Search Results

By Madu As part of his administration's commitment to address housing deficit in the state, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has conducted a scheduled inspection visit to Golf Residency Estate in Awka. The governor said the initiative is part of his administration's commitment to partner with the private sector to provide affordable and sustainable housing solutions for the state. During his visit to the expansive estate, which is part of the Awka 2.0 brand new city of the present administration, Governor Soludo engaged with key stakeholders, including developers, government officials and potential homeowners to observe the ongoing developments and future projects aimed at improving housing accessibility in the area. Mr. Emeka Onwuocha, who is the location Director, Rainbow Heritage Group, who are developers of the Golf Residency Estate, Awka explained that it features a blend of modern architecture and green spaces, adding that it is envisioned as a model for future housing projects in the state. The Golf Residency Estate is expected to provide hundreds of housing units, ranging from affordable apartments to upscale villas. It will also cater to diverse income brackets, and provide a broad spectrum of housing options as part of Governor Soludo’s strategy to ensure that no one is left behind in the quest for better housing.

By Madu Obi The member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Prof. Lilian Orogbu has empowered 1,000 widows in her constituency to mark her birthday. Each of the women received N50,000 to boost their businesses. Orogbu, a professor, assured the widows that she will continue to protect their interest in government because she knows what it means to be a widow. "Widows still have hope because Christ is their husband. No one comforts a widow more than the creator. I'm one and I know what you go through. There are people who are trying to limit my tenure in the national assembly to one term, but those proposing one term for me will fail. They will come to you and say that in Awka North and South, it is only one term that people do, but you will tell them no, this one will be different. They think they can persecute a widow, but they don't know that anyone working against a widow must be careful. If you are a widow, you have lost your husband, but God is your husband and he ensures your protection", she stated. Orogbu said that henceforth, her NGO will focus mainly on widows, promising that she will start empowering them massively because they are the ones who need empowerment most. She explained that through her representation at the National Assembly, the 19 communities in Awka North and South have benefited through diverse projects. "Only very few are yet to benefit, but we are coming to them. We have majorly built schools, hospitals and lit up many towns with street lights, and even sunk boreholes. We have also built roads in some of the communities," the lawmaker said.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on Thursday unveiled the reconstructed Hotel Presidential established by the administration of former premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Okpara. Describing the revival of the 62-year old edifice as “a homecoming for history,” the Governor extolled the foresightedness of the former Premier, regretting that the monument of pride had rotted away for the past 15 years. He explained that Hotel Presidential’s revival was in line with his campaign promise to recover Enugu’s moribund assets and also grow the state’s economy sevenfold. He said, “Sixty-two years ago, our forebears under the visionary leadership of Dr. Michael Okpara built this landmark as a symbol of Eastern Region’s resilience, elegance and enterprise. Over the decades, time and neglect dimmed that light. For about 15 years, this glorious edifice stood as an affront to our pride, as something contrary to what we represent. We came into office with a strong pledge: to recover what belongs to our people, convert dormant assets into productive assets; turn liabilities into engines of growth. That is why this unveiling is more than opening the doors of a hotel; it is the reopening of Enugu’s confidence. It is a tangible sign that when we say Enugu is open for business, we mean business. This hotel is a strategic enabler of our growth plan, comprising the ambitious target to grow Enugu’s economy seven-fold to at least $30 billion and to achieve a zero per cent poverty headcount rate." Mbah stressed that the standards for the hotel’s revamp were truly world-class, because the administration “insisted on this so that when Enugu says ‘welcome’ to its investors, our hospitality infrastructure speaks with the same credibility as our policies. “Our hospitality ecosystem today is simply inspiring: the 5,000-seat International Conference Centre (ICC) now anchors Enugu’s conferencing ambitions; the adjacent 5-star, 345-room ICC Hotel under construction will deliver premium “keys” for large events; Enugu Air, which has given wings to our dreams and announced the scale of our vision to the world. And now, the renewed Hotel Presidential adds a full-service icon back into the mix. None of this is a whimsical project; they are connecting dots on a large canvas. These assets are crucial to our aim to welcome up to three million annual tourist visits and to make Enugu the Conferencing Capital of Africa. The economic value is already visible. This hotel alone supports hundreds of direct jobs, culinary and events teams, engineering, landscaping, suppliers, and several other opportunities. Every conference day books our taxis and CNG buses; every visiting family discovers our art, our music, our cuisine, and our warmth. And the signal to investors is even bigger: when government shows it can recover assets, fix the fundamentals, and protect investments, private capital follows. That is why you see momentum across other moribund assets like UPPL, Sunrise Flour Mill, Nigergas; International Conference Centre, and a host of others." He thanked the managers and concessionaire of the reconstructed hotel, Amber Hospitality, for believing in Enugu’s potential, noting that “they bring on board an enviable pedigree, earned through the efficient management of about 12 successful brands in the hospitality sector.” He equally commended the contractors – Dilworth – for their attention to detail as well as the successive Commissioners of Works and Infrastructure and their Culture and Tourism counterpart for working to realise the project. In her address, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, while extoling Mbah’s leadership, said that “the silence has been broken; the lights are on — never to dim again; the doors are open — never to shut again; and the spirit of Enugu is back, stronger and brighter than ever.” Former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Sunday Onyebuchi, who commended the Governor for his speed in not only building new things, but also in reviving dead assets, said, “Your mantra says that tomorrow is here, but you have resurrected yesterday today." Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu, praised the Governor’s work rate, having commissioned Enugu Air, five transport terminals, 100 CNG buses, the reconstructed Hotel Presidential in succession under one month. He said, “If you are not tired of commissioning projects, we will not be tired of coming out. We have never seen it this way. Your leadership in Enugu State is legendary and monumental. There is no vacancy in Lion Building in 2027." The Chairman of Enugu North LGA, Dr. Ibenaku Onoh, acclaimed the governor’s transformative leadership, assuring him of the people’s continued support.Mbah Extol Dr. Okpara's Vision, Unveils Reconstructed Hotel Presidential

By Madu Obi The Catholic Diocese of Awka has clarified the controversy that trailed the eviction of tenants from its property, saying that it was the court that did after a judgement was delivered in its favour. The affected tenants had complained that most of their properties were destroyed during the eviction process and threatened to sue for the action. Addressing reporters in Awka, the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev Fr. Charles Ndubuisi said the exercise was carried out solely by the court’s bailiff in execution of the judgment, with the assistance of police officers. According to the cleric, the eviction was the outcome of a protracted legal dispute over ownership of the property, which the court resolved in favour of the Diocese. The property was said to be owned by a deceased priest, leading to a legal battle by the church to reclaim it from a man said to be a relation of the priest who took over the property after the priest's death. Ndubisi said the Diocese opted to follow due process after discovering that one Mr. Chidi Osakwe had allegedly taken over the building and rented it out to tenants without authorisation. “We took the civil and humane path of seeking redress in court rather than using force as both Mr. Osakwe and the unknown persons occupying the property were served quit notices and, after failing to vacate within the stipulated period, the court ordered their removal. The bailiff enforced and executed the judgment because the court granted the execution order. The Church was not involved in the enforcement,” he said. While sympathizing with the tenants who may have been misled into renting the property in the first place, Fr. Ndubisi explained that those who have approached the Diocese are being offered the opportunity to sign a new tenancy agreement. He also urged others affected to do the same, noting that “our hands are wide open to welcome them.” The Diocesan Chancellor cautioned against spreading “false narratives” about the Church on the social media over the matter and called for peace and dialogue.

By Madu Obi Awka - A United States of America, USA, - based medical practitioner and the the Traditional Prime Minister of Abagana in Njikoka local government area of Anambra State, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze has said that Igbo people in diaspora remit more than $60 billion to Nigeria every year. Anakwenze, who is the leader of Igbo people across the globe and runs a chain of hospitals that employs over 5000 professionals in the USA, told journalists in Awka that the amount made great positive impact in the economy of the South East region He added, however, that the main concern of Nigerians residing abroad is enthronement of the right leadership to make the country to take its rightful place among the comity of nations. According to him, the people in diaspora have been contributing significantly to the development of their communities and are prepared to do more, provided the right atmosphere is created. He said, for instance, that his people in the USA have raised substantial amount to renovate the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, outpost in his community to improve healthcare services in the area. " We are raising the funds from individual Abagana people and as a group. We already have over $100,000, which was raised last month. We're also going to approach our people in other parts of the world to do same. Whatever the government can do is good, but we want to help ourselves as a community" he added. "As an individual, I award 250 scholarships every year and I empower many widows. We're helping the young people because the old people no longer want to work. We have a lot of educated people and those in business who have a lot of money and they are prepared to support the development of their towns. All they need is to see that we are serious and the money will flow. The UNTH outpost has been abandoned and we want to make it big. It's a federal government institution, but it's been abandoned." He argued that Nigeria could do much better than it is doing at the moment, lamenting that the problem is that the people running the governments are below average and that is why they are failing the people. He stated: "Nigeria should be aiming to be a world power , but we can't achieve that with the kind of people ruling her. God gave us everything and we can't manage them, which is very unfortunate. If we have people with brain, Nigeria will be a world power. At the moment, Nigeria is carrying last which is bad. We have to start producing, not sitting and consuming. It's shameful that we are still importing almost everything and as long as we continue to do that, our naira will continue to be nothing." Anakwenze described the Igbo as very important towards fast development of Nigeria and called for their proper inclusion in the affairs of country "Unless Nigeria realizes the value of the Igbo, they will continue to carry last. We have the brain to match the Chinese and the Japanese in manufacturing. The things we manufacture in Aba and Onitsha and Nnewi are what can make the country grow, not sharing money and occupying government positions and giving jobs to family members who are not even qualified to hold such jobs", he stated.

