₦airaland Forum

We are giving the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium a comprehensive overhaul, restoring it to the standard that a city with Enugu’s sporting history deserves.

I visited the project site to inspect the progress of work, and it is encouraging to see the transformation taking shape. The… pic.twitter.com/BcsWe86mEv

— Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (@PNMbah) September 18, 2026

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Thursday, welcomed home 77 Enugu State families made up of 112 indigenes forced home by the unabating xenophobic attacks in South Africa, assuring them that the state would stand in solidarity with them every step of the way.

Mbah also used the occasion, which took place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, to dole out a support of ₦1m to each of the 77 families, noting that the administration was still profiling about 42 additional returnee families in conjunction with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to Enugu State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, condemned the attacks, but urged them not to be afraid to start again.

“The renewed attacks and hostility directed at black African migrants in parts of South Africa is condemnable and have forced many Nigerians to reconsider their safety and return home.

“Some may have left behind businesses, possessions, investments, friendships and years of work. And so, while there is happiness in seeing you alive and safely back on Enugu soil, we also understand that coming home under circumstances you did not choose can carry its own pain.

“The question before us is not simply, ‘How do we receive our people back?’ The bigger question is: ‘How do we help them begin again?’ That is why today's reception must go beyond photographs and handshakes. It must mark the beginning of reintegration. It must mark the beginning of rebuilding.

“Importantly, government must do more than make speeches. It must put something tangible in your hands. That is why we have approved a ₦1 million seed fund for each returning family represented here today. Let me stress the word seed. A seed is not the harvest. It is the beginning of the harvest.

“This support is, therefore, not being presented as compensation for everything you may have lost. It is not intended to replace the businesses, properties or investments that some of you may have left behind. Rather, it is a modest but deliberate expression of solidarity from your state.

“The important thing is that we want this intervention to move you from returning home to rebuilding at home. And the Government of Enugu State will continue to explore ways of connecting you with relevant opportunities, programmes and institutions that can support that journey,” Mbah stated.

He encouraged them not to lose hope, but to deploy the experiences and skills acquired in South Africa to bear in exploring the new opportunities in their home state.

“I want to make one more appeal to you: Do not discard what you learnt abroad. Bring it home. Bring the discipline. Bring the ideas. Bring the networks. Bring the entrepreneurial experiences. Bring the knowledge of markets and technologies. Bring the things that worked. And even bring the lessons from the things that did not work.

“This experience must mark the beginning of a new conversation about the opportunities that exist here in Enugu, because the Enugu of today is changing. Our administration is deliberately working to create an environment where people can live, work, invest, build businesses and raise families with greater confidence.

“We are expanding infrastructure. We are improving connectivity. We are strengthening healthcare. We are investing in education and human capital. We are opening new possibilities in agriculture, tourism, technology, enterprise and industry,” he concluded.

In her response, one of the returnees, Chidimma Ogbonna, thanked Governor Peter Mbah for his concern and for the support extended to them.

“Your kindness gave hope and this opportunity. Thank you for welcoming us home and for believing in us,” she stated.

Another returnee, Cosmas Okwor, thanked Mbah for making them feel accepted, stressing, “We are hopeful again.”

Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, encouraged them to pick up the pieces of their lives and forge ahead.

“Put yourself in a position to win. New opportunities beckon,” he stressed.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora, Barr. Olangwa Ezekwu, commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa-led NIDCOM for helping Nigerian states to have their people safely home. She thanked Governor Mbah for being a father to all.

The Enugu State Government has inaugurated a Joint Technical Committee to develop a framework for implementing financial autonomy for the state judiciary, with the committee mandated to submit its final report for presentation by 12 noon on October 19, 2026.

The committee was inaugurated on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah, pursuant to the agreement reached between the state government and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on September 17, 2025.

According to Onyia, the primary purpose of the committee is to develop and recommend a comprehensive, structured, transparent and sustainable framework for the effective implementation of financial autonomy for the Enugu State Judiciary.

“The primary purpose of the Committee is to develop and recommend a comprehensive, structured, transparent, and sustainable framework for the effective implementation of judicial financial autonomy for the Enugu State Judiciary,” he said.

He added that the committee would develop a comprehensive action plan, identify and resolve outstanding administrative, financial, accounting and operational issues, facilitate the implementation of the Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure (CONJUS) for eligible staff, and develop an implementation roadmap specifying actions, responsible institutions and expected outcomes.

The committee’s terms of reference include reviewing the status of judicial financial autonomy across state judiciaries and the Federal Judiciary, examining relevant best practices and institutional arrangements, and identifying models suitable for adaptation in Enugu State.

It is also to assess the state’s existing legal, institutional, administrative and financial framework, identify challenges and recommend measures and a timeframe for achieving the desired arrangement.

The committee is further mandated to collate, reconcile and verify government’s financial obligations to the judiciary and its staff, including outstanding salaries, allowances, arrears and other employment entitlements. It will verify the legal basis for such payments and establish an accurate database of eligible staff through the review of staff establishment, nominal rolls, payroll and personnel records.

It will also assess the financial implications of CONJUS, including annual and monthly personnel costs and verified arrears, and develop an implementation roadmap specifying key actions, responsible institutions and expected outcomes.

The committee is chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Osinachi Nnajieze, and includes the Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Dr Felix Nnamani; Special Adviser on Labour Union Matters and Associations, Hon. Chukwudi Ezinwa; Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity, Robinson O. Odo; Mr Raymond Aneke of the Office of the Accountant-General; and Mr Ken Chukwuegbo, Principal Secretary to the Governor.

Other members are Chief Magistrate Kingsley Eze, Chief Registrar, Enugu State High Court; Chief Magistrate Sparkle Iheobuna, Chief Registrar, Customary Court of Appeal; Comrade Chinedu Eze, National Organizing Secretary, JUSUN; Comrade Sampson Ifedimma, Chairman, Enugu State JUSUN; Magistrate C.K.C. Idu, State Chairman, Magistrate Association of Enugu State; Dr Comrade Chinedu Mbah, National Vice-President, JUSUN South East; Comrade Jonas Onyia, State Secretary, JUSUN; and Comrade Ani Emeka Samuel, Assistant Secretary, Enugu State JUSUN.

Onyia said the committee would submit a preliminary report to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government by 12 noon on October 19, 2026.

Responding, the Chairman of the Committee and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Enugu State, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, said the committee had addressed the outstanding issues and made recommendations on the financial implications for the state.

“We have sorted out all issues regarding that and had also considered and made recommendations on the financial implications for the state and a clear design on how it can be achieved,” Nnajieze said.

He said the arrangement would enable the Judiciary to determine its funding priorities and execute projects without undue interference from the Executive.

Nnajieze, however, noted that the Executive remained central to providing the resources required to make the arrangement work, stressing that Governor Peter Mbah had demonstrated strong commitment to the initiative.

He recalled that the governor had expressed his willingness to advance the cause during the Nigerian Bar Association conference in Enugu, after which the state began taking necessary steps.

Nnajieze said Governor Mbah had also sought to inaugurate the State Account and Allocation Committee (SAC), a constitutional body, adding that the current Joint Technical Committee was a further step towards the establishment of the SAC.

“This has nothing to do with the election but the governor's commitment to make the Judiciary more effective and give greater independence to the Judiciary,” he said.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the inauguration, the National Vice President of Judiciary Staff Union (South East Zone), Mr Chinedu Eze, said the union’s role was to provide relevant information that would assist the committee in carrying out its assignment.

He stressed that judicial financial autonomy was a constitutional provision rather than a favour, saying its realisation would strengthen the Judiciary’s ability to discharge its statutory responsibilities.

He expressed satisfaction with the decision of the Enugu State Government, adding that the arrangement would contribute to a more efficient and independent Judiciary capable of delivering justice without undue influence.

“An independent Judiciary will provide justice for all and not justice for the mighty or the connected. It will create a saner society and you know where there is justice there is peace,” he said.

Rescue and emergency workers in Enugu, on Sunday, rescued four persons trapped in a partially collapsed uncompleted hotel construction site, while one person is feared dead.

The four-storey building situated at Independence Layout, Enugu, was said to have collapsed early on Sunday morning, a development residents, who rushed to the scene, said could have been worse but for the regulatory interventions of the state government in sealing the site.

Speaking to newsmen at the site, the Executive Chairman, Enugu Capital Territory Development Agency (ECTDA), Barr. Uche Anya, said it was a case of one of the recalcitrant developers who failed to comply with building codes.

Anya said ECTDA had taken regulatory action by sealing the site, which was approved in 2021.

“This property collapsed in the early hours of the morning. We arrived here around 6am. When we arrived, we met one of the securitymen, who said that six people slept in the uncompleted property, but one of them was not around when the incident occurred.

“So, the government emergency services arrived, and we started rescue operations. Four people, right now, are in the hospital receiving treatment as we speak. I believe there could be one more person in there, and that is why you see all this rescue effort ongoing.

“Meanwhile, this property was approved in 2021 before the advent of this administration. But usually, we have a habit of stocktaking, checking on every construction at every stage. When I personally led the team that inspected here, we found out that there were serious integrity issues and non-compliance with their 2021 approval.

“I personally issued the first ‘stop work order,’ which, due to the violation, resulted in our sealing the place over the last six months.

“So, I think within the last 30, 40 days, the representative of the owner, whom they say lives abroad, has been interfacing with us to remedy the situation. This is the process that we are still trying to interface on, and it came down.

“By the way, I have handed the representative to the police, not necessarily for detention, but to help with the investigation. But this is really a very unfortunate situation,” he explained.

Also speaking to reporters, the Director, Enugu State Fire Service, Engr. Okwudiri Oha, commended the swift response by the Red Cross, Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), ECTDA, the Enugu State Ambulance Services, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the mobilisation of adequate rescue equipment such as bulldozers and excavators, which ensured the rescue of four persons.

