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Tag: Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

  • Enugu pledges to focus on grassroots sports

    Enugu pledges to focus on grassroots sports

    Enugu State Government says it will focus more on grassroots sports to fish out talents that will win laurels in national and international competitions.

    The Special Adviser to Enugu State Governor on Special Duties, Uwakwe Azikiwe, made the disclosure in Enugu on Wednesday at the closing ceremony of the Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi football tournament tagged `Gburugburu All Public Secondary Schools Football Championship’.

    Azikiwe who stood in for the governor at the event expressed dismay at the dearth of athletes and footballers across the country.

    The special adviser said that the government would keep organizing the championship annually to fish out young people that were talented.

    According to him, it was through grassroots sports that the likes of Jay-jay Okocha and Innocent Egbunike were discovered to play at international levels.

    “We are also going to accommodate other sports as the time goes on,’’ he said.

    Read Also: Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo to contest Enugu guber

    Azikiwe commended organizers of the tournament for a job well done and appealed to the private sector to support sports development in the state.

    Our reporter,  reports that the 2017/2018 championship which was played at the main bowl of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu kicked off in September, 2017.

    The National Grammar School, Nike emerged champions of the male football tournament by trashing Maryland Secondary School, Agbani 4-0.

    The Rosary High School, Awgu defeated Community Secondary School, Okpanku 2-0 to win the trophy in the female category.

    The championship was organized by the state’s Ministry of Youths and Sports in conjunction with Post Primary School Management Board and Science Technical Vocational Schools Management Board.

    NAN

  • Timber Market fire: Ugwuanyi directs immediate rebuilding of shops

    Timber Market fire: Ugwuanyi directs immediate rebuilding of shops

    Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has directed the immediate rebuilding of the 72 shops at the Kenyatta Timber Market, Enugu, which were razed down by fire over the weekend as a result of power surge.

    Speaking when he revisited the market in company of his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the commissioner for works and infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Mrs. Nkechi Eneh, among others, Gov. Ugwuanyi also promised to assist owners of the shops with the sum of N7.2 million to enable them restart their businesses.

    The governor, who sympathized with traders over the “unfortunate” incident, said that he had to end the meeting of the State Executive Council (EXCO), when he received the news of the fire outbreak to visit the site and ensure that adequate intervention was made to put off the inferno.

    Directing that work should commence “now”, after approving and releasing the N14.68 million budget estimate presented by the Chairman of the Kenyatta Timber Dealers Association, Mr. Levi Obi on behalf of the affected traders for the rebuilding of the 72 shops, Gov. Ugwuanyi declared: “I am here to wipe away your tears”.

    He reassured the affected traders that his administration will do everything possible to ensure that they remain in business, saying: “When I first visited here on the night this unfortunate incident occurred, I was touched when one of the affected traders told me that he was going back to the village. But I told him ‘you will not go back to your village because of this challenge’’’.

    While praying that such incident does not happen again, Gov. Ugwuanyi also wished the traders a bountiful success in their new investment.

    Earlier in his remark, the Timber Dealers Association chairman, Mr. Obi on behalf of the traders thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his prompt intervention and constant visits to the market since the incident in spite of his tight schedule, especially the night when the fire outbreak occurred.

    Read Also: Ugwuanyi awards N1.04 billion road contracts

    Mr. Obi described Ugwuanyi as “responsive and a governor for the poor and everybody”, adding that the traders were overwhelmed with joy despite the challenges they were confronted with when they saw the governor at the site of the inferno the night it occurred.

    He also commended the governor for development projects his administration has executed within the area, such as the Ndemde Bridge that links the timber market and Achara Layout, Enugu as well as the Lomalinda-Timber Market road, adding that 24 traders in the market have so far benefitted from the state’s Traders Empowerment Scheme.

    Regretting that the incident was caused by the power surge, Mr. Obi called on the Enugu Electrical Distribution Company (EEDC) to provide a dedicated transformer for the market to enable the traders take precautionary measures at the close of work.

    He urged the traders to ensure that they register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards to reciprocate the governor’s kind gesture by returning him to power in 2019.

    Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Hon. Sunday Ugwu, while welcoming the governor to the market commended him for his timely intervention, saying that “the governor has not slept since this fire incident happened”.

     

     

  • Enugu State tackles water challenges in urban, rural communities

    Enugu State tackles water challenges in urban, rural communities

    The Enugu State Government on Friday expressed determination to address water related challenges in urban and rural communities in some parts of the state.