By Madu Obi The candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the November 8 Anambra governorship election, Dr George Moghalu, has called on the federal government to intervene in what he called the constant brutality against innocent citizens by operatives of Anambra government-controlled security outfits. Moghalu, who addressed reporters in Awka over the recent brutalization of a female corps member serving in the state, demanded the disbandment of the security group before the forthcoming governorship election. He said incidences of brutalization by the group had become so much, adding that the the federal government needs to wade in immediately. He said: "The federal government should make a comment about this, moreso as the lady is on a national assignment and should be protected. It should also intervene in the security situation in Anambra State. I was saddened by what I saw in the video concerning the lady because it is scandalous, not just to Anambra or the state government, but to every responsible person. It is unacceptable. No matter what the lady may have done, it should have been better to arrest her in the normal way and hand her over to the police, and not brutalizing and bringing down her dignity. I have said it many times that these people were not trained, which is why they should be disbanded, trained and indoctrinated to suit what we need in this state. This is one case too many. They have killed, threatened, extorted money from people and it is unacceptable to me." Moghalu said although he learnt that the operatives involved had been arrested, there is also the need to find the whereabouts of the victim. "Where is the lady involved? Government should bring her to public domain for her to tell her story. This is a civilized community. That she is a youth corps member makes the case even worse because she is only serving her nation", he said. He urged the federal government to ensure adequate provision of enough security during the November 8 election, alleging that it had become clear that the outfit was constituted to prosecute the election.

By Madu Obi The wife of the Anambra State governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has invited the female National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member, Miss Jenifer Elohor, brutalized by operatives of the state- controlled Agunechemba security outfit, to the government house, to sympathize with her over the unfortunate incident. This came as the Anambra State government confirmed Wednesday the arrest of members of the security outfit who brutalized the corps member. An aide to the Anambra first lady said: "The wife of the governor, Dr Nonye Soludo has reached out to the NYSC member and invited her to the government house. She called her on phone and asked her and pleaded with her to come for a meeting. However, the lady told Her Excellency that she is not in Anambra State as the moment and promised to honour the invitation once she returns to the state." “The lady was very happy with the humility of the governor’s wife as she expressed her willingness to visit her. So, we are expecting her very soon." Recall that the governor's wife had earlier condemned the action of the the security outfit and assured that justice must be served to serve as a deterrent to others. Meanwhile, the special adviser to Governor Soludo on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakayi, said those involved in the dastardly act have been arrested. Emeakayi said although the officers were on legitimate duty when the incident occurred, their conduct during the search operation was “unacceptable and regrettable.” According to him, the Agunechemba officers, in conjunction with the central strike force team, were in pursuit of suspected cultists riding on about 12 motorcycles when the suspects ran into a compound. He said the officers subsequently began searching rooms within the premises, leading to the assault of the corps member. He added: “As part of our internal conflict-resolution mechanism, the men involved have been arrested. We have also reached out to the victim and her NYSC local government headquarters, and they have even visited my office in Awka." He said that the state government is already investigating the matter, assuring that appropriate disciplinary actions would follow. The eight operatives were paraded on Wednesday in Awka and there were indications that they would be in detention while investigations continue.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, has said that the proposed review of revenue allocation formula is a “Win-Win-Balanced Federalism." Okechukwu who is a foundation member of the All Progressive Congress (APC), said the review was long overdue, expressing his total support for the proposed review of the existing Revenue Allocation Formula especially now that the Constitution is being altered. Speaking to newsmen in Enugu shortly after the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mohammed Shehu, announced plans to review the Revenue Allocation Formula, the former VON boss canvassed for the reduction in the huge extant revenue allocation to Federal Government. He said the FG allocation should be reduced from 52 per cent to 40 per cent, to guarantee ultimate balanced federalism. Reviewing the Revenue Allocation Formula and reducing the FG allocation, Okechukwu said, would enhance the progress and prosperity of the citizenry, albeit ultimately advancing the frontiers of our grassroots democracy. He said, “My observation over the last decades informed that the political banditry, ultra-nepotism and tension soaked presidential election in our dear fatherland is largely due to unbalanced federalism. And unbalanced federalism is an outlier of do or die struggle of who presides over the huge Oil Revenue (a.k.a. national cake) at the over centralised Federal Government. And I agree wholeheartedly with Shehu’s submission that the review of the vertical revenue-sharing formula, which determines how federally collected revenues are shared among the federal, state and local governments has been long overdue.” According to Ikechukwu, the 33 years old revenue formula – "which is 52.68 per cent Federal Government; 26.72 per cent States; 20.60 per cent LGAs; and 4.8 per cent Special Funds," should be changed. He further said, “One per cent FCT and Ecological Fund; 1.68 per cent Natural Resources and 0.5 per cent Stabilisation Fund, which are fractions that make up the rest – is antithetical to development and retrogressive.” Okechukwu said as a matter of security and evolving socioeconomic, political and fiscal realities, he proposes revenue formula of - 40 per cent FG; 40 per cent States; 10 per cent LGAs and 10 per cent to the rest. He suggested that the "LGAs’ allocation should be reduced since all genuine efforts made in the last 25 years to retrieve LGAs from the stranglehold of our emperor governors had repeatedly failed. Even the financial autonomy initiative by President Bola Tinubu, which culminated in the July 11, 2024 Supreme Court landmark judgment had failed woefully; it has become pragmatic imperative to stop chasing shadows." He stressed that revenue allocation review exercise in the past "had been controversial and marred by hate pandemic of ignorant political bandits masquerading as ethno-religious champions." The former VON DG, urged "divisive elements to sheath their arsenal and acknowledge the gospel truth; that abject poverty, grinding hunger, gross unemployment, crisis of inequality and palpable insecurity are still unfortunately plaguing all geopolitical zones." He therefore, called on "President Tinubu, the Governors, national and state legislators and patriots to breathe life into the Constitution with this Win-Win-Balanced Federalism move, especially now that we're altering it."

By Madu Obi The wife of the Anambra State governor and founder of Healthy Living with Nonye, Dr. Nonye Soludo has condemned the brutal assault of a member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, serving in Oba, Idemili South local government area of the state, calling on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served. In a statement, Mrs Soludo said that Anambra is not known for such act, describing the incident as very disturbing. Her statement made available to reporters in Awka read: "I have seen a viral video of the sad incident reported to have happened in Oba, Idemili South local government area, involving men of Agunechemba security formation and a female corps member, who is serving in Anambra State. "There is no justification, whatsoever, for such an ugly and humiliating abuse. Such demeaning approach to law and order, does not in any manner reflect our celebrated identity as a hospitable and humane philosophy of our administration either. There are always rules of engagement in such situations and they must prioritize dignity, civility and respect. I find the Oba incident very disturbing and appeal to appropriate authorities that are already looking into it to take critical measures to, not only entrench justice, but to, most importantly, ensure that we do not see such worrisome scene ever again. Anambra's image is priceless. We must guard it jealously." Meanwhile, the state government has ordered the arrest of the operatives involved in the dastardly act, adding that they would face the full weight of the law.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police Command has condemned the alleged assault on a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Oba, Idemili South local government area of the state, saying that it has also identified the suspects. Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said a detailed investigation would be carried out by the state Police command. A viral video which has been circulating on social media shows the assault on the corps member, which was reportedly carried out by the state government-cobtrolled vigilante operatives. The video has generated heated debates on social media, with many people condemning the attack. Condemning the action, the state police command said: "Following the incident, the suspects involved have been identified. The command, however, notes that the alleged victim's unavailability has temporarily stalled the ongoing investigative process. "The command has reiterated that assault in any form remains a criminal offence under the Nigerian law and reserves the right to take necessary legal action to aid the court proceedings while waiting for the victim." The command cautioned vigilante operatives and other quasi-security outfits against acts of brutality or abuse of authority, warning that any such misconduct will not be condoned. It reassured corps members serving across the state of their unwavering commitment to their protection, advising them to always report incidents of harassment, intimidation, or abuse for prompt intervention. The special adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on homeland security, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi said in a television interview that the incident would be investigated, adding that those involved would be sanctioned.