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Tag: Ugwuanyi

  • Enugu indigenes hail Ugwuanyi on payment of salaries before Christmas

    A cross section of Enugu indigenes resident in the north have commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for fulfilling his promise to pay workers’ salaries on the 19th of December to enable workers and their loved ones celebrate Christmas, in spite of the severe economic situation in the country.

    They also applauded the governor for ensuring that the 17 Council Chairmen in the state paid the full salaries of their workers before Christmas in line with the premium his administration places on the welfare of public servants and indigenes of the state in general.

    Appreciating the gesture, an indigene of Enugu, Mr. Samson Nweke, who returned home from Kano State for the festive season, said that Enugu State Government did what many states could not do for their people during this Christmas because of the economic recession in the country.

  • Ugwuanyi swears in chief judge

    Enugu State governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, yesterday swore in Justice Ngozi Priscilla Emehelu as the new chief judge of Enugu State.

    The appointment of Justice Emehelu, who had been in acting capacity since October this year, was earlier confirmed by the Enugu State House of Assembly.

    The swearing in of the chief judge was preceded by an administration of an oath by the solicitor-general of the state, Victor Emeribe (Esq.)

    Before her inauguration, Governor Ugwuanyi outlined the circumstances that led to her appointment, noting that this followed the suspension of the former Chief Judge of the state, retired Justice Innocent Umezulike, by the Nigerian Judicial Council.

    In her response, Justice Emehelu described her appointment as an act of God and thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for the opportunity given to her to serve the state in that capacity.

  • Ugwuanyi receives panel’s report on Nimbo killings

    Ugwuanyi receives panel’s report on Nimbo killings

    ENUGU State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has received the report of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up to carry out a wholesome investigation into the killings and destruction of property that occurred in Nimbo, Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of the state, when hoodlums suspected to be herdsmen attacked the community on April 25, this year.

    Receiving the report of the five-man panel inaugurated on May 12, Governor Ugwuanyi thanked the members for the diligence exhibited in carrying out the task and promised to implement their recommendations.

    “I wish to assure you all that government will accord this report, the seriousness it deserves and will promptly and firmly, implement any approved recommendation or recommendations in the report to ensure that justice is done to all concerned and in the overall interest of our people,” he said.

  • Ugwuanyi pardons 2 prisoners, commutes 5 death row inmates

    Ugwuanyi pardons 2 prisoners, commutes 5 death row inmates

    GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday granted unconditional pardon to two inmates of the Enugu Prisons and equally commuted death sentences of five other inmates to .life imprisonment. It was the first time such act was taken by a governor in the state since 1999.

    Represented by the state’s Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Mr. Miletus Eze during a visit to the prison, Governor Ugwuanyi noted that the exercise was in line with the government’s policy on “Justice for All”. Ugwuanyi said he exercised his constitutional power by granting the amnesty to some inmates of Enugu Prisons, adding that he has the discretionary power to do so. According to the attorney general, “The governor of Enugu State has performed his statutory duty by granting amnesty to some inmates of the Enugu Prisons.

    “As you heard from the Enugu Prisons Comptroller General, since 1999, this exercise has not been carried out in Enugu State, but because of the nature of the governor, we have, he has decided to carry out this function.” Asked whether the exercise would henceforth be carried out regularly, Eze, who is also the chairman of the Enugu State’s Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, noted that “if you recommend daily to him, he has the discretion to decide whether to exercise it or not. But I .can assure you that with the type of disposition he has, it will be done from time to time.”

    The Enugu Prisons Comptroller, Mr. Ifeanyi Isaiah Amalili, who received the governor’s order for clemency from the Attorney- General, described the gesture as historic, stressing that the governor had done a noble thing that would go a long way to give huge relief to the inmates that were affected. “We extend our gratitude to the governor because since 1999, this is the first time we are witnessing this. Other state governors have been coming here to free some of the inmates, but Enugu has never done it. It is a major milestone.

    “I appeal that this effort should be more regular. I believe that the journey has started. By January next year, I pray that others will get this benefit.” The Comptroller, who equally disclosed that Ugwuanyi was the first governor of the state to visit the prison formations, thanked him for providing some basic facilities for the prisons.

  • I’ll give Enugu even development, says Ugwuanyi

    I’ll give Enugu even development, says Ugwuanyi

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has promised even development in the state, in line with his administration’s vision.

    The governor spoke yesterday in Nsukka at the launch of a street light project.

    He said the project would “upgrade and modernise Nsukka, a university town founded over half a century ago, to enable it compete with other university towns in attracting technology and knowledge-based businesses, as well as industrial support ventures.”

    The governor added that the project was consistent with the vision to “take development to every corner of the state, creating more urban centres that will boost economic growth and improve people’s lives.”

    Ugwuanyi said the lights would complement other development programmes, including roads and public facilities.

    He urged the people to pray for the state’s progress and advised Nsukka residents to protect the lights.

    The Chairperson of Nsukka Local Government, Prof. Rose Onah, hailed the governor for the project, saying it was the first in Enugu North Senatorial District.

    She asked God to give Ugwuanyi the grace and wisdom to do more for the state.

