Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State inspects ongoing massive projects at the permanent site of the newly established State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, recently licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who charged the contractors on speedy completion of the projects, received assurance from the site Engineer of the firm handling the construction of the access and internal roads in the University, Ferotex Construction Company Limited, that the road project will be completed in record time, and according to specification.

The governor was accompanied on the inspection by the Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, Hon. Solomon Izuchukwu Onah, his deputy, Hon. Gideon Tochukwu Eze, and the former Chairman of Udenu LGA, Hon. Frank Ugwu.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

Jubilation as NUC grants Enugu govt license to establish State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted license to Enugu State Government recognising establishment of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State.

The license issued to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, at NUC headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday, was sequel to the enactment of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Law, Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, on April 13, 2022.

Presenting the license, the Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, congratulated Gov. Ugwuanyi and the people of the state “on the establishment of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences to be located in Igbo-Eno of Enugu State”.

The Law establishing SUMAS was presented to NUC by Enugu State government alongside the Academic brief and Master Plan of the new University.

The License recognized SUMAS as the second Enugu State owned University.

With the final stage of granting the license, Enugu State will now have a brand new, full-fledged, State-owned University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State.

SUMAS, Igbo-Eno has become the 59th State University in Nigeria. Enugu State with two State-owned Universities has now joined the league of states with more than one state University.

Reacting, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu, Prof. Malachy Okwueze, who witnessed the presentation of the license to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the NUC headquarters, Abuja, said: "We can't thank the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State enough for achieving this goal of providing the platform for increased access to quality university education for our teeming youths who struggle year after year to gain admission into the university without fulfilling their desires and dreams for university education".

According to him "This is especially so for professional courses such as medicine. The existing Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) get over 2, 000 applications from our youths to study medicine but only a paltry 50 applicants (candidates) are offered access to study medicine at the end.

"Even the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), the Federal University in Enugu State, offers only about 180 candidates admission into medicine leaving the dreams of thousands of our youths to study the course dashed year after year.

"This is despite the deficit in the number of medical doctors and nurses required to optimize medical and healthcare for our people".

Expressing the joy of the people of Enugu State over the feat recorded by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, Prof. Okwueze disclosed that the state government has made provision for sustainable funding of the new University.

He added that "the stage is getting set for the handover and the official commissioning of the flyover bridge at the popular T-Junction, Nike Lake Road, Enugu, where traffic gridlock became every road user's nightmare before His Excellency intervened with a befitting flyover bridge delivered in record time to ease all worries on the road".

In keeping with his administration’s Urban Renewal drive, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday, inspected Trans Ekulu Bridge, Enugu, with a view to beautifying the area as one of the gateways to Enugu City.

Gov. Ugwuanyi also inspected vehicular traffic at the bridge and the connecting roads in other to proffer solution to the gridlock being experienced by road users in the axis basically caused by increase in population strength of the state.

Gov. Ugwuanyi further inspected the New Market axis of Enugu City, which is another gateway to the city, ahead of his administration’s plans to reconstruct and modernize the roundabout and maintain the roads to give the area the face-lift it deserves.

From the New Market, the governor moved to inspect the ongoing construction of Justice Nwazota-Ilogu Close Road, GRA, Enugu, with a spur to Works Road Layout.

Gov. Ugwuanyi thereafter inspected Leadway Insurance Street, GRA, Enugu and other bypasses, for necessary interventions, aimed at decongesting traffic in the city.

Already, the newly constructed T-junction Flyover Bridge by Nike Lake Road, Enugu East Local Government Area, and the reconstructed and modernized Milliken Hill Road, Ngwo, Enugu North LGA, have provided the needed face-lift and traffic decongestion in the two gateways to Enugu City.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has declared a 12-hour curfew in Igbo-Eze North and Igbo-Eze South Local Government Areas of the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Simon Ortuanya, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said the curfew takes immediate effect and will be active between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily.

He explained that the decision was “pursuant to Executive Order No. 3, 2022 and consequent upon security challenges in Igbo-Eze North and Igbo-Eze South Local Government Areas of Enugu State”.

Mr Ortuanya added that the governor imposed the curfew in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 215 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The statement directed the chairmen of the two council areas as well as operatives of the Forest Guard and Neighbourhood Watch in the affected areas to ensure strict compliance with the executive order.

It also directed the state commissioner of police to take all lawful measures to enforce the order, “including arrest and prosecution of defaulters”.

The decision comes barely three days after the governor held an emergency security meeting at the Government House, Enugu.

Enugu, like other states in Nigeria’s South-east, has witnessed an increase in deadly attacks lately.

The tricycle and motorcycle rider associations in the two local council areas have directed their members not to operate in the areas from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

They also directed all Keke and Okada operators to withdraw their services in Aguibeje and Iyionu communities in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, with effect from June 7, 2022, till further notice and requested security agencies in the state to enforce the associations’ resolutions.

Two police officers were killed last week in Mkpamte Community, Igbo-Eze North Council Area of the state.

Arsonists, believed to be enforcing the illegal sit-at-home order in the South-east razed a cement truck in the Nsukka area of the state.

Mr Ugwuanyi recently banned the operations of motorcycles and tricycles in some local government areas to check the frequent attacks in the area.

The government later lifted the ban following public outcry, and assurances from leaders of the transport operators to assist the government in bringing an end to the attacks.

The attacks, mostly targeted at security officials and government facilities, have been attributed to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) which is agitating for a sovereign state for the Igbo-speaking people in the South-east.


The IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is detained in Abuja where he is standing trial for terrorism.

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has offered bursary to 165 Enugu students in different campuses of the Nigeria Law School across the country.

