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Tag: Ugwuanyi

  • Monarch hails Ugwuanyi for release of 76 farmers from detention

    Monarch hails Ugwuanyi for release of 76 farmers from detention

    The traditional ruler of Ugwuleshi community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Godwin Nwobi, has hailed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for ensuring the release of 76 farmers from prison custody.

    The farmers were granted bail on Friday by an Umuahia Magistrate’s Court, following an altercation between them and some Fulani herdsmen, which led to their arrest and arraignment.

    The monarch said the farmers safely united with their families and loved ones after getting bail.

    He urged the Federal Government to resolve the perennial confrontation between the Fulani herdsmen and indigenous farmers over the grazing of cattle on farmlands.

    Igwe Nwobi, who spoke on behalf of the residents and political stakeholders, said the cattle had always led to the destruction of crops.

    The monarch noted that a lasting solution would ensure an end to the clashes and promote peace among the villagers and Fulani herdsmen.

    On Ugwuanyi’s efforts at calming frayed nerves and reducing tension on the matter, Igwe Nwobi said the governor’s intervention made it possible for the farmers to be granted bail for their freedom.

    He said: “I am happy that they are back. I thank the Government of Enugu State for its efforts in making sure that my subjects come back. I appreciate the efforts of Governor Ugwuanyi, who visited my community over this matter. That shows he is a man of the people. We pray God to grant him wisdom to continue to pilot the affairs of Enugu State. I also thank my community for their understanding.”

    The member representing Awgu South Constituency in the House of Assembly, Nelson Uduji, said the residents went through arduous tasks to get the bail for the 76 farmers.

  • Governor Ugwuanyi urges soul searching

    Governor Ugwuanyi urges soul searching

    Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has congratulated the people of the state for successfully completing the 40-day Lenten period, wishing them a happy Easter celebration.

    In a statement issued yesterday, the governor remarked: “As the Christendom today celebrates Easter to mark the resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ, may I specially greet the good people of our dear state, especially the Christians, on this auspicious occasion when you have successfully come to the end of the forty days of fasting, praying and arms-giving to promote the universal good for humanity.

    “During the Lenten season that ushered in today’s celebration, you embarked on spiritual exercises characterised by abstinence and you struggled to imbibe virtues that would promote good human relations among our people.

    “I urge you to let these virtues to continue to rule your individual lives so that our dear state would continue to gain from the full import of this period of soul-searching and purification in promoting universal brotherhood among our people. Let the lessons of Easter continue to promote peace and harmony among the good people of our state.

    “I would also use this medium to thank our people for their support and outpouring of prayers for our administration and to reassure them of our commitment to good governance in fulfilment of our campaign promises. Happy Easter!”

  • Ugwuanyi at 52: A date with charity

    Ugwuanyi at 52: A date with charity

    It was Marcus Tullius Cicero, a great Roman statesman, philosopher and orator, who said that certain phenomena are understood better by first describing what they are not, rather than what they are.

    Consequently, there is no better way to paint a vivid picture of the growing phenomenon of the man, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, the incumbent governor of Enugu State, other than to start from the standpoint of what he is not, rather than what he is.

    Ugwuanyi is not an ungodly personality. He is equally not a leader that segregates. He is neither selfish nor malevolent. The governor is evidently not an autocratic leader whose stance on an issue remains static irrespective of its harsh consequences on the people he leads. He is not a leader who sacrifices the feelings and needs of the people on the altar of neglect and discountenance. He is also not the type who eats while the underprivileged starve and languish to death in abject poverty, among others.

    If he does not represent all these awkward features, one may therefore ask, who then is Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi?

    He has, by his action, proved beyond reasonable doubt to be a God fearing, listening, visionary and adequate personality whose wealth of experience, dint of hard work, intellectual ability, milk of kindness, humility, simplicity, benevolence and penchant for peace stand him out as a great leader, an epitome of success and a God-sent leader.

    Today, our generation appreciates God for the special gift he bequeathed to mankind 52 years ago through the birth of this great son of the Igbo nation; a detribalized leader, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi. He is a humble leader who has distinguished himself creditably both in his private and public dealings.

