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Tag: Nsukka

  • 26 years after: Nsukka zone demands ministerial slot

    26 years after: Nsukka zone demands ministerial slot

    • *Says ‘we’ve waited too long’

    The people of Enugu North Senatorial Zone, popularly known as Nsukka Zone, have raised alarm over what they described as 26 years of political neglect in federal appointments.

    They appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to end the long-standing exclusion by appointing an indigene of the area as minister and in other strategic positions.

    The demand came from a group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the aegis of Enugu North APC Frontiers, following the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji.

    In a letter to the President signed by Barr. Ejikeme Ugwu (National Convener) and Sydney Eze (National Secretary), the group lamented that no indigene of Enugu North has ever been appointed minister since 1999.

    “We wish to bring to Your Excellency’s attention the long cry of the good people of Enugu North Senatorial Zone—over 52 percent of Enugu State’s population—who have never been represented in the Federal Executive Council since the return of democracy,” the letter read in part.

    According to data provided by the group, Enugu West has produced four ministers since 1999, Enugu East three, while Enugu North has yet to produce any.

    Read Also: Why Tinubu should consider nominating a Minister from Nsukka zone to replace Nnaji

    Describing the trend as “a clear case of marginalization and lack of fairness,” the group urged the President to “correct the injustice in the spirit of equity and inclusiveness.”

    Between 2015 and 2023, the group noted, no person from Enugu North held an executive federal position, except General Eze, who served as ambassador, and late Senator Ayogu Eze, appointed as a commissioner in the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in 2023.

    They further revealed that from 2015 to date, Enugu West recorded 22 federal chairmanship and executive appointments, Enugu East 10, while Enugu North also had 10, ranking last.

    The APC Frontiers described the zone as a reservoir of talent, saying it is “blessed with hardworking, honest, and God-fearing people” capable of helping to drive President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “We have technocrats, professionals, and administrators who can serve as ministers, board chairmen, or heads of agencies. Enugu North has nurtured the APC in Enugu State and deserves a fair chance to contribute to national development,” the statement added.

    The group appealed to President Tinubu to “break the jinx” and appoint one of their qualified sons or daughters as Enugu’s representative in the Federal Executive Council.

    “Our people have endured decades of marginalization with patience and dignity. We pray you consider an indigene of Enugu North to serve in your cabinet as history beckons,” they pleaded.

    They assured the President of total loyalty and support ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “We promise, Your Excellency, that our people will deliver the highest votes for you and our great party come 2027,” the group stated.

  • North America UNN Alumni vows to execute projects in alma mater

    North America UNN Alumni vows to execute projects in alma mater

    A group, University of Nigeria College of Medicine Alumni Association – North America (UNCOMAA-NA) has vowed to raise funds for new hostels and buses in order to create a conducive environment for learning in its alma mater.

    It’s President, Dr. (Mrs.) Anthea E. Nwandu, the campaign seeks to address urgent needs faced by current medical students and faculty at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka while strengthening ties among a global network of alumni.

    According to Dr. Nwandu in a statement made available to newsmen in Asaba, Delta state, weekend, the mission of the group is to support the alma mater, empower current students and faculty, and foster a vibrant alumni network that will continue to uphold the institution’s noble motto which is to restore the dignity of man.

    “We are a distinguished group of medical professionals whose impact spans the globe, united by a shared heritage of excellence, resilience, and service.”

    The president disclosed that this year’s campaign focuses on transformative initiatives including renovation and construction of student hostel accommodations, creating a safe and conducive environment for learning and procuring transportation buses.

    Also included in the agenda is  to alleviate daily commuting challenges between Enugu and the Ituku Ozalla teaching hospital, upgrading medical wards and clinical facilities, supporting scholarships and educational endowments as well as recognising academic excellence and ease financial barriers.

    Read Also: Why Desmond Elliot’s efforts I constituency go unnoticed – Femi Branch

    “These projects are more than just infrastructural—they are investments in the future of medicine.

    “Through the generosity of our alumni and partners, we are building an environment that nurtures excellence and fosters innovation.”

    “UNCOMAA-NA has already made significant strides over the past year, including the successful renovation of Imoke hostel, expanding regional chapters, and establishing a robust digital platform to connect and celebrate alumni achievements.

    The president therefore called on all alumni, supporters, and corporate organisations to partner the association “to achieve our goals and build a legacy that future generations of lions and lionesses will be proud of. “Together, we can secure the future of healthcare in our nation and beyond,” she said.

  • Students dismiss allegations against UNN registrar

    Students dismiss allegations against UNN registrar

    Students in Enugu State, under the auspices of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), have dismissed recent allegations against the Registrar of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Dr. Celine Nnebedum, describing them baseless and misleading.

    This followed a news report linking the National Senate President of NANS to criticisms of the Registrar during his visit to UNN.

