The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

  • Why Ugwuanyi has continued to get acclaim

    ON May 29, 2015, the good people of Enugu State, friends and well-wishers gathered in large numbers at the popular Michael Okpara, Square, Enugu, to witness the inauguration of a pragmatic leader, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as the third executive governor of Enugu State.

    In his inaugural address, he promised to work assiduously towards entrenching peace and good governance in the state despite the nation’s daunting economic challenges.

    He pledged to embark on an aggressive infrastructural development across the state, especially in the rural areas, where the majority of the people reside. This vision was borne out of his humble disposition and passion for the wellbeing of the lowly and less privileged in the society; the long neglected and abandoned in the rural communities, who he describes as the true heroes of democracy.

    Consequently, Emene, Abakpa Nike, 9th Mile Corner and Nsukka – a university town founded over half a century ago and the second largest town in the state, among other satellite towns, got the endorsement of the stakeholders of the state for the governor to commence immediate development as a matter of priority. A committee on Enugu State Urban Renewal was constituted to ensure the full actualisation of the governor’s well-thought-out programmes in line with the four-point agenda, despite the nation’s economic reality.

    Three years down the line, Ugwuanyi’s administration, in spite of the state’s lean resources and its financial status as the third from bottom of the Federation allocation chart, was able to grab the bull by the horn in fulfillment of his promises to provide the dividends of democracy and create more urban centres to enhance rural development and boost economic activities in every corner of the state.

    Apart from regular payment of workers’ salaries, even at the time 27 states could not pay and numerous achievements in other spheres of the economy, Ugwuanyi’s administration embarked on massive development of urban and rural roads across the three senatorial districts of the state, focusing more on rural development.

    The governor, in keeping with his inaugural address, within three months after his inauguration simultaneously flagged-off construction and reconstruction of over eight massive road projects in 9th Mile Corner, Nsukka, Abakpa Nike and Emene, among others. Also in line with its rural development agenda, his administration simultaneously executed 35 grassroots development projects across the 17 local government areas..

    This was in addition to completion of works on projects started by the previous administration, such as the state-of-the art Enugu State Diagnostic Centre, the first of its kind in the Southeast geo-political zone, established to create hospital chains to make Enugu the preferred destination for receiving high quality and affordable healthcare delivery in the country.

    Another completed project was the new Lion Building, Government House, Abuja Building, parking lots, and fuel dump, among others.

    It is on record that the present administration in Enugu State has so far spent over N45 billion on road construction and rehabilitation across the state, covering about 300 kilometres. Since Enugu State was declared open and ready for business, more investors have continued to flood the state for investment opportunities as a result of the existing peace and secure business environment as well as the governor’s commitment to robust investment drive.

    With regular payment of workers’ salaries on 23rd of every month and the recent 13th month salary paid to all civil servants, including the local government staff as Christmas bonus, it is also on record that the administration has, within three years in office, recruited the highest number of primary and secondary school teachers ever in the history of the state to improve the quality of education in the state.

    His landmark achievements, too numerous to mention, have earned the peoples’ governor chains of endorsements for re-election in 2019 from all spheres of the society, including the religious institution, the entire PDP family in the state, leaders and members of opposition political parties, traders, civil servants, artisans, transporters, proprietors and teachers of private schools, local government workers, and pensioners, among others.

    Flowing from Ugwuanyi’s financial background and commitment to public expenditure management, the following outstanding ratings and commendations have ensued from the Senate on the judicious utilization of the bailout funds; the BudgIT report, which listed Enugu, Lagos and Rivers as the only three states out of the 36 states of the Federation that have fulfilled obligations to their workers; the recent Economic Confidential magazine verdict that listed Enugu among the seven states that are solvent with impressive over 30 per cent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund additional economic activities.

    Others include, the fifth most competitive state in Nigeria, according to the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria; the third most debt sustainable State in Nigeria; the first state in Nigeria to publish its Audited State /Final Account for consecutive three years; first in the Southeast geo-political zone and ninth in the country based on IGR as against Federal Allocation; one of the twelve states in Nigeria that can survive without federal allocations, among others.

