The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ugwuanyi

  • Ugwuanyi’s post mid-term spotlight

    Recently, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration in continuation of its commitment to the entrenchment of good governance in Enugu State, took far reaching decisions aimed at impacting positively on the lives of the people of the state, especially the rural dwellers.

    The state Executive Council (EXCO) at its first meeting after the second year anniversary of the administration, approved the award of contracts for the execution of multiple development projects worth over N750 million, in line with the state government’s vision to open up more rural areas to boost socio-economic activities as well as address the untold hardship being encountered by the dwellers because of the deplorable condition of their roads.

    The council at the meeting awarded contract for the construction of the Agbani – Afor Amurri road in Nkanu West Local Government Area to Ambeez Services Limited at the total sum of N240,455,078.20. It also awarded the construction of the Nkanu East Local Government Area Headquarters section of the intractable Amechi-Idodo – Amauzam – Amagunze road to Arab contractors Nigeria Ltd. at the total sum of N40,072,953.38 because of the nature of the soil texture of the area.

    In a bid to complete the ongoing construction of the Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre, and give the entire premises a facelift befitting the centre’s status, the Ugwuanyi administration also approved the award of contract for the external work at the centre at the contract sum of N233,218,262.81.

    At the same meeting, approval was equally given for the payment of N204,987,028.68, covering all the outstanding debts owed to Setraco Nigeria Limited by the previous administration in respect of the rehabilitation of major roads in Enugu Urban, namely: Abakaliki dual carriage way, Ogui/Fire Service dual carriage way and rehabilitation of New Haven roads (Chime Avenue), among others, as a means of enhancing good business relationship with the construction company.

    Away from the approvals for infrastructural development projects, the council in line with the policy thrust of the administration approved the full implementation of inclusive educational policy at the Special Education Centres at Oji River and Ogbete, Enugu to ensure the training of the physically challenged and healthy children in the same learning environment for better integration in the society after schooling, starting from 2017/2018 academic session.

    The idea, according to the Commissioner for Information, Godwin Udeuhele, who addressed journalists after the meeting, will enhance the opportunities of the physically challenged children trained at the centres to transit to junior secondary school, and “to promote social skills development of these children, as well as reduce the suspicion gap between these two categories of peers”.

    While approval for the release of N39,172,378.80  to enable the School of Public Health Nursing (Health Technology, Nsukka carry out its accreditation exercises in order not to lose its accreditation status and the consequences therein, was given, the council had in the meeting also approved the bill for a law to provide for the establishment of the Enugu State Debt Management Office and for other matters connected therewith and after that forward same to the Enugu State House of Assembly for legislative action.

    Explaining further on the issue, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Miletus Eze, said that “the Debt Management Office will enable the state to ascertain its debt profile and to be able to manage its debt obligations in a most transparent manner”.

    All these multiple approvals were part of Governor Ugwuanyi’s post mid-term spotlight aimed at delivering more dividends of democracy to the people of Enugu State. The vision is an attestation of the governor’s steadfastness to continue to render selfless service, fulfil his campaign promises to the people of the state, against all odds, and ensure equitable development.

    On the Amagunze road in Nkanu East L.G.A awarded to Arab Contractors Nigeria Ltd., Governor Ugwuanyi’s decision to rehabilitate the dilapidated road was borne out the difficulties being encountered by the people of the area, especially during the rainy season, to access their council headquarters. It is pitiable to note that the section of the road for construction leads to the headquarters of Nkanu East L.G.A – the only council in the state without a good access road to the headquarters.

    Kudos must therefore, go to the governor for the bold initiative in acceding to the yearnings of the people of the area to ameliorate their sufferings by commencing the process to rehabilitate the major access road to the council’s headquarters and beyond.

    On the newly awarded Amurri road, it would be recalled that the people of the community had for decades clamoured for government’s intervention because of the road’s deplorable condition, which was reported to have become “a physical and psychological affliction to Amurri people”.

    The people had alleged that “the oldest signpost on the road was erected in 1919”. They had complained bitterly of total neglect and marginalization by the past administrations, adding that the road’s deterioration had diminished economic activities in a town famous for food products, such as garri, ogbono, palm oil, among others.  They were worried  that their community which borders Awgu Local Government Area at Agbogwugwu and Ogbaku has hundreds of thousands of hectares of extremely rich fertile lands (between Amurri and Ogbaku) trapped and turned into virgin forests because of inaccessibility to them as farmlands.

    All these challenges prompted Ugwuanyi’s surprise visit to Amurri in November 2016 to see for himself and ascertain the true state of the road for state government’s immediate intervention. The governor did not only drive through the road to the community unannounced, he halted his convoy at various intervals to interact with the astonished villagers on the most important need which the state government might help them with, which they all agreed was “Amurri Road”.

     

    It is also pertinent to note that the governor on return to Enugu invited Amurri leaders, where he expressed regret over the negligence for a long time and promised that the award of the contract for the road will be made in 2017 to enable his administration capture it in the budget.

    Today, the contract has been awarded and work will soon commence on the road. The governor’s swift intervention on Amurri road as a priority project of his administration is a clear indication of his commitment to the well-being of the people of the area and the state at large. It goes a long way to prove his sensitivity to the plight of the people. It has given credence to the governor’s sincerity of purpose and vision in ensuring that no community will be left out in the distribution of infrastructure and other basic amenities.

    Ugwuanyi in a move to extend the frontiers of development to the rural areas, had, in October 2016, flagged off phase one of 35 infrastructural projects across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state. Interestingly, 26 projects out of the 35 had been completed and commissioned in spite of the severe economic recession in the country, and still contracts for more developmental projects are being awarded.

    From the foregoing, it is clear that Ugwuanyi, against all odds, is poised to sustain the tempo of good governance in Enugu State to continue to give the citizenry of the state, the true heroes of democracy, quality leadership inspired by his love for the people and vision to sustain the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of Enugu State.

     

    • Amoke writes from Enugu State.

     

  • Ugwuanyi and Enugu traders

    Ugwuanyi and Enugu traders

    There is no doubt that the indices of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s popularity and acceptance by the people of Enugu State are gathering momentum by the day. For instance, while the members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu West and North Senatorial Districts of the state had unanimously endorsed him for second term because of his unprecedented achievements in just two years in office despite the severe economic challenges in the country, the state’s workers, during a one-day symposium organized by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Enugu State Council, passed a vote of confidence in the governor and asked him to “carry go”.

    The most recent was the endorsement by the state’s traders under the auspices of Enugu State Amalgamated Market Traders Association (ESAMATA). The traders at a solidarity rally they organized in appreciation of Ugwuanyi’s entrenchment of good governance and initiation of a unique traders’ empowerment programme, also unanimously endorsed his re-election in 2019, saying that he has “performed creditably in just two years in office despite the daunting economic challenges in the country”.

    The traders, on that fateful day, shut all the markets in the state and mobilized themselves en masse to the venue of the rally to honour the people’s governor. They were full of gratitude to him for good governance and his uncommon empowerment initiatives borne out of his desire to give traders in the state a sense of belonging and bring them closer to the government as the true heroes of democracy.

    Announcing the decision to shut the markets, the president general of the association, Temple Ude, stated that “the plan to shut down the markets to celebrate Gov. Ugwuanyi was a unanimous decision of the traders in the state”.

    Ude added that the rally will be unprecedented in the history of the state as “all the markets in the state will be shut down on Thursday, June 15, and all roads will lead to Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, where excited traders will converge en masse to appreciate and celebrate our traders-friendly Governor for his support and good governance”.

    On the empowerment programme tagged “Enugu State Traders Empowerment Scheme”, which the governor flagged off on February 21, it is pertinent to note that the scheme was one of the policy thrusts of the present administration carefully designed to assist the traders to grow their various businesses for the socio-economic stimulation of the state. It has a package of N60 million annually to be won by 100 lucky winners monthly at N50,000 each through an open raffle draw.

    Consequently, 1,200 genuine traders in the state will be empowered annually and as at the moment, 400 traders have benefited.

    It would be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration had organized a similar open lottery programme for civil servants in the state from grade levels 1-10, where 100 lucky winners won one unit of one bedroom apartment each at Elim Estate, Enugu, with the state government paying over 50 per cent equity contribution – a landmark feat that saw 100 lucky civil servants become proud landlords in the state.

    At the well-attended rally, the elated traders immediately Ugwuanyi arrived the venue, took to their dance steps praising and cheering him to a loud ovation as he walked round with other dignitaries to appreciate and acknowledge the cheers from them.

    It was indeed an enduring encounter between “a governor and his people”, as the excitement that exuded from the jubilant crowd was a reality of the governor’s swelling popularity and acceptance.

    Expressing their desire for the governor to govern the state beyond 2023, Hon. Ude said: “Your Excellency, no government in the past has ever attempted to establish the existing relationship between traders and government.

    On security and workers’ welfare, he noted that Gov. Ugwuanyi has created “an enviable security outreach in the 17 local government areas with the establishment and equipping of the Neighbourhood watch associations in all the nooks and crannies of the state, and has equally remained regular in the payment of workers’ salaries, disclosing that such feat has gone a long way in encouraging traders to do business in the state”.

    “We are convinced that even with the current economic hardship you still positively navigate the affairs of the state for the betterment of the people of Enugu State.

    The traders equally commended the state’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, for his accessibility to them, disclosing that this is the first time since the inception of democracy in the state traders’ complaints are being “treated promptly without any iota of nepotism”.

    Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi thanked the visibly jubilant traders for the gesture, love, goodwill, solidarity, enthusiasm and support, adding that he feels highly honoured that they shut down the markets in the state to gather in their numbers “to show appreciation for the empowerment scheme that we launched for traders in Enugu State last February”.

    He explained that the Traders’ Empowerment Scheme, carefully designed to boost economic activities in the state and improve the lives of the ordinary members of the society, was “in line with our promise to deploy government resources and services to create fair and equal opportunity for every citizen to make a living, create wealth and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment”.

    He told the traders that the empowerment programme was only the beginning of his appreciation for the immense support and affection that they have continued to accord his administration since inception.

    Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the traders, the governor said: “We have indeed resolved to do all that is necessary to better the lot of traders in Enugu State and in this regard, I promise that we will never allow anyone to harass, oppress or exploit you as you go about your legitimate businesses. Be assured that we will deal with any such case, promptly, decisively and comprehensively, as soon as it is brought to our notice.

    “We are discussing with financial institutions, international corporations and other relevant organizations on the ways and means of extending easier and more convenient lines of credit and other facilities to traders in Enugu State.

    “We are also working to upgrade the capacity of the Enugu State Marketing Company to arrange special import services for traders just as we are committed to the continuous development and equipment of markets in Enugu State as part of the efforts being made to create a more conducive environment for business and commercial activities to thrive in the state”.

    From the above narrative, it is glaring that Gov. Ugwuanyi is the man with the hearts of the people of Enugu State.  The onus is therefore, on the people to continue to support and encourage him to render more selfless service to build the Enugu State of the founding fathers’ dreams, because the state is securely in the hands of God.

    Amoke writes from Enugu State.

     

     

  • Ugwuanyi woos investors to Enugu

    Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has reassured local and foreign investors that the state is ready and open for business for rapid development and socio-economic recovery.

    Ugwuanyi said that his administration will eagerly welcome partners in every sphere of development to ensure that “the aspiration to build a more prosperous, peaceful and secure Enugu State will be fully and promptly actualised.”

    The governor gave the assurance when he undertook an inspection tour of the ongoing state-of-the art Estate along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu, being developed by the state government in partnership with a private firm – FIT Consult Limited – to provide a befitting housing for potential residents of the state.

  • Day Ugwuanyi reaffirmed promises to the people

    Day Ugwuanyi reaffirmed promises to the people

    THE lyrics of thanksgiving and praises to God were waxing higher and the mammoth crowd in a jubilant mood when Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State arrived the popular Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, venue of the 2017 Democracy Day celebration, marking the second year anniversary of his administration.

    The elated crowd was full of excitement, adoring God for His goodness and special blessings in Enugu State, made manifest through the governor’s vision and commitment to the wellbeing of the people, especially, the most neglected residing in the rural areas. It was indeed, a celebration of peace and good governance.

    The visibly happy people of the state, including well-wishers and supporters who trooped out in their numbers to grace the epoch-making ceremony were not only overwhelmed by the governor’s uncommon leadership style anchored on vision, peace, good governance, humility, inclusiveness, accessibility and respect for all, they were also pleased with him for committing Enugu State into the hands of God.

    Arriving the rich and colourful venue of the event with his wife, Mrs. Monica, the governor, clearly could not miss the high level of enthusiasm in the faces of the people who had assembled to welcome him. Instead of  stopping at the conventional red carpet where some dignitaries such as the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the state’s Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Ngozi Emehelu, the Service Chiefs, former Governor and Deputy Governors, among others, had lined up to receive him, he had to stop at the entrance view of the pavilion from where he appreciated and acknowledged cheers from the crowd, until he approached the point where he was officially received by the dignitaries.

    At about 12:45 pm, after the parade and other activities had taken place, Gov. Ugwuanyi mounted the podium to address the people of Enugu State. It was a cheering experience for the audience, especially those who were present at the governor’s inauguration in 2015 and his one year anniversary in 2016, to hear the echo of his commanding voice, once again, as he first mentioned “Ndi Enugu”.

    He thanked the people of Enugu State for their unparalleled support, solidarity and prayers and also promised that his administration will continue to run an open and accountable government and work assiduously towards the realization of the dreams of the state’s founding fathers.

    “Recall that on the first anniversary of this administration in 2016, we committed Enugu State in the hands of God. To the glory of God, Enugu has remained secure in the hands of God ever since. So, today is above all, a day of thanksgiving to the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, and indeed the awesome God of David”, Gov. Ugwuanyi re-echoed.

    Ugwuanyi who had during the thanksgiving mass held the previous day to commemorate the 2017 Democracy Day, called on Nigerians to offer special prayers for the healing power of God to visit President Muhammadu Buhari and restore his health to enable him continue to work for the unity and good governance of the country, in the address, congratulated and thanked President Buhari as well as the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and members of the Federal Executive Council for not only ensuring that “the flame of democracy handed to them is sustained, but have also been very supportive of our state in many ways”.

    He equally congratulated and thanked other arms of government, including his fellow governors for their efforts towards the sustenance of our democracy and the good governance and development of the nation.

    Speaking on the prevailing peace in the state, he said he was happy to acknowledge that two years into this administration, Enugu State has emerged as one big, united family and widely described as “the citadel of peace and harmony”.

    It was at this juncture, that the governor appreciated all the past and present leaders and political office holders in the state for their enormous support and cooperation, adding that his administration has also benefited immensely from the foundations laid by the founding fathers of the State, such as late Chief C.C Onoh, among others.

    To the generality of Enugu people, the governor added that he was “thrilled by the prayers, unparalleled support and unflinching commitment given to us by every Wawa man and woman, including our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, in our drive to build the Enugu State of our dreams”, praying God to continue to bless them all.

    According to him, “I am here today to reaffirm my promises to you and reassure you that this administration will continue to work for the common good of our people. Recall that on this day in 2015, I sincerely acknowledged the fast depleting revenue profile of the state owing to the slump in oil price and low internally generated revenue. Back then, I had assured you that I believed in the miracle of five loaves and two fish; and that I and my team would harness and apply every available resource with utmost transparency, honesty, prudence, and equity to the benefit of the ordinary man”.

    Highlighting some of his administration’s major achievements, Gov. Ugwuanyi on workers’ welfare said that since the inception of his administration, Enugu State has remained among the top-ranked states in the payment of workers’ salaries and promised that the government will continue to pay workers’ salaries and pensions on the 25th of every month in recognition of the fact that the civil service is the fulcrum and engine room of governance.

    On security, Ugwuanyi said that Enugu State is peaceful and secure and is still adjudged to be one of the safest in the country, disclosing that in further reinforcement of the importance of security and safety in the State, the government revitalized the Neighbourhood Association and  recently launched the Enugu State Security Trust Fund “to galvanize resources and provide the enablers that will ensure that our Neighbourhood Watch are equipped to effectively complement the efforts of the Nigerian Security Agencies”.

    On infrastructure, rural development and Local Government reforms, Ugwuanyi added that his administration has recorded tremendous feats in infrastructural development as a major goal to enhance the wellbeing of the people of the state as well as initiating innovative programmes aimed at economic stimulation and diversification.

    He disclosed that the government a few days ago simultaneously commissioned 26 development projects it executed across the 17 local government areas, which were among the 35 grassroots projects flagged off in October 2016 to open up the rural areas and catalyze socio-economic growth.

    The governor further stated that his administration also carried out major construction projects as well as intervened in the rehabilitation of failed sections of some federal roads in the state, which hitherto caused untold hardships to the people, slowed economic activities and in many instances, led to the loss of lives.

  • Ugwuanyi prays for Buhari, Osinbajo

    Ugwuanyi prays for Buhari, Osinbajo

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has called on Nigerians to pray for the healing power of God to visit President Muhammadu Buhari and restore his health.

    The governor also appealed for prayer for Acting President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for God to grant him wisdom, vision and strength to continue to hold the fort for the President.

    Ugwuanyi spoke during a thanksgiving mass at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, to mark the 2017 Democracy Day and the second anniversary of his administration as governor.

    The governor, who thanked God for his mercies, prayed for leaders across all arms and tiers of government. He stressed the need to work together for the good of the country.

    He thanked the people of Enugu for their support, solidarity and prayers, and promised to sustain the successes achieved in transforming the state’s economic and infrastructural landscape.

    His words: “I stand before you today, humbled in spirit, with nothing but a heart full of thanks for standing strongly behind us in the last two years.

    “We are halfway through our first tenure as servants of the people, and with the benefit of hindsight, I am convinced the choice we made to allow God lead and guide us has been the best decision.”

    The Catholic Bishop of Awgu Diocese, Rev. John Okoye, praised Ugwuanyi for his achievements in infrastructural development, peace, security, education, healthcare, among others, despite economic challenges.

    He appreciated the governor’s closeness and commitment to God, and his “ecclesial attitude” which have brought peace and good governance in the state.

    “There is call to thank God everyday for what He has done for us, in our families and our places of work. The governor, as a child of God, has called all of us to celebrate with him on this auspicious occasion and placed God first. Not only that he knows what the power of God is, he knows also the power of prayers, he knows the power of the Eucharist in thanking God.

    “Governor Ugwuanyi uses the greatest of all thanksgivings and prayers in mass to thank God for what He has been doing, not only for these two years, but for all his life,” Bishop Okoye said.

  • CAN hails Ugwuanyi for peace, security

    CAN hails Ugwuanyi for peace, security

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has hailed Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi entrenching peace and security in the state.

    The association described him as a church-friendly governor and a blessing to the church and humanity.

    The Christian body spoke through its Enugu State Secretary, Apostle Joseph Ajujungwa, during the launch of Neighbourhood Endowment Fund and presentation of security equipment to registered neighbourhood watch groups.

    Ajujungwa, who represented CAN’s State Chairman, Rev. Christian Obiefuna, noted that Ugwuanyi had made peace and security the greatest objective of his administration.

    The cleric said the state government had taken proactive initiatives at curbing crime and other security challenges.

    He pledged CAN’s support to the Neighbourhood Watch initiative and thanked the governor for ensuring that peace and security were entrenched in the state.

    Ajujungwa said: “You are church-friendly and we cannot thank you enough. There was a time we used to sleep in the church after night vigils because of crime rates. But today, we can sleep with our two eyes closed.

    “During night vigils, nobody can invade us anymore. We hold our night vigils freely and return home safely. The church is thankful to God because of a man like you.”

  • Bridge Ugwuanyi built thrills community

    Bridge Ugwuanyi built thrills community

    Like every other headquarters of a council, Amagunze offers a realistic glimpse of life in Nkanu East, one of the 17 local government areas in Enugu State. Indeed, you actually don’t have to speak to residents to deduce that life here is anything but wholesome. Although a largely agrarian community with vast tracts of arable land, harvest time is seldom ever bountiful for the many small-holder farmers here. It is, rather, a particularly harrowing time – no thanks to floods from the Inyaba River.

    When the river overflows, as is often the case when it rains, crops and entire farmlands are destroyed. Also, residents of the over 10 communities on the northern fringe of the river become literally cut off from their kith and kin because the makeshift wooden gangway linking them is swept away as well by the river’s swift waters. Worse still, the severe floods often hamper the daily commute of students who typically fall behind their peers in examinations which determine promotion to higher classes.

    But it’s not that locals fare any better in the dry season particularly with regard to moving their farm produce to the market. That is because vehicles simply can’t drive across the improvised structure.

    This has been the situation for decades – a situation so sad that locals seeking to visit their council headquarters located roughly 800 meters away often had to embark on a rather circuitous journey that took them through the Enugu-Port Harcourt highway across two local government areas. There are, in fact, some communities on whose land a vehicle has never ever driven and it’s commonplace seeing women in labour being transported to clinics in wheelbarrows. While such Stone Age scenarios may seem like mere exaggeration in a modern era, they nonetheless underline the degree of lack that a people may experience when literally cut from the rest of civilization.

    The road to redemption began shortly after the inauguration of the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration. Once he was sworn in, the governor embarked on an assessment tour of all the local government areas. It emerged from the tour that Nkanu East was the least developed council in terms of infrastructural development. Irked by the deplorable state of affairs, Governor Ugwuanyi announced the immediate award of contract for the construction of the bridge across the Inyaba River during his visit to Nkanu East to establish the sorely needed access road for villages such as Amechi Idodo, Amankanu and Ohwo.

    The focus on rural communities is consistent with a vision the governor had outlined in his inaugural speech. “Enugu State under us will pay special attention to rural development because majority of our people live in the rural areas. We will create more urban areas to boost economic growth… Giving attention to these places will speed up urban development, create fresh economic opportunities and reduce pressure on Enugu metropolis.”

    So, to the governor, the situation in communities contiguous to the Inyaba River was an expedient one for which no bureaucracy will be tolerated. So, it wasn’t long before contractors were mobilized to site, a huge contrast to past experiences when campaign rhetoric was hardly ever matched with the requisite action. The council chair, Mr. Ikechukwu Ubagu, noted that the governor would not have known the sort of grim situation faced by locals barring his visit to their community. “He walked on this wooden makeshift bridge,” Ubagu recalled, “and decided to come to our aid. This is like a rescue mission for Amagunze and Amechi Idodo communities.”

    The resident engineer from Enugu State’s works ministry, Mr. Christian Ovute, recounts the experience he met on ground: ”The experience could best be described as disastrous. For the villagers, once it rains heavily they cannot access the market at the other side of the bridge. I have experienced one rainy season here. For three months, this place was not accessible due to flooding.

    “This river has split the local government into two. People coming from Amechi Idodo and beyond cannot access their secretariat which is just a stone throw from across the river. They go round Enugu Four-Corner through Agbani before they can get to the secretariat. But with what we are putting on ground, 2016 will be the last such experience they would ever have. These bridges will solve the problem of containing the water, and then allowing traffic and humans to pass through them.”

    Indeed, the plaudits for Governor Ugwuanyi have not ceased since construction of the bridges began. ”We pray God to protect Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for us so that this project and other projects across the state will be completed successfully,” Maureen Nweke from Ozama Agu, one of the communities that bore the heaviest brunt when it rains. ”We are grateful to God for sending us a saviour in the person of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State. We pray God to prosper him in all his endeavours. God will shield his family from the eyes of the wicked ones.”

    Expectedly, the villagers are looking towards the future with optimism. With the new project, locals can easily get to their local government secretariat in less than 20 minutes, a journey that took them over two hours when the construction was not in place. The sheer scale of the project and its significance to these communities could be glimpsed further in an encounter recalled by Kenechukwu Ozor, project manager to the contractors handling the project. “One of the villagers told me that even if the governor does nothing else in Amagunze after this project he would always remain grateful to him,” he said.

    Such is the excitement in communities contiguous to the river that an indigene and businessman resident in Onitsha had to drive down from the bustling commercial city, located some 90 kilometres away, to simply experience the thrill of a concrete bridge in his hometown. “It was always an unusual experience for me; you can imagine having a car and being unable to drive to your country home. I can’t believe this is happening in my lifetime,” he said, beaming as he took in the sights of Inyaba’s leafy surroundings.

    But there is yet another reason to applaud Ugwuanyi soon. The council headquarters is beneficiary of a road project which emerged out of the governor’s determination to spur socio-economic activities in rural communities and reduce the pressure on Enugu metropolis. That vision resulted in the simultaneous flag-off of 35 projects across the state’s 17 LGAs, late last year. The road rehabilitation will commence from Nkerefi and cut through Nara and Ugbawka – villages whose roads have long been in deplorable state despite their status as major hubs for rice cultivation – towards Amagunze which reputedly had the unenviable tag as the only headquarters of a local government area in Enugu State without a well paved access road.

    Their completion will bring to an end the embarrassment of always having a smear of red dust for the locals and passengers who commute regularly via that route. So, as the Ugwuanyi administration commemorates its two years in office, there is certainly a lot to cheer about in Nkanu East.

    • Ani, a former Editor of ThisDay, The Saturday Newspaper, and later Saturday Telegraph, writes from Enugu. Follow him on Twitter on @AniLaurence and laurenceani.blogspot.com.
  • Ugwuanyi reiterates commitment to education

    Ugwuanyi reiterates commitment to education

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has reiterated his administration’s commitment to partner educational institutions and organisations to improve the standard of education.
    He spoke at the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, while performing the ground-breaking of the ultra-modern dormitory complex, and inauguration of the multi-purpose building, built by the alumni association.
    The governor, who performed the ceremony in the presence of the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, the Principal of the college, Rev. Fr. Nnamdi Nwankwo, old boys of the school, among others, said the importance his administration attached to education was high and made it imperative for him to support any initiative which promoted quality learning.
    He said the goals of CIC Alumni Association and its efforts to develop facilities in the school were in tandem with his administration’s commitment to raise the bar in educational development, especially through “the provision and upgrading of infrastructure and facilities, as well as the engagement of qualified personnel for the school.”
    Ugwuanyi welcomed members of the association who travelled from all over the world to be part of the ceremony and hailed them for their commitment to ensuring that the flag of the institution continues to fly high.
    “This administration shortly upon inauguration embarked on the renovation, refurbishment and re-equipment of educational institutions at all levels, among many other interventions.
    “I am happy to recall that we procured and donated Braille machines, jaw readers, desktop computers and related accessories to the visually-impaired students of this great institution within the first hundred days of the administration and we have since distributed ICT facilities and accessories to other secondary schools.
    “I pledge our support towards the completion of the ultra-modern dormitory project at the CIC and assure you that working together, we will ensure the school regains its place as one of the foremost institutions for secondary education in the country.
    “Once again, I thank members of the International Alumni Association of the CIC for inviting me to this ceremony and wish you more glorious accomplishments in your noble service to your alma mater and the society at large,” he said.

  • Ugwuanyi’s day at Nsukka

    Ugwuanyi’s day at Nsukka

    William James’ philosophical musing that “the best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts life” aptly applied to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State when a grand reception put together for him by the natives of the university town of Nsukka, the second largest urban area in the coal city state, took residents by storm. It was a day both the indigenes and other residents of the town rolled out their drums of honour to salute the governor, a man who to them, came with a Midas touch after decades of official neglect that left the area in a rustic state, making the town a ridicule of an ideal university city.

    The governor’s speedy transformation of the town in less than two years has certainly struck the people like a pleasant dream situation. But it is a reality that the roads infrastructure delivered to the people by the Ugwuanyi administration certainly meets every international standard. The state of the arte dual carriage way coursing from Opi Junction through adjoining Ede-Oballa community through the varsity town has been decked with street lights just as the various roads delivered by the magical hands of the governor are beautifully garlanded with novel pedestrian walkways.

    The people’s joy knew no bounds at Ugwuoye Primary School, the modest venue of the grand reception. They expressed it with various cultural dance performances and effusive speeches. In solidarity with the governor on that Tuesday were personalities such as Prof. Uche Azikiwe, wife of the late first president of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, deputy governor of the state, Hon. Cecilia Ezeilo, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, representing Enugu North Senatorial zone in the Senate and president-general of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, among others.

    Chief Donatus Chinweaku is the president-general of Nsukka Town Union and spoke generally collectively for the grateful people of the four autonomous communities that make up Nsukka town. Addressing Ugwuanyi as the people’s governor, he stated that “this great occasion could not have taken place at a time better than now as our people have

    longed for a day like this”. He informed that the reception was “organized by the entire people of Nsukka town to appreciate in a very special way our own son with whom we are well pleased”.

    He further capped the people’s appreciation thus: “Your Excellency, we lack words to express our immeasurable joy for having a brave and courageous Lion like you. Today Nsukka history will never be complete without mentioning you in a special way. This is

    because what the town had been yearning for has been made real, physical and evidence-based in terms of getting commensurate democratic dividends. You have not only given a new look to Nsukka town, but equally a new look to our economy, a new look to our peace and unity, a new look to our dignity and most importantly a new look to our political status”.

    The people of the area also set the tone for what turned out a general political stocktaking by the people of the state that eventually resulted in an overwhelming approval of the governor’s profound and legendary style of stewardship since he assumed office on May 29, 2015. In their speech as delivered by Chinweaku, they had also told Governor Ugwuanyi that “You have restored hope to our people and also presented yourself as an epitome of undiluted

    democrat through your wide consultations, peace-building and people-oriented projects executed with prudent management of scarce resources.

    “You have proved your mettle by dwelling on the height of recession to break the ice of impossibilities. You have set an unbeatable standard in good governance that constitutes threat to your detractors. Remain focused”, they told the governor whom they also assured that campaigns for his re-election come 2019 have already been consummated.

    Governor Ugwuanyi had during his inaugural address pronounced his grand plans to transform the university town of Nsukka, a city founded over 50 years ago, into an ideal urban area, especially to come at par with other first generation university towns elsewhere in Nigeria. He never minced words. He later promptly secured the approval of a very expanded meeting of stakeholders of the state held at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu to go ahead to develop Nsukka Urban in line with one of the four-point agenda of his administration to create new urban centres to drive sustainable development for the state.

    Hence, the event offered a huge opportunity of scoring high political points for the governor whose popularity rating has continued to grow in leaps and bounds within and beyond Enugu state. Among those who urged him to continue with the current tempo of development that now touches all 17 local council areas of the state in a manner never experienced before now in the history of the state were Senator Utazi, Senator Fidelis Okoro, Hon. Chinedu Nwamba and Hon. Nkechi  Omeje-Ogbu of Enugu State House of Assembly, various groups, industrialists, among others.

    In fact, Senator  Okoro, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former three-time member of the senate representing Enugu North zone in the senate capped the plethora of calls on the governor  not to bother to return to campaign in the town he has so transformed come 2019. Okoro told the governor that he has been governor for all and that if in 2019, the people want him to get his second term in office, he (Okoro) would not be found wanting in offering his own support.

    For the apparently elated governor who had to manage the deluge of encomiums and sundry kind words in acknowledgement of his outstanding performance so far, it was also an opportunity to thank the people for their show of love. Yet, he also used the occasion to assure the people that his administration has never tampered with funds belonging to the local councils in the state while executing all the projects across the state.

    “I use this occasion to state clearly that Local Governments in the State made no financial contributions or commitments whatsoever, towards the execution of state government projects,” he said. “We have relied solely on federal allocations, grants or loans as well as our internally generated revenue”.

  • Ugwuanyi and prisons

    The 1972 Prison Act needs rejig to accommodate state prisons, and even private funded prisons. Presently, most prisons in Nigeria are overcrowded shanties; and except for a few interventions, most of the prisons are still the old structure left behind by the colonial masters in 1960. The prison officials are under-remunerated, disillusioned and corrupt, while the system they supervise is grossly underfunded and run as an unwieldy behemoth from Abuja.

    On their part, the prisoners are abused, underfed and maltreated; unless, of course, the few VIP prisoners who are able to bribe the officials and pay their way for minimal comfort. But who cares for the ordinary prisoners? Because the governments, particularly the federal government, do not bother much about the state of our prisoners, churches and other non-government organisations have tried to fill the gap. Now, many churches run full-time prison ministries; and the Catholic Church’s JDPC and St Vincent De Paul devote a lot of resources to that.

