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Tag: Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

  • Enugu Govt. to explore new ways of encouraging investors

    Enugu Govt. to explore new ways of encouraging investors

    Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State says his administration will exploit new ways of encouraging investors, with a view to making the state the economic hub of the South-East.

    Ugwuanyi said this on Tuesday in Enugu during a courtesy call on him by the management and staff of Aqua Rafa Investment Nigeria Ltd., led by the Managing Director, Mr Sunday Nwankwo.

    He said that it was his aspiration to positively turn around the economic fortunes of the state through policies and programmes that would ease investment bottlenecks in the state.

    “In line with our aspiration to make Enugu the economic hub of the South-East, we will continue to exploit new ways to make business encouraging,” he said.

    Ugwuanyi said that the European Quality Award won by the company was not just an honour to the organisation but also to the country in general and the state in particular.

    “This much coveted international recognition has brought glory to Nigeria and Enugu State and will come as a challenge to other local manufacturers to boost the quality of their products.”

    The governor said that the company’s contribution to job creation is a clear testimony of the success of Public Private Partnership initiative in the state.

    Earlier, Nwankwo said that they were at the Government House to present to the governor the award which the company won recently.

    He said that by the products of the company would find their way into European markets.

    He said that the company had also contributed to job creation by absorbing unemployed youths in the state.

    Nwankwo, however, noted that their operations were not without fundamental challenges which they had grappled with.

    He said that the economic situation of the country had come hard on the company and appealed for the governor’s intervention, especially in the area of taxation.

    The company produces bottled and table water, yoghurt and mineral drinks.

    NAN

  • Ugwuanyi sacks Christian Chukwu led Rangers Management

    Ugwuanyi sacks Christian Chukwu led Rangers Management

    The Christian Chukwu management of Rangers Football Club of Enugu has been sacked by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state.

    The governor expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the club in the just concluded 2016/2017 Nigeria professional football
    league (NPFL).

    The Enugu club side, which won the domestic league in the 2015/2016 season after 32 years of trophy drought, could not defend the title in
    the just concluded season, as they ended up in the 13th position in the NPFL.

    Jos based team, Plateau United is the 2016/2017 champions of the league, they humiliated Rangers 2-0 in the week 38 last match of the
    season the development was contained in a statement issued yesterday.

    The Governor had on January 30 summoned a meeting of Rangers stakeholders after which he “found it expedient to effect changes in
    the management and the technical crew of the club with the expectation that such changes would usher in a new era of peace and progress in
    the club”.

    However, all that failed as things worsened off in the Club, prompting the Governor to take this latest decision. The statement added: “Therefore, in order to ensure the total revitalization and repositioning of the Club for future challenges, I have decided to take the following measures:
    1. The Board and Management of Rangers Management Corporation are hereby dissolved.
    2. The appointments of all contract staff of the Corporation are hereby terminated.
    3. All staff earlier seconded to Rangers Management Corporation, are hereby returned to their parent establishments.
    4. The appointment of the Club Physician is hereby terminated with immediate effect and all Corporation/Club property in his custody
    should be returned forthwith.
    5. A panel of inquiry for a diagnostic investigation of the problems of Rangers FC will be set up shortly.
    6. The Panel above will also articulate a Road Map for Rangers FC.
    7. The Rangers Management Corporation Law will be amended to align it with the said Road Map and must specifically enthrone the following:
    (a) Robust Governance structure with clear reporting lines in keeping with international best practices.
    (b) Transparent accountability framework.
    8. A new Board and Management of Rangers Management Corporation will be constituted with clear and complementary roles for delivery of the strategic goals of the Football Club as would be enshrined in the proposed amendment in Rangers Management Corporation Law.
    9. The new Rangers Board and Management must hunt and recruit good players directly without any intervening football club. Rangers
    players must henceforth, be wholly owned by Rangers FC.
    10. The new Board and Management will identify and engage a competent technical crew.
    11. The timeline for attainment of the above objectives will be six weeks.

    “I wish to thank the members of the previous Board and Management of the Corporation for the services rendered to the Club and to the State in their respective capacities.
    “We also use this opportunity to thank our players in whom we are well pleased and reassure them that they are not part of the matter in
    issue and their salaries/allowances will be paid as and when due.
    “We are grateful to the good people of Enugu State, the entire Igboland and indeed all the great fans and supporters of the Rangers
    Football Club for their patience and abiding faith as we watched the developments in the Club.
    “I promise you, most solemnly, that we will do all that is necessary to positively change the Rangers narrative in the next soccer season.
    “Enugu State will surely remain in the hands of God and Rangers will become Rangers again.”

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

    Hard work, dedication, key to Rangers success – Okpala

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Ugwuanyi sacks three commissioners

    Ugwuanyi sacks three commissioners

    Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has dropped three commissioners in a minor cabinet reshuffle announced on Thursday.