“As a rescue officer, what we did was to ask the security man how many people are here. He said that there were supposed to be six. One person had left before it happened.

“So, we were able at that initial time to rescue four persons. Out of the four, two sustained minor injuries and they were all rushed to a health facility for proper checks.

“Then, as you have seen, we have been working. The last person we just recovered was the fifth person. It is when you get to a health facility that you know whether he is still alive,” he stated.

NEMA Information Officer in Enugu, Mr. Ezeani Nnanyelugo, who confirmed the numbers, noted that the situation could have been worse but for the earlier sealing of the site by the state government.

“When we came to the scene of the incident, we found out that there were a total of six persons that were supposed to be on the site. One person was not on the site as at the time of the incident, while the four others were rescued and taken to the hospital and have been stabilised.

“Just not quite long ago, one body was recovered and it was taken to the hospital to confirm whether he was dead or alive,” he said.

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— Enugu Air (@EnuguAirlines) September 12, 2026

Yesterday, Governor Peter Mbah returned to the University of East London, where he studied Law from 1997 to 2000, graduated with Second Class Upper Division and served as President of the Students Law Society, for a special homecoming that celebrated his journey from student to… pic.twitter.com/ReX4TcE9gs

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) September 11, 2026

Governor Peter Mbah was today conferred with a Doctor of Law Degree, honoris causa, by his alma mater, the University of East London, UEL, in the United Kingdom.

Presenting Mbah’s citation during the graduation ceremony at the Docklands Campus of UEL, Vice-Provost (Business) and Executive Dean, Royal Docks School of Business and Law, Prof. Fatima Ana-Diab, recalled his academic and leadership excellence as a student, which, she said, he had also translated to resounding success as an entrepreneur and governor of Enugu State, Nigeria.

“More than two decades ago, Peter Mbah walked these halls as a law student, developing the knowledge, determination and leadership that would take him from UEL to the Nigerian Bar, the world of business and ultimately to public office as Governor of Enugu State.

“Peter’s leadership was already evident during his time at UEL. As President of the Students’ Law Society, he helped transform the society into one recognised as the University’s Most Productive Society of the Year.

“He represented his fellow students on the Students’ Representative Council and School of Law Board, won UEL’s Mooting Competition and went on to represent the University at the International Negotiation Competition.

“After graduating with his Bachelor of Laws in 2000, Peter returned to Nigeria, where he attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar.

“His pursuit of knowledge continued through a Master’s degree in Maritime and Commercial Law from Lagos State University, an MBA from IESE Business School in Spain, executive education at Lagos Business School and postgraduate study in Strategy and Innovation at the University of Oxford.

“Peter went on to build a distinguished career spanning law, entrepreneurship and public service. As the founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas, he demonstrated how ambition, innovation and enterprise can transform an organisation and contribute to economic development. His career in government has included service as Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Enugu State.

“In May 2023, Peter Mbah took office as Governor of Enugu State, bringing his experience across law, business and public administration to the leadership of millions of people,” Prof. Ana-Diab stated.

“At the heart of his approach is a belief in the transformative power of education. His administration has made significant investment in education and skills, seeking to move learning beyond traditional models and equip young people with the knowledge, competencies and confidence to participate in a changing global economy,” the citation added.

The university hailed Mbah’s investment in education and his philosophy that education is fundamentally the cornerstone of human progress, the bedrock upon which the future stands, which resonates strongly with the institution.

“Peter’s journey from UEL law student to lawyer, entrepreneur and Governor demonstrates the possibilities that education can unlock and the responsibility that comes with using those opportunities to create change for others.

“His commitment to development extends beyond education. Through public service, business and philanthropy, Peter has championed investment, innovation, infrastructure, healthcare and community development, bringing together the disciplines that have shaped his own career to pursue a wider vision for economic and social progress.

“For our graduates today, his journey offers a powerful example of where a UEL education can lead. It reminds us that leadership is not defined simply by the positions we hold, but by what we choose to do with the knowledge, opportunities and influence entrusted to us,” Ana-Diab concluded.

Meanwhile, in his acceptance speech, Mbah reiterated his firm belief in disruptive innovation, the power of education, service, and dreaming beyond one’s inherited circumstances.

“One quality has always mattered to me: the willingness to disrupt. I have never been particularly interested in accepting the limits of my inherited circumstances.

“But imagination is not enough. There must be purpose. For me, that purpose is service, because there will always be mornings when ambition alone will not get you out of bed; and moments when the road becomes difficult and the rewards seem far away. At those moments, it matters to have something that transcends self.

“Education enlarges our capacity to transform the world. I believe that deeply. What we are given must somehow enlarge the possibilities available to others.

“That is why, today, we invest 33 per cent of our state budget in education. We are building schools, tech hubs and opportunities for young people to participate in an economy that is increasingly driven by knowledge, innovation and technology,” he stated.

He thanked his alma mater profoundly for the honour and its immense contributions to the man he is today.

Governor Peter Mbah has unveiled a compendium of more than 10,000 milestones recorded in the first term of his administration across critical sectors of the Enugu State economy.

The compendium, entitled “A Thousand and One Reasons Why Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Should be Re-elected as Governor of Enugu State,” was presented to the public at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Wednesday.

The compendium of milestones records, among others, over 1,521 kilometres of constructed and reconstructed roads, over 7,000 classrooms, 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Enugu Air, the New Enugu Smart City, and the revamp of moribund assets.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, Mbah said the compendium aligns with the Citizens Charter, also known as Executive Order 001, which he executed immediately he was sworn into office on 29th May 2023 to emphasise his administration’s commitment to accountability, traceability and transparency.

He, however, said the compendium highlighted the administration’s philosophy of disruptive innovation and its focus on large-scale infrastructure, noting that it did not contain all that had been done up to the day of unveiling.

“Our assignment today is not just to unveil the Citizens Charter via the compendium. It is a lot more than that. It is a conversation on the sacrosanct duty and responsibility you gave to us to midwife and preside over your resources.

"But above all, it is important to note that the document we are about to unveil does not entirely capture everything this government has done because, given the time it took to prepare this document, there was a cut-off point running months behind.

“So, this document that we shall unveil shortly does not in any particular material represent the actual successful modest achievements of this government as at 9th of September 2026.”

He thanked those who believed in his vision and worked for his election in 2023 and urged those affected in any way by the tough decisions the administration had to make, assuring them that Enugu was on its way to greatness as a $30bn economy and the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.

“I also want to thank all those who made sacrifices, who lost their friends because they felt supporting us was the right thing to do. I want to thank all those who invested their resources. I want to thank all those who took pains in very unimaginable circumstances to ensure that Enugu moves to the next level.

“But what you must take home with you is that our intentions are noble. What we try to do is to put Enugu on a reversible path of greatness. What we try to do is to ensure that Enugu will not compete with Nigeria or within Nigeria,” he added.

In his welcome address, the Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the state had pursued an extensive urban development agenda, including the New Enugu Smart City, environmental sustainability and urban renewal.

He added that the State’s fiscal architecture had undergone significant reform through revenue automation, reforms at the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, improved financial management, the Treasury Single Account, enterprise resource planning and broader institutional restructuring.

According to him, the administration had also sustained investments in youth empowerment, women development, technology, skills acquisition, social protection, tourism, environmental sustainability and community development.

He said the ultimate goal is to improve the lives of the people.

“Behind every project is a community; behind every policy is a citizen; and behind every statistic is a human being whose life government seeks to improve,” he concluded.

He also stressed the importance of institutional reforms in sustaining government programmes, stating: “Sustainable development requires not only projects that citizens can see, but institutions and systems that can sustain those projects.”

The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Ben Nwoye, commended the administration for its development record and the scale of projects executed across the State.

The Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, equally spoke glowingly about the administration’s performance, saying a performing government should be supported to continue till 2031.

“We have never had it so good. It is not about party. But let us give the job to those who understand the job. The governor wants to move the Enugu State economy to a $30bn economy and that is exactly what he is doing,” he stated.

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Victor Udeh, described the compendium as an evidence-based publication and a commitment to accountability.

The event brought together political leaders, traditional and religious leaders, captains of industry, professionals, public servants and other stakeholders, who commended the administration for the scale and spread of its interventions across the State.

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has disclosed that Nigeria has recorded more than 65,000 suspected cases of cholera this year across 35 states and approximately 195 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris, however, said Enugu State stands alone as the only state in the country yet to report a case of cholera this year, attributing the development to the proactive measures being taken by the state government.

The NCDC boss also raised concerns over the response to disease outbreaks in some parts of the country, saying the actions or lack of adequate response by some states were contributing to poor outbreak management.

He stressed that effective disease control required states to take ownership of public health emergencies and respond promptly once cases were detected.

Speaking specifically on Enugu, Idris dismissed any suggestion that the absence of reported cholera cases could be due to concealment, stressing that the state government had been taking deliberate steps to prevent an outbreak.

“Enugu is the only state that has not reported cholera this year. It’s not that they are hiding the case, but the government is seriously proactive,” Idris said.

The NCDC boss said he had visited Enugu State more than once and held discussions with the Commissioner for Health as well as the Governor, adding that his interactions with the state authorities and evidences on ground confirmed that the government was actively doing what was necessary to prevent cholera.

“I have visited the state more than once. I have had a extensive discussions with the Commissioner and Governor. I can confirmed that the government of Enugu is serious minded one, and active in doing the needful,” he said.

Idris explained that cholera was not exclusively a seasonal disease, noting that it could occur throughout the year but usually recorded increased transmission during the rainy season. “Cholera is an all-year-round disease, but it peaks during the rainy season,” he said.

He noted that Enugu’s ability to remain without a reported case despite the peak period of the rainy season was particularly significant, given the heightened risk of cholera transmission associated with contaminated water and poor sanitation.

