Non-indigenes in Enugu State, under the umbrella of Brethren of Interfaith and Inter-Community Development Initiative, have assured Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of their resolve to support his bid to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly in 2023, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The non-indigenes also endorsed the governorship candidate of the PDP in Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as their preferred guber candidate for the 2023 general election.

The group, popularly known as “Brethren of the Rock”, comprising indigenes from TIV, Hausa, Yoruba, Igala communities and other four states of the South East geo-political zone and Delta State, gave the endorsement when they paid a solidarity visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, on Friday, to appreciate the way he has promoted peace, security and harmonious co-existence among indigenes and non-indigenes resident in Enugu State.

Accompanied by the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Enugu State Chapter, Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Edeh, the immediate past Chairman of CAN, Bishop Christian Obiefuna, the Traditional Ruler of Ibagwa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, HRH Igwe Emma Ugwu and the Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers, Enugu East Senatorial District, HRH Igwe Hyacienth Edeani, among others, the non-indigenes said that they are happy and comfortable with the way they live and relate in Enugu State.

They described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a peaceful and friendly governor, the father of the fatherless, the father of non-indigenes and the man that brought enduring peace to the state, stressing that the governor through his peaceful disposition has united all of them in the state.

Endorsing Gov. Ugwuanyi, Barr. Mbah and the PDP family in Enugu State in the forthcoming elections, the Director General of Brethren of the Rock, Barr. Onuora Okeke, on behalf of the group stated that it is worthy of commendation that people from other states “are now doing traditional marriage, wedding and other social activities in Enugu State because of the peace and security you (Ugwuanyi) have entrenched in the state.”

Barr. Onuora reassured Gov. Ugwuanyi that the non-indigenes in Enugu State will mobilise massive support for the PDP and ensure that its candidates emerge victorious at the polls in 2023 in appreciation of his peaceful and good governance initiatives in the state.

He said: “Your Excellency, we are here to show our solidarity. We are here to express our gratitude. We are here to endorse the PDP governorship candidature of Barr. Peter Mbah and we are here to reassure you that your senatorial bid is already confirmed.”

Barr. Onuora who disclosed that the group has the backing of the leadership of the Christian and Muslim communities in Enugu State as well as the traditional institution, among others, maintained that they will deliver on their mandate in 2023.

In their separate solidarity speeches in support of the DG’s presentation, Bishop Joseph Ajujungwa, the representative of Sarikin Hausawa, Alhaji Danladi Abubakar, the leader of Yoruba Community, Alhaji Abdulazeez Adebayo, the Onu Igala, Enugu, Ndayale Onuja, the representative of TIV Community, Hon. Tamenor Emmanuel, the leader of Abia, Anambra, Imo, Delta and Ebonyi (AAIDE), Hon. Igwe Eke, HRH Igwe Edeani, the Women Director, Brethren of the Rock, Hon. Chioma Chukwu and HRH Igwe Ugwu, all paid glowing tributes to Gov. Ugwuanyi for entrenching peace and good governance in Enugu State as well as his humility, accommodating spirit and commitment to national unity, reassuring him of the maximum support and solidarity of non-indigenes living in the state.

The climax of the event was the recognition of Gov. Ugwuanyi as the Grand Patron of Brethren of Interfaith and Inter-Community Development Initiative (Brethren of the Rock) by the non-indigenes.

The Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Malachy Okwueze and the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Barr. Nestor Ezeme were at the event.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has approved the constitution of a Project Implementation Committee (PIC) to ensure the smooth take-off of the newly licensed State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the committee is chaired by Prof. Valentine O. Ekechukwu while the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Malachy Ikechukwu Okwueze serves as the secretary.

Members of the committee include a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Chika Okoro, a representative of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr. Nnaemeka Nwakanma, a representative of the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Prof. Obinna D. Onodugo, and the Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie.

Other members of the committee are the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Prof. Christian Anieke, the Chairman, ESUT Teaching Hospital Board, Prof. Ed Nwobodo, the Chief Medical Director, Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu, Prof. Gerald Picardo, and the Medical Director, National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu, Dr. Emma Iyidiobi.

Recall that the NUC recently granted license to Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration to establish a new, full-fledged state-owned medical university, named the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) Igbo-Eno, Enugu State.

The milestone achievement is in furtherance of the state government’s concerted efforts towards increased access to quality university education for the teeming youths, enhanced healthcare service delivery for the people of Enugu State and beyond, as well as the full actualisation of its rural development and socio-economic expansion programmes in line with the governor’s inaugural address in 2015.

Enugu govt congratulates indigene for emerging first African to win AFS award for Young Global Citizens

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu State has congratulated
Mr. Noel Ifeanyi Alumona, an indigene of the state who won the 2022 AFS Award for Young Global Citizens.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Steve Oruruo, the state government expressed immense delight at "the uncommon emergence of a young Nigerian of Enugu extraction".

Oruruo stated that "the state government takes special cognizance of the huge inspiration and unprecedented impetus this phenomenal feat will invariably engender in the psyche of our teeming youths," adding that "of greater and more enduring significance, is the fact that this is the first time an African is winning this prestigious award since inception in 1914.''

The state government commended "the unflinching sense of dexterity, unwavering commitment, unyielding vigour, sustained candour and unflappable diligence with which our illustrious son has pursued the emancipation of the global community; a seemingly intolerant world and elimination of all prejudice against persons in special education, especially, women and the girl child".

According to the statement, "the tenor and purpose of his 'BOYS CHAMPION ORGANIZATION' align completely with the state government’s deliberate policies of prioritising the rejuvenation of education, welfare and security of the people while maintaining zero tolerance for all forms of violence against humanity.

"The Government of Enugu State hereby enjoins the youths of the state to keep striving relentlessly for more laurels while promising to partner with Mr Noel Ifeanyi Alumona and his organization for proper domiciliation of the impacts of this remarkable and colossal accomplishment within the fabrics of our immediate societies

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration’s transformational policies in the education sector have been attributed to the recent ranking of Enugu State as first among public secondary schools that presented candidates for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination in Nigeria, in 2021.

According to a recent data released by WAEC and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) published by a data firm, StatiSense on its verified Twitter handle, Enugu State came first in the ranking of the pass rate among public secondary schools that wrote the examination across the country, recording 93.9 percent.

Enugu was also ranked the second best performing state in Nigeria in the same examination with 92.7 percent.

Reacting to the positive development, Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, in a statement, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his dexterity and utmost commitment to quality education in the state.

Prof. Eze disclosed that the enviable feat recorded by Enugu State is “a testament to the huge investment made in the education sector of Enugu State by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his result-oriented administration.”

The Education Commissioner added that the transformational policies of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration in the education sector have brought many laurels to Enugu State.

He pointed out that the governor’s strategic plans in the education sector which are being meticulously implemented, “led to this wonderful performance among our students.”

Prof. Eze, therefore, appreciated the students, their teachers and management of public secondary schools in the state for their individual and collective contributions towards the success recorded by the state, stressing the need for the legacy to be sustained for the future of education in Enugu State

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Friday, granted approval to the request made by the OHA Ibagwa-Aka community in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of the state for the creation of Ndioke Ibagwa-Aka Autonomous Community.

Gov. Ugwuanyi gave the approval when the people of OHA Ibagwa-Aka community visited him at the Government House, Enugu, to thank him for the appointment of their illustrious son, Comrade Dr. Peter Andy Omeje as a commissioner in his cabinet as well as his “towering and exemplary achievements in the areas of peace building, security, infrastructural development, education, health, human resources development, women and youth empowerment.”

The people of Ibagwa-Aka also paid glowing tributes to Gov. Ugwuanyi for the establishment of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, stressing that the medical university is one of the landmark achievements the governor will be indelibly remembered for.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Prof. Ikenna Omeje stated that this is the first time in the history of Enugu State that an indigene of Ibagwa-Aka was appointed a commissioner, expressing profound gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for breaking the jinx.

Prof. Omeje added that the people of Ibagwa-Aka are equally delighted at the ongoing road construction in the community, adding that they are impressed that the standard of the road project will stand the test of time.

He went further to appreciate the governor for the construction of a Type-3 Primary Healthcare Centre in Ibagwa-Aka, saying: “This is the best ever and it is already functioning with medical personnel and facilities to upgrade healthcare service delivery in our community.”

Further expressing their gratitude, Prof. Omeje told Gov. Ugwuanyi, who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Enugu North Senatorial District, that “you have liberated us from our political suppressors,” and declared their unanimous support for his senatorial bid in 2023.

They assured the governor of their maximum support and solidarity and that of other candidates of the PDP in the 2023 elections.

In related developments, more groups converged on the Government House, Enugu, to declare support for Gov. Ugwuanyi’s senatorial bid and that of the PDP governorship candidate, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and other candidates of the party ahead of the 2023 elections.

Prominent among the groups were members of the Ochudo Support Group for Gburugburu and Peter Mbah led by the founder and member representing Nsukka East Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Chinedu Nwamba; youths of Uzo-Uwani LGA under various associations, led by the Council Chairman, Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie; Executives and Coordinators of Gburu-Gburu Unity Front (GUF23) led by Hon. Onyeka Eya; Ogechi Cashew Nuts Association, Obollo-Afor; and Nsukka Zone Entertainers led by Hon. Luke Eze, popularly known as Mcee Elder.

In their separate presentations, the groups applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi’s exemplary leadership qualities and highlighted his administration’s numerous achievements in all spheres of development in spite of the nation’s challenges bordering on economy, security and public health.

They pointed out that the governor has done well in the areas of peace, security, road infrastructure, rural development, healthcare delivery, education, women and youth empowerment and human capital development, workers and pensioners’ welfare, among others.

