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Jubilation as Ugwuanyi inaugurates 8.8km Eha Amufu-Nkalagu road, abandoned over 36 years ago
…Reiterates commitment to rural development
There was jubilation in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State on Monday, as Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi inaugurated the 8.8km reconstructed portion of Ikem-Eha Amufu-Nkalagu road, which was abandoned over 36 years ago.
The 8.8km road, which was reconstructed for the people of the agrarian community of Eha Amufu in Isi-Uzo L.G.A, is a gateway to the North through Obollo-Afor connecting Ebonyi State through Nkalagu and provides access to the Nigercem Factory at Nkalagu that used to be the mainstay of the economy and tourist attraction to the Eastern Nigeria.
The road is also one of the hitherto abandoned critical infrastructure and legacy projects in the rural areas, executed by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration in line with its rural development policy.
Inaugurating the road, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that “this project is part of our deliberate efforts to provide critical infrastructure to the rural communities to improve the quality of life, ease evacuation of agricultural produce and facilitate market linkages, improve earnings amongst rural population, stimulate local commerce and ultimately reduce poverty while curtailing rural-urban migration”.
The governor, who maintained that “integrated rural development and inclusive governance are the major planks of our administration”, disclosed that “we have vigorously pursued these objectives through numerous strategic rural infrastructural interventions”.
Describing the road as one of the oldest Federal Roads in the country, built before the Nigerian Civil War, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was accompanied by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, his colleagues, and the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji, among others, revealed that it was last rehabilitated in 1981 by the administration of Senator Jim Nwobodo as Governor of old Anambra State.
Appreciating the jubilant mood of the people of the area who came out en masse to witness the event, the governor said: “We are encouraged by the happy faces of the people from communities in Eha Amufu and environs that we see here today. I congratulate you, the true heroes of democracy for you deserve this and even more”.
According to him, “your prayers and sincere support have been our major sources of strength and inspiration. We are in government to alleviate the sufferings of our people and we remain irrevocably committed to this mission”.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the Chairman of Isi-Uzo L.G.A, Dr. Benjamin Edeoga, on behalf of the people of the council, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for remembering Eha Amufu community and its environs after over three decades of neglect, pointing out that “this road had been a death trap for the past 30 years and nobody had touched it until you came and rescued us”.
His words: “Your Excellency, our people are very happy because you have wiped away our tears. You have been addressing our plights. You are the David of our time. We have not seen it so good like this. It is when you came on board that this road that had been abandoned was asphalted. Thank you, Your Excellency, God will continue to strengthen you and bless you”.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani, who is an indigene of the council, the Commissioner-nominee from the council, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, the traditional rulers, and others, appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for the indelible footprints he has left in their area through the provision of legacy projects such as roads and inter-state bridges and appointments of their sons and daughters into sensitive government positions.
Enugu State is truly in the hands of God!
The recent spate of the killings in Igboland, the latest being in my own constituency of Enugu East Senatorial District where Rev. Fr. Paul Offu and pregnant Regina Mba were gruesomely murdered by hoodlums alleged to be Fulani herdsmen is barbarous and horrendous. I condemn in totality the odious and dastardly acts and extend my heartfelt commiseration to the families of the victims.
I have taken note of the actions of the governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and these actions are highly commendable – actions such as convening of emergency security meetings; consultations with traditional rulers, president generals of autonomous communities and other relevant groups and stakeholders; repeated personal visits to the affected areas including the victims; clearing of forests and bushes that serve as criminal hideouts; reorganization and equipping of neighbourhood watch groups; recruitment of 1,700 forest guards in line with the resolution of the South-East Governors Forum; and the directive for council chairmen to mount vigilante security checkpoints; amongst others. If given time, these actions will completely stem these atrocities.
I also have full confidence in the government and people of Enugu State and all relevant groups within the Enugu system that this too shall pass. I urge those who have ideas to lend their voice towards finding a lasting solution to the menace.
We must come together to sustain the existing peace and good governance in our beloved Enugu State.
Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, Representing Enugu East Senatorial District
By Louis Amoke
On August 27, 2019, Enugu State will mark 28 years of its creation. The epoch-making event no doubt calls for celebration in appreciation of the manifestation of God’s goodness in the State.