    Those affected were commissioners for Information, Dr Godwin Udeuhele, Youth and Sport, Mr Charles Ndukwe and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mr Smart Ogbe.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Uwakwe Abugu confirmed the development to Government House Correspondents in Enugu.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two commissioner nominees earlier screened by the state House of Assembly were sworn-in during the State Executive Council meeting.

    Those sworn-in are Mr Ogbuagu Anikwe, a veteran journalist who takes charge of the Information Ministry while Joseph Udedi was posted to Ministry of Youth and Sport.

    Until his appointment, Anikwe was the Chairman, Editorial Board of Business Day Newspapers and had worked at various times with the Guardian and Daily Times newspapers.

    NAN reports also that the third commissioner nominee also cleared by the assembly, Mr Donatus Ani, was absent during the event.

    According to Abugu, the change is the first step by the governor to reshape his cabinet for effective delivery of good governance to the people.

  • Army inaugurates one million litre water treatment plant in Enugu

    Army inaugurates one million litre water treatment plant in Enugu

    The Nigerian Army has inaugurated a water treatment plant at Abakpa Cantonment in Enugu, capable of treating and supplying one million litres of water daily to the barracks and its environs.

    Abakpa cantonment is the headquarters of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who inaugurated the project on Wednesday, said the plant would solve the over 30-year-old perennial water problem in the barracks and its environs.

    Buratai said that the project was the first water treatment plant constructed solely by Nigerian Army Engineers.

    He said the Enugu State Government provided the transformer to power the plant and additional funds for its construction.

    Buratai also said that the state government had promised to construct the road leading to the treatment plant from the cantonment gate.

    The plant sources water from Miri Ocha River, flowing behind the cantonment.

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Abubakar, who conceived and executed the project, said it was executed through direct labour by 44 Army Engineers.

    Abubakar said the plant used rapid filtration system, adding that water from the plant had already been certified fit for consumption by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said the state government would collaborate with the army to replicate the technology to upgrade the water supply scheme in the state.

  • Herdsmen/farmers clash: Association lauds Enugu govt.’s peace initiative

    Herdsmen/farmers clash: Association lauds Enugu govt.’s peace initiative

    The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has commended the Enugu State Government’s initiative for ensuring peace between farmers and herdsmen in the state.

    The Chairman of MACBAN in the South-East, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, gave the commendation while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday.

    Siddiki said this following the relative peace existing in the state between herdsmen and farmers for some time now.

    He revealed that the state government had well-funded the two commissions: Peace and Security Commission and Pastoralists and Farmers Peace Commission, which were established to ensure lasting peace returns to the state.

    ‘‘Enugu State is distinct in its expression of belief in our (MACBAN) regulatory capabilities.

    ‘‘The support we had received from the present Enugu State Government remains unprecedented and is ever cherished.

    ‘‘While we passionately thank Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for boldly and wisely pointing the way to healthy co-operation and interaction between our people and their landlords.

    ‘‘We plead with him not only to sustain his interest in us but to increase the logistic support he offers us,’’ he said.

    The chairman, however, called for support to enable the association to effectively monitor its members as well as intruders posing as pastoralists in the South-East.

    ‘‘I insist that with sufficient support from the three tiers of government; MACBAN has the capacity to drastically reduce unsavory incidences attributed to our members.

    ‘‘This will give us greater impetus to effectively monitor our people, enforce our accepted occupational code of conduct and effectively resist camp infiltration with the attendant repercussions,’’ he said.

    NAN recalls that farmers and herdsmen in Enugu State had fashioned out a workable Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to streamline their operations and spell out conflict resolution conditions to promote lasting peace.

    The MoU, when signed by both parties, would underscore the need for farmers and herdsmen to understand each other even as the new farming season commences in the state.

  • Safety of lives, properties paramount, says Enugu CP

    Safety of lives, properties paramount, says Enugu CP

    The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mohammad Danmallam, said on Tuesday that the command would continue to give the safety of lives and property of all residents of the state the utmost priority.

    Danmallam said this while receiving members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Enugu State Chapter, in his office in Enugu.

    He said that the command would continue to partner and collaborate with members of the NIPR and other reputable associations to stem crime and criminality.

    “Security today is everybody’s business; Police cannot do it all alone; we are counting on your cooperation and partnership.

    “So, we will work with you in the area of information in order to improve our network and reach in the state.”

    On the herders-farmers clashes, the commissioner said that noted that the command had been able to manage the situation effectively through close and constant consultation with between both sides.

    “We have no problem as both sides had shown great understanding and respect in our constant consultations and meetings with them at the state and area command levels,”

    Danmallam thanked the NIPR for the commendation given to one of the officers of the command.

    “We will continue to work collaborate to promote harmony in the state,’’ the commissioner said.

    Earlier, the NIPR Chairman, Mr Chike Ezugu, commended the commissioner for exhibiting professionalism in handling crisis situations in the state, especially the herders-farmers crisis.

    Ezugu noted that the command and the NIPR had maintained a long-term relationship and promised that it would be sustained.

    He said that the institute had facilitated public relations training in the command and printed handbills to help disseminate phone and social media addresses of the police.