The latest figures highlight the scale of the cholera challenge facing the country, with more than 65,000 suspected cases reported across 35 states and approximately 195 LGAs.

The NCDC Director-General’s comments also brought renewed attention to the role of state governments in disease surveillance and outbreak response, particularly as public health emergencies require coordinated action between federal, state and local authorities.

He said states needed to strengthen their surveillance systems, improve preparedness and ensure that suspected cases were identified and responded to promptly.

According to him, weaknesses in state-level response mechanisms can undermine efforts to contain infectious diseases and prevent outbreaks from spreading to other communities.

Against this backdrop, Enugu’s experience provides a contrast, with the state recording no reported cholera case despite the ongoing rainy season and the wider spread of the disease across the country.

NCDC, however, explained that Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. It can spread rapidly in communities where access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene facilities is inadequate.

NCDC said it has continued to encourage states to strengthen disease surveillance and response mechanisms, improve access to safe water and sanitation, and promote good hygiene practices as key measures for preventing cholera outbreaks.

The agency also emphasised the importance of early detection and prompt treatment of suspected cases to reduce deaths and prevent further transmission.

With more than 65,000 suspected cases recorded across 35 states and approximately 195 LGAs this year, Idris said stronger commitment by state governments remained critical to improving Nigeria’s capacity to prevent and respond effectively to disease outbreaks.

The Enugu United Palm Products Limited (UPPL), a public-private partnership between Pragmatic Palms Limited and the Enugu State Government, has commenced commercial production of palm oil for the Nigerian market, with plans to expand into refined products and establish a new industrial complex.

The development was disclosed on Monday by the Managing Director of the company, Prof. George Nwangwu, when he led other directors of the firm to Government House, Enugu, to brief Governor Peter Mbah on the progress of the company since the commencement of its operations two years ago.

Nwangwu said the company had restored its plantations in Ibite-Olo, Umulokpa and Ugwu-Oba, located in Ezeagu, Uzo-Uwani and Oji River Local Government Areas of the state, respectively, to productive use.

According to him, the company has so far replanted over 1,000 hectares and is gradually replacing old palm trees, some of which are more than 50 years old.

“When we took over, the place was thick forest and nothing but a dead place. We came in and turned the place from being a forest into a plantation.

“We have cleared the whole place, pruned the trees that were there and started replanting. The trees we met were very old, over 50 years old, and so they needed to be replaced. Gradually, we are replacing them. So far, we’ve planted over 1,000 hectares. The idea is to keep planting until we replant the entire plantation and renew all the trees that are there,” he said.

The UPPL boss said the company was moving beyond primary agricultural production by investing in processing and value addition, noting that it had installed mills and improved the quality and volume of palm oil production.

He disclosed that the company was also investing $2.2 million in a refinery that would process Crude Palm Oil (CPO) into olein and stearin, while refining palm kernel oil.

“We also understand that this is a business and not just planting. Agriculture has moved beyond planting alone. We need to process because value addition is important. So, we’re milling our oil now. We’ve improved the quality and quantity of the oil that we’re producing.

“We have installed mills and also invested heavily in refining the products further down the line. We’re investing about $2.2 million to install a refinery. The refinery will not only refine our Crude Palm Oil (CPO) into olein and stearin, it will also refine our palm kernel oil,” Nwangwu said.

He added that the company was developing a new industrial complex to consolidate its production and processing operations.

Nwangwu further disclosed that the company’s palm oil brand, EVOP, had been launched and was already available in open markets and supermarkets across Nigeria, with sachet packaging expected to hit the market within two weeks.

He explained that the EVOP name was chosen to connect the product with the region’s agricultural and industrial heritage, particularly the former AVOP vegetable oil brand produced in Nachi, Udi LGA.

“We chose the name EVOP to make sure that we keep in touch with our historical foundation. Some of us who are old enough would remember AVOP vegetable oil being bottled in Nachi, Udi. We feel that this is the product of our people and we had to connect with our historical beginnings.

“That’s why we called it EVOP, to connect with and remind people of our historical AVOP,” he said.

According to him, the company’s objective is to make the product accessible to households across Nigeria while maintaining strict standards of quality, natural production and traceability.

“The important takeaway about this palm oil is that it’s natural. Our plantations are in Ibite-Olo, Umulokpa and Ugwu-Oba.

You can see the trees there. If you go there, you can see where we harvest the fruit bunches, how we mill the fresh fruit bunches and how we package them.

“Everything is done in-house. Nothing is contracted. We are end-to-end, and we also have certification from NAFDAC, SON and all the relevant agencies.

“If you look at our product, you’ll see a barcode there, and you’ll also see a code that you can scan to tell you where the product is from. For us, traceability matters, and that is the fundamental advantage of our palm oil,” Nwangwu added.

He said the company’s expansion was expected to contribute to employment generation, local economic activity and the development of the state’s agricultural value chain.

Responding, Governor Mbah described the partnership between the Enugu State Government and Pragmatic Palms Limited as a model worthy of emulation, saying it demonstrated the administration’s commitment to reactivating dormant government assets for the benefit of Ndi Enugu.

He assured the company that the state government would fulfil all its obligations under the partnership and provide the necessary support to enable UPPL achieve its full potential.

Mbah also expressed support for the company’s plan to list on the Nigerian stock market within four years, saying Enugu needed companies capable of attracting public investment and creating greater value for the state.

“This is consistent with the state’s ambition, to optimise these assets and to grow them and make them big. We are talking about an investment outlay of over N100 billion, and if in four years you are targeting going to the market, we are with you on that. We will give you all support,” he said.

The governor disclosed that the state government was at the verge of awarding two major road projects to improve access to the company’s plantations, including the road from Umumba Ndiagu to Ebenebe, adding that the projects would be fast-tracked.

He also said he had directed that the headquarters of the state’s Forest Guards be located at Ibite-Olo to strengthen security around the plantation, while assuring the company that the government would address any encroachment on its acquired land.

Mbah further assured UPPL that the government would provide the 6,700 hectares committed under the partnership and work with the company and the host communities to secure additional land if it decides to expand its target to 10,000 hectares.

He stressed the importance of maintaining transparent and credible financial records ahead of the proposed listing and said the government would hold regular briefings with the company to identify and swiftly resolve challenges.

Athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia have won the prime prizes in the 42km category as the Enugu City International Festival ended in grand style.

This was even as the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, vowed to return Enugu to its glorious sporting past and also make the state the sporting capital of Africa.

While the 42km race, where professional athletes from various parts of the world competed, was flagged off at exactly 6.30am in front of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, GTC, Enugu, the 10km race, where more Nigerians competed, was flagged off by the Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, at Mgbemena Street in the state capital at 8.30am.

In the 42km men’s category, Edwin Kipyogo of Kenya broke the tape in two hours, 23 minutes and 38 seconds to emerge winner, carting away a cash prize of $15,000, while Habtamu Girma of Ethiopia came second with two hours, 23 minutes and 39 seconds to take home a $10,000 cash prize.

His fellow countryman, Shiferaw Daltiemayu, finished in two hours, 23 minutes and 41 seconds to place third and go home with a cash prize of $5,000.

Meanwhile, the best five Nigerian males in the 42km category also went home with handsome prizes.

Iliya Emmanuel Dung, who ran the race in two hours, 26 minutes, finished first as a Nigerian to cart away a cash prize of N3 million.

Solomon Nyango, Gyang Nyango, Nenfort Gofwo and Elisha Friday, who finished second, third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, got N2 million, N1.5 million, N1 million, and N500,000, accordingly.

In the women’s 42-kilometre category, Zennebe Aberu of Ethiopia emerged the winner after finishing the race in two hours, 48 minutes and 40 seconds.

Her compatriot, Negashu Chatiu, finished second in three hours, three minutes and 18 seconds, while Adugna Mahlet of Kenya came third with a time of three hours, six minutes and 32 seconds.

All three female athletes got cash prizes of $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, as their male counterparts.

Deborah Pam Badung, Elizabeth Nuhu Power, Fadekemi Olude, Lydia Akusho Thomas, Anna Agi, who emerged first, second, third, fourth, and fifth best Nigerians in the 42km female category, went home with the same prizes as their best Nigerian male athletes.

In the 10-kilometre category, where most Nigerians competed, Gang James Boyi, Davwi Gyang and Pam Joshua, all from Plateau State, finished first, second and third, respectively, to cart away all the cash prizes of N1 million, N750,000, and N500,000, accordingly, in the men’s category.

Ismael Sadjo and Kasinma Phage, who came fourth and fifth, respectively, went home with N300,000 and N200,000 each.

In the female 10km category, Patience Daylop, Obadih Vivian, Mwantiyi Teyei Davou, Danjuma Agness, and Nvou Gyang Tanko, who placed first, second, third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, won the same prizes as their male counterparts.

Presenting prizes to the winners, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, congratulated the winners and participants alike, saying the marathon was another demonstration of his government’s readiness to welcome businesses, create opportunities for young people and expand the state’s tourism potential.

Mbah, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, said his government was determined to not only position Enugu State as a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living, but also as Africa’s sporting capital.

He urged participants to come back for subsequent editions and encourage their friends and colleagues to participate, as the competition would continue to improve in standards.

The Governor equally commended the state officials, sponsors and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the marathon.

The event had in attendance the President of the International Association of Ultrarunners, Nadeem Khan, representing World Athletics; President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel; President, Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Sunday Odebode; President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Tonobok Okowa; former Nigeria Olympic Team Captain, Yusuf Ali; and MD/CEO, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the consulting partners of the Enugu City International Marathon, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade.

Meanwhile, many visiting athletes who spoke to journalists praised the organisation of the event and the beauty of the state, saying they loved the infrastructure, the green environment, and security, and looked forward to the 2027 edition.

