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Tag: David Umahi

  • Umahi effects minor cabinet reshuffle

    Umahi effects minor cabinet reshuffle

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi on Thursday effected a minor cabinet reshuffle, which saw two commissioners swapping positions.

    Sen. Emmanuel Onwe, Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, who briefed journalists on the outcome of the state executive council meeting, said the changes were with immediate effect.

    ‘‘The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Uchenna Orji, takes over the Ministry of Economic Empowerment and Job Creation.

    ‘‘The Commissioner for Economic Empowerment and Job Creation, Chief Ogodo-Ali Nome, takes over the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources,’’ Onwe said.

    He also said that the executive council approved setting up a committee for the procurement of herbicides for farmers, with the Commissioners for Information and that of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters as members.

    ‘‘The committee also has the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Special Assistant to the Governor on Agricultural Services, Special Assistant on Donor Agencies, among others as members,’’ he added.

  • Don’t give our pupils much garri, rice, Umahi charges feeding committee

    Don’t give our pupils much garri, rice, Umahi charges feeding committee

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has charged the state Steering Committee on Primary School Feeding Programme,not to give the pupils much garri, rice and other foods containing carbohydrate.

    Umahi spoke in Abakaliki when he inaugurated a 10-man committee, stressing that emphasis should be placed on giving them foods with rich minerals contents.

    “You should emphasize on vegetables, fruits, milk among others to give them rich mineral supplements and help in their physical nourishment and mental development.

    “The state executive council is aware that catering for the committee’s logistics is its responsibility as its chairman will soon present a budget to the council.

    “This is to enable the committee move freely to schools, especially at the local government areas to collaborate with the committees at the areas, consisting of council chairmen and others from the education sector,” he said.

    He stressed the importance of ensuring adequate development of children through good meals and sound moral upbringing, noting that it would benefit the state.

    “Individuals saddled with the responsibility of taking care of our children should not mortgage it as it will make the society secure and progressive in future,’’ Umahi said.

    Mr Augusine Nwankwagu, state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice noted that the steering committee replaced the disbanded one.

    Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, the Governor’s Senior Special Adviser of Religion and Welfare Matters, and Chairman of the steering committee, pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them by the governor.

  • Hajj sponsorship an important social, religious responsibility – Official

    Hajj sponsorship an important social, religious responsibility – Official

    Alhaji Abass Egwuu, Executive Chairman, Ebonyi State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board, says the state government considers hajj sponsorship as an important social responsibility.

    Egwuu said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday that Gov. David Umahi was supporting the board to discharge its duties effectively.

    According to him, hajj sponsorship is part of a social responsibility of every sensitive government.

    He urged other state governors to take hajj sponsorship serious to enhance public confidence in governance.

    Egwuu said that preparations for the 2017 hajj operation had reached advanced stage, adding that the board had secured decent accommodation for its pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

    “Gov. Umahi has made the job very easy for me since I was appointed. He has consistently sponsored the board, paid allowances to board members and also sponsored private pilgrimage,” he said.

    Egwuu added that the board had organised several orientation programmes for intending pilgrims in the state.

    He said that pilgrims enlightenment and education was ongoing in Yoruba, Hausa and the indigenous Muslim communities in various mosques across the state.

    “Apart from that we have a centre which is known as the Islamic Centre located at Ebonyi South Senatorial District.

    “So, what we normally do is to encourage our Muslim brothers and sisters to go to the mosque for education.

    “However, we do enlightenment through radio and television programmes to ensure wider coverage,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Hajj Commission had allocated 97 hajj slots to Ebonyi and approved N1.52 million as 2017 hajj fare for the state.

  • Four commissioners, two SSAs, 11 SAs swap positions in Ebonyi

    Four commissioners, two SSAs, 11 SAs swap positions in Ebonyi

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi on Friday carried out a major cabinet reshuffle in which four commissioners, two Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and 11 Senior Assistants swapped positions.

    Sen. Emmanuel Onwe, the state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, made this known in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state Executive Council meeting.

    According to Onwe, the state Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chief Sabinus Nwakwegu, will take charge of Ministry of Border, Peace and Conflict Resolution, while his Economic Empowerment counterpart, Chief Donatus Njoku, takes over Environment ministry.

    “The Commissioner for Border, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr Francis Orji, takes over the Solid Minerals ministry, while the Commissioner for Environment, Chief Moses Ogodo-Ali will head the Ministry of Economic Empowerment,’’ he said.

    Onwe said that the SSA on House of Assembly Matters, Mr Ikechukwu Ogbu, will be in charge of Salt and Cement Production, while the SSA on Salt and Cement Production, Mr Sunday Ugwuocha, will take over Assembly Matters.