    “We must commend the police authorities, even at the headquarters in Abuja for the recognition accorded public relations and the NIPR.”

    The chairman also noted that the NIPR was happy over the quick response to distress calls and the peace in the state.

    “We, in the NIPR, wish to particularly laud Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the support and attention given to promoting peaceful co-existence, safety and security of lives in the state,’’ he said.

    Ezugu informed the commissioner of the forthcoming Annual National Conference for Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries of NIPR to be held in Enugu in October.

  • IPAC appeals to Gov. Ugwuanyi to complete abandoned projects

    IPAC appeals to Gov. Ugwuanyi to complete abandoned projects

    Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella body of all political parties in the country, has appealed to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State to complete projects abandoned by previous administrations.

    Chairman of IPAC in the state, Mr John Nwobodo, made the call on Friday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu.

    Nwobodo said that the abandoned projects, which included the International Conference Centre, started by former Gov. Chimaroke Nnamani’s administration should be given attention.

    “Their completion will boost the state’s economic fortune and resuscitate the positive ideas behind them,’’ he said.

    He assured of IPAC’s cooperation to ensure that the present administration in the state succeeded, adding that its members were open to collaboration with the government as such would promote more inclusiveness.

    Nwobodo lauded the milestone achievements of the governor so far, saying “Gov. Ugwuanyi has robustly delivered effective governance notwithstanding the meagre resources accruable to the state’’.

    He expressed the group’s commitment to a new political culture of tolerance and accommodation in the state.

    “We are placing the state above personal or party interest because first of all, we are all indigenes of Enugu State before we joined these political parties,’’ he said.

  • CAN advocates for effective legislation to end herdsmen attacks

    CAN advocates for effective legislation to end herdsmen attacks

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for effective legislation to end the menace of attacks by suspected armed herdsmen.

    The CAN National President, Dr Sampson Oyakunle, made the call during a courtesy visit to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.

    Oyakunle said that indiscriminate livestock grazing needed to be put checked and replaced with a more acceptable practice.

    “I advise that you follow the step of your brother governor in Benue by passing a bill that will forestall further occurrence of this attack.

    “Nobody should, under whatever guise, destroy the lives of others and in order to safeguard the people, effective legislation should be put in place.

    “This does not come out of hatred but of the need to do things in order and in respect for human life,” Oyakunle said.

    Responding, Ugwuanyi commended CAN leadership for identifying with victims of the attacks.

    He urged the association and the Church in general, to continue with their good works, underscoring the importance of prayers for good governance to be enthroned in the country.

    The CAN President had earlier led a delegation to donate relief materials to victims of suspected herdsmen attack in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that beneficiaries included the 13 widows whose husbands were killed in April 2016 at Ukpabi Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state.

    Others were the leadership of Christ Holy Church of Nigeria and Catholic Church in Nimbo as well as the victims in Attakwu, Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.

    Sampson, while presenting the items, said that CAN was worried by the spate of attacks linked to suspected herdsmen in parts of the country.

    He said that while the church was praying for the country and victims of the attacks, it was necessary for it to complement prayers with good works as exemplified in the gift items.

    He said that the Christian body had made similar donations in Kaduna and Benue states.

    The president urged Nigerians to live in peace and respect the sanctity of human life.

    He further advised the victims not to take laws into their hands but to trust in the unfailing love of God, adding that they would not be put to shame.

    He said that the church would continue to pray for God’s intervention in the face of obvious challenges confronting the country.

    Mrs Cordelia Ugwuogbu, a widow, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, thanked the leadership of CAN for their kindness.

    Ugwuogbu said that though things had been difficult since they lost their husbands, they were consoled by the kind gesture extended to them.

    NAN reports that the beneficiaries received bags of rice and beans and a cheque each of an undisclosed amount.

    It would be recalled that suspected herdsmen invaded Nimbo in April 2016, killing 13 people and injuring many others.

    Similar attack was carried out in Attakwu Akegbe few months later were two persons including a seminarian were killed.

     

  • NYCN hails Ugwuanyi for appointing youths into cabinet

    NYCN hails Ugwuanyi for appointing youths into cabinet

    The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has commended Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for appointing largely young people into the State Executive Council.

    The state Chairman of the council, Mr. Henry Atigwe, revealed this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Enugu.

    According to Atigwe, young people have never had it so good in the history of governance in Enugu State, with about 90 per cent of youths in the State Executive Council.

    He further applauded Ugwuanyi for his youth-friendly policies and programmes as well as youth inclusion in various decision making bodies in the state.

    “Gov Ugwuanyi has given us a sense of inclusion in governance.

    “The governor’s disposition to issues that affect young people in the state has given us a sense of belonging and confidence in his administration.”

    He gave an assurance that the youth body would continue to liaise with the government and relevant agencies in the campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

    “NYCN is urging young people to take advantage of the various skill acquisition programmes in the state for self-empowerment.

    “We are also encouraging youths to engage in agriculture and entrepreneurship in order to create jobs in the society,” he said.