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Tag: Enugu

  • Enugu doctors set for indefinite strike over shortage of doctors, poor sponsorship

    Enugu doctors set for indefinite strike over shortage of doctors, poor sponsorship

    The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu says it will embark on an indefinite strike over abysmal shortage of doctors, insecurity, and poor sponsorship of the residency programme

    The doctors said that the indefinite strike would commence on January 31, 2024, after seven weeks of notice in which its earlier third series of notification of ultimatum to the Enugu state government to do the needful and meet its demands failed.

    This is contained in a communique issued on Monday, January 22, after the end of the Emergency General Meeting (EGM) of ARD in ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu held on Saturday, Dec. 08, 2023.

    The communique was jointly signed by the President of ARD-ESUT, Dr Chukwunonso Ofonere, and its Secretary General, Dr Ikemefuna Nnamani.

    It said that the EGM observed with regret, the silence from the management of the hospital on the 14-day ultimatum issued and another 49 days of grace following the ultimatum expiration for it to meet the demands of the association.

    The statement said the management of ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane and the Enugu state government had failed to declare a state of emergency on the employment of doctors and safety and security within the hospital.

    According to the statement, the EGM observed that it is over 180 days since the government through the Secretary to the State Government promised the ARD of employment of Medical Officers and resident Doctors and payment of medical Residency Training Funds (MRTF), lamenting that they were yet to see the employment of new doctors.

    It said that the EGM noted that the security men placed at the gate are no longer there and direct daily assault on doctors had increased again; while the safety of doctors and other health workers in the hospital cannot be guaranteed.

    “The management should declare a state of emergency on the employment of Doctors in the hospital. There should be an urgent approval for the recruitment of Medical Officers, Resident Doctors, and House Officers in the hospital.

    “This recruitment should be focused especially at the Accident and Emergency Department, Surgery Department, Internal Medicine Department, Paediatrics Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Departments, etc.  Resident Doctors that have left our institution in the past four years and were never replaced.

    “Management should ensure implementation of safety policies to protect her workers against physical attacks and kidnap by restoring the daily police and other covert security personnel deployed to the hospital.

    “The 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) has not been paid and exam bodies are closing their adverts.”

    Read Also: Enugu partners Del-York on sports, entertainment hub

    The statement added that salary increments had not been looked into at all; even as house officers were excluded from the hardship/palliative of N25,000 given by the state governor.

    It stated: “We are still back to where we were in 2023 or even worse as plans are on the way to increase the rents of those living in the hospital quarters (one bedroom apartment) by about 375 per cent from N8,000 to N30,000 monthly.

    “This will escalate the already palpable crises and we will be left with no other alternatives but to protect the interest and welfare of our members.

    “Jan. 31, 2024, is here already and the doctors are mobilising for an indefinite, total and maybe protracted industrial action if nothing is done.”

    The doctors also pleaded that the state government led by Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, in his charismatic way, should intervene in this matter to avoid untold hardship and loss of lives that might occur if there is a disruption in the health care delivery in Enugu State.

  • Enugu partners Del-York on sports, entertainment hub

    Enugu partners Del-York on sports, entertainment hub

    The Enugu State government has signed an agreement with Del York Group (“Del-York”) to develop an ultra-modern multipurpose sports, education and entertainment hub to be known as the 042 Arena and Entertainment Park. The signing ceremony, at the Government House in Enugu, had in attendance the Governor of Enugu State, the Secretary to the State Government, the Attorney General, Honourable Commissioners for Investments and Trade, Tourism, Youths and Sports, other top government officials and representatives of the Del-York Group, amongst others.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, expressed his excitement for the project and the partnership with Del-York Group, describing it as a game changer for the State. He remarked “We are on a mission to make Enugu State a preferred destination for investment and this project signals the triumph of the investment spirit of the State. Working with our strategic Joint Venture partners the Del-York Group, we will achieve our mandate of becoming the investment capital of Nigeria. We are wholeheartedly committed to providing all the necessary support alongside creating an enabling environment to make the project a resounding success.”