    It is because of his achievements that the governor has continued to get acclaim. His attainments confirm that with Ugwuanyi, Enugu State is truly in the hands of God!

     

    — Amoke wrote in from Enugu

  • Enugu: Ugwuanyi’s leadership strength and 2019

    Enugu: Ugwuanyi’s leadership strength and 2019

    THE recent endorsement of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for a second term in office by the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel ’Emeka Kanu Uche, was quite weighty and inspiring.

    The supreme head of the Methodist Church in the country, while delivering a sermon at the thanksgiving service for the family of the former President of the Senate and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ken Nnamani, in his country home, Amechi Uwani, Enugu South L.G.A, which was attended by Ugwuanyi, among others, declared that the governor’s re-election in 2019 was sacrosanct.

    He said the governor deserves a second term because of his outstanding performance and judicious utilization of the lean resources of the state to impact positively on the lives of the people.

    The Prelate warned that any governor or politician who wants to be re-elected in 2019 “must perform” as “that is the best campaign; to give the people the dividends of democracy”.

    “I welcome Gburugburu, the performing governor of Enugu State. This man is using the resources given to him very well to develop the state,” he said.

    This endorsement did not come to many as a surprise, especially the people of Enugu State who are at home with the good works of the governor and his strength of leadership which have impacted positively on their lives.

    As a result, the avalanche of goodwill enjoyed by the governor from all spheres of the society has remained unbeatable in the annals of the state.

    It would be recalled that Ugwuanyi enjoyed similar goodwill during the 2015 governorship contest, following his unique demeanor.

    What is more inspiring is the fact that this is the first time in the history of Enugu State, where a governor, in less than two and half years in office, would receive the gale of spontaneous commendations and uninfluenced endorsements for re-election from both political leaders, revered and other social institutions. Kudos must, therefore, go to the people’s governor for spearheading an inclusive and result-oriented leadership that has brought to the fore a peaceful, progressive and united Enugu State of the founding fathers’ dreams.

    Undoubtedly, Ugwuanyi’s passion and disposition to peace, good governance and the well-being of the masses, especially the lowly in the society, in spite of the nation’s daunting economic challenges and political differences, have endeared him to the people. He receives support and accolade from political leaders in the state, irrespective of their political affiliations, and so has forged a common force for the development of the state.

    For example, the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South East region, Hon. Emma Eneukwu, speaking at the reception organised by Enugu State Government for a staunch member of APC in the state who was appointed the Nigerian Ambassador to Republic of India, Major Gen. Chris Eze (retd), said “Gov. Ugwuanyi has created a peaceful atmosphere that has made it possible for everybody to be one when it comes to issues concerning the state”.

    Similar public applaud had been made by other chieftains of the APC, such as Senator Ken Nnamani, Senator Jim Nwobodo and the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Osita Okechukwu.

    This explains better why Ugwuanyi’s re-election has been receiving chains of endorsements from virtually all spheres of the society, including the religious institution.

    First to endorse him were the Traders who shut all the markets in the state and mobilized massively at the popular Michael Okpara Square, Enugu for a solidarity rally in support of his re-election in 2019. The Anglican Communion, through the Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma has equally given his endorsement to Ugwunayi’s re-election come 2019. Also, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), described the governor as a Godly leader, who has brought peace to the Ministry in particular and the state in general, declaring that he deserves a second term in office.

    Workers of the state under the auspices of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), during a one-day symposium also passed a vote of confidence in the governor for “his administration’s giant strides in just two years in office” and asked him to “carry go in 2019”. Recently, teachers in the state, totaling over 21,000, staged a mass solidarity rally for the governor in appreciation of his good works in the state and the remarkable achievements in the education sector and declared their firm support for him in 2019.

    Just a few days ago, tricycle operators in the state, under the auspices of Association of Tricycle Riders Transport Union also unanimously adopted Ugwuanyi as their gubernatorial candidate for the 2019 election in the state. The state chapter of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), also recently applauded Ugwuanyi for his effective leadership, which it said in a statement by its state chairman and secretary, Barr John Nwobodo and Mr. Ken Onyekaonwu, has engendered peace and good governance in the state.

