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Tag: Ugwuanyi

  • For Ugwuanyi at 53

    For Ugwuanyi at 53

    Today, March 20, 2017, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, is 53 years old.  The anniversary calls for celebration in thanksgiving and appreciation to God Almighty for His mercies and kindness to the governor and the people of Enugu State – the true heroes of democracy, who have continued to reap the full benefits of democracy. Ugwuanyi has, no doubt, come a long way on the positive side of history.
    It may be recalled that Ugwuanyi, during his 52nd birthday celebration last year, urged those who intended to present him with birthday gifts “to channel them to charity homes and orphanages in appreciation of God’s mercies and kindness.”
    The governor equally noted that there would be no activities marking the event, in the spirit of the Lenten Season and in view of the prevailing economic challenges in the country.
    While using the occasion to reassure the good people of the state of his commitment to good governance, the governor urged them to continue to offer prayers and support for the success of the administration, reiterating that “Enugu State is in the hands of God.”
    One year after, it is gratifying to note that Ugwuanyi’s philosophy of leadership anchored on God, vision, good governance, benevolence, humility and peace has remained unwavering. It has also ushered in a new vista for rapid socio-economic and political development of the state.
    One may recall a recent statement by the former Senate President and Chairman of the Constitution and Electoral Reform Committee, Senator Ken Nnamani, who said that Enugu State was lucky to have a governor who respected everybody irrespective of political differences, and who has transformed the state with the meager resources at his disposal occasioned by the prevailing economic crunch in the country.
    According to Nnamani, “I am old enough to say that we now have a person who has the legislative and humble background to be a governor. He has a listening ear and respect for everybody, old and young, in spite of political divide. The governor has been transforming the state in spite of the current economic challenges in the country. I can say that Enugu State is now working.”
    Governor Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwanyi, the Gburugburu of our time, was born to the humble family of the late Chief and the late Lolo Lawrence Ugwuanyi from Orba in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State on March 20, 1964. He had 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 degree, 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, by dint of hard work, 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.
    Governor Ugwuanyi started 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 12 years in 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 in 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 for   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.
    Having spent about a year and ten months in the saddle as Governor of Enugu State, Ugwuanyi has continued to apply his vast experience in the private and public sectors 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 prudent management of the state’s lean resources for the overall interest of the state.
    With the simultaneous execution of 35 massive infrastructural projects across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state geared towards taking development to the doorsteps of the rural dwellers in line with the administration’s peace and grassroots initiatives; completion and execution of other critical infrastructure in the state to modernise and create more urban centres; regular payment of workers’ salaries on or before 25th  of every month, which saw to the state’s emergence as one of  only three states out of the 36 states of the Federation that can fulfill their recurrent obligation to the workers; display of commitment to accountability, transparency and prudent management of the state’s lean resources, among others, it is obvious that Ugwuanyi is a man with a magic wand.
    It is on record that the governor’s godly approach to governance and sterling performance so far in office, in the midst of little because of the harsh economic climate in the country, have earned him commendations from respected institutions and personalities in the country.
    While the Nigerian Senate, through its Committee on State and Local Administration, rated Ugwuanyi as the best governor in the utilisation of the Federal Government’s bailout funds in the country, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, during his official visit to Enugu State, described the governor as a populist leader who enjoys the support and acceptance of the people, including non-indigenes, for his commitment to good governance and promotion of peace, national unity and security.
    On a similar note, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, also applauded the governor’s sense of vision, humility and commitment to God when he (Ugwuanyi) came to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to welcome him back to the University to receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Divinity (Hon. DD).
    According to Adeboye, “I was delighted to notice during our procession to this venue that the governor who has come to welcome me is a very popular one.”
    From the foregoing, there is no doubt that there is every need to appreciate God for the gift of Governor Ugwuanyi to mankind and to wish the governor a happy birthday.

    •Amoke is Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Enugu State Governor

  • Ugwuanyi’s housing policy hailed

    Ugwuanyi’s housing policy hailed

    It was all commendations showered on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state over his Housing for All policy as 125 housing units were commissioned at the Vyvian Estate, Ibagwa, Nike.