    Read Also: Tinubu advocates equitable capital market access for developing countries

    “We have a rich heritage of Sports and Entertainment of which Enugu has undoubtedly produced some of Nigeria’s sporting legends and is known as the home of entertainment. We cannot use the solutions of the past to solve the problems of the future. This is why we are deliberate in using our strengths- our history, talent, and passion in sports and entertainment; to drive Enugu State towards a strong, resilient and prosperous tomorrow,” he added.

  • No wedding guest was abducted in Enugu, says CP

    No wedding guest was abducted in Enugu, says CP

    The commissioner of police in Enugu state, Kanayo Uzuegbu has described as reckless, misleading, inaccurate, fictitious, and sensational the newspaper report suggesting that seven wedding guests were kidnapped while gunmen ran riot in some parts of the state.

    The newspaper (not The Nation) had on Tuesday, January 16, reported that the incident which allegedly happened in the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of recently, also saw the hoodlums engaging soldiers in a gun duel.

    Reacting to the report in a statement he issued through the spokesman of the command, Daniel Ndukwe on Tuesday, the CP said that having gone through the content of the report and the command’s available records, there was no such incident nor abduction in the area.

    The police chief therefore challenged the publishers of the report to name the said wedding guests.

    The statement reads in part: “The report also highlights the case of the shooting and murder of the traditional ruler of Adani Autonomous community on the night of 22/12/2023, without double-checking and ensuring that they reported the true position of the case.

    Read Also: Assault: Woman petitions Enugu A-G over release of ex-husband from prison

    “They hurriedly went to press, failing to acknowledge the fact that the command had immediately launched a manhunt and an investigation into the case, leading to the arrest, arraignment and remand of eight suspects.

    “They further hurriedly reported the case of the abduction of one Romanus Chikwelu (male) and three others, without cross-checking their facts to confirm and establish the fact that the victims had earlier been immediately rescued by joint security forces.”

    The commissioner of police, while expressing dismay over the publication, cautioned media practitioners, both in the mainstream and the new media, against publishing unverified and sensational stories that are capable of creating fear and despair in the minds of unsuspecting citizens.

    He reiterated that the police remain committed to continuously fighting all forms of crime to a standstill and to maintain the improved general serene security atmosphere in Enugu State.

    Uzuegbu therefore charged media practitioners, particularly those in the state, to continue to work harmoniously with the police and ensure the accurate reporting of security situations by verifying their information.

  • Assault: Woman petitions Enugu A-G over release of ex-husband from prison

    Assault: Woman petitions Enugu A-G over release of ex-husband from prison

    A young woman in Enugu State, Patience Edeh, has petitioned the Attorney General (A-G) and Commissioner for Justice, Enugu State, accusing the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of compromising in the case of battering that involved her former husband.

    The petition was coming four months after the victim lost her five-month- old pregnancy, following battering by her ex-husband.

    In the petition to the Attorney General dated January 13, 2024, Ms Edeh alleged that not minding the human and material losses she suffered from the assault by her former husband, the directorate connived with him (ex-husband) to release him from custody without her knowledge or remedy paid to her.

    Read Also: Obi donates N75 million to Enugu Nursing College

    Edeh, who narrated how she was beaten to a pulp by her ex-husband, Evidence Nwachukwu, said the battering led to her spending over three weeks in hospital and loss of five months pregnancy.

    She alleged that after her ex-husband was arrested, arraigned and remanded at a correctional custody with the case file transferred to the DPP; efforts to follow up on the matter were blocked by the agency.

    Contacted, Director of DPP, Mrs Ngozi Okoye, said the matter was “properly charged and bail granted by the court.”

    She denied knowledge of the demand for payment for the case to be filed in court and urged the petitioner to come forward with the identity of the official that made the demand.

  • Enugu hospital detains mother, triplets over N352,350 delivery bill

    Enugu hospital detains mother, triplets over N352,350 delivery bill

    A nursing mother, Mrs Joan Orajiobi and her triplets have been detained in a private hospital, Praise and Grace Hospital and Maternity, Enugu, over the family’s inability to pay delivery bill of N352,350.

