive Order designating certain locations of the state as urban areas.
“This is a major milestone that we have just witnessed. This is quite historic. This again is in line with what we witnessed a few weeks ago when we formally launched the Enugu State Geographic Information System, ENGIS, a system that is designed to fast-track applications for land titles, and indeed other administrative functions relating to land.
So, what we have here today is going to bring clarity. As we all know, a lack of transparency feeds corruption. This is really a major milestone towards our drive, not just to enhance the revenue of Enugu State, but to ensure ease of doing business where prospective applicants can easily know what their fees are and the timelines that the application will be processed.
“Therefore, with what we have done here today, there is no more hidden charges when you apply for whatever land transaction, whether it is for search, titles or indeed for whatever transactions you want to carry out relating to land in Enugu State.
“It is also going to end the era of double allocations, land grabbing, and all sorts of confusion that may have existed before now in our land management system. They have now come to an end with the signing of this regulation.
“We have also expanded areas that before now we have designated as rural areas. That means effectively that those living in those locations are now able to come forward and apply for their title document and they will be able to obtain their Certificate of Occupancy for the property and assets they have there. Again, this brings further clarity to our land management system.”
While commending his team for the good job done, the governor promised that there would be adequate public enlightenment on the processes of land transactions under the new Order, Land Use Regulation, and the Enugu Geographic Information Service.
“This regulation clearly spells out the number of days it will require for any application, whether you are conducting your search or indeed applying to obtain your title document. The number, the timelines, and your fees are spelt out. So, there is absolutely no confusion. So, I thank you all for all your efforts,” he concluded.
https://tribuneonlineng.com/gov-mbah-signs-land-use-regulation-executive-order-creating-new-urban-areas/ 8 Likes 1 Share
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Politics / Tinubu’s Show Of Love In Enugu - The Sun by Tabithatim: 10:55pm On Jan 09 |
Since the first day of the inception of the President Bola Tinubu administration on May 29 2023, I have been consistent in my criticisms of its neo-liberal economic management philosophy, which largely rests on the twin policies of floatation of the naira and the removal of petrol subsidy. And I remain resolute in my firm belief that these policies have thrown Nigeria into a hell hole of economic hopelessness. But while I have a grouse against President Tinubu for his toxic cocktail of neo-liberal economic policies that are rapidly killing whatever is left of Nigeria’s economy, I salute his political astuteness and ability to forge a common consensus from a mosaic of alliances. To successfully lead a complex country such as Nigeria, which is still in transition to nationhood, a leader must possess qualities of political astuteness, along with firm grasp of economic management and administrative ingenuity.
And because both economic and administrative management depend on how well the diverse tendencies in Nigeria are managed, political astuteness becomes a foundational quality a leader must possess, without which the other two will falter at worse or be misapplied at best. Whereas, President Tinubu, may not in my opinion have a firm grasp of the economic and administrative management of Nigeria in contemporary times, his political astuteness may be leveraged to hold the country together in difficult times such as this. And President Tinubu’s astute best was in full demonstration when he recently paid a working visit to Enugu State.
Peter Mbah, the serious-minded, business-oriented and hardworking governor of Enugu State, had extended an invitation to President Tinubu to come over to the former regional headquarters of the old Eastern Region to inaugurate some of his projects. Cutting across water supply, healthcare, education, security, agriculture, urban and rural road and bridge infrastructure, it was a bumper harvest of projects for the people of Enugu State as it would seem Mbah is in a hurry to fulfil all of his campaign promises mid-way into his first tenure. To achieve this feat, Mbah drew up a budget of about N521.5 billion for year 2024, with a capital expenditure component of over 80%. Significantly, about N134.5 billion, representing 33% of the budget, was committed to education; higher than UNESCO recommendation of 20%.
The bumper harvest of projects inaugurated by President Tinubu in Enugu State, which included 30 modern smart and green primary schools out of the 260 ongoing across the electoral wards of the state; 60 primary health centres, out of the 260 ongoing across the 260 electoral wards in the state, Enugu international conference centre, Digital Surveillance Command and Control Centre along with 150 synchronized patrol vehicles fitted with AI facilities, hundreds of completed urban and rural roads and more is a result of fiscal discipline, proper planning, prudent management of resources, prioritization of human capital development and integrity of project procurement.
And because for every child that is educated in Governor Mbah’s Enugu a child has been educated in President Tinubu’s Nigeria and for every kilometre of road that is constructed in Enugu, a kilometre of road has been constructed in Nigeria, just as for every inch of Enugu territory Mbah is able secure becomes a secured part of Nigeria under his leadership, President Tinubu was full of praises and appreciation for his host.
However, beyond the inauguration arena of the bumper harvest of projects in Mbah’s Enugu, it was at the stakeholders meeting that President Tinubu illuminated hope for Nigeria; not by his doubling down on his policies but by his speaking the message of national unity in a politically estranged territory.
Whereas, the South East geopolitical zone gave him the least electoral support in the 2023 presidential election, President Tinubu has a made it a duty to re-approach the region through negotiations, concessions and reconciliation as seen in the respect and dignity he accords the political leadership of the zone. President Tinubu ended an eight-year security leadership embargo imposed on the zone by his predecessor when he appointed Admiral Okechukwu Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff and, just recently, the President approved the appointment of Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi as Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
At the stakeholders’ meeting, where he declared himself at home in Enugu State, President Tinubu addressed his “Ummunna” in the warmest, friendliest and most convivial tone as, according to him “we are one people.” As has become his favourite quotable quote, President Tinubu said “Nigeria is one household with members living in different rooms.” And because he truly believes in this philosophy of the oneness of the Nigerian people, President Tinubu acceded to the demand to link the South East zone to the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri eastern rail corridor, among many other requests.
President Tinubu’s visit to Enugu was a bridge-building effort and forging of alliances in the South East while holding on to old alliances in the North. If the show of love continues, the President would have made in-roads into one of Nigeria’s most important electoral pieces of prime real estate, which has the potential of aligning the entire southern half of Nigeria behind him going into the future. With the people of South East, characteristically known for repaying a cup of water with a bucket of water, President Tinubu can only reap more love from his show of love to the region.
https://thesun.ng/tinubus-show-of-love-in-enugu/?amp 10 Likes
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Sports / Enugu Rangers, Swiss Side, F.C Schaffhausen Sign Partnership Deal by Tabithatim: 10:48pm On Jan 09 |
In its determination to put the name of the reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International F.C of Enugu in the world map of football, the management of the club, ably led by Amobi Ezeaku Esq., has signed a partnership deal with Switzerland side, F.C Schaffhausen based in the northern part of the country.
An elated Rangers boss made this disclosure after the endorsement of documents at the Swiss club's base, Schaffhausen, Thursday, January 9, 2025.
“We are proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration between Rangers International F.C and F.C Schaffhausen of Switzerland, facilitated by Bold Base. Together we are building a legacy of excellence for generations to come,” stated the young club boss.
He also thanked the Governor of the State Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for granting approval for the execution of the cooperation agreement.
Barrister Ezeaku further said that the collaboration will open doors for exchange of ideas, talents and transfer of knowledge that will give players, coaches and other staff opportunities to broaden their knowledge of the beautiful game of football between both clubs.
F.C Schaffhausen that was founded on July 1, 1896 and prosecute its league matches in the 2nd tier Dieci Challenge League in Switzerland, will by this partnership, have the opportunity to sign talents from Nigeria while it's a big stage on which the players can showcase themselves for European football.
https://x.com/DanNwomeh/status/1877403823431417901?t=vJ1JQY-xohu_DWdNOUaSAA&s=19 6 Likes
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Politics / Why We Are In A Hurry To Develop Enugu State – Governor Mbah by Tabithatim: 9:31pm On Jan 07 |
Calls for continued team spirit
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State says he is in a hurry to develop and transform the state because of the pressing circumstances in the various sectors, and called for the continued commitment on the part of the workers and the people of the state.
While thanking the people of Enugu State for their support, he noted that the only way to reciprocate their love and faith in his administration was by redoubling the ongoing development effort.
Mbah spoke on Monday during a holy mass at the Government House Chapel, Enugu, to formally mark the beginning of another work year.
“Your support and dedication to duty are largely responsible for the modest achievements we have accomplished in 2024. The only way we will continue to demonstrate our gratitude is to double down on the pursuit of our goals to make Enugu state the premier destination for business, investment, tourism, and living.
“But we are going to do that without leaving anyone out and not at the expense of our common humanity. We will continue to deliver inclusive governance. Our governance model is one that recognises even our grassroots to ensure that growth is happening all across the state,” he stated.
While acknowledging the concerns of those who felt his administration was doing too many things at the same time, Mbah said that was the only way to go, given the prevailing and monumental challenges.
“We do know that some may be wondering whether the change that is unfolding in Enugu is sustainable and whether we are not moving so fast.
“But think about it, can we really push to a later date all the critical policies and projects we are implementing today? And the need for us to have portable water in every home cannot be deemed more compelling than the need for us to ensure that our children are exposed to the skill set that prepares them for 21st century work place.
“If you look at the challenges we have in the health space, you will see that we are trying to get our healthcare system functional. That need is also not what we can push to a later date.
“We have to ensure that our roads are paved, devoid of portholes. We have to revive our industries. We also have to ensure that we introduce modern transportation systems. There is none of these we felt we could push to a later day,” he said.
While also thanking the people for trooping out in their numbers to warmly receive President Bola Tinubu, who was in Enugu at the weekend to commission already completed projects, he assured that more projects would be delivered in 2025.
“We are already in optimism that this year holds so much promises for us. Imagine that in few months, by September, the doors of our Smart Green Schools will open to all the children in this state.
“We are already excited about the International Conference Centre that was commissioned a few days ago. But also, in few days time, we are also going to be relaunching and reopening the Hotel Presidential.
“I do not even want to talk about the 340 bed 5-star hotel that is billed to open in May this year at the International Conference Centre. It is also this year that we will see our 300-bed Enugu International Hospital on Rangers become operational.