Enugu has come a long way as the capital city of Nigeria’s Eastern Region; defunct State of Biafra; East Central State; old Anambra State; old Enugu State, when Abakaliki (now Ebonyi State) was part of it and the present Enugu State. Politically and socio-culturally, Enugu remains home to all Igbos. It continues to play a key role in the socio-political cum economic life of Ndigbo and Nigeria.
Created as an urban settlement in 1909, following the discovery of coal, Enugu was made the administrative headquarters during the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria, in 1914. It retained the status in 1929, when the Province of Southern Nigeria was created and has continued to forge a common force for peace, unity and progress.
Enugu remains emblematic of Ndigbo and beyond, having produced a handful of legends and iconic national leaders who contributed immensely to the development of the state and the Nigerian Project. These greats include Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Professor Eyo Ita, Dr. Michael Okpara, Dr. Akanu Ibiam, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Dr. Ukpabi Asika, Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo and Chief C.C Onoh, a host of others.
In their respective roles as Premiers, Administrators and Governors of Eastern Region, East Central State and Old Anambra State, they were tenacious indeed in their vision and diligent development of the present Enugu State.
The struggle for the creation of Enugu State came into limelight following the sustained agitation against social injustice meted to a people (Wawa) who were “honest, patient, intelligent and hardworking”. It was a misconception of these honesty, truthfulness and dignified attitude of the people of Wawa-speaking area (Enugu and Abakaliki) as a complex issue by the people now known as Anambra State and Imo State.
The creation of Enugu State, 28 years ago, therefore birthed unbridled excitement and sense of accomplishment for those who painstakingly, doggedly and tirelessly lent their voices and struggled for the emancipation of the Wawa people of Igboland.
These retinue of great minds, who are indeed the founding fathers of Enugu State, include; Chief C.C Onoh, Igwe Charles Abangwu, Igwe J.U Nwodo, Chief Enechi Onyia, SAN, Justice M.U Obayi, Chief C.U Oputa, Chief Dan Ogbobe, Senator Isaiah Ani, Hon. Petrus Agballah, Mr T.C Chigbo, Chief J.C.P Nwagu, Chief D.O. Nnamani, Igwe Edward Nnaji, Chief C.N Nnaji, Dr. A. Nnamani, Chief E.A Ede, Chief P.C. Ndu, Chief V. Agana, Igwe Justice Eze Ozobu, Chief C.O.B Eche, Igwe Udemgaba Maduka, Igwe Agom Eze, Igwe Abel Nwobodo, Dr. Nduka Eya, Chief Dan Agbo, Justice Achi Kanu,, Igwe Christopher Ezea, Igwe J.A.C Ngwu and Alhaji Abdulaziz Udeh.
Others include, Chief B.C Okwu, Justice Anthony Aniagolu, Justice Nnaemeka Agu, Igwe E.A. Chime, Chief E.A. Nnaji, Chief E.C Nnaedozie, Chief F.A Oji, Chief G.U Ochi, Chief N.N Onugu, Chief S.C Ogbodo, Chief M.A Obeagu, Mazi O.J Edeoga, Chief D.C. Ugwu, Chief R.O. Ukuta, Chief M. Ekwueme, V.A Nwalieji, Chief P.U Obodeze, Chief A.C Nweke, Mr B.C Onuora, L.O Nnaji, J.U Adonu, Patrick Ugwuanyi, Chief B.O.M. Edeoga, Professor Godwin Odenigwe, Professor Lawrence Ocho, Ambassador Justina Eze and all other heroes and heroines of Enugu State origin.
They had courage, made sacrifices and were resolute in their struggle to achieve the desired end and posterity will forever remember them in highest esteem for they indeed occupy a special place in the lexicon of Enugu State. Also to be remembered in a special way, are the courage and sacrifices of the likes of Late Chief Onyeama N’ Eke and members of the Enugu Aborigines Improvement Union who sowed the seed for the struggle against the oppression and subjugation of the Wawa people of Igboland as far back as the 1920’s.
During the Silver Jubilee of Enugu State, three years ago, the present Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, had dutifully recognized the contributions of the above listed leaders including those now in the present Ebonyi and Anambra states who also offered invaluable assistance towards the struggle for the creation of the state.
