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Tag: Enugu

  • Hard work, dedication, key to Rangers success – Okpala

    Hard work, dedication, key to Rangers success – Okpala

    Sylvanus Okpala, Rangers International FC  of Enugu coach, says the secret to the team’s success in the Nigeria Professional  Football League (NPFL)  matches are hard work, dedication, and God’s grace.

    Rangers are currently placed 8th on the table with 52 points after 36 matches in the league.

    Okpala, a former assistant coach of the Super Eagles, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that the team was determined to end the league on a good note.

    “We are still on and we are not leaving any stone unturned, we are going on to the end of the season.

    “We are determined to finish the league on a good note. We have two games to play,” he said.

    Okpala, also an ex-Rangers midfielder, said the team would give desired attention to the Aieto Federation Cup while playing the remaining league matches.

    “As we play the league, we will give equal attention to the Federation Cup. We will not underrate any team,” he said.

    He said some of the players had injuries while four travelled abroad for trials.

    “We are trying our best with what we have because some of our regular players are down with injuries while four travelled abroad for trials. It has not been easy, but we are doing well with what we have,” the coach said.

    Okpala assured fans and supporters of the club that they will not disappoint them.

    Emeka Akabueze, an ex-Rangers winger, commended Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state for assisting the team to achieve good results.

    “ I thank the governor for assisting the team, especially in the appointment of Sylvanus Okpala as the coach and Christian Chukwu as the General Manager.

    “ The team will not disappoint and I want all fans and supporters to continue to believe in Rangers,” he said.

  • Security: NAF allocates nine units to new command

    Security: NAF allocates nine units to new command

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its new Ground Training Command (GTC), Enugu, will oversee and supervise nine NAF units to improve security in the country.

    The Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the GTC, Enugu, AVM Samson Akpasa, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Saturday.

    Akpasa said that the units were 553 Base Services Group, Enugu; 541 Communications Group, Enugu; 563 NAF Helicopters, Jos; 551 NAF Station, Jos; and NAF School of Finance and Accounts, Badagry.

    The others were NAF Institute of Administrative Management (Temporarily in Kaduna); Regiment Training Centre, Kaduna; SNCOs Leadership and Management Academy (Temporarily in Kaduna) and Military Training Centre, Kaduna.

    Akpasa said that the GTC, which was created on July 3, 2017, was part of the restructuring of NAF meant to widen the span and reach of NAF toward effective and efficient projection of air power.

    “The function of the new GTC Command and its units included but not limited to building of capacity through purposeful training of personnel, implementation of local military training policy and non-technical ground training programmes of NAF,’’ he said.

    According to him, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, is delighted that NAF is returning to Enugu in a bigger way through the new GTC Command.

    “However, we are appealing for maximum cooperation of the State Government and other stakeholders in kick-starting of the command headquarters,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that Air Officer Commanding in Nigerian Air Force is equivalent to General Officer Commanding (GOC) in the Nigerian Army.

  • Enugu: Much ado about Iran’s investment

    Some years ago, Nigerians welcomed the advent of social media as channels of communication and information. It was invented to speedy dissemination of information and to promote effective communication. As good as it is, Nigerians have speedily turned it to rumour mill and a means of promoting and propagating hate speeches, lies, misinformation, divisive politics and propaganda. Mischievous Nigerians have also latched on its non-regulation by any agency to abuse it to the detriment of the peaceful co-existence of the country.

    That is why today almost every Nigerian is either a blogger or an online journalist, without a clear identity or particular address. All it requires is for one to get a Chinese handset, recharge date, sit down in the comfort of a home to be fabricating lies and sending out on the social media platforms undisturbed.

    They are always handy to be hired by politicians or any other persons to blackmail and demonise their perceived enemies without being tracked or traced. Many Nigerians, being gullible and lazy researchers and readers, usually rely social media platforms as news to form opinions. This is even when it is a basic rule in information dissemination that the sources of information are more important and credible than information itself. But who cares especially when some Nigerians for reasons best known to them have decided to replace credible news with rumour mongering and hate speeches?

    This was exactly what happened in Enugu recently after the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, Morteza Rahimi Zarchi, spoke at the Government House, Enugu, during a courtesy call on the governor. He stated that he was in Enugu to see to the feasibility of establishing an Iranian Hospital, modeled after the one in Dubai, at the ongoing Heliu Residences Project in Enugu. The governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in his response said that his administration is fully committed to the sustenance of an environment that is conducive for businesses and other developmental initiatives in the state, as well as necessary legislations, institutional frameworks, favourable tax regime amongst others.