Volunteers Ready for Enugu City International Marathon

Ahead of the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon, volunteers have completed a comprehensive training session designed to prepare them for their various responsibilities before, during and after race day.

The training, led by Mr. Ebidowei Oweifie, focused on key areas including race-day coordination, runner support, crowd management, communication, safety and ensuring a smooth experience for participants and spectators.

Enugu Marathon: Government Issues Traffic Warning 🚨

Ahead of the Enugu City International Marathon, the state government has unveiled a major traffic management plan and warned motorists against illegal parking along designated marathon routes. pic.twitter.com/fVvt8hhOBw

— Sports247 Naija (@naija_spor3802) August 28, 2026

Enugu City International Marathon is Tomorrow

The streets will come alive as we run, cheer, and celebrate the city we call home. Whether you're racing or supporting from the sidelines, come be part of it.

Bring your people. Bring your energy. Let’s make it a day to remember.… pic.twitter.com/lZdRQOuTNM

— Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (@PNMbah) August 28, 2026

The South East Development Commission, SEDC, says it is set to re-ignite the agro-industrial revolution that made the defunct Eastern Region the fastest-growing economy in the world between 1954 and 1964.

The Commission said it was embarking on three agro-mechanisation projects, one in each of the three senatorial zones of Enugu, Abia, Imo, Anambra, and Ebonyi States, in partnership with the state governments, starting with Enugu.

The Commission gave the assurances at Nomeh, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, during a community engagement with leaders and stakeholders of the community on the proposed Nomeh Agro-mechanisation Project.

In his detailed presentation, the Executive Director, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Rural Development (NRARD) at the SEDC, Dr. Clifford Ogbede, said the project would also create numerous direct and indirect job and business opportunities, making agriculture attractive to the youths again.

Dr. Ogbede, who was represented by a Technical Adviser at the Commission, Dr. Chris Uwadoka, explained that the projects would also attract local and foreign investors, giving Ndigbo in the diaspora the opportunity to be part of rebuilding the South East.

“We could all recall that the Eastern Region economy was at a point rated as the fastest-growing economy in the world. That means that we were ahead of many leading economies of today in terms of growth. And at the root of it was agriculture, thanks to the visionary leadership of the former Premier of the region, Dr. Michael Okpara.

“So, after thorough brainstorming sessions, the SEDC came up with a blueprint to restore the region’s lost glory, starting with agriculture,” he said.

Commending Governor Mbah for his proactiveness in laying out a robust and elaborate agricultural blueprint for Enugu State, he said the Agro-mechanisation Project would also be cited at Elugwu Akwu, Oji River LGA, in Enugu West Senatorial District, and Nkpologwu, Uzo Uwani LGA, in Enugu North Senatorial District, to the benefit of the host communities and South East.

“Governor Mbah nominated Nomeh for the programme. It is a good thing for this community because SEDC is going to bring the best possible agricultural knowledge into the territory, bring specialists, agro-entrepreneurs, improved seeds with greater yields, and support the local farmers.

“So, it is a good thing that has come to the Nomeh community. It's something to be cheered, cheerful about.

“Also, there's something happening amongst youth, especially in the South East. They are averse to agriculture. They are walking away from agriculture that their parents depended on because it is back-breaking.

“The labour is much, but the yield is little and you hardly have enterprises, companies that are running on the back of agricultural produce.

“Therefore, this project is going to attract agricultural enterprises that will give employment to the youth, and give them knowledge. They will see how it is done. They will earn a living for themselves,” he added.

He strongly dismissed the notion that the Agro-mechanisation Project was a ploy to grab grazing lands for cattle herders.

“There is absolutely nothing like that. This is an entirely South East initiative for the benefit of the South East, then the nation. It is very untrue and not part of the blueprint,” he concluded.

In his remarks, the Enugu State Liaison Officer to the Commission, Chief Edeani Edeani, said the Federal Government and Governor Peter Mbah were determined to use agriculture to fight insecurity.

“With such massive agromechanisation projects across the South East, our spaces will be more effectively and gainfully occupied and governed.

Also, the youths will be gainfully employed,” he stated.

Speaking, a community leader and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Uche Anichukwu, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the SEDC after many failed attempts by Ndigbo under previous administrations.

“I worked at the national parliament for several years, and I am very much aware of the many attempts to set up a commission without success. It was either the bill did not scale through the parliament or it was denied presidential assent. But on 24th July 2024, President Tinubu graciously signed into law the legal framework creating the SEDC to rebuild infrastructure and serve as a platform for a coordinated regional development,” he said.

He lauded the SEDC Managing Director, Mark Okoye, and his team for launching out with agriculture as a pivot for the economic revival and growth of the region, noting that they had brought “a totally fresh approach to running regional development commissions.”

“As a community, we are most grateful to the President and Governor Peter Mbah for choosing Nomeh to host the pilot project. We do not take it for granted.”

On his part, the traditional ruler of Nomeh Unateze, HRH Igwe Israel Okonkwo Mbah, who was represented by the traditional prime minister, Chief Daniel Anikpuma, said the Nomeh Unateze Agro-mechanisation Project would bring back the pre-civil war glory of the community.

“It is a sort of bringing back the glory of Nwomeh-Unateze, a bustling railway and agricultural town in the past. Before the war, we had UAC, Leventis, and several other produce trading companies here. The war broke out, and everything stopped.

“Today, the SEDC and the Enugu State Government have remembered Nomeh Unateze and come with mechanised farming to reactivate our community. We believe it is going to bring massive development and we embrace it with a grateful heart,” he stated.

Likewise, the town union government of the community, speaking through Engr. Uchenna Anyanwu, has thrown its weight behind the project, saying that necessary machinery would be put in place to ensure the smooth execution and security of the project

The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, has allayed concerns over a perceived rise in kidney and cardiovascular diseases in the state, attributing the apparent increase largely to greater public awareness, improved access to health information and increased testing.

Prof. Ugwu said more people were now becoming conscious of their health and presenting themselves for medical examinations, thereby making cases that might previously have gone undetected more visible.

The commissioner spoke during a live interactive programme, The Conversation, aired on 100.3 Udoka FM, Enugu.

He, however, warned that unhealthy lifestyle choices, poor nutrition, obesity, physical inactivity and indiscriminate use of medicines remained significant risk factors for kidney and cardiovascular complications.

He urged residents to pay greater attention to what they eat, particularly warning against excessive consumption of sugary, salty, oily, highly processed and packaged foods.

Prof. Ugwu advocated a return to locally produced foods, noting that many traditional Nigerian meals were nutritionally superior to some heavily processed alternatives.

He cited Ayaraaya oka, a local meal made from mashed maize and common among the Nsukka natives of Enugu State, as an example of a traditional food capable of providing several essential nutrients when properly prepared.

The commissioner expressed concern that some Nigerians increasingly associate expensive and heavily processed foods with affluence and good living, stressing that excessive consumption could contribute to obesity and other health complications.

Prof. Ugwu advised people, particularly those aged 40 and above, to become more conscious of their calorie intake and maintain a healthy body weight, saying many people consumed more food than their bodies required.

He added that people who had attained some level of financial stability often became more exposed to excessive eating, alcohol consumption and other unhealthy lifestyle habits without fully appreciating their adverse health consequences.

The commissioner also expressed concern over the eating habits of young people, especially students who rely heavily on noodles and other convenience foods without incorporating vegetables, proteins and other essential nutrients into their diets.

He said the challenge was not always poverty but also ignorance, noting that some people spent considerable amounts on snacks and other junk foods while neglecting healthier and more affordable meals.

Prof. Ugwu further urged residents to engage in regular physical activity, stressing that exercise was an important component of preventing lifestyle-related diseases.

Drug Abuse and Kidney Damage

The commissioner also identified indiscriminate use of medicines, particularly self-medication and abuse of painkillers, as another serious threat to kidney health.

He cautioned residents against purchasing and taking medicines without appropriate medical advice, stressing that orthodox medicines should be obtained from credible sources and used according to prescribed dosages.

Responding to a question on the abuse of herbal medicines amid concerns over the circulation of fake orthodox drugs in the country, Ugwu said the two issues should not be treated as alternatives.

He said the Enugu State Government was working towards strengthening the regulation of medical products and facilities while also developing a system through which medical supplies could be sourced directly from manufacturers.

According to him, the state was “driving towards ensuring that all medical supplies are gotten directly from the manufacturers,” describing the model as part of efforts to improve the safety and quality of medicines available to residents.

Prof. Ugwu said regulation remained a major challenge in the health sector but noted that the Ministry of Health was intensifying efforts to ensure that health facilities and medical products complied with required standards.

He also pointed to the role of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in combating fake medicines, including the use of verification codes on some pharmaceutical products.

The commissioner advised residents to patronise authorised outlets and seek professional guidance before taking medicines.

He particularly warned against the practice of rushing to pharmacies or medicine shops to obtain over-the-counter drugs without consulting a doctor, saying some commonly abused painkillers could cause significant damage to the kidneys when used indiscriminately or for prolonged periods.

He also cautioned against comparing regulated pharmaceutical products, which undergo rigorous testing before approval, with herbal preparations whose ingredients, dosage and safety profiles may not have been adequately established.

Prof. Ugwu explained that pharmaceutical products pass through several stages of research and clinical testing before being approved for human use, whereas many herbal preparations may lack clearly established dosage patterns and sufficient scientific evidence regarding their safety and efficacy.

Massive Investments in Healthcare, Intentional

The commissioner also used the radio programme to restate Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to improving access to healthcare for all residents of the state.

Prof. Ugwu said the administration’s investment in healthcare was deliberate and aimed at ensuring that residents could access quality and affordable medical services across the state.

“The Peter Mbah administration is very intentional about health because he’s a leader that cares. The governor understands that for every other sector of the economy to grow, you must have a healthy population of both old and young residents,” he said.

