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Tag: Chief Uche Nnaji

  • Enugu govt denies involvement in minister’s alleged certificate forgery saga

    Enugu govt denies involvement in minister’s alleged certificate forgery saga

    The Enugu state government has distanced itself from the ongoing certificate controversy involving the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji.

    Nnaji had on Monday in Abuja accused the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, of masterminding allegations of certificate forgery levelled against him.

    Speaking through his spokesperson, Robert Ngwu, the Minister described the allegation as a politically motivated witch-hunt aimed at discrediting him ahead of the governor’s alleged plan to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “Mbah wants Nnaji out of his way. He has given a new name to all his problems. He is seeking a second term in office, and the only way to achieve this is to get Nnaji out of the way. He wants to join APC, but knowing that

    Nnaji is there, he is not comfortable,” Ngwu alleged.

    However, in a statement issued in Enugu by the Director of Information in the Ministry of Information and Communication, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nebo, the state government denied sponsoring the allegations and urged the minister to “carry his cross” and clear his name before Nigerians.

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    “The Enugu State Government dissociates itself completely from these allegations. The Honourable Minister must carry his own cross and clear his name before Nigerians, instead of dragging the government into issues that are entirely personal to him,” Nebo stated.

    According to him, Chief Nnaji had earlier invited journalists to a world press conference scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Monday to address the matter but failed to appear.

    “A large number of Nigerian and international journalists gathered on the Minister’s invitation to hear directly from him. But rather than appear before them to answer questions and establish his innocence, the Minister absconded, leaving proxies who could not withstand the barrage of legitimate questions from journalists,” Nebo said.

    The statement went on to question several inconsistencies reportedly linked to Nnaji’s academic and NYSC records:

    Did the Minister present a degree certificate to the Senate claiming to have graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in July 1985?

    Is it true that he deposed before a Federal High Court in Abuja that UNN never issued him any degree certificate, and if so, how did he obtain the certificate he submitted to the Senate?

    Did he apply to retake Virology (MCB 431) after failing it in 1985 and again in 1986, despite claiming to have graduated in 1985?

    Why did he only submit his WASC certificate to INEC for the 2023 governorship election if he indeed possesses a university degree?

    Why does his NYSC discharge certificate bear anomalies — including a 13-month service duration, a signature by an NYSC DG who assumed office two years later, and an alphanumeric serial number inconsistent with the format used in 1986?

    Nebo noted that these were legitimate questions Nigerians expect the Minister to answer directly.

    “These are the clarifications Nigerians earnestly yearn for. Chief Uche Nnaji is urged to summon the courage to clear his name if he is truly innocent, rather than trading blames,” Nebo concluded.

  • No automatic tickets for Enugu APC defectors, warns Minister Nnaji

    No automatic tickets for Enugu APC defectors, warns Minister Nnaji

    •As group endorses Tinubu, Mbah’s re-election

    The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has cautioned defectors to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State against expecting automatic tickets or attempting to take over the party structure.

    Speaking at an expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu at the weekend, Nnaji said the APC would welcome new members but insisted all aspirants must go through party primaries.

    The minister stated that members and leaders of the party have made sacrifices and put in so much hard work in refurbishing and repositioning the party to make it attractive and capable of winning the governorship and other positions in the state.

    “Our members and leaders have worked hard to reposition the APC in Enugu. We won’t fold our arms and allow anyone to hijack the structure,” he said. “Even if the President of Nigeria wants to run for governor here, he must contest the primaries.”

    Nnaji accused some “Internally Displaced Politicians” of lobbying in Abuja to join the APC through the “back door” and hinted—without naming him—at speculation over Governor Peter Mbah’s possible defection.

    In what could be interpreted as a veiled reference to Gov Peter Mbah’s rumoured interest in joining the party, which has got many members apprehensive for fear of losing their positions or aspirations, the minister counseled intending defectors to perish the thought of automatic ticket, insisting that the party would receive them but subject everybody to party primaries.

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    “APC has come to stay; that is why from every nook and cranny, people want to join APC. And as we said earlier, we want people to come in, but we will not give them a free ticket, they must go to a contest,” he said.

    The minister praised state chairman Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah, party executives, and stakeholders for their dedication, assuring them of future rewards.

    At the same meeting, three House of Representatives members who recently defected from the Labour Party—Hon. Sunday Umeha (Udi/Ezeagu), Hon. Chimaobi Atu (Enugu North/Enugu South), and Hon. Prof. Paul Nnamchi—pledged support for APC’s 2027 governorship bid.

    Meanwhile, support is growing in Enugu for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah.