    It would also be recalled that members of the Senate Committee on State and Local Government Administration, led by its Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Gumel, had while in Enugu on an oversight function on the utilization of bailout funds released to states by the Federal Government, rated Ugwuanyi as the best governor in the country in the utilization of the funds.

    All these explain the people’s interest in and verdict on the governor’s re-election in 2019.

    • Amoke wrote in from Enugu.

  • Pay salaries before Christmas, Ugwuanyi directs council chairs

    •Stops Nsukka market election

    Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday directed the 17 council chairmen in the state to ensure they pay the full salaries of their workers before Christmas in line with the premium his administration places on the welfare of public servants in the state.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the United Enugu Women for Gburugburu, a socio-political organisation aimed at promoting good governance in Enugu State, Ugwuanyi said the achievements his administration had recorded so far was by providence and prudent management of the state’s lean resources.

    Ugwuanyi also yesterday ordered the suspension of the planned election into the leadership of Ogige Market Amalgamated Traders’ Association, (OMATAN), Nsukka.

    The election was scheduled to be conducted today (Sunday) by the caretaker committee chairman of Nsukka Council Area, Mrs. Rose Onah.

    The governor’s directive followed a protest by two different groups in the market, who stormed the Enugu Government House in their numbers. The first group was led by one of the chairmanship candidates, Mr. Okoro Onyekachi Christian .

    While addressing the traders, Ugwuanyi, who expressed disaffection over their failure to resolve the lingering leadership crisis, blamed the situation on greed and selfishness.

    He said, “We need peace in this state and we shall not  tolerate crisis under whatever guise.”

    On the United Enugu Women for Gburugburu, the governor thanked the women of the state for their supportive role and continuous prayers for the success of the administration, describing them as “pathfinders” in the quest for good governance in the state.

    Earlier in her address, the State Coordinator of the organisation, Hon. Nnenna Josephine Nwokedike, disclosed that the body was established to “create political consciousness among the women of the state for their active involvement in the scheme of things”.

    The state’s Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, commended Ugwuanyi for his immense respect and commitment towards the progress of Enugu women, describing him as a “God-sent, visionary, humble and women-friendly governor.”

  • Gains of Ugwuanyi’s economic mission to Dublin

    Gains of Ugwuanyi’s economic mission to Dublin

    The visit of a 13-man economic mission from Enugu State to Dublin, the capital of Ireland, has come off as a major move by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration to attract investors to the state to shore up the state economic fortunes and as well find opportunities to attract international donor agencies to the development needs of the coal city state. Led by the governor himself to the European country, the Enugu State Government delegation began the working visit penultimate Thursday and was engrossed  in intense engagements with investors and business operators, as well as the management of the Dublin City University, Ireland’s foremost tertiary institution, for four hard-working days ending on Sunday, January 18, 2016 when the delegation wrapped up the working visit with a review session at the Intercontinental Hotels before departure for Nigeria.

    At the end of the economic mission anchored by a Dublin-based newspaper organistion- Metro Publishing Consultancy Ltd, publishers of Metro Eireann, Ireland’s multicultural newspaper, Enugu State entered into a working agreement when it  signed a Memorandum of Understanding  with Dublin City University (DCU) to work  together to promote mutual relations between the two parties for purposes of developing education in the state in a manner that would also offer value to the university in the capital of Ireland.

    According to the document, signed at the university by Enugu State commissioner for education, Prof. Uche Eze, and the institution’s President, Prof. Brian McCraith in the presence of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, ‘the Dublin City University (DCU) and the Enugu agencies will enter into reciprocal visits relationship where the university would have to examine opportunities to broker relationships with funding agencies and other higher education institutes in Ireland and possibly other parts of Europe for the Enugu government and its educational institutions as may be spelt out by the terms of such proposed interventions.

    Terms of the MOU:

    At the end of the negotiations whose sessions held at the university, both parties agreed that “the purpose of the MOU is to provide a framework to develop a set of activities underpinning the collaborative and to promote mutual understanding between the parties.” And they agreed as follows: (a) that DCU and Enugu state government will enter into a reciprocal visit relationship. (b) DCU to examine opportunities to broker relationships with funding agencies and other higher education institutes in conjunction with Enugu state government and other parties both nationally and internationally. (c)To examine opportunities to provide professional training opportunities and examine the potential for staff and student exchange programmes and promote both locations for Study Abroad Programmes.

    They also agreed to promote for both locations, the possibility of international student joint research collaboration and joint applications for research funding and to explore the potential to provide Enugu state with access to expertise on digital learning, among others. The MOU document was signed on behalf of Enugu state government by Prof. Uche Eze, commissioner for education while for the DCU, its president, Prof. MacCraith signed the document.

    Fishing for investment as focal objective:

    Before leaving for Ireland with members of the state delegation to the economic mission, Governor Ugwuanyi left no one in doubt that it was going to be a business trip and not a tea party. Hence, from the point of selection of the team, it was a case of “only required round pegs in round holes.”

    It was a slim 13-man delegation, including the governor who travelled with only one personal assistant. All the members of the delegation had specific duties to discharge in one or more engagements during the visit.

    Scores of prospective investors did converge on the Westin Hotel, Dublin for the summit. And it turned out such a huge success that also spiralled into closed doo sessions the governor held with respective interested investors shortly after the mini summit. In the same vein, the former president of Ireland, Betie Ahern, who had a long session with the governor during the closed door period, is already making moves to assist the Enugu state government in its current drive to shore up its economy through expansion of its revenue base.

    Earlier on arrival in Dublin, the first port of call for the governor was a visit to the Dublin Bus, Ireland’s gigantic and very successful transport company with a view to learning first hand, how the company is run so that Enugu government could tinker with domesticating snippets of its success story into the Enugu state Transport Company. The visit also offered the governor and mission delegates the opportunity of touring the headquarters of Guinness in Dublin, especially in view of the fact that whereas Heineken has about the largest of its plants in Enugu, Guinness which acquired a large expanse of land in the state has left it unutilised in the past years.

    Vehement canvassing all the way:

    Following the body language of the governor even from the outset, there was no room for any dull moment among the Enugu team at Dublin. Even during an award night on Saturday, January16 when Governor Ugwuanyi was one of the two Africans honoured alongside other awardees, his speech at the event was overshadowed by his craving for investors to head to Enugu, Nigeria. And as the chairman of the state Economic Advisory Committee, Prof. Obiora Ike, a Catholic priest of the rank of monsignor presented his citation, there was a heavy tone of preaching to the Irish to relate to the Enugu team with a sense of the history of the Irish missionaries who brought education and civilisation to Enugu and other parts of Igboland in Nigeria.

    The aggression with which the mission was executed also informed the decision to carry samples of the special specie of pineapples produced by the state-run San Carlos Pineapple Farms to Ireland for demonstration during the mini investment summit. Also at the Dublin City University, a combined effort of Prof. Uche Eze and Prof. Ike came off so strongly choreographed in their separate renditions as the team tried to lobby the varsity authority to cooperate with the state. In the same vein, the leader of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Ugwueze, in synergy with the deputy speaker of the assembly, Rt. Hon. Donatus Uzogbado, were on hand to assure prospective investors of a ready legislative backing if they would invest in Enugu.

    In line with the successes recorded in the series of negotiations during which Governor Ugwuanyi-led the Enugu delegation made up of top government functionaries and leaders of the state Economic Advisory Committee, the President of the Dublin City University, Brian MacCraith and other officials of the university are already billed to attend the Enugu state Economic Summit scheduled to take place in March this year in Enugu, the state capital.

    On the delegation of the Enugu government to Ireland were three commissioners, namely commissioner for education, Prof. Uche Eze, his commerce and industry counterpart, Barrister Sam Ogbu Nwobodo and that of Agriculture, Engr. Mike Ene who took samples of pineapples from Enugu’s Sna carlos farms to Dublin for the summit as well as the governor’s special adviser of Diaspora Matters, Mrs. Olangwa Ezekwu,  deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Donatus Uzogbado, majority leader of the House, Hon Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, chairman of the economic advisory committee, Monsgnr Obiora Ike, secretary of the committee, Mr. Dan Onyishi, Chief Lauretta Aniagolu who is a member of the committee, chief press secretary to the governor, Mr. Uwakwe Abugu, SSA to the governor on investments, Nnamdi Chime and the SSA for the governor’s office, Dubem Onyia Jnr.