    Managing Director of Vee-Tek Nigeria Ltd, which handled the project, Mr. Vita Abba, said the lights would enhance security and boost socio-economic development.

    He assured the governor they would deliver high quality work.

  • “Pay salaries before Christmas’’ – Gov. Ugwuanyi directs council chairmen

    “Pay salaries before Christmas’’ – Gov. Ugwuanyi directs council chairmen

    Governor. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has directed the chairmen of the 17 local government areas in the state to pay full salaries of their workers before Christmas.

    He gave the directive at the inauguration of the United Enugu Women for Gburugburu on Saturday in Enugu.

    The governor said the directive was in line with the premium his administration placed on the welfare of public servants.

    Ugwuanyi said that the achievements his administration had recorded so far were by providence and prudent management of the state’s lean resources.

    The governor thanked the women of the state for their support and continuous prayers for the success of the administration, describing them as “pathfinders’’ in the quest for good governance in the state.

    “In Enugu State, God is in charge of its affairs.

    “I am just a mere instrument in the hands of God for the progress of the state,’’ Ugwuanyi said.

    He, however, declared that “the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state is one indivisible family’’.

    The governor also thanked all the members of PDP for what he called their “unprecedented support” to his administration.

    Earlier, the state co-coordinator of the organisation, Mrs Josephine Nwokedike, had disclosed that the body was established to “create political consciousness among the women of the state.

    The establishment, she added, was to ensure their active involvement in the scheme of things’’.

    In an address, the state Deputy Governor, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, lauded Ugwuanyi for his immense respect and commitment toward the progress of Enugu women.

    Ezeilo described the governor as a “God-sent, visionary, humble and women-friendly governor’’.

    She commended the women for their contributions to the development of the state and called on them to show more commitment to the organisation’s noble objectives. (NAN)

  • Ugwuanyi inaugurates committees

    Ugwuanyi inaugurates committees

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has inaugurated two committees to tackle boundary disputes.

    Performing the ceremony at the secretariats of Enugu East and Ezeagu local governments, the governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensure peaceful co-existence among the indigenes.

    He said: “The inauguration of the committees is consistent with my desire to resolve boundary disputes.’’

    Ugwuanyi, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, advised the committees’ members to identify disagreements over boundaries and resolve them.

    He said: “Our mission is to give impetus to the committees, which are constituted and empowered through these inaugurations.”

  • Ugwuanyi and BugdIT report

    The recent report released by BudgIT, a data-simplifying civic organization, which listed Enugu, Lagos and Rivers as the only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that can fulfill obligations to their workers, was not only a remarkable feat for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State but also a demonstration of his managerial instinct to navigate the state through the current economic crunch.

    The verdict, which is widely adjudged as objective based on facts and figures, flaunts the commitment of the governor to advance good governance and deliver on his campaign promises to the people of the state despite the current economic recession.

    It has also showcased the governor’s ethos in prudent management of the state’s lean resources for the well-being of the people through accountability, transparency, financial discipline and application of the best economic practices that would engender sustainable growth and development.

    Enugu State is third from the bottom of the federal allocation chart. It is also predominantly a civil service state with high expectations from the people borne out of the long held belief in the expansion of the state’s economic potentials.

    It would be recalled that Ugwuanyi in his inaugural address promised to govern by example, to lead a lean government to free up resources and channel them to the real development issues, which include the welfare of the workers of the state. He had assured the people that every kobo of the state “will be utilized transparently and in a way that adds value to your lives”.

    A critical review of the activities of the administration shows that the governor had made good his promise to lead the state on the path of administrative ingenuity and prudent management of its lean resources as a catalyst for the entrenchment of good governance and socio-economic development.

    It is pertinent to note also that among the three states listed by BudgIT that are still able to meet their recurrent needs, Enugu is the least in terms of federal allocation and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    As a civil service state, Enugu is not economically viable like Lagos and Rivers states which generate huge resources from commercial activities; still it was able to make the list alongside the two economic giant states – a feat, which many have described as outstanding.

    It is on record, that while Ugwuanyi’s administration pays workers’ salaries regularly, it has also embarked on numerous massive infrastructural development of the state with some road projects completed for inauguration in December.

    The governor in a bid to alleviate the pains motorists pass through while plying some federal government roads in the state, recently embarked on the quality rehabilitation of the failed sections of the Oji River- Ugwuoba- Anambra State border (by old road) and 9th Mile – Nsukka – Benue State border, despite the nation’s financial drought and huge sum of money the federal government is owing the state on past rehabilitated roads. In the words of the governor, “this administration cannot sit down and watch road users suffer this much on the roads, hence the need for the rehabilitation”. The road intervention, which has the backing of the State Executive Council, has equally given credence to the governor’s vision to “deploy government services to create fair and equal opportunity for every willing citizen to make a living and create wealth, educate our children, and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment”.

    On the vision to take development to the rural areas as part of the grassroots development initiatives to create new urban centres, boost socio-economic activities, create employment opportunities and reduce the pressure on Enugu metropolis, Ugwuanyi’s administration only recently flagged off 35 development projects spread across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state. All these capital projects and other remarkable feats in various strata of the economy are ongoing while the state is still able to fulfill obligations to its workers.