    The Enugu Progressive Group, comprising members from all 260 wards and 17 LGAs, endorsed Tinubu for a second term, citing federal projects in the Southeast, including the Federal University of Agriculture in Nike, upgrades to the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, appointment of Enugu people, among others.

    The group’s leader, former APC state chairman Dr. Ben Nwoye, commended Tinubu’s economic reforms, calling them “painful but necessary.”

    “These reforms are painful now but are laying a solid foundation for economic stability,” Nwoye said. “We’ve seen tangible benefits in Enugu State, which include new institutions, appointments, and infrastructure; and we believe he deserves a second term.”

    On Mbah, he said the governor’s performance and Tinubu’s earlier public endorsement of his performance justify their support, regardless of party affiliation.

    “President Tinubu made it clear during his January visit that he supports Governor Mbah because of his performance, not party. We echoed that sentiment. If Mbah chooses to join the APC, we’ll gladly welcome him,” Nwoye added.

    The group unanimously resolved to back both Tinubu and Mbah for re-election in 2027.

  • 2027: APC will take over Enugu, says Minister Nnaji

    2027: APC will take over Enugu, says Minister Nnaji

    The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has declared that nothing will stop the All Progressives Congress (APC) from taking over Enugu State Government House from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking on Sunday at Ogurute in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, where over 500 defectors from the PDP, Labour Party (LP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) formally joined the APC, Nnaji criticised the state government over what he described as the indiscriminate demolition of markets and shops without prior notice or compensation.

    He said such actions were worsening the hardship faced by traders and had led to the death of several victims within the past year.

    The minister, who led the APC in Enugu State, condemned the demolition of businesses under the guise of developing modern motor parks, stressing that it was unjust to destroy people’s livelihoods without alternatives or support.

    He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, a native of the area, as Chief of Naval Staff. Nnaji thanked the people of Igbo-Eze North for their growing support for the APC.

    Accompanied by top party figures, including the APC State chairman, Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah, 2023 deputy governorship candidate, Barr. George Ogara; and Comrade Fidelis Edeh, Pro-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, the minister assured that the party would lawfully do everything within its power to unseat the PDP administration led by Governor Peter Mbah in 2027.

    Nnaji also condemned an alleged attempt by Igbo-Eze North local government officials and PDP leaders to stop the mini-rally, describing it as a misuse of power and a sign of political intolerance.

    “We heard that some people were trying to abuse their authority by attempting to stop this gathering today, to the extent that we have to move from the original venue to this place. What we have come today is more of liberating our people.

    “An average Igbo man is a trader, so if you keep on destroying the markets, demolishing the markets without compensation, without providing an alternative, I don’t know how our people are going to survive and that is why we have brought out ourselves, come rain, come shine, that we are going to fight, we are going to do everything humanly possible and within the ambit of law to make sure that come 2027 our people will start rejoicing again.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu knows that we are here; he knows we are doing all these things for the state and him and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He knows and he has our support 101 percent, and he is behind us. we are APC. We are not running away anywhere for anybody’s sake.

    “We will remain here and we will welcome anybody who wants to enter. Anybody who wants to enter, we’ll welcome them, but we’ll make sure we defeat him. If anybody enters, we’ll welcome him and defeat him, and throw him away. So we are waiting for people to come to this party. We want many people to come in; there is no preferential treatment. When they come in, we’ll defeat them.

    “And we thank the president and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for appointing Vice Admiral Ogalla, who is from Igbo-Eze North, to make him the Chief of Naval Staff. We’ll keep thanking him for this,” the Minister stated. 

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    The State Chairman of APC, Agballah, who described the influx of new members as a ‘rainbow movement’, thanked the defectors for joining APC, saying that the disadvantage of belonging to small parties is that they won’t be able to protect their votes.

    “You know that in the last election, Labour Party won in Igbo-Eze North, LP won the House of Assembly, won the House of Rep, won everything, but they were rigged out. Do you know why they were rigged out? It’s because they were in a one-man show. One-man-show parties don’t go far. Politics is like a market; one person does not constitute the market.”

    Some of the defectors, including Hon Ikechukwu Ogbugo, a former executive Vice Chairman, Igbo-Eze North LGA under PDP; Hon. Barr. Osita Ugwuoke, Hon Festus Ayogu of PDP (Bravo), Chief Oliver Idoko (Ego Amaka Transport), Hon Emmanuel Itodo (E-Gas) and Prof. Onyeke A. Onyeke, former House of Assembly member under old Enugu state, stated that they were joining APC because of the appointment of their brother as Chief of Naval Staff as well as neglect by their former parties over the years. 