“We will keep delivering the remaining of the 260 Primary Healthcare Centres we are currently building, one in each ward. But it is not just about the building; it is also making sure that they are well-staffed to provide 24/7 healthcare services. This is why we approved the recruitment of over 2,500 medical personnel. We have recruited 450 already in the first phase. We are going to complete the recruitment so that we will have enough to be available in our communities.
“So, in conclusion, let us proceed in 2025 with the same sense of purpose and the same team spirit that saw us through 2024,” he concluded.
Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Donatus Onuigbo emphasised selfless service and good governance, and lauded Governor Mbah for delivering large-scale development at great speed.
The service was attended by top government functionaries, including the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Raymond Ozoemena; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/01/why-were-in-a-hurry-to-develop-enugu-state-gov-mbah/ 8 Likes
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Politics / Tinubu in Enugu, Says It’s Time to Unite, Build Nigeria by Tabithatim: 8:24am On Jan 05 |
. Optimistic about completion of Eastern Rail Line
. Pledges to develop Anambra Basin’s oil and gas resources
. Insists subsidy removed to save future generations
. You are doing a fantastic job, I don’t care which party you come from, Tinubu tells Mbah
. Mbah describes Tinubu as true federalist, lauds him on THISDAY award
. South-east leaders want FG to dismantle road blocks, checkpoints in zone
President Bola Tinubu yesterday declared that with the elections over, it was time to unite and build Nigeria, stressing that “no one of us has control of our mother tongue.”
Tinubu has also made a firm commitment that his administration would complete the Eastern Rail line connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri while pledging to develop the huge oil and gas resources in the Anambra Basin.
The president, who gave the assurance in an interactive session with the leaders of the South-east during his first official visit to Enugu State, hailed Governor Peter Mbah for demonstrating an irrevocable commitment to human and infrastructural developments, just as the governor described Tinubu as a true federalist and congratulated him for winning THISDAY Man of the Year Award.
Meanwhile, the leaders of the South-east geo-political zone have called on Tinubu to dismantle the roadblocks and checkpoints mounted by security operatives in the zone.
During the meeting with the South-east leaders, the former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, while applauding the Tinubu’s administration for completing the Port Harcourt to Aba section of the Eastern rail line, appealed to the President to prioritise the completion of the remaining portions of the rail link to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and economic growth.
Another indigene of Enugu State, Mr. Chris Ngwu called for the development of the Anambra Basin to unlock the oil and gas reserves in the area.
According to him, “We are saying that this reserve called Anambra Basin holds not less than one billion barrels of oil and about 30 billion cubic feet of gas.”
He added: “For explanation purposes, Anambra Basin borders on the South and the Niger Delta, and the Benue trough. Among the whole Basins as a frontier exploration for oil and gas, Anambra Basin stands number one in terms of performance, in terms of reserves, and in terms of attraction.”
Responding to the request for the rail line, President Tinubu reassured the audience, saying, “It is a work-in-progress. I inherited some of these critical problems and am committed to solving them.”
“On the support of the gas infrastructure. Sure, gas is an alternative to petrol. There is no more wasting of time than to invest more in it. We will do it together, and I am lucky I have good governors.”
Acknowledging the presence of various dignitaries, Tinubu praised former Senate President, Dr. Ken Nnamani for saving Nigeria’s democracy from those who wanted to derail it with the third term project.
Earlier at the meeting, President Tinubu praised Governor Mbah for his development model and philosophy after inaugurating several projects executed by the state government.
He pledged that the federal government would continue to support Enugu and other states in their development efforts.
Insists Subsidy Removed to Save Future Generations
Tinubu insisted that the removal of the fuel subsidy was necessary because “we cannot spend the future generation yet unborn in advance”.
“We don’t want to bankrupt future generations of our nation before they’re born,” he added.
Among the projects inaugurated by the President are the GTC Smart Green School, New Haven/Bisalla Road, the International Conference Centre, the Command-and-Control Centre, and 150 patrol vehicles equipped with surveillance cameras.
You are Doing a Fantastic Job, I don’t Care Which Party You Come from, Tinubu Tells Mbah
The President, who also performed the virtual inauguration of other notable projects from the Enugu State Government House, hailed Governor Mbah for his achievements.
“It reassures me that more revenue going to the sub-nationals and local governments is not a waste. It is for development.
“We have committed leaders like Peter Mbah taking Enugu on the path of 21st-century development, taking Enugu to greater heights, and building our tomorrow today.
“I cannot forget the sight of those children I just met at the Smart Green School.
“I have seen gadgets and vehicles with 21st-century technology. Yes, you are indeed working for today, tomorrow, and the future.
“My good friend Peter, we can go places together to build Nigeria and build the future.
“It is audacious to have this home filled with technology, and they are ready for use. To promote investment, I know you are a private sector person, and we must encourage more private sector people to come into politics.
“When you are sure of security and development and give value for money, investors will be your friend,” Tinubu said at the inauguration of the Command-and-Control Centre.
Tinubu further lauded the governor, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for demonstrating an irrevocable commitment to human development.
The president noted that the election season had ended and that now was the time for leaders to get to work and move the nation forward.
“He (Mbah) is doing a fantastic job. I am glad that Enugu has a very good tomorrow, today. I salute Peter Mbah for his commitment to development. You have built up a good team and I have reviewed a number of things with you in Abuja. You have encouraged me on the technological advancement of the state. The commitment you have from the private sector. I know your background.
“I don’t care which party you come from; you are my friend. Alex Otti of Abia State is also doing very well. It is not about the differences in languages and place of birth.
“No one of us has control of our mother tongue. God created us, and you can find yourself in Enugu, Onitsha, or Lagos. We are all members of one huge family called Nigeria, but we live in different rooms in the same house.
“We must build this house to satisfy our immediate and future needs,” Tinubu said.
Mbah Describes Tinubu as True Federalist, Lauds Him on THISDAY Award
At the interactive session, Mbah described President Tinubu as a true federalist and congratulated him for being named THISDAY Man of the Year.
“Your Excellency, your credential as a true federalist stands out brightly, and the legacies thereof will long earn you resounding accolades,” the governor said.
Mbah said his vision to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within four years can be achieved when security is guaranteed, quality education thrives, and citizens can access affordable healthcare.
The governor outlined the bold steps taken to enhance public safety in the state, including ending the illegal sit-at-home order imposed across the South-east by a criminal gang and non-state actors.
South-east Leaders Want FG to Dismantle Road Blocks, Checkpoints in Zone
[b]Leaders of the five South-east geo-political zones also appealed to President Tinubu, to order the dismantling of checkpoints and roadblocks in the area, saying the roadblocks make goods expensive. [/ Presenting the zonal leaders’ position, the Commissioner representing the South-east at the Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr. Onyemuche Nnamani noted that checkpoints and roadblocks have a lot of drawbacks, which have negatively affected the economy of the people in the zone and even constitute a security risk.
He contended that with the modern command and control centre, ultra-modern statewide CCTV, modern cameras mounted on patrol cars, some of which were commissioned yesterday, as well as other strategies put in place, there was no need for the traditional checkpoints and roadblocks.
“Your Excellency, with the launch of these facilities, we are confident that there’s less need for the traditional practice of mounting roadblocks at checkpoints. Checkpoints, in my view, have many drawbacks, checkpoints, and roadblocks, they make the movement of goods and persons very expensive, very inefficient, and increase the cost of logistics, leading to high inflation,” Nnamani told Tinubu.
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2025/01/05/tinubu-in-enugu-says-its-time-to-unite-build-nigeria/ 12 Likes 4 Shares
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Agriculture / Enugu State Flags Off Training Programme For Farmers On Livestock Production by Tabithatim: 7:53am On Dec 24, 2024 |
In its effort to ensure food security in the state, the Enugu State government, weekend, flagged of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support, L-PRES, programme on the training of farmers in the state on livestock production.
Performing the ceremony at the Master Skills Development and Service Ltd, im Agbani. Nkanu West LGA of the state, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Hon. Patrick Ubru who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Victor Ngwu said the programme was in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s promise to eradicate hunger, unemployment and ensure zero headcount poverty index in the state.
According to him, the workshop would expose the participants to knowledge on how to maximize production, deal with any challenges that may arise in the course of operating their farms, ensuring proper management and production of sufficient protein for the state.
"It is the desire of Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah that the state records zero hunger and zero poverty head count index. It was on this note that he had graciously approved this training and doing his part to ensuring that farmers in Enugu State produce enough for the people to consume and equally export.
"The state is already constructing a lot of rural roads to open up the economy of rural areas, making it easy for the farmers to have easy access to the cities. He is equally building Smart Green Schools and healthcare facilities to ensure that we and our children are healthy and educated. Thousands of Enugu farmers had already undergone different trainings and the Ministry of Agriculture under his watch shall continue to support the farmers and prioritize their welfare", Ngwu said.
Speaking earlier, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnajieze described L-PRES as a project aimed at developing objectives to improve livestock productivity, resilience and commercialization of selected value chains, while ensuring economic diversification.
According to her, L-PRES, is a body sponsored by the World Bank, federal and state governments to ensure food sufficiency, while remaining resilient in the fight against food insecurity.
She further extoled the Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah for the support his administration has been giving to the farmers, especially those in the livestock space who often undertake trainings and workshops, noting that Mbah's vision to grow the state's GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, eradicate hunger and poverty in the state cannot be realized without being intentional about agriculture.
"It's good to seize this opportunity and acquire much knowledge about the value chain you are operating under livestock. L-PRES has enjoyed the support of the Enugu State government under Governor Peter Mbah who is intentional in ensuring that our state produces sufficient foods for consumption and exports to other states and beyond the country. His partnership with the World Bank and federal government is aimed at assisting the livestock farmers with the knowledge and skills which they will utilize in scaling up production," the coordinator said.