    “The SA on Talent Development, Mrs Jacinta Nworie, will be in charge of Income Tax, SA on Primary Health (Ebonyi North), Dr Chris Achi, takes over Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and SA, Primary Heath (Ebonyi South), Chikere Omebe, takes over Training.

    Onwe announced that the suspended state Accountant-General, Mrs Queen Agwu, had been restored to her position.

    According to him, the state’s Executive Committee on IGR has been dissolved and a new one constituted.

    “The new committee on IGR is led by the state Deputy Governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe.

    “It includes the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bernard Odoh, and SSA on Welfare and Religious Matters, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali,” he said.

    Onwe said that the appointments took immediate effect.

  • Sen. Ekweremadu advises IPOB, MASSOB on sit-at-home order

    Sen. Ekweremadu advises IPOB, MASSOB on sit-at-home order

    Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has advised that the sit-at-home order declared by some right groups in South-East for May 30 should be optional.

    The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra had called on citizens of South-East to stay at home on May 30 to observe their anniversary.

    Ekweremmadu gave the advice on Sunday at an Inter-denominational church service at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Abakaliki, to commemorate 2017 Democracy Day and Gov. David Umahi’s second year in office.

    He noted that while the agitation and concerns of the groups are genuine, they should not be pursued with force or other forms of armed struggle.

    “Individuals who operate private businesses and want to stay-at-home on that day should stay, while those who want to operate their businesses should be allowed to do so.

    “I believe that civil and public workers should be ready to go to work on that day as I appeal that no group should force people to stay at home against their wishes,” he added.

    The deputy senate president called on the agitators to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement in pursuing their agitation; not coercion or other forms of armed struggle.

    “The struggles and concerns are genuine but with the collaboration of all and constructive engagement, we will surely get to our destination no matter how long it takes.

    “Black Americans agitated for a long time before Barack Obama became president in 2008, likewise in India, it took constructive engagement for the people to actualise their agitation.

    “South Africa despite racial disturbances and black oppression, employed constructive engagement and intervention of the western world and African interests such as Nigeria’s, to dismantle apartheid,” he said.

    Ekweremadu congratulated the people of Ebonyi on the second year in office of their governor.

    He noted that the state had matured politically and socially, adding that any indigene could aspire for any political office in the state.

    In his remark, Umahi noted that no individual or group would force the citizens of the state to stay-at-home on May 30.

    “I have met the leadership of these groups on various occasions and discovered that most of their agitations are correct but the ways they seek to actualise them can be faulted.

    “I have also met the leadership of market unions in the state and we resolved that markets would be open on that day and no trader or any other individual will be molested,” he said.

    The governor said that the case of Ebonyi was different as the state had suffered untold marginalisation right from its days in old Anambra, Imo, Enugu and Abia states.

    “The deputy senate president is fighting marginalisation of the Igbos at the federal level; when this is addressed, we will start our own agitation of marginalisation as a state.

    “Ebonyi does not believe in regional government because we will continue suffering deprivation but believe in the restructuring of the country to address all imbalances,” he said.

    In his homily, Rev. Fr Abraham Nwali urged political and economic leaders in the state to build industries instead of embarking on ‘non-direct-impact’ projects such as hotels.

    “The governor should be supported in his desire to ensure that sachet water companies are constructed in the three senatorial zones of the state,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prayers were said by officiating ministers of the Presbyterian Church for the unity of the country and peace in Ebonyi.

  • Ebonyi governor’s wife empowers widows

    Ebonyi governor’s wife empowers widows

    The wife of the Ebonyi Governor,  Mrs Rachael Umahi, on Friday empowered no fewer than 1,710 indigent widows with N171 million for self-sustenance.

    Gov. David Umahi, while presenting the money to the aged and widows in Abakaliki, said the money would enable them to start small-scale businesses.

    He explained that the empowerment came through his wife’s pet project, Family Succour and Upliftment Foundation’’.

    “The widows were selected 10 from the 171 political wards across the state.

    “N100, 000 should be given to each of you to improve your lives, l urge you to use it judiciously.

    “When a widow is empowered, all her children and other dependants are empowered too, so, we will open bank accounts for them where the money will be transferred,” he said.

    Umahi urged them to identify with the ongoing agricultural programme in the state, where they would be given loan to cultivate either cassava or rice.

    He called on the Local Government Chairmen, Co-ordinators and management committee members to complement efforts of the government toward improving the lives of widows, aged parents and traditional rulers in the state.