The I65 beneficiaries of the bursary were identified and listed by Enugu law students themselves when they interacted with Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, recently.

Confirming the disbursement of the bursary to the law students, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Scholarship Board, Barr. Uche Levis Abonyi, stated that each of the beneficiaries has received the sum of N100,000.00 from the state government, through his office.

Barr. Abonyi disclosed that Gov. Ugwuanyi started paying the bursary to Enugu State indigenes in the Nigeria Law School in 2020 during the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the country.

He added that the state government during the heat of COVID-19 in 2020 paid the sum of N24,600,000.00 to Enugu law students to cushion the adverse effects of the pandemic, stressing that “This payment was made at a time most states were struggling to pay workers' salaries because of economic recession”.

The Executive Secretary urged the students to be good ambassadors of the state wherever they find themselves, and “always have our dear state, Enugu, in your prayers for the sustenance of peace, security and good governance entrenched by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration".

Reacting on their behalf, the leader of the law students, Michael Kenechukwu Onah expressed immense gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for continued show of humility, benevolence and steadfastness to the wellbeing of Enugu indigenes and residents in spite of the nation’s economic challenges.

Onah reiterated the commitment of the law students towards making Enugu State proud, promising Gov. Ugwuanyi that they will surely make him proud in the Bar Finals coming up in August this year in appreciation of his kind gesture.

Describing the bursary as “a privilege, not a right”, the leader of the law students, reassured the governor of their support, prayers and solidarity.

In their determined efforts to assist the Enugu State government and security agencies to decisively address the security challenges in Igbo-Eze North and Igbo-Eze South local government areas of the state, the Tricycle (Keke) and Motorcycle (Okada) Riders Associations in the two council areas have resolved that their members should stop operating from 6pm to 6am, daily in the affected two LGAs.

The two associations also directed all Keke and Okada operators to withdraw their services in Aguibeje and Iyionu communities in Igbo Eze North LGA till further notice.

The resolutions were taken during an emergency meeting of the Executives and Members of Keke and Okada riders associations in Igbo- Eze North and Igbo-Eze South LGAs, on Tuesday.

The decisions were disclosed in a statement jointly signed by the Enugu State Chairman of Association of Tricycle Riders, Comrade Benjamin Ikah, and the four Chairmen of Tricycle Riders and Motorcycle Associations in Igbo-Eze North and Igbo-Eze South LGAs, Comrade Solomon Ejiofor Ali, Izuchukwu Onah, Samuel Eze and Fidelis Onah, respectively.

The associations requested all the security agencies in the state “to enforce these resolutions” and went further to enjoin their members in the affected LGAs and communities to comply strictly with the resolutions, forthwith.

The people of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Sunday, trooped out en masse to the Government House, Enugu on a Solidarity/Thank-you visit to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the unprecedented development projects his administration has executed in their council area.

Led by the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani, the member representing Isi-Uzo Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Amaka Ugwueze, the Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Barr. Obiora Obeagu and other stakeholders, the people of the council also commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the peaceful conduct of the PDP primaries in the state.

The people of Isi-Uzo LGA told Gov. Ugwuanyi, who is the leader of the PDP in the state, that they accepted the outcome of the party primaries in good faith as loyal party men and women, and assured the governor of their 100 percent support and loyalty.

Presenting their unanimous stance to the governor, the Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Barr. Obeagu, while listing the numerous projects of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration in the council area disclosed that “from the time you assumed office as governor till date, Isi-Uzo LGA has witnessed tremendous development”.

The Council Chairman added that in the history of Enugu State, no administration remembered Isi-Uzo LGA in terms of development, human empowerment, political appointments, peace and security like Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, stressing that the governor constructed and reconstructed classroom buildings and other infrastructure in over 55 schools, built healthcare facilities, bridges, and roads such as the 22km Neke-Mbu-Ogbodu Aba-Obollo Etiti inter-community link road and the 8.8km Nkalagu-Eha Amufu road in Isi-Uzo LGA, which was neglected for over 35 years.

He revealed that their people in the affected communities are grateful to Gov. Ugwuanyi that they are enjoying tarred roads in their life time courtesy of his administration.

Reassuring Gov. Ugwuanyi of their support, the people of Isi-Uzo LGA said: “We have come to tell you that we are loyal party men and women; that you have our 100 percent support and loyalty and wherever you stand is where Isi-uzo stands”.

Speaking on the outcome of the PDP Governorship primary election in Enugu State, the State Chairman of PDP, Hon. Nnamani, explained that the emergence of Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as the party’s governorship candidate was the choice of ‘Ndi Enugu’ following wider consultations which involved not only the governor, but also the party leadership, elder statesmen and other revered stakeholders including the traditional rulers, among others.

Corroborating, the Traditional Rulers from Isi-Uzo LGA present at the event, through HRH Igwe Silas Udogu hinted that prior to the PDP governorship primary election, the entire Traditional Rulers of Enugu East Senatorial District came together, preached peace and agreed to support whoever emerged as the party’s governorship candidate.

The Royal fathers thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for keeping faith with the agreement he had with the Traditional Rulers from Enugu East Senatorial District, saying: “We also thank you for the peace in Enugu State”.

Other speakers at the event, namely the member representing Isi-Uzo Constituency, Hon. Mrs. Ugwueze, former Chairman of the Council, Prof. Sam Ugwu, Chairman of PDP in Isi-Uzo LGA, Hon. Uche Ugwueze, representative of the youths, Jideofor, all endorsed the position of the council chairman and the State PDP Chairman, and reiterated the support and loyalty of the people of Isi-Uzo LGA to Gov. Ugwuanyi.