Dr. Nnajieze recalled that the Enugu State Government in collaboration with the National Animal Production Research Institute, NAPRI had recently sponsored the training of 30 persons, most of which were the lecturers from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) to Zaria, Kaduna State, for a two-weeks training on artificial insemination and the use of modern AI equipment to enhance animal productivity. https://x.com/DanNwomeh/status/1871132127468703889?t=PYhGndNvcNobnBjznBS3ZQ&s=08 5 Likes
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Politics / Governor Mbah Bags UNN Doctor Of Laws Degree by Tabithatim: 5:06am On Dec 23, 2024 |
… Pledges support, continuous transformation of education sector Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has conferred a Doctor of Laws degree (Honoris Causa) on the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of quality education in the state.
Dr. Mbah, who bagged the highest degree in Law at the 53rd convocation ceremony of the university in Nsukka at the weekend, reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the education sector in order to ensure that the younger generations are able to compete among their contemporaries globally.
“The recognition is a nod to the values driving the modest achievements we have recorded in the last 18 months. Those values are shaped, particularly, by the conviction that education is the best legacy to bequeath to the emerging generation.
“Also, this award is an inspiration to double down on our commitment to serve the people and put Enugu State on a growth trajectory that reflects its true potential.
“It is a point we have demonstrated, no less, in two budget cycles by committing one-third of our entire budget sum to the education sector. We are giving our children an education that will make them truly competitive in a fast evolving global work space,” he added.
While expressing gratitude to the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Polycarp Chigbu, the chairman and members of the governing council, the university senate and the management of the institution for the prestigious award, Mbah commended the acting VC for leading a team committed to restoring the dignity of man in line with the university’s motto.
He assured his administration’s continuous support to the university to strengthen its capacity to deliver and attain the goals and dreams of the founders of the institution.
In his convocation address, the Acting Vice Chancellor announced that the university graduated 11,143 students, including over 1,000 postgraduates, and would additionally confer two recipients with the title of Emeritus Professor as well as another two recipients with honorary doctorate degrees.
He recalled the successes of the institution under his leadership to include the recording of the highest ranking in SCOPUS database for scholarly output among Nigerian universities with over 7,025 publications from 5,813 authors; advancement of critical infrastructure, strengthening of alumni relations; innovation in resolving the energy crisis that bedeviled the university before his emergence.
Prof Chigbu enjoined the graduating students to remain good ambassadors of the university as they traversed the world, pursuing their ambitions.
“Be the leading lights everywhere you go. Never cease in letting your actions reflect your ultimate mission to ‘Restore the Dignity of Man,’” he charged them. https://pdpgovernorsforum.com/breaking-gov-mbah-bags-unn-doctor-of-laws-degree/ 7 Likes 1 Share
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Politics / We Allocated ₦213 Billion For Roads, Not ₦55 Billion - Enugu Government by Tabithatim: 6:43am On Dec 21, 2024 |
The Enugu State Government has expressed dismay over a report in the December 19, 2024 edition of the Punch Newspaper stating that the government earmarked N55bn for the construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of urban and rural roads in the state’s 2025 budget proposal by Governor Peter Mbah, while allocating N50.27bn to the Office of the Governor.
The government in a statement signed by the senior special assistant to the governor on mainstream media, Dan Nwomeh, described the report authored by Punch’s reporter, Raphael Ede, as misleading and borne out of deliberate mischief, pointing out that the actual provision for urban and rural roads in the state’s 2025 budget estimates presented to the House of Assembly on November 26, 2024 is the sum of N213,129,267,000 (Two hundred and thirteen billion, one hundred and twenty million, two hundred and sixty-seven thousand naira), not N55,000,000,000 (fifty-five billion naira) as misrepresented.
“It beggars belief that a reporter who supposedly witnessed the budget presentation by the governor at the House of Assembly chamber and thereafter filed the report published in the paper’s edition of November 26, 2024 (punchng.com/enugu-gov-pres…) would concoct this N55bn figure from nowhere.
“In his budget speech, the governor clearly stated inter alia: ‘The total Capital Expenditure for the year 2025 is projected at N837,944,000,000.00…. In the area of Works and Infrastructure, we will continue our relentless advance towards our target to build or refurbish all key roads across the state by 2031. In line with this, we will spend a total of N213,120,267,000.00 in 2025,”” the government statement read.
According to the government also, the 2025 budget breakdown presented by the State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, at a press conference on December 19, 2024, was consistent with the one earlier presented by the governor, wondering why the reporter failed to seek clarification from the Commissioner or crosscheck from previous reports authored by him if he was confused.
“It should be noted that this same reporter had authored a report published in the August 4, 2024 edition of Punch titled ‘Enugu approves N183bn for road projects’ (punchng.com/enugu-approves…) in which he reported that “the Enugu State government has approved the sum of N183bn for the construction of 141 roads across the Enugu metropolis and 20 rural roads across the three senatorial zones of the state.” How did the N183bn announced by the state in one fell swoop in August 2024 and the N213bn contained in the governor’s budget of November 2024 for the same purpose suddenly plummet to N55 billion in December 2024?”, the government queried.
It further clarified that the allocations of N50.27bn for the Office of the Governor, N665.71bn for the Office of the Deputy Governor’, and N3.42bn for the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, as highlighted in the Punch report, were not for the personal uses and comforts of the governor, the deputy governor, and the secretary to the state government as wrongly implied in the report, saying they were for recurrent and capital needs of the numerous departments and agencies under those offices.
“The allocation for the governor’s office is for recurrent and capital purposes, including provisions for state security, operational vehicles for the ministries, departments and agencies, the Project Development and Implementation Unit, which undertakes special intervention projects, and others. Several government departments and agencies are typically domiciled in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, and this also true of the Office of the Deputy Governor. https://x.com/DanNwomeh/status/1870146184309838335?t=YyLKg2VH63k0PywKYH3H4Q&s=19 1 Like
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Politics / Governor Mbah Commissions Enugu State Geographic Information System by Tabithatim: 1:51am On Dec 17, 2024 |
… Says era of land grabbing, double allocation, revenue diversion overIn a major move to sanitise and modernise land administration and management in Enugu State, the governor of the state, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Monday, inaugurated the Enugu State Geographic Information System, ENGIS, describing it as a major win for the people of the South East State.
Recall that Mbah had in March this year signed into Law the Enugu State Geographic Information System Service Bill initiated by his government and passed by the Enugu State House of Assembly, stressing that it was in line with his administration’s campaign promise to automate governance process, starting with simplification and sanitisation of land administration and management in the state.
Inaugurating THE ENGIS office and system in Enugu, Mbah said, “This is not just a win for government. It is a win for Ndi Enugu as well because nothing is as important as trusting the integrity of a process. Today marks the end of the era of land grabbing, unauthorised construction, double allocations, revenue diversion,” Mbah said.
The governor explained that the milestone was in furtherance of his campaign promise to grow the state’ economy to $30bn and make it conducive for business, noting that whereas ENGIS could process an application for title in a few hours, a duration of 48 hours was stipulated to provide a buffer for other control elements built into the process.
“We had during our campaign mentioned that we were going to invest hugely in the digital sector and that we were going to ensure that we make Enugu State the number one in terms of Ease of Doing Business.
“If you look at the major indicators of the Ease of Doing Business, you would notice that two items there: the ease of obtaining your title and ease of obtaining construction permit, are core indicators.
“So, what we are launching today would enable us to accomplish our economic growth target because with the ENGIS, you are able to start and complete your application for title within 48 hours. From the comfort of your home, you can apply for titles, conduct your searches, and you get the results almost immediately.
“It is also going to create transparency in our land management and administration. Thus, the era of opacity in our land transactions is also gone because you can now view everything.
“We believe that this is going to motivate the investors a lot and is going to bring us closer to our dream of growing this economy from $4.4bn to $30bn in four to eight years. We know that we can achieve that because the value of real estate in our state is rising. You can see people troopping in.
“So, with ENGIS we are ready for business and we are open for business because we are now able to treat the title applications expeditiously,” he stated.
Mbah also congratulated his team, which he said worked extremely hard to achieve the feat in a very short time, converting to digital platforms land documents dating back to early colonial days when the entire Southern Nigeria, except Lagos, was at some point administered from Enugu.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Barr. Chimaobi Okorie and the Coordinator of ENGIS, Dr. Cyril Ezeama, explained that the ENGIS would boost the revenue profile of the state and create an advanced geospatial centre of excellence for land administration and data management.
Ezeama said, “With this system, we will enable the transparent, accurate, and efficient registration of land titles, provide reliable geospatial information and ensure sustainable geospatial management for Enugu State.
“The project is not only designed to eliminate revenue leakages, but is also projected to significantly enhance revenue generation, contributing an estimated N300bn annually to the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Enugu State.
“ENGIS is the first of its kind in Nigeria because with this system, land applications and searches can now be initiated and completed entirely online seamlessly, conveniently, and without the need for physical visits,” he concluded.
The Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu; Council Chairman of Enugu North LGA, Hon. Ibenaku Onoh; Chairman of Enugu Branch of Nigeria Bar Association, Barr. Venatus Odoh; his Nigeria Institution of Surveyors counterpart, Surv. E.C Nnamani; Chairman, Institute of Town Planners, Enugu State, Charles Ngene; and Chairman, Enugu State House of Assembly Committee on Lands, Hon. Pius Ezeugwu, lauded Governor Mbah’s digital transformation of governance in Enugu State, pledging full support for his development agenda for the state.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/12/gov-mbah-commissions-enugu-state-geographic-information-system/ 8 Likes
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Politics / $100m Austrian Investment: Enugu Residents To Get Water At Minimum Cost by Tabithatim: 5:49pm On Dec 15, 2024 |
… To establish Disabilities Commission Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has allayed fears of Enugu residents over possible spike in water rate following the recent signing of a $100 million investment agreement between the state government and a consortium of Austrian investors to cover the last mile and ensure that water gets to every remaining home in the state capital and environs.
This was even as Mbah unveiled government’s plans to establish the Enugu State Disabilities Commission in 2025.
Governor Mbah gave the assurances at the weekend during a town hall meeting with the people of the state in Enugu, noting also that his administration had raised water production from occasional 2 million litres to 120 million litres a day in 180 days.
The governor said that the $100 million Foreign Direct Investment in the downstream water sector would boost and hasten the government's effort at tackling the challenges of reticulation as well as relentlessly replacing old and asbestos pipes with ductile pipes.