    Popularly known as Gburugburu, Governor Ugwuanyi has made date with history through his phenomenon posture as a leader with an unusual style of leadership that has given succor to the poor and vulnerable, through charity and almsgiving.

    The governor has no doubt come a long way on the positive side of history. He has certainly attained a high position of distinction and eminence in the society through his cherished accomplishments and profiling. A leading light for the younger generation, he is easily given to kindness and empathy towards the lowly and downtrodden. As a devout Roman Catholic, he sipped deep of the Church’s moral teachings, especially the Christian obligation towards sharing in the pains of others by ameliorating their sufferings.

    Gov. Ugwuanyi’s legacy of philanthropy informs the bedrock of today’s Birthday Anniversary celebration. The mantra of today’s celebration is anchored on a special thanksgiving to the Almighty God for giving Enugu State a peaceful, worthy and people-oriented leader, who has dedicated himself to selfless service.

    Even though the Gburugburu of our time needs no introduction, considering his wide-range of popularity and acceptability, one is compelled by the status of his office to make a few comments on his personal life.

    He was born to peasant parents, the late Chief and late Lolo Lawrence Ugwuanyi from Orba in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State on March 20, 1964. He attended his secondary education at St. Theresa’s College (STC), Nsukka. He obtained his first Degree, a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Finance from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); Second Degrees, MBA in Finance and Accounting from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, (ESUT) and third Degree, Master of Science (M.Sc) in Public Relations/Marketing from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). He had an outstanding career in the financial sector having worked in insurance brokerage where he rose to the position of Chief Executive Officer of Premier Brokers, the then prime brokerage firm in the entire South-East geo-political zone of Nigeria.

    On his public life, Governor Ugwuanyi joined active politics in 2003 when he contested for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives.  He was first elected member for Igbo-Eze North /Udenu Federal Constituency in the 5th National Assembly (2003-2007). Subsequently, he was re-elected to the same seat in the 6th National Assembly (2007-2011) and again, for the third time, to the 7th National Assembly (2011-2015) serving a total of twelve (12) years in the green chambers of the National Assembly.

    In the National Assembly, Ugwuanyi left a great imprint and an enviable record. Between 2003 and 2007 he served as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Public Service Matters and Deputy Chairman House Committee on Pensions, respectively.  Following his victory at the National Assembly elections of 2007, he was appointed Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Transport (2007-2011). On account of his stellar performance as Chairman of the Committee on Maritime Transport, Ugwuanyi was re-appointed to the same committee position on winning back his House seat in 2011 thereby emerging as the first member of the National Assembly (both the Senate and the House of Representatives) to chair this all-important committee for two consecutive legislative sessions.

    As a man easily given to humility, kindness and empathy towards the lowly and downtrodden, the majority of the people of Enugu State and beyond were not surprised at his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state in 2014 and his subsequent election as the governor of Enugu State in 2015.

    As the incumbent Governor of Enugu State, Ugwuanyi has applied his vast experience in public service towards giving the state quality leadership, even in the face of the current economic recession in the country. He has maintained his long standing path to vision, integrity, all-inclusiveness, accountability, transparency and prudence in the running of the affairs of the state.

    Apart from the on-going massive road construction across the length and breadth of Enugu State, which are in advanced stages of earthworks, concrete and pavement works (asphalting), Governor Ugwuanyi has also recorded tremendous feats in other sectors of development, such as education, housing, healthcare delivery, security, agriculture, rural development, investment promotion, revenue generation, sports, humanitarian gestures, among others.

    These unprecedented landmarks and verifiable achievements have received wide commendation of the public who keep wondering the secret behind the success story so far. Having kept faith with his promises, it is pertinent on this special day in his life to pay special tribute and encourage him to remain committed to his ideals as well as dedicate his life, family and administration to the protection and blessings of the Almighty God, who is the Father of all things on earth.

    Your Excellency, your people are proud and satisfied with your sound vision and development trajectory which have started yielding positive results in the state. Your new ethos of leadership has changed the political equation of Enugu State for the better. It has also repositioned the people first and re-kindled their confidence in participatory democracy where the power belongs to the people.

    The people of Enugu State and indeed the globe cannot hide their feelings today as you mark your 52nd Birthday Anniversary in grand style, in contact with the needy, just as you have done in the past.