    The Orajiobis welcomed the birth of the triplets- two girls and a boy on new year day. They have, however, not been able to take their bundle of joy home since then.

    The family hails from Nnewi, Anambra State.

    A report by NAN noted that Orajiobi, who lives at Ologo Quarters, Uwani Enugu, said she had been discharged since January 8 but was held back by the hospital due to the family’s inability to complete the hospital bill.

    She said the hospital billed them a total of N482, 350, but that her husband was only able to pay N130, 000, leaving behind a  balance of N352, 350.

    “The bill amounted to that because I gave birth through Caesarean Section (CS).

    “I am a hairdresser. I have two girls already before this pregnancy came in May, but I never knew I was pregnant with triplets until the scan which showed that l was carrying twins.

    “I am pleading to Nigerians, organisations especially the governors of Enugu and Anambra states, to come to my rescue and assist us with financial support. I want to go home and take care of my children.

    “Anybody that is touched by our condition can reach and assist us through my husband’s Access Account Number 0043854232, Account Name : Nchekwube Orajiobi C. and his WhatsApp 08065846537,” she pleaded.

    Read Also: My triplets always ask me why I can’t walk – Yinka Ayefele

    She added that she was always touched seeing other patients that came after them leaving the hospital while they were held because they could not pay.

    The husband, Mr Cornelius Orajiobi, a trader, said they both hailed from Obiofia in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    He said he was excited to have triplets but regretted that it would be difficult for him and his wife to take care of the babies in terms of feeding.

    “Nigerians should please assist us because this gift is bigger than what we can cater for alone.

    “The N130,000 I deposited came from friends and well-wishers while I borrowed some.

    “Apart from the medical bill, I need what I will use to bring up these kids,” he pleaded.

    The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Shedrack Emeribe, had told NAN that he operated on Orajiobi without a deposit from the family.

    He added that it was after four days of the operation that her husband made a deposit of N60,000 before making it up to N130,000.

  • Enugu monarch empowers 63 youths

    Enugu monarch empowers 63 youths

    His Royal Highness, Igwe Samuel Asadu, the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Community in Nsukka Local Government of Enugu State, has empowered 63 youths with N1million each to start their chosen businesses.

    Speaking while presenting the cheque to the beneficiaries yesterday, Asadu said the gesture was to build youths as future leaders.

    “As the traditional ruler of this community, I am sowing this seed of empowerment on youths because they are future leaders.

    “I am very optimistic that in the next 10 years this community will have 63 millionaires and even billionaires that will bring giant developments in the community.

    “This is the first phase of this empowerment as more youths in the community will benefit in no distant time by God’s special grace,” he said.

    He urged the beneficiaries to ensure that the money was invested for what it was meant for so that others in the community would also benefit from their successes.

    The traditional ruler said the empowerment was part of his transformation agenda that would empower, prepare and equip youths for future.

    “I am empowering our youths to become future millionaires and billionaires to enable them to bring rapid developments in the community.

    “To maintain peace, crime and drug-free society, the interest of youths must be put into consideration by empowering them meaningfully and positively.

    “I am happy the community has intelligent and well-behaved youths who are determined to be useful for themselves and the society,” Asadu said.

    He commended Chief Chidozie Ogbu led Selection and Disbursement Committee for doing a thorough job of selecting the beneficiaries from every part of the community.

    Read Also: Afreximbank pledges finance for Enugu’s key projects 

    Speaking, Ogbu said that the committee selected the beneficiaries based on their viable business proposals presented to the committee.

    Ogbu said that the committee would monitor beneficiaries to ensure that the money was well utilized and not diverted to frivolities.

    “We will monitor them closely to ensure that the aim of this empowerment is achieved.”

    In his remarks, Mr Emeka Ugwoke, the President General, Edem-Ani Town Union, represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Grace Onyishi, lauded the traditional ruler for always having the interest of the community at heart.

    “The executives of the town union is excited on these good things courtesy of Igwe Ogadagidi is happening under their watch.

    “They ask beneficiaries to ensure that they use the money for what it is meant for so that other members of the community in no distant time will benefit from them”.