“The only time you would have to appreciate the magnitude of challenges associated with those tertiary pipes is after you have allowed water to flow through them, and some of them after decades. That was when we started noticing burst pipes. We also started noticing that some of the pipes were still asbestos pipes and we needed to replace them.
“So, in terms of production, we have been able to achieve 150 per cent of our daily production needs. What we are now dealing with is the last mile; making sure that we get water to the last mile.
“Doing that, especially given the magnitude of what we have observed, is also cost intensive. But we are now fortunate that we have investors - and this is not loans or grants - but investors, who have undertaken to play in the downstream of our water management system.
“So, these investors are going to invest a hundred million dollars to ensure that they replace all the pipes leading to the last mile. So, 1.5 million households have been targeted for a start. That work will start in January in earnest. And they would also ensure it is sustained because they will ensure that it is metered. They will metre these homes as they do the tertiary pipelines,” he stated.
Mbah, however, assured that the government had factored in safety nets that would ensure that water rate remained low by selling produced water to the investors at the cheapest rate possible.
“For those who may be worried about what the cost will translate to with the coming in of these investors, you should not worry about that because that is why we are not outsourcing the production. We are still going to be fully in charge of production. Government will own the production lines and will still be fully responsible for producing water.
“We know that this is a social service, and that it is not necessarily a money-making venture. So, the investors, of course, will have a return on investment, but the interesting thing is that we have built in all the safety nets to ensure that our people are not exploited.
“Because the cost at which they sell water to our people is going to be a function of what they buy from us and knowing that we want this to get to our people at minimal cost, we are going to also ensure that what they pay to get the water from us is reduced to the strictest minimum.
“So, for those of you that we are yet to get public water, you can be sure that when we connect all these pipes and metres to your homes, what you may be paying will be barely 20 per cent of what you are currently spending to source for water.
“But most importantly, you are guaranteed clean water so that once you turn on your tap, water will flow,” he stated. https://x.com/DanNwomeh/status/1868263015314825292?t=oXkoN6aFL_xctB1N0Yij2Q&s=19 11 Likes
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Politics / Enugu, Commonwealth Council Seal Deal On Investments, Trade by Tabithatim: 4:41pm On Dec 13, 2024 |
The Enugu State Government and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) yesterdday signed a strategic partnership agreement to accelerate trade and investments inflow to the state.
This was even as Governor Peter Mbah was named a co-chairman of the Governors Roundtable at the 2025 edition of Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit coming up in London in April.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Government House in Enugu, the Chief Executive Officer of CWEIC, Rosie Glazebrook, said the organisation’s aim was to see how to bring down barriers to trade and encourage investment.
She commended the governor’s effort to de-risk investment, saying “The opportunities here are many. Whether it is education, infrastructure, the new city, the light railway. These are all of great interest to many of our partners.”
Governor Mbah said the strategic partnership deal with CWEIC was in line with his administration’s projection to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
“We know that we cannot wish that growth into existence. Instead, we need to take steps. We have to do things deliberately and we have to be very intentional; which is why we see the partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council as quite strategic.
“The value of this strategic partnership cannot be lost on us because we see it as a platform that will enable us to tap in. We have over 140 private sector partners. Whether it is partnership between government and business or between government and government, we see you as that channel that would give us access,” he said. https://dailytrust.com/enugu-commonwealth-council-seal-deal-on-investments-trade/ 5 Likes 2 Shares
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Politics / Tourism Ministry To Partner Enugu, Lights Up Christmas Village, Unity Park by Tabithatim: 5:15pm On Dec 11, 2024 |
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has described the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, as a rare gift to the nation, saying Enugu is the luckiest state to have him.
Musawa, who was on a one-day visit to the state at the weekend, during which she toured the International Conference Centre, Enugu Digital Museum, and equally lit up the Christmas Village, a state-private sector initiative at the Naira Triangle, and the Unity Park, commended Mbah’s development strides and innovation in the past 18 months, expressing the Ministry’s continued support and partnership to further develop the arts, culture, tourism, and creative potentials of the state and initiatives of the governor.
“I can tell you unequivocally that Enugu is one of the luckiest states in Nigeria and I don’t say this lightly. You have been governor for a year and a bit now, but you have completely distinguished yourself.
“In every single corner of Nigeria, people have heard about the governor of Enugu State. What you have done with the smart schools, the innovation here will be remembered in the trajectory of Nigeria, when the history of Nigeria is written. It is something that is really good. You have charted a path for other governors to follow,” she said.
Speaking to newsmen after her tour and the official lighting up of some recreational facilities, the Minister also said, “I am very honoured to light the Christmas Village and Unity Park. I feel like a daughter of the soil who has come home. I look forward to coming back in the new year to see how my Ministry can collaborate and partner with the tourism, culture and creative industry to see what we can do to open up the potential and work with the governor to really bring value to the people of Enugu State.
“Again, I just want to say this, I think Enugu is a very blessed state. I think with a governor like Peter Mbah that has proved and distinguished himself as a visionary and innovative leader, given that what he has done in one and a bit year has been absolutely exemplary, if Enugu has a governor like this for four to eight years, only God knows the height you would be able to go to as a people, she concluded.
In his remark, Governor Mbah thanked the Federal Government for all the cooperation received so far, reiterating his stand that Nigeria’s economy is best grown from the states, not the centre, with each federating unit harnessing its potential.
https://thesun.ng/enugu-luckiest-for-having-mbah-minister/?amp 3 Likes
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Education / Enugu’s Smart School, A Brave And Strategic Move – UBEC Hails Gov Mbah by Tabithatim: 4:43pm On Dec 11, 2024 |
… why we’re obsessed with education – Mbah
The Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, has commended the Enugu State Government led by Governor Peter Mbah for initiating the over 260 Smart Green Schools to cater for basic education in the state, describing it as brave and strategic in a country where it said basic education had suffered serious neglect.
The Commission expressed happiness that while UBEC had haboured the idea of smart schools some years ago, Enugu State that had already taken theirs beyond theory to practice, stressing that quality education for young Nigerians was the sure way to guarantee a sustainable future.
The commendation was given by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi during a working visit to Governor Mbah at the Government House, Enugu, Tuesday evening.
“Basic education has suffered serious neglect. A lot of times, as we go from state to state to tell people that if we cannot take care of these children, we have no future. The future lies in making sure that just as our forebears took care of us, we also discharge our duty to take care of these children to safeguard our future.
“A lot of governors avoid putting a lot of resources in education. The argument is that you do not see the result there immediately, forgetting the fact that while you might not see it immediately, at the end of the day, it is those that are young that can guarantee our future as a nation.
“So, when I was told that you were building 260 Smart Schools, it is something captivating. I said that I needed to come with my team to really see what you are doing and what is going on. Then I came and we went around the Smart Schools with the Commissioner for Education and your team.
“We looked at what has been achieved so far. We looked at the seriousness with which this programme is being pursued. We looked at its expansive nature and the principles behind it in terms of building not only the capacity of the teachers, but also the infrastructure that is being put forward as well as the pedagogy in terms of teaching and learning.
“In going round, I saw the teachers, with all the pupils. I saw the enthusiasm. It is not just Smart Schools, you are providing smart environment for them. We were very glad to see those things.
“We saw the wonderful school, including even having smart agriculture in the schools. I think I find it very impressive.
“I want to tell you that the path you have taken is a very brave one and strategic and we want to appreciate you for what you are doing,” he stated.
We believe that with the commitment of the governor, Enugu will be able to realise its objective as far as education is concerned and his dream as far as smart education is concerned.
Bobboyi also commended Mbah’s sustainability plans for both for the Smart Schools and smart education in general in Enugu State, commending Enugu plans to ensure that the graduates of smart basic education also get smart senior secondary education.
“I was shown one of the smart secondary schools already under construction and I was also told that many are also coming up. I said to them, your governor has made my day. So, I want to assure you of our total support as a Commission,” he concluded.
In his remark, Governor Mbah explained why his administration was obsessed with education.
“Indeed, we are obsessed with education because we understand that if we do not do it today, then we will pay a greater price tomorrow. And we are already beginning to see the signs in the tension and fragility in our country. They are coming as a result of unemployment and poverty because even if you have been through the education system and you do not have skills that will make you employable, it is a challenge.
https://x.com/DanNwomeh/status/1866788308166062412?t=cyCtb43eHVGrPZhkZjzTAg&s=19 5 Likes
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Politics / Enugu Crashes External Debt By $39.8 Million by Tabithatim: 4:25pm On Dec 11, 2024 |
…as Mbah leads 17 new governors in external debt reduction – StatiSense Enugu State under the leadership of Dr. Peter Mbah, reduced its debt by $39.8 million, the highest by new state governors between June 2023 and June 2024, Statisense said at the weekend, citing data published by the Debt Management Office.
A post on StatiSense X handle entitled, “2023 New Governors and Their External Debt Status in One Year,” revealed that Governor Mbah reduced the state’s external debt by $39.8 million, followed by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, who reduced the state’s external debt by $6.24 million.
Other states with new governors that had a reduction in their external debt in the period under review – June 2023 to June 2024 – were Benue ($2.82 million), Delta ($1.40 million), Jigawa ($1.14 million), and Zamfara ($874,000)
However, 12 states recorded a rise in their external debt stocks under their new leaders, the data company and AI platform said.
Rivers external debt grew by $119.9 million, while those of Kaduna, Katsina, and Cross Rivers grew by $71.6 million, $62.3 million, and $57.8 million, respectively.
Ebonyi State’s external debt grew by $35.3 million, while that of Kano State grew by $22.1 million and Kebbi State recorded $16.4 million rise in external debt, according to the internal data company.
Others listed were Sokoto ($16.1 million), Taraba: ($9.54 million), Niger: ($8.87 million), Abia ($4.96 million), and Plateau ($2.35 million).