  • Minister unveils over 100 home-grown electric buses, cars, charger stations

    Minister unveils over 100 home-grown electric buses, cars, charger stations

    The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Chief Uche Nnaji, at the weekend unveiled over 100 electric buses, cars and charger stations built by indigenous firm, the New Electric Vehicles limited (NEVs).

    In a move aimed at transforming Nigeria’s transportation landscape, NEVs unveiled the state-of-the-art electric vehicles, cars and  charger stations at its premises at Art Tech District, Maitama,  Abuja.

    The event which drew applause for the Chief Executive Officer of NEVs, Mr  Mosope Olaosebikan was attended also by the Minister of State for Industries, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Engr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, amongst other top government officials. 

    Olaosebikan was praised for his commitment towards ensuring the transformation of the Nigeria transport sector, and his tenacity to add premium taxis to his business for jobs and wealth creation for Nigerians. 

     Olaosebikan emphasised the company’s commitment to driving sustainable mobility system in Africa, asserting that the vehicles are 100 percent electric with zero fossil emissions. 

    “Tonight is more than just a product launch. It’s a revolution, and a technology disruption. It is also a declaration to the world that Africa is not waiting for the future—we are building it, charging it, and driving it ourselves,” Olaosebikan said. 

    He reflected on the challenges faced by the company, including skepticism about the viability of electric vehicles in Nigeria, and the availability of support for him from government authorities. 

    He said: “They told us electric vehicles would not work here. We built the infrastructure. They told us the government would not listen. We championed policies—and won. Today, electric vehicles can be imported with minimal taxes, making them more accessible than ever.

    “And today, we are unveiling more than just a bus. We are unveiling a vision—a future where clean, reliable, and affordable electric transport isn’t a dream—it’s a reality”.

    Nnaji commended the initiative, saying that the government remained unwavering in its commitment to support local manufacturing and sustainable energy.

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    “We have Lithium in abundance here in Nigeria, and lithium is the main ingredient for battery production, so Mr President is already doing it. We are doing value addition, to our raw materials. So the Lithium we have here, will be processed and used as batteries for this vehicles,” he stated.

    The Minister acknowledged concerns raised  about power supply in the country, pointing out on-going efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructures across Nigeria. 

    “Today, if you look at our budgets, we have what is called mini-grid, all over the place. In less than three or four months, you start seeing our hospitals, our institutions being powered by solar,” Nnaji said. 

    He said by the introduction of electric buses and cars on the roads , ” we are saving the environment. We are putting a non-carbon emission infrastructure. So we are creating power everywhere.”

  • Climate change threatens food system, says minister

    Climate change threatens food system, says minister

    Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, says climate change ‘’threatens the foundation of our fo 

    “Annual floods in Nigeria destroy over 100,000 hectares of farmland, displacing millions and reducing food availability. Over 40 per cent of Nigeria’s inland water bodies are at risk due to pollution and climate change, leading to declining fish stocks and affecting the livelihoods of millions of artisanal fishers. Lake Chad Basin has shrunk by over 90 per cent since the 1960s, drastically affecting water supply for irrigation and livestock in the Northeast of Nigeria.

    “More than 95 per cent of Nigerian farmers rely on unpredictable rainfall, making them highly vulnerable to droughts and erratic weather patterns.

    “Nigeria spends over $10 billion annually on food imports, despite having the potential to be a net exporter of agricultural products. Over 70 per cent of Nigerians rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, yet only 15 per cent of rural communities have access to electricity, making post-harvest processing infrastructure and storage a major challenge, contributing to more than 50 per cent in food losses.”

    Proffering solutions, the minister said: “Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology (FMIST) is committed to deploying science, technology, and innovation as the backbone of Nigeria’s climate resilience strategy. Our National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (2022) serves as the blueprint for leveraging technology to secure food production, energy access and environmental sustainability.

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    “In Climate-Smart Agriculture, Nigeria has enhanced food security through innovation by championing tela maize and climate-adaptive cotton, which resist drought, pests and extreme weather conditions, ensuring higher productivity with lower environmental impact.

    In digital agriculture & smart farming, Nigeria has adopted the use of AI-driven precision farming, automated irrigation and remote sensing technologies from our space agency. These strategies are helping smallholder farmers predict weather patterns, optimise inputs and minimise losses.

    “In clean cooking initiative, Nigeria is adopting a cutting-edge Low Pressurised Compressed Natural Gas (LPCNG) cylinders technology. This strategy will make clean cooking energy affordable, reducing dependence on deforestation-driven biomass fuels.

     “While innovation is critical, no solution is viable without sustainable financing mechanisms. Nigeria is committed to unlocking climate finance to scale up these solutions through Green Bonds and Climate Resilience Funds, Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub and Public-Private Partnerships.’’