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, has expressed the state government's willingness to embrace a hi-tech judicial system that eliminates outdated processes and strengthens justice delivery. Disclosing this at the annual conference of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Enugu Branch, held at the Justice A.I. Umezuruike Auditorium, High Court, Enugu, the Governor said the system will also prioritize the welfare of workers across all sectors. Mbah who spoke on the theme, “Embracing Disruptive Innovation: Leveraging Technology to Enhance Justice Administration and Delivery in Enugu State,” and who was represented by his Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, said his administration was committed to transparency, integrity, efficiency, and speed in justice delivery through technology. Highlighting the innovations already introduced, including e-affidavits, e-filing, virtual hearings, and electronic transcript services through verbatim reporting, Mbah said, “A few weeks ago, I inaugurated the first trainees on verbatim reporting. This initiative is not just about legal tech, it is also creating new jobs and equipping our youths with future-proof skills." The Governor stressed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, citing recent wage improvements, noting, “We have paid Enugu workers above the national minimum wage and doubled the pay of customary court chairmen and members. This demonstrates our appreciation of the workforce’s role in driving growth." Linking justice reforms to his broader economic vision, he said, “Our goal of growing the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion depends on ease of doing business. The rule of law is essential to that, and a vibrant judiciary is at the heart of the rule of law." JUSUN Enugu Chairman, Comr. Sampson Ifedimma, in his address, praised what he described as Governor Mbah’s tireless commitment to workers’ welfare and reforms. He said the digitization of the judiciary was equipping staff with modern skills, urging members to embrace ICT. He said, “In this digital dispensation, literacy is no longer optional, it is a lifeline. Those who neglect it risk redundancy and stagnation,” he warned. Ifedimma also appealed for the allocation of land for a Judicial Staff Farm Settlement, to key into the state’s agricultural revival program.

Gov. Mbah with the NYSC DG. Brig. Gen Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu By Iheanyi Chukwudi Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has applauded Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah for increasing the monthly allowances of corps members in the state to a minimum of N20,000. Nafiu, who Monday evening led top members of NYSC’s management on a courtesy visit to the Governor, commended Mbah for his commitment to the welfare and safety of corps members. Before Mbah’s administration, NYSC corps members in the state earned a N1,000 monthly allowance, but the governor, upon learning about the situation, approved a minimum allowance of N80,000 for medical doctors, N50,000 for pharmacists, and N40,000 for other healthcare professionals, which they are already earning. He equally approved a N20,000 minimum allowance for others, in addition to the allowance paid by the Federal Government. The DG who was on tour of the NYSC Orientation Camp at Awgu, as part of his tour of orientation camps across the country during the ongoing orientation programme for newly mobilised corps members, also commended the governor for the peace and security enjoyed by corps members in the state. He assured parents of the safety of their young ones, noting that despite a few security issues involving corps members in some parts of the country, the safety of corps members had been commendable and guaranteed. He said, “The NYSC does not deploy corps members to areas that are not secure. Security of lives and property is very dear to us. Parents are always reassured that we do not deploy these young, vibrant Nigerian youths, who are the hope of this great nation, to places we are not sure of the security of their lives and property." The NYSC, he reiterated, remains a nonpartisan organisation, stressing also the need for good behaviour among corps members, as the corps would not lower its standards for anybody. He further said, “I charge Nigerians to understand us; see us as nonpartisan; see us as Nigerians that are passionate about the development and aspirations of these young Nigerians that are committed to us. It is something that is really sacred to us,” he concluded. Responding, Governor Mbah pledged the continued support of his administration for the NYSC and corps members serving in the state. Mbah recalled the place of Enugu State in the Corps’ history, including the Corps’ first orientation camp, which was established in Awgu in 1973, disclosing that his administration had taken steps towards the infrastructural revamp of the NYSC camp in the state. The Governor said, “Awgu is also quite symbolic for us too as a people because, if you recall, that was actually a centre where we talked about the concept of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction – 3 Rs – immediately after the civil war. So, for us, in trying to rehabilitate that location now, we want to bring back that historic importance. We have also done quite a number of interventions for the NYSC, which you have pointed out. We are going to continue to support the service. We see it as a duty on our part to continue to support both the welfare and the safety of the corps members. We believe that the safety of the corps members at all times is paramount to us." He thanked the corps for its many contributions to Enugu State’s and the nation’s development, noting that NYSC had served as an enduring bridge that links young Nigerians across culture, across faith, across regions and, indeed, as a channel to deepen their love for fatherland. “We derive benefit from the NYSC – the intervention we get from the corps members, who go to our schools to teach, our hospitals to work, and even contribute to our water, sanitation and hygiene programmes in our rural communities. These contributions are not lost on us, and we do not take those services for granted,” he said.