    Earlier, Mr Kenechukwu Omeje, Youths President, Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Community, commended the traditional ruler for having special interest in empowering youths.

    Omeje pledge that the youths would not disappoint the traditional ruler.

    “Igwe Asadu has done so much for our community and the youths are happy to have him as our traditional ruler.

    “I urge the beneficiaries to be focused in their chosen businesses so as to become millionaires and billionaires in nearest future,” he said.

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some of the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and pledged not to disappoint the traditional ruler and community.

    They also prayed God to replenish the pocket of Asadu as well as protect him and his family members against all evils.

  • Enugu monarch empowers 63 youths

    Enugu monarch empowers 63 youths

    His Royal Highness, Igwe Samuel Asadu, the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Community in Nsukka Local Government of Enugu State, has empowered 63 youths with N1million each to start their chosen businesses.

    Speaking while presenting the cheque to the beneficiaries yesterday, Asadu said the gesture was to build youths as future leaders.

    “As the traditional ruler of this community, I am sowing this seed of empowerment on youths because they are future leaders.

    “I am very optimistic that in the next 10 years this community will have 63 millionaires and even billionaires that will bring giant developments in the community.

    “This is the first phase of this empowerment as more youths in the community will benefit in no distant time by God’s special grace,” he said.

    He urged the beneficiaries to ensure that the money was invested for what it was meant for so that others in the community would also benefit from their successes.

    The traditional ruler said the empowerment was part of his transformation agenda that would empower, prepare and equip youths for future.

    “I am empowering our youths to become future millionaires and billionaires to enable them to bring rapid developments in the community.

    “To maintain peace, crime and drug-free society, the interest of youths must be put into consideration by empowering them meaningfully and positively.

    Read Also:Fire guts Enugu market

    “I am happy the community has intelligent and well-behaved youths who are determined to be useful for themselves and the society,” Asadu said.

    He commended Chief Chidozie Ogbu led Selection and Disbursement Committee for doing a thorough job of selecting the beneficiaries from every part of the community.

    Speaking, Ogbu said that the committee selected the beneficiaries based on their viable business proposals presented to the committee.

    Ogbu said that the committee would monitor beneficiaries to ensure that the money was well utilized and not diverted to frivolities.

    “We will monitor them closely to ensure that the aim of this empowerment is achieved.”

    In his remarks, Mr Emeka Ugwoke, the President General, Edem-Ani Town Union, represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Grace Onyishi, lauded the traditional ruler for always having the interest of the community at heart.

    “The executives of the town union is excited on these good things courtesy of Igwe Ogadagidi is happening under their watch.

    “They ask beneficiaries to ensure that they use the money for what it is meant for so that other members of the community in no distant time will benefit from them”.

    Earlier, Mr Kenechukwu Omeje, Youths President, Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Community, commended the traditional ruler for having special interest in empowering youths.

    Omeje pledge that the youths would not disappoint the traditional ruler.

    “Igwe Asadu has done so much for our community and the youths are happy to have him as our traditional ruler.

    “I urge the beneficiaries to be focused in their chosen businesses so as to become millionaires and billionaires in nearest future,” he said.

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some of the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and pledged not to disappoint the traditional ruler and community.

    They also prayed God to replenish the pocket of Asadu as well as protect him and his family members against all evils.

  • Enugu proposes prerogative of mercy on release of prisoners

    Enugu proposes prerogative of mercy on release of prisoners

    Enugu State Government has declared its readiness to adopt prerogative of mercy for the release of some prisoners. It said the proposal was one of its ways of decongesting correctional centres.

    Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Dr. Kingsley Udeh made this known when the Catholic Institute for Development Justice And Peace (CIDJAP) Human Rights group paid him an advocacy visit at the Ministry of Justice headquarters in Enugu. Although he did not say when the state government intended to begin the programme, Udeh reiterated Governor Peter Mbah’s readiness to actualise quick dispensation of justice in Enugu State “by proposing a prerogative of mercy.”

    Lauding CIDJAP for their effort in the past in rendering support to the prison inmates, the attorney general assured them of optimal service delivery, saying Governor Mbah is keen to actualise the core values of his administration in the justice sector.

