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Tag: Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

  • Three Enugu bishops, 150 Nsukka priests celebrate Holy Mass for Ugwuanyi at 60

    Three Enugu bishops, 150 Nsukka priests celebrate Holy Mass for Ugwuanyi at 60

    • Sycophancy, betrayal, parts of cross a leader must carry, Bishop Onah tells ex-governor

    The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, on Saturday, commended the immediate past Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for always demonstrating an unwavering faith and trust in God, in all circumstances of life.

    Bishop Onah, who lauded Ugwuanyi for entrusting Enugu State to the hands of God during his eight-year tenure, said that the former governor’s accomplishments in public office are testaments to God’s provident hands that have lovingly guided him all along.

    Speaking when the three Catholic Bishops in Enugu State and over 150 priests from Nsukka Catholic Diocese converged on Ugwuanyi’s home Parish, St Patrick’s Church Ohom-Orba, Udenu Local Government Area, to concelebrate a Holy Mass for the former governor to mark his 60th birthday, Bishop Onah also applauded him for “all the good you did for the people of Enugu State in general, and for the people of Nsukka in particular.”

    The bishop stressed that Ugwunayi values prayers offered for him, especially the holy sacrifice of the Mass.

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    Bishop Onah disclosed that Ugwuanyi while in office as governor recorded milestone achievements “in the areas of security, road networks, health, education, sports, job opportunities, support for the Church (all denominations) as well as other religious bodies and above all, your humanity and availability.”

    He also spoke about the innumerable persons the former governor touched their lives positively through his acts of governance, stating that they will continue to sustain him in their prayers, “and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will surely reward you for those other good deeds that human beings fail to recognize”.

    Bishop Onah who pointed out that sycophancy and betrayal are parts of the cross that any leader must carry, told Ugwuanyi that: “Opportunists and egoists may have presented distortions or misinterpretations to you as facts in an attempt to hide their own mischief or failure.

    “But, as the Italians say, lies have short legs. The truth soon catches up with it. We pray that God may enlighten you with his truth, so that you may be able to separate the grains from the chaff.

    “Those who had hoped that the recent political events in our state would sway your trust in your God and fidelity to your Church, are by now, probably, disappointed. As Scripture tells us: “All things work together for good for those who love God” (Rm8:28).

    “As we thank God for your life so far, we pray for many more happy, healthy, and fulfilling years. We ask him to continue to bless you and your family and to continue to hide you in the hollow of his hands. I am glad to present to you a parchment of a prayer of blessing from the Holy Father Pope Francis to mark this occasion. May God keep you in His love.”

    Bishop Onah thanked Bishop Callistus Onaga of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Bishop John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye of the Catholic Diocese of Awgu, and the numerous Priests, religious and lay faithful who found the time to celebrate the Mass.

    He equally thanked the group of friends of Ugwuanyi led by Barr. Mogboh Jnr, SAN, for organizing “this well-deserved celebration of and for our worthy son and brother.”

    Speaking on gratitude and the story of ten lepers, Bishop Okoye in his sermon appreciated Ugwuanyi for always showing gratitude to God. He told the former governor that, at 60, God has the chance to give him more grace and use him to render more selfless service to the nation and humanity, adding: “God wants you to be testifying his goodness in you all the time.”

    Bishop Okoye maintained that Ugwuanyi has a good heart of helping people and urged him not to renege in doing so.

    In his speech, the Parish Priest of St Patrick’s Church Ohom-Orba, Rev. Fr. Dr. Evaristus Emeka Isife, on behalf of the Church and the celebrant, thanked all those who participated in the Mass for finding time to come in spite of their tight schedules.

    He disclosed that more than 150 priests concelebrated the 60th birthday Mass for Ugwuanyi, revealing that the implication was that “we have celebrated 150 Masses for the former governor today”.

    The Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the Member representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Engr. Vita Abba, former Council Chairmen, and Traditional Rulers, were among the dignitaries at the religious event.

  • Nigeria needs committed leaders to be great again, says Gov. Ugwuanyi

    Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has said that Nigeria needs committed leadership, collective patriotism and sacrifice to be great again.

    Ugwuanyi made this assertion on Tuesday during the 59th Independence Anniversary of the country at Okpara Square, Enugu.

    The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, said that in spite of circumstances that had threatened the unity of the country, Nigerians had been more united.

    He said that Oct. 1 would remain a reference day in the history of the country.

    “Nigeria has been through the stormy weather and political turbulences that seriously threatened the unity of our Nation, but we have equally recorded brilliant promises that united and made us proud as Nigerians.

    “We have also seen economic prosperity with the economy of the Old Eastern Region rated as the fastest growing economy in the entire Africa,” he said.