He said the government’s investments cut across the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of healthcare.

“That’s why, from the primary to the secondary as well as the tertiary levels of healthcare, you can see the massive investment being made by this administration,” Ugwu said.

According to him, ultramodern Type-2 hospitals were being built in each of the 260 political wards of the state, while major tertiary health institutions were also receiving significant attention.

“That’s why ultramodern Type-2 hospitals are being built in each of the 260 political wards of the state, just as ESUT Teaching Hospital, Park Lane and the SUMAS Teaching Hospital, Igbo Eno, are experiencing massive investments,” he said.

Prof. Ugwu added that the World-Class Enugu International Hospital would soon be commissioned, while various general hospitals across the state were also receiving attention.

“You can see that health is only second to education in Enugu’s consecutive annual budget,” he said.

The commissioner said the administration’s ambition extended beyond reducing medical tourism, stressing that the ultimate objective was to make quality healthcare more accessible and affordable to residents.

“What the Mbah administration is trying to achieve is not only to end medical tourism or to make Enugu the medical hub for Africa, but also to ensure affordable access to healthcare,” he said.

Prof. Ugwu therefore urged residents not to panic over the perceived rise in kidney and cardiovascular diseases but to take advantage of the healthcare facilities being provided by the government.

“I therefore call on ndi Enugu not to panic over the perceived rise in kidney and cardiovascular diseases, but rather to take advantage of the health facilities being put in place by the government,” he said.

Poverty Not an Excuse for Self-Medication, Says Prof. Ugwu and whether poverty could prevent residents from consulting medical professionals before taking medicines, the commissioner said ignorance remained a more fundamental challenge.

He acknowledged that some patients might be unable to afford subsequent treatment after consultation but urged them to make qualified medical practitioners their first point of contact whenever they had health concerns.

Prof. Ugwu said an initial consultation could provide a patient with important guidance even where the person could not immediately afford further treatment.

He therefore advised residents against beginning treatment with self-prescribed medicines or indiscriminate laboratory tests.

Children Also Vulnerable

Also speaking on the programme, Dr. Okoro Chizaram, a medical doctor and public health advocate, challenged the perception that kidney and cardiovascular diseases were exclusively ailments of adulthood.

Dr. Chizaram explained that children could also develop kidney and cardiovascular conditions, noting that such illnesses could be inherited or associated with other health conditions.

He identified some possible triggers of kidney complications in children as certain infections, including skin infections and sore throat, as well as malaria, malnutrition and severe dehydration.

According to him, kidney disease in children could sometimes develop following untreated or poorly managed illnesses, making early recognition and medical intervention important.

Dr. Chizaram stressed the need for parents and caregivers to take unusual symptoms in children seriously rather than assuming that kidney or cardiovascular problems could only occur later in life.

He also advocated preventive health practices, including balanced nutrition, adequate hydration, physical activity, appropriate treatment of infections and regular medical checks where necessary.

Callers Commend Government, Demand Tighter Food Regulation

The programme also generated significant reactions from listeners, with the majority of callers commending the guests and the station for providing what they described as timely health enlightenment, while calling on the commissioner to make such engagements regular.

Some callers, however, broadened the discussion to food safety, drawing the attention of the government to the alleged growing circulation of adulterated palm oil and artificially ripened fruits in markets.

They called for stronger monitoring and regulation of food products while urging consumers to exercise greater caution when purchasing food items.

The concerns further reinforced the programme’s emphasis on the relationship between everyday consumption patterns, lifestyle choices and long-term health outcomes.

The experts consequently urged residents to become more deliberate about their diet, medication practices and physical activity, while encouraging people to seek professional medical advice rather than relying on self-diagnosis or self-medication.

The discussion also underscored the importance of sustained public health education, early detection and stronger regulation of medicines and food products as part of efforts to reduce preventable kidney and cardiovascular complications in the society.

Governor Peter Mbah’s aggressive investment in intelligence, technology and inter-agency security operations is yielding results, with Enugu increasingly demonstrating its capacity to disrupt kidnapping networks and protect residents, businesses and investors, writes Gideon Arinze Government

For Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, the fight against insecurity is not merely about responding to crimes after they have occurred. It is increasingly a deliberate strategy to make the state hostile to criminal networks, strengthen the capacity of security agencies, restore public confidence and create an environment where residents, businesses and investors can operate without fear.

That strategy is beginning to produce measurable results. The latest breakthrough came with the arrest of 14 suspected kidnappers linked to a network that has allegedly operated across Enugu and several other states, including Rivers, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kwara, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory.

The arrests, according to the Enugu State Police Command, have opened another major window into the operations of organised kidnapping syndicates that had previously exploited interstate boundaries, local intelligence networks and the difficult terrain around some communities.

The suspects were paraded by the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, who disclosed that the Command had recovered five AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one locally fabricated firearm, 310 rounds of live 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, eight live cartridges and seven empty AK-47 magazines.

For a state that has had to contend with kidnapping and other violent crimes in some locations in the past, the message is that Enugu’s security agencies are becoming increasingly capable of tracking criminals beyond the point of attack.

This is precisely the security environment Governor Mbah has sought to create since assuming office. The governor’s approach has been anchored on the understanding that security is foundational to virtually every other ambition of government.

A state cannot attract investment if businesses are afraid to operate. It cannot expand tourism if visitors are worried about their safety. It cannot create jobs if economic activity is disrupted by criminality. It cannot persuade residents to invest their resources locally if they lack confidence in the ability of the state to protect lives and property.

Mbah has therefore consistently connected security to his broader economic transformation agenda. His administration has set an ambitious target of growing Enugu’s economy from about $4.4 billion to $30 billion. But the governor has acknowledged that such an objective would remain largely aspirational if the state could not first establish an environment of safety and stability.

This explains why security has received such prominence in the administration’s development strategy.
The recent police operation demonstrates how that investment is increasingly translating into operational capability.

According to Giwa, two of the suspects arrested were linked directly to the August 2 kidnapping incident at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area.

Following the attack, security agencies intensified operations to locate the perpetrators. Two of the suspects reportedly fled Enugu and regrouped with their associates in Port Harcourt. Rather than allowing the movement across state lines to frustrate the investigation, security operatives maintained the pressure.

The suspects were eventually arrested following further intelligence-led operations by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Violent Crime Response Unit.

The development is significant because organised criminal groups often rely on mobility as a shield. They exploit the boundaries between states, moving from one jurisdiction to another after carrying out operations. A successful security response therefore requires more than police presence at crime scenes. It requires the ability to gather intelligence, follow suspects, share information and sustain investigations across jurisdictions.

That is increasingly the model being pursued in Enugu. The police said preliminary investigations had linked the arrested suspects to several kidnapping operations, including incidents along the Enugu-Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka Road, the Obioma-9th Mile-Umulumgbe-Okpatu axis, the Eke-Affa-Egede-Ezinze corridor and other locations in Ezeagu Local Government Area.

Investigators linked the suspects to the May 25 abduction of a male victim at Mgbabuowa/Aguobuowa in Ezeagu, during which a ransom of N5 million was reportedly collected. They were also linked to the May 9 abduction of two male victims at Obioma, Udi, during which a female victim was allegedly shot and killed and $28,700 reportedly obtained as ransom.

Another case involved the April 10 abduction of two male victims along the Eke-Ezinze Road, for which the gang allegedly obtained $70,000. In another incident on April 12, seven people were reportedly kidnapped at Obinaofia, Ezeagu, with N25 million allegedly paid as ransom.

Taken together, the cases indicate that the security challenge was not the work of isolated criminals acting spontaneously. Rather, the police described an organised network with members operating from different parts of the country.

The network allegedly had local support within Enugu, including individuals who provided transportation and intelligence.

One Enugu-based member, according to the police, operated a tricycle and allegedly transported gang members, firearms and other criminal equipment to and from operational locations. Another allegedly supplied information that helped the gang evade security surveillance and identify targets.

This aspect of the investigation is particularly important because it demonstrates that combating insecurity is not simply a matter of confronting armed criminals in forests or on highways. It also requires dismantling the support systems that enable them to operate.

Governor Mbah’s administration has repeatedly emphasised this broader understanding of security.
The state’s investment in intelligence, surveillance and technology is designed not merely to react to criminal activity but to identify threats early, improve coordination and provide security agencies with the information required to intervene.

One of the most important components of this architecture is the ultramodern Enugu State Command and Control Centre, supported by AI-enabled cameras deployed across the state.

The significance of this infrastructure was recently underscored by security experts from the National Institute for Security Studies, Abuja, who visited Enugu as part of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 19 study tour.

Dr. Olusola Opa-Ola, a staff member of the institute, singled out the command-and-control infrastructure for commendation, describing it as a potent tool for combating insecurity.

His assessment provides an independent indication of how the state’s security investments are being perceived by professionals whose work is directly connected to national security and intelligence management.

According to him, the command-and-control system had assisted the state in curbing insecurity, identifying grey areas and improving its ability to prevent crime.

He urged other states to study and replicate the model, arguing that stronger state-level security infrastructure could reduce the pressure on the Federal Government and enable state governments to respond more effectively to security threats.

The recommendation is significant because it reinforces a central element of Mbah’s security philosophy: government must have the political will and institutional capacity to invest in security.

For years, insecurity in different parts of Nigeria has frequently been discussed in terms of insufficient personnel, inadequate equipment, poor intelligence and weak coordination. While those challenges remain relevant, the Enugu experience suggests that deliberate investment in infrastructure and coordination can substantially improve the state’s ability to respond. History

The command-and-control centre provides the technological backbone. Intelligence gathering provides the information. Security agencies provide the operational capacity. Inter-agency collaboration provides the reach. Community cooperation provides another critical layer.

Together, these components create a security system that is considerably more difficult for criminal networks to penetrate.