    The leader of the CIDJAP Human Rights in the state, Prof. Monsignor Obiora Ike, told the commissioner that the group provided free legal services for prison inmates, who could not afford to hire a lawyer.

    Read Also: Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

    He said the group also reintegrated released inmates back to the society and provided free accommodation for the homeless ones.

    The cleric said the visit was to identify with the Attorney-General, reiterating their continuous collaboration and partnership with him.

    He enumerated the challenges facing CIDJAP to include lack of access to the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), police interference and delay in filing of information that hinders inmates’ appearances in court.

    The cleric appealed to the state chief law officer to intervene in tackling the challenges, to enable them continue their services to the down-trodden.

  • Kidnappers free Enugu monarch after collecting bag of rice, chicken as ransom

    Kidnappers free Enugu monarch after collecting bag of rice, chicken as ransom

    The traditional ruler of Nkalagu Obukpa community in Nsukka local government area of Enugu state, Igwe James Agbogo, who was kidnapped on December 21, has regained freedom.

    The traditional ruler, who was abducted in his palace, was set free on Christmas day by the bandits after he had spent four days in their den.

    According to village sources, the monarch was freed after his family had sent one bag of rice, one big chicken, a carton of wine and other food ingredients with a total of N6 million to his kidnappers as ransom.

    Agbogo was preparing for his own coronation slated for December 28, when the abductors struck.

    “Igwe regained freedom yesterday (Christmas) day but he has been taken to the hospital for treatment,” a village source stated.

    Read Also: Land grabbing: Enugu community tasks IGP to wade in

    The source added: “His sad kidnap happened at Nkalagu_Obukpa last last Thursday night at about 8:00pm. You know he is preparing for his coronation on 28th December, 2023 after emerging as the Igwe-elect of the community.

    “But the funny thing about his kidnap is that the guys demanded the sum of N6 million and insisted that a bag of rice a carton of wine and other food ingredients must accompany the ransom or they would kill him. 

    “Well, everyone rallied round to make everything available so that Igwe will regain his freedom.”

  • Eight arrested over assassination of Enugu monarch

    Eight arrested over assassination of Enugu monarch

    The Enugu state police command says it has arrested eight suspects in connection with the killing of the traditional ruler of Adani Autonomous Community in Uzo Uwani council area, Igwe Ezugwu Patrick.

    Igwe Patrick was reportedly killed in his village, Akutara on Sunday.

    During a visit to the community on Monday, the state Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, announced that eight suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing.

    Uzuegbu said he was at the community with his team to assess the situation for effective police action.

    He maintained that both the masterminds and executioners of the criminal acts would be fished out to face the wrath of the law.

    The police boss said: “The governor of Enugu State said I should relocate to this local government and ensure that all those responsible for this unfortunate act are apprehended in line with the state’s zero tolerance for crime.

    “Immediately the news got to me, I dispatched my men from the Criminal Investigation Department and the Area Command, led by the Area Commander, to visit here and ensure that all those involved are arrested because no incident like this should happen without severe consequences.

    “I want to disclose that so far, we have arrested eight prime suspects and we will continue to trail the remaining criminal masterminds of this murder. We must get to the root of this matter by unravelling all those behind the killing.

    “I want to let you know that the governor is not happy that a breach of this nature could occur, so he asked me to come here to ensure that all the criminals are fished out. I can assure you that these criminals will never go unpunished.

    “So, all those responsible for this crime will be brought to book and punished according to the law.”

    Read Also: Land grabbing: Enugu community tasks IGP to wade in

    The President-General of the community, Chief S.N Utazi, who briefed the CP during the visit, said his people were impressed by the swift response from the state government immediately after the sad news broke.

    He added that nobody had anticipated such a heinous crime as the community had been at peace in the recent past.

    He called on the police to continue the manhunt for the remaining suspects.

    The community’s traditional prime minister, Obinna Ayogu, said they were shocked by the murder of the monarch.

    He lauded the governor and the security agencies for living up to expectations through the positive steps they had taken to reassure the people of the community and the local government of their safety.