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/12/enugu-crashes-external-debt-by-39-8m/ 15 Likes 1 Share
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Politics / We Received ₦80,000 Minimum Wage In November – Enugu Workers by Tabithatim: 6:54am On Dec 05, 2024 |
The Organised Labour in Enugu State has disclosed that the implementation of the N80,000 minimum wage, which is above the N70,000 national minimum wage, commenced in November 2024.
The workers also said that they had no plan to go on strike since.
They said that observed discrepancies in consequential adjustment in the implementation of the N80,000 minimum wage had already been conveyed to Governor Peter Mbah and nursed no doubts that it would be addressed subsequently, as he had already earned workers’ trust by his commitment to their welfare since his assumption of office.
This was made known in a joint statement in the state capital on Tuesday by the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Enugu State Council, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo; Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Ben Asogwa; and the Chairman of the state’s Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, JNC, Comrade Ezekiel Omeh.
The statement read, “The Orgaised Labour in Enugu State wishes to make clarifications in several media reports, which wrongly project Enugu among the states that are yet to pay the national minimum wage.
“We want to acknowledge the fact that the Enugu State Government paid the N80,000 minimum wage approved by the governor in the November 2024 salary.
“However, the minimum wage paid did not reflect the consequential adjustments inherent in minimum wage implementation.
“As labour leaders, we have already communicated to His Excellency the observed discrepancies and in his usual magnanimity to the welfare of workers, we strongly believe that he will address this subsequently.
“Our confidence in the governor remains intact, considering his usual dispositions to the wellbeing of workers.
“Likewise, he approved the payment of the N1.9bn four-year accumulated leave allowances owed to teachers of public primary schools in the state and eight-month salary arrears valued at over N467m, which were also owed the academic, non-academic, and casual staff of the Enugu State College of Education Technical, ESCET, Enugu, before his assumption of office.
“Likewise, he approved the payment of the N1.9bn four-year accumulated leave allowances owed to teachers of public primary schools in the state and eight-month salary arrears valued at over N467m, which were also owed the academic, non-academic, and casual staff of the Enugu State College of Education Technical, ESCET, Enugu, before his assumption of office.
“Consequently, in the same culture, we trust him to address all the concerns regarding consequential adjustments in the implementation of N80,000 minimum wage.
“So, we have not gone on strike. We do not also contemplate or foresee any strike in the near future because there is no need for that yet.”
https://dailypost.ng/2024/12/03/we-received-n80000-minimum-wage-in-november-enugu-workers/ 8 Likes 1 Share
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Politics / Governor Peter Mbah Wins Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year 2024 by Tabithatim: 9:51pm On Dec 03, 2024 |
For demonstrating leadership that embodies intelligence, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, which has set a gold standard for leadership and achievements and served as a beacon of hope and a roadmap for transformative leadership not just in Enugu but across Africa, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is LEADERSHIP Governor of the Year 2024.
Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership and a transformative approach to governance. From his groundbreaking initiatives to bold policy reforms, Mbah has redefined leadership in Nigeria, setting a benchmark for effective management.
Before venturing into public service, Mbah built a stellar reputation in the private sector. As the founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, he turned the company from a modest startup into a powerhouse in Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas industry.
His innovative strategies and commitment to excellence redefined market standards, establishing Pinnacle as a leading force. Mbah’s success in business was a testament to his exceptional ability to harness innovation, motivate teams, and influence critical stakeholders, qualities that he carried into public service.
Mbah assumed office as governor of Enugu State with a clear mission: to deliver innovative solutions, drive inclusive development, and set new standards for governance. His tenure has been marked by bold decisions, strategic planning and impactful projects that have resonated deeply with the people of Enugu.
Mbah’s administration has delivered unprecedented infrastructure projects. In less than two years, he has constructed and rehabilitated numerous urban and rural roads, with residents lauding the quality and impact of these projects. His ambitious goal of creating 10,000 kilometres of roads within eight years is already on track, with over 71 roads commissioned in a single year.
Under Mbah’s leadership, Enugu State is undergoing an educational transformation. His Smart School Projects, currently under construction in every ward, aim to equip students with digital skills and modern knowledge to thrive in a technology-driven world. These schools are designed to close the traditional and 21st-century education gap, preparing students for a competitive global workplace.
In partnership with international stakeholders, Mbah has revolutionised agriculture in Enugu. Farmers can now access improved seedlings, modern farming techniques, and essential resources to boost productivity. His administration’s focus on agribusiness has also opened opportunities for rural development and food security.
Governor Mbah has significantly improved security in Enugu. He frontally confronted the sit-at-home order by the renegade IPOB elements that weakened the Southeastern economy for years, and his efforts dramatically reduced the associated crime rate. By equipping security agencies with modern gadgets, installing state-of-the-art surveillance systems, and providing patrol vehicles, his administration has ensured a safer Enugu for residents and businesses alike.
Mbah’s administration has prioritised healthcare, building and upgrading primary health centres across the state. The ongoing transformation of the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT) exemplifies his commitment to providing world-class medical care.
Governor Mbah’s efforts to complete legacy projects, such as the International Conference Centre and Hotel Presidential, have bolstered public trust. These projects promise to elevate Enugu’s status as a hub for tourism and business.
Mbah’s administration recently increased the state’s minimum wage to N80,000, extending this benefit to local government and primary school workers. This historic decision underscores his commitment to improving the quality of life for all citizens.
Under Mbah’s astute leadership, Enugu State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) leapt from N37.4bn at the end of 2023 to N144.7bn in September 2024, representing a radical 286.2 per cent increase in line with his administration’s deliberate effort to wean the state off reliance on Federal Allocations. For the 2025 budget, he has proposed a capital component of 86 per cent and a recurrent component of 14 per cent, signifying an aggressive plan to rev up the pace of his transformation of the state’s economy.
Mbah’s life’s journey is rooted in service, philanthropy, and education. He has touched countless lives through the Peter Mbah Foundation (PMF), a humanitarian initiative dedicated to enhancing people’s lives in underserved communities. Through the foundation, he has delivered impactful projects, including constructing a 40-bed hospital in Enugu State, improving access to quality healthcare in the region, building several kilometres of rural roads which have enhanced connectivity and economic opportunities for rural dwellers, assisting countless patients by covering medical bills across hospitals in Nigeria, and offering scholarships to numerous young people, empowering them through education.
These efforts reflect his deep commitment to community development and his belief in uplifting the less privileged through innovative and sustainable interventions.
Peter Mbah’s influence in public administration has always been impactful. As commissioner for finance and economic development under Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, he played a pivotal role in shaping economic policies and managing the state’s financial resources, leaving a legacy of prudent fiscal management and sustainable development.
Before this, he served as the governor’s chief of staff in 2003, a role in which he demonstrated exceptional leadership and administrative acumen. His membership in the Enugu State Executive Council and the State Security Council underscored his involvement in strategic decision-making processes and his commitment to governance at the highest levels.
Peter Mbah is recognised as a thought leader and professional in various fields. He holds a fellowship from the Certified Institute of Public Administration and Management (CIPM), affirming his expertise in public administration. Additionally, he is a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), showcasing his multidisciplinary competencies in law, governance, and diplomacy. His honorary Doctorate in Political Science from Geoffrey Okoye University, where he serves on the Governing Council, further solidifies his reputation as a respected figure in academia and public service.
Mbah holds a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) degree from the University of East London, a Barrister-at-Law (BL) from the Nigerian Law School, and a Master’s in Maritime and Commercial Law from Lagos State University.
Mbah’s transformative leadership has garnered accolades from both national and international bodies. Some of his recognitions include:
National MSME Award for promoting economic growth through small and medium enterprises Excellence in Public Service Award for groundbreaking road infrastructure projects. iii United Nations SDG Champion Award for his sustainable development initiatives in education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
Peter Mbah balances his professional and philanthropic endeavours with a fulfilling personal life. He is married and blessed with four children—two daughters and two sons. https://leadership.ng/leadership-governor-of-the-year-2024-dr-peter-ndubuisi-mbah/ 8 Likes 2 Shares
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Politics / Enugu Govt, Austrian Firm Formalise $100m FDI To Boost Water Infrastructure by Tabithatim: 3:45pm On Dec 03, 2024 |
The Enugu State Government and Wande Nexus, an Austrian firm, has formalised an agreement to implement the Sustainable Last Mile Connectivity and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project in Enugu.
With the signing, which took place on Monday at Government House, Enugu, in the presence of the Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Thomas Schlesinger, WANDE Nexus is to inject $100 million as Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, to modernise water infrastructure, improve service delivery, and ensure equitable access to clean water for all households in Enugu City.
Speaking, Governor Peter Mbah described the signing as an example of the relationship that could exist between a sub-sovereign and a sovereign, and a major step to getting water to the last mile in Enugu City.
“We now have an investment of $100 million to deal decisively with the last mile connection, the downstream part of our water system. This huge sum shows that the economic reforms of the Federal Government and our effort to position Enugu as the premier destination for investment are yielding results because this is a major FDI, not just for us as a state, but even as a country.
“For the record, this is not a case where we are just signing an agreement that is exploratory. This is an agreement we signed today for the funds to begin to flow. This is a discussion that started eight months ago. From signing an MoU, to Terms Sheet, to getting a Concession Agreement, today we are signing the final agreement and we expect that the investment funds will start to flow immediately, as they should have started with the connectivity to the last mile, and the procurement of the metres will commence,” he said.
The governor explained that while the administration had been able to increase water production from an occasional 2 million litres to 120 million litres, the biggest challenge was in expanding the network and connecting the tertiary pipelines to the various homes. He, however, noted that with the signing of the FDI agreement, the problem would become a thing of the past.
“This is purely an investment of $100m being injected in our downstream water sector and we have the responsibility, as a state government, to continue to manage the upstream sector. If you look at our budget for 2025, there is fund slated for water, and that is essentially to increasse our water production capacity. The volume will grow from 120 million litres of water per day to 200 million litres per day.
In his address, Ambassador Schlesinger said the investment had the strong backing of the Austrian Government, and commended Governor Mbah for building the necessary international relationships and showing a strong commitment to making life better for his people.
“I wish to laud His Excellency Dr. Peter Mbah for his vision to transform the water management systems for Enugu City, with its ultimate goal to ensuring equitable access to clean water.