Also in the delegation were the former Member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Amb. Kingsley Ebenyi, former Member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Daniel Ogbuabor, former Member of the National Executive Committee of the PDP, Hon. Osita Ogene, former President General of the Mgbuji Autonomous Community, Chief Eric Ebeh, a successful farmer formerly based in the North, Alhaji Sani Friday Nnaji, and Prince Emeka Ugwu, among others.

Youths of Enugu North Senatorial District under the auspices of ‘Nsukka Youths for Gburugburu’ have commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his commitment to the wellbeing and development of young people in the district in particular and the state general.

The youths also applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for the manner he has been carrying them along in his government, stressing that, in the history of the state, Enugu youths have never had the opportunity they have today in governance.

Speaking when a delegation of youth leaders from the six local government areas of Enugu North Senatorial District paid a solidarity visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday, the leader of the delegation, Roy Ifeanyi Ekwueme, told the governor that the visit was also to appreciate him for the peaceful conduct of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary elections in the state.

They expressed confidence in the governor’s wisdom and leadership approach in respect of his political decisions saying: “That is why we organized ourselves to say for everything you have done for us, we are going to come to show you solidarity and support."

According to him “We also thank you for the opportunity you (Ugwuanyi) gave to the youths that ordinarily wouldn’t have dreamt of being councilors, council chairmen, party candidates, even community leaders. Some of them are here with us. You carried them along and gave them a platform. These are people you raised in Enugu State who never had a father that spoke for them. They never had a name they were banking on. It was you that found them and gave them a name in Enugu State”.

Speaking further, Ekwueme, who is also the President of Nsukka Youths General Assembly, reassured Gov. Ugwuanyi that youths of Nsukka zone are resolute in their support and loyalty to him and his administration, stressing that they remain committed to their stance that “where you say we will go, we will go”.

Stressing that Gov. Ugwuanyi has “done a lot for us and you are still doing a lot for us”, the leader of the delegation disclosed that Nsukka youths have unanimously endorsed the governor’s senatorial candidature and are working tirelessly towards his landslide victory at the poll in 2023 to represent the district in the 10th Senate.

“That is why we came as ‘Nsukka Youth for Gburugburu’ to show that we are for you; to show you that we have always been for you; to show you that you are the only person in Nsukka zone that we can trust because you have shown us that you love, respect and acknowledge us”, he added.

The youth group went further to thank Gov. Ugwuanyi for his development strides in Enugu State especially his landmark projects such as the massive ongoing projects at the permanent site of ESUT Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine, Igbo Eno, aimed at providing world-class healthcare services to residents of the state in the rural areas and beyond.

The youth leaders at the event include the immediate past Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, Comrade Paschal Ugwu, the Director General, Gburuscare Initiative, Darlington Ugwuegbe, the President, Federated Association of Nsukka Students, Prince Felix, the immediate past President, Federated Association of Nsukka Students, Clinton Ogbonna, the Member representing Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Youths Parliament, Onyemaechi Onah, and the President, Igbo-Etiti Youths Forum, Nicholas Odozor.

Others were the Chairman, Uzo-Uwani Youths Forum, Cletus Idiga (Opata Igbo), the Leader, Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Igbo-Eze South, Darlington Mamah, the Publicity Secretary, Nsukka Youths General Assembly, Onyekachi Omeje and a popular Comedian/Entertainer, MC Kokoli, etc.

The massive ongoing projects at the permanent site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine, Igbo-Eno, being executed by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration are advancing progressively with the completion of 6-unit of College of Medicine facility buildings comprising 12, 10 and 8 classroom blocks, 2-unit of 102-room hostel blocks, and construction of access and internal roads.

The water supply and reticulation project and external electrical infrastructure are at various stages of completion.

No cause for alarm over gas leak at Caritas University, Emene, outskirts of Enugu, which was caused by borehole drilling activities, as safety measures
have been taken to avert any disaster from the incident scene, says SEMA

Read full text of the statement by SEMA...

*Public Announcement!!!*

The Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) wishes to inform the public about the gas leak which has culminated into a fire outbreak at Caritas University, Emene, Enugu.

SEMA in collaboration with NEMA activated the relevant emergency stakeholders including Fire Service (State, Federal and FAAN fire department), NNPC, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority who are on ground to provide immediate technical assessment and solution regarding the leakage and raging fire.

According to the DG NOSDRA Mr. Idris Musa, the gas leak was caused by borehole drilling activities which hit a gas reservoir.

The area affected has long been cordoned off and fire fighters are permanently stationed at the incident scene so as to avert spread of the fire and any form of disaster.

SEMA therefore advises the public to be calm as necessary steps have been taken to avert any disaster from the incident scene.

Nkechi Eneh FICMC, MCArb
Executive Secretary
Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has won the Enugu North Senatorial District Primary Election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Gov. Ugwuanyi was declared winner of the peaceful and transparent senatorial primary election amid jubilation by the Chairman of the five-man Electoral Panel from the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, Prince Vin Yandev Amabei.

Prince Amabei disclosed that Gov. Ugwuanyi scored 299 valid votes cast to defeat three other aspirants in the ballot paper, namely Mr. Okanya Celestine, Chief Eze Godwin Ikechukwu, and Prof. Godsmark Edward Ugwu, who was personally present at the event.

Declaring Ugwuanyi as the winner of the PDP ticket for Enugu North Senatorial District in the 2023 general elections, the Electoral Panel Chairman said, "Having concluded the counting of the votes here, you, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has scored the highest number of votes cast which is 299 votes. And having scored that wide margin, by the virtue of my position as the Chairman of the National Electoral Committee for the exercise in Enugu State, I hereby declare you (Ugwuanyi) as the PDP candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District of the state. Congratulations sir".