They reiterated their unflinching loyalty and support for Gov. Ugwuanyi to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly in 2023, stressing that his accomplishments in office with limited resources in the face of numerous challenges in the country are worthy of commendation.

The groups, therefore, pledged to deploy their energy and time to mobilise overwhelming support for the governor and the PDP to ensure that they record landslide victories at the polls.

Councillors in the 260 electoral wards in Enugu State have assured Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State that they will work round the clock and mobilise massively in their respective wards to deliver the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidates in the 2023 general election.

The 260 councillors, who gave the assurance when they paid a 'Thank-you' visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday, unanimously declared their support for the governor, the PDP governorship candidate, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and all other candidates of the party in the state.

They stressed their solidarity to Gov. Ugwuanyi and expressed gratitude to him for the uncommon leadership role he played towards their emergence as councillors in their respective wards on the platform of the PDP.

The elated councilors added that if not for the magnanimity and selfless leadership style of the governor, none of them would have emerged as a councillor in the state.

They also appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for always believing in the youths, disclosing that 99.9 percent of the present councillors in the state are youths.

Speaking on their behalf, the Coordinator of 260 Ward Councillors in Enugu State and Leader of Udenu Legislative Council, Hon. Nnamdi Odo, said that past councilors during previous administrations did not enjoy the privilege they enjoyed during the selection process leading to their emergence, stressing that they emerged without godfathers.

“Your Excellency, we came to tell you thank you. We owe you thank you and part of our coming is to also tell you that we are going to deliver our wards to the PDP come 2023. There is no ward in the 260 wards that will be lost to the opposition.”

Stressing their eagerness to work as grassroots mobilisers, Hon. Odo said: “Your Excellency, if you look carefully, you will see that we have the strength to work and we are eager to work. It is not that of social media. We are on the ground at the grassroots.

“The debt we owe you, our father and leader, and our great party, the PDP, is come February 2023, we will deliver all the candidates of our party starting from you, Your Excellency, our governorship candidate, Barr. Peter Mbah, and other candidates for the senatorial seats, House of Representatives and House of Assembly.

“It is our task and we are going down to our wards to ensure that we deliver all these candidates come 2023 elections.”

Commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for his youth-friendly initiatives, the coordinating councillor pointed out that Enugu youths have never had it so good, saying: “You (Ugwuanyi) are the only governor in this state who came and accommodated many youths in your administration through political appointments and election into public offices.”

Pointing out that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration is “the only administration that faced the nation’s recession twice within five years,” Odo added: “We are wondering and we said when we come today, we will ask His Excellency, how he is doing this magic of entrenching peace and good governance in Enugu State.

“At the end of every month, our parents receive their salaries, workers are not being owed, and you construct projects in all nooks and crannies of Enugu State. The communities in Enugu State bear testimonies to what His Excellency is doing. We urge you to keep it up.

“Your Excellency, as a man with a large heart, you accommodate all. The payback time will come by 2023. We are united more than ever. We have become a formidable structure in the 17 local government areas and 260 wards in the state and we assure you as grassroots mobilisers that we will deliver all the PDP candidates.”

Corroborating Odo’s remarks, the Zonal Coordinators for Enugu East and Enugu West senatorial districts, Hon. Caleb Ani (Enugu South LGA) and Philip Igwe (Aninri LGA) respectively, applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi’s exemplary leadership qualities, peace and grassroots development initiatives and commitment to the well-being of youths of the state, reassuring him that the 260 councillors will deliver all the candidates of the PDP in the forthcoming elections.

Encouraging the councillors to remain focused, steadfast and committed to the ideals of the PDP and progress of the Gov. Ugwuanyi-led PDP administration, the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, thanked them for opting to work for the victory of the PDP at the polls in 2023, assuring them that they stand to benefit more in the future.

Listing the challenges his administration has encountered since inception to include economic recession which was experienced twice within five years, COVID-19 pandemic and EndSars protests, Gov. Ugwuanyi who appreciated the councillors for the solidarity and support, attributed their emergence as councillors to the will of God.

The governor thanked them for their contributions towards the peaceful atmosphere in Enugu State and reiterated his administration’s commitment to their well-being, disclosing that Enugu was not among the eight states in the country listed by BudgIT to be owing at least six months salaries of some of their workers.

He therefore called on the councillors to continue to pray for his administration, the state and a peaceful transition in 2023

Members of Udi/Ezeagu Progressive Alliance (UEPA) in Enugu State, yesterday, unanimously declared their support for all the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election.

Members of the group said their decision to support the PDP was because of the respect they have for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who is the leader of the PDP in Enugu State and the South East geo-political zone.

Speaking during the 4th phase of empowerment programme of UEPA in support of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s peaceful and result-oriented administration, the Director General of the group, Ozo Onyebuchi Ani, disclosed that they are overwhelmed by the unique leadership qualities of the governor and his good works in Enugu State in spite of the state’s lean resources and the nation’s economic, security and public health challenges.

Ani stressed that Ugwuanyi, who graced the event, became governor at the most difficult period in the nation’s economic development but has been able to manage the affairs of Enugu State peacefully and successfully.

The Director General maintained that it is worthy of commendation that the governor in spite of the nation’s numerous challenges led Enugu State out of two economic recessions suffered by the country within five years, to record milestone achievements in various sectors of development, most especially in the areas of peace, security, health, education, workers’ welfare, road infrastructure and rural development.

Ani stated that it was unfortunate that some people with ulterior motives have deliberately refused to acknowledge the good works of Gov. Ugwuanyi in spite of the challenges he met on ground when he assumed office, assuring that: “We will continue to follow you (Ugwuanyi), as governor of Enugu State, and as a Senator in 2023, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Commenting further on the governor’s steadfastness, resilience and visionary approach towards the progress of the state, the Director General said: “You have done well in spite of the nation’s economic challenges. You assumed office when the economy of the country was in shambles but you were able to manage the affairs of the state peacefully and successfully. Anybody undermining your efforts has an ulterior motive.”

Appreciating Gov. Ugwuanyi for the emergence of a youth from Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Engr. Osita Ngwu (RG), as the candidate of the PDP for Enugu West Senatorial District and the Patron of UEPA cum former Chief of Staff of the governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor, as the PDP candidate for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Ani urged the governor to remain steadfast in his leadership role and assist them immensely to deliver the duo, the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and other candidates of the party in the state.

“Your Excellency, you are the father of the state. You have been a father to this noble association. You have been a guardian to this noble association. There was never a day we called on you that you did not answer us. We give glory to God for giving us a man like you. It is not easy. Here we are doing this ceremony today in a quiet environment. It is not easy. It is a divine gift from God through you.

“I want to put it straight to you sir that we are grateful to you. And we want to thank you that today, Udi/Ezeagu is going to have a Senator in the person of Engr. Osita Ngwu. We want to thank you again because he is a youth. He will perform wonders.

“As if that is not enough, our Patron, your former Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor, emerged the candidate of the PDP for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency.

“Please, Your Excellency, deliver Dr. Festus Uzor for us. Help us to deliver him. Help us to deliver Engr. Osita Ngwu, help us to deliver all the PDP candidates in our state.

“We, the members of Udi/Ezeagu Progressive Alliance, are for the PDP. And why we made it possible for the PDP is because of your influence.

“Gburugburu (Ugwuanyi), Udi/Ezeagu Progressive Alliance has decided to follow you after your tenure as the governor to any other place you will go because where you are going is far,” the Director General said.

Ani revealed that UEPA has empowered about 80 percent of its members, explaining that the 4th phase of the empowerment programme was borne out of their firm resolve as a socio-cultural organisation to continue to empower their members periodically.

Disclosing the theme of the empowerment programme as: “Palm Production and Wealth Creation,” the Director General said: “We have invited a resource person in the person of Chief Eric N. Ozongwu, MD, NONET Palms Nig. Ltd, to educate us on “Palm Production and Wealth Creation” so that we can slightly vary the method of this current programme to the advantage of today’s beneficiaries. It is in our interest not to only volunteer funds to members but to also provide some more value.”

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Udi Local Government Area, Hon. Philip Okoh, on behalf of the people of Udi and Ezeagu LGAs, welcomed Gov. Ugwuanyi and expressed gratitude to him for gracing the occasion.

Hon. Okoh said they will remain grateful to Gov. Ugwuanyi for lifting up their people politically through his (Oko’s) emergence as the Chairman of Udi LGA and the emergence of Engr. Ngwu and Rt. Hon. Dr. Uzor as PDP candidates for Enugu West Senatorial District and Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency respectively.

Dignitaries at the event held at Enugu Sports Club, GRA, Enugu, include, Engr. Ngwu (RG), Rt. Hon. Dr. Uzor, Chief Ozongwu, and the club’s Chairman, Barr. John Henry Nwosu.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has directed the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Charles Egumgbe, to take all necessary measures to address the injustice in Ishi-Ozalla Autonomous Community, Nkanu West Local Government Area, over the Igweship tussle in the community.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who gave the directive when the people of Ishi-Ozalla visited him at the Government House, Enugu, to lay complaints over “the inhuman, very pathetic, and unjust treatment” being meted out to them by a politician from the community and his cohorts, told them that his administration will observe all the processes required to address the injustice.

The governor assured the people of Ishi-Ozalla that the story will change next time they will visit the Government House.

Insisting that justice must be done, Gov. Ugwuanyi urged them to “embrace peace, love one another and show love to all,” in keeping with his administration's peace and grassroots development initiatives.

Laying their complaints to Gov. Ugwuanyi, Chief Mrs. Muna Nweke accused a politician from Ishi-Ozalla of being behind all the crises in the community, saying that the person in question “imposed an Igwe on us while the people of the community have unanimously elected an Igwe, our illustrious son, Don Sylvester Nweke.”