Kudos must also go to those who had presided over the affairs of the State since its creation. They include, Col Herbert Obi Eze, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Navy Captain Temi Ejoor, Colonel Mike Torey, Col. Sule Ahman, Navy Captain Adewunmi Agbaje, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, and Barr. Sullivan I. Chime.
Today, Enugu State, under the dynamic leadership of Gov. Ugwuanyi, has kept faith with the dreams and aspirations of its founding fathers.
The state continues to occupy its pride of place as home to all, a model of peace and good governance and one of the most peaceful and secure states in Nigeria, to live and do business.
Enugu State, under Gov. Ugwuanyi, has also gone beyond the horizon of parochialism, to promote the principles of love, unity and peace among the political, religious and traditional institutions, which the former Secretary-General and now President-General of Enugu State Development Association (ESDA), Chief Enechi Onyia, identified as one of the cardinal dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of Enugu State.
Chief Onyia, who attributed the developmental strides in the Coal City State to the peace and good governance initiatives of Gov. Ugwuanyi, said that, “There is very significant peace in Enugu State,” stressing that “without peace there is no progress”.
It is on record that Gov. Ugwuanyi, through his administration’s peace and grassroots development initiatives, has ensured that more infrastructural developments are concentrated in the rural areas than in the urban centres, to give the rural dwellers a sense of belonging and open up their areas for socio-economic expansion. His administration has continued with some uncompleted projects of past administrations such as the Enugu International Conference Centre and the Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre.
Just recently, the peace-loving governor broke a record when he finally settled an age-long inter-communal dispute between Oruku and Umuode communities in Nkanu East Local Government Area, which had lasted for over 25 years, despite interventions by past administrations.
During their thank-you visit to the governor, the jubilant people of both communities, through the traditional ruler of Umuode Autonomous Community, HRH Igwe Moses Idenyi, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “a wonderful and honest man” and “God’s gift to mankind”, who brought light over darkness in our communities, stressing that, “words of thanksgiving cannot be enough for you”.
According to him, “my people were enemies before, but today, we are here clapping hands, thanking God because you (Ugwuanyi) made it possible”.
Indeed, the governor’s uncommon leadership style has ushered in the wind of peace and a revolutionary infrastructural rebirth in the local communities of Enugu State, reinvigorating the passionate vision of the state’s founding fathers to give every Wawa man a sense of belonging, irrespective of class or social status.
Through the rural development initiatives, such as the “One Community One Project” programme and a great deal of passion for the wellbeing of the masses, Gov. Ugwuanyi has remembered the long-neglected communities in the state in line with his firm commitment to the founding fathers’ aspirations.
It would be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi in his first term inaugural address, on May 29, 2015, recommitted himself to the aspirations of the founding fathers of Enugu State to “take up the gauntlet of the struggle for the emancipation of the Wawa man from where our heroes past stopped”.
The governor proclaimed that God Almighty has anointed him for a mission - “to bring good news, message of continued hope, peace and development to our people; to bind up the broken-hearted; to proclaim liberty to every Wawa man caught in the prison of poverty and under-development”, promising: “And these, I owe you and my God to fulfill”.
He also vowed, in accordance with the ideals and aspirations of the founding fathers of Enugu State, to “deploy government services to create fair and equal opportunity for every willing citizen to make a living, educate our children, and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment” while driving with full force, investment promotion, agricultural sector renewal, provision of critical infrastructure, human capital development and skill acquisition.
Gov. Ugwuanyi equally pledged, among other things, to pursue employment generation, enhanced social services and good governance, rural development, security and justice.
Four years down the line, the people’s governor, in spite of the daunting and severe economic challenges that confronted the nation when he assumed office, has entrusted Enugu State to the hands of God and placed it on a pedestal of peace, good governance, innovation, inclusive leadership and participatory democracy.
His humble disposition, honesty, simplicity, candour, good works and uncommon leadership style of inclusive governance and open-door policy delivered the message of hope and rekindled the confidence of the people in participatory democracy. He has bound up the broken-hearted with a wind of peace that has united everybody in the state, especially the political leaders irrespective of class, religion, socio-economic and political background. This cherished ambiance of peace and unity has remained the pillar of his administration’s success story and one of the major reasons for this 28th anniversary celebration.