    In all, what else can we say about a governor who has made a lot of sacrifices to attend to the needs of the people; the electorate whom he has tagged the true heroes of democracy for the rain and sunshine they defied on the election days to ensure that their votes were counted? What else can we say about a governor who dedicated his first official duty as Governor of Enugu State to attend to the sick in the hospitals where he compassionately settled the bills of 21 indigent patients who were held back after being discharged due to inability to pay for their bills? A governor who has not changed his phone lines and has not stopped picking calls to keep in touch with the people who voted him into power.

    Again, what else can we say about a governor who has taken charity and almsgiving to a height that pleases God by dedicating his service to not only the state in general but also to the less privileged in the society. These are attributes of a populist leader. These are signs of a good leader worthy of our honour today.  We celebrate him today not just because he has made a mark in the political lexicon of the nation through hard work and diligence, but because he has, through his uncommon philanthropic disposition, kept faith with God whose grace and mercies made it possible for him to attain the enviable height of governing Enugu State today. Hence today’s date with charity and almsgiving.

    Happy Birthday, Your Excellency and may the good Lord continue to bestow you with long life, sound health, wisdom, peace, and many more years of selfless service to humanity and our fatherland. Amen!

    • Amoke, the Senior Special Assistant to the Enugu State Governor on Media Matters, wrote in from Enugu
  • Ugwuanyi earmarks N100m projects per council

    Ugwuanyi earmarks N100m projects per council

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has promised to spend N100 million on projects in each local government area in the state.

    Ugwuanyi spoke through the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Patrick Ikpenwa at Ninth Mile corner in Udi Local Government Area, when he inspected ongoing road works across the state.

    He added that the government is committed to massive infrastructural development, especially at the grassroots.

    The commissioner noted that Uguwanyi’s efforts, especially in road construction, demonstrates his willingness to provide the dividends of democracy to the people and advance good governance.

    Ikpenwa said the governor has earmarked N100 million per council, as contained in the 2016 budget, for the execution of projects that will touch their lives.

    He appealed for special prayers for improvement in the economic situation in the country.

  • Enugu workers back Ugwuanyi’s economic initiatives

    Enugu workers back Ugwuanyi’s economic initiatives

    Enugu State workers, under the auspices of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), have lent their support to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s economic revolution aimed at job creation and boosting of the state’s revenue.

    A statement by its Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Chukwuma Igbokwe and Comrade Benneth Asogwa lauded Ugwuanyi for reconstituting the committees on Commercialisation and Privatisation, saying it is a right decision in a right direction.

    The union noted that the governor’s bold initiative was a demonstration of “his zeal and commitment towards job creation, industrial development and improved revenue.

  • Ugwuanyi’s grassroot initiatives

    As Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State strives tirelessly to advance development in the state in spite of the current economic challenges which have drastically afected the state’s revenue, it is imperative to understand the present predicament to be able to appreciate the governor’s painstaking efforts towards good governance.

    Oil prices have slumped by more than 70 per cent over the past 19 months; today, it is down to barely $30 per barrel. The resultant crash in revenue has impacted negatively on the economic indices of countries like Nigeria and Venezuela  that depend  heavily on oil sales.

    It is well known that Enugu State is third from the bottom on the federation account allocation chart. Not only that, it is a predominantly civil service state with plethora of needs ranging from provision of social services, advancement of infrastructural development and other essential amenities that guarantee the security and welfare of the people, especially those at the grassroots.

    In view of the current harsh economic situation in the country and in the context of the daunting task before our leaders who are painstakingly working round the clock to surmount the challenges, one is compelled to align oneself to the popular view that this is not the best of times to be a governor of a state or occupy an exalted office in the country.

    But, a look at the pace of development in Enugu State since Governor Ugwuanyi assumed office, his eight-month scorecard and commitment towards the advancement of good governance, despite the negative trend in the nation’s economy, goes a long way to prove that in Enugu, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

    The governor’s landmark achievements in the areas of roads construction, education, rural development, healthcare delivery, investment promotion, agriculture, human empowerment, workers’ entitlements, provision of other basic amenities, among others, speak volume and can better be appreciated in the context of the present economic reality.