Chief Nweke told the governor that the accused person and his political cabals deployed name-dropping tactics in an attempt to intimidate the people of Ishi-Ozalla and impose an unpopular candidate on them as their traditional ruler.

“Your Excellency, you could recall also that we issued a press release that we are not part of it (imposition) and you asked us to go and make peace,” she said.

Stressing that the said politician “is destroying our community”, Chief Nweke added: “The man he is imposing on us is not our king and he cannot rule us. We have elected our son (Sylvester Nweke) to rule us. Our son will rule Ishi-Ozalla.

“Umuedeaniagu is the ancient people of Ozalla that migrated from Okpatu in Ozalla. Your Excellency, look into our land case and confirm if a visitor has land. Nobody has the kind of land we have in Ishi-Ozalla. The land that was donated to UNTH, 60 percent of it belongs to my ancestors.

“How can somebody tell me that I cannot be part of the leadership of the community? I hold the title of Ufam Ozalla; it is the stream that unites the whole of Ozalla.

“I am the re-incarnate of that goddess and I have come for peace to reign in my family,” Okoye said.

Speaking in the same vein, High Chief Ayima Okoroeme and the President-General of the Ishi-Ozalla Town Union, Hon. Obinna Nvene, appealed to Gov. Ugwuanyi to address the communal issue in the overall interest of the community in particular and the state in general.

The Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Malachy Okwueze, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Egumgbe and his Lands and Urban Development counterpart, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh were at the event.

Youths of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State have declared their unalloyed support for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s senatorial bid in the 2023 general election.

Igbo-Etiti youths disclosed that their support for Gov. Ugwuanyi is in recognition of his good works in Igbo-Etiti LGA in particular and Enugu State in general.

The youths stressed that their unanimous support for the governor’s senatorial bid is also borne out of their conviction that his wealth of experience in the National Assembly will be of immense benefit to the people of Enugu North Senatorial District and beyond.

[b]They pointed out that the governor has accommodated youths of Igbo-Etiti LGA in his administration more than any other local government in Enugu State, stressing that their council area is a major beneficiary of political appointments in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the youths, the newly elected President of Igbo-Etiti Youths, Nicholas Odozor, thanked the governor for the attraction of Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, to the Igbo-Etiti LGA as well as construction of Type-3 Primary Healthcare Centre in the council area, among other projects.

Odozor also expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for the appointments of illustrious sons of Igbo-Etiti LGA as the Secretary to the State Government in the person of Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Samson Ezea and numerous others as Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Special Assistants, (SAs), Executive Assistants (EAs), among others.[/b]

“Your Excellency, we came to pay solidarity to you and to thank you for all you have done for us in Igbo-Etiti LGA.

“We are aware of the Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, you attracted to our area. It is a great achievement and we thank you. The health centre (Type-3 Primary Healthcare Centre) in our council area is another major achievement of your administration that is of great benefit to our people.

“We are aware of your senatorial bid and we know that you are familiar with the National Assembly and your wealth of experience will benefit our people. It is a privilege.

“Igbo-Etiti LGA is among the most populated LGAs and we assure you that we will deliver you and others overwhelmingly," he said.

Also speaking, the Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Igbo-Etiti LGA, Ifeanyi Atunya, equally thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi in a special way for his benevolence and commitment to the progress of the youths in the council area, appreciating the governor for the emergence of a youth as the chairman of the council in the person of Hon. Ikenna Nwodo.

Atunya maintained that “Igbo-Etiti LGA is the only LGA that has more youths in the government of Enugu State,” adding: “Our two House of Assembly members, Rt. Hon. James Akadu and Rt. Hon. Ugo Ezenta Ezeani are youths. Our SSAs, SAs and EAs are youths. Our present LG Chairman is also a youth. We came to tell you that we are solidly behind you and will stand by you always.”

Reassuring Gov. Ugwuanyi of their support, the youth leader told the governor that they will mobilise effectively to deliver him and other candidates of the PDP in 2023, including the party’s governorship candidate, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, stressing: “PDP is Igbo-Etiti and Igbo-Etiti is PDP. There is no shaking. We are solidly behind you, Your Excellency."

Speaking in the same vein, the Director General, Nsukka Youths for Good Governance, Clinton Ogbonna, went further to reassure Gov. Ugwuanyi of the unflinching support and solidarity of Igbo-Etiti youths and commended the governor for his youth-friendly initiatives that have impacted their lives positively.

“Your Excellency, what we are assuring you is that we have a date with you come February 2023. You don’t have any opposition in Nsukka in the coming senatorial, governorship and other elections."

“You picked many young people from nowhere and empowered them. We see you as a leader and father to the fatherless and we see you as a governor of the common people.

“Our support is to recognise you in Igbo-Etiti and beyond. We will recognise you even after occupying the office of the governor and representing us in the senate. We are going to the grassroots, and our wards to deliver,” he assured.

Speaking on behalf of the women, Sharon Nwangwu, applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for being gender-friendly especially the bold step he took towards the emergence of Hon. Mrs. Nkechi Ugwo-Oju from Igbo-Etiti LGA as the first woman to be elected as chairman of a local government area in the state.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi appreciated them for their support and solidarity, expressing delight at their comportment and sense of vision in electing their executives and promoting the set objectives of the group, including encouraging and mobilising people for PVC registration, and called on youths in other LGAs to emulate them.

The governor thanked the Igbo-Etiti youths for promoting peace and good governance in Enugu State and assured them of the support of the state government.

Gov. Ugwuanyi used the opportunity to thank all stakeholders of Enugu State for their support to his administration and the existing peace in the state.

An international, non-partisan, non-profitable, advocacy and campaigning organisation that fights extreme poverty and preventable disease particularly in Africa through public awareness, among others, ONE Campaign, has recognised Enugu as the second highest performing state in Primary Healthcare Service Delivery in Nigeria for 2019-2021.

Presenting the award of recognition to the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ENSPHCDA), Dr. George Ugwu, the Country Director of One Campaign in Nigeria, Stanley Achonu, commended the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the excellent status of primary healthcare system in the state.

Achonu disclosed that ONE Campaign, which is also a global movement “pressuring political leaders to support policies and programmes that are saving lives and improving futures”, National Advocates for Health, Nigeria Health Watch, Public Private Development Centre, World Bank and other partners, worked together in the ranking of the 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Country Director maintained that Enugu State has done extremely well in Primary Healthcare Service Delivery to deserve the award.

He, therefore, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for making primary healthcare delivery a priority of his administration in the overall interest of residents of the state, especially those residing in the rural areas.

The Executive Secretary of ENSPHCDA, Dr. Ugwu, was equally applauded for the successes the agency has recorded so far, including its great impact in safeguarding the health of the residents of the state especially in the fight against Yellow Fever, Cholera, COVID-19 pandemic, and all childhood related diseases, which earned Enugu State the award.

Briefing newsmen after he unveiled the prestigious award to Gov. Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, Enugu, Dr. Ugwu expressed gratitude to the governor for providing the needed support and enabling environment “which made the attainment of the excellent performance that led to this recognition and award possible”.

The ENSPHCDA Executive Secretary, who explained that Enugu State came behind the FCT which was ranked first in Primary Healthcare Service Delivery in Nigeria, pointed out that Enugu was ranked the best among all the 36 states in the country.

Commending Gov. Ugwuanyi further for the enviable feat, Dr. Ugwu disclosed that the governor “since 2015 has consistently made primary healthcare service delivery a priority in line with his rural development agenda”, expressing delight that the positive results of his administration’s huge investment in the health sector are becoming obvious and being cherished at national and international levels.

According to him, “the unique and outstanding Type-3 Primary Health Centres which are now functional in many parts of the state and the improvement of primary healthcare programmes and services with implementation of the basic healthcare services as well as provision of funds have been remarkably innovative and impactful in Enugu State.”

Dr. Ugwu stressed that the assessment leading to the recognition was conducted by a group of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and their international partners under the guidance of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

One of the major support groups of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Door-to-Door for Gburugburu, has reiterated its unflinching support for Gov. Ugwuanyi and his political decisions ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The group, comprising women, men and youths across the 17 local government areas of Enugu State, expressed their confidence in Gov. Ugwuanyi and his uncommon leadership style anchored on peace and good governance.

They reassured the governor that they are solidly behind him, stressing that where he stands is where they stand in respect of the 2023 general elections.

Speaking when members of Door-to-Door for Gburugburu paid a solidarity visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, the Coordinator, Chief Mrs. Amaka Anajemba, told the governor that “we believe in you as our mentor”.

Mrs. Anajemba pointed out that the visit was to celebrate the governor’s success story in spite of numerous challenges confronting the country, adding that “we are here to remind you that it is the same Door-to-Door for Gburugburu since 2014 that is still in existence today”.

The group’s Coordinator asked Gov. Ugwuanyi to always count on their unalloyed support and solidarity, disclosing that the governor’s exemplary leadership style spurred most of them to join politics.

They expressed their commitment to support and work assiduously towards the victory of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State and the governor’s choice, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and other candidates of the party in the forthcoming general elections.

“Your Excellency, we came here to tell you that we are solidly behind you since 2014 till date; that the bond that bonded us together with you is irrevocable; that our speech is bonded.

“The large numbers of people you see here are just a tip of the iceberg of our membership. We believe that wherever you tell us to go is where we will go. When you go to bed have your two eyes closed, Door to Door is for you, Door to Door is with you, Door to Door is behind you and Door to Door is beside you”, she said.

Also speaking, the group’s Coordinator, Men’s wing, Ifeanyi Agbalibeazu, also told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “we have come here to give you wonderful accolade for what you have done in Enugu State”, adding: “We shall continue to appreciate you and anywhere you tell us to go in 2023 consider it done, Your Excellency”.