    The state Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr Charles Egumgbe, told the News men in Enugu that government had made adequate provision for water supply and reticulation in 2018 budget.

    The commissioner said, when all the projects under the ministry and its agencies were completed, the effect on water supply and reticulation would be far-reaching in the state.

    “I am optimistic; the Enugu State’s 2018 budget will address water availability challenge in some parts of the state.

    “The monetary budget for water supply and reticulation in the state shows Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s focus on people-oriented projects will make much impact on the lives of the people.

    “I will urge all residents of the state to keep supporting the state government’s plans and programmes since they are usually done in their best interest,’’ he said.

    Read Also:Enugu to spend N42.8bn on infrastructure in 2018

    “The state’s 2018 budget of N103.56 billion, which had been christened ‘Budget of Sustainable Economic Growth’, had been signed into law by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

    “Out of the N103.56 billion budget, the sum of N60.72 billion, representing 58.6 per cent of the budget, is for recurrent expenditure, while capital expenditure stands at N42.85 billion, representing 41.4 per cent of the budget,’’ Egumgbe said.

    The news men reports, the Ministry of Water Resources got N185.78 million while N75.5 million was allocated to Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency in the 2018 budget.

    The Enugu State Water Corporation got N318 million and N200 million was also allocated to the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency.

    NAN

  • Enugu to spend N42.8bn on infrastructure in 2018

    Enugu to spend N42.8bn on infrastructure in 2018

    The Enugu State Government says it will spend N42.8 billion as capital expenditure in the state’s 2018 budget to improve infrastructure and amenities.

    The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mrs Eucharia Offor, made this known at the 2018 Budget Breakdown in Enugu on Thursday.

    Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi recently signed the state budget of N103.56 billion, christened, “Budget of Sustainable Economic Growth’’ into law.

    She also said the recurrent expenditure for 2018 was higher than the 2017 figure of N55.2billion.

    The capital expenditure of N42.85 billion, representing 41.4 per cent was also lower than the 2017 figure of N50.52.

    On sector allocation, the commissioner said that economic sector would gulp N24.16 billion; social sector, N13.79 billion; administrative sector, N3.5; law and justice sector, N1.2 billion; and regional sector, N152 million.

    On the recurrent expenditure, she noted that personnel cost would gulp N37.5 billion; overhead, N17.23billion and subvention N5.98 billion

    The commissioner said that the 2018 budget had been predicated on a recurrent revenue of N89 billion.

    She said that N51.06 billion would come Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, N30 billion from independent revenue and 50 per cent or N8 billion from Refund from Paris and London Clubs.

    “The recurrent revenue for the 2018 fiscal year of N89 billion, is higher than that of 2017, which stood at N71.37 billion; thus, showing an increase of 24.79 per cent,’’ he said.

    On the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the commissioner said that the state would use improved Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and e-payment platforms to achieve its target of N2 billion monthly IGR for 2018.

    “The state government will expand the revenue base of the state by upgrading ICT infrastructure to bring all revenue generating Ministries, Department and Agencies into one platform as well as reviewing and updating relevant laws.

    “This will support a robust and transparent revenue administration to realize our target of N2 billion monthly IGR,’’ she said.

    NAN

  • Ugwuanyi inaugurates 1.6-kms road

    Ugwuanyi inaugurates 1.6-kms road

    Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Friday inaugurated a 1.6km road constructed by Mr Samuel Onyishi, the Chief Executive officer, Peace Mass Transit ( PMT ), in his village Amaukwa, Nsukka.

    Ugwuanyi commended Onyishi for keying into the state government’s agenda of ensuring that every village in the state had access roads all-year-round.

    “I am happy with Onyishi for keying into my administration’s initiative to ensure that every community in the state has access roads both during rainy and dry seasons.

    “This 1.6-kms road that started in Amaukwa and terminated at the University of Nigeria Nsukka ( UNN ) Odim gate, this will strengthen the cordial relationship between Amaukwa and the university community.

    “My administration will continue to put premium on the development of the state as well as ensure adequate security of lives and property in the state.

    “Enugu State will continue to grow from strength to strength.

    “I thank Enugu State residents for their maximum support and cooperation and urge them to keep it up,” Ugwuanyi said.

    In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, said the road would ease movement of university staff and students living in the area.