    The visit meant to honour the acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chigbu Polycarp, with an award, was reportedly used to push negative claims against Dr. Nnebedum.

    However, NANS Enugu State chapter insisted that the allegations were false and part of an agenda by individuals trying to undermine the registrar’s leadership.

    Read Also: NANS demand quality education, adequate welfare for UNN students

    “We have read with utter disappointment a circulating report of the recent visit of the National Senate President of NANS to UNN as was reported by those who seek to utilize the sincere visit of the SP to achieve other ulterior motives. It was marred by a series of unwarranted and misinformed attacks on the person of the esteemed Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Nnebedum,” the group said in a statement.

    According to NANS Enugu, Dr. Nnebedum is a seasoned administrator known for her commitment to due process and institutional integrity—qualities that have earned her both supporters and detractors.

    “While we are not unaware of the fact that the Registrar’s uncommon commitment to due process and institutional integrity has earned her both friends and foes, we strongly believe that NANS should not be used as a tool to discourage such good virtues.”

  • Rainstorm: JSS2 student gets electrocuted in Enugu

    The Nsukka Catholic Diocese has confirmed the death of a student, allegedly electrocuted on Thursday night at the Queen of Rosary Secondary School, Nsukka, Enugu state.

    The diocesan Director of Communications, Rev.- Fr. Matthew Eze, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka on Friday.

    Eze, who described the death of the student as shocking, prayed for the eternal repose of her soul.
    He also prayed God to give the bereaved family and friends, students, management and staff of the school the fortitude to bear the death.

    The school is owned and run by the Nsukka Catholic Diocese.

    Read also: FG, IFAD hail implementation of VCDP in Niger

    An eyewitness account said that the JSS2 student, identified as Maureen Amadi, was electrocuted around 9.30 pm outside her hostel.

    She was said to have come out of her hostel to pick her clothes inside during a heavy downpour, when the incident occurred.

    It was learnt that she got electrocuted when she allegedly had contact with a wire from an electric pole said to have been pulled down by a thunderstorm.

    “Everybody in the school has been in a mourning mood over the death of the girl last night,” the eyewitness said on the condition of anonymity.

    The Principal of the school, Rev.-Fr. Luke Eze, was said to have led a delegation of the school to Aku in Igboetiti Local Government Area (LGA) for the burial of the deceased, when NAN correspondent visited the school.

    When contacted, the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, said that the command had yet to receive the report.

    NAN reports that the thunderstorm also destroyed buildings and other property worth millions of nairn in Nsukka town and its environs.

    Some residents of the area described the effect of the thunderstorm as devastating and colossal.
    Mr Onyema Idoko, the former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Nsukka LGA, said that the rainstorm pulled down a telecom mast in his neighbourhood.

    He said that the mast in turn fell on top of the roof of his building, located at 52 Enugu Road, Nsukka.
    Idoko said that he would need at least N500,000 to pull out the mast and fix the damaged roof.

    He, however, thanked God that no life was lost in the unfortunate incident.

    Also affected was the roof of St. James Catholic Church building at Umakashi in Nsukka LGA, which was reportedly blown off by the rainstorm.

    It was further learnt that many trees, electric poles and structures at the Nsukka Mechanic Village were also pulled down during the heavy rain. (NAN)

  • Nsukka professionals advise govt on post-oil economy

    The Nsukka Professionals Association (NPA) has held its its Third Annual Summit in Lagos.

    On the sideline of the event, its President, Mr Charles Nwodo Jr, spoke with select reporters.

    What was the objective of this summit?

    This summit was designed to draw attention of policy makers and political leaders to the inevitability of the disruption of the global oil market and expected progressive reduction in the revenue accretion to the federation account.

    Technological innovation, in the form of electric cars, electric aeroplanes, and growing effort for enforcement of emission control statutes across the world plus the expected exhaustion of oil reserves, all point to the great wisdom and urgency for oil producing countries to plan for alternative sources of revenue to supplement or replace oil revenues.

    Other oil-producing countries, such as Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have proactively launched bold national initiative.  Panelists made up of respected subject matter experts then proffered tested, concise and practical recommendations, which, if implemented, will effectively diversify and expand government revenue to position the nation and constituent units for a post oil economic boom.

    What is the next step after this  summit, and how will you ensure that your association’s recommendations get government’s attention?

    As you saw, among the participants at this summit were government officials, political leaders and candidates for office in the forthcoming elections. We were deliberate in the profile of the guests we invited, just as we were in the choice of our speakers. The target stakeholders, who have the responsibility for successful implementation of the summit recommendations, were fully in attendance. Beyond this, however, the NPA as is our tradition, shall compile the highlights of the proceedings, and generate actionable recommendations, with suggested time lines to be delivered to policy makers, particularly Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. We shall also utilise the social and mainstream media to push the central issues arising from this summit to the awareness of the public, as a way of ensuring that the policy makers pay attention. Obviously this conversation with you journalists is one of such efforts.