In his speech, the Coordinator for youths, Chukwunonso Ani, specifically commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the peace he entrenched in Enugu State, stating that the feat, which is not easy to maintain, is uncommon in the entire country.

“Your Excellency, we thank you; we are loyal; we see your good works in Enugu State. Today, everybody sleep with his or her two eyes closed. It is not easy to maintain peace.

“If somebody tells you what it takes to maintain peace, you will know that it is not a small task. We are glad that Enugu is the most peaceful state in the South East. What we tell you is that the youths of Door-to-Door for Gburugburu are solidly behind you. There is no shaking”, he added.

On her part, the group’s Liaison Officer/ Coordinator, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Mrs. Elizabeth Ugwuoke, said that the numerous NGOs in Door-to-Door for Gburugburu have enormous goodwill and support for Gov. Ugwuanyi and his good works in Enugu State in spite of all the challenges confronting the country bordering on economy, security and public health, among others.

Mrs. Ugwuoke described Gov. Ugwuanyi as the most gender-friendly governor who has accommodated more women in governance of the state in so many ways, reiterating their resolve to continue to promote and support his administration to succeed.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked members of the group for their unceasing prayers, solidarity and support since 2014 till date.

The governor who attributed the peace and good governance in Enugu State to God, stressed that the favour of God made it possible for the electoral victories in 2015 and 2019 where he was reelected with 95.54 percent of the valid votes cast, a referendum on his first term achievements in office.

Gov. Ugwuanyi reassured them of his administration’s commitment to the wellbeing of the people of Enugu State including members of the support group.

He equally thanked other support groups for their solidarity, goodwill and prayers.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Mrs. Mabel Agbo, and the Executive Secretary of Enugu State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Barr. Nestor Ezeme, were among the dignitaries at the event.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has commended the 17 million Nigerians in the Diaspora for their exceptional contributions towards the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

Speaking at the event to mark this year’s Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja, with the theme, “Diaspora Engagement in Global challenging Times for National Development”, Gov. Ugwuanyi pointed out that the topic was aptly chosen in view of contemporary economic and social challenges facing many countries in the world including Nigeria.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Diaspora, Mrs. Olangwa Ezekwu, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed delight that the event was designed to facilitate engagements among Diasporans with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of governments, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and all important stakeholders in the implementation of the national framework for the effective engagement of Diasporans for national development.

The governor disclosed that his administration has continued to follow the examples set by the Federal Government to establish policies and legislations and embark on projects aimed at enhancing Diaspora engagement for the overall benefit of the nation.

He added that the state government has set up numerous projects in the health, education, housing and other sectors in that regard, disclosing: “Just recently, I gave permission for the Enugu State Diaspora Bill to be presented to the State Executive Council (EXCO), and thereafter sent to the State House of Assembly in our bid to establish a full State Diaspora Commission.

“This is in addition to other programmes and projects we are lining up to harness and realise in full, the potentials offered by engagement with Enugu State Diasporans”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi commended President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, for instituting the remarkable celebration.

The governor went further to applaud the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) for bringing the vision of the body to fruition.

He equally expressed gratitude to NIDCOM for inviting him as Special Guest of Honour to celebrate the 17 million Nigerians in the Diaspora and their worthy contributions towards the development of Nigeria.

Hallmark of the 2022 Diaspora Day celebration in Enugu State was an outreach programme embarked upon by the Enugu State Diaspora Community in primary schools across different local government areas in the state.

The programme, which was spearheaded by the governor’s Special Adviser on Diaspora, Mrs. Ezekwu, involved the distribution of writing materials, school bags, mosquito nets and anti-malaria drugs to the pupils in the schools visited.

The delegation of the Enugu State Diaspora Community also visited St. Louisa Home in Enugu for mentally challenged and handicapped children.

Recall that the Enugu State Diaspora Community had lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for providing the enabling environment and mobilizing indigenes of the state resident abroad for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the state.

Highlights of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi's scorecard in Enugu State

(Volume one: Roads, Bridges and Rural Development)

Powered by: Workable Partners for Gburugburu (July 2022).

Watch attached video clip below!

Members of “Governor Ugwuanyi Progressive Movement (GUPM)”, a support group of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, have reiterated their unalloyed support and loyalty to the governor as their leader and role model.

Members of GUPM also reassured Gov. Ugwuanyi of their solidarity and firm support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that they will continue to follow the governor as the leader of the PDP in the state and work assiduously towards the party’s electoral victory in 2023.

Speaking when the Ward, Local Government, Zonal and State Coordinators of GUPM paid a solidarity visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday, the State Coordinator, Engr. Chris Ugwu maintained that their loyalty to the governor, since 2016 the group was inaugurated, is unshakable.

Engr. Ugwu told Gov. Ugwuanyi that they are impressed with his uncommon leadership style in Enugu State anchored on peace and good governance, stressing that the governor has discharged his responsibilities diligently and satisfactorily in spite of the state’s lean resources and numerous challenges confronting the country, bordering on economy, security and health.

“Your Excellency, our coming out today is to show that GUPM Enugu State is for you and also tell you that we are solidly behind you. What gives us joy in Enugu State is the peace and good governance your administration has entrenched in the state despite all the security and economic challenges in the country.

“We don’t know how you do the magic. What we know is that you entrusted Enugu State to the Hands of God. You made Enugu State to be in peace and witness development especially in the rural areas where our people were hitherto neglected”, he said.

The State Coordinator stressed that the visit was to reaffirm their resolve to continue to support and follow Gov. Ugwuanyi as their leader and candidate of the PDP for Enugu North Senatorial District, the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Barr. Peter Mbah as well as other candidates of the party in the 2023 general elections.

In their separate speeches, GUPM Coordinators for Enugu East, Enugu North and Enugu West senatorial districts, Hon. John Nnam, Hon. Chris Ugwu and Hon. Remigius Udeh, respectively, corroborated the stance of their State Coordinator and reaffirmed their support and loyalty to Gov. Ugwuanyi and his PDP-led administration.

They stressed that the group has been working tirelessly in support of the governor since 2016 and will not relent in doing so, pointing out that they treasure the peace and development in Enugu State and would want the feat to be sustained for posterity.

Speaking on behalf of the women, Mrs. Ebere Irechukwu thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for “the good works you are doing for us in Enugu State”, adding that “they are numerous to be enumerated”.

She reassured Gov. Ugwuanyi that they will continue to follow him, and beseeched God to keep on bestowing the governor with wisdom, good health, peace and strength to render more selfless service to the people of the state and Nigeria in general.

Youths of Enugu State have beseeched God to give them mercy to enjoy the person who will succeed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi the way they have enjoyed working harmoniously with the governor.

Enugu youths said they will forever remain grateful to Gov. Ugwuanyi for giving them the platform to exist in the state as future leaders.

Speaking when they paid a Thank-you visit to the Governor at the Government, House Enugu, yesterday, the youths under the umbrella of Coalition of Enugu State Youths, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as their mentor and leader who has shown them fatherly love and care.

The leader of the group, Comrade Samuel Ebube Nebo, disclosed that the essence of the visit was to first appreciate Gov. Ugwuanyi before joining the campaign train of "the leader you (Ugwuanyi) have given us" as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and other PDP candidates in the 2023 general elections.

Comrade Nebo, the Enugu West Zonal Youth Leader, maintained that Gov. Ugwuanyi, who is the PDP candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District, has done so much for the youths of Enugu State.

"Your Excellency, we are praying that God in His infinite mercy will give us mercy to enjoy the next person (incoming governor) the way we enjoy you.

"You are a mentor, you are a leader. We have these two things to give you.

"Your Excellency, you are 58 years and we are here with 58 bottles of water. Igbo people say that water has no enemy and this water will nullify your past, present and future enemies.

"Your Excellency, by next year you will be 59 years. We came with another bottle water making it 59. So we are celebrating your birthday this year and we are celebrating next year. And we the youths of Enugu State, we pray in all honesty that God will bless you, God will keep you, more especially give you peace and long life", he said.

The Enugu East Zonal Youth Leader, Comrade Edeani M. Edeani, spoke in the same direction, thanking Gov. Ugwuanyi for keeping faith with the promise that his successor will come from Enugu East Senatorial District, precisely Nkanu land.

In his speech, the Enugu North Zonal Youth Leader, Comrade Roy Ekwueme expressed delight that "90 percent of people that got one ticket or the other from my zone are youths".

He added: "We thank you (Ugwuanyi). The youths of Enugu State have come to say thank you to you our Father for what you have done for us is not easy at all and we are pleading that you should continue to carry us the way you have been carrying us as your children.

"Some of us are afraid of what will happen to them when you leave office. But I have been promising them that the way you have fathered them is the way you will continue to Father them".

The people of Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Friday, in their numbers, converged on the Government House, Enugu, to thank Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the emergence of their illustrious son, Engr. Osita Ngwu (RG), as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Enugu West Senatorial District in the 2023 general elections.

The jubilant people of Udi LGA, who came with their clergy, traditional rulers, different masquerades and cultural dance troupes, said they are deeply grateful to Gov. Ugwuanyi for acceding to their yearning to occupy the senatorial seat of Enugu West Senatorial District for the first time in the history of the state.

Led by the PDP senatorial candidate, Engr. Ngwu, the Chairman of Udi LGA, Hon. Philip Okoh, member representing Udi South Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chuka Eneh, Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Charles Egumgbe, the General Manager of Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC), Hon. Chukwuemelie Agu, among other stakeholders, the Udi people told Gov. Ugwuanyi that they will forever remain indebted to him for breaking the jinx and ensuring that they receive their fair share in the political positions in Enugu West Senatorial District and the state.