    Ugwuanyi said that the country had also witness pathetic economic challenges that had slowed down the development of the nation.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Lawmaker hails Ugwuanyi

    “Our opinion is that Nigeria is still a growing nation and a problem identified is a problem half solved.

    “It is encouraging that we are not shying away from confronting our challenges as one people with one destiny.

    “Therefore, I have no doubt that with committed leadership and collective patriotism and sacrifice Nigeria will be great again.

    “Our heroes past shall smile again from their graves as we build a Nigeria of their dreams,” he said.

    He said that the youths of the country needed to be appreciated for their undiluted loyalty and faith in the nation.

    The governor said that his administration would continue to invest in the education sector as well as empower residents of the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high points of the ceremony were march-past and cultural displays by primary and secondary schools in the state as well as a minutes’ silence in honour of the fallen founding fathers of the country.

    NAN

     

  • Ugwuanyi concentrates development in rural areas, says Rep

    THE Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts,  Wole Oke, has extolled the leadership qualities of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.

    Oke described Ugwuanyi as a peaceful, humble, focused, hardworking and grassroots politician who has concentrated massive development more in the rural areas than in the state capital.

    Oke, who spoke when members of the Ad-hoc Committee on Investigation and Monitoring of Recruitment of Nigerians by MDAs visited the Government House, Enugu, stated that they were impressed with the level of progress going on in the rural communities of Enugu State.

    The parliamentarian also described Ugwuanyi as “a lawmaker who makes his point without waging war; without humiliating or harassing anybody”, stressing: “That is the style His Excellency bequeathed to us in the parliament”.

    Oke, who is representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State, added that they were delighted that the governor has deployed the style in the governance of Enugu State, as he has “turned to be an apostle of peace, a politician who bears no grudges against anybody, a politician who nurtures no bitterness or ill will against anybody”.

    According to him, that is why Enugu has remained a peaceful state and has witnessed the level of progress we have seen in the rural areas unlike what we have in other states where a governor will concentrate development in the state capital”.

    Oke said: “In the case of Enugu State, we see a governor who is grassroots-oriented, a governor who has employed over 5,000 teachers to look after the young ones, our future leaders. We see a governor who employed 1,700 Forest Guards to enhance the security of the state. We see that as an example for other governors to follow.

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    “One lesson from Enugu State is that we have a governor who has managerial skills, a governor who has a federal exposure, a governor who is a financial engineer, and that is why Enugu is making progress.”

    On why they were in Enugu, the public accounts committee chairman, explained that the ad-hoc committee was constituted by the 9th Assembly to investigate petitions and complaints by Nigerians over unemployment in the country caused by “those who are in the civil service and have refused to retire, but doctor their files, change their age and block young ones from coming on board.

    “This is what has brought us to the state. So the essence of this is to tell Nigerians that the 9th Assembly is mindful of the trust they have given to us; that we will look after the interest of the electorate who gave us their mandate to represent them in the parliament”.

  • Banditry: Rep commends Ugwuanyi’s initiative

    THE lawmaker representing Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency, Enugu, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, has praised the efforts of the Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to checkmate the spate of banditry and kidnapping in various parts of the state.

    Nnaji, while speaking with reporters at the weekend, noted that the governor has in the last two weeks held strategic meetings with various interest groups and stakeholders with a view to finding lasting solutions to the security challenges confronting the state.

    “He started first with all the leaderships of the security agencies in the state immediately after the brutal murder of Reverend Father Paul Offu, the Parish Priest of St James the Greater Parish, Ugbawka, Nkanu West Local Government Area.

    “Our peace-loving governor equally held other series of meetings with community leaders and those of the Hausa community in Enugu State during which he sought their cooperation with the security agencies in their quest to arrest the rising insecurity in Enugu.

    “It is also instructive to add that Governor Ugwuanyi has ordered the immediate recruitment of 20 able bodied youths per ward to serve as vigilantes with handsome remunerations.”

    Read Also: Ugwuanyi orders demolition of caves

    He said the vigilantes and the forest guards earlier being engaged will complement the efforts of the security agencies with check points in all exit and entry points in all the local governments and communities of the state.

    “Special Police Squad, (SPS) has also been raised to patrol the black spots within the state while Military Check Points, (MCP) have been increased to further make it impossible for criminality to thrive in Enugu henceforth”.

    The lawmaker, while acknowledging that Ugwuanyi’s strategy was beginning to yield positive results, also commended the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, (MACBAN), Enugu State chapter, for coming out to sensitise its members towards exposing any criminal elements that might infiltrate their ranks.

     

     

  • Ugwuanyi orders demolition of caves

    ENUGU State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has ordered the demolition of Agbogugu and Isu-Awaa-Agbudu caves in Ihe-Agbogugu-Ogbaku-Amurri and Isu-Awaa-Agbudu forests to enhance security.