    As a background,  a private firm, FIT Consult Ltd, developing the Heliu Residences project in Enugu had invited the diplomat to the state to undertake a feasibility study of establishing an Iranian Hospital, modeled after the one in Dubai at the ongoing estate. The ambassador while in Enugu paid a courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu, where he informed the governor of his mission to the state. At the meeting, no MOU was signed and no bilateral agreement was reached.

    With this, which happened in the broad daylight and covered by the print and broadcast media, some hired elements operating on social media platforms twisted the event by alleging that Enugu State government signed bilateral agreement with the Iranian government to build a world class hospital in the state as a step to Islamise the region!

    What a failed attempt to mislead and pitch the people of the state against the governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who has not only provided leadership, but has provided enabling environment for the peace that is attracting investors. But this is not unexpected as more of it will come, especially as 2019 elections are drawing nearer.

    It would be recalled that on assumption of office, Ugwuanyi’s government organised an investment summit where the economic potentials of the state was showcased to the world. Since then, investors across the country and outside have seen the state as a destination because of its peaceful and friendly environment.

    From the above scenario in Enugu, the questions are – where did the Enugu State governor go wrong in welcoming the Iranian Ambassador that was brought to the state by a private estate developer? When has it become an offence for a governor to assure an investor of enabling environment to operate? Does the state government have any power to stop private investors from attracting partners from outside the country? This is especially when such investors have received clean bill of health from the relevant security agencies.

    The problem is that Nigerians have failed to realise the limit of politics. Politicising developments is one of the major hindrances to rapid development and Nigeria is not an exception. The Enugu event reminds one of when the idea of Islamic Bank was initially mooted during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and some people kicked against it, expressing fear that the country will be Islamised through it. All sorts of rumours and propaganda were peddled to frustrate the establishment of the bank in Nigeria. But President Jonathan saw beyond the sentiments and emotions being bandied by some people and gave the order for the licensing of the bank which is today known as Jaiz Bank.

    Delivering a keynote address at the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) conference in Port Harcourt in August 2011 on the topic titled: “Sustaining an Enduring Democracy in Nigeria,” Nobel Laureate, Prof Soyinka said the fears that greeted the proposed Islamic banking were unnecessary, as long as the proposition does not contravene the law”.   He said laws do exist in the banking sector, even as he said the country can practise any form of banking as long as such practice does not go against extant rules and regulations in the land. He also said the proposed Islamic banking which exists in other climes should not be an issue because it was not responsible for the scores of developments that have dragged the Nigeria backwards, including the Niger Delta crisis, the Boko Haram or the epileptic power supply the country was experiencing over the years.

    “Does the entry of Islamic banking contravene the law? Why is it much of an issue and attracting inflammatory?”

    Today many state governments have taken and still taking lower interest loans from the Jaiz Bank to develop their states. None of those who kicked against its establishment is kicking against getting loans from the bank at lower interest rate for development. Who knows if after building the worldclass hospital in Enugu, the Iranian government and its Nigerian investor will employ Nigerians as workers and provide healthcare services at affordable rates. This cannot be ruled out, what happened in Jaiz Bank.

     

    • Ude, wrote from Amokwe,Udi, Enugu State. 
  • Appeal Court reinstates Oye as APGA national chairman

    Appeal Court reinstates Oye as APGA national chairman

    The Court of Appeal Siting in Enugu Wednesday upturned the judgement of an Enugu State High Court that sacked Victor Oye as the National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

    An Enugu High Court presided over by Justice A.R Ozoemena had ordered the removal of the national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Oye and replaced him with Chief Martin Agbaso.

    The judge ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop further dealings with Oye.

    The action of the lower court followed a suit by the Secretary of the party in Enugu State, Comrade Mike Alioke, who challenged the continued occupation of Oye in office after the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party affirmed his suspension on October 5, last year.

    But, delivering judgement on an appeal brought against the judgment of the lower court, the appellate court presided by Justice Abdul Aboki quashed the judgment of the lower court.

    The judge declared that the Appeal succeeded in its merit and declared Oye as the authentic chairman.