The people of Udi LGA reassured the governor of their maximum support and loyalty to his administration and the PDP, promising that they will deliver the PDP governorship candidate, Barr. Peter Mbah, and all other candidates of the party, in the forthcoming general elections.

They also expressed delight at the choice of Engr. Ngwu as the Enugu West Senatorial District candidate of the PDP, describing him as a young, intelligent, matured and unassuming personality, who will bring his wealth of experience in his private and public dealings to bear in providing quality representation to the people of the district, if elected.

They equally appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for the emergence of his former Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor as the PDP candidate for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency.

The people of Udi LGA, therefore, beseeched God to continue to bless Gov. Ugwuanyi, who is the PDP candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District, and all his endeavours, stressing that the governor, based on his political sagacity and antecedents, will not represent only his district in the Senate, but also the entire state, if elected.

Speaking, the Rector, Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, Ezeagu LGA, Rev. Fr. Dr. Nnamdi Nwankwo said that “the governor showed to us that he is a father, not just a father of the entire state but a father that has the pains and feelings of Udi people at heart”.

Expressing deep gratitude, Rev. Fr. Dr. Nwankwo added: “Today, we are all smiling, rejoicing and saying thank you, Your Excellency.

“The young man (Ngwu) looks so young but his ideas are old, old enough, and very matured. What he has done so far showed me that in Enugu West Senatorial District, the sun has risen.

“Our spirituality is such that it must be sacramentalized. Sacrament in Igbo we say Ama ife - what you see of a vision behind the curtain - and that is why we are here today. We mustered the masquerades, that is, those our ancestors, we mustered those our Igwes and then the Anis and all of them together to come here to say thank you Your Excellency, and may God continue to bless you and give you more strength”, he said.

In his speech, the PDP senatorial candidate, Engr. Ngwu pointed out that “what happened today has never happened in Udi LGA”.

He added that “this is the first time an Udi man would be elected to be a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, expressing profound gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for his leadership role towards the realization of their dream.

Engr. Ngwu maintained that Gov. Ugwuanyi has remembered Udi LGA in so many ways and has always stood by them, disclosing: “Udi LGA is one of the foremost LGAs in Enugu State. And you (Ugwuanyi) have stood by us in your government. Appointments that reached Udi LGA are more than other local governments.

“In your administration, you have remembered us. I am from Ngwo, the Miliken Hill road you reconstructed and remodeled is a landmark project in which we are the major beneficiaries.

“We are here today to say thank you. Your good works in Enugu State can never be mentioned without Udi LGA. You have done beyond our expectation. We are grateful”.

Other speakers such as the Chairman of Udi LGA, Hon. Okoh, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Egumgbe, the Chairman of Udi Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Ken Ezike, and Hon. Barr. Tahill Ochi all thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his benevolence, peace and good governance initiatives and the emergence of Engr. Ngwu as PDP candidate for Enugu West Senatorial District, reassuring him that the people of Udi LGA will support and deliver all the candidates of the PDP during the 2023 general elections.

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu State has expressed happiness over the victory of Senator Ademola Adeleke in the keenly contested 2022 Osun State Governorship election.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, described t[b]he electoral victory of Senator Adeleke, as "a big vote of confidence, by the great people of Osun State, in your capacity and competence to turn fortunes around in the State". [/b]

The statement disclosed that Senator Adeleke is "not only from Osun State but also from Enugu State (the Coal City State) where you were born".

Pointing out that "the government and good people of Enugu State are happy and proud of the victory of our son, Senator Ademola Adeleke", Prof Ortuanya stated that the victory "is an affirmation of the power of perseverance, abiding faith in God and a referendum on your long-standing investment in human capital development".

Congratulating the Osun State Governor-elect, Prof. Ortuanya said: "The people of Enugu State welcome your victory and would receive you with open arms at your convenience".

Full text of the statement reads:

"The Government and good people of Enugu State are happy and proud of the victory of our son, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in the keenly contested 2022 Osun State Governorship election.

"The Governor-elect, you are not only from Osun State but also from Enugu State (the Coal City State) where you were born.

"Your Electoral victory is a big vote of confidence, by the great people of Osun State, in your capacity and competence to turn fortunes around in the State. It is an affirmation of the power of perseverance, abiding faith in God and a referendum on your long-standing investment in human capital development.

"The people of Enugu State welcome your victory and would receive you with open arms at your convenience. Congratulations!"

The jubilant people of Greater Ugwuaji communities in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State have described Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as their liberator, who came into office, saw the suppression they were experiencing in the polity of the council area for decades, intervened and conquered it, in keeping with his administration’s peace and good governance initiatives.

The people of Greater Ugwuaji communities, who trooped out in their numbers to the Government House, Enugu, to thank Gov. Ugwuanyi for the emergence of their illustrious son as the elected Chairman of Enugu South LGA for the first time in the history of Enugu State in the person of Barr. Chiemezie Ngwuo, said the governor has “made the impossible possible”.

Speaking on behalf of the people, who came with their masquerades and cultural dance groups, dancing and thanking Gov. Ugwuanyi, Hon. Barr. Okechukwu Ede disclosed that prior to the governor’s intervention[b] “there have been acts of subjugation, suppression and denials of all sorts existing in our polity against the Greater Ugwuaji communities”, adding that the ugly experience had prevented their communities from having a say in governance virtually at all levels. [/b]

Hon. Ede told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “when your administration came on board, despite the enormous responsibilities on your shoulder, you never neglected or ignored addressing these aspects of man inhumanity to man. You handled these alongside the huge developmental projects in the state.

“As a leader endowed with good conscience and fear of God you took a bold step in addressing this ugly trend by appointing one of us, Hon. Engr. Aloy Ogbodo, as a Commissioner in your cabinet, first ever in the history of Enugu State.

“You did not stop at that, you set up a framework for the rotation of the Chairmanship of Enugu South Local Government Council among the four core communities of Amechi, Obeagu, Ugwuaji and Akwuke by creating the atmosphere and enablement that made it possible for Ugwuaji to produce the Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Council, for the first time in a democratic election. This was actualized in one of us, the ebullient, energetic, hardworking and erudite lawyer, Hon. Barr. Chiemezie Nkwuo”.

Expressing their deep appreciation to Gov. Ugwuanyi, Hon. Ede added: “What your predecessors saw and could not challenge, you saw it, confronted it and have conquered it. The teeming people of Greater Ugwuaji are saying thank you a million times. We pray that the Almighty God will certainly reward you immeasurably in all aspect of your life endeavour. Your name will ever remain on the lips of every person born of Greater Ugwuaji from generation to generation”.

In his speech, the Chairman of Enugu South LGA, Hon. Barr. Ngwuo, said that Gov. Ugwuanyi is “a man of peace who stood and defended those that have been oppressed and denied their right” and thanked “God in a special way for using you to liberate Ugwuaji people and put smiles on the faces of the entire communities”.

Describing Gov. Ugwuanyi as a jinx breaker, the Council Chairman said: “Generations will never forget this benevolence. Our children unborn will hear this story. A day will be set aside in Ugwuaji that we will celebrate as Gburugburu Day.

“It will be a yearly event. If our children, if our generations unborn ask us why are we doing this, we will tell them that a man came in as Governor of Enugu State and did the impossible. A man came up in Enugu State as a King and executed judgment. A man came up in Enugu State and enthroned justice. A man came up in Enugu State and established peace. We are grateful.

“Ugwuaji greets you. Our children are here, elders are here, women are here, youths are here, traditional rulers are here, priests are here to say thank you to you”.

In their separate speeches, HRH Igwe C.I. Nyia, Okado I of Obeagu-Ugwuaji and the eldest man in Ugwuaji, Chief Ugwua-Nvene thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi in a special way and prayed for peace and God’s abundant blessings upon him and his family.

Special prayer was offered for the governor by the Coordinator Ugwuaji Minister’s Forum, Ven. Rev. Ezekiel Ogbu.

The way OSU ALUSI IPOB JEW PIGs take carry this OSUN ELECTION matter for head, you go think say na ANAMBRA, ENUGU OR IMO the election dey take place 

Bayelsa PDP Stakeholders Forum has called on the Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri to take responsibility over his inability to manage members of the People’s Democratic Party in the state which has led to series of decamping being witnessed in the state in recent times.

The group in a statement made available to newsmen said, Following the defection of notable PDP leaders in Bayelsa state, governor Diri has stepped up propaganda and blackmail of his benefactor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson who singlehandly sponsored all his elective positions and all the political appointments he has ever held.

The Group in a very strong statement has said that Diri who became Governor under very strenuous circumstances has not rewarded and stood by the people God used to make him Governor, instead he is living in a delusion that he is a miracle governor whose mandate was recovered through the court and not the efforts of the people who worked hard during the election and he betrays and humiliates them at every opportunity.

Governor Diri has followed it up by ditching all the people who helped him including his benefactor on whose shoulders he rose to become Governor.

The Group through it Spokesperson, Chief Abosimagha Pius Benson [/b]recalled that, [b]Diri before he came across Dickson had never won any election in his life, had never led a political group of his own, never had even one or two people believing in his cause and never dreamed that one day, he would ever contest and win House of reps, Senate and not to talk of the governorship of Bayelsa state. In fact, he never had money for all these elections.

Yet, immediately Governor Diri took over, he began to listen to sycophants and brought in all APC opponents that Dickson had suppressed and defeated in the state for his own sake to gain cheap popularity. In the name of reconciliation, Diri went to bring back all the people who fought him and called them opponents of Dickson and that he himself has no enemies.

