TUC/World Bank rating; Rangers feat; Ohaneze’s nod

By Louis Amoke


The Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as usual featured prominently in the news in the last three weeks. During the period under review, Gov. Ugwuanyi was named the “2018 Sun Governor of the Year” for good governance; rapid rural development; regular payment of workers’ salaries and retirees’ pensions even without the receipt of federal allocation; nurturing peace and harmony among the political class and critical support for security agencies, among others.



Prior to this well-deserved feat, the National President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade (Dr.) Bobboi Bala Kaigama, while in Enugu for the ground breaking of 100 Housing Units for Nigerian workers, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his sterling performance in office and outstanding commitment to the welfare of the state’s civil servants.

Comrade Kaigama added that his leadership was proud of Gov. Ugwuanyi for paying workers’ salaries regularly and ensuring that they “have decent working environment”, saying, “If there is any governor that Nigerian workers can come up and work for his success particularly for his second term, we are proud to say that our members will work for you”.

The housing project under reference is being developed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) in collaboration with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Nigeria Employer’s Consultative Association (NECA) and the Enugu State Government. The Gov. Ugwuanyi administration in fulfillment of one of its contributions to the speedy actualization of the project, which is so dear to the workers, recently awarded contract for the construction of access roads to the site.

Also within the weeks under review, the Rangers International Football Club of Enugu staged one of the greatest soccer comebacks to win the 2018 Challenge Cup now tagged the NFF/ AITEO Cup after 35 years of the club’s last victory in the competition. It would be recalled that Enugu Rangers FC, under Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, exhibited similar historic feat when it won the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) cup – breaking the jinx of being unable to win a trophy after 32 years.

Also, the World Bank Group rated Enugu State as the second most advanced state in Nigeria towards the frontier of global good practices with regards to Ease of Doing Business.

The objective rating, which was contained in the recently released World Bank Doing Business in Nigeria 2018 report, by implication, proves that Enugu State, under the visionary leadership of Gov. Ugwuanyi has institutionalized far-reaching socio-economic reforms and provided critical infrastructure and security that have engendered a robust climate of Ease of Doing Business, creating an increased inflow of local and foreign direct investments in the state. It has also gone a long way to showcase the ingenuity of the present administration in advancing the cause of business engagements in the state through innovations, accountability, fiscal discipline and efficient public expenditure management for the overall wellbeing of the masses.

Prior to the recent World Bank rating, Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration had received an avalanche of similar verdicts and commendations from well-respected bodies. These include the Senate on the judicious utilization of the bailout funds; the BudgIT report, which listed Enugu, Lagos and Rivers as the only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that have fulfilled obligations to their workers; the recent Economic Confidential magazine verdict that listed Enugu among the seven states that are solvent with impressive over-30 per cent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund additional economic activities.

Others include, the fifth most competitive state in Nigeria, according to the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria; the third most debt sustainable State in Nigeria; the first state in Nigeria to publish its Audited State/Final Account for three consecutive years; first in the South East geo-political zone and ninth in the country based on IGR as against Federal Allocation; one of the twelve states in Nigeria that can survive without federal allocations, among others.


The climax of the weeks’ event in favour of Gov. Ugwuanyi was the Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s validation of the gale of endorsements for the governor’s re-election by various groups across the state and beyond. The Enugu State chapter of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, which made the stance during its rich and colouful Iri-Ji (New Yam) Festival held at the popular Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, stated that the validation was “an ultimate Seal of Authority in Igbo Land”

The highly revered body added that it was also “the most bankable promissory note that beckons on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a Certificate of Return to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Lawrence Ugwuanyi as the governor-elect in Enugu State come 2019”.


Speaking on behalf of the excited members of the organization’s state chapter, its President, Chief Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, further explained that they were amazed at the list of numerous groups in the state that have endorsed the governor for a second term in office, which included – “The traditional rulers council and the members of their cabinets; Association of former elected Local Government Chairmen; Enugu State Amalgamated Traders Association; Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS).

Others, according to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, include, “NULGE/ LG Pensioners; NURTW; National Assembly members; Enugu State Resident Doctors Association; Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT); Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC); Association of Former Members of Enugu State House of Assembly; Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), etc”.

It is also remarkable to note that the ex-councilors in the state, between 1999-2015, have thrown their weight behind the governor’s second term bid in 2019 and more groups have continued to endorse him, accordingly, based on his outstanding performance and uncommon leadership style.

Speaking further, the chapter’s President applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi’s “steady trajectory of massive infrastructural developments” stressing that it has “turned Enugu State into a huge and seamless construction site with all the tiers of government, namely the federal, state and the local at work in project implementation synergy”.