    Through vision, innovation, selfless service and absolute faith in God, Ugwuanyi has kept his promise to pay special attention to rural development where majority of the people reside. This bold initiative is borne out of the governor’s desire to take good governance closer to the door steps of the people at the grassroots in order to give them a sense of belonging as well as create fresh economic opportunities that would reduce pressure on Enugu metropolis.

    It is pertinent to note that the first project Governor Ugwuanyi executed immediately after his inauguration, was the 15km Inter-Town-Connection (ITC) 2.5MVA Injection Sub-Station at Ezi-Nze in Udi Local Government Area which provides electricity to communities across Udi, Uzo-Uwani and Igbo-Etiti Local Government Areas of the state. The project which was in keeping with his administration’s rural development initiatives, will also supply power to the Adada Dam project and open up business activities in these communities. Upon completion, the dam will power the greater Nsukka Water Scheme that has also been in the proverbial pipeline for decades.

    Recently, the governor in a bid to fast-track the on-going roads construction, mostly in the rural areas, mobilized the contractors handling the projects with a marching order to deliver quality jobs within the stipulated contract period. He had also embarked on unscheduled inspection tour of the sites to assess their performance, and reassure the people of his administration’s commitment to deliver on his campaign promises in spite of the economic downturn.

    It is worthy of note that the progress report of the over eight road projects simultaneously on-going in the state is impressive as the construction companies are in advanced stages of earthworks, concrete and pavement works.

    On water supply, Governor Ugwuanyi during a fact-finding tour of the water facilities in some remote villages in the state recently, had declared that he will now spend more time on the field than in the office as that is a better way he can feel the impulse of the people and ascertain the true position of things.

    In an effort to ensure effective supply of potable water to the people of the state, especially those in the rural areas, the governor through the state executive council recently approved the release of the sum of N100 million to the state Water Corporation to enable it carry out repairs and maintenance work on some broken down facilities at its Enugu and Nsukka water supply schemes.

    Although the governor’s determination to fulfill his campaign promises to the fullest is being weighed down by the lean resource inflow across the country, kudos should go to his administration for its vision, managerial instinct, steadfastness and undaunted spirit in provision of the basic needs of the people.

    At a time like this, it is imperative to note that what the governor needs in return is the maximum cooperation of the people to enable him tackle the present economic challenges through viable people-oriented policies that would not only engender sustainable economic growth but also propel the process of good governance for the people to reap the full benefits of democracy.

    It is therefore, incumbent on the newly inaugurated Local Government Area caretaker committee chairmen and their executives to raise their performance bar as well as key in expeditiously into the new ethos of leadership and development trajectory of the present administration in Enugu State.

    As the State Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and Committee Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Prince Cornelius Nnaji recently stated during the inauguration of members of his executive, which has equally taken place in other Local Government Areas of the state, “our governor has laid a solid foundation that is grassroots-oriented for us to build on as grassroots soldiers in the third tier of government. He has kept faith with his promise to give special attention to rural development and bring good governance closer to our people”.

    ”We at the helm of affairs of the 17 Local Government Areas, therefore, reassure our visionary governor of our maximum support to his grassroots development initiatives aimed at ameliorating the suffering of the people; the electorate, whom he (governor) described as the true heroes of democracy for defying rain and sunshine to ensure that their votes were counted during the last general elections. We must work hard to deliver in our various Local Government Areas so that his vision for the state will be fully actualized”.

    In view of the above, there is no doubt that Governor Ugwuanyi has through his grassroots development initiatives proved that as far as the progress of Enugu State is concerned; as far as the welfare of the people is concerned and despite the hydra-headed economic meltdown which the country is confronted with, he still remains committed to his solemn pledge to render selfless service and work tirelessly towards giving the people of the state quality leadership.

    The onus is therefore, on the people to continue to give his administration the needed support to sustain the current tempo of governance and take Enugu State, in spite of the present economic challenges.

    • Amokewritesfrom Enugu.
  • Ugwuanyi honoured in UK

    Ugwuanyi honoured in UK

    Enugu state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has been honoured in Dublin, Ireland for his leadership role as governor and contributions while he was chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Marine Transport.