     

  • South-East Governors’ Forum secretariat inaugurated

    South-East Governors’ Forum secretariat inaugurated

    The South- East Governor’s Forum on Monday in Enugu inaugurated its secretariat and unveiled the Director-General, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, and other directors.

    Speaking at the event, the Ebonyi Governor and Chairman of the Forum, Dave Umahi, said that the secretariat would coordinate activities of the Forum.

    Umahi commended the Department for International Development (DFID) for its role in the screening and recommendation of the officers.

    He praised the directors for scaling through the rigorous selection process to serve the people.

    The governor said that the task before the Forum was enormous, considering the living conditions of the people in the area.

    Umahi said that it had become imperative to rebuild the South-East, adding that though challenging, it would be achieved.

    “This task is challenging especially at a time our people are very badly challenged in every part of the country and beyond.

    “We rely on you to give us the support and direction, ‘’ he said.

    Umahi said that the Forum condemned the incident at St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra, where 13 worshipers were killed and others injured.

    He also condoled with the people and government of Imo over the recent building collapse that claimed the lives of four people.

    Umahi expressed concern over the vilification of Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu governments on their interest in an Islamic Bank loan.

    He said that the banking system had nothing to do with religion, stressing that it had nothing to do with foisting Islam on the people.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other directors of the Forum are: Mr Orlando Nweze, Finance and Administration; Mr Michael Udah, Media and Communication, and Mr Chibuike Amaechi Project Initiation and Execution.

  • Women protest ‘forceful acquisition’ of ancestral land

    Women protest ‘forceful acquisition’ of ancestral land

    Women of Nsude community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State have staged a peaceful protest over an alleged forceful acquisition of their ancestral land at Amozibe and Umuezani villages of the community.

    The women held aloft placards with different inscriptions such as, “This land does not belong to Ifueke Okweuwani, “Government, please, leave our land, “This property belongs to Nsude, “This land does not belong to Ngwo, “Beware of land grabbers”, among others. They said they were not happy that the government acquired their land in the name of Ngwo community without consulting them.

    They urged the government to return the land in question to them, saying they had already shared the plots of lands to their children as their inheritance.

    The traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Ken Onyia, told reporters that some people from two communities in neighbouring Ngwo, who go by the title of stakeholders, claimed that the land which allegedly belongs to the two villages in Nsude belongs to Ifueke Ngwo. He said the so-called stakeholders deceived the government into believing that the parcel of land belongs to Ifueke Okweuwani in Ngwo.

    He said though they have boundary with them, the areas in question was surveyed, registered and published in the gazette of Old Anambra State which dates back to 1991.

    According to him, when the news of the arrangement came to the two communities, Amozibe and Umuezani, they went to Udi Local Government Chairman and presented documents that proved that the land belongs to Nsude people.

    He also disclosed that they also went to Enugu Commissioner for Lands to give the facts of ownership of the place to him with documents to show, continuing that during one of those visits, they invited authentic attorneys for Ifueke to accompany them to the commissioner’s office.

    The traditional ruler  explained that the attorneys told the commissioner that that those people that claimed to be stakeholders were not representing the Ifueke people as far as the land management was concerned, adding that all their efforts met brick wall as the commissioner continued with the arrangement for the acquisition of the land.

    He noted that the during the flag off of the present 9th mile bypass or Nsude Ngwo Bypass through the land in question,  he was the person that presented the welcome address to the governor and his entourage.

    The royal father stressed that traditionally “it is not known that a traditional ruler will present a welcome address in a land that does not belong to his community”.

    He expressed dismay that despite all the efforts to prove that the land in question belongs to two villages in Nsude Community, (Amozibe and Umuezani), the government went ahead to issue a Certificate of Occupancy to a private company for the Nsude land in the name of Ngwo people.

    The retired academic don pointed out that there was no land dispute between Nsude and Ngwo people, adding that their understanding of the land use act and powers of the government to acquire land against the wishes of the owners is when there is dispute between communities or that the land will be acquired by overriding interest and not to be given to private concerns.

    The royal father further hinted that the laid out areas have been shared and given to all male adults in the two villages above the age of 18 as their inheritance, adding that some of them have sold their plots to other parties.

    “Our demand is that the government should not take our land through Ngwo people when we don’t have any disputes with them. The layout has been bulldozed. Our land should be given back to us and the layout restored to its original state”.