    “On behalf of staff and students of UNN, I commend Onyishi for the kind gesture.

    “I also commend Gov. Ugwuanyi in a special way because it was his good administration that touched the PMT boss to construct this road.

    “When a good person is on the throne, people will be happy and will like to emulate his good work,’’ Ozumba said.

    Earlier in his remarks, Onyishi said he constructed the road to ensure that people, the university staff and students, had access road to his village as well as a smooth road into the university from Odim gate.

    “I love my people and I will continue to do anything within my capacity to make them happy.

    “I am also happy with the administration of Gov. Ugwuanyi for his commitment in moving the state to the next level,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Ugwuanyi’s leadership style inspired my interest in politics, says Ex-IGP

    Ugwuanyi’s leadership style inspired my interest in politics, says Ex-IGP

    The former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ogbonnaya Onovo has extolled the leadership virtues of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, describing him as a visionary and “wonderful” leader whose style of politics is sincere, inclusive and result-oriented.

    Speaking at the colourful flag-off ceremony of the construction work on the all-important Ogonogoeji-Ndiagu-Akpugo rural road (from Atavu Bailey Bridge to Afor Onovo), which attracted many leaders of “Nkanuland”, Mr. Onovo expressed delight that after years of neglect by past administrations, Gov. Ugwuanyi was able to remember the people of the area by commencing work on the road.

    The former IGP, who applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for keeping faith with his promise to construct the road shortly after he inspected it, regretted that the road had not witnessed any development in the past.

    He also commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his commitment to good governance, transparency, accountability, peace, justice and fair play, noting that the governor was able to utilize the lean resources of the state to pay workers’ salaries and retirees’ pensions and still execute massive development projects across the three senatorial districts of the state, especially in the rural areas.

    Mr. Onovo added that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s good works and his commitment to peace have earned Enugu State the enviable status of “the safest state in the country”, saying: “I am happy to be here to identify with you, Your Excellency”.

    The former police chief noted that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s approach to governance in the state also inspired him to transfer his voters’ card from Abuja to Enugu to be able to participate in the forthcoming general elections as well as support the governor’s re-election in 2019.

    Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. Henry Okenwa also thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for the numerous development projects his administration is executing in the council especially the Agbani-Amurri road, which he said was witnessing development for the first time in the past 100 years.

    Read Also: Group to mobilise for Ugwuanyi’s re-election

    The member representing Nkanu East/ West federal constituency, Hon. Emeka Ujam, two former Military Administrators from Akpugo community, Cmdr. James Aneke and Col. Anthony Obi, among other speakers equally praised the governor for commencing work on the road, assuring him of their firm support in 2019.

    Flagging off the project, Gov. Ugwuanyi described the event as “historic and significant” being “the very first state government road in the entire Akpugo zone”, disclosing that the other roads in the area were either done by the local government council or by private individuals.

    Gov. Ugwuanyi recalled that his administration had earlier constructed the first phase of the Agbani-Amurri road and has extended the construction work into Amurri community, saying: “As I speak, resources are being mobilized for the commencement of work on the Omuoha-Obuoffia road”.

    Gov. Ugwuanyi added that the construction of the roads was in keeping with his administration’s promise to develop the rural areas in order to improve the standard of living of rural dwellers and boost economic activities in all of parts of the state.

    He maintained that the road, when completed, will not only bring desired relief but will also usher in a new era of development and prosperity for the people of the area.

    Commending all the Royal Fathers, Community leaders, stakeholders and the entire people of Akpugoland for the wonderful reception, they have given us today and for their unwavering support for his administration, Gov. Ugwuanyi reassured the people of the state that the government will not relent in its efforts until the impacts of good governance are felt in every community in the state.

  • Enugu: Ugwuanyi signs 2018 budget of N103.5bn into law

    Enugu: Ugwuanyi signs 2018 budget of N103.5bn into law

    Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Monday signed the 2018 budget of N103.5 billion into law.

    Signing the document in Enugu, Ugwuanyi reiterated his administration’s readiness to deliver good governance and harness the potential in the state.

    The governor, however, expressed his commitment to ensure the full and prompt implementation of the budget.

    Earlier, Mr Edward Ubosi, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, said that the legislators had after wide consultation and robust debate jerked up the budget estimate.

    Ubosi said that the increase became necessary in order to accommodate the various road projects in the state that needed urgent attention.

    He said that the budget was realistic and accommodated the pressing needs of the state.

