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Tag: Enugu

  • Immigration arrests alleged Enugu ritual killer, hands him over to police

    Immigration arrests alleged Enugu ritual killer, hands him over to police

    • How suspect was nabbed by vigilant NIS officer
    • Enugu residents call for open trial
    • Govt confirms demolition of suspect’s mansion

    The Lagos State Police Command has received fleeing suspected Enugu ritual killer/native doctor arrested by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Lagos.

    The suspect, Obi Obieze, alleged to have killed several people whose bodies were found in one of his properties at Umuojor village,  Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State, was arrested on Wednesday at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Expressway.

    His arrest provoked jubilation among Enugu residents yesterday, who demanded his open trial.

    He was said to have been caught around 2pm on Wednesday aboard a motorcycle en route Seme Border, after allegedly escaping arrest in Enugu where he boarded a night bus to Mile2, Lagos, the previous night.

    It was gathered that he arrived at Mile2 at about 10am and boarded a motorcycle en route Seme before he was flagged down by NIS operatives on routine security checks on that axis.

    According to information, the motorcyclist had been cleared at the checkpoint and was about to move only for the operatives to recognise his passenger as the native doctor in a viral video accused of ritual killings.

    Obieze was declared wanted by the police over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl weeks ago.

    The victim was reportedly abducted by three men while walking to the farm with her father. She was later rescued by police operatives from a shrine allegedly linked to the suspect.

    The Enugu State Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of three suspects, Uche Kingsley Agumba, 33, Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi, 36, and Ejike Odinwankpa, 38, in connection with the abduction.

    Also, two decomposing bodies including that of a pregnant woman were discovered hidden in a pit sealed with concrete at the residence of the fleeing native doctor.

    Obieze, who also goes by the aliases Ezeani and ‘E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show’, fled the state and was declared wanted by the police.

    Declaring him wanted, the police described him as a well-known traditionalist in Umuojor village, Isiagu community.

    Following his arrest, the NIS border command contacted the service’s headquarters in Abuja and were instructed to hand him over to the police.

    Consequently, the suspect, said to be a flight risk, was taken to the Lagos State Police Command on Friday afternoon masked and cuffed on his hands and legs.

    He was handed over to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, who said he would be transferred to the Enugu State Police Command to answer to his charges.

    Reporters on ground were denied access to him in line with the directive of the Federal Government banning the parade of suspects. 

    How suspect was arrested by vigilant immigration officer

    While the search for the native doctor was on, the news filtered in that Ezeani, also known as Ichie Billion, had been arrested in Lagos while trying to cross the nation’s border into Benin Republic.

    According to a Facebook user, Maria Ude Nwachi, immigration officer, Prince Orji Ugochukwu (with a Facebook Name Okeosisi Ugo) spotted the suspected ritual killer and immediately went for him.

    Nwachi quoted the immigration officer as saying: “On Wednesday afternoon, while discharging my duty at my checkpoint in Gbaji along Seme Road, I saw a bike carrying a young man, who was wearing a fez cap.

    “His face flashed back at me because I had got information about the man trying to escape, plus his picture that had gone viral on social media.

    “I tried to stop the bike that was carrying him but he refused to stop. So I quickly jumped unto another bike, followed him immediately and caught him at the other immigration checkpoint in front.

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    “I ordered the bike man that carried him to turn back. But this time, we rode on the bike together.

    “On our way back to my checkpoint, he stopped the bike and started asking me what he had done.

    “I brought out my phone and showed him his pictures and the crime he committed.

    “He denied that the person in the picture was his brother and not him; that he was coming back from the bank in Agbara and was not a native doctor.

    “After some time, he decided to offer me N10 million to let him go. I refused to collect his blood money.

    “He said that he never committed those crimes; that people set him up because it was his turn to become the Igwe (traditional ruler) of their community.

    “When I refused to let him go, he further added his iPhone 13 promax and Tecno camon 19, saying that his iPhone 13 promax was worth a million naira and that I should please let him go.

    “But I refused his offer and forced him back to my checkpoint at Gbaji-Seme Road.

    “Then I snapped those pictures that are going viral online and sent a signal to my command, which is the Seme border patrol command.

    “When I confirmed that he was truly the one, I quickly handcuffed him and moved him to our command head office immediately.

    “Even my colleagues were in doubt, because nobody recognised him except me”

    Enugu residents call for open trial

    Our correspondent gathered that Ezeani’s arrest brought joy and jubilation among residents of the Enugu metropolis, who are now calling for an open trial of the suspected killer native doctor.

    Speaking with our correspondent, a native doctor in the state, Ozor Onyekwelu Igwe, said the reason for the open trial was to ensure that the people would also hear and know those working with Ezeani in his business.

    “I’m a native doctor myself and I’ve heard a lot of people categorising all of us as evil, especially those of us who have built good houses and drive good cars.

    “His open trial would help to exonerate some of us and even reveal those he is doing his evil business with.

    “I believe he is into body parts sales and has a lot of accomplices. So, any open trial would help the state unravel some of these things,” Igwe said.

    Another resident who demanded an open trial of the suspect said there should be no secret trial for the suspects.

    Attempts to find out whether the state police command was willing to ensure open trial when the matter goes to court yielded no result as the spokesman of the command, Daniel Ndukwe, was not reachable at the time of filing this report.

    Enugu govt commends NIS, confirms demolition of suspect’s mansion

    The Enugu State Government yesterday commended the arrest of the fleeing suspected ritual killer and kidnap kingpin by men and officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service along the Badagry-Seme Road, commending the vigilance of the officers.

    The government also disclosed that the suspect’s mansion at his Umumba Ndiagu country home in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State had already been demolished by the authorities on Tuesday in line with extant laws of Enugu State regarding property linked to kidnapping.

    A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, yesterday assured that the suspect would face the full wrath of the law.

    It said: “The Enugu State Government received with delight the news of the arrest of the fugitive suspected kidnap kingpin and ritualist, Levi Obieze, by the officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service. 

    “This arrest has further strengthened our hands in our bid to ensure that justice is served on all the persons involved in the gory incidents of abduction, kidnapping, and ritual killings linked to the suspect.

    “As usual, the Enugu State Government has already demolished the property in his country home on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in line with Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State, regarding property linked to kidnapping.”

    The government equally commended the vigilance of the community members, civilian and state security operatives for bursting the crime, saying it would not condone the acts of criminality under any guise.

    “This administration will not condone any form of criminality in our communities under any guise. Therefore, this is also a call on community leaders – traditional rulers, Presidents-General of Town Unions, Neighbourhood Watch, among others, to be watchful and report such persons to government and security agencies.

    “Those who cover up for such criminals will also be treated as accomplices.”

  • MHWUN demands implementation of CONHESS salary structure for Enugu workers

    MHWUN demands implementation of CONHESS salary structure for Enugu workers

    The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has called on Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to address and consider all the irregularities concerning the payment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) salary structure.

    The CONHESS is a salary scale for healthcare professionals in Nigeria, including nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals.

    The Secretary General of MHWUN, Comrade Auwal Yusuf Kiyawa made the call in an interview with newsmen at the occasion of the National Women Leadership Development Workshop, Southeast Zone held at the Arbovirus and Research Centre in Enugu.

    According to Comrade Kiyawa, “There is utmost need for the governor to consider the payment of CONHESS salary structure to those that have not been paid

    “If you go to other states, i think they have fully implemented and are paying the CONHESS salary structure and I’m very much sure his Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah would not want to be in isolation having been someone who has a reputation of paying salaries as at when due.” Kiyawa stated

    The Secretary General also used the opportunity to thank and appreciate Governor Mbah for giving a positive atmosphere to ensure a peaceful workshop.

    “I think the event of today is very encouraging, motivating, and lovely as it is a part of the policy of our union to always have a national workshop at least twice a year for our women.” Kiyawa stated.

    The National President of the union, Kabiru Ado Sani emphasized the importance of building women’s capacity to thrive in leadership roles just as he acknowledged the challenges faced by women in the workplace, including discrimination, gender-based violence, and the need for re-skilling and up-skilling in response to changing work environments.

    “To address these challenges, the Union is committed to building advocacy around issues of gender equality and equity, social justice, and just transition.” Sani said

    Laying more emphasis on what the Secretary General said, Chairman, MHWUN Enugu State Council, Mrs. Nnenna Juliet Oriedu, stated that two of the three unions that make up the Joint Joint Sector Union and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) umbrella, only the health workers, the core medical and health workers namely, the porters, partisan, the health attendants are yet to be paid CONHESS

    “The nurses and the medical lab technicians have been paid. We have our members drawn from the ESUT Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, Ministry of Health, Polly Clinic, most of them are in state management board

    “We have others in the veterinary services in the Ministry of Agriculture. They are all health workers. Till today, we are still expectant

    “We are hoping that the governor in his magnanimity will pay our workers as others received theirs in August last year. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander, ” Oriedu stated.

    On the workshop, themed “Empowered to Lead: Advancing Women Skills in Trade Union Leadership toward Just Transition in Health Sector,” is aimed to build women’s leadership skills and promote their participation in nation-building

    Oriedu also made an appeal to Governor Peter Mbah. “I wish to use this opportunity to specially appeal to our amiable governor, who has demonstrated leadership in massive infrastructural development in Enugu to support the Enugu State Council of the union with a plot of land and bus to enable us build our permanent secretariat render services to our members swiftly.” Oriedu said.

    The workshop is part of the union’s initiative to develop women’s leadership skills, which started in 2008. The event which brought together women leaders from various unions to share experiences and gain skills to excel in leadership positions, also aims to provide a platform for women to develop their leadership skills and contribute to the union’s agenda for gender mainstreaming, which has been ongoing since 2003.

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    Meanwhile, the National Chairperson of the Union emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in achieving a just transition in the health sector.

    She called on State Chairmen and union leaders to deepen their commitment to gender inclusion, actively involving women in union activities, leadership development, and decision-making processes.

    She emphasized that women’s participation is critical to achieving a just transition in the health sector and urged participants to remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, equity, and dignity for all health workers.

  • Tension in Enugu community as suspected herdsmen kidnap 20 year-old girl, farmer

    Tension in Enugu community as suspected herdsmen kidnap 20 year-old girl, farmer

    Suspected herdsmen have abducted a 20 year-old girl and a local farmer in Umabor community, Eha-Alumonah, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    Our correspondent learnt the incident occurred on Friday evening along the Agu Umabor Road.

    A villager, who spoke with The Nation named the girl as Chinelo Ezugwu from Elugwu Umabor while the farmer was identified as Chinedu Asanya from Eziama Umabor.

    It was gathered that the victims walked into an ambush laid by the armed herders who abducted the two victims while some of the road users ambushed by the gunmen managed to escape.

    The source said: “I can confirm to you that my village has been surrounded by Fulani herdsmen and as I’m talking with you, two persons were kidnapped near my house. That happened yesterday (Friday) evening.

    “As I’m talking to you now, tension has enveloped my community. Even to go there to evacuate my mother and my younger sister is becoming difficult because nobody knows when these people will strike again.

    “We are in shock that these people (Fulani herdsmen) have finally entered our peaceful community. No place is safe any longer.

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    “Everybody is scared; they have made contact with the families of the victims, demanding for ransom.

    “We are appealing to the State Government to come to our aid before these people run us out.

    “His Excellency the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah should please send us help.

    “We are under siege because that is the only access road that leads to Agu Umabor, there is no alternative; what it also means is that our people would be unable to go to farm anymore,” he lamented.

    One of those who escaped from the bandits, said while he ran into the bush, he could hear the voice of the victims crying out for help.

    Enugu police spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, could not be reached for reactions as of the time of filing this report.

  • Meet Abubakar Sambo appointed as SSA by Enugu Gov Mbah

    Meet Abubakar Sambo appointed as SSA by Enugu Gov Mbah

    Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has appointed Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf Sambo as his senior special assistant on special duties.

    His latest appointment has elicited a flurry of reactions.

    Sambo is also the Sarkin Hausawa of Enugu, the leader of the Hausa community in Enugu State.

    He was born and bred in Enugu, and he’s very fluent in speaking Igbo.

    He was also appointed as a committee member for the Enugu State Security and Peace Committee by Gov. Mbah. 

    Sambo is also the National Vice Chairman 1, Inter-tribal Leaders Association of Nigeria.

    He has helped to facilitate a lot of appointees and representatives in various committees in the state government. 

    For Sambo, he believes that Enugu is one of the safest places down East, and the credit for this, according to him in an interview, goes to former Governor Ugwuanyi, who created the environment, atmosphere for that peaceful co-existence to thrive. 

  • Court jails two for internet fraudsters, arraigns three others in Enugu

    Court jails two for internet fraudsters, arraigns three others in Enugu

    Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, Enugu, has convicted and sentenced two internet fraudsters, Arinze Chukwudi and Ajah Uchechukwu, to various jail terms for offences bordering on cybercrime and impersonation.

    The duo were prosecuted separately by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a one-count charge.

    According to court records, Chukwudi, 26, “fraudulently impersonated the identity of one Jimcho Mun, a South Korean military personnel working as a nurse in Damascus, Syria, and residing in the United States,” through a fake Facebook account operated on his Itel A662L device.

    “His target was one M. Irfan, a foreign national. The offence occurred in Enugu in 2024 and violated Section 22 (3)(a)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015”.

    In Uchechukwu’s case, he conspired with others, including a convicted fraudster in the U.S. and two others at large, to impersonate a U.S. citizen and defraud their victim, Ngan Nguyen, of $10,452. The crime reportedly took place in Amakohia, Imo State, in 2017.

    Following their guilty pleas, EFCC counsel, ACE II Ajobiewe Rotimi Enitan, urged the court to convict and sentence them. Defence counsel, Chijioke E., pleaded for leniency.

    Justice Umar thereafter sentenced Chukwudi to 11 months’ imprisonment without an option of fine. Uchechukwu was given a six-month jail term with an additional fine of N500,000. The EFCC confirmed they were arrested on May 17, 2024, for impersonating foreign nationals to commit fraud.

    Meanwhile, in a related case, three other suspects, Odinaka Ogbu, Nwachukwu Prosper, and Desmond Okoye, were arraigned before the same court on cybercrime-related charges.

    Ogbu is facing a two-count charge for allegedly aiding others to carry out unauthorised modifications of computer systems and network data. Prosecutors say the offence took place in Enugu in 2024 and involved a syndicate led by one Ledata Evans, who is still at large.

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    Prosper and Chidera are accused of fraudulently using the email password of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Ugochukwu Nwachukwu to gain an undue advantage for themselves. Their actions also violated the Cybercrime Act, 2015.

    While Prosper pleaded guilty, Ogbu and Chidera entered not guilty pleas.

    Based on their responses, prosecution counsel ASE I Anyanwu Somtochukwu urged the court to convict Prosper and fix a trial date for Chidera. Similarly, CSE Blessing Obasi requested a trial date for Ogbu.

    Justice Umar adjourned the matter till June 25, 2025, for hearing on Ogbu’s bail application, and May 21, 2025, for the review of facts in Prosper’s case and hearing of Chidera’s bail application. All three were remanded in the Enugu Correctional Centre.

  • Enugu declares zero tolerance for gender-based violence

    Enugu declares zero tolerance for gender-based violence

    The Enugu State government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), declaring zero tolerance for the menace.

    To drive this agenda, the government inaugurated a high-level steering committee at the Government House in Enugu. 

    The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, and includes representatives from key ministries and institutions such as the Nigeria Police Force, Ministries of Agriculture, Local Government, Human Development, Trade and Investment, Justice, Health, Education, and the Civil Society.

    Named the Steering Committee for Strengthening Institutional and Community Responses to End Gender-Based Violence/Domestication of Enugu State Gender Policy, the panel will adopt the Oputa Panel approach in tackling GBV across the state.

    While inaugurating the committee, Governor Peter Mbah reiterated his administration’s resolve not only to prosecute perpetrators but also to implement proactive measures—including activities, infrastructure, and systems—to prevent gender-based violence.

    Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said, “We take gender-based violence seriously. We have zero tolerance for it, and in Enugu State, we are ready to go the extra mile to deal with it.

    “If you notice, the government has selected people that are very committed to this goal. This is not an activity where we just want to check-off the list. We will track this. We will monitor this, and we will have quarterly engagements on the successes that this particular committee has achieved in terms of reference that we are going to send. 

    “We will tighten those terms of reference indicators, so that we monitor what we are doing both in terms of cost input and the value added. It’s very important to us. Many people will be involved – civil society, the police and various ministries.”

    He however, said that the effort was to protect everyone, men and women alike, as GBV was not restricted to any gender.

    “The whole idea is to hold people responsible that are involved in matters relating to gender violence and deter people that by culture or by association get involved in that, protect women, protect our children, and in the case of violence against men, protect our men because most times we misconstrue gender violence to mean women, but it can also be men too.

    “We encourage our men to speak out and to make sure they understand that the policy that Enugu State is soon going to domesticate is for everyone, and not only for the female gender,” he stated.

    In her remark, Mrs. Enih, explained that the Oputa Panel approach was inspired by the need to cover all local peculiarities in domesticating the policy on GBV, restarting government’s confidence in the members of the panel.

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    “The approach we are going to use is the Oputa Panel approach, and in the Oputa Panel approach, we are going to tour the 17 Local Government Areas to get firsthand information about what our people are going through because policy is meant for the people, and a policy should suit the people.

    “Again, every community has its peculiar problems, so that’s why the government decided that if we have to domesticate the gender policy, we have to hear from the people who own the policy and know the changes that they desire to see. That is the reason we are using this approach. 

    “The committee members are to also serve as judges. As we gather this information from our people, we will come back to tailor it in a way to suit the people of Enugu State, and then our policy is ready.

    “We want the people to know that there is a gender policy for them. I can assure you that when the people are aware that there is such a policy, they will seek for the enforcement of that policy. So, this is not going to be one of those policies that will just lie on the shelf,” she said.

  • 25 years after, NDLEA gets forensic labs in Abuja, Enugu, trains 20 officers

    25 years after, NDLEA gets forensic labs in Abuja, Enugu, trains 20 officers

    After over 25 years of conducting forensic analysis in a single laboratory facility in Lagos, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has established two new laboratories and upgraded the existing one to enhance accessibility, expedite timely analysis, and prosecute cases efficiently following a surge in drug seizures over the past months.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

    According to the statement, the two additional laboratories built in Abuja and Enugu are strategically located and equipped with state- of -the -art facilities designed to meet the highest standards of quality and safety protocols, as well as ensuring a safe working environment.

    Excited about the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said, “The newly constructed laboratories will enable us to enhance our forensic analysis capabilities, increase our capacity to process cases efficiently and strengthen our fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.”

    He noted that while the two new facilities were set to commence operations, the existing one in Lagos has undergone a comprehensive renovation and refurbishment, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility.

    “This project was made possible through the sponsorship of the US International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)”, he stated.

    Besides equipping the laboratories with additional cutting-edge analytical instruments, the

    The agency, in collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), has conducted the training and certification of 20 NDLEA forensic analysts, meant to empower them to sign off on drug analysis reports, thereby enhancing the Agency’s forensic capabilities.

    This is in addition to the implementation of robust quality control measures, following the Agency’s successful participation in three rounds of the UNODC International Collaborative Exercise (ICE) programme, which is an important part of International Quality Assurance Programme (IQAP) to ensure quality management systems, accuracy and reliability of results.

    While commending the officers, men and women of the Agency’s Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring for working with him to break the over 25 years jinx, Marwa said the milestone achieved in the area of forensic analysis is borne out of his commitment to equipping the laboratories with state-of- the- art instruments and developing the expertise of the Agency’s personnel to ensure accurate and reliable forensic analysis, research methodologies and tackling the challenges posed by emerging New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).

    “The newly constructed drug laboratories and renovated facilities mark a significant milestone in the Agency’s history, and we are delighted about this achievement”, Marwa added.

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    Meanwhile, the US-INL has donated new advanced equipment to the Agency to enhance the operations of the NDLEA forensic lab in Lagos.

     The handover of the spectroscopy device was done by the Director of INL in Nigeria, Ms. Candace Spradley who commended the collaboration between NDLEA and the INL. She said the donated equipment will enhance the Agency’s capacity to detect and analyse suspicious substances.

    A team of top officials of the Agency who received the US delegation and the equipment at the Ikoyi Lagos headquarters annex of NDLEA was led by the Director, Seaport Operations, DCGN Omolade Faboyede.

    Others include the Director, Forensic and Chemical Monitoring, ACGN Patricia Afolabi; Deputy Director Media and Advocacy, ACGN Rita Geh Okpere; Head, Special Operations Unit, ACGN Akinola Idowu Grace and Commander, Lagos State Strategic Command of the Agency, CN Abubakar Liman Wali, among others.

  • Enugu celebrates Jim Nwobodo at 85

    Enugu celebrates Jim Nwobodo at 85

    Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, at the weekend, led other who-is-who in the State to celebrate elder statesman and former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo 

    Speaking during the 85th birthday anniversary celebration event in honour of Nwobodo at his Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu, country home on Friday evening, Mbah recalled the octogenarian’s outstanding service to Enugu State, old Anambra State, Nigeria, and humanity in various capacities, describing him as an epitome of excellence.

    “It will be difficult to find words that amply capture the true essence of what Dr. Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo represents. Your life is a living proof that the true value of existence is selfless service.

    “Nothing endears one to his people than selfless service. That is what you epitomise. The men and women gathered here today to celebrate you is a reflection of that selfless service that you have provided for the people of Enugu State and Nigeria. 

    “Today, we celebrate an extraordinary journey. We celebrate 85 years of impactful life. 

    “As Governor at 39 years, you left bold legacies that are still evident today. As a Minister of Youth and Sport, your record remains unbeatable; and it’s still a heartwarming reference point in this country. As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you were an epitome of courage and patriotism. We are indeed very proud of you.

    “You are a priceless gift to humanity and to Enugu State and indeed our dear country. We are so blessed to have you. You have also provided a shoulder on which countless leaders stand on. You are a charismatic, yet unassuming leader; a man of all seasons,” the Governor stated.

    He wished him many happy returns in sound health and cherished moments so that the new generation of leaders could continue to benefit from his fatherly counsel and wealth of experience.

    Nwobodo enjoined leaders to utilise the opportunities God had given to them to work for the people, citing the Mbah example in Enugu State.

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    “Today, Peter (Mbah) is a success. Whether anybody likes it or not. He is a success because the results speak for him. Whatever he is in Enugu today was God’s design from time. God gave it to him. God inspires all that he is doing in Enugu today. 

    “Governor Mbah also listens. He really does. I suggested something to him not long ago. He reflected on it and told me that he would do it. Today, he is already doing it. That is how your know a leader that would go far,” the elder statesman said.

    While thanking the governor for organising a state event to mark his birthday, Nwobodo said that Mbah had underscored the need to celebrate people while they are alive.

    “I did not expect an elaborate celebration as this. But the governor insisted on celebrating me so well. He maintained that it was better to celebrate people when they are alive, to say all the beautiful things to their hearing. So, Governor, I thank you for this show of love and thank all of you, who came out in your numbers to celebrate me,” he added.

  • UK opens new visa application centres in Enugu, Port Harcourt

    UK opens new visa application centres in Enugu, Port Harcourt

    The British High Commission in Nigeria has announced the opening of new UK Visa Application Centres in Enugu and Port Harcourt to enhance access for Nigerian travellers during the summer season.

    In a statement released in Abuja, the High Commission said the new centres will allow visa applicants to submit their documents and enrol biometrics locally, easing the travel process for residents of Enugu and Rivers States.

    The High Commission noted that the new Premium Application Centres are operated by VFS Global, which already manages existing state-of-the-art centres in Abuja, Ikeja, and Victoria Island in Lagos. 

    These new locations aim to meet the increasing demand for UK visas, especially during peak travel periods.

    Hon. Lord David Hanson, Minister of State at the UK Home Office, said: “The government is pleased to be able to reopen the Premium Visa Application Centres in both Port Harcourt and Enugu. In 2024, we received more than 230,000 visa applications from Nigerian nationals across all visa routes. These new centres will offer greater convenience for applicants and reflect the strength of the UK–Nigeria relationship.”

    Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, added that the new centres would provide the same high-quality services offered at their existing centres. “We are pleased to open these conveniently located touchpoints, which allow us to cater to a larger number of UK-bound travellers from Nigeria,” he said.

    Read Also: APPLY FOR YOUR UK VISA NOW AT THE NEW PREMIUM APPLICATION CENTRES IN ENUGU AND PORT HARCOURT

    Applicants using the Premium Application Centres can also access a range of value-added services, including document upload assistance, real-time application status updates, and courier return of documents.

    The travellers may book the “Keep My Passport While Applying” service, which enables them to retain their passport after submitting their application and biometrics, only resubmitting it once a decision has been made.

    As a partner to UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, VFS Global offered visa services in 58 countries before the new contract and was awarded the contract to provide UK visa services in 142 countries worldwide in 2023.

  • Enugu to host regulators, experts at 2025 gaming conference

    Enugu to host regulators, experts at 2025 gaming conference

    Enugu, the Enugu State capital will in July host leading experts, regulators, legal experts, financial institutions, among other stakeholders in the video games, immersive, and interactive media industries across Nigeria and beyond during the 2025 Enugu Gaming Conference.

    The annual event themed, From Unification to Diversification-Shaping Nigeria’s Gaming Future, will be the second in the series with the aim of fostering growth and collaboration within the nation’s gaming sector.

    The Executive Secretary/CEO Enugu State Gaming Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, said the conference would feature a variety of activities, including panel sessions featuring thought leaders and top executives from across the gaming value chain; exhibitions showcasing emerging technologies and regulatory solutions and targeted networking opportunities for startups, innovators, and operators seeking expansion into the South East market. He disclosed that the two-day event will hold between 30th and 31st of July, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

    Arum said the theme reflects not only the current trajectory of the gaming sector in Nigeria “but also the bold and necessary conversations we must have in response to the growing diversity of players, regulators, technologies, and jurisdictional realities that characterize our industry today.

    “As we all know, the Nigerian gaming landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. From the once monolithic structure of centralized regulation, we are now witnessing a shift towards state-led frameworks, technological adoption, and deeper socio-economic implications.

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    “This diversification, though challenging, offers a unique opportunity for innovation, inclusion, and growth-particularly when guided by collaboration and shared values,” he said.

    He noted that the conference’s collective goal is to create a platform for open dialogue, policy harmonization, and the advancement of responsible gaming practices, adding that as a ‘Commission, we remain committed to our role as a progressive and proactive regulator. We believe that fostering a well-structured, transparent, and socially responsible gaming environment is essential to driving sustainable development within the sector and unlocking its full economic potential’.