According to him, “the above observations by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State Chapter, are reinforced by the clamour for endorsements of Governor Ugwuanyi for his re-election as the governor of Enugu State in the 2019 general election”, revealing that “well over 100 groups have endorsed Governor Ugwuanyi to run for a second term” and “the list of such groups above is a tip of the iceberg”.

In his remark, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who witnessed the historic cultural festival with Gov. Ugwuanyi and other dignitaries, noted that the validation by the Enugu State chapter of the organization was an outward demonstration of solidarity for the governor, saying that “you (Ugwuanyi) are such a humble man that I don’t know how low you can get again in order to show more humility”.

His words: “Well I cannot say anything rather than that I have noted with great satisfaction what the people of Enugu State have said today. And when I summon the next meeting of Ime-Obi Ohanaeze, which is the highest decision making organ in Igboland, we will take into consideration what was said today because Ohanaeze must look at all our governors and their respective states and say our opinions as to who has been doing well. On this note, I say congratulations to you, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as we invite you to come and appreciate what we are doing today”.

During the recent workers’ 100 housing units’ ground breaking ceremony, the TUC National President recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration had provided similar 100 units of one-bedroom apartments for the state’s civil servants between grade levels 01-10, who became proud landlords, after the state government paid 54 percent Equity Contribution.

Appreciating him further, Comrade Kaigama declared that “Gov. Ugwuanyi is second to none in the provision of workers’ welfare in the South East geo-political zone”, and “a performer and humble leader” who listens when it comes to challenges confronting the workers and the entire people of the state. He stated that the governor has set the pace for other states to emulate, stressing that “Enugu State is working under your leadership and that is not only because you are a performer, but you exhibit the sense of performance with humility”.

According to him, “we would say it anywhere because you have done it and you are still doing it. We assure that the working class not only in Enugu State but also in the entire nation is supporting you on your efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy”.

From the foregoing, it is being reaffirmed that Gov. Ugwuanyi has continued to make a positive mark in the governance of Enugu State, through his selfless service, vision, strength of leadership, sheer dexterity, and passion for the wellbeing of the people of the state – the true heroes of democracy. It is therefore, expected of the people to continue to reciprocate this gesture through their solidarity, goodwill and support.

Amoke, writes from Enugu State

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/ugwuanyi-in-three-weeks/

All we crave is good governance, regardless of whatever region it is happening.....

Better governor....better state

OK...how many likes for him?

Kudo to Ugwuanyi although these are basic amenities but since it's difficult for most governors to achieve. Then it's a honour well deserved in Nigeria contest

042 to the world
Enugu obodo oma

Governor Ugwuanyi aka Gburu Gburu is doing well. I just pray he continues to improve and tackle failing road infrastructures example this PRODA Road Industrial layout Emene. Enugu state. The road is less than 2km and has become a nightmare.

See pictures attached

Thumbs up on your achievement but oga governor reduce ESUT school fees make parents fit send their children to school.

Na so

PR #Goodgovernance

I can't wait to visit my state 042 next week

But I heard that from onitsha to 9th mile has a terrible bad road
will confirm sha

Elections are a period

he deserves an accolade nw compare his achievment wit ikpazu nd rochas den ask ur self y

From all I hear, he is absolutely doing a great job..

However, all these awards become questionable since all governors and politicians in general irrespective of performance are usually given one award or another..

Is this not the state where there wawa Governor put his picture beside that of Jesus looking like a thief on the cross.

I don't blame them though, people in that wawa area have very low expectations and are easily impressed.

kudos to him. good governance is all we ask for, irrespective of the region.

Hotfreezer:
[s]Is this not the state where there wawa Governor put his picture beside that of Jesus looking like a thief on the cross.

I don't blame them though, people in that wawa area have very low expectations and are easily impressed[/s].

At least they are not impressed in mining human skulls

Paying salaries is now an achievement,our leaders are looking for crumbs to feed to us.

Hotfreezer:
Is this not the state where there wawa Governor put his picture beside that of Jesus looking like a thief on the cross.

I don't blame them though, people in that wawa area have very low expectations and are easily impressed.

In as much as I don't like praising nigerian leaders..

But I want to ask u one question.. Is there any state in Nigeria that is doing exceptionally well?

U don't have to insult the entire people from one region before making ur opinion..

At least I travel a lot. I am currently in Ibadan, I was in Ekiti state for some months. Which state is doing magically well now?