Prince Amabei disclosed that the party primary was conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act and the guidelines of the PDP.

The electoral process commenced with the accreditation of 318 delegates from the six Local Government Areas of Enugu North Senatorial District, which was conducted by the PDP Enugu State three-man Electoral Panel led by the Returning Officer, Barr. Tahill Ochi, before the voting exercise by the delegates.

Monitored by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the leader of the delegation described the PDP Senatorial Primary Election in Enugu North Senatorial District as peaceful and transparent, stressing that "the electoral process went well".

In his acceptance speech, Gov. Ugwuanyi dedicated the victory to God, and went round to thank the delegates for their overwhelming support and solidarity.

The Enugu State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani led the Chairman of the National Electoral Committee to the venue of the primary to conduct the exercise.

The Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, the member representing Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Simon Atigwe, the former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, the PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Engr. Vita Abba, the former Economic Adviser to the President, Prof. Osita Ogbu, the PDP Presidential Aspirant, Barr. Charlie Ugwu, the six Council Chairmen from the zone, and the former State Chairman of the Party, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, were among the dignitaries that witnessed the event, which took place at the newly constructed Township Stadium in Nsukka.

The Electoral Committees from the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the conduct of the State House of Assembly (SHOA) and Federal House of Representatives (FHORs) Primary Elections in Enugu State have expressed satisfaction with the exercises, describing them as peaceful, transparent and orderly.

The two electoral committees which gave their separate verdicts when they supervised the conduct of the primaries in the state, on Sunday, commended the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led leadership of the PDP in Enugu State for galvanizing the delegates and party members in displaying utmost commitment, discipline and comportment during the peaceful exercises.

Speaking at Udenu Local Government Area, where Hon. Solomon Onah was unanimously elected as the Party’s candidate for Udenu Constituency in the State House of Assembly, the Chairman of PDP National Electoral Committee, Barr. Uche Igbokwe, lauded the electoral process of the primary election, expressing delight at the presence of the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the event.

In Nsukka LGA, where the primary elections for Nsukka East and Nsukka West constituencies were conducted, Barr. Igbokwe, on behalf of other members of the electoral committee, also commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

Led to the venue of the primary election by the State Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Innocent Ezeoha, and the State Organising Secretary of the Party, Dr. Christian Iyiani, the Committee applauded the delegates for their sincerity of purpose and decorum, expressing satisfaction with the electoral processes put in place by the State Working Committee of the party.

In Enugu East LGA, the SHOA Primary Election Committee, pointed out that “everything is going on peacefully”, stressing that “We have gone to several LGAs and we have seen that everything is going on perfectly well in Enugu State”.

They appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for his uncommon leadership role in Enugu State in particular and the PDP South East zone in general, revealing that the governor is the one that has kept state chapters of the party in the zone going.

Supervising the Federal House of Representatives Primary Elections in Enugu State, the National Electoral Committee led by Hon. Aminu Koko equally described the exercise in the state as peaceful, transparent and credible, maintaining that they were satisfied with the electoral process and convivial atmosphere.

Other members of the SHOA Primary Electoral Committee were Hon. Egbuna Nduanya, Hajiya Fatima Usman, Alh. Abubakar Bala Matawale, and Mr. Salihu Onimisi who served as Secretary of the Committee.

Alaji Umaru Zakari, Hajiya Asiya Bayero, Innocent Chibundu Ezekiel and Mr. Emmanuel Ekpe (Secretary) were members of the Federal Constituency Electoral Committee chaired by Hon. Koko.

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State through the State Scholarship Board has secured fully-funded scholarships for another 28 post graduate students who are indigenes of the state to study in Europe and America.

Addressing newsmen when he led some of the beneficiaries to the Government House, Enugu, on Friday, to thank Gov. Ugwuanyi for the rare opportunity, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Scholarship Board, Barr. Levi Abonyi, disclosed that the scholarship mentorship programme was designed and developed by the Board to expose Enugu students to available funding opportunities around the world, in line with Gov. Ugwuanyi administration’s youth empowerment scheme.

Barr. Abonyi revealed that the scholarship programme was approved by the State Executive Council (EXCO), adding that the programme has produced 46 fully-funded Masters and PhD students from the state.

It would be recalled that the first batch of the programme launched in October 2020 had 18 Enugu State indigenes as beneficiaries.

The Executive Secretary explained that the scheme prepares fresh graduates to enroll directly into PhD programmes without first obtaining a Masters Degree.

He added that the Gov. Ugwuanyi administration’s "goal is to produce a generation of intellectuals who will be better equipped to turn the state around economically and who will be better disposed to compete favourably globally".

Dwelling further on the state government’s contributions to the programme, Barr. Abonyi said that it "pays the 6 scholarship mentors monthly allowances as honorarium for their services, takes care of the cost of Visa, flight tickets, initial living expenses and other logistics of all successful students at the cost of One million naira (N1,000,000.00), and comes in as a guarantor for the issuance of Visas to the benefiting students".

Expressing gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi on behalf of the beneficiaries, Lilian Chinenye Ekowo, who will be travelling to the University of Notre Dem, United States of America, thanked the governor for availing them the opportunity to benefit from the scholarship board, disclosing that "Today, each one of us was awarded the scholarship of One million naira travelling expenses".

Another beneficiary, Mathias Chukwudi Isiani, appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for his benevolence and commitment to youth empowerment and education.

He advised other young people to develop interest in the programme to improve on their academic careers.