The August 2 attack on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church also illustrates the administration’s determination not to allow an isolated security breach to become a permanent source of fear.

Following the attack, a joint operation involving the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Police, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel reportedly engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle.

Three suspects were subsequently arrested, while one of the alleged criminals died during the operation.

Two of the three kidnapped victims, Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi, regained their freedom and reportedly identified the arrested suspects as their abductors.

The administration’s message, as conveyed by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Chidiebere Onyia on behalf of the governor, was unequivocal: criminals may run, but they cannot hide indefinitely.

That stance has become one of the defining characteristics of the state’s security response. Rather than treating insecurity as an inevitable condition, the administration has sought to establish the principle that criminality carries consequences.

The government has also sought to draw a clear distinction between ordinary citizens and those who actively facilitate criminal operations. While citizens are encouraged to cooperate with security agencies, those who provide information, transportation, logistics or other assistance to criminal networks are being warned that they too will face investigation and prosecution.

This is critical because organised kidnapping thrives on local support. Criminals may carry the weapons, but they often require local intelligence to identify vulnerable targets, understand terrain, monitor security movements and escape after an operation. Breaking that chain of support can be as important as arresting the gunmen themselves. Crime& Justice

The police investigation into the 14 suspects has reportedly uncovered precisely such a structure. The suspects allegedly concealed or invested proceeds from their criminal activities in livestock and properties, while some of the money was also spent on lavish lifestyles and foreign trips, including journeys to Cameroon. This points to another dimension of the security challenge: kidnapping has become a business model for organised criminal groups.

The objective of dismantling such networks therefore cannot end with the arrest of gunmen. Authorities must also follow the money, identify assets acquired with ransom proceeds, establish financial links and prevent criminal enterprises from converting illicit wealth into legitimate-looking investments.

The Enugu Police Command has indicated that investigations are continuing to determine the suspects’ involvement in other crimes and identify additional members of the network.

That continuing investigation could prove as important as the arrests themselves. Every additional suspect identified, every weapon recovered, every financial trail followed and every intelligence gap closed weakens the network’s capacity to reorganise.

It is also an indication that the state’s security strategy is moving beyond episodic operations towards sustained pressure. This is where Mbah’s security policy intersects with his economic agenda.

Security is not simply a law-enforcement issue. It is an economic development issue. A safer Enugu creates the conditions for increased investment. Increased investment creates jobs. Jobs expand household incomes. Expanded incomes stimulate consumption. Productive economic activity expands the state’s revenue base, which in turn gives government greater capacity to invest in infrastructure and social services.

Security is therefore the foundation upon which the rest of the agenda rests. For a state determined to transform its economy and reposition itself as an investment destination, making security not just a response to insecurity, but an essential pillar of development will definitely be one of Governor Mbah’s most consequential achievements

The United States government has awarded a $125,000 grant to support the conservation, digital documentation and physical preservation of the historic iron-smelting site in Lejja, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The grant was presented at the National Museum in Lagos and will be implemented by the Centre For Memories – Ncheta Ndigbo through its “Nchekwaba” Project.

Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, who represented Governor Peter Mbah at the award ceremony, described the development as a historic milestone and a significant partnership in the effort to preserve the state’s cultural heritage for future generations.

Ossai said the grant underscored the importance of preserving the Lejja archaeological site, stressing that its protection would require sustained collaboration among government, heritage institutions and the local community.

“The people of Lejja must remain at the heart of the preservation process, as their knowledge and participation will be central to the site’s long-term sustainability and resilience,” he said.

The Deputy Governor disclosed that the Enugu State Government was already preparing an Executive Bill to be forwarded to the State House of Assembly to provide a legal framework for the protection, preservation and administration of the archaeological site.

He said the proposed legislation would complement ongoing efforts to properly document and preserve the historical significance of Lejja and ensure that its heritage is protected for future generations.

Ossai expressed the state government’s appreciation to the United States Government for the grant and assured the Centre For Memories of the administration’s commitment to the preservation and global promotion of the site.

“On behalf of our Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, we appreciate the US Government for the grant and we assure the Centre For Memories of our collaboration to ensure that the story of Lejja is properly preserved, documented and shared with the world,” he said.

The Deputy Governor said the latest intervention represented an important step towards ensuring that Lejja’s historical significance is properly documented and made accessible to a wider global audience.

The Lejja iron-smelting site is regarded as an important archaeological heritage site in southeastern Nigeria, with evidence of ancient iron production that has attracted scholarly and archaeological interest.

The grant is expected to strengthen efforts to document the site, preserve its physical remains and deepen public understanding of Lejja’s contribution to the history and technological heritage of the region.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has approved the appointment of the following persons as Special Advisers (SPAs) and Senior Special Assistants (SSAs):

1. Hon. Chukwudi Ezinwa — Special Adviser on Labour Union and Association Matters

2. Hon. Sunday Nnamani (Orlando) — Special Adviser on Special Duties

3. Mr. Williams Chukwu — Special Adviser on Agriculture

4. Prince Afam Agana — Special Adviser on Infrastructure Compliance

5. Humphrey Onyima — Special Adviser on Investment Strategy and Public Relations

6. Hon. Tony Ugwu — Special Adviser on Rural Development

7. Chief Ernest Nweze — Special Adviser on Party Coordination and Mobilisation

8. Hon. Emeka Onunze — Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation

9. Mr. Robinson Odo (mni) — Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity

10. Pastor Kenneth Asogwa (Ebube Muonso) — Senior Special Assistant on Heritage and Community Relations

11. Pastor Tochukwu Ogbodo — Senior Special Assistant on Social Engagement

12. Barr. Lucky Chukwu — Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs

13. Belonwu Nnaji — Senior Special Assistant on Cultural Orientation

14. Hon. Steve Odo — Senior Special Assistant on Tourism

15. Hon. Francis Ikewette Ede — Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication

16. Mr. Sunny Okafor — Senior Special Assistant on General Duties

17. Hon. Chinedu Okwu Otaka — Senior Special Assistant on Social Orientation and Mobilisation

18. Otaba Cosmas Ikechukwu* — Senior Special Assistant on Protection of Public Utilities

19. Pius Okeagu — Senior Special Assistant on Assets Management

20. Rt. Hon. Innocent Emeka Ugwu — Senior Special Assistant on Inter-Party Affairs

21. Mrs. Eucharia Offor — Senior Special Assistant on Human Resource Management

22. Mr. Kenneth Oforma — Senior Special Assistant on Policy and Communication

23. Kelvin Ede — Senior Special Assistant on Research and Strategy

The appointments take effect immediately.

Signed:
Prof. Chidiebere Onyia
Secretary to the Enugu State Government

Wednesday, 19th August, 2026

The end of open grazing is very near in Enugu State as Gov @PNMbah has embarked on an 11,000-hectare Livestock and Ranch Devt that will transform animal husbandry, keep cattle away from farmlands and streets, employ thousands youths, eliminate herder’s crisis & enhance security. pic.twitter.com/GQN53ZBOw6

— Prince Ejeh Josh (@prinnccejosh) August 18, 2026

Governor Peter Mbah has approved an additional N115 million monthly subvention for the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), as part of efforts to address concerns surrounding the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), ESUT chapter.

The additional funding will raise the state government’s monthly subvention to ESUT from the current N161 million to N276 million, representing a cumulative increase of N140 million since February 2026.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who made this known in a statement on Monday, said the additional funding underscored the administration’s commitment to strengthening ESUT’s capacity to meet its financial obligations, particularly its responsibility to staff and the continued delivery of quality academic services.

“Governor Mbah has demonstrated once again that his administration places the welfare of workers and the uninterrupted education of our young people at the heart of its priorities. This additional N115 million monthly intervention is a substantial commitment of public resources aimed at strengthening ESUT and ensuring that the institution can meet its obligations to its staff and students,” Prof. Onyia said.

He explained that prior to February 2026, the state government was providing N136 million monthly to ESUT. However, beginning in February, the government commenced an additional monthly intervention of N25 million specifically for the ESUT College of Medicine (ESUCOM) to support the payment of 120 additional staff, bringing the total monthly government support to the university to N161 million.

Prof. Onyia said the latest approval of an additional N115 million would raise the state government’s total monthly subvention to ESUT to N276 million.

He further said the increase would help ESUT towards achieving the salary agreement reached between ASUU and the Federal Government.

He appealed to ASUU members at ESUT to reciprocate the government’s intervention by suspending the industrial action and resuming academic activities, in the interest of students whose academic progress may be disrupted by the strike.

“We appeal to ASUU-ESUT to reciprocate this gesture by resuming academic activities, while all outstanding issues are addressed through constructive dialogue. Our students should not be made to bear the consequences of disagreements that can be resolved amicably,” the SSG said.

The SSG reaffirmed Governor Mbah’s commitment to the welfare of workers and the sustained development of ESUT, saying the substantial increase in government funding demonstrated the priority the administration places on education and the uninterrupted academic calendar.

He urged all stakeholders, including the university management and ASUU, to embrace dialogue and work collaboratively towards resolving the outstanding issues, stressing that the ultimate objective should be to ensure that ESUT students receive uninterrupted and quality education.

He further assured the university community that the Mbah administration would continue to support ESUT within available resources, while taking necessary steps to strengthen the institution and position it to fulfil its mandate as a leading university of science and technology.

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested and paraded 14 kidnap suspects involved in various kidnapping operations in and outside the state.

Briefing pressmen at the Command’s headquarters in Enugu on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, said among them were two remaining suspects linked to the August 2 kidnapping raid on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Affa, Udi LGA of the state, who fled to Port Harcourt following the operational pressure mounted by joint security operatives.