The governor’s commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, due process and prudent management of the state’s lean resources, has ensured delivery of democracy dividends to the doorsteps of the people.
While workers’ salaries and pensions are paid regularly with or without the receipt of the statutory allocations from the federation account - even at the time 27 states could not pay, including the 13th month salary as Christmas bonus, over 400 kilometres of roads spread across the state have been covered with signature projects such as the remodeled ancient, historic and undulating Milliken Hill road and the Opi-Nsukka dual carriageway.
Scholarships were granted to 680 indigent students of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, Ezeagu Local Government Area and the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, for four years of academic studies in all engineering programmes of the institutions. The Enugu State Traders Empowerment Scheme, launched to assist traders in the state to grow their various businesses through monthly raffle draw has so far benefited 3,600 traders who emerged winners of N50,000 each.
While assessing the governor’s achievements in line with the state’s founding fathers’ dreams, Chief Onyia said that “the governor has gone to the extent of trying to meet the needs of the generality of the people”, pointing out that “he went to the market place and started helping them because he wants to increase the economy - that is philosophic too”.
On security, while Enugu remains one of the safest states in the country, the state government has continued with its measures to strengthen the security architecture of the state. Consequently, the state has commenced the overhauling of Vigilante/Neighborhood Watch groups and recruitment of 1,700 Forest Guards in the 17 local government areas for maximum effectiveness; presentation of an Anti-Kidnapping Bill to the State Assembly as an Executive Bill; payment of 5,200 Vigilante/Neighborhood Watch personnel comprising 20 persons per ward as well as intensive clearing of bushes, which serve as hideouts for kidnappers and other criminal elements, among other interventions.
The state’s traditional rulers, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu and other churches, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, among others, have expressed satisfaction with the governor’s untiring efforts and the recent measures so far taken by his administration to enhance security as well as nip in the bud all criminal elements in the state.
Determined to fully actualize the dreams of the founding fathers of Enugu State, Gov. Ugwuanyi, on assumption of office for a second term, has taken an apt and innovative step by constituting 12 Sectoral ad-hoc committees to review programmes, policies and activities of his administration in the last four years and make recommendations that would assist his government to reposition the state’s public service for optimized service delivery and advancement of good governance in the state.
As the committees have submitted their weighty recommendations on how to optimize service delivery and advance good governance in the state, the stage is now set for the constitution of the implementation team, which has commenced with the submission of the first batch of Commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly for consideration and possible confirmation, for the people of Enugu State to continue to enjoy more dividends of democracy.
Happy 28th Anniversary, Ndi Enugu, the true heroes of democracy. Enugu State is truly in the hands of God.
Amoke writes from Enugu
In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the medical exercise is to assist the security agencies in their ongoing investigations.
Enugu State is in the hands of God! #amokelouis
We should all note that The time we are presents A Trying and Critically Challenging situation to every body including our Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and other Leaders/ Stakeholders and ourselves the Citizens.
We should control our vituperations,comments, insinuations and encourage a platform of constructive dialogue, Suggestions and proffer workable Ideas and Advises for implementable Solutions to each of our trending Challenges including insecurity.
Trading blames, Heaping accusations and counter accusations on our Governor and State Leadership at this moment is not the Best and will definitely block our level of thinking out a Collective responsible actions.
Every Citizen of this great State should Spe... Read more
ENUGU IS SAFE ,, THINK POSITIVELY , ,,,We should all note that The time we are presents A Trying and Critically Challenging situation to every body including our Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and other Leaders/ Stakeholders and ourselves the Citizens.
We should control our vituperations,comments, insinuations and encourage a platform of constructive dialogue, Suggestions and proffer workable Ideas and Advises for implementable Solutions to each of our trending Challenges including insecurity.
Trading blames, Heaping accusations and counter accusations on our Governor and State Leadership at this moment is not the Best and will definitely block our level of thinking out a Collective responsible actions.