On his part, one of the 18 beneficiaries of the first batch of the scholarship mentorship programme in 2020, Odinaka Kingsley Eze, who graduated from University of Mississippi, USA, expressed delight that "this mentorship programme has up to 46 ambassadors”, saying: “All thanks to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi for the opportunity".

He stressed that the experience is quite revealing and enriching in terms of academics and research.

Speaking on behalf of the Mentors, the Coordinator, Enugu State Mentorship Programme, Dr. Kelechi Ugwuanyi pointed out that more Enugu indigenes will benefit from the programme in no distance time, stressing that “this mentorship programme under Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration is focused on raising the next leaders of this state”.

According to him, “Our target is that before His Excellency (Ugwuanyi) finishes his tenure, we must have close to fifty or one hundred beneficiaries across the world. I am happy to say that today we have a spread of ambassadors in USA, Canada, Japan, Netherland, Egypt, China and Czech Republic.

“One interesting aspect of this is that His Excellency did not only constitute this programme, but also promised that each and every one of these Mentees who made it through the process is going to receive the sum of One million naira (N1,000,000.00) to support these persons’ flight ticket, Visa application and other logistics associated with their travelling.

“The governor made it possible and I am happy to say that they are all holding their cheques and some of them will be leaving this weekend and next week.

“We thank Gov. Ugwuanyi for giving us this opportunity to work for the state and encourage the young ones to be able to go to different countries of the world to study. And we hope that they will come back to put in their best in the economy and development of the state”.

The Chances of Dr. Josef-Ken Onoh emerging as the 2023 Enugu state governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, brightened on Tuesday with the official withdrawal of Hon. Offor Chukwuegbo from the race.

Chukwuegbo who represents Enugu North/Enugu South federal constituency in the House of Representatives had on Tuesday reportedly announced before his 17 local government council coordinators that he has stepped down from the Governorship race to pursue going back to the National Assembly

Following the development, Dr. Onoh who hails from Enugu North local government council has emerged the only candidate of the Federal constituency in Enugu East senatorial district where stakeholders in the state have agreed that the next governor of the state should come from in the spirit of zoning, justice, fairness and equity.

Speaking on the development, a PDP stalwart from Enugu North local government area, Chief Ike Ngwu commended Chukwuegbo for reducing tension in the race.

Ngwu said: “Offor’s (Chukwuegbo) action is quiet commendable and has narrowed the governorship race in Enugu North/ Enugu South federal constituency to Dr. Ken Onoh. His reason for stepping down may not be far from our federal constituency’s decision to produce one aspirant with with which we want to use to make our bargain stronger.

“Remember that both Offor and Onoh were both members of Enugu State House of Assembly at the same time between 2003-2007. The traditional rulers of our Federal constituency and other political stakeholders have been meeting on how to make a common bargain in this governorship election because we believe that we have a superior argument in Enugu east senatorial zone and that is what you have seen playing out.

“We are hoping that the remaining two federal constituencies in Enugu East senatorial district which are Nkanu East/Nkanu West and Enugu East/Isi-Uzo will toe the same line as we have done so that the choice our PDP candidate would be made simpler.

“As Offor told his coordinators, it’s not just one person who has the responsibility of tailoring down the number of aspirants which you know are 15 in number and with this his magnimity and bold step, our federal constituency has set a pace which we hope others will follow. We don’t need the Governor’s intervention to help the state in resolving a political congestion such as we have now in this 2023 governorship contest.

“We applaud Offor’s decision to reduce the burden on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in the electoral process. We just hope that the other two federal constituencies will follow the example we have set and arrive at credible candidates in each of their constituencies to help the Governor made a viable choice.”

Committed to ensuring that the enviable sanitary condition of Enugu city is restored, the Enugu State government has upwardly reviewed the terms of waste evacuation contracts with the waste disposal contractors in the state to ensure optimum hygienic condition of the city.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Steve Oruruo, said the review was approved to compensate the contractors for the high operating cost occasioned by spike in cost of diesel, vehicle maintenance and labour, among others.

It was also to improve the capacity of the waste evacuation contractors to render top-notch service.

While frowning at the declining state of the cleanliness of Enugu city, the state government consequently charged the waste evacuation contractors to urgently reverse the undesirable trend and restore the hitherto enviable sanitary condition of the city.

It assured the people of the state that a huge improvement in the cleanliness of the city will be witnessed shortly.

The Local Government congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held across the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State on Tuesday have been described by the Electoral Panel from the National Secretariat of the party as "very peaceful, well organised and transparent".

The PDP LGA congresses were conducted across the 17 LGAs of Enugu State to elect one National Delegate and nominate one Person Living With Disability (PLWD) ahead of the party primary elections. The congresses were monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking while members of the 5-man Electoral Panel supervised the LG congresses across the state, the Chairman, Hajiya Amina Jambo commended the PDP family in Enugu State led by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the peaceful atmosphere in the state, and the enthusiasm and transparency displayed in the conduct of the exercise.

The Enugu State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani and his Deputy, Hon. Innocent Ezeoha led members of the National Electoral Panel to supervise the LGA Congresses.

The Panel Chairman also applauded the Gov. Ugwuanyi-led PDP family for adhering to the guidelines of the party for the conduct of the LGA congresses, adding that they are very proud of the party in Enugu State.

Addressing the party faithful at the Udenu LGA, Hajiya Jambo said that "these Local Government Congresses in Enugu State are among the most peaceful, well organised and colourful exercise of our party in the country", adding that "Everywhere we have gone, the people are comported and observing the rules and guidelines of the PDP for the conduct of the exercise".

She acknowledged the presence of the women and the physically challenged persons, including officials of INEC at the exercise, saying: "We saw women and the disabled. We have seen them everywhere we go. We also saw the INEC officials monitoring the exercise.