    The governor won the award alongside other awardees, including a female Irish professor and women’s rights activist, Fionnuala Waldron, former Charge d’Affaires of Nigerian Embassy in Ireland and a former Nigerian ambassador, Benedict Onochie Amobi, among others at the event put together by Metro Eireann, Ireland’s first multicultural newspaper.

    The event, which held in the capital city, came two days after scores of investors gathered at Dublin City’s Westin Hotels to brainstorm at a mini investment summit which offered the Enugu State delegation to Ireland the opportunity to lay bare the vast investment opportunities in the coal city.

    The investment summit also organised by Metro Eireann which is run by Metro Publishing Consultancy Limited, the primary source of news and information on Ireland’s growing immigrant and ethnic communities and run by a Nigerian, Chinedu Onyejelem, opened up a lot of vistas forthe Enugu delegation to enter into concrete and temporary agreements on mutual cooperation in the areas of agriculture, education and commerce and industry.

    At the awards, Ugwuanyi who featured in the internal category, told the elite gathering made of diplomats and serving and former Irish government officials as well as members of the Nigerian community in the European country, that his 11-man delegation was in town to seek investment in view of the scary slump in global oil prices which is currently putting Nigeria’s economy on edge.

    He told the gathering which was also addressed by a former Irish minister of Trade and Development, Mr. Joe Castelo, that he was dedicating the awards to the good people of Enugu state back home, whom he described as the true heroes of democracy in view of their support and decision to join his administration in a current stoic philosophy of belt-tightening to shore of the economy of the state.

    Nigerian Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires in Ireland, Mr. Olusola Iginla attended both the investment summit for Enugu and the awards night and on both occasions commended the exemplary drive of the Enugu governor during the three-day working visit, saying it is the needed disposition for all political office holders in Nigeria in view of the current economic gridlock staring the nation in the face.

    Chairman of the state Economic Advisory Committee, Prof. Monsgr. Obiora Ike, who was also on the delegation read the citation of the governor at the awards event and told the gathering that the coal city state was lucky to have Governor Ugwuanyi at the helm of affairs at this critical period and declared that with his wealth of experience as a parliamentarian for 12 straight years and a visible combination of clusters of virtues of good leadership and disarming humility, there was no doubt that the people of the state are in for good governance.

    Apart from Mr. Terence Modebe, a Nigerian-Irish who is already working on a range of investments on agriculture in Adani, Enugu State as well as on other economic ventures, in the state, the Enugu delegation held very crucial talks with other prospective investors who look good to storm Enugu shortly.

    For instance, president of the Dublin City University, Prof. Brian McCraith, whose institution had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding with the Enugu Government on education development would be attending an Economic Summit being put together by the state government in March this year. A good number of investors and other businessmen who held talks with government delegation have expressed readiness to participate in the summit.

    The awards night featured multi-cultural displays by cultural troupes with backgrounds of the Igbo of Nigeria, India and the Congo of East Africa and they added colour to the event.

  • Ugwuanyi’s long walk to good governance

    There is no doubt that the recent alarm by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that hard times await Nigerians following its projection that low oil revenue will linger for a long period, has set a new agenda and dimmed the hope of Nigerians towards a possible viable economy that would impact positively on their lives and enhance the pace of development.

    It is quite unfortunate that today’s crop of leaders are witnessing the worst economic depression in the annals of the country. Most economic indices keep pointing to the fact that diversification of the economy remains the only viable option for the nation’s economic recovery, as the mantra has changed from excess crude to bailout fund.

    But the consolation lies on fact that a handful of leaders had taken the bull by the horns and swung into action through their steadfastness, commitment and wide-range of visionary and innovative approach towards exploiting other avenues of revenue generation to tackle the needs of their people.

    In Enugu State for instance, where Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi holds sway, the present economic realities characterized by paucity of revenue in the midst of avalanche of demands have not dampened the detemination of the governor to advance good governance.

    Apart from the fact that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration has continued to pay workers’ salaries promptly despite the economic meltdown, it has also maintained a harmonious working relationship with the organized labour in the state.

    It is on record that Governor Ugwuanyi in his desire to ensure delivery of quality jobs within stipulated contract period, had, through the chairman of the Enugu State Urban Renewal Committee, Arc. Chris Offor, ordered contractors handling various road projects in the state to speed up work, on the grounds that the government was in a hurry to deliver on its promises to the people despite the drastic effects of the economic meltdown.