    The governor also ordered that bank account should be opened with N1 million and an award of scholarship to university level for a child delivered during the event by one of the widows.

    In her speech, the governor’s wife, Mrs Rachael Umahi, commended efforts of the governor, adding that the gesture would not only improve the lives of the beneficiaries directly but also their children and other relatives.

    ”Daughters of Jesus make proper use of the money given to you to better your lives and families,” she said.

    During the event, octogenarians received N20, 000 each; while 280 who were already placed on salaries, also received N5, 000 and 10kg bag of rice each.

  • Ebonyi holds valedictory session for late Sen. Offia Nwali

    Ebonyi Government on Wednesday held a valedictory session for one of the founding fathers of the state, the late Sen. Offia Nwali.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nwali died on May 24, 2016, at the aged of 74 years.

    His corpse was found in a pond at the back of his building in his country home, Ameka, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

    Nwali was the first black man to obtain a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in Computer and Analytical Studies, from Harvard University, United States of America.

    He returned to Nigeria in 1972 and was appointed the Chairman, East Central State School Board.

    Nwali represented Abakaliki Senatorial District in the old Anambra at the National Assembly, between 1979—1983, and was the first individual to submit a written request for the creation of Ebonyi on Oct. 10, 1979.

    He also tested life’s major vicissitude when he lost his entire family in a Fokker 28-plane crash at the Enugu Airport in 1983.

    Gov. David Umahi, who presided over the session held inside the Government House Executive Chambers, described Nwali’s death as a ”monumental loss.”

    “His tragic death is a monumental loss to the state, Igbo race and Nigeria as his life was full of mysteries, embodied truth and commitment to the state’s cause.

    “The government would do all it can to keep his memory alive as all government officials must attend his wake-keep on Thursday and burial on Friday,” he said.

    Dr Kelechi Igwe, the state’s deputy governor, said that the present generation of politicians learnt a lot from Nwali.

    The Chief Judge of Ebonyi, Justice Alloy Nwankwo, described Nwali as the father of the state, who offered massive employment to citizens during his tenure as Chairman of the defunct East Central State School Board.

    “He was an embodiment of calmness, courage, among other virtues; he was the political pathfinder of the state and quintessential educationist,” he said.

    Sen. Obinna Ogba (PDP—Ebonyi Central), said that Nwali was an “epitome of truth, justice and fairness and his memory would linger forever in the minds of Ebonyi people.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Ebonyi House of Assembly had earlier held a valedictory sitting in honour of Nwali.

    A public lecture was also organised in his honour on Tuesday, where President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo delivered a keynote speech.

  • Voters Registration: Umahi declares two days public holiday 

    Voters Registration: Umahi declares two days public holiday 

     Ebonyi state  plans to declare a two days public holiday in the state next week to enable residents to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) Exercise.
    The exercise is expected to commence Thursday (today) across the country.
    The State Governor, David Umahi gave the hint in Abakaliki after swearing in members of the state’s Law Review Committee.
    Speaking on the importance of the exercise Governor Umahi emphasized that for the political future of the state to be guaranteed, there was the need for eligible residents to obtain their voter cards.
    Chief Umahi noted that there would be a stakeholders meeting to strategize on how the state government would liaise with INEC for a smooth exercise.
    Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has called on eligible voters in Ebonyi State to avail themselves of the opportunity provided in the Continuous Voter Registration Exercise to update their data ahead of the 2019 General Election.
    The Head of INEC in the State, Mr. Charles Mbanaja made the call in Abakaliki at a press briefing to announce the commencement of the Exercise in the state
    The Continuous Voter Registration exercise is targeted at prospective voters who turned eighteen after last General Election, eligible voters who lost their cards and those who wish to transfer their registration status.
    Mr Mbanaja explained that INEC had adequately prepared for the exercise and enjoined Community Leaders and the state government to mobilize qualified persons to key into the event.
    He pointed out that the exercise would hold from 9 o’ clock in the morning to 3 o’clock in the afternoon every day in the thirteen Council Headquarters of the state.

  • Umahi reconciles with estranged major political ally

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi on Sunday evening reconciled with his estranged major political ally in the state, Chief Julius Amah-Orji, popularly known as ‘Ochiliozuo’ (He who caters for the people en masse).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the relationship between the duo cracked when Umahi appointed Amah-Oji’s main political foe in Afikpo South Local Government Area, Chief Eni Uduma, as the Caretaker chairman of the council.

    The final nail was driven into the coffin when the governor ensured that Uduma emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the council for the forthcoming council polls in the state, a situation that infuriated Amah-Orji.