    The minister of state for Power, Works and Housing, Hon Mustapha Baba Shehuri who commissioned the housing units observed that   the governor’s humility and accessibility had enabled developers and

    other associates to partner the state government in its quest to

    provide affordable houses for the state’s civil servants.

    Shehuri noted that the project was a culmination of the President Mohammadu Buhari administration’s desire to provide affordable houses for the teeming populace, especially the low income.

    The minister had earlier paid a courtesy visit to Governor Ugwuanyi at  the Government House, Enugu, where he praised his novel housing scheme that enabled workers in the state between grade levels 01 to 10 to become house owners.

    He announced  that his ministry would continue to strive to reduce the country’s housing deficit estimated at about 17 million units.

    The national president of the Real Estate Developers Association of

    Nigeria (REDAN), Rev. Ugochukwu Obiora Chime, in his remarks commended Ugwuanyi, for his commitment towards the provision of mass housing.

    “I thank Enugu State government and the federal government for making the provision of houses to Nigerians particularly the downtrodden in the society their priority,” said Chime.

    Ugwuanyi said the project was  consistent with his administration’s goal to improve the people’s social and economic conditions.

    He thanked the minister for siting the project in Enugu, noting that much progress has been made in the  housing sector since the inception of the current administration.

    “Of particular note is the recent approval by the Ministry of Power,

    Works and Housing for the National Housing Fund loan of N5m and below that attracts 100 percent mortgage funding to be capitalized and paid gradually over a period of five years”, he said.

    He also commended the project’s major stakeholders comprising the

    Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the developer , LCK Project Limited and REDAN, among other agencies, for the successful completion of the project.

    He also added that  the host community – Ibagwa Nike, is also worthy of commendation for their support and cooperation.

    The 125 three bedroom bungalows were developed by LCK Project Limited in collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank.

  • Ayogu Eze loses to Ugwuanyi

    Ayogu Eze loses to Ugwuanyi

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja  has dismissed an appeal by agovernorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general election in Enugu State, Senator Ayogu Eze, seeking to upturn the emergence of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the candidate of the PDP nominated at the December 4, 2014 primary election.

    The court, in a lead  judgment delivered by Justice Peter Ige, dismissed the appeal for lack of merit as well as lack of locus standi by Eze, whom the court said admitted in his affidavit, he did not participate in the primary election conducted by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP.

    It held that the High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit ab initio since Eze did not qualify as an aspirant and was therefore not entitled to challenge the outcome of the primary election as provided in Section 87 (9) of the Electoral Act.

     Justice Ige said in line with the Electoral Act “the aspirant must be an insider, somebody who participated in the primary authorised by the party.

    “The appellant admitted he was aware that another primary was conducted by Asara Asara, but that he did not participate.

    “The appeal of the appellant lacks merit. The judgment of the lower court is affirmed,” the judge said.

    Eze had sued at the Federal High Court, Abuja for, among other reliefs, “a declaration that the plaintiff, having been elected by the majority of the lawful votes cast at the primary election held on 8thDecember 2014, for the election of a governorship candidate for the 1stdefendant (PDP) where the authentic and authenticated list of delegates for the 1st defendant  (primary election) held on 1st November 2014 and sanctioned and recognised by the Federal High Court judgment of 24thNovember 2014 is the right candidate of the 1st and 2nd defendants (PDP and PDP National Working Committee) whose name must be submitted to the third defendant as their rightful governorship candidate for the general election of 2015”.

    The Federal High Court dismissed Eze’s case and held that the judgment of Justice Ademola did not compel the party to use any particular list of ad-hoc delegates for the primary election, hence there was no breach of Section 87 (4) (b) of the Electoral Act.

    Gov Ugwuanyi’s supporters, who were in court, erupted in jubilation on hearing about the court’s decision.

  • Ugwuanyi appoints Christian Chukwu as Rangers GM

    Ugwuanyi appoints Christian Chukