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Tag: Ugwuanyi

  • Christmas Bonus: Ugwuanyi approves 13th month salary for workers

    Christmas Bonus: Ugwuanyi approves 13th month salary for workers

    In keeping with the commitment of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration to the welfare of the workers, the Enugu State Executive Council (EXCO), yesterday approved a 13th month salary for civil servants of the state as an added boost to celebrate the forthcoming Christmas.

    The approval was the outcome of the meeting between the leadership of the Organized Labour in the state and the Council, held at the Government House, Enugu.

    Reacting to the development, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Virginus Nwobodo stated that the gesture was unprecedented in the history of the state, considering the nation’s economic downturn that has made it impossible for many states to pay workers’ salaries.

    Comrade Nwobodo commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the offer, which he said was a surprise package borne out of his magnanimity and an incentive to the workers to motivate them to discharge their duties efficiently.

    The Labour leader urged the state workers to reciprocate the gesture by putting in their best to increase productivity.

    Also speaking, the state Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe, who equally appreciated the state government’s gesture, noted that the beauty of the offer is that the workers never asked or agitated for it, saying: “It was freely given to us and because of that, it is another milestone in this administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. and Comrade Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who is always passionate about workers’ welfare”

    Comrade Igbokwe, who stated that the workers are part of the Enugu project, maintained that the leadership of the union and the workers will continue to appreciate the gesture and reciprocate by discharging their responsibilities for the growth and development of the state.

    “We use this opportunity to commend His Excellency for his kind gesture and to continue to say that as Oliver Twist, good things will continue to come. Our prayer is that the state will continue to improve and increase its revenue so that more things will come the way of the workers”, Comrade Igbokwe said.

  • Ugwuanyi, Ekweremadu hail Fed Govt on 41km Enugu-Ebonyi road

    Ugwuanyi, Ekweremadu hail Fed Govt on 41km Enugu-Ebonyi road

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Senate Deputy President Ike Ekweremadu have hailed the Federal Government for starting the rehabilitation of the 41-kilometre Ozalla-Akpugo-Amagunze-Ihuokpara-Nkomoro Ebonyi road.

    The project, which was awarded in 2010, was stopped because of poor funding, but was re-awarded by the Muhammadu Buhari administration, following the intervention of Ugwuanyi, Ekweremadu, and other federal lawmakers from the state.

    At the kick-off of the project, Ugwuanyi expressed appreciation about the synergy among the federal lawmakers from the state.

    The governor noted that this contributed to the start of work on the road.

    He said: “What we are witnessing here is the gift of synergy among National Assembly members from Enugu State, led by Senator Ekweremadu.

    “On behalf of Ndi Enugu, we appreciate the Federal Government for acceding to the request by the state for the road rehabilitation, which will bring about socio-economic transformation to the people.”

    Also, Ekweremadu praised the Buhari administration for making funds available for the project.

    The senator noted that the project faced an initial challenge because it started as a constituency project under Peace Nnaji.

    According to him, such projects usually suffer a setback for continuity, especially when the lawmaker who initiated it did not return to the National Assembly.

    Ekweremadu said the road had been awarded as a full project under the Federal Ministry of Power, Works, and Housing.

    The senate deputy governor hailed Ugwuanyi for cooperating with the National Assembly to reactivate the project.

    He added that the Governor mandated them to ensure that no federal road in the State was abandoned.

    Ekweremadu said: “I would, therefore, like to express our special gratitude to the Federal Government for making funds available to continue this project. I also call on them to step up efforts on other roads in the Southeast.”

    The Managing Director of Arab Contractors, the firm handling the project, Mohammed El-Eldaros, assured the governor of timely delivery of the project.

  • Ugwuanyi: Fruits of investment drive

    Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration in a recent business engagement with a Chinese Investment Company, Lion Business Park Limited, recorded a major breakthrough in its spirited efforts to attract direct foreign investments to the state for economic recovery and diversification.

    The company, is partnering the state government under a Public Private Partnership (PPA) initiative to build an industrial market on a 2000 hectares of land located in the proximity of the Enugu Industrial Park – FTZ ( ENPOWER  Free Trade Zone) at the 9th Mile Corner, Enugu, to be known as Lion Business Park, modelled after the Dragon Market in Dubai.

    It is interesting to note that the new business investment was a fallout of the first ever Enugu State Investment Summit, tagged “Oganiru Enugu”, organized by the Ugwuanyi administration in April 2016, to showcase the economic potentials of the state in line with its promise to vigorously promote investment and pursue the diversification of the state’s economy.

    The Lion Business Park project is, therefore, a bold initiative of the present administration designed to establish an integrated manufacturing industrial hub that will facilitate Chinese manufacturers’ entry into the state to feed the Nigerian and African market through the existing sales channels in Nigeria and the West African Sub-region in partnership with Nigerian business organizations.

    It was strategically initiated to leverage on the thriving trade cooperation between Nigerian Business structures and their foreign counterparts, especially from China, for the purpose of furthering their mutual interests in a more profitable, affordable and convenient setting.

    Displaying maximum commitment to the course of the business initiative, the Enugu State government recently facilitated the formal presentation of N300 million worth of cheque to three communities of Ogwofia Owa, Enugu Eke and Akama Oghe by the company as agreed compensation for the economic items, on the acquired land for the development of the project. The cheque presentation was not only a pivotal step towards the commencement and actualization of the project, but also gave credence to the governor’s  promise to proactively promote and attract private investment to the state through policies and programmes that would generate employment as well as boost the state’s economy for sustainable development.

    It would be recalled that Governor Ugwuanyi had in his inaugural address promised that his administration “will drive with full force investment promotion…” and “provide the necessary legal and policy framework to make investment thrive” in the state.  The governor also promised to give attention to the 9th Mile Corner, “a long overlooked economic hub” to harness its potentials to enjoy the full benefits of its newly acquired status as a Free Trade Zone. He noted that the initiatives will speed up urban development, generate employment, create fresh economic opportunities and reduce pressure on Enugu metropolis.

    It is pertinent to note that during the cheque presentation ceremony, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Cecilia Ezeilo, highlighted the massive benefits the project will bring to the economy of the state. He stated that such an enduring business venture was apt and will “stimulate investment inflow in diverse sectors of the economy and create a huge economic value chain that would engender employment as well as production and availability of much needed goods and services”.

    Declaring that “Enugu State is ready and open for business”, Governor Ugwuanyi reassured all foreign partners and potential investors of his administration’s resolve to sustain the business-friendly environment that exists in the state. In the Memorandum of Understanding for the Lion Business Park, it was agreed that “the investors shall among other benefits, pay compensation for economic items on the land to the host communities through the state government”.

    While appreciating the state’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, indigenes of the three host communities, members of the land acquisition steering committee and others who contributed to the successful acquisition of the land, the governor equally commended the company for the prompt fulfilment of “this very important term of the MOU”.

    Expressing gratitude, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, applauded Governor Ugwuanyi for his dexterity, vision, innovation, fiscal discipline, transparency, good governance and other structural and institutional initiatives aimed at driving massive investment inflow into the state’s economy.  The visibly elated commissioner noted that the event was a major breakthrough geared towards the full actualization of the investment vision of the present administration in Enugu State, disclosing that the state has “witnessed a sustained high level of investment inflow”, as a consequence of the governor’s tenacious commitment to investment promotion.

    The commissioner stated that the state government’s vision “is to create a conducive and profitable environment for Chinese companies to produce in Nigeria ahead of other countries and to enhance strong and enduring bi-lateral ties between the Peoples Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

    While presenting the cheque to the host communities, the chairman of Lion Business Park Limited, Dr. Okechukwu Mbonu also commended Governor Ugwuanyi for his “great vision in making Enugu State a West African industrial hub”, saying that the company is only complementing what his administration has already started in the state.

    Appreciating how committed and desirous the governor was to have the project come to fruition, Mbonu assured him of the foreign partners’ determination to actualize their mandate in a record time and went further to thank the host communities for their support, sacrifices and understanding.

    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Chief Allen Onyema, had during a recent meeting with Governor Ugwuanyi  on the economic development of the South East region, described the governor as “a visionary and forward thinking governor who has assembled technocrats to think about what to do for his people”. The Air Peace boss, who disclosed the company’s vision to use the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as the economic hub of Africa, to enable the nation play its leading role in the continent, also affirmed that the decision to establish businesses in Enugu was based on his company’s assessment of the governor’s leadership qualities, positive impacts in governance and commitment to investment promotion.

    “We have in Governor Ugwuanyi, the best governor in the South-east. He is very visionary; he has brought many technocrats together to think about what he will do for his people. So, we want to align ourselves with his dreams and that is why we decided to choose Enugu International Airport among all the airports in Nigeria for our business investment”, Onyema said.

    As Governor Ugwuanyi has taken the lead to make the coal city state the ultimate destination for tourism and business investments, the onus is, therefore, on the public to support this brave initiative as well as the concerted effort of his administration towards improving the living standard of the people of the state – the true heroes of democracy, for Enugu State is truly in the hands of God.

     

    • Amoke writes from Enugu State.
  • Ugwuanyi promises more projects as rainy season recedes

    Ugwuanyi promises more projects as rainy season recedes

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has pledged to increase the provision of essential infrastructure “now that the rain is fast receding”.

    The governor said more contractors would return to old sites while work would begin on new ones.

    Ugwuanyi spoke at the holy mass/march past at the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu for Nigeria’s 57th Independence Day anniversary celebration.

    The ceremony, which was marked with funfair, was attended by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and other members of the National Assembly from the state.

    Others included Deputy Governor Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, Enugu State House of Assembly Speaker Edward Ubosi and other members of the Assembly, members of the Judiciary, led by the Chief Judge, Justice Priscilla Emehelu, heads of security agencies, past governors, religious leaders and all the bishops in the state.

    Ugwuanyi reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace, national unity and safety of Nigerians and foreigners residing in the state.

    The governor congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, fellow governors, members of the National and state assemblies, the Judiciary, past Presidents and former Heads of State as well as all Nigerians “on this great accomplishment of 57 years of nationhood”.

    He paid glowing tributes to Nigeria’s founding fathers for their “enormous sacrifices and unassailable patriotism”.

    These, he said, were instrumental to the freedom the nation still enjoyed till date.

    Ugwuanyi recalled that the labour of the nation’s leaders, like “Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and a host of others, who nurtured the dream of a free Nigeria to fruition”.

    The governor also expressed appreciation to the residents “for continually upholding the ideals of our fathers, especially the ideal of one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity”.

    He said: “Let me also seize this opportunity to enjoin all Nigerians to continue to be their brother’s keeper. Like every family, we are bound to have our disagreements, but what divides us is far less than what unites us. Let us continue to emphasise those things that unite and make us great and eschew those that divide us.

    “Let peace, equity and justice reign in the heart of every citizen and government at all levels. Every Nigerian deserves justice, irrespective of his or her ethnic, political and religious background. Do justice to your brother and sister. Do justice to your neighbour. Do justice to the stranger and it shall be well with us.

    “As a people renowned for their peaceful and hospitable nature, we remain committed to the peace and safety of all Nigerians and foreigners alike residing in the state. We assure and indeed reassure you of your safety.”

  • Rangers: Ugwuanyi inaugurates 10-man probe panel

    FOLLOWING the recent dissolution of the Board and Management of the Rangers Management Corporation, among other decisions, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday inaugurated a 10-man Administrative Panel of Inquiry on Rangers International Football Club, “to carry out a diagnostic investigation of the problems of the club”. The panel which comprises state chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association and Nigerian Medical Association (NBA); Auditor General of Enugu State; representative of Nigerian Football Association; Chairmen of Enugu State Sports Writers Association and Rangers Supporters Club, State’s Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, among others, has Prof. Agu Gab Agu and Mr. Kennis Ngene as chairman and secretary respectively.

    Ugwuanyi, while inaugurating the panel, stated the measure was in keeping with his earlier resolve to “ensure the total revitalization and repositioning of the Club for future challenges especially, in the light of the internal strife and the mismanagement of the Club”. The governor regretted that the ugly development had continued despite his administration’s best efforts and interventions, saying that it almost resulted in the Club’s relegation from the Nigerian Premier League during the just concluded 2016/2017 season.

    According to the governor, the panel’s terms of reference are to “investigate and identify all the factors responsible for the continuing crisis in Rangers FC and recommend appropriate measures to curb them; articulate a road map for Rangers FC; determine and recommend appropriate amendments to the Rangers Management Corporation Law that would align it with the road map and specifically enthrone robust governance structure with clear reporting lines in keeping with international best practices and transparent accountability framework”.

    Other terms include to “investigate any other relevant matter(s) that may come to the knowledge of the panel in the course of the inquiry, not covered under paragraphs (1) – (3) above and generally, in the light of its findings, make recommendations which the panel may consider appropriate for the total and sustainable revitalization of Rangers FC”. The governor appreciated the Chairman and members of the panel for accepting to lend their services to the state and to the teeming fans and supporters of the Club and expressed confidence that they will deploy their wealth of experience, knowledge and competencies in the discharge of their duties effectively and satisfactorily. Responding on behalf of other members of the panel, the chairman, Prof. Agu thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve the state in that capacity, noting that Rangers FC means more than a football team to the Igbo people.

  • APC leaders praise Ugwuanyi’s bi-partisan approach to governance

    APC leaders praise Ugwuanyi’s bi-partisan approach to governance

    Recently, members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) converged at the Convention Hall of Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, in solidarity with one of their staunch members from Enugu State, the Nigerian Ambassador to Republic of India with Concurrent Accreditation to Bangladesh and Nepal, Major-General Chris Sunday Eze (retd), who was accorded a befitting reception by Enugu State Government in respect of his new appointment.

    The auspicious event, which attracted notable leaders of the APC, namely: Senator Ken Nnamani, Senator Jim Nwobodo, Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Senator Fidelis Okoro, former governorship candidate of the APC, Chief Okey Ezea, former Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Eugene Odoh, Chief Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu, Senator Emma Anosike, among others, provided a veritable platform for them to appreciate the uncommon leadership style of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government in Enugu State.

    The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South East region, Hon. Emma Eneukwu, in his goodwill message commended Ugwuanyi for his bi-partisan approach to governance, saying that such an exceptional disposition has united leaders of the state, irrespective of their political differences. He stated without mincing words that the governor has created a peaceful atmosphere that has made it possible for everybody to be one when it comes to issues concerning the state.

    “I want to thank God for today, because this thanksgiving signifies the fact that whatever we do in this state, we are one. Whether you’re PDP, you’re APC; you’re all these political parties, once any of us achieves anything that is worth commending. It is worthy of note that the kind of governor we have is one who appreciates your talent irrespective of your party”, Eneukwu said.

    Also speaking at the event, the former President of the Senate and a chieftain of the APC, Senator Ken Nnamani, said Ugwuanyi has demonstrated political maturity in the state by creating an ambience of peace and tranquility where everybody is accorded his or her due respect irrespective of political divide.

    Nnamani applauded Ugwuanyi for providing good governance and quality leadership in the state, adding that the governor has, through the reception for Ambassador Eze, reaffirmed that he is “a governor for everybody”.

    He called on other states to emulate what is happening in Enugu State, stating that “our National Vice Chairman has alluded to the fact that we are enjoying peace in Enugu State, and we are enjoying somebody that has a large heart, not minding his political affiliation”.

    The Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, also appreciated the governor’s bi-partisan disposition, saying that the APC has not and will not take such a rare gesture for granted.

    From the foregoing, it is apparent that the policy thrust of Ugwuanyi’s administration, anchored on peace and grassroots development initiatives, has yielded enormous progress and goodwill, resulting in the support the government enjoys from the opposition political parties. The governor has, through the above initiatives, redefined governance and brought it closer to the doorstep of the people – the true heroes of democracy.

    This uncommon attribute has gone a long way in reducing political tension in the state, and has provided the platform in which the government has thrived successfully in providing dividends of democracy to the people of the state in spite of the daunting economic recession in the country. It has caused an enduring political evolution that needs to be distilled into the lexicon of other states and the country indeed for the stability of the polity as Senator Nnamani opined.

    It would be recalled that Ugwuanyi, during his maiden media parley in June 2015 (shortly after his inauguration), organised to brief journalists of his action plans for the state as well as his administration’s approach towards achieving a harmonious relationship among the political class in the state, disclosed his intention to run a peaceful, inclusive and purposeful government. He said that his administration will accommodate all former governors of the state and other leaders, stressing that “everybody is our friend and the era of politics is over”.

    In view of the above, one is laden with emotions to note that the recent verdict by leaders of the major opposition political party in the state, the APC, reconfirms that Ugwuanyi has kept faith with his peace and development initiatives. The APC’s kudos for Gov. Ugwuanyi has further affirmed that the governor has, against all odds, remained focused and steadfast in his vision to continue to entrench good governance in the state, while maintaining an intrinsic peaceful relationship with all spheres of the society both the poor and the rich  an enduring leadership legacy that has ushered in a new vista for aggressive development of the state.

    Apart from commendations from the APC, the state chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella organisation of all the political parties in Nigeria, had during the 2017 democracy day celebration, scored Ugwuanyi   high on good governance, peace and infrastructural development, expressing delight at “the governor’s exhibition of vision, candour, humility, simplicity, inclusiveness and other uncommon leadership qualities that have endeared him to the people of the state”.

    It is also pertinent to note that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, where Gov. Ugwuanyi presides as the state leader, also enjoys the quantum flame of the governor’s uncommon leadership style.

    The governor has, through the administration’s peace and development initiatives, systematically eschewed all endemic factors that led to bickering, disunity or infighting in the PDP and has galvanized party leaders to work assiduously as one family for the progress of the party and its government in the state. This no doubt, informed the recent well deserved endorsement of his re-election in 2019 by the PDP.

    The State Executive Committee (SEC) of the PDP, the highest decision-making organ of the party before the State Congress, had, a few weeks ago “unanimously endorsed Gov. Ugwuanyi for second term in office in 2019 for his outstanding achievements and commitment to peace and participatory democracy”.

    In all, it is explicit that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s penchant for peace, good governance and inter-party relationship have brought enormous benefits to Enugu State and have reshaped the political landscape of the state for a responsible and peaceful engagement in the governance of the state.

    • Amoke writes from Enugu State

  • Ugwuanyi: Ramping up state IGR

    Recently, the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State announced an impressive increase in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) receipts through the sterling performance of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, under the chairmanship of Emeka Odo.

    The Accountant General of the State, Sir Paschal Okolie, while briefing members of the state Executive Council on the mid-year budget review, declared that the state has grown its IGR to 35% of her total revenue, adding that the state’s IGR receipts for the period of six months (January-June) was N12.4billion – an unprecedented increase which he said almost equaled federal statutory allocation of N13.5billion to the state within the period under review. He also pointed out that the state’s total IGR receipts for 2016 was N14.2billion, describing the development as unprecedented on the part of revenue collection agencies in the state.

    The state’s Accountant General disclosed that the remarkable achievements being recorded in all strata of the economy in the state, especially in the provision of critical infrastructure and prompt payment of workers’ salaries on or before 25th of every month, among others, despite the severe economic recession in the county, were as a result of the impact of the significant growth in the income of the state, through her IGR.

    He added that, an effect of the milestone feat was also the governor’s further directive that all civil servants in the state be paid promptly on the 23rd day of each month, noting that the directive has been complied with.

    It would be recalled that Ugwuanyi in his inaugural address promised to turn the present economic challenges in the county into huge blessings by looking inwards to harness those potentials which free oil money has blinded the state from exploiting. He also pledged to lead by example to pilot “a lean government to free up resources and channel them to the real development issues”. He had declared that “every revenue-generating agency of government should be ready to generate and remit revenues to fund government development efforts”.

    In the same vein, he directed that “individuals and corporate entities should henceforth start paying tax as defaulters will not be counted as friends of Enugu State”, stating that “one thing I must assure you is that every kobo you put into the coffers of government will be utilized transparently and in a way that adds value to your lives”.

    In keeping with these promises, in June last year, in a bid to systematically increase the state’s IGR for the delivery of more dividends of democracy to the people, Governor Ugwuanyi took a bold step and reconstituted the state Board of Internal Revenue. The action,   which was taken pursuant to Section 19 (1) of the Finance (Amendment) Law of Enugu State, brought on board men of proven integrity and financial prowess to drive the noble agenda of the state government. It was also in reaction to the dwindling revenue from the Federation Account.

    One year down the line, the state’s Internal Revenue Service has displayed high sense of professionalism and has also brought innovation, fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability to bear in the discharge of its responsibilities. These enduring attributes, no doubt saw, to the remarkable achievements recorded so far by the board, which were responsible for the unparalleled boost of the state’s IGR to an enviable status contrary to what was obtainable in the past.

    For instance, the new board, according to its chairman, Emeka Odo has, in alignment with the vision of the governor, implemented far reaching measures to reform the revenue service, eliminate corruption, block pilfering of tax and non-tax income of government and ramp up the internally generated revenues in a steady and sustainable manner. It has also prosecuted an innovative and intensive regime of back-duty audits on major tax agents, creating zonal tax controllers to bring tax officials closer to taxpayers with an accelerated automation of tax assessment and collection process through the institution of an Integrated Tax Management System in the state.

    These measures resulted in the appreciable feats recorded in the first half of 2017, which stood the state’s IGR at over N12 billion compared to N7.2 billion actualized in 2016 starting from the month the new board was inaugurated.

    In a bid to galvanize the support of the judiciary for effective enforcement mechanism to ensure tax payment by every taxable adult and organization in the state, the board recently established and commissioned a Revenue Court in Enugu, with a clause that “government will no longer fold its arms and watch while citizens and corporate organizations evade tax and shun their civic obligations”.

    The message handed down by the chairman was so clear and instructive that “with the commissioning of the Revenue Court, it will no longer be business as usual” as “tax evaders will surely be prosecuted in accordance with the law” for “a situation where some major institutions and individuals treat tax issues with levity will no longer be tolerated”.

    It would also be recalled, that Ugwuanyi while inaugurating the board, last year, noted that the Internal Revenue Service in the state was crucial to the economic well-being of the government and by extension that of the people of the state, most especially in the present “days of the severe national economic depression that is threatening the solvency of government at all levels and which is already hindering their operations.”  The governor regretted that the receipts from Federation Account have been growing progressively smaller, making it expedient for most state governments to depend on Internally Generated Revenue to fund their activities and service their obligations.

    As a visionary leader, he revealed that he had envisaged the situation in his inaugural address when he warned that every revenue-generating agency of the state should be ready to intensify its efforts to generate and remit more revenues to fund government development efforts.

    Consequently, the governor charged members of the newly reconstituted board to raise their performance bar and develop strategies that would achieve a significant and substantial increase in the internally generated revenue of the state and equally mandated them to ensure the effective collection of all the revenue accruable to the government as well as checkmate all avenues of leakages and wastages in the process”.

    One is equally pleased to recall, that the chairman’s promises during the board’s inauguration, last year, to explore and exploit all sources of IGR and expand the tax net in the state, among others, to ensure that government meets its obligations to the people of the state have come to a reasonable fulfillment one year after.

    According to him, “strategies will also be implemented to grow existing non-tax revenues and expand other income sources of government bearing in mind the economic indices of the state as a civil service driven economy.

    “We are aware that the state government is in a hurry to deliver more service to the people, through its development agenda, we shall harness all forms of Internally Generated Revenue to ensure that the present administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu State meets its obligations to the citizens.

    From the above narrative, one is compelled to appreciate the governor’s deep commitment to fulfilling all the promises he made in his inaugural address to the letter. This is evident in all his administration’s enormous achievements since its inception ranging from rural development, provision of critical infrastructure, prompt payment of workers’ salaries, qualitative and affordable education, healthcare delivery, investment promotion, agriculture, security, among others.

    This vision has gone a long way in attesting to the fact that Enugu State is working and truly in the hands of God.

     

    • Amoke, writes from Enugu State.
  • Ugwuanyi plans credit facilities for traders

    Ugwuanyi plans credit facilities for traders

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has said his administration is discussing with financial institutions, international corporations and other relevant organisations on how to extend easier and more convenient lines of credit and other facilities to assist the state’s traders grow their businesses.

    Ugwuanyi said his administration was also making efforts to upgrade the capacity of the State Marketing Company to arrange special import services for traders in line its policy trust.

    The governor spoke at a meeting with leaders of the 37 organised markets in the state at the Government House in Enugu.

    He noted that the meeting was convened at his behest “to show appreciation and express our gratitude for all the support and solidarity that you, along with teeming members of your associations, have continued to accord this administration since its inception”.

    Ugwuanyi said his administration was indebted to the traders for the resounding success of the Enugu Traders Empowerment Scheme, which was launched early this year, adding that the scheme was enjoying nationwide acclaim because of their support.

    The governor said his administration would take necessary actions that would improve the traders’ businesses.

    He said: “We will never allow anyone to subject traders in Enugu State to undue harassment, oppression or exploitation as they go about their legitimate businesses.”

     

  • Ugwuanyi: our investment in education yielding dividends

    Ugwuanyi: our investment in education yielding dividends

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi yesterday unveiled the ultra-modern permanent site of the Post-Primary School Management Board (PPSMB), saying the new edifice was another demonstration of his administration’s resolve to provide quality education for the residents.

    The governor also inaugurated some equipment recently procured by the state government for technical and vocational schools across the state.

    He inspected exhibitions of craft and equipment built by talented students of technical schools.

    Unveiling the PPSMB permanent site, Ugwuanyi said the project would provide a conducive operational environment for workers as part of the government’s efforts to promote job satisfaction, efficiency and productivity among the workers.

    He said his administration had declared its unequivocal commitment to raise the standard and quality of education in the state, especially through the revitalisation of regulatory bodies in the sector in addition to the upgrading of facilities and infrastructure.

    The governor, who noted that the best investment by his administration was in education, said the decision to relocate the PPSMB to the permanent site as well as release funds for its new office buildings and build others within the site showed that the government placed high premium on education.

    Ugwuanyi said: “In addition to this and despite the prevailing economic climate, we approved the release of outstanding 2013, 2014 and 2015 arrears of promotion for the workers of the board and also approved 27.5 per cent of teachers’ enhancement allowance.

    “Government also procured over 600 desktop computers and accessories for distribution to secondary schools to enhance the ICT knowledge and skills among the pupils and their teachers.

    “I must commend the chairman and members of the board for the zeal and commitment they have shown towards the actualisation of this permanent site project more especially, with the construction of a 200-metre asphalt road.”

  • Ugwuanyi hails Air Force commander, pledges support

    Ugwuanyi hails Air Force commander, pledges support

    Officer Commanding the newly established Ground Training Command of the Nigeria Air Force, Enugu, Air Vice-Marshal, Samson Okon Akpasa, of his administration’s readiness to offer necessary assistance and support towards the success of the operations of the command. Governor Ugwuanyi gave the assurance when the new commander along with his entourage paid a courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu, to inform the governor of his recent posting to head the new command in Enugu.

    The governor who welcomed and congratulated Air Vice Marshal Akpasa on his posting to what he described as a very important and strategic office equivalent in status to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of an Army Division, noted that the feat was a demonstration of the confidence the hierarchy of the Nigerian Air Force reposes in him to provide effective leadership for its formations in the new platform.

    Ugwuanyi acknowledged that officers and men of the Nigeria Air Force, along with other security agencies in the state, have all contributed in helping the state maintain her enviable status as one of the safest and most secure in the country. He added that his administration has always maintained and enjoyed a cordial working relationship with the force through its pre-existing formations and establishments in the state. “As a matter of fact, I consider myself privileged to have received the pioneer head of the new command and therefore, on behalf of the good people of Enugu State, I welcome you to the state and I assure you of our warm wishes, goodwill and friendship,” Ugwuanyi pledged.