The group in their statement wondered how a man who has not fought any political battle of his own would have had enemies in the first place. According to the group, Diri’s first duty could have been to recognize, reward and respect the people who labored to bring him to power. Those who spent all their money, burnt all the bridges they built over the years to invest confidence in him even when his own immediate family and local government didn’t support him. Nobody close to him ever supported him.

Since assuming office, the group says it has been one propaganda, one blackmail, one name calling after the other by Diri.

As the state is now getting 20 billion Naira in monthly allocation, he and his friends, family, relations and local government people are now swimming in money, building houses everywhere and other personal acquisitions with his Igbo friends. Now, Diri keeps quiet about this and still maintains the impression that there is no money and that he is paying huge debts when everybody knows that the former governor left Bayelsa as the least indebted state in the south.

In the just concluded PDP primaries, Diri and his sycophants stayed in the government house and took advantage of the absence of super delegates and statutory delegates to write all the names on the delegate list and then handpicked all the candidates from government house but still created a false impression and propaganda that he sought the consent of the former governor, whereas the former governor had already stated his position that competent people that can win elections should be selected by the Governor and the party stakeholders and that he had no preferred candidates.

The State Secretary of the party, Usowo who joined Diri from the APC, one Lucky Youbougha, a former henchman of Timbre Sylva and Diri’s cousin who also returned from the APC and one Collins Kokodia, his SA Political Affairs publicly boasted and celebrated that they had succeeded in weeding out Dickson’s people from the party.

From day one that he took over, Diri promoted the dichotomy of Diri boys vs Dickson boys. Restoration Government vs prosperity government whereas he is the chief beneficiary of the Restoration government and he is the number one Dickson boy. This has made the entire state angry.

He has clearly outsourced governance and leadership of the party to charlatans and inexperienced people and listens only to gossip, praise, insult of other people particularly his predecessor to the extent that people now know that before you can get any favor from him, you have to criticize the previous government and praise him. The state chairman of the party, the deputy Governor have all suffered humiliation and have been completely sidelined and insulted daily by Diri’s people to his delight by their subordinates.

There have been only 3 decampings and to show his inexperience, instead of Diri to engage these people who were his colleagues in the previous government and worked for his emergence, Diri has abandoned everybody and allowed people to say he’s a governor and whatever he wants must happen without realizing that he’s only a first term Governor.

It is a well known fact that Bayelsa politicians decamp easily. Diri should know that when the former governor was holding sway, he managed series of decamping both in his re-election and in Diri’s election yet the former governor never called anybody out, never accused anybody and never fought anybody. Instead, He engaged and kept engaging stakeholders until he left office. This is what Governor Diri should learn to do. No governor witnessed greater decamping at critical election time than the former governor. When his deputy governor, commissioners, National Assembly members and top political leaders were decamping to the opposition party.

The group is surprised that Diri at 64 is the oldest person to be Governor of Bayelsa and yet his understanding of government, governance, politics and management of people is infantile and unstable. Bayelsa has now gone back fully to the days of a government of an inexperienced cabal of family, wives and siblings that will be taking government decisions and so many indeterminate power centers running across purpose at times.

They are clearly having a field day manipulating and deciding for the Governor including his imported non Bayelsa friends who are happy that the man who fought and brought him to power has left the scene for them to manipulate the government and the state as they want. It is on record that Governor Dickson has never visited Bayelsa Government house since he left office, hardly visits Yenegoa and does not interfere with Diri’s government and makes no demands from the Governor.

Diri has spent the better part of his 3 years in office spreading lies, propaganda and incitement of the people against Former Governor Dickson and trying to get Dickson’s supporters to turn against him and his legacy as a way of building his own people when Governor Dickson has already handed everyone to him and is also available to advise and support him.

So what is Diri’s problem with a man like former Governor Dickson behind him? Who is respected by all and dreaded by the opposition? It’s time for the Governor to have a deep introspection. It’s also time for his family and his local government who are having a Governor for the first time to also sit down with him. If they do so, they will discover that Diri’s problems is not further than Diri himself and he should stop the blame game.

How many Bayelsans are happy that an Igbo man called Africa from Anambra state who is a former colleague of the Governor in the house of reps and a certain Akpe are the defacto Governors of Bayelsa state. The said Africa must approve of every action the governor takes and whoever wants anything must go through him or Akpe, the deputy chief of staff.

Are Bayelsa people not really worried about the state of mind of the Governor as stated in a recent radio interview by Timipre Sylva who said clearly that he’s convinced that something is wrong with the Governor’s mental state? Are we sure that the Governor is not being held hostage by occultic forces spearheaded by the said Africa and others?

Now defections are taking place across the country at every level and nobody in those states are being called or blackmailed. He should rise up and face his duty as Governor and leader of the party in Bayelsa state and stop always painting himself as the victim and curring sympathy or as the only good man, It is very clear to all now close to 3 years that the man is not prepared for this level of work and maybe he thought Governorship is bed of roses of billions of free money to be squandered every month. He does not know that he was not elected to be portrayed as a good man but as a leader addressing and solving the problems and managing the people.

The group also finds it childish, nauseating and insulting to their intelligence each time the Governor and his people struggle to be part of the credit for the international airport which his predecessor suffered to build or the backbreaking work done on the Sagbama Ekeremor road and the central road which has gone beyond Egeibiri and the road that is being used to go to Diri mother’s village in Ekeremor long before he became Governor; and several other projects.

The group also condemns Diri’s abandonment of educational and healthcare facilities particularly the Bayelsa Diagnostic Centre. If you hear anything from the government house, it is usually either a lie or blame shifting, never taking responsibility.

Other governors manage short fall of allocations, economic recessions, financial challenges and insecurity without excuses and still pay salaries and build infrastructure without complaining. They face defections without calling anyone.

The group advised that Diri should face the business of being the political leader of the party as these are the challenges that comes with being Governor and leader of the party.

The people of Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State have assured Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of their 100 percent support and loyalty ahead of the Enugu North Senatorial District election in 2023, in appreciation of his administration’s unprecedented transformation of the University town of Nsukka, empowerment of their sons and daughters and other numerous remarkable achievements.

The people Nsukka, who unanimously gave the endorsement through a motion moved by the member representing Nsukka East Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Chinedu Nwamba and seconded by his Nsukka West counterpart, Hon. Emmanuel Ugwuerua, when they paid a Thank-you/solidarity visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, Enugu, told the governor, who is the PDP candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District, that they are solidly behind him, come rain, come shine.

Led by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency and former State Chairman of the Party, Chief Engr. Vita Abba, the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Barr. Walter Ozioko, members of the state parliament from the council area, Rt. Hon. Nwamba and Hon. Ugwuerua, former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dan Shere, Royal Fathers, among other dignitaries, the people said they are proud of the governor and will remain indebted to him for wiping away their tears after decades of neglects.

They equally thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his leadership role towards the peaceful and successful conduct of the PDP primary elections in Enugu State, which saw to the emergence of their illustrious son, Chief Engr. Abba as the candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, after 16 years the position was occupied by a legislator from Igbo-Eze South LGA.

Speaking at the well attended event, the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Barr. Ozioko disclosed that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, in keeping with his inaugural address in 2015, constructed so many roads in Nsukka urban including the state-of-the-art 13km Opi-Nsukka Dual Carriageway installed with street lights and traffic lights, stressing that the innovative infrastructure is novel in the history of the entire Nsukka zone.

“Your Excellency, you are the one who transformed Nsukka town. We are not taking it for granted. You wiped away our tears. Nsukka is one of the oldest universities in Nigeria but was never transformed until you assumed office in 2015 as Governor of Enugu State.

“Traffic lights and Street lights which are among the things that identify a town were never in Nsukka until you came. All the roads in Nsukka, prior to your assumption of office, were in pitiable state, but you have transformed most of them to the amazement and delight of our people and visitors.

“You have equally empowered our people politically and administratively through appointments and elective positions, among other interventions too numerous to mention.

“We came here today to tell you that come rain, come shine, Nsukka LGA, which is one of the largest local governments in Nigeria, is totally behind you. Our support for you and your aspiration is not negotiable.

“We also came to tell you to sleep with your two eyes closed because Nsukka LGA is solidly behind you and all the decisions that are associated with you.

“We value you so much and we will deplore all our resources to deliver you and all other PDP candidates in the 2023 general elections”.

In his speech, the Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency candidate, Engr. Abba, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “Our brother and our son”, stating that the action of Nsukka people was symbolic and signifies their deep appreciation of the governor’s love and special interest in the rapid development of Nsukka as a University town.

Stressing the political value of Nsukka ahead of other local government areas in Enugu State, Engr. Abba said: “Ndi Nsukka must take Gov. Ugwuanyi to the Senate. We are here because we know that we are the head of Nsukka zone in terms of population, development and voting strength.

“The symbolic action by Nsukka LGA is very significant as a reward for the good works you (Ugwuanyi) has done for us”.

In his remarks, the Zonal Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, Enugu North Senatorial District, HRH Igwe Barr. R.S.N Eze, disclosed that the Royal Fathers of Nsukka are in support of the stance of the people in respect of their decision to support Gov. Ugwuanyi and his senatorial bid in 2023.

Other speakers, such as Dr. Shere, the PDP Chairman, Nsukka LGA, Rt. Hon. Fabian Onah, all spoke in the same direction, appreciating Gov. Ugwuanyi of his giant development strides and human empowerment, reassuring him of their unalloyed support, dedication and loyalty.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was overwhelmed by the avalanche of endorsement, solidarity, support, goodwill and prayers from the people of Nsukka LGA in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the area, revealed that he transformed Nsukka in keeping with his inaugural address in 2015.

2023: Ezeagu leaders hail Gov. Ugwuanyi’s leadership role in Enugu PDP primaries

Critical stakeholders of Ezeagu Local Government Area, under the umbrella of Ezeagu Union, have expressed gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the exceptional wisdom and political sagacity he exhibited in ensuring a peaceful and successful conduct of the primary elections of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the council area in particular and state in general.