“Governor Mbah is a great friend of Austria. He has visited Vienna twice, where he met with ministers, international organisations and the business community; and he is a very active supporter of Austrian companies in Enugu.
“This investment in the amount of $100 million is, therefore, a testimony of his excellent work and his vision for Enugu State,” he said.
He equally expressed strong confidence in the capacity of the Chairman of WANDE Nexus Group, Dr. Ugochukwu Ugbor, to lead the transformation of the downstream water sector.
“In order to implement such a plan as the governor has, you need strong leadership at the top of the project, represented by Dr. Ugochukwu Ugbor, the Chairman of WANDE NEXUS. He spent more than 20 years in Austria, where he played key roles in international organisations, addressing critical infrastructure and sustainability challenges, as enshrined in another Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations,” he stated. https://x.com/DanNwomeh/status/1863659057619279913?t=4rIZ5L9FLHXrVlAElsjUdQ&s=19 6 Likes
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Politics / Governor Mbah Presents Record ₦971 Billi 2025 Budget To Enugu House Of Assembly by Tabithatim: 5:49am On Nov 27, 2024 |
_Crashes Recurrent further to 14% at N133.1bn_
…_ Capital Expenditure rises to N837.9bn
… _Again, Education gets over 33% of budget_
… _Ramps up IGR from N37.4bn to N144.7bn in 2024_
…_Assembly promises early passage_Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has proposed a record N971bn budget bill for the 2025 fiscal year to the Enugu State House of Assembly.
Presenting the estimates entitled “Budget of Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity” at the floor of the House on Tuesday, Mbah said the proposed estimates comprised N837.9bn Capital Expenditure, representing 86 per cent of the budget estimates, and a Recurrent Expenditure component of N133.1bn, representing only14 per cent of the budget.
This topples the record-holding 2024 budget of N521.5bn, consisting of N414.3bn Capital Expenditure, representing 79 per cent of the total budget and N107.2bn Recurrent Expenditure, representing about 21 per cent.
However, like the 2024 budget, the 2025 budget proposal emphasizes huge investment in education as well as basic but critical infrastructure and amenities like roads and bridges, water supply, transport services, energy, modernization and digitization of public services and associated processes, with the Education sector getting a lion-share of N320.6bn, representing over 33 per cent of the total budget for two consecutive years.
Mbah said that this was in line with his administration target of poverty eradication and an inclusive development model, which ensures that no one or segment of the society is left behind.
The governor equally announced a growth in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, from N37.4bn at the end of 2023 to N144.7bn in September 2024, representing a radical 286.2 per cent increase in line with the administration’s deliberate effort to wean the state off reliance on FAAC allocations.
Addressing the House, Mbah said, “In crafting this budget, we have sort to continue to lay the right foundation in Enugu to enhance the economy and attract even more private investment.
“In spite of the dreary economic environment across the country, for us here in Enugu, we have elected to remain bullish in our aspirations, and to double down on our commitment to elevate our state to top three status in terms of GDP nationally, and eradicate poverty from our midst.
“Indeed, we see this as a vindication of our previously espoused view that sustainable national growth can really only be driven from the sub-national units to the federal levels, and not the other way round as we have attempted to do to date.
“It is on account of this that we are proposing to the House of Assembly today, a budget with a total envelope of N971,084,000,000.00 as against the budget for 2024 fiscal year which totaled N521,561,386,000.00.
“This represents an 86.4 per cent increase from the 2024 revised budget.
“The budget is broken down as follows: N133,140,000,000.00 as Recurrent Expenditure and N837,944,000,000.00 as Capital Expenditure,” he said.
On sources of revenue, he said, “In the area of our revenues, we estimated that total Recurrent revenues during 2025 will amount to N692,179,000,000 as against the approved revised provision for 2024 of N383,789,000,000.00.
“The Recurrent revenues for 2025 are broken down as follows: opening balance – N32,000,000,000; Internally Generated Revenue, IGR – N509,947,000,000; statutory revenue – N48,749,000,000; exchange rate differential – N26,559,000,000; and Value Added Tax, VAT – N74,924,000,000.
“With the total Recurrent Expenditure at N133,140,000,000.00, this translates to a Net Recurrent Revenue of N559,039,000,000.00, which is thus transferred to the Capital Development Fund.
“The total Capital Expenditure for the year 2025 is projected at N837,944,000,000.00 as against N414,334,120,000.00 for the 2024 Revised Budget. The Current Capital Expenditure estimate will be funded from the sum of N559,039,000,000.00 to be transferred from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and the Capital receipts of N278,905,000,000.00 to be realized as follows: External and Internal Aids and Grants – N15,000,000,000; other receipts – N80,202,000,000; Domestic Loans/Borrowings receipts – N55,000,000,000; and International Loans/Borrowings – N128,503,000,000.”
Meanwhile, in terms of broad sectors, the Economic Sector got a lion share of N462bn, representing 55.1 per cent of the Capital Expenditure, followed by the Social Sector with N345.7bn, representing 41.2 per cent.
In terms of specific sectors, Education got 33.2 per cent, the largest chunk, in sync with Mbah’s effort to eradicate poverty and graduate the state to a knowledge-based economy.
“As we must all know by now, Education is both our ‘sword’ and ‘shield’ in this battle to achieve economic growth in our state and banish poverty and want among our population. Consequently, we are maintaining the ambitious direction we charted in 2024 by voting a total of N320,609,059,000,00 for that sector. This represents 78% of the social sector of the budget and 33.2% of our Capital Expenditure this year,” he stated.
The governor explained that the 2025 budget would also focus greatly on health, road infrastructure, transport, agriculture, and water sectors, among others.
“There can be no economic growth without quality healthcare. This is why we are spending N45,830,896,000.00 on the sector this year.
“In the area of Works and Infrastructure, we will continue our relentless advance towards our target to build or refurbish all key roads across the state by 2031. In line with this, we will spend a total of N213,120,267,000.00 in 2025.
“Food inflation is a major component of core inflation in Nigeria. Consequently, food production is critical to moderation of the currently high levels of inflation in the Country. As a result, we will be spending up to N82,300,761,000.00 in the agricultural and agro-industrialisation sector this year.
In the area of Transport, we will be spending a total of N41,132,463,000.00 to expand Enugu Air with the acquisition of 4 additional aircraft. In addition, we will be consummating the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam international airport as well as the construction of an international cargo terminal. We will also be floating a new taxi scheme in collaboration with the private sector to modernize urban and inter-urban transportation for Ndi Enugu.
2024 Budget Performance
Giving a breakdown of the state’s IGR and overall performance of the 2024 budget, the governor noted a remarkable increase in the state’s IGR since the inception of this administration, explaining that while the state’s IGR stood at N26.8bn in 2022, the administration it by 39 per cent to N37.4bn at the end of 2023.
However, as at September 2024, the state’s IGR had drastically increased to ₦144.7bn, representing a 286.2 per cent increase, expressing confidence that ti would surpass 200billion by the end of the year.
“In terms of budgetary performance, the total revenue realised in the state as at October 2024 came to N459,851,309,396.47, which comes to a budget performance of 88%. Of this amount, N178,354,494,502.47 related to Statutory Receipts, while N136,700,000,000.00 related to Capital Receipts and N144,796,814,894.00 to Internally Generated Revenue.
“As at October, these inflows had been applied to Expenditure with N382,427,929,564.00 as Capital Expenditure and N76,546,090,116.18 as Recurrent Expenditure. These translated to a budget performance of 88%. Additional revenues and Expenditure are still expected before the end of the year, with IGR envisaged to surpass the N200 billion mark.
“While we may make bold to say that our progress in this past year is commendable given the odds that were arraigned against the state economy, we are not yet ready to rest on our oars,” Mbah said.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, has promised early passage of the budget by the House to sustain the governor’s development strides.
“He exhibited his leadership mantra, tomorrow is here.
“Because you have demonstrated enormous capacity; because you have exhibited enormous potential of the very fabric of our state’s economy, I want to assure you that the House of Assembly shall expeditiously consider this and give you the legal framework to continue flying high,” Hon. Ugwu stated. https://enugustate.gov.ng/2024/11/26/gov-mbah-presents-record-n971bn-2025-budget-to-enugu-house-of-assembly/ 10 Likes 1 Share
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Sports / Enugu To Host 23rd National Sports Festival by Tabithatim: 8:23am On Nov 26, 2024 |
Enugu State will host the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival after clinching the hosting rights following competitive bids by many states of the federation.
This is even as the state Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has been scheduled to present the 2025 budget on the floor of the State House of Assembly tomorrow. The developments were disclosed to the Government House correspondents at the weekend by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, and the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Chris Ozongwu, shortly after the State Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by the governor. This is the first time any state in South East Nigeria will be hosting the prestigious festival since its inception in 1973, making Enugu the premier state to set the stage open.
With Enugu winning the hosting rights, the commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to deliver a world-class event that will enhance the festival’s legacy of excellence, inclusivity, international outlook, and discovery of potential sports stars. Ekweremadu attributed the emergence of Enugu State as the hosting state to Mbah’s leadership strides and huge investment in the sports industry, adding that plans were on the ground to upgrade and develop sports infrastructure in the state. Meanwhile, Ozongwu said the draft of the 2025 Appropriation Bill was presented to the Executive Council where it was approved for presentation after rigorous evaluation and interrogation.
https://guardian.ng/news/enugu-to-host-23rd-national-sports-festival-2/ 4 Likes
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Politics / Enugu State Hails Arrest Of Simon Ekpa, Says He Knows Nothing About Biafra by Tabithatim: 8:36pm On Nov 22, 2024 |
Enugu gov't hails arrest of Simon Ekpa, says he's a terrorist who knows nothing about Biafra… Enugu ready to provide evidence against EkpaEnugu State Government has commended the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of the Finland-based leader of the criminal gang, Autopilots, Simon Ekpa, describing him as a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.
The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.
These were contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday.
“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.
"His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.