    The speaker said that the 2018 budget reduced external and internal borrowings of the state by 60 per cent and would not drag the state into any form of indebtedness.

    Ubosi said that the gains of the 2018 budget had demonstrated that the State Board of Internal Revenue was up to its responsibilities.
    “We are happy with the way the revenue board is working to reduce stress from the government but they should not put hardship on our people,” he said.

    He commended the governor for the prudent management of the state’s resources.

    The governor had on Dec. 28, 2017 presented a budget estimate of N98.5 billion to the state assembly.

    The budget was passed on Feb. 12.

    NAN

  • Enugu increases NYSC members’ allowance

    Enugu increases NYSC members’ allowance

    Enugu State Government has announced increase in the allowance for National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ) members serving in primary healthcare facilities in rural areas in the state.

    The Commissioner for Information, Mr Ogbuagu Anikwe, announced this in Enugu on Wednesday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

    Anikwe said that medical doctors serving in hospitals in rural areas would henceforth receive N30, 000 monthly from the state government as against N3, 800 being given to them currently.

    Similarly, he said, pharmacists, nurses, radiographers, laboratory scientists and statisticians would receive a monthly stipend of N20, 000.

    He announced that the government also planned to review the service condition and welfare of other set of corps members in the state.

    The commissioner explained that the increase in allowances of the corps members serving in health facilities was to further ensure that health services were taken close to rural dwellers.

    “The government has approved that each corps member selected to work as a medical doctor in government hospital in the rural areas will get a monthly stipend of N30, 000.

    “All of these will cost the government extra N31.2 million per annum but it is an expense that is worth it. It is to ensure that health facilities are available at the door steps of our people,” he said.

    Anikwe said that the government noted the challenges of getting medical personnel to work health facilities in rural communities and decided on the incentive.

    According to him, the council decided that one sure way to solve the problem is to get health personnel from the NYSC who will be encouraged with an increased stipend.

    The commissioner said that the state government had invested much in rural communities and would want such facilities to have direct impact on the inhabitants.

    “Before now, Enugu had a peculiar problem because the state was paying a certain amount as allowance and it led to an influx of youth corps members from all over the country, wanting to serve here.

    “It then became impossible for the state government to continue to sustain that stipend because we are not out of the woods yet.

    “So, we are not unmindful of what to do for corps members but everything we are doing, we check our purse.

    “I am sure that as the finances of the state government improves, we will come to a point where everybody is given an allowance that enables them cope with the condition of life in the country,” he said.

    Anikwe said that the government was first looking at very critical sectors, adding that others would follow soon.

    He said that the governor, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, was passionate about making residents of the state competitive and healthy “and that is why his economic blueprint traversed the entire state”.

    Also, Commissioner for Works, Mr Greg Nnaji, said that the state government had approved the renovation and upgrade of eight district hospitals across the state.

    Nnaji said that the gesture was to reduce the pressure on secondary health facilities in the state and to ensure that residents did not have to travel to the state capital for medical attention.

    He said that such hospitals and clinics would now wear new looks while modern health equipment would be installed in them.

    All youth corps members posted to rural communities of the state are paid monthly stipend of N3, 800 each.

    NAN

  • TV advertisement market to generate $400m revenue – FG

    TV advertisement market to generate $400m revenue – FG

    The Federal Government said on Monday that it would catalyse the Nigerian TV advertisement market to generate additional 200 million dollars to 400 million dollars revenue to the industry.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said this at the launch of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) in Enugu.

    The switch over from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting was performed by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and the minister.

    Mohammed said that the feat could be easily achieved by bringing the nation’s TV advertisement market in line with global​ ​best practice.

    He disclosed that his ministry would establish Task Team of​ ​industry experts, with best practices related to Audience Measurement​ ​Systems.

    According to the minister, Audience Measurement​ ​Systems is key to DSO sustainability, growth in TV and value creation in the creative industry.

    ​He said the Task Force to be established would, therefore, identify best practice Audience Measurement System to support the sustainable growth of the industry.

    According to him, this will also recommend framework for supporting the sustainability of the​ ​Audience Measurement System, independent of the Federal Government.

    The Task Force, according to the minister, will recommend a payment and disbursement framework among the key
    stakeholders in the industry.

    “The existing model of TV in the country, stunts quality of the content that can be created and limits the capacity of Television platforms to invest in.