    In most cases, it is only the poorest of the poor that end up as prisoners in Nigeria; and a large chunk of them are persons awaiting the drudgery trial under our inefficient criminal justice system. No doubt, our prisons are rarely correctional penitentiaries. They are more like concentration camps, or dehumanising centres, for the poor and the dregs of the society. Except for high profile cases in which the government has interest, and as such, mobilises the human and material resources, the prosecution process is very inefficient.

    With minimal resources to pay a lawyer and provide a paltry bribe for the police prosecutor, and in some cases judicial officials at the lower court, most offenders get easily discharged, if not acquitted, for offences they are guilty of. Where a complainant tenaciously pursues a criminal infraction against him, using personal resources, the accused need only bide time, for in due course, either the investigating police officer (IPO) is transferred, or the untrained police prosecutor mismanages the case, or the complainant gets disillusioned.

    So, when recently the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), noted the relative low number of persons in the prisons, vis-à-vis Nigeria’s population, in comparison with other jurisdictions, he was actually lamenting the grossly inefficient criminal justice system, which aids the poor to be goaled and the rich to go scot-free, even when otherwise guilty as charged. Because of the peculiar Nigerian situation, visiting the prisoner, may approximate more appropriately to the huge favour that Jesus Christ contemplated when he said, concerning the righteous, in Matthew 25:36: “I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”

    Perhaps Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, of Enugu State may have joined his Christian obligation at this Easter period with his official responsibility to cater for all residents in the state, when he recently visited the prisoners in his state as part of his 53rd birthday celebrations. Significantly, the Governor has started a programme to pay honorarium to lawyers who volunteer to help free the overcrowded prisons in his state. Considering that I expressed my concern to him when it was reported last year that Enugu State has one of the highest number of awaiting-trial men in prisons, I congratulate the Governor and feel elated that he is taking steps to change the dynamics.

    I also read that the Governor has upgraded facilities at the prisons in the state, which is commendable. But while Governor Ugwuanyi may be fulfilling his official and spiritual obligations, I believe Nigeria needs to improve its criminal justice system. The inhuman condition in most prisons across the country is partly responsible for the jailbreaks and the attempts we experience. It is also likely that such inhuman condition is one more reason why an accused person gains sympathy and connivance by officials, to avoid going to jail.

    Perhaps it is time to tinker with the 1999 constitution, which lists Prisons as item number 48 in the Exclusive Legislative List set out in Part 1 of the Second Schedule to the constitution. By virtue of section 4(1) (2) and (3) of the constitution, the exclusive legislative power of the national assembly on all matters in the Exclusive Legislative List is preserved. The import is that while states have their laws and their courts to try an accused person, where they secure a conviction, or need a temporal custody of the accused person, they have to rely on the federal prison and its officials.

    Again where the offence is of a nature to be tried in the Magistrate court, they may also have to rely on the police prosecutor, a federal official, to do the job. The outcome is that the states and the federal officials gift each other the inefficiency in their own system. Sometimes, there is collusion to undermine each other and such undercurrents are also partly the reason why our criminal justice system is so inefficient. So, as Ugwuanyi fulfils his dual obligations, he could also ponder whether the states should not make a case for state prisons, and an apex state court, to conclusively deal with offences against state laws.

    If amending the 1999 constitution, to tamper with the exclusivity of the federal government on prisons will be cumbersome, the national assembly can expand the powers of the Minister-in-charge to include authorising the establishment of state prisons or even private prisons. Indeed, the federal executive can also, under the present law, issue a guideline, to gift state options to run their own prisons. Section 2(1) of the prison act provides: “the minister may, by order in the federal Gazette, declare any building or place in Nigeria to be a prison and by the same or a subsequent order specify the area for which the prison is established.”

    One other worrisome challenge in the prison is the abuse of drugs and other unwholesome substances by the prisoners. It is common knowledge that the prison’s officials trade in such privileges, which in turn exposes the prisoners to ill-health. Even the jailbreaks are buoyed by the use of drugs, even though I will not discountenance desperation by prisoners who serve under excruciating and inhuman conditions. Perhaps the government should commission a sociological study on the contribution of inhuman prisons to our inefficient criminal justice system.

    In the meantime, a government that is fighting corruption and hoping to goal the corrupt should also expend resources to build real correction-centres, which is what a prison ought to be. Otherwise, if they send corrupt persons to prisons and harvest hardened criminal at the end, then they have solved one problem and created another. Also, our governments should enforce punishment for those who offend section 14(1) of the prison act dealing with the offence of giving or taking from a prisoner: “any alcoholic liquor, tobacco, intoxicating or poisonous drug or article prohibited by regulation made under this Act.”