    Tell us about the NPA?

    The NPA is an association of professionals, businessmen and entrepreneurs from the Nsukka cultural zone of Enugu State. It is non-partisan, and is totally independent, with singular focus on issues around the progress and accelerated development of the Nsukka cultural zone and all the people from the zone.

    What was this summit all about?

    This is the third in the series of annual summits organised by the NPA in line with our self-set mandate to our people and zone. Each summit focuses attention on key area of critical importance for national or state development. For example our last summit focused on security threat from cross border migration, which as you know has now become a national issue of critical importance.

    Other activities of the NPA include legislative and social advocacy, social outreaches, such as scholarship awards, mentorship and job placement initiatives, medical outreaches for rural communities, and other initiatives that represent our humble contribution to the development of our zone, our state and our country.

  • UNN student dies in auto crash

    Students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka ( UNN ) Enugu state were thrown into mourning on Thursday morning following the death of a second year student of Mass Communication.

    Judith Okeke died in a road accident on her way to Lagos from the Institution.

    Details about the accident were sketchy at press time, but it was learnt that the late Judith was traveling in a passenger bus.

    Read Also: OAU suspends six students for cultism

    Her course mates were shocked on learning about her death.

    It was gathered that the remains of the late Judith were still being prepared for burial at the time of this report.

  • Nsukka plans to build legislative chamber for councilors

    Mr Patrick Omeje, the Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, says the council has concluded plans to construct a legislative chamber for councilors.

    Omeje who spoke in Nsukka, when he briefed traditional rulers, stakeholders and residents on his 100 days in office, said the legislative building would also

    provide office accommodation for the councilors. “Plans have been concluded to build a legislative chamber and soonest the council will start the building.

    “The building will provide office accommodation for the 20 councilors and legislative support staff.

    “The present situation, where councilors are using the LGA hall for their sitting, gives me concern,” he said.

     The council boss expressed satisfaction on the good working relationship between the executive and the legislature, and called for sustenance, in order to move the LGA to the next level.

    Omeje said his administration had given issues concerning education, health, agriculture, as well as grading of roads priority.

     “When I assumed office, going to Ehe-ndiagu was a nightmare as a result of bad road, but today, farmers in that community can bring their farm produce to Nsukka town with ease,’’ he said.

    The chairman said the council had opened livestock section at lkpa Commodity Market, so that residents would not go long distances for their livestock needs during ceremonies and festivities.

     He said his administration had empowered many youths as well as appointed them into various positions to enable them contribute their quota in the development of the area.

    Read Also: 2 robbery suspects killed in Nsukka

    “My administration appointed 20 special assistants, 60 executive assistants, 40 road marshals and 40 environmental marshals, all of them youths,’’ he said.

     Mr Fabian Onah, PDP Chairman in Nsukka LGA, expressed satisfaction on Omeje’s performance in 100 days and solicited for continued support for him.

    The traditional ruler of Nru community, Igwe Sylvanus Arum, who also spoke, said the administration of Omeje had ensured peace and unity in the LGA.

    He urged the council chairman to sustain his leadership style.  The leader of the  legislative council, Mr Chinedu Eze, who also spoke, said the  legislature  would continue to work harmoniously with the executive in order to move Nsukka LGA to the next level.

    Eze expressed happiness on the plans of the Omeje’s administration to build a legislative chamber for councilors.

    “Present councilors and future ones will remain grateful to your administration if your administration actualise this plan of building a legislative chamber in Nsukka LGA for councilors, ”  he said.

    NAN

  • Isaac Moghalu Foundation to sponsor 50 entrepreneurs

    Isaac Moghalu Foundation to sponsor 50 entrepreneurs

    In its drive to boost entrepreneurship training and productivity among young Nigerians, the Isaac Moghalu Foundation has announced a scholarship for fifty undergraduates of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

    This was revealed by the President, Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation and Founder, Isaac Moghalu Foundation, Kingsley Moghalu at the annual public lecture of the Department of Economics on Tuesday, February, 13.

    Unveiling the University’s new e-learning platform, Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and guest speaker at the event explained that the scholarship is designed for students to acquire knowledge and skills to address practical challenges.

    “As part of the Isaac Moghalu Foundation’s vision to enable young Nigerians achieve their full potentials through education, empowerment and stimulate social change, the scholarship is an immense opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to build their businesses and investments. The new platform is built on innovation and wealth creation, and we believe that with such initiatives, our country can attain economic transformation and growth that affects the lives of all citizens,” he stated.

    Themed ‘Innovation and the Wealth of Nations’, the public lecture was focused on the need for Nigeria to strategically diversify its economy through strong, focused public policy and investment in innovation-driven economy.

    In 2014, Moghalu published his critically-acclaimed book titled ‘Emerging Africa: How the Global Economy’s Last Frontier Can Prosper and Matter’, where he made a strong case for innovation economies in Africa. His new book, ‘Build, Innovate and Grow: My Vision for Our Country’ is set for release later this month.

    Moghalu was appointed Professor of Practice in International Business and Public Policy at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Massachusetts, USA after completing a five-year stint at the CBN in November 2017.

  • Dogara woos Swedish investors in power, ICT sectors

    Dogara woos Swedish investors in power, ICT sectors

    The Speaker of House of Representatives, Rep. Yakubu Dogara, has urged Swedish businessmen to invest in Nigeria to create job opportunities for its teeming population.

    A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Turaki Hassan, in Abuja on Thursday said Dogara made the call when he received the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Inger Ulvedt, in his office.

    The speaker said that Nigeria was the second largest trade partner to Sweden in Sub-Sahara Africa and had an existing cordial relationship between both countries and their citizens.

    “Swedish companies or corporate citizens are not strangers to business in Nigeria; whether it is in the area of telecommunications, we remember Ericson handsets.

    “I commend the ingenuity and creativity of the Swedish people in the area of automobile and in the area of power generation; they are doing a wonderful work.

    Read Also: Dogara urges completion of Ajaokuta Steel complex

    “We cannot help but call for more engagement in this direction and more flow of foreign direct investment in Nigeria.”

    He said that the desired direct investments were in agriculture “to provide employment for the people, in the area of infrastructure, power, renewable energy, ICT, industries, especially the automobiles’’.

    Dogara pledged legislative support for agreements needed to be domiciled in Nigeria, saying that the legislature would give the power of law to treaties and agreements between both countries.

    He commended the Government and people of Sweden for their humanitarian aid to victims of Boko Haram terrorism in the North-East.

    He said that terrorism was a global phenomenon which may be locally grown “but its devastating consequences would be felt in another country’’.

    Dogara said that a global problem required global response and that there was need for the international community to organise a donor-conference for the North-East as it was done for countries under terror attack.

    Earlier, Swedish ambassador had said that her country was interested in collaborating with the Nigerian government in various sectors to broaden existing bilateral agreements between both countries.

    Ulvedt said that Sweden was supporting Nigerian students in innovation at University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.

    She said that her country had been the biggest donor to the Nigerian humanitarian trust fund for the victims of violence in the North-East.

    The ambassador said that small houses, schools, hospitals, among other social infrastructure had been built as part of the support.

    NAN

     

  • UNN seeks partnership with Nigerian Air Force on training

    UNN seeks partnership with Nigerian Air Force on training

    University of Nigeria, Nsukka ( UNN ) is seeking partnership with Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) on training, Research and Development (R & D) to support the service in the discharge of its responsibilities.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, made the plan known when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, made the fact known in a statement  in Abuja on Thursday.

    During the visit, Ozumba said the university decided to partner NAF because of its giant strides in R & D and the consistent display of professionalism in the discharge of its responsibility, Adesanya said.

    He commended NAF for its efforts toward attaining self-reliance, adding that NAF was one of the government agencies that were in tune with the changes in the 21st Century.

    According to him, the world has gone beyond the era of commodity driven economy to knowledge-based economy.

    Ozumba commended the efforts of the current NAF leadership toward improving the knowledge base of its personnel through sustained R & D activities.

    Read Also: UNN  set to establish $7m Science Park in Africa

    “Therefore, I reiterated the readiness and capability of the institution to collaborate with NAF in all aspects of R & D to ensure that the service continued to successfully accomplish its constitutional tasks.

    “UNN has been consistently ranked Number one in the Google Scholarly Search in West Africa, for the past three years, a testimony of the university’s commitment to academic endeavours,” he said.

    Ozumba said arrangement had been concluded by the university to establish a science park toward advancing technological knowledge.

    He used the opportunity to invite NAF to be part of the institution’s Innovation Conference scheduled for February.

    In his remarks, Abubakar  said that NAF would also partner UNN in the area of aircraft maintenance, building technology and other relevant fields.

    The CAS added that the service had identified the need to partner with academic institutions in Nigeria more than five years ago.

    He said NAF had already signed a Memoranda of Understanding with 15 other Nigerian universities, adding that the partnerships had started yielding benefits, especially in the enhancement of NAF’s aircraft maintenance capacity.

    Abubakar expressed the readiness of NAF to participate in the establishment of the science park at UNN and promised that NAF would be  represented at the Innovation Conference.

    Abubakar  directed that a team of relevant NAF personnel from NAF Research and Development Centre and NAF Institute of Technology, Kaduna,   be composed to visit UNN.

    He explained that the visit would help identify  specific areas of potential partnership between both organisations.

    NAN