    The governor gave the order yesterday when he visited the area as well as the Umuogbua Ihe tunnel on the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway, by Awgu Local Government Area, which serves as a hide-out and escape route for kidnappers.

    Ugwuanyi also inspected the ongoing construction of a military base on the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway by Umuogbua Ihe, Awgu council, and directed that the bushes around the tunnel/kidnappers’ den be cleared immediately.

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    The governor was conducted round the locations by the Chairman of Awgu council, Stanley Okeke, as well as lawmakers representing Awgu North and South in the House of Assembly – Mrs. Jane Eneh and Johnson Chukwuobasi.

    He said a joint security patrol team will begin extensive surveillance of the affected areas to ensure maximum security and strict compliance with the directives.

  • Murder of Catholic priest: We are in tears, agony – CAN

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed outrage over the murder of the Parish Priest of St. James The Greater Parish, Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area, Rev. Fr. Paul Offu by unknown gunmen.

    Southeast zone of CAN, in a statement on Sunday, said it was traumatized and in agony over the ugly development.

    The statement was signed by the Chairman of CAN in the zone, Bishop Dr. Goddy Madu.

    The cleric said the killing of Offu and other men of God was utterly condemnable and that the Christian body would no longer condone such.

    “I write to condemn the killing of Rev. Fr. Paul Offu by suspected herdsmen, as well as other men of God who have been murdered under similar circumstances.

    “This latest killing has brought tears and agony to the body of Christ. This is not the first, the second, nor the third time the Church is at the receiving end of such heinous attack.

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    “Consequently, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Southeast zone is calling on law enforcement agencies to fish out the killers and bring them to justice.

    “Also, the CAN Southeast is consoling with the Catholic Diocese of Enugu and pray the good Lord to grant the soul of Rev. Fr. Offu and other men of God who have lost their lives peaceful rest,” he said.

    Similarly, the Secretary of the CAN in the 17 Southern States, Apostle Dr. Joseph Ajujungwa, in a reaction to the killing said there were indications that some persons were working to sabotage the good efforts of the current government in the State led by Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

    Ajujungwa called on the Church and the good citizens of Nigeria “to watch as we pray.

    “The CAN Southeast is calling on the National Assembly to make a law stopping these deadly herdsmen from parading and causing disunity and tears to the good citizens of Nigeria.”

    “The CAN Southeast zone is strongly standing behind the South-East Governors Forum on their decision on security and we call on every Nigerian to defend themselves and their environment,” he added.

     

  • IPMAN prohibition order: Ugwuanyi constitutes committee

    Following an Executive Order recently issued by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State prohibiting the activities of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in the state, the governor yesterday approved the constitution of a committee on maintenance of public order to ensure supply and distribution of petroleum products in the state during the pendency of the order.

    A statement by the Permanent Secretary (General Administration), Mrs. Josephine U. Onyia, the committee comprises representatives of the Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police, SP Pius Eziubochi Ugwuala, who will serve as the Chairman; Directorate of State Services, Uche Oko; Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Collins Akalawu; the Department of Petroleum Resources, Enugu Zonal Office, Alhaji Gwaram L. Ahmed; the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Permanent Secretary, Inter-Ministerial and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Enugu State, Mrs. Mabel Agbo.

    The committee, according to a statement, will be inaugurated on Monday, July 22, 2019 at the Government House, Enugu at 2pm.

    It would be recalled that Ugwuanyi issued the order pursuant to section 48 (1) and (2) of the Public Order Law Cap 130 Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, section 215(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), as a result of the protracted crisis between warring factions of the IPMAN that has within the recent past given rise to cult activities, gun battles, banditry, continuing threat to public order and human lives and properties.

    According to the order, “the foregoing has created a general state of insecurity in Enugu State (the “State”), presenting grave danger to lives and property of members of the public in the State.”

    Prohibiting the activities of the association, the order further stated that “without prejudice to the issues in contention between the parties and the rights and obligations of the parties, and without prejudice to any judicial decisions in that regard: The activities of IPMAN in Enugu State are hereby prohibited till further notice.”

     

  • ‘No herdsmen expelled from our community’

    The people of Agbada Nenwe in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, members of the Hausa/Fulani community and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the Southeast have dissociated themselves from a video trending on social media over the purported expulsion of some herders and their cattle from the community.

    The police had denied that no such incident happened, explaining that after preliminary investigations, it was revealed that what transpired was “only the movement of cattle and herders from Cross River State, through Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, and a neighbouring town for grazing”.

    The police added that “such transit had nothing to do with escorting herders and their cattle out of Agbada Nenwe community”.