    The Traditional Ruler noted that his community has never been stingy with donation of lands for developmental purposes either by the government or private concerns, recalling that   the community had earlier donated land for international market, A Catholic Seminary, among others.

    “We also note that Nsude community has never been stingy with donations of land for developmental purposes either by government or private concerns. For Example, Nsude community donated land for an uncompleted international market; we also donated land for the building of a catholic seminary,” he noted.

  • Expert to train youths in coal extraction in Enugu

    A petroleum industry expert, Dr Livinus Nosike, has called for more involvement of youths  in the sector.

    Dr Nosike was spoke at the 6th Enugu Youth Summit tagged  Innovative Technology & Youth Entrepreneurship Summit organised by the office of the S.A. to the Governor of Enugu, Dr Emeka Asogwa, and the State Ministry  of Youths and Sports.

    While addressing hundreds of young entrepreneurs in the State, the 41-year-old Doctor of Petroleum Geology from Ezeagu Local Government Area of the State hinted that his company, Integrated Elvee Services (IES) Ltd, will be willing to train over 180 youths across Enugu State on petroleum and coal exploration as a way of creating hundreds of jobs within the State.

    He said the training was in view of the State government’s ongoing discussions with South African investors to revamp the coal sector in Enugu State.

    He said, “IES Oil and Gas Training will be empowering these youths with a token covering only registration fees which is a far cry from the N5,000 000 Naira equivalent or more with which students have to travel abroad to get trained. Coal is a huge goldmine; tons of unconventional hydrocarbon lies underneath our feet in Enugu State.

    “It is the next mineral resource that can pay us more than petroleum in the State, unfortunately our Nigerian Universities are not practical about the trainings hence we as our own way of giving back to society want to empower youths of the coal-rich Enugu”.

     

    The University of Nice – Sophia Antipolis, France graduate complained that graduates of petroleum courses in Nigeria have little knowledge about the industry. He emphasised that petrol does not only come from crude oil.

    He said, “There is hydrocarbon from shale, from coal and from even plants – biofuel. Technology such as coal liquefaction produce hydrocarbon while polluting gas capture and sequestration help to abate the environmental impact.

    “Even when it comes to conventional sources of hydrocarbon, it’s disheartening that many geology students don’t know what a simple rig is. This is because the workings in the oil and gas industry seem mystified. Petroleum geo-science is like agriculture, it is not as complex as people think. It’s simple to get trained in any of the chains in the industry.”

     

    The Lagos-based entrepreneur who told journalists that the coal industry in Enugu will provide over 1,000 jobs noted that it will be sad for Enugu State to fall into the challenge of inexperienced locals working with the coal foreign investors.

     

    “We should not make the mistake of the past,” he said. “When oil and gas exploration started in the Niger Delta, the local thought they will benefit from it because it is in their land. But in a capitalistic economy, he who brings the capital takes the proceeds. They only way to get the proceeds is to get involved early enough. That is the only way to ensure there is no schism between the various parties.”

     

  • Power Oil takes campaign to Enugu, others

    Nigerians have been called upon to engage in keep-fit exercises, especially walking, to derive from its many benefits.

    Power Oil, through its yearly health awareness walk tagged:Power Oil WalkHeartOn project

    The event held at Enugu and Port Harcourt cities, over the weekend during the third edition of its once a year health awareness which witnessed massive participation in both cities.

    Taking the lead in the walk was the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Enugu State Hon. Charles Ndukwe.

    According to Ndukwe, when one walks as a planned keep fit exercise, one will maintain a healthy weight. “Walking prevents or manages various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2-diabetes. It strengthens your bones and muscles. It improves your mood as well. The overall benefit is that it improves your balance and coordination.

    “The  heart health awareness walk is strategically designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and remind Nigerians on the benefits of a daily fitness routine, aimed at encouraging Nigerians to walk at least 30 mins every day to keep fit and stay healthy. I am happy to demonstrate this,” Nduke said.

    Registration of participants started in the early hours of the morning at both locations before the five kilometres walk kicked off at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu, veered into Ogui Road, Otigba round about and back.

    In Port Harcourt, the walk started from the Liberation Stadium, moved to Elekahia Road, on the Air Force junction and back.