    It is also on record that the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Patrick Ikpenwa, had on several occasions during his routine inspection visits to sites, told contractors to stick to work specification, ensure that standards are maintained and work to ensure that the projects are completed within the specified period.  He added that the state government will not tolerate any form of laxity that could undermine its estimated time lag for the completion of the projects.

    In the Nike Lake Road project for instance, which is being undertaken by Setraco Construction Company, one is impressed to observe that work has reached the advanced stage of asphalts placement in the first one kilometre of the road. Also, in the Udenu Ring Road project, being handled by Ferotex Construction Company, progress report shows that drainages, culverts and earthworks are on-going. In the Amaeke- Nsude – 9th mile by-pass road project, being handled by CCC Nig. Ltd, earthworks have been completed; culverts are on-going while stone-base is 50% completed.

    In the Opi-Nsukka dual carriage road project, being done by RCC Nig. Ltd, clearing, earthworks, drainages and culverts are in progress while relocation of utilities is almost completed for the first seven kilometers of the road.  In the Amangwo- Amaeke-NBL junction road project, being handled by Tomando Nig. Ltd, clearing, relocation and earthworks are seriously on-going. In Emene – Adoration Ministry praying ground road project, being handled by Coys Construction Company, clearing, earthworks, drainages and relocation of utilities are equally on-going. The same can be said for other on-going road projects in the state.

    It also worthy of note that the governor, through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, had successfully repaired most potholes in Enugu metropolis including the popular 9th mile corner roads, under the Operation Zero Pothole (OZP) programme initiated for aggressive maintenance of all the existing roads in line with his principle of seamless continuity and consolidation.

    All these landmark achievements and numerous remarkable feats recorded in other sectors of development, such as in the areas of education, health, agriculture, housing, etc, have left many to wonder about the secret behind the governor’s success story and long walk to good governance in Enugu State.

    Recently, the governor and his team were in Dublin, Ireland as part of investment drive, in keeping with his campaign promises to navigate the state through the current economic crunch and exploit other avenues of revenue generation for development.

    One appreciates the fruitfulness of the trip which led to the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Enugu State Government and the authorities of Dublin City University on how to promote and develop education in the state as one of the focal points of the government’s development initiatives.

    The visit also recorded other remarkable successes in shopping for investors and donor agencies that would key freely into the new phase of development in Enugu State. It is strongly believed that the fruitful discussions and other fallout of the investment trip would be felt by the people of the state in no distant time.

    Still on the governor’s long walk to good governance, Ugwuanyi has in recent times spent more time on the field than in the office in his bid to address the needs and problems of the people of the state.

    Within a space of three days, the governor made appreciable interventionist moves towards brokering peace between the two warring communities of Umuodo and Oruku in Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state through unscheduled peace mission visits and meeting with stakeholders of the two communities.

    He also embarked on a long trip through the communities of Amechi-Idodo, Amuzam and Amagunze in Nkanu East Local Government Area to inspect the mind-boggling dilapidated Uzam/Amechi Idodo/Inyaba/ Umunevo/Amagunze Inter-Community wooden bridge which has effectively cut the people of the areas off from other neighboring villages.

    After taking a long walk on the bridge during the inspection, he promised that his administration will do its best in spite of the economic meltdown to construct the bridge. The excitement that followed his promise was electrifying, as the villagers could not stop thanking him for the kind gesture and his prime honour as the first governor of the state to visit the site.

    The governor who made a brief stopover at Uzam Community Primary School, Amechi-idodo on his way to the bridge, to appreciate pupils of the school who lined up on the road in large numbers to welcome him, after identifying the needs of the school promised to improve on the learning condition of the pupils.

    In all, there is no doubt that Ugwuanyi  has through his absolute faith in God continued to maintain his promise to the people of Enugu State, “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”.

    These, he has pursued vigorously with all sense of commitment, vision, steadfastness and passion in spite of all the present economic tribulations.  It is, therefore, the responsibility of the people to continue to encourage and give his administration the maximum support it deserves to successfully drive the wheels of governance in this moment of economic depression.

    • Amokewritesfrom Enugu.
  • Ugwuanyi honoured in UK

    Ugwuanyi honoured in UK

    Enugu state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has been honoured in Dublin, Ireland for his leadership role as governor and contribution as chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Marine Transport for eight years.

    The governor garnered an international leadership award along with other awardees, including a female Irish professor and women’s rights activist, Fionnuala Waldron, former Charge d’Affaires of Nigerian Embassy in Ireland and a former Nigerian ambassador, Benedict Onochie Amobi, among others at the event put together by Metro Eireann, Ireland’s first multicultural newspaper.

    The event, which held in the capital city, came two days after scores of investors gathered at Dublin City’s Westin Hotels to brainstorm at a mini investment summit which offered the Enugu State delegation to Ireland the opportunity to lay bare the vast investment opportunities in the coal city.

    The investment summit also organised by Metro Eireann which is run by Metro Publishing Consultancy Limited, the primary source of news and information on Ireland’s growing immigrant and ethnic communities and run by a Nigerian, Chinedu Onyejelem, opened up a lot of vistas forthe Enugu delegation to enter into concrete and temporary agreements on mutual cooperation in the areas of agriculture, education and commerce and industry.

    At the awards, Ugwuanyi who featured in the internal category, told the elite gathering made of diplomats and serving and former Irish government officials as well as members of the Nigerian community in the European country, that his 11-man delegation was in town to seek investment in view of the scary slump in global oil prices which is currently putting Nigeria’s economy on edge.

    He told the gathering which was also addressed by a former Irish minister of Trade and Development, Mr. Joe Castelo, that he was dedicating the awards to the good people of Enugu state back home, whom he described as the true heroes of democracy in view of their support and decision to join his administration in a current stoic philosophy of belt-tightening to shore of the economy of the state.

    Nigerian Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires in Ireland, Mr. Olusola Iginla attended both the investment summit for Enugu and the awards night and on both occasions commended the exemplary drive of the Enugu governor during the three-day working visit, saying it is the needed disposition for all political office holders in Nigeria in view of the current economic gridlock staring the nation in the face.

    Chairman of the state Economic Advisory Committee, Prof. Monsgr. Obiora Ike, who was also on the delegation read the citation of the governor at the awards event and told the gathering that the coal city state was lucky to have Governor Ugwuanyi at the helm of affairs at this critical period and declared that with his wealth of experience as a parliamentarian for 12 straight years and a visible combination of clusters of virtues of good leadership and disarming humility, there was no doubt that the people of the state are in for good governance.

    Apart from Mr. Terence Modebe, a Nigerian-Irish who is already working on a range of investments on agriculture in Adani, Enugu State as well as on other economic ventures, in the state, the Enugu delegation held very crucial talks with other prospective investors who look good to storm Enugu shortly.

    For instance, president of the Dublin City University, Prof. Brian McCraith, whose institution had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding with the Enugu Government on education development would be attending an Economic Summit being put together by the state government in March this year. A good number of investors and other businessmen who held talks with government delegation have expressed readiness to participate in the summit.

    The awards night featured multi-cultural displays by cultural troupes with backgrounds of the Igbo of Nigeria, India and the Congo of East Africa and they added colour to the event.

  • Ugwuanyi promises prompt salary payment

    Ugwuanyi promises prompt salary payment

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has assured workers they would get their salaries promptly despite the present economic challenges. This he said was to ensure service delivery among the work force.

    Ugwuanyi spoke during a prayer session to usher in the New Year. The prayer was organised by the organised labour and held at the new secretariat complex. He noted that regular payment of salaries would continue to activate the state’s economy.

    “We will continue to pay salaries because it is only then that we can activate the economy”.

    The governor thanked the organised labour and workers for initiating and sustaining the prayer session, adding that “without God we can do nothing.” He applauded the workers for their solidarity to his administration since inception, even as he urged them to be steadfast in their faith in God.

    In his exaltation “With God everything is possible” the Methodist Bishop of Agbani Circuit, Rev. Udoh Emeremgini said God does wonderful things in the life of those who truly worship and trust Him, adding that all good works have their rewards.

    Udoh advised the worker to always stand on the truth and be mindful of their deeds and advised the authorities to always carry their subordinates along.