    When Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi led the Commissioner of Police, Director of Department of State Services (DSS), Garrison Commander, 82 Division of the Army, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Commandant of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other stakeholders on a fact-finding visit to Agbada Nenwe yesterday, the traditional ruler, Dr. Francis Imo, said the video is untrue, stressing that “nobody drove the Fulani community out of Agbada Nenwe”.

    The monarch added that they enjoy cordial relationship with the Fulani community, noting that “no cow has ever been killed in this kingdom; no Fulani man has ever been hurt”.

    He said: “We have continued to maintain peace as directed by Governor Ugwuanyi, who has always urged all the traditional rulers to maintain security and unity of the country, to make sure that we live peacefully with one another”.

    Chairman of Aninri Ezekiel Chukwu said immediately he got wind of the rumour he “rushed to the community with the security agencies in the council and could not establish the occurrence of such incident”.

    The council chairman assured the people to continue to go about their normal business without fear or panic. “We are assuring you that we will continue to maintain peace and security of lives and property,” he said.

    Read Also: Ruga: Our deal with herdsmen, by South East Govs

    On their part, leaders of the Northern community and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Southeast zone, who thanked Ugwuanyi for his commitment to peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians resident in the state, said they have not come across any herder or Fulani man who has complained of molestation or being chased out from the community.

    The Sarkin Hausawa, Alhaji Abukakar Yusuf Sambo, said: “We have been enjoying peaceful co-existence in Enugu State, and we are here to say that mischief makers will not succeed.”

    Chairman of MACBAN Alhaji Gidado Siddiki cautioned the people against “the harm our individual or group’s unruly act can cause the wider society beyond our immediate environment”.

    “It is my sincere plea that while we genuinely seek our individual or group interests, we encourage collective good of all and healthy cohesion for virile nationhood.

    “I thank the government of Enugu State, and indeed the governments of the Southeast states, for their nurturing cordiality among residents of their states and other persons whose businesses are of economic value”.

    Ugwuanyi appealed to peddlers of false news to note that Enugu is a peaceful state.

    The governor maintained that “Enugu State, as we declared during our first ever Oganiru Investment Summit, is open for business and a home for all”. He reassured both the indigenes and non-indigenes of the community that the state is secure and remains one of the most peaceful state in the country.

    “As a government, we assure and reassure both the indigenes and non-indigenes of this community that Enugu State is secure and remains one of the most peaceful states in the country,” he governor added.

  • Enugu Assembly approves 15 aides for Ugwuanyi

    The Enugu State House of Assembly has approved the appointment of 15 Special Advisers to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in the discharge of his duties.

    The Speaker, Edward Ubosi, read a message by Ugwuanyi for approval and consideration on the floor of the House. He noted that Ugwuanyi urged the lawmakers to approve the appointment to enable him discharge his duties creditably.

    House leader Ikechukwu Ezeugwu moved a motion for the acceptance and consideration of the governor’s request, and urged his colleagues to honour it. Ezeugwu referred his colleagues to Section 196 (2) (3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which says the governor of a state had powers to appoint any person to assist him in the performance of his duty.

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    The leader said Section 2 states that the number of advisers, their remuneration and allowances should be as prescribed by law or by resolution of the House of Assembly.

    He thus moved a motion that the house should approve the appointment of the 15 special, and his deputy, Mrs. Onyinye Ugwu, seconded the motion.

     

     

  • Enugu set to become Nigeria’s cleanest city

    The coordinator and chief executive officer of the Enugu Clean Team Project (ECTP), Rev. Fr. Michael Ogbu said the organisation has put machinery in motion to ensure that the coal city becomes the cleanest in the country within the shortest possible time.

    Ogbu disclosed that apart from the procurement of new equipment to cover Enugu, Nsukka, 9th Mile Corner, Awgu and Oji River Local Government, the recent employment of additional 1000 staff would enhance their operational capacity.

    He said, “I believe the governor and the state executive council are impressed with our performance, and that is why we were graciously granted request to increase our staff strength with one thousand.”

    Describing the concept of the Enugu Clean Team Project as a great innovation and brain child of the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Ogbu re-affirmed his commitment to meet the mandate given to him by the governor to make Enugu the cleanest city in Nigeria, a dream come true.

    While appealing to motorists to drive slowly in the early hours of the day to avoid hurting his workers who are on duty, the Enugu Clean Team Project coordinator advised residents of Enugu and other parts of the state to stop littering the streets with refuse, pure water sachets and other particles to enable the streets look beautiful and drainages flowing freely.

    He explained that part of the main reasons why the governor established the organisation was to provide employment to young people and discourage them from going into crime in addition to keeping the environment clean.

    Ogbu revealed that when they started, young people were reluctant to come for employment but now, “after our announcement for recruitment of additional one thousand staff, more than 20,000 persons applied.”