The Ezeagu leaders said they were pleased with the outcome of the party primaries which saw the emergence of their illustrious sons, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor and Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze as the flagbearers of the PDP for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency and Ezeagu Constituency respectively, in the 2023 general elections.

They also appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for entrenching peace and good governance in Enugu State in spite of the numerous challenges confronting the country since he assumed office as governor.

Speaking when members of Ezeagu Union paid a Thank-you visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, the Chairman of the group, Arch Dennis Onyebuchi, told the governor that “We want to thank you for all your efforts to make us to be living in peace, especially the one you have done recently around the PDP where you are the South East leader and leader in the state”.

The Ezeagu Union Chairman, who gave a historic background of the union and its ideology, asked the governor to “take our thank you very seriously”.

Adding his voice, Prof. Chike Anibeze, who described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “a man with pragmatic eyes of picking up excellence”, said: “We are here in full and everybody who is supposed to be here is here. We are here on our own volition. We made up our minds to be here. We came because we want you to understand the unity that is embedded in us.

“We have gone through the party primaries. The people that emerged, emerged, and at the end of the day we are still one.

“And we came here specifically to thank you for the way the primaries have been conducted. We realize that in most cases when you have somebody at the topmost echelon of leadership, it is not the way that he is seeing things that most of us who are under are seeing it obviously.

“What we came here to do is to thank you for what you have done for Ezeagu”.

The erudite scholar prayed that God continues to bless and bestow Gov. Ugwuanyi with long life, good health and the wisdom to maintain the tempo of peace and good governance in Enugu State, which he said has identified Enugu one of the most peaceful and safest states in Nigeria.

Also in her speech, Prof. Joy Ezeilo described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “a good man presiding over Enugu State, who has built bridges and has enormous respect across Nigeria”.

Applauding the governor’s commitment to God, Prof. Ezeilo revealed that “that has been his strength” and beseeched God to continue to lead the governor, stressing that Ezeagu LGA has benefited immensely from his administration in so many ways.

“You will admire his (Ugwuanyi’s) extraordinary capacity with humility. It is so natural. We are proud of you. We thank you for bringing people together. Thank you for the primaries in Enugu State. Nobody is going to court.

“PDP is still intact. We have come together and we are one. And we want to assure you that we will deliver PDP 100 percent in Ezeagu. So far PDP is involved, that is where we are going. We have also united to come and say thank you for what you have done”, she said.

In their separate speeches, Ozo Ferdinand Anikwe, former Chairman of Ezeagu LGA, Hon. Emeka Ozoagu and the Royal Fathers, spoke in the same direction, appreciating Gov. Ugwuanyi for his special interest in their council area, reassuring the governor that they will ever remain grateful to him.

The Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the immediate past Chief of Staff to the Governor and PDP Candidate for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Uzor, the member representing Ezeagu Constituency and PDP Candidate, Rt. Hon. Obieze, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr. David Ugwunta, the Council Chairman, Hon. Chukwudi Ozoeluba, the Chairman, Ezeagu Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe A. Otiji, were among the leaders of Ezeagu LGA at the event.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Sunday, visited the recently burnt office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogrute, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of the state.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was received by the member representing Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Simon Atigwe, the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Engr. Ejike Itodo and the Enugu North Senatorial District Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nze Michael Onyeze, among others, went round the building to ascertain the level of damage at the INEC facility.

The governor thereafter moved round the council area where he assessed and interacted with the residents on the need to continue to encourage and support the security agencies to safeguard life and property.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir celebration; wishing all Nigerians love, joy, peace, and prosperity.

In his Sallah Message, Gov. Ugwuanyi prayed for God’s boundless grace and favour upon all Nigerians; stating that the solemn festival of Eid-el-Kabir, anchored on love and sacrifice, comes with the peace, unity and fulfillment which the country needs to forge ahead.

The governor also prayed for God’s protection, unceasing goodness and mercy upon Nigerians in their individual and collective endeavours, adding: “May we all be living testimonies to God’s blessings and have every reason to continue to thank God”.

He, therefore, wished the Muslim faithful and indeed all Nigerians a pleasant and safe Eid-el-Kabir celebration; urging them to re-dedicate themselves to God and continue to pray fervently for the peace, unity, security and progress of the nation.

The Enugu State government has expressed delight at the commitment of Ingrace Group in promoting indigenously manufactured vehicles in Nigeria.

Speaking when a delegation from Ingrace Motors Nigeria Limited, led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Chinedu Onu, displayed the company’s brands and donated one of the vehicles to the Enugu State government recently, to assess the durability, flexibility and strength, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, congratulated the automobile company for demonstrating the “We can do it in Nigeria” spirit.

Prof. Ortuanya disclosed that the company’s vision is in tandem with the cardinal policies of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration in investment promotion and protection of life and property.

Appreciating Ingrace Motors for the car donation, Prof. Ortuanya informed the company that the state government will come up with policies to foster its growth and actualize its vision in the interest of the people of Enugu State, Nigeria and humanity.

Earlier, the CEO of Ingrace Group, Chief Onu, told the governor that the company has obtained the Federal Government’s approval to assemble vehicles in the country, adding that they have also entered into business partnership with Chinese companies.

Chief Onu disclosed that the automobile company has acquired over 600 plots of land, completely cleared, at Ezimo, Udenu Local Government Area, for the assembly plant and has equally paid for all the assembly equipment.

The CEO who acknowledged the governor’s individual support to the company over the years, said: “We have come to the Enugu State Government House to seek the state government’s support and blessings.

“Today, we have about 11 brands of vehicles, but we came with four of them today. In our last meeting, the management approved that we should donate one of the vehicles to the Enugu State Government for use, for them to see the durability, flexibility and strength of this vehicle.

“We believe that on our own we cannot do it alone. But working with public spirited individuals and the state government we can be able to achieve our target”.

With hearts filled with gratitude, the people of Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, led by the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, converged on the Government House, Enugu, on Friday, to thank Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his rare leadership role in the emergence of their illustrious son, Mbah, as the party’s flag bearer for the 2023 gubernatorial election.

The jubilant people of Nkanu East LGA, who were accompanied by the Clergy, Traditional Rulers, present and former public office holders from the council area such as the former Deputy Governor of the state, Bishop Ralph Nwoye, former Member of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Anayo Edeh, the Member representing Nkanu East Constituency, Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor and the Council Chairman, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, told Gov. Ugwuanyi that he has wiped out their tears and given them a sense of belonging.

They also appreciated the governor for keeping faith with the principles of equity, justice and fairness in the zoning of the governorship position to Enugu East Senatorial District, down to Nkanu East LGA, stressing that the council area is the least developed in Enugu State.

The people pointed out that no amount of gratitude will equate the leadership role Gov. Ugwuanyi played in the emergence of Barr. Mbah, adding that the governor had, on several occasions after he assumed office in 2015, disclosed that Nkanu East was among the three LGAs in the state that were underdeveloped.

They equally thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his confidence in Barr. Mbah, who they described as a thorough bred, peaceful, humble, God fearing, intelligent, visionary and successful entrepreneur, with sound track record in both private and public dealings.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Edeh, the PDP LG Chairman, Prince Emeka Nwatu, the PDP Zonal Chairman, Enugu East Senatorial District, Hon. Nnamdi Nwafor, the Party State Youth Leader, Hon. Patrick Okoh, the Chairman, Nkanu East Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe H.A. Edeani, former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Rita Mbah (who spoke on behalf of Nkanu East women), Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, former Secretary to the State Government and PDP governorship aspirant, Dr. G.O.C Ajah and representatives of Nkanu East Consultative Forum, namely Rt. Hon. Anayo Edeh, Barr. B.C Nwobodo, HRH Igwe Okeke Arum and HRH Igwe Abel Nwobodo, all expressed profound gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for giving them a rare light through the emergence of their tested and trusted son as PDP governorship candidate, in the person of Barr. Mbah.

In an emotion laden voice, the Enugu State PDP governoship candidate, Barr. Mbah, told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “what occurred last month, precisely on the 25th of May, where you consciously and through you, we saw the emergence of a gubernatorial candidate from Nkanu East” has kept him trying to understand the concept of gratitude.

According to him, “We have dimensioned the word gratitude and it is still not enough to express our heartfelt appreciation.

“Your Excellency, in fact ordinary words cannot adequately capture the depth of our gratitude. One can only imagine what you had to endure.

“Your Excellency, our gifts here will not be enough to show you gratitude. We have simply come here with our sense of gratitude and from our hearts to tell you that we are bestowing on you the Sonship of Nkanu East.

“I want to thank you very much. I want to say that we are very grateful. Thank you and God bless you”.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi who gave God all the glory, said that in actual truth, the people of Nkanu East LGA came for him and them to thank God who made everything possible.

The governor who used the opportunity to thank all the leaders and stakeholders of Enugu State and PDP for the successful Party primaries in the state, urged the people of Nkanu East to follow and pray fervently for Barr. Mbah, for God to do the rest.

He expressed optimism that Barr. Mbah will do well in office if elected as Governor of Enugu State, adding it is his prayer that the PDP governorship candidate does better than him, the way a father prays that his son does better than him.

Thanking God for remembering Nkanu East LGA, Gov. Ugwuanyi said that it is prayer answered, as he had prayed in the past that God will remember Nkanu East.

Present at the event include the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, the State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Edeh, the Deputy Chairman of the council, Hon. Martins Ndubuisi Agbo, the PDP Candidate for Nkanu East Constituency, Hon. Okey Mbah, former Council Chairmen, among others.