"Further intelligence-led operations by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Violent Crime Response Unit (AK-VCRU) led to the arrest of two additional male suspects linked to the Affa Church kidnapping. Preliminary investigation reveals that, after fleeing Enugu, the suspects regrouped with their cohorts in Port Harcourt and abducted another victim, who was released after a ransom of ₦5m was paid,” he said.

CP Giwa noted that all the 14 suspects were arrested on various dates in June, July and August 2026 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Rivers, Kwara and Taraba States.

The suspects had also confessed to involvement in several recent and past kidnapping incidents along the Enugu–Ugwuogo–Opi–Nsukka Road, Obioma–9th Mile–Umulumgbe–Okpatu Road, Eke–Affa–Egede–Ezinze axis, and various locations in Ezeagu LGA.

“Specifically, preliminary investigation has linked the suspects to the following armed kidnapping incidents: the abduction of a male victim at Mgbabuowa/Aguobuowa, Ezeagu LGA, on 25th May, 2026, during which ₦5m was obtained as ransom; the abduction of two male victims and the shooting and murder of a female victim at Obioma, Udi LGA, on 9th May, 2026, during which the gang obtained $28,700 as ransom; the abduction of two male victims along the Eke–Ezinze Road, Udi LGA, on 10th April, 2026, for which $70,000 was obtained as ransom; and the kidnapping of seven victims at Obinaofia, Ezeagu LGA, on 12th April, 2026, during which ₦25m was obtained as ransom,” he explained.

The CP revealed that the suspects, who were members of an organised criminal network operating from different parts of the country, usually came into the state to plan and execute kidnapping operations before disappearing to their respective locations.

“The network is aided by an Enugu-based member who operates a tricycle and provides transportation for the gang members, their firearms and other criminal implements to and from operational locations. Another Enugu-based member provides intelligence that enables the gang to evade security surveillance and identify suitable targets and locations,” he added.

According to Giwa, investigation revealed that the suspects laundered and concealed proceeds of their criminal activities through investments in livestock and different properties, and engaged in lavish spending as well as leisure and trips to foreign nations such as Cameroon.

He said the Command was still conducting more investigations to establish the suspects’ involvement in other kidnapping and violent-crime incidents within and outside Enugu State, identify and arrest other members of the syndicate, and recover additional firearms, ammunition and other criminal proceeds.

“Upon conclusion of investigation, the suspects will be charged to court in accordance with extant laws,” he added.

The Police Command also displayed five AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated firearm, 310 rounds of live 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, eight live cartridges, and seven empty AK-47 magazines recovered from the suspects.

CP Giwa credited the successes recorded by the Enugu Police Command to the availability of state-of-the-art security infrastructure, effectiveness of sustained intelligence gathering, ICT-enabled investigation, inter-agency collaboration, inter-state cooperation and coordinated operational policing adopted by the Command.

He commended Governor Peter Mbah and the Inspector General of Police for their leadership and support in ensuring security and order in Enugu State.

“I would also like to express my profound gratitude to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his forward-looking leadership and for making the state safe.

“I equally commend other security agencies for their collaborative support, while also thanking members of the public for their continued cooperation,” he concluded.

The CP reiterated police’s readiness to make Enugu State increasingly unconducive to unrepentant local criminals and criminal elements seeking to infiltrate the state, commending Governor Peter Mbah and IGP Disu for their strategic leadership and support.

Meanwhile, one of the suspects confessed his crime to newsmen, saying his gang operated along the stretch of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and earned multimillion-naira ransoms before they were busted by security forces.

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Ahead of the imminent inauguration of the Enugu International Hospital, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has undertaken a tour of the facility, declaring that Enugu State was ready to welcome the world.

Mbah said the hospital was now fully installed with state-of-the-art medical equipment and would help to reverse medical tourism out of the country, ensuring that the state secures a large chunk of the multibillion-dollar market.

Fielding questions from newsmen on Thursday evening after a pre-launch walkthrough of the facility situated at Rangers Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu, Mbah said the hospital was a product of a deliberate health agenda.

“If you recall our manifesto during our campaign for office, we made it clear that we were committed to making Enugu a medical tourism hub on the continent.

“We knew the size of that market and wanted to have a good share of that market. But we knew also that it was never going to be wished into existence.

“We knew that we needed to do things differently and build a world-class facility and, most importantly, attract top-notch professionals to provide services. We cannot wait to welcome the world to Enugu,” he stated.

Mbah regretted that there was just about one functional location for PET Scan services in the country, but noted that the hospital would now bridge the wide gap in advanced medical services in the country.

“We have quite a lot of Ndi Enugu, and Nigerians who travel to India, Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom to seek medical attention. So, what we are asking for is just a fraction of what they would have spent overseas for the same quality services,” he said.

“We felt that if we want to compete globally, then we must also have the ability to provide advanced oncology services. Therefore, we are not only able to give you an advanced diagnosis, but we're also able to treat. So, both diagnostically and therapeutically, the place to come to is right here in Enugu.

“We have also received an outpouring of interest from our healthcare professionals in the diaspora. Some of them were doing well here at some point and now went overseas to practice. They are now happy to come back home and give back to the society that nurtured them. We are excited about that,” he stated.

He added that the Enugu International Hospital would equally engage in telemedicine as one of its areas of strength.

“Of course, you may be in love with the building and the equipment, but you should also engage professionals from across the globe. You see this in our commitment to telemedicine, digital and electronic medical practices and equipment,” he explained.

He emphasised that the hospital was part of his administration’s agenda for the health sector as a major part of his government’s vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn, and ensure high quality and increased life expectancy for the people.

“If you look at our intervention in the healthcare sector, from the primary healthcare to the secondary, tertiary, and now the quaternary, it is intentional.

“We are investing heavily in security and healthcare because we know that these are what investors would ask you: ‘Am I safe? If I fall sick, would I have a place where I can get quality medical attention?’” he said, adding that the hospital would also create jobs.

Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Sam Agwu, listed six specialty areas the hospital would provide services in once commissioned.

“We have earmarked six specialty centres here. In the Cancer Centre, we are going to provide medical, surgical, and nuclear medicine therapeutics and diagnostics.

“Then we are going to have the Heart and Vascular Centre of Excellence to deal with all heart problems and open-heart surgery, as you may know; cardiology consultation and diagnostics,

electrophysiology and arrhythmia care, coronary care and acute cardiac pathways, interventional cardiology and cath-lab procedures, heart-failure and cardiac rehabilitation clinics, and of course vascular assessment and collaborative surgical care.

“We are going to have the Neurosciences Centre where we will deal with stroke, epilepsy, brain and spine tumours, neurosurgical procedures, among others.

“We are going to have a Renal and Transplant Centre of Excellence covering full kidney, chronic kidney disease clinics, early nephrology review, dialysis support and transplant assessment.

“Then, apart from all the centres of excellence, we are going to have wellness and regenerative medicine, while the usual departments that you know of - mother and child, general surgery, ENT, dental, ophthalmology, among others - will all be here.

Former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Enugu State, Dr. Sunday Nwafor, hailed the milestone, saying the h

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ospital would promote brain gain by reversing the mass exodus of medical doctors from the country.

“Going forward, our doctors have a place of international standard where they can practice with state-of-the-art equipment and also earn well,” he said.

Mbah was accompanied by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, among others.

Happening Now: Governor Mbah is inspecting the 300-bed Enugu International Hospital at Rangers Avenue, Enugu, ahead of it’s opening ceremony soon. Prof Uchenna Agu explains the installed state-of-the-art facilities at the theaters. pic.twitter.com/yqBIXgQxzs

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) August 12, 2026

Senior medical professionals and public health administration experts, Prof. Uchenna Agu and Dr. Ifenyinwa Ani-Osheku, give their rating of the 300-bed Enugu International Hospital following its completion and ahead of its commissioning soon. pic.twitter.com/YQS4BIqBzQ

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) August 12, 2026

Governor Mbah is not relenting in his quest to make Enugu the preferred destination for medical tourism pic.twitter.com/MTCH50vz3I

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) August 12, 2026

To some people, Enugu is “cooked” simply because our governor isn’t building flyovers or buying cars for politicians. 😭 @PNMbah, God bless you sir pic.twitter.com/DqfEiIYT99

— Henry (@AyoguEbukaHenry) August 12, 2026

Security forces in Enugu State have successfully apprehended three perpetrators of the August 2, 2026 kidnap attack on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, Udi LGA, Enugu State, and also recovered ransoms during the operations.

This was even as one of the kidnap suspects was neutralised in a gun duel during the joint operation of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Army, Police, Enugu State Forest Guard, and others, which also saw to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition from the hideouts of the kidnapping syndicate.

Fielding questions from newsmen during the parade of the criminals at the state headquarters of the DSS in Enugu Monday evening, Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, added that the remaining two of the three victims of the August 2 attack, Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Mr. Emmanuel Onwudi, had also regained their freedom.

Mbah also revealed that ransom deployed as a strategy was fully recovered, noting that security agents tracked down the criminals by deploying the state’s hi-tech security assets.

He hailed the DSS, Army, Police, Forest Guards and other security agencies in the state, adding that the victims had equally identified the apprehended criminals as their abductors.

The governor assured the people that his administration would continue to prioritise and invest in the security of their lives and properties.

“There was one fatality in this process. It was one of the criminals that died in the process of apprehending them. Usually, criminal elements will not want to be apprehended easily without a fight, but our people were ready, and we have one fatality, while the others are here now as you could see; and they will face the full wrath of the law.

“We made it very clear that if criminality becomes your venture, Enugu State is not the location to do that business; that we will pursue you, we will make sure we bring you to justice, and that was why we put the robust security architecture across the state, working in collaboration with the security forces to ensure that Enugu is uncomfortable for anybody that plans criminality, and you're seeing that very clearly.

“We are intentional in investing in and organising our security architecture to prevent crime. But if there is a breach, you can run, but cannot hide for long. We must get you. You can’t commit these crimes in Enugu State and get away with it. No way,” he said.