How high are the expectations of people of sokoto state? How high are the expectations of people of oyo state?

Pls stop this nonsense insult jaree..

Well deserved accolade to the Governor wey sabi, the performing Governor. Facts don't lie. That man certainly has favour from God. Things works for him with or without effort. Rangers miracle at Asaba is a clear testimony, I was there. Let our PVC finish the work for his second tenure.

If only Abia and Imo will be blessed with good governance like Enugu

WorkSmartEdu:
Governor Ugwuanyi aka Gburu Gburu is doing well. I just pray he continues to improve and tackle failing road infrastructures example this PRODA Road Industrial layout Emene. Enugu state. The road is less than 2km and has become a nightmare.

See pictures attached

everybody that becomes Governor of 042 has the right to repair and develop his community ( of origin) so pls hold on bro, We the nsukka speaking parts of Enugu are still yet to enjoy him..

The way Nigerians praise their visionless leaders, one might think that something is wrong with them, always celebrating mediocrity. Bulding roads, houses for the less privileged, water, and other basic amenities are what you voted them to do. People are saying that he is doing well as if you can not see open gutters around the environs. My question is this, if electricity is a rocker science to Nigerians is drainage systems also a rocket science? When will Nigerians start developing their country to be attractive like other nations, when will they start bulding roads and streets with drainage systems, when will they start bulding tarred streets,lights,water, before bulding houses. Fine houses with bad roads. In fact let me stop here.

Hmm! Gov Ugwuanyi's media team are at hyper drive, the way they invade this platform every now and then to market their candidate is becoming something else.

Grandstanding and praise singing is a very huge problem in our polity, for goodness sakes the man is doing what he is elected to do and he's been paid handsomely for it.

Pheww!

Wow, he's a good governor, he really deserves a second term, people like him must be compensated, and he's being loved by all.

#Enugu, the most peaceful and clean city in Nigeria. Enugu Amaka!

iykomo0:
everybody that becomes Governor of 042 has the right to repair and develop his community ( of origin) so pls hold on bro, We the nsukka speaking parts of Enugu are still yet to enjoy him..

Tell them.
Everything must not be in Enugu capital.
I am personally disappointed in Gburugburu.
He has spent four years trying to please every other part of Enugu State except Nsukka zone where he hails from.
And yet people from these other zones erroneously believe the Governor has Nsukkanized Enugu State.
Ask them to point at one single critical investment he has made in Nsukka zone, and they will direct you to Opi-Nsukka Road!

Look UGWUANYI has failed his own part of Enugu State.
I cannot imagine that Nsukka Zone that was marginalized in almost everything both by Federal and state governments are yet to get the kind of critical attention it rightly deserves even now that an Nsukka person is the governor.

I have virtually toured a greater part of the state, and I can tell you that Gburugburu has been sorely distracted from doing the very needful.
Even in his own country home Orba, he has done nothing meaningful. In his own local government headquarters, Obollo-Afor, he has done absolutely nothing critical.
I mean coating the express way with a fresh layer of tar is no critical infrastructure.
Even the little work done in Udenu was given to a useless construction company that uses wheel barrow and implements. Go to Obollo-Afor, what drives that town is largely private commerce, no government presence!
And yet Obollo-Afor, a northern gateway to the Eastern Nigeria holds tremendous potentials to becoming the economic hub of Enugu State.
Who says we cannot have our own Onitsha in Obollo-Afor?
What's difficult in creating a city out of Obollo-Afor?
The dry wharf proposed to be sited there is still largely a mirage!
I visit the site frequently and go home very sad that nothing is going on there!
We saw pictures of the one in Plateau State already completed.
Why can't there be a railway connection between Eha-Amufu and Obollo-Afor and Nsukka Town and Uzo-Uwani and then, a terminus at the bay of the River Niger somewhere in Onitsha or Anam or Nzam or Otuocha?

Why can't an entirely new city be created somewhere at the outskirts of Nsukka Town right from that Ikenga Hotels axis down to Uzo-Uwani.
Look these areas have very nice topography and vegetation and holds great potentials. A new city could be developed right there! We could call it New Nsukka or simply Asadu City.

Look, Enugu Capital is already filled to the brim and already bursting at the seams and spilling and splashing over to the adjoining areas.

By now focus of development in the state should have been shifted to creating a new city far from the state capital to decongest Enugu City.


After decades of neglect, Nsukka Zone now also endures neglect even when Gburugbu is the Governor.

Ugwuanyi that is paying NySC copers 800naira Enugu is grounded Joe nothing is working