    The reconciliation was made when Umahi led members of the State Executive Council, state Elders Council and members of the House of Assembly, among other political stakeholders, to an Easter visit on Amah-Orji at his country home in Nguzu-Edda community.

    According to the governor, the visit was to bring reconciliation among diverse political interests in the area and ensure that no individual in his political group ‘abandons the ship’.

    “Many people across the state, expressed misgivings over the outcome of our LGA elections primaries but one thing I agree with the elders council, is that no one who fought the battle with us will be left behind.

    “Amah-Orji has a right to be angry if he has reason to do so and we are here because he is very important to our winning elections no matter what people say.

    “Humility which is very important in a man’s life brought us here as people can give any type of interpretation to this visit but am not shamed to preach the gospel of love,” he said.

    Umahi described Amah-Orji as a consummate politician and leader with a good heart, noting that he worked assiduously to ensure his election as the governor in 2015.

    “He gave us rooms in his several hotels in Lagos free of charge during our struggle to be elected among other immeasurable assistance as we are blessed in Ebonyi, to say sorry whenever we err.

    “Our visit here should unite the people of Afikpo South LGA because the state is too small to be fragmented or fractured.

    “I earnestly appeal to Amah-Orji and other political stakeholders of the council to embrace peace and love not because of elections but because they are the greatest gifts of God to man,” he said.

    He thanked all those who accompanied him on the visit, noting that shelving their Easter celebrations was remarkable and a sacrifice for the desired unity in the state.

    “When the names of two traditional rulers in the council: HRH Ugwuocha Obasi and Dickson Okorie were submitted to me for recognition, I stepped them down, insisting that Amah-Orji should be the one to submit them.

    “He has done so presently and I direct the traditional rulers to come to my office on Wednesday and collect their staff of offices,” he said.

    Chief Franklin Ogbuewu, former Minister of Culture and Tourism and Chairman of the state Elders Council, commended the governor for his humility and noted that the visit has achieved its desired goal.

    Ogbuewu, who was also Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Greece, noted that he counseled Amah-Orji and the governor separately and in their profound wisdom, heeded to his counsels.

    “The governor noted that to prove that he has accepted what I told him, he will pay Amah-Orji an Easter visit which he did today to prove that we are still a united family,” he said.

    Responding, Amah-Orji welcomed the governor to the area and conveyed his peoples’ warm felicitations towards his visit.

    NAN reports that the governor finally performed the symbolic handing over of Uduma into Amah-Orji’s care, signifying reconciliation and harmonious relationship between the duo.

    Sources close to Amah-Orji told NAN that in his displeasure over Uduma’s emergence, he resigned his appointments as member of the Ebonyi State University Governing board and the state elders council.

  • New Ebonyi NLC leadership assures workers of purposeful leadership

    The new leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ebonyi has assured workers that the union would protect their interest and insist on enhancement of workers’ welfare.

    The Acting Chairman, Mr Leo Nkah, spoke on Thursday in Abakaliki at a pre-May Day Rally, with the theme: : ‘Repositioning NLC for enhanced workers’ benefit.’
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that Nkah became the acting chairman following the removal of Mr Ikechukwu Nwafor, who was accused of abuse of office and financial related offences.

    Nkah said that the purpose of the rally was to interact directly with the members since the inception of his administration.

    He also said that the event was mainly to interface with workers and intimate them on what to expect from the new NLC leadership.

    “Since the change of leadership in NLC, all that people have been hearing are through third party medium.

    “We decided to use the rally to interface with workers, talk with them and give them hope on what we can achieve from the state government, that has not been possible before now,” Nkah noted.

    Nkah assured workers of rapid response and implementation of their welfare shortly after Easter celebration.

    Gov. David Umahi, on his part urged workers to exercise patience as his administration was committed to enhancing their welfare.

    Umahi, represented by Mrs Grace Chukwu, Senior Special Assistant on Labour Matters, promise to review workers’ needs such as salaries, leave allowances and promotions.

    “We will review workers’ salaries, leave allowance and promotion; government requires workers’ patience, ” he noted.
    Members of the affiliate unions of NLC participated in the rally.

    Some of the members carried placards with inscription affirming the support to the new NLC leadership.

    Some of the placards read: “ Nkah is our hero,’’ “No more exploitation of workers,’’ Thank God we are out of Egypt,’’ among others.

    NAN further recalls that Nwafor was removed after a State Council Meeting of the NLC.

    A communiqué issued after the meeting accused Nwafor of failure to account for all monthly stipend and subventions received on behalf of the congress from the state government and other sources on money.