"This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra," the government said.
https://x.com/DanNwomeh/status/1859960816583188620?t=V8fLXORx1siqHNQZOs9JQA&s=19 35 Likes 5 Shares
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Politics / Our Educational Model, The Root Cause Of Nigeria's Under Development - Mbah by Tabithatim: 12:49pm On Nov 22, 2024 |
... pushes for a paradigm shift_
...directs Enugu tertiary institutions to deliver experiential learning_
.. why Enugu is Spending 33% of annual budget on education_Governor Peter Mbah has called for a paradigm shift in says Nigeria’s current education model,saying it cannot deliver the much-needed speedy development and economic transformation.
Mbah therefore, advocated for a shift from rote or memorisation to experiential learning, which he described as the missing link between education, industrialisation, and GDP growth.
He stated this on Tuesday while delivering the 1st Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Distinguished Personalities Lecture Series entitled “Experiential Learning: Building the Wealth of the Nation.”
“Why do Nigerian universities seldom feature on the global ranking list of world’s best universities? Why have they seemed perennially unable to become the ideas factory which universities ought to be? Why are our universities not producing inventive graduates?
“The answers to these questions lie in many inconvenient truths, amongst which is the fact that the learning in our schools, from basic to tertiary, has for years not imbued our young people with productive skills and competencies. This is the root cause of our underdevelopment,” he said.
He noted that knowledge has always been the prime lever for progress throughout human history, the reason he said nations like the US, China, Germany, and Netherlands, which invest the most in building a qualitative and experiential education ecosystem are the world’s leading economies – United States of America.
Mbah, who is currently building 260 Smart Green Schools to power experiential learning in the 260 wards of Enugu State, stressed that by embedding the model from the basic to tertiary levels of education, Enugu was creating a seamless pipeline where students progress from foundational learning to practical innovation.
He also directed all state-owned tertiary institutions to deliver experiential learning going forward.
“So, we hereby announce as a policy that all state-owned tertiary institutions in Enugu State must henceforth deliver Experiential Learning to our children. We want to see this change reflected in planning, budget, curriculum reform, assessment and promotions, as well as research.
“Experiential learning ensures that education is deeply connected to the challenges and opportunities of the real world.
“It fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. It empowers students to see themselves not as passive learners, but as active problem-solvers,” he said.
Justifying his administration’s allocation of 33 per cent of the state’s budget to the education sector, Mbah regretted that whereas governments could be sacked in developed nations for a slight drop in standard in either of the sectors, most leaders spend more on physical infrastructure like roads, which yield immediate results and acclaim.
“Instructively, the most impactful policies are not necessarily those that create the biggest buzz. But they offer the clearest indices of human development.
“Nothing transforms lives and paves a path to a promising future like quality education. It is the reason why one-third of Enugu State’s total annual budget went into funding education.
“This translates to roughly twice UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15 per cent – 20 per cent. What this means is that for every N100 Naira spent, N33 goes to the education budget.
“This funding has enabled us to implement both infrastructural and pedagogical overhaul of our education system.
“Our will has enabled us to begin a transition from a system where pupils seemed, to all intents and purposes, to be merely going through the motions of learning, to an ecosystem of experiential learning. https://x.com/DanNwomeh/status/1859572659559751980?t=vFX5WHO-x5wXFDUwCtwEXQ&s=08 13 Likes 1 Share
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Politics / EU Has Commends Mbah For Trailblazing Solar-For-Healthcare Project In Nigeria by Tabithatim: 10:05am On Nov 22, 2024 |
EU has commended Mbah for trailblazing solar-for- healthcare project in Nigeria The European Union, EU, has commended Enugu State under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah for becoming the first state to key into the Nigeria Solar-for-Health Project, NISHP, an initiative of the EU to provide 24-hour access to clean, efficient, and reliable energy to public healthcare facilities across Nigeria.
The commendation was given by the Head, Green and Digital Economy Section, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Miss Inga Stefanowicz, during a working visit by the delegation and its technical partners to the governor at the Government House, Enugu, on the sidelines of the official launch of the NISHP in the state capital.
Miss Stefanowicz said the EU was also interested in harnessing all the renewable energy potentials in the state, and would, therefore, be visiting some of the sites with such potentials.
“Congratulations for having been the first state and governor, who has committed time, resources, and money to this Nigeria-Solar-for- Health Project.
“It is a project that primarily addresses the issue of public sector service, being health service; that is also integrating this new approach of working through and with the private sector.
“This programme is a reference for anything and everything when it comes to power sector development in Nigeria, looking at the entire ecosystem and the stakeholders.
“We are here to have a comprehensive look at the opportunities in Enugu State and the potentials for our further cooperation,” she stated.
In his response, Governor Mbah appreciated the EU for partnering with Enugu State, noting that the EU objectives also aligned with that of his administration.
Mbah said that having embarked on the construction of 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state, his administration did not waste time to latch on to the NISHP once the opportunity presented itself.
“Some of the things you said about some of your strategic objectives also aligned with our broad strategic objectives, which speak to peace, security, inclusive economic development, and, of course, prosperity and sustainability.
“What we are doing with the EU and indeed the other development partners are largely at the core of our governance philosophy - partnership and collaboration - and being also very transparent and accountable.
“Since we assumed office, the issue of human capital development has been our preoccupation because we recognise the importance of providing the basic social services and the basic amenities for our people.
“So, a lot of these sectors: education, healthcare, and basic amenities like electricity, water, etc. are not things we joke with. For example, 33 per cent of our budget is dedicated to the educational sector where we are currently building 260 smart schools because we know that the true wealth of our nation largely comes from the standard of our public education.
“The same goes for the primary healthcare where we do not find the indicators in that space acceptable. What we did was to start the construction of 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres. The idea is to make sure that our people have access to 24/7 primary health care. To achieve that, you must have power, and today, even when you have access to power, the costs of just even connecting to the grid are prohibitive.
“Therefore, this idea of having renewable sources is something we find very compelling to partner with, and when the proposal came, we did not spare any time or effort. we immediately latched on to it,” Mbah stated.
The governor also welcomed the interest of the Germans in helping to develop Enugu State’s renewable energy potentials, patterning with the state. https://x.com/DanNwomeh/status/1859572659559751980?t=lUKfEOu1LMukdnPGJxriWQ&s=19 6 Likes
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Politics / Police Nabb Suspected Killers Of Enugu Market Leader, Chief Stephen Aniagu by Tabithatim: 11:01pm On Nov 15, 2024 |
…why we did it – suspects confess … as Mbah vows no hiding place for criminals The Enugu State Police Command today paraded two members of a daredevil robbery gang behind the killing of the Chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders Association, OMMATA, Enugu, Chief Stephen Aniagu on 14th September 2024. The suspects, Chukwudi Aboshi, a 28-year-old native of Anike in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and Ani Innocent Ebuka (a.k.a. Excellent), a driver and native of Isigwe-Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area, who also confessed to the crime in their interaction with journalists, were paraded at a press briefing by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Daniel Ndukw. This was even as the criminal suspects said that that Aniagu and one other were shot for “proving stubborn.” However, six members of the gang are still at large as police intensify manhunt for them. Briefing newsmen at Enugu Police Command’ headquarters, the police spokesman said, “You will also recall that the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, swiftly directed the state security forces to intensify efforts and ensure that all those involved in this crime are apprehended and held accountable. “Consequently, through diligent intelligence work and coordinated efforts between Police Detectives of the Anti-Robbery Section (D9) of the State CID and Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad of the Command, the police arrested two male suspects involved in the crime on November 8 and 9, 2024. “During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their active involvement in the crime. They provided detailed accounts of how they attacked Mr. Aniagu, snatched his vehicle, and similarly shot another male driver severally at the same location on the night of the murder, snatching his Toyota Corolla as well. Fortunately, he is stable and undergoing treatment. “Furthermore, the suspects confessed to having committed several other crimes, stating that their criminal camp was in a forest at Mmaku in Awgu LGA. “They also mentioned the following names at large as members of their criminal gang and who were actively involved in the perpetration of the crimes: Obinna Nnamani (male), of Ndiagu Ogbo-Ezinne, Akpugo in Nkanu West LGA; Miracle (male, other names unknown, but has the nickname ‘C-C’ or ‘White’) of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA; Okoro Chisom (male) of Ihe community in Awgu LGA; Israel (male, other names and nativity unknown), Pius Anoja (male, a.k.a ‘Ezeobo’ and the chief priest of criminal group), Mosquito (male, real names unknown), and Anunti (male, real names unknown) all from Mmaku community in Awgu LGA and Inyiagboku (male, real names unknown), who hails from Akegbe-Ugwu in Nkanu West LGA.” Ndukwe explained that the arrested suspects were assisting the police in the ongoing investigations to apprehend the mentioned accomplices on the run, and to recover the stolen vehicles and tools used to commit these crimes. According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, CP Anayo Uzuegbu, while appreciating the Enugu State Government, “under the proactive leadership of Dr. Peter Mbah, for its unwavering support to the police and other security agencies in the State,” has vowed to dismantle any remnant criminal gangs in the state and called on members of the public to assist security agencies with useful information. Meanwhile, one of the arrested criminals, Ani Chukwuebuka, confessed to the crime, as he was contacted by one Obinna, leader of the gang. https://x.com/DanNwomeh/status/1857465086589518104?t=pGVf2BJvPKdlyvWR0FffcA&s=19
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Politics / Bullying: Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah Orders Arrest, Prosecution Of FGC Students by Tabithatim: 4:43am On Nov 14, 2024 |
Previous thread: https://www.nairaland.com/8265975/fg-suspends-13-fgc-enuguThe Enugu State Government on Tuesday ordered an investigation, arrest, and prosecution of a group of students involved in the bullying and physical assault of a student at the Federal Government College, Enugu.
The government condemned the bullying of a student in the school hostel.
On Monday, a video clip circulating in social media showed some students of the Federal Government College, Enugu, assaulting another student in the school hostel.
In a public service announcement issued by the Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ndubueze Mbah, the government underscored its displeasure over the incident and zero tolerance for bullying, abuse, and any form of dehumanising treatment in the learning environments across the state, warning that there would always be consequences for such acts.