    “As it is now, the value of Nigeria’s Broadcasting Advertising Market is not proportionate with its ​population when compared to the Top 3 Markets in Sub-Saharan​ ​Africa region.

    “Despite having a population more than three times that of South​ ​Africa, Nigeria’s Television Advertising Revenue in 2016, at 309 million dollars, was 76 per cent behind that of South Africa.

    “Similarly, in the Radio sector, the value of Nigeria’s 2016 Advertising Revenue of 81 million dollars was 75 per cent behind its peers,​ ​South Africa and Kenya, both at 343 million dollars.

    “In both​ ​territories, the value and growth rate of the Broadcasting Advertising​ ​Revenue is largely influenced by the availability of a scientific​ ​Audience Measurement System,’’ he said.

    The minister solicited the cooperation of all​ ​well-meaning practitioners of the industry to join hands with the government to achieve it.

    He also underscored the commitment of the government to rapidly spread​ ​the massive benefits of digital television to the people.

    “We are now at the cruise level of the journey we started in Jos,​ ​Plateau State in April 2016, as the DSO train has now transverse​ ​Abuja, Ilorin, Kaduna, to arrive here in Enugu, its latest stop.

    “From​ ​here, the DSO train will proceed to Osun State, as we continue our​ ​rapid rollout of digital television across the country,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that the minister also donated 100 Set-Top Boxes to the state government for free distribution to the people.

    Gov. Ugwuanyi said that the journey to DSO was not an easy ride and thanked the Federal Government and in particular the minister for his doggedness and commitment to the project.

    He said the state would distribute 10,000 free Set-Top Boxes to low-income earners in its 475 autonomous communities.

    The Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission, Modibbo Kawu said that DSO would enhance broadcasting chain, deliver crystal clear TV signals and offer wide job opportunities in the sector.

    NAN

  • Digitization: Gov Ugwuanyi offers free 10,000 setup boxes

    Digitization: Gov Ugwuanyi offers free 10,000 setup boxes

    Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has offered to distribute 10,000 setup boxes valued N15 million free to low income households in rural areas to enable them access digital television.

    Ugwuanyi made the disclosure in Enugu on Monday at the launch of Digital Switchover in the state by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

    The governor described the launch as a ‘landmark’ in television broadcasting in Nigeria.

    He said that the gesture was to ensure that low income households were not denied opportunities of accessing digital television contents.

    Ugwuanyi said that the setup boxes which were the major accessory that would, henceforth, enable television viewers in the state watch more channels would be distributed immediately.

    The governor said that the state government was fully conscious of the possible discomfort economically challenged families would face as a result of disruption in accessing free to air television contents.

    “This, in our judgment, is the major reason the Federal Government has committed to subsidise 10 million setup boxes for distribution to poor households in Nigeria,” he said.

    Ugwuanyi said that Enugu had the distinction of being the first state in Southern Nigeria to be switched on to the digital terrestrial television broadcast.

    “As a government, we have intervened on behalf of our people by purchasing 10,000 setup boxes which will be distributed free to low income households identified in our rural areas.

    “Our goal is to enable less economically endowed families to continue to receive even more television channels after this ceremony.

    “The boxes will be distributed after this ceremony in such a manner that it will reach all the 475 autonomous communities in the state,” he said.

    The governor said that local government councils would also cease the opportunity offered by the process to increase the internally generated revenue.

    Ugwuanyi thanked the Information Minister for donating 100 setup boxes to the state government, adding that the boxes would in turn be distributed to security agencies in the state.

    He said that it was gratifying to bid farewell to analogue broadcasting in the state.

    “This underscores the pragmatism the government and leadership of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission ( NBC ) have brought to bear in broadcasting industry,” Ugwuanyi said.

    Earlier, the Director General of the NBC, Mr Is’haq Kawu said that the digital switchover would enhance the broadcast value chain and open up jobs for Nigerians.

    Kawu said that the switchover would afford television viewers watch new generation of Nigerian contents.

    The DG said that it would also address poor reception of television signals especially in rural areas.

    The highlight of the event was the official switchover from analogue to digital television broadcasting at the Nigerian Television Authority ( NTA ) in Enugu by Ugwuanyi in company of the minister and NBC DG.

    Nigeria as a member of International Telecommunication Union ( ITU ) had in 2006 signed the agreement for member states to switch over from analogue to digital broadcasting.

    NAN