He also warned locals who collude with the criminal elements or serve as their informants, vowing to come after them also.

“We will find you also, just as we have found these people, and we will prosecute you as part of this evil operation and this evil syndicate.

“Wherever you are, know that investigation is ongoing and that this government will track you down, and you will pay for your crimes in planning havoc on our citizens. So wherever you are, we are still coming for you,” he stressed.

He paid special tributes to the security forces for their cooperation and gallantry.

“We also want to very highly commend all the security agencies: the DSS, Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, the Enugu State Forest Guard, the military services, others for being very instrumental in some of the work that was done, and continue to do in Enugu State,” he concluded.

NEW: Security Forces Arrest Affa, Enugu, Kidnap Culprits, Victims Released

...Ransoms, 4 AK-47 rifles and ammunition recovered

...Gov Mbah: You can’t get away with your crimes in Enugu

Security forces in Enugu State have successfully apprehended three perpetrators of the… pic.twitter.com/yiQGytjUoH

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) August 10, 2026

Breaking… Affa Catholic Church Kidnappers Apprehended as Victims Regain Freedom

The kidnappers of members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, Udi LGA, on August 2, 2026 were tonight paraded before newsmen at the state headquarters of the DSS, following their arrest… pic.twitter.com/0IQ8VT1qHz

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) August 10, 2026

The Enugu State Government has commenced the construction of three new 33KV electricity feeders designed to end prolonged power outages and provide improved, stable and reliable electricity supply to communities in four Local Government Areas of the state.

The project, which is being developed from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Station, Ugwuaji, will improve electricity supply to Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Awgu, and Aninri Local Government Areas.

The flag-off of the project was preceded by a stakeholders meeting on electricity held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, during the weekend.

The intervention is targeted at addressing the longstanding challenges associated with the Amechi 33KV feeder, which currently serves as the major source of electricity supply to Nkanu East and Nkanu West, as well as Enugu South, Awgu and Aninri Local Government Areas in Enugu State.

The feeder, which stretches for more than 600 kilometres into three Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State, is reportedly the longest 33KV feeder in the South-East, making it difficult to detect and rectify faults and resulting in prolonged electricity outages across the communities it serves.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Electrification Agency (ESEA), Engr. Christopher Ezeoha, said the state government had decided to fundamentally restructure the network rather than simply restore the existing feeder.

Ezeoha explained that the government was constructing two new 33KV feeders from the TCN Station at Ugwuaji and extending an existing short 33KV feeder from the same station, bringing the number of new and extended feeders to three.

He said the new feeders would be dedicated to improving electricity supply to Nkanu East and Nkanu West, while the existing Amechi feeder would be reconfigured to serve Awgu and Aninri.

Ezeoha said the government would further construct four new injection substations in Nkanu East and Nkanu West to transform electricity from 33KV to 11KV, thereby strengthening the distribution network and improving the reliability of power supply in the areas.

“Some communities, including Nkerifi, Nara and Mburubu, have not had electricity for more than 20 years,” he said, noting that the state government had directed the agency to restore electricity to such communities.

He, however, said restoring the existing feeder alone would not provide a lasting solution because of its excessive length and the number of communities and Local Government Areas dependent on it.

Ezeoha said the new arrangement would substantially reduce the length of individual feeders, making fault detection and repairs faster and improving the quality and duration of electricity supplied to the affected communities.

“By the time we finish doing this work, we hope to give them more than 20 hours average daily power supply. That is what the government says we should do,” he said.

He said the electricity intervention was part of a larger plan by the administration of Governor Peter Mbah to establish a modern and commercially viable electricity market in the state.

Ezeoha disclosed that the power improvement investments would initially be managed by a special-purpose vehicle, Enugu Electrification Agency Ltd., which would distribute and market electricity in Nkanu East and Nkanu West, with the long-term objective of taking over electricity distribution services across Enugu State.

He said the agency had commenced pre-feasibility studies and the preparation of a 10-year business plan as part of the process of securing the necessary regulatory approvals and licences for bulk electricity trading and participation in the state electricity market.

The ESEA boss further disclosed that the state government was preparing its electricity distribution infrastructure to evacuate power from a proposed 630-megawatt generation facility being developed in the state.

He said the long-term objective of the administration was to provide reliable electricity supply 24 hours a day, seven days a week, stressing that achieving the target would require not only increased generation but also a robust distribution network capable of evacuating and delivering available power efficiently.

Ezeoha said the government also planned to deploy smart pre-paid meters and automation technology to improve accountability, enhance revenue collection and enable the quick detection and resolution of faults.

He explained that a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system would allow the agency to identify the location of faults almost immediately, enabling technical personnel to respond directly to affected points instead of searching along hundreds of kilometres of transmission lines.

He appealed to communities to protect electricity infrastructure against vandalism, stressing that the sustainability of the government’s investment depended on collective ownership and protection of the facilities.

He said the intervention would not be limited to Nkanu East and Nkanu West, as similar electricity infrastructure investments would be extended to other parts of the state, including Nsukka and Uzo-Uwani, as part of the administration’s broader plan to transform electricity supply across Enugu.

The State Commissioner for Energy, Mr Enyinna Ogbonna, said electricity was one of the major priorities of the administration of Governor Mbah, describing reliable power supply as critical to driving industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.

Ogbonna said the government’s electricity investments were integral to its broader economic development agenda, including the target of growing Enugu’s Gross Domestic Product from about $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

Also speaking, the General Manager of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Enugu Region, Dr Tom Inugonum, commended the state government for its efforts to improve electricity supply.

Inugonum said the TCN Enugu Region controlled transmission infrastructure covering between six and eight states, adding that improved cooperation with the Enugu State Government would help address the state’s power challenges.

He said Enugu received electricity from three major sources and had several transmission lines serving different parts of the state, but noted that some transmission and substation projects in the region remained incomplete, limiting the capacity of the power system.

He also expressed concern over the vandalism of transmission infrastructure, stressing the need for communities to protect substations, transmission lines and other critical facilities.

In his remarks, the President-General of Isi-Amagunze, Mr Okey Nwatu, called for greater community involvement in protecting electricity infrastructure.

Nwatu said transformers, cables, switches and other electrical facilities were critical infrastructure that communities must protect if they wanted to enjoy sustained electricity supply.

In a major boost to President Bola Tinubu’s digital economy agenda, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Enugu State Government, on Tuesday, sealed a strategic 15-year lease of the agency’s Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre to the Enugu State Government.

The move would see the Enugu State Government take over and optimise the facilities located in the state capital as the Enugu Talent City and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute in line with the digital economy drive of the Governor Peter Mbah Administration.

Speaking during the lease agreement signing ceremony at Government House, Enugu, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the arrangement fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu Administration, and its ambition to grow Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy driven by productivity, innovation and private sector growth.

Maida stressed that Mbah had shown a clear agenda to build Enugu State into a digital economic powerhouse through deliberate investment in education, infrastructure, innovation and digital capacity, maintaining that the Mbah Administration was well positioned to advance the objectives for which these facilities were established.

“Our expectation is that this partnership will support Enugu’s ambition to become a leading destination for digital services, artificial intelligence, startup incubation, outsourcing, research and technology-enabled enterprise.

“We also expect these facilities to become spaces where young people acquire relevant skills, entrepreneurs transform ideas into viable businesses and local enterprises connect to opportunities beyond Enugu and Nigeria.

“These facilities were conceived as platforms for innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development. They were designed to deepen digital skills, support startups, attract investment, create jobs and position Nigeria as a competitive destination for business process outsourcing, knowledge process outsourcing and other technology-enabled services.

“In essence, they were built not merely as physical assets, but as platforms for developing the people and enterprises that will power Nigeria’s digital economy.

“So, for us at the NCC, completing physical infrastructure is only the beginning. Buildings alone do not create innovation. People do. Ideas do. Entrepreneurs do. And partnerships bring all these elements together,” he said.

The NCC boss also commended Governor Mbah’s investment in Smart Green Schools, saying he was building an economy prepared for the future.

“Physical infrastructure is essential to development, but infrastructure alone cannot deliver lasting prosperity. This is what makes the Smart Green Schools initiative significant. It recognises that preparing our children for tomorrow must begin today. Technology-enabled schools, digital learning facilities, robotics and artificial intelligence laboratories demonstrate an understanding that education must evolve alongside technology. That is leadership with the future in mind.

“Investment in education and skills raises productivity, expands economic opportunity and strengthens the ability of individuals and businesses to create value.

“This is even more important today. Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries. Automation is changing the nature of work. Digital technologies are transforming how governments serve citizens and how businesses operate,” he concluded.

Speaking, Governor Peter Mbah commended President Tinubu for recognising the centrality of the digital economy to the $1 trillion economy he seeks to build, as well as for understanding that much of that growth would come from the states.

He noted that AI would contribute about $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030, saying, “It is not a space you want your young ones to be missing.”

“We also believe that our talents, our brightest talents, should not be exported in person. We believe that they should export their talents outside the country from here, and that is why we see huge benefits in these assets in terms of job creation and opportunities for our young people.

“We are also looking at transforming the Digital Bridge Institute into a world-class AI institute. We will also transform the Digital Industrial Park. If you have followed the news, we have already taken steps, working with some teams from Qatar, to make sure that it becomes a certification centre for AI on the continent.

He said the NCC would not regret its decision to temporarily hand over the facilities to Enugu State.

“I am sure that a few years down the line, we can come back here and be very proud of the decision we made today to activate these assets and to make sure that they are productive,” he concluded.

Earlier in his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Digital Economy and Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), Arinze Chilo-Ofia, thanked the FG and NCC for the confidence reposed in Enugu State to activate and optimise the two strategic assets and ensure the realisation of the objectives for which they were conceived and built.