The National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has expressed delight with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his untiring commitment to the welfare of the pensioners of the state in spite of the state’s lean resources and the nation’s economic challenges.

Speaking when Gov. Ugwuanyi hosted him at the Government House, Enugu, following his emergence as the new National President of NUP, Comrade Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, who is an indigene of Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State and the first Igbo man to head the national leadership of NUP, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “a pensioner and labour-friendly governor”.

Comrade Abumisi proudly disclosed that Gov. Ugwuanyi is not in their list of state governors who are not labour and pensioner-friendly when “the United Nation issued a circular to the Unions telling them to list the names of all politicians who are not labour and pensioner-friendly”.

According to him, “We have also listed the names of governors who are not paying pension and gratuity. I am so happy to inform you that our dear Governor (Ugwuanyi) and the government of Enugu State are not on that list”.

Comrade Abumisi, therefore, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his steadfastness, saying: “I want to say that I am very happy to associate with you. Having won the Presidency (NUP), we said it will be beautiful for us to come to Enugu and tell His Excellency that we have done so.

"We are here because this is the first time in our history, in the national history, in the history of the NUP, that it is our fortune to occupy the position of the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners.

“The beauty of it all is that I am from Enugu State, from a little town known as Obeleagu Umana in Ezeagu LGA”.

On their part, the leaders of pensioners from Enugu State/South East Zone expressed profound gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi “for the compassionate love, respect and honour that you have meted to our extended pensioners in Enugu State”.

Speaking on their behalf, Comrade Dr. G.B Ugochukwu equally thanked the governor “for your labour/pensioner friendliness, regular payment of workers’ salaries, pension, security and infrastructural development in the state”, saying: “All these are possible because Enugu State is in the hands of God”.

Receiving Comrade Abumisi and his entourage, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that it is heartwarming for an Enugu State indigene to occupy the exalted position of the National President of Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP).

The governor congratulated the New National President for attaining the enviable position, and prayed that he leads the Union with the fear of God as well as continue to provide the desired leadership for the benefit of millions of pensioners he represents.

On his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the state pensioners, Gov. Ugwuanyi represented by his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, placed on record that the government on assumption of office inherited a backlog of gratuity running into billions of naira.

“To mitigate this challenge, the present administration undertook to set aside the sum of N100 Million monthly to offset the backlog of gratuities dating back to 2009.

“A committee was put in place to ensure utmost transparency. However, with the coming of COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant global economic downturn, we had to temporarily put it on hold to ensure that salaries and pensions are paid”, he said.

The governor revealed that the Enugu State presently has 12,000 pensioners in the government’s payroll with a monthly wage bill of N630 million.

He added that Enugu is one of the few states in the country that keyed into the payment of the new National Minimum Wage with its consequential adjustments in 2020.

“This has doubled the wage bill of the state. The above notwithstanding, this administration has continued to pay salaries on or before the end of every month”, he added.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, therefore, reiterated the cordial working relationship between his administration and the state pensioners, assuring that “we shall continue to fulfill our obligations to the pensioners given the resources available to the state”.

In their separate goodwill messages, the State Chairmen of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Virginus Nwobodo and Comrade Bennett Asogwa, respectively, paid glowing tributes to Gov. Ugwuanyi for his sterling commitment to the welfare of the state workforce and pensioners.

The labour leaders thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for welcoming the new NUP National President to Enugu State.

They endorsed the verdict on Gov. Ugwuanyi by the National Leadership of NUP, maintaining that the governor is doing well for the workers and pensioners in spite of the state’s lean resources and nation’s challenges bordering on economy, security and public health.

According to the TUC State Chairman, Comrade Asogwa, “Your Excellency, I want to start by appreciating your efforts, the efforts of Enugu State government to better the lots of workers and retirees.

“We know that if you were not doing well, if you were not good to workers and the retirees, irrespective of the fact that the new National President of the NUP is from Enugu State, he would have not had any moral justification to come into Government House to present himself.

“He is associating himself with you because he knows that he can stand bold to say that you (Ugwuanyi) are doing well.

“I want to say it here that in Enugu State as labour leaders, we come out openly to say that the governor is doing well for the workers. There are so many states in Nigeria where no labour leader can dare mention that his governor is doing well”.

Present at the event include the State Head of Service, Ken Chukwuegbo, Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Uchechukwu Ogbonna, the Executive Secretary, Local Government Pensions Board, Barr. Nana Ogbodo, Wife of the new NUP National President, Mrs. Josephine Abumisi, members of the National, Zonal and State Executives of NUP, among others.

…Prays for his family, accelerated healing of their daughter

…Appreciates FG, NASS, Nigerians for their solidarity, support

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu State has expressed deep concern over the ordeal of the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, in the United Kingdom.

A statement by the Enugu State Government described Senator Ekweremadu as an illustrious son of the state and a foremost Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The statement disclosed that the government and the good people of Enugu State are saddened by the unpleasant news of arrest, arraignment and subsequent remand in custody of Senator Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, in the United Kingdom.

It, therefore, conveyed the thoughts and prayers of Gov. Ugwuanyi and the people of the state to the entire family of Senator Ekweremadu “in this difficult time as we beseech the most merciful God to grant accelerated healing to Miss Sonia Ekweremadu”.

The state government extended its profound gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Assembly for their empathy, support, solidarity and legal intervention.

It went further to appreciate the prayers of well-meaning Nigerians for early resolution of the issues.

Gov. Ugwuanyi inaugurates committee to coordinate implementation of Sectoral Reforms

In furtherance of the concerted efforts of his administration in reviewing the policies, programmes, structures and operations of the State Public Service for optimal results, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Wednesday, inaugurated an 8-man Committee to coordinate the implementation of the recommendations of the 12 Sectoral Committees.

Inaugurating the Committee, Gov. Ugwuanyi represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, named Dr. Kingsley T. Udeh as Chairman.

The governor also listed the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe, former Chairman, Collation Committee on Sectoral Ad hoc Committees’ report, Prof. Vincent Onodugo, and former Reform Manager, DFID PERL, South East, Mrs. Ucheoma Egwuatu, as members of the implementation coordination committee.

Other members of the Committee are former Member, Collation Committee on Sectoral Ad hoc Committees’ report and former State Team Lead, DFID SPARC, Enugu, Barr. Sam Onovo Onyia, Retired Permanent Secretary and Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor, Mrs. Sylvia Onwubuemeli mni, Representative of the Attorney General, and the Director of Administration, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Madueke Nsude, who serves as Secretary of the Committee.

Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that the responsibility of the Committee is to coordinate the implementation of the recommendations of the 12 Sectoral Committees that articulated necessary reforms in the State Public Service.

He urged members of the newly inaugurated Committee to bring their wealth of experience to bear on the assignment, “and thus, propel our state to an enviable height, while leaving indelible marks on the sands of time".

The sectors earlier reviewed by tested technocrats drawn from various backgrounds include Education, Health, Public Service, Justice, Water, Security, Agriculture, Rural Development, Finance and Chieftaincy/Community Matters.

The Sectoral Committees equally reviewed the state’s Internally Generated Revenue and international development partners’ funding; lands, housing and transport; sustainable environmental and urban management; and youths and sports development.

Responding on behalf of the implementation coordination committee, the Chairman, Dr. Udeh, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for finding them worthy to serve the state in that capacity.

He also commended the governor for his unique reform mindset.

Dr. Udeh reiterated their commitment to serve in the committee with “the fear of God and utmost good faith”, stressing that they will deliver on the mandate considering their depth of knowledge and experience.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed delight at the emergence of Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, a young and brilliant lawyer, as the running mate to the party’s governorship candidate in Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, disclosing that the joint ticket will guarantee the sustenance of the enviable legacies of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration anchored on peace, security and good governance.

In a statement by the Chairman of the PDP in Enugu State, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, the party congratulated Barr. Ossai on his emergence as the party's deputy governorship candidate, and went further to commend Barr. Mbah for his forthrightness and wisdom in choosing him based on his integrity, competence and commitment.

The PDP State Chairman thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his effective leadership role which he (Nnamani) said was responsible for the peaceful conduct of the PDP primary elections in the state and the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate, Mbah, and other flag bearers of the party.

Hon. Nnamani stated that the party is convinced that Mbah as a humble, peaceful, visionary, God fearing and young entrepreneurial intellectual will sustain the worthy legacies of Gov. Ugwuanyi who he (Nnamani) said has done a lot to entrench peace and good governance in Enugu State, in spite of the nation’s economic, security and public health challenges.

He expressed optimism that Mbah as a brilliant lawyer and dedicated party man will uphold the manifesto of the PDP and the policy thrust of the present administration, if elected as governor of Enugu State.

“The PDP leadership in Enugu State is delighted at the nomination of Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, another young and brilliant lawyer and dedicated party man as the running mate to our governorship candidate, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

“We are delighted because Ossai’s emergence will boost the resolve of our governorship candidate, Barr. Peter Mbah, to sustain the enduring legacies of our leader and Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

“We deeply appreciate the sacrifice and steadfastness of our governor in ensuring that the people of Enugu State, including those in the rural areas, enjoy peace and good governance in spite of the numerous challenges confronting our country.

“The PDP family commends Barr. Mbah for his choice of running mate. We congratulate Barr. Ossai on his emergence which is well deserved and we profoundly appreciate the leader of our great Party in Enugu State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his effective leadership role in the emergence of our governorship candidate and other party’s candidates for the 2023 general elections”, Hon. Nnamani said.

Recall that Mbah in his acceptance speech as the PDP governorship candidate promised to build on the achievements of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration and serve the people of Enugu State with humility and moderation, openness and inclusiveness, simplicity and forthrightness.

He equally expressed profound gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for enhancing the democratic process of his emergence.