    Reacting to the BudgIT’s report, the state chapters of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were the first to applaud Ugwuanyi for his vision, administrative ingenuity and sheer dexterity in prudent management of the state’s lean resources.

    In a statement jointly signed by the state Chairman and Secretary of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe and Comrade Ben Asogwa, the workers said that “it was an exceptional display of quality leadership for the governor to pay salaries regularly and still execute capital projects, despite the current economic crisis in the country”.

    The labour leaders added that “for Enugu to be listed alongside Lagos and Rivers as the only states in the federation still able to meet their recurrent needs, shows that Governor Ugwuanyi is a visionary leader who is committed to the wellbeing of the people”.

    On his part, the state chairman of the PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, said that the party was not surprised by the BudgIT’s report, stressing that “Ugwuanyi had maintained a culture of financial discipline that has helped his administration to save cost and ensure that its lean resources were adequately utilized for priority issues that would add value to the lives of the people of the state”.

    The party therefore, urged the governor to remain focused and steadfast in his vision to advance good governance and deliver on his campaign promises to the people of the state in line with the PDP manifesto.

    Also commenting on the BudgIt’s report, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) during a solidarity rally in commemoration of the 67th anniversary of the slaying of 21 workers agitating for better working conditions at the Iva Valley Coal Mine, in Enugu, paid glowing tributes to Ugwuanyi for prioritizing the welfare of workers in Enugu State and ensuring that their wages are paid regularly.

    Describing him as the man with the magic wand, the NLC’s head of Industrial Relations and Organizing Department, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboajah, who represented the body’s national president, noted that the solid accolades Enugu State received as one of three states that is regular in taking care of basic responsibilities of its workers was because the governor was committed to prudent management of resources and welfare of the workers, urging him to share same with his colleagues.

    Ugwuanyi who had reassured the people of his resolve to ensure even development of the state, attributed the feat his administration has recorded so far to the grace of God and prudent management of the state’s lean resources.

    From all indications, it is obvious that Ugwuanyi is at his peak in providing the dividends of democracy for the people Enugu State. Enugu state is truly in the hands of God.

     

    • Amoke writes from Enugu.

  • Ugwuanyi committed to even development of Enugu, says Offor

    The Chairman of the Enugu State Urban Renewal Committee, Chris Offor, has reassured the people of the state of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s commitment to ensure that development is equitably distributed in the state, in line with his inaugural address.

    Offor, an architect, who spoke during an inspection tour of the ongoing projects in the state, disclosed that the governor will in December inaugurate some projects executed by his administration across the three senatorial districts of the state.

    He said Ugwuanyi’s administration, apart from the numerous ongoing development projects across the state, had completed the Nike Lake road, the Abakpa Nike road and the Airport Roundabout/Orie Emene road in Enugu East Local Government Area.

    He added that the Amaeke-Ngwo-Nsude- 9TH Mile By-pass road in Udi Local Government, the Post Office Roundabout- Odenigbo Roundabout- Ogurugu-Ikenga Hotel junction road and the Obechara road Junction-Umuakashi-Mechanic Village-Ikenga Hotels junction road both in the university town of Nsukka, among others, have also been completed for inauguration next month.

    While appealing to communities that are yet to witness development to exercise patience; Offor reassured the people of the governor’s determination to attend to their needs in spite of the current economic crisis in the country.

     

  • Ugwuanyi: trade fair ‘ll boost Enugu’s economic growth

    Ugwuanyi: trade fair ‘ll boost Enugu’s economic growth

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi yesterday assured the people of his administration’s commitment to support business ventures that would promote opportunities for local and international businesses.

    The governor, who spoke at the opening of the 1st Nsukka Trade Fair organised by the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NSCIMMA), said the fair with the theme: ‘Promoting SMEs and Agriculture for National Recovery’, would expand the state’s economic potential.

    He said it would provide a platform for the identification and harnessing of business and investment opportunities, especially in agriculture and agro-allied ventures as well as small and medium enterprises.

    Ugwuanyi said the event was consistent with the administration’s policies to attract investments and create business opportunities for Enugu’s economic growth and quest for diversification of its economy.

    He assured the people of his commitment to develop the state, urging Enugu West Senatorial District people to organise a similar fair so that the three senatorial districts would exploit the benefits of trade fairs.

    NSCIMMA President Dr. Basil Onugu said its mission was to promote business and economic development in the state, in order to create wealth and jobs through entrepreneurship and innovation.

    The Rector, Institute of Management and Technology, Prof. Austin Nweze, hailed Ugwuanyi for his good leadership, which resulted in Enugu’s emergence as one of the three states that regularly paid workers’ salaries.

    The governor attributed the feat to God, noting that it was also caused by the prudent management of the state’s lean resources.

    A recent report published by BudgIT listed Enugu, Lagos and Rivers as the only states that meet their recurrent needs.

    Other dignitaries who spoke at the event included the lawmaker representing Enugu North, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, ex-Minister of Information Nnia Nwodo, council chairmen, monarchs, among others.