Mbah said that the state government has been communicating with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure sanctions are applied to the errant students and school managers who failed in their duties.
The commissioner reassured parents, students, and members of the public that the state government would always prioritize the safety and welfare of students, citing the record and massive investment the Governor Peter Mbah Administration had made in the education sector as a commitment to ensuring a safe and conducive learning atmosphere.
https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/bullying-enugu-orders-arrest-prosecution-of-federal-govt-college-students/ 13 Likes 3 Shares
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Politics / Why We Are Making Enugu The Medical Tourism Hub Of Nigeria – Governor Mbah by Tabithatim: 4:55pm On Nov 13, 2024 |
as state college of nursing holds orientation for 283 students Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has explained why he is making huge investment and numerous interventions on the health sector of the State, with particular priority on the primary health sector, saying the efforts are to make Enugu State a tourism hub of the Country.
Governor Mbah, while speaking about the recent upgrade and accreditation of the Enugu State College of Nursing Sciences in order to offer modern and quality-based medical and clinical education, noted that upgrade would would add massively to his administration’s vision to transforming the health sector of the State and make Enugu State a health tourism hub.
The governor, who spoke through Yomi Jaye, his Special Adviser on Health Matters at the 2024 College of Nursing Set Orientation Programme for 283 new students held in Enugu recently, noted that the State was had witnessed unprecedented transformation both in terms of infrastructure and manpower development as well as the hitherto elusive accreditation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) “We have put many things up to ensure that this school attains a collegial status. We have our National Board for Technical Education accreditation, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board accreditation, Federal Ministry of Health accreditation, and of course the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria acreditation.
“What this means is that we can play at a very big level, giving each student here a degree that fully covers Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health and Higher National Diploma once they graduate.
“We are working hard to ensure that this college is unique because we rely on you for our numerous healthcare facilities in the state. Therefore, you need to put in your best so that you can represent your school in any environment you may find yourselves tomorrow,” Mbah said.
Peace Ani, the Acting Provost of the College earlier commended the governor for the enormous work he was doing in the College, noting that many structures were currently ongoing both in the Enugu and Awgu campuses, simultaneously.
“Today, I am so happy because this is an epochmaking event where we welcomed the new set of 2024 students that will start their programmes in Nursing. This journey started in August when we received accreditation from the NBTE and Nursing Council.
“We started this orientation where the students were given an overview of the courses they would undertake for the next four years. They were taught by different kinds of people whom we invited to come and integrate them on what it takes to be a nurse,” the Provost said. https://businessday.ng/news/article/why-were-making-enugu-medical-tourism-hub-of-nigeria-mbah/ 5 Likes 1 Share
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Politics / Enugu Security Operatives Neutralize Four Suspected Gunmen, Recover Arms by Tabithatim: 7:18am On Nov 07, 2024 |
Security operatives in Enugu State have neutralized four unidentified gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed militia, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The operation, involving a joint team of the Nigerian Army, Police, and DSS personnel, led to the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition. Some of the gunmen fled into nearby bush areas with gunshot injuries following the intense confrontation.
The suspects were intercepted early Wednesday at Eha Alumona in Nsukka Local Government Area while allegedly planning attacks on parts of the state, including Enugu metropolis.
According to reliable security sources, an ESN commander, reportedly operating from neighboring states, was captured after an hours-long gunfight. The commander, who had been on the wanted list, subsequently led operatives to hideouts where additional weapons, charms, and other dangerous items were stashed.
Two security personnel sustained minor injuries in the exchange of fire. They are currently receiving treatment and have been reported in stable condition.
This action aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to enhancing security across Enugu State. Under ongoing reforms, the state has established a Distress Response Squad (DRS) and invested in a Command and Control Center, as well as a surveillance security system to intercept and eliminate threats. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/11/enugu-security-operatives-neutralize-four-suspected-gunmen-recover-arms-from-esn/ 9 Likes 4 Shares
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Politics / Enugu Revenue Agency Employs 200 Staff by Tabithatim: 12:18pm On Nov 06, 2024 |
Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) has recruited over 200 workers to address loopholes in tax payment and enhance revenue collection, and boost massive infrastructural developments across the state.
Addressing the new employees at a strategic training programme anchored by Price Waterhouse Cooper at the Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, yesterday, Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented by the secretary to the state government (SSG), Prof Chidiebere Onyia, urged them to ensure the success of the government‘s revenue drive.
He said the government was committing over N1 billion to every Smart Green School project in each of the state‘s 260 electoral wards, stressing that this had never happened before.
“The government is completing the International Conference Centre, restoring the Hotel Presidential, which was the pride of Enugu, as well as building Smart Green Schools, Type 2 Primary Health Care Centers, among others.
He stated that the state has over 1000 projects going on simultaneously and will require increased revenue to complete them”.
Impressed with the progress of revenue ESIRS so far, the SSG commended the revenue agency‘s chairman for a job well done, saying: „The ESIRS Chairman here, along with his team, has done a great job collecting and enforcing tax laws. We have been accountable because this money is the people‘s money, and we are responsible for ensuring it is tracked and used effectively. We are on the right track, having seen our IGR rise astronomically far more than we did previously.“
Also, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Nathaniel E. Urama, clarified that the recruitment aimed to leapfrog revenue collection and block existing loopholes.
„We are here to support what the governor promised Ndi-Enugu and ensure it comes to fulfilment. With this extensive recruitment, the ESIRS is positioned to revolutionise revenue collection in Enugu State, ensuring that funds are generated and utilised efficiently for the benefit of the people.
„The people of Enugu are already seeing things working to their expectations because things are changing. The disruptive innovation is already ongoing; people are even willing to pay their taxes because they see that what they are paying is being used. From this number we have recruited and the revenue to be collected, I am sure that given the dedication and zeal of the governor willing to use the state’s money to help move residents out of poverty, Enugu will become the destination of choice”, he said.
Responding, the Chairman of ESIRS, Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, gave assurance that the agency would continue to meet and surpass people‘s expectations.
„We must prove to the governor that recruiting 200 young staff benefits the state. The recruits would bring in fresh energy, enabling the state to double its revenue collection within a few months,“ he said. https://leadership.ng/enugu-revenue-agency-employs-200-staff/ 5 Likes
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Politics / Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah Flags Off 300-Bed Multi-Specialty Hospital by Tabithatim: 8:10pm On Nov 04, 2024 |
…as state gov’t woos diaspora health professionalsEnugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has pledged to make the state the hub of medical tourism and put an end to the exodus of people moving overseas for health services by expediting the completion of the ongoing construction of the 300-bed Enugu International Hospital.
The governor, who made this commitment on Monday in Enugu during the flag off of the state-of-the-art multi-specialty hospital project, stressed that the state was targeting a substantial share of the overseas medical tourism market which is above $1 billion annually.
He disclosed that top-notch health professionals living in diaspora were already engaging the state government on areas of collaboration in the health sector, saying the state is open for investment, business and partnership.
Mbah, who also called on more health professionals and other investors to see Enugu as a fertile market for business, and assured of returns-on-investment, said the government had already derisked investment flow and would continue to make the state eco-business friendly with the right incentives.
“The Enugu International Hospital is going to be equipped with the state-of-the art facilities and we intend to attract top-notch professionals. We intend to work with our sons and daughters overseas who are interested in coming to express their professionalism on our soil. So, we’ll be taking this opportunity to remind them to come back and know that this place is open for them with the best state-of-the-art facilities they can get anywhere in the world,” he stated.
While expressing delight that the project was a reaffirmation of his administration commitment to reverse medical tourism overseas, Governor Mbah said the hospital would offer advanced and specialized services, research and training.
He said the construction of the international hospital, which had already commenced, would meet the needs of those travelling abroad for healthcare, noting that the administration had committed huge investment in the primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services.
“We already know the interventions we made in the primary health sector with the construction of 260-type 2 primary healthcare centres and attending to 22 cottage and general hospitals across the state,” he said.
Governor Mbah further stated that the international hospital will also serve as both training and research centre for medical students from the major tertiary institutions in the state as well as ensuring that patients have access to the best healthcare delivery available anywhere in the world.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Prof Ikechukwu Obi, extolled the governor over the ongoing revolution in the healthcare sector, saying 260 type-2 and 9 type-3 primary healthcare hospitals undergoing intervention at the primary health level, 22 secondary healthcare facilities receiving cutting-edge attention, with Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) and the University of Medical and Applied Sciences Teaching Hospital (SUMASTH) as tertiary hospitals, in addition to the international hospital in the state.
According to him, the international hospital will offer different medical services as soon as it becomes operational which include, general medicine, emergency department, surgical services, obstetrics and gynaecology, intensive care unit, cardiology, oncology, neurology, radiology and imaging, laboratory services, pharmacy, nutritional services, physical therapy and rehabilitation, biomedical engineering and medical gas production, health information services, among other medical services.
Describing the project as one of the landmark initiatives of the Mbah administration, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, as well as the Special Adviser on Project Development and Implementation, Arc..Uche Nwatu, expressed optimism that the world-class hospital will put the state on the regional and global healthcare map with the capacity to set new benchmarks in medical services, education and research.
On the part of the contractor, the chief executive officer of Tanit Medical Engineering, Anthony Nader, promised that the company would deliver the project in record time.
“What makes the hospital different from others is the quality and the uniqueness of the equipment. We’re going to have many equipment that have never been seen in any of the hospitals around. The services that will be offered will be very unique to the extent that none of the hospitals in West Africa has it,” he stressed.
Commending Governor Mbah for the laudable project, the Executive Chairman, Enugu North LGA, Dr. Ibenaku Onoh, Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Enugu State chapter, Dr. Sunday Okafor, representative of the Ogui Nike community, Hon Emeka Nnamani, former deputy governor of the state, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, and the State PDP Woman Leader, Mrs. Peace Patrick, said the hospital would meet the healthcare needs of the country.
https://x.com/DanNwomeh/status/1853507390710436049?t=taGk-fcnknt87rurkN5l7w&s=08 13 Likes
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