"This shows that you people are following the guidelines. You people are doing what you are supposed to do. We are very proud of you. We are happy that you people are doing things correctly. That the INEC officials here have confirmed to us that everything is going on well and in accordance with the PDP guidelines"

At Isi-Uzo LGA PDP Office in Ikem, the National Electoral Panel Chairman lauded the peaceful and transparent exercise stressing that "We have seen democracy in action in Enugu State".

According to her, "It is clear that His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is a true democrat. So this is pure democracy in action. Everywhere we go, you are following the guidelines. We have seen people with disabilities; we have seen women everywhere. As a woman that obviously makes me happy.

"My team has been in Enugu State since morning, and we have been going from one Local Government to another to supervise the PDP Local Government congresses".

In Enugu East LGA where the members of the Electoral Panel were received by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, Senator Gil Emeka Nnaji, the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Cornelius Nnaji, the Council Chairman, Hon. Nze Livinus Anike, among other stakeholders, the verdict was the same as they commended the peaceful atmosphere, the transparency and adherence to the party guidelines and the presence of INEC officials.

At Enugu North PDP Office which was their first port of call, Hajiya Jambo said: "We are so appreciative of your warm welcome. You can see that the place is well organised and very peaceful".

Addressing the party delegates at Isi-Uzo LGA when the National Electoral Panel arrived the venue, the Returning Officer, Dr. Ozo Okey Ozoani, noted that INEC officials were monitoring the exercise, and explained that "before your arrival we have done accreditation, we have called the statutory delegates; we have also called the three-man delegates, the LG delegates, the councillors, ward executives, and we have a total of 278 delegates in Isi-Uzo LGA".

According to him, "I am privileged and honoured to be the Returning Officer where an election will be monitored by the national team of our party".

Members of PDP National Electoral Panel were Yinka Adegbola, Hajiya Fatima Usman, Chidi Dike and Hon. Egbuna Nduanya.

The Chairmen of Udenu, Enugu North and Isi-Uzo LGAs, Hon. Solomon Onah, Hon. Emeka Onunze and Hon. Obiora Obeagu respectively, led the stakeholders in their respective council areas to receive the National Electoral Panel members.

Ahead of the primary elections of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the statutory and ad hoc delegates from Enugu West Senatorial District, on Sunday, rose with one voice, assuring Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State that they are solidly behind him, and will vote according to his direction in the selection of PDP candidates for the 2023 general elections in the state.

The delegates, who gave the assurance when they paid a solidarity visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, applauded the governor for entrenching peace and good governance in Enugu State.

They also commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the peaceful conduct of the ward congress of the PDP across the 260 electoral wards of Enugu State, on April 30, 2022, stressing that the outcome of the exercise was an eloquent testimony that the governor is “a leader of peace”.

The delegates from the five local government areas of Enugu West Senatorial District comprising Aninri, Awgu, Ezeagu, Oji River and Udi, told the governor that they have never taken, and will not take, his peaceful disposition and uncommon leadership qualities for granted.

They expressed delight that Enugu State is a reference point for peace in Nigeria, pointing out the cherished feat was made possible because of the governor’s commitment to peace, security and wellbeing of residents of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the delegates, the Chairman of Ezeagu LGA and State Deputy Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Chukwudi Ozoeluba, said: “We assure you (Ugwuanyi) that we the delegates are for you and wherever you say we should go, we will go with you. Other decisions you will take, we will stand with you. In any condition we are with you”.

Flanked by the other four council chairmen from Enugu West Senatorial District, Hon. Ozoeluba added: “We equally to thank you for the peace you have given Enugu State. We have never seen a peaceful three-man delegate election in Enugu State like this one of April 30, 2022.

“This shows that you are a father and a leader of peace. And that peace you have given Enugu State has made our state one of the best states in Nigeria. Thank you for making it possible”.

In his remarks, the pioneer State Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Charles Egumgbe, also described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “a man of peace and tranquility”, deserving of the unalloyed support and solidarity of the people of Enugu West Senatorial District and beyond, as the Governor of Enugu State and leader of the PDP in the state.

According to him, “The issue of leadership is not changeable and PDP has established that precedence as a party. I commend you (Ugwuanyi) for the peaceful ward congress of our great party last weekend. It was tranquil in my ward and I know it was tranquil everywhere.

“We are a family and we have a leader in the person of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. As a political party, let us continue to follow our leader, he is leading us alright”.

Dignitaries that graced the event include the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly (ENHA), Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu; Senator Ben Collins Ndu; former Members of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ogbuefi Ozomgachi, Hon. KGB Oguakwa and Hon. Garry Eneh; former Minister of Aviation, Amb. Mrs. Fidelia Njeze; Chief Whip of ENHA, Hon. Mrs. Jane Eneh; Hon. Chinedu Okwu (Otaka) and other state legislators from the zone; Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor; Dr. Uche Uzochukwu; Hon. Okezie Nwanjoku, among others.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has called on Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians, to continue to pray fervently to God for the peace, security, unity and progress of the country.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who made the call in his Sallah Message, congratulated Muslims as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

The governor wished the Muslim faithful the blessings and guidance of Allah, urging Nigerians to embrace peace, love, tolerance and sacrifice, which are the exemplary virtues of the Holy Prophet Mohammed.

He, therefore, prayed for a peaceful and pleasant celebration, stressing that the significance of the Islamic event towards the enhancement of peace, security, unity and progress of the nation is enduring.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

The Enugu State Electoral Committee from the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the conduct of the ward congresses of the party in the state has described the exercise, which was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the state, as peaceful, transparent and credible.