    Ndukwe praised the brand for partnering Enugu State on the project. He considered the initiative as worthy as it encouraged everyone, especially the youth to imbibe the culture of exercising which is in line with the vision of the state.

    The firm’s Brand Manager, Miss Amisha Chawla said: “It is actually the first time having Enugu on board on the WalkHeartOn project and I must say the excitement being exhibited by the indigenes is indescribable. Also, it was such great feelings to record this magnitude of crowd joined in on a good course as this.’’

    She said the turnout was huge and surpassed their expectations. “So, we are proud that Nigerians understand that walking improves circulation and sleep,” Miss Chawla said.

    Comedians and guest artistes in both cities (Nigga Raw and MC Bonus in Enugu and Sound Sultan and Funnybone in Port Harcourt) also took part in leading the walk.

    Its Public Relations Manager, Mrs. Omotayo Abiodun, said the high record of participation  was good.

    She added:  “The last leg is scheduled to hold simultaneously in Abuja and Ibadan for next week and we hope it will be another blockbuster. Woli Arole and Sanyeri, will also be joining the walk in Ibadan, Sound Sultan and MC Bonus will be present in Abuja. They all will be taking turns in performing before and after the walk while all participants are being treated to freshly made finger foods prepared on the spot.’’

    A participant in Port Harcourt, Mrs. Mercy Akpotha said:  “I have not had this kind of exercise in a long while and it is so much fun. I must say thanks to the Power Oil brand for bringing up this health awareness initiative to remind and encourage us to stay on top of our healthy game.”

    Power Oil health camps were also available, offering free basic medical checks for participants to ascertain their health status, including blood pressure, BMI and medical consultation.

    The walk started in 2015 in Lagos.

  • Police arrest mother, son over murder of sibling

    Police arrest mother, son over murder of sibling

    The police has launched investigation into the death of one Fidelis Asogwa, suspected to have been killed by his own brother.

    Fidelis, according to a police statement issued in Enugu on Tuesday, was hit with a plank by his brother Roma and later died in a hospital.

    According to the police, the incident happened on Monday at Ohio town in Igboetiti Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    The command spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, who issued the statement, said preliminary investigation revealed that the victim had a dispute with his brother over a piece of land.

    “It was gathered that a misunderstanding had ensued over a piece of land and economic trees between the deceased identified as one Fidelis Asogwa and the suspect, Roma Asogwa.

    “It was further gathered that in the course of the quarrel Roma Asogwa did not hesitate to hit the brother, Fidelis Asogwa, with a plank on his head which left him unconscious.

    “The latter was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,’’ the statement added.

    The police said it had arrested Roma and his mother, Theresa, who were helping with the investigation.

    The mother was alleged to have invited the deceased, who resides in Port Harcourt, for a family meeting prior to the incident.

    It said that the corpse of Fidelis had been deposited at Zim Uzo Hospital Mortuary in Ohodo.

  • ICT varsity campus set to take off in Enugu

    Ahead of the take-off of the Federal Government’s proposed University of Information and Communication Technology, members of its implementation committee have visited the Digital Bridge Institute Enugu designated as one of the campuses of the university.

    The proposed ICT University will be a multi-campus institution of the present Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) located in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Asaba and Yola.

    The President Muhammadu Buhari administration had mandated the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu to set up a university of ICT in recognition of the rapid pace of Information Communications Technology (ICT) and the huge impact on the economy which country that harvests the technical talents and specialists it can engender,

    In fulfillment of Mr. President’s objective to set up University of ICT, so as to enhance learning environment and create millions of jobs through skilled ICT workforce, the Ministry of Communications set up an implementation committee, chaired by erudite Professor Julius Okojie, former Secretary of National University Commission (NUC) and Dr Amina Sambo Magaji as Secretary.

    Some members of the Implementation Committee for the Proposed ICT University conducted a physical assessment of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in Enugu, one of the six ICT learning centers built by NCC in the country.

    Members of the Committee in the assessment team were Dr. Henry Nkemadu, Matthew A. Olaniyan and Mr Osita Okechuwu, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON).

    Speaking with journalists at the site, Okechukwu said the committee is expected to make a physical assessment of the facilities on site, including buildings, road infrastructure, and equipment.

    According to the VON DG, the committee will also determine the additional requirements for the University to meet with international best practices.

    The university is expected to take off from the next academic year.