Every Citizen of this great State should Speak with Love, Faith and Matured Understanding in favour of our State, our Leaders and praying Seriously for the Living God we serve to break the yokes of every enemy of our State including Satan and His agents of darkness and all their evil plans to be dealt with and defeated. No matter they cannot succeed in Discrediting thus Lovely and Peaceful State under the Current Leadership of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Enugu State as at today is still a Peaceful and Safe State, infact A Model in good governance and All inclusiveness to other States of the Federation despite some Regrettable, Sad and isolated cases of Kidnappings and other attacks by suspected bandits and criminal elements .
Instead of Condemning our Governor Gburugburu. .we should be Commending him and this Government for going the extra mile to checkmate issues of insecurity and other negative vices in our Land though these Sad cases of insecurity have been existing and not a new narrative.. It didn't just start today.
.We should check ourselves and be bold enough to report any evil and evil collaborations to the necessary authorities no matter whoever that is involved instead of attacking or directing our anger and pain at one Direction..
Synergy of Trust, Confidence, Sound judgement and Citizen,s participation to fight crime and criminality with Government will do a lot of good bearing in mind that The Governor is not the Chief Security of The Nigerian Police, Army , the DSS and even the NSCDC.
The Creation of State Police for each State will also go a long way in support of Local and State Security apparatus such as the Neighbourhood watch groups, Forest Guards , Community Youths Movements , Royal Peace Guards with Hunters , Wood Cutters ,Palm wine trappers, Farmers etc.
Pray for our Leaders and Love them while doing our own part as Responsible Citizens by being Law abiding and Wise enough Not to believe every News or Stories without confirming its genuineness, Motive and Source. So much Fake and recycled, unverifiable unfounded and Untrue negative stories are flying all over the Social media targeted at destructing our good image. Let's all think Positive and Support our Governor.for he is trying his best
Enugu State is Truly in the Hands of God
Enugu State is Safe
Enugu State I's Great . Written by Paul Nnajiofor
The issue of who takes the commissionership position as decided in election last week, ended in a stalemate, as OAU Onyema rejected the excercise, and petitioned the Governor. This made UDI LGA not to have a consencus candidate as requested by the Governor.
As God may have it, the issue of who takes the Commissionership slot for Udi was eventually laid to rest today. Chief OAU Onyema before the entire stakeholders maintained that he does not wish to continue creating a stalemate, and he yielded to the truce personally brokered between him and Chief COC Egumgbe by His Excellency, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, by stepping -down for Egumgbe to emerge as consensus candidate.
Chief Egumgbe while acknowledging and appreciating the stepping-down of OAU Onyema which automatically made way for him to emerge as CONCENSUS CANDIDATE, gave extensive insight on his discussion with the Governor and OAU, and highlighted that they reached understanding taking cognizance of the fact that many and even better political positions will still come up in future.
The Executive Chairman of the Council Hon. Nestor Ochin, and the PDP Chairman of the LGA Chief Okechukwu Aneke, equally thanked and appreciated the good partisanship of Chief OAU Onyema, and then formally presented Chief COC Egumgbe to the stakeholders as the Concensus Commissionership nominees from the LGA , and promised to foward his name to the Governor with immediate effect.
Engr Callistus Ojukwu
The incident, which occurred at a suburb, Nchatacha-Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, caused total gridlock as youths from the area blocked traffic on the Enugu-Abakaliki highway.
President General of Nchatancha-Nike community Mr Kingsley Anike said:
“She (the deceased) went to farm yesterday (Wednesday) within the hours of 2 and 6 in the evening, and she was attacked. Later in the evening, when we expected her home, she didn’t come back. We started searching for her throughout the night and this morning (Thursday), there was an expanded search team.
“It wasn’t really a distant farm, it is a nearby farm because people are not leaving far from the location. So, we saw her corpse and on getting there we saw her undies were torn apart, lying by the side; she sustained stabbing on her hands and at the back of her neck and she is dead already.
“We called the police, who have visited the scene and took photo shots of the whole situation. The body has been deposited in the mortuary.”
Enugu police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said the police received report of the incident and that the Commissioner of Police, Suleiman Balarabe, has ordered a full scale investigation.
He also confirmed that the corpse of the woman has been deposited at the mortuary of the Annunciation Hospital for autopsy.
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