Speaking when members of the PDP electoral committee supervised the ward congresses held to elect three-man ad hoc delegates, the Chairman of the panel, Prince Vincent Yandev Amaabai, expressed delight at the peaceful atmosphere of the exercise across the 260 electoral wards in Enugu State.

The Chairman added that the electoral processes were well organized, commending Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led PDP leadership in Enugu State for the peaceful outcome of the ward congresses in the state.

He disclosed that they will submit the names of those who emerged winners from the ward congresses to the National Secretariat.

Led by the Chairman of the PDP in Enugu State, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, to supervise the congress in Umunevo, Ward 02, Ogui Nike, Enugu North Local Government Area, Prince Amaabai, accompanied by other committee members, Hon. Okey Ahiwe and Dr. Adetokumbo Pearse said: "We are members of the PDP state electoral committee who have come from the National Secretariat of our great Party in Abuja to conduct the ward congresses.

"We are going round to supervise and see what you people are doing. Coming here we can see that you people are well organized and peaceful.

"We want to inform you that delegates’ election is a proper election supervised by INEC. And we are happy that INEC representative is here monitoring this exercise.

"It is either done by consensus or by queuing behind candidates of your choice. The list of the three ad hoc delegates that emerge here is what we will send to our PDP National Secretariat in Abuja. Nobody can change anything. It is what you people do on the ground here that we will submit to Abuja.

"The person here is the representative of INEC, Anthony Obinna, who was sent to monitor this ward congress, you (Obinna) have seen everything yourself. That is how PDP does its thing. Everything is transparent and peaceful.

"I want to tell you people again that the National Secretariat of our party has so much respect for the PDP in Enugu State under the leadership of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

"This is because since their (PDP National Officers) assumption of office November last year, nobody has heard any complaint from Enugu State and we hope that this record will continue"

At Umuenwene Ward, Enugu East LGA, where members of the electoral committee were received by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Prince Cornelius Nnaji, the Council Chairman, Nze Livinus Anike, among others, the Committee Chairman, equally expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the exercise which was also monitored by an INEC official, Mrs. Perpetual Onyia.

He told the jubilant and enthusiastic party faithful at the congress that "we are happy with the performance of the PDP in Enugu State", adding: “The National Secretariat is happy with you because since they (NWC members) took over the leadership of the party last year we have never heard of any issue in Enugu State. We pray God that it will continue to be like that".

On getting to Eda-Nta Ward in Ede-Oballa, Nsukka LGA, where members of the PDP, including the former State Chairman of the party, Engr. Vita Abba, were queuing behind candidates of their choice to elect the three-man delegates, members of the electoral panel applauded their orderliness and comportment, stressing that it was democracy in action.

"We are happy to see people already lining up behind candidates of their choice. Since we have been going round, we haven't had any crisis. Even here that you have decided to queue up behind your candidates, it is still very peaceful. This is commendable.

"I want to assure you that, whatever result you that emanates from the exercise and across the 260 wards, is certainly what we are taking to Abuja; nobody is going to change anybody's result".

The story was the same in Obollo-Eke, Udenu LGA and Ikem in Isi-Uzo LGA as the visibly joyful party faithful rolled out drums to receive the electoral committee members.

Commending the peaceful exercise, the Chairman said: "We want to thank you people so much for this peaceful atmosphere here. Since we came to Enugu State we have not recorded any incident anywhere. It has been very calm.

"We also bring you felicitations from the National Secretariat, Abuja. Since the new National Leadership came on board, we have been having complaints here and there but we have not heard of any complaint from Enugu State. So you people have set a record and we hope you will continue like that.

He went further to recognize the presence of the INEC officials at the two events and urged the participants to continue to support the party at all times.

Over 260 youths across the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State, who are into farming business, including Reverend Sisters, on Wednesday, left Enugu for Keffi, Nasarawa State, for a two-week training at CSS Global Farms, under the sponsorship of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration.

The beneficiaries have arrived safely at the agricultural training facility in Keffi.

Addressing the participants at Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu, before departure, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Engr. Michael Ogbuekwe, disclosed that the training was part of the concerted efforts of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration to encourage and empower the youth to gain agricultural experience in line with international best practices.

Engr. Ogbuekwe explained that Gov. Ugwuanyi is committed to agricultural development in Enugu State as well as efficient and effective involvement of the youth and other indigenes of the state in modern agriculture, saying: “We want our people to gather skills that they can give back to the ecosystem, the agricultural system”.

The Special Adviser added that the over 260 beneficiaries will learn modern techniques in agriculture that would be replicated back home in Enugu State, pointing out that agriculture contributes greatly to the GDP of national, state and local economies.

“What we want to achieve, according to the policies and programmes of our Governor, is that we want our rural communities to be the engine room of the economic development of our state.

“With the knowledge based experience to be acquired from the training, we can see our young ones becoming business entrepreneurs with high standard of operations in the agricultural value chain.

“So, at the end of the day, we should see the products of this gain. We should expect to see partnership among these youths. We expect to see our youths keying into the Central Bank of Nigeria programmes, state Grants, among others, to develop into successful agro business men and women”, he said.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chidiebere Emehelu, who described himself as an entrepreneur in food processing, expressed profound gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for giving them the rare opportunity to develop their agro skills.

Emehelu noted that agriculture is a big market with enormous opportunities especially for the youth, expressing delight that the training will offer them a veritable platform “to become more experienced to add Enugu State in the map of food production in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general”.

Also speaking, Lady Izuchukwu Kanu Obiekwe, another beneficiary, appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for the time-honoured initiative, saying: “This opportunity is giving us a lifetime goal. We are thanking our Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu) for the great opportunity. We promise to do Enugu State proud over there and also when we return”.

There was jubilation in Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State, on Sunday, as the Senator representing the district in the National Assembly, Senator Chukwuka Utazi formally announced his decision not to contest the senatorial seat in the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries and the general elections, to pave way for the smooth and peaceful emergence of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State as the Senator of the Senatorial district in the 10th National Assembly.

Senator Utazi who made the announcement while addressing the delegates of the PDP from Enugu North Senatorial District and other stakeholders of the party said he did not purchase the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms of the party for the Senatorial seat to give Gov. Ugwuanyi, who he described as "our leader and brother", maximum support.

The federal lawmaker added amid jubilation that the decision was also to promote the existing peace in Enugu North Senatorial district in particular and Enugu State in general.

Senator Utazi reassured Gov. Ugwuanyi that the PDP family in Enugu North Senatorial District and the entire people of the district are solidly behind him and his political decisions in respect of choice of candidates during the forthcoming party primaries, saying: "We will follow our brother and leader; we are going to be behind you; and pray that God will guide to take these decisions".

"We are here to give you reassurance that it is ordained by God that you do the things you are supposed to do. We are here to also reassure that you have our backing. Our case is not just political. The followership and backing are also spiritual. And you have our spiritual backing too. We are going to continue this support at the voting level during the general elections", Senator Utazi said.

The pronouncement by Sen. Utazi not to contest the senatorial seat elicited jubilation among party faithful at the meeting, prompting the State Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Innocent Ezeoha to, on behalf of the people, thank Senator Utazi for his sportsmanship and sacrifice in declaring his support for the governor's senatorial bid.

"Senator Utazi it will be well with you for making this sacrifice", Hon. Ezeoha added.

Earlier, while addressing the PDP faithful comprising members of the National and State Assemblies from Enugu North Senatorial District, the six Council Chairmen, members of the State EXCO from the zone and all the principal officers of the PDP at the Local Government and ward levels, the Zonal Chairman (Enugu North Senatorial District), Rt. Hon. Nze Michael Onyeze, disclosed that the essence of the meeting, which was attended by Gov. Ugwuanyi, was to appreciate the governor for his remarkable achievements in Enugu North Senatorial District in particular and the state in general in spite of the nation’s economic challenges and the state's limited resources.

Hon. Onyeze noted that the appreciation was informed by the outcome of the assessment tour of infrastructural projects executed by the governor, including completed and ongoing landmark projects, stressing that "No government has done what your (Ugwuanyi's) government has done in the rural areas".

The PDP Zonal Chairman stated that the meeting was equally for the party delegates from Enugu North Senatorial District to renew their stance and reassure Gov. Ugwuanyi of their total support for his choice of party candidates for the State House of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential seats.

He maintained that they are in support of rotational zoning arrangement of the governorship position which favours Enugu East Senatorial District, stressing that the governor has done a lot to maintain peace in Enugu State and strict adherence to the zoning pattern would enhance peace and security in the state.

"Your Excellency, you have done so well and we are proud of you. Our votes will not miss, even one vote. We will give you 100 percent support in respect of your choice of successor and other elective positions".

Also speaking, the member representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu, the member representing Nsukka East Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Nwamba and the Chairman of Udenu LGA and State Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Solomon Onah, on behalf of their colleagues from the zone, respectively, unanimously endorsed the stance of the party, reassuring the governor that they are resolute in their support and loyalty.

Corroborating, the PDP LG Chairmen in the six LGAs of Enugu North Senatorial District, the Party LG Vice Chairmen, the LG Secretaries, the LG Youth Leaders, the LG Woman Leader, the PDP Ward Chairmen from the zone, the Ward Vice Chairmen, Ward Secretaries, Ward Youth Leaders and Ward Women Leaders unanimously declared their maximum support and loyalty to Gov. Ugwuanyi, reassuring him that they will follow his directions as the only leader they know in Enugu State.

Rt. Hon. Martins Oke, representing Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency and his Igbo-Eze North/ Udenu counterpart, Hon. Engr. Simon Atigwe were at the party meeting while the two former State Chairmen of the PDP from Enugu North Senatorial District, Engr. Vita Abba and Chief Ikeje Asogwa witnessed the event.

The Anglican Bishop Nike Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Christian Onyeka Onyia has described Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State as a prayerful man who devotes most of his time at night to pray for the progress of the state.

Bishop Onyia also described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a good man, stressing that the governor is equally a peaceful man.

The Cleric told the governor that it was “because you are a peaceful and prayerful man that this state (Enugu) has remained peaceful”.

Speaking during the inauguration of Nike Diocesan Hospital, located at New G.R.A, Enugu, Bishop Onyia who thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for honouring the invitation of the Diocese to inaugurate the hospital in spite of his tight schedule, pointed out that the gesture was an indication that the governor does not segregate between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.

“I know you have an activity somewhere now but you moved that one to be here. We sincerely appreciate you for that. We are not taking it for granted”, he said.

Describing Gov. Ugwuanyi as a prayerful man, Bishop Onyia said: “It is obvious this is part of the strong reasons why this state has been so peaceful. Prayer works; prayer has an answer to everything and because you have devoted your time to pray, God will never allow you to make mistake at any point particularly in this critical season of making a choice of who comes after you.

“We are also standing in the place of prayer for you and the whole state and we will continue to pray that God will lead you aright. You have supported us and we are grateful for what you have done”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi after inaugurating the hospital took a tour of the facility, in the company of Bishop Onyia, his wife, Nneka, the management team, the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji, the member representing Enugu North Constituency, Hon. Ibenaku Onoh, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Nze Livinus Anike, among others.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done at the facility.