    Irish Ambassador reaffirms commitment to Enugu drive:

    Back home to Enugu, the gale of successes recorded by the economic mission reverberated last Tuesday as the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Sean Hoy visited the Government House, Enugu and assured Ugwuanyi of the readiness of his country, Ireland, to show visible commitment to advance the realisation of the aims of the recent economic mission to the European country by a delegation of the state government led by the governor.

    While discussing his trip with the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, the governor said “we did discuss investment possibilities between Enugu State and Ireland. We were also in Dublin City University where we signed Memorandum of Understanding with them concerning Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).”

    The governor who was honoured with leadership award by the Irish citizens told his visitor that the award has challenged him to do more for the people of Enugu State, adding that Dublin citizens assured Enugu state of their willingness to invest in the state.

    Sean, who stated that this is his third visit to Enugu State in his one and a half years stay in the country, said Ugwuanyi has won the hearts of Irish citizens, adding that they are working hard to make this first investment step fruitful. He equally said that Ireland has great investment interest in Nigeria.

     

    – Abugu is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State

  • Irish envoy urges bilateral trade with Nigeria

    Irish envoy urges bilateral trade with Nigeria

    The Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sean Hoy, said  that his country would enter into bilateral trade discussion with Nigeria to enhance economic development of the two countries.

    Ambassador Hoy who paid a courtesy call on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state at the Government House, Enugu added that an Irish trade mission is billed to arrive Nigeria in September to enter into the trade discussion relationship with the country.

    The Ambassador paid tribute to Nigerians for conducting successful free, fair and credible election and for a classy fight that culminated in the eradication of Ebola disease in the country.

    He noted that he was deployed to Nigeria as an Ambassador during the outbreak of Ebola and commencement of the last general election in the country, two topical issues that presented a picture of anxiety in the country, expressing happiness over how the country handled the two challenges.

    He, however, called on the Nigerian authorities and the people of the country to brace up to the challenge posed by the Boko Haram insurgency in parts of the country.

    Hoy told the governor that he was an observer during the gubernatorial election in Enugu State and that the election was transparent, congratulating Governor Ugwuanyi for his victory and inauguration.

    He informed that he was in Enugu State to witness the 40 year-anniversary of the Home for the Elderly Awkunanaw, Enugu, being organized by the Little Sisters of the Poor, a congregation of reverend sisters of the Catholic Church who have been taking care of the elderly in Enugu.

    He was on the invitation of Mother Philomena Oveilly and Sister Sylvia Branchard.

    Ugwuanyi thanked the Ambassador for finding time ?to visit the Coal City State and for his kind words for Nigeria on the successful election and control of Ebola.

    Ugwuanyi used the occasion to thank all countries that assisted Nigeria to control Ebola disease in the country.

    He assured the ambassador of his administration’s readiness to serve, promising to deliver on his mandate.  In his words, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

    Ugwuanyi also used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s readiness to welcome genuine investors in the state to actualize its drive of providing employment to the people.

  • Mbaka flays blackmailers, prays for Buhari

    Mbaka flays blackmailers, prays for Buhari

    [dropcap]F[/dropcap]iery Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has prayed that President Muhammadu Buhari succeeds and that ‘God will protect him so that enemies will not destroy him’.

    The priest spoke yesterday during his 20th priestly anniversary mass at Christ the King Parish, Enugu. He described his success as victory over enemies of truth and blackmailers.

    Mbaka said despite attacks against him, God had continued to protect him because he remained on the side of the truth.

    He said: “I am not tired after 20 years; 20 years of good health; miracles from God; hard apostolic work, and 20 years in the hand of God.

    “There was a time they blackmailed me; they said such things like ‘Mbaka why? Mbaka this, Mbaka that, but I have remained in the hand of God”.

    In a special message titled: 20-point agenda, Fr. Mbaka said he was praying for President Buhari “that God will protect him so that enemies will not destroy him. I also pray for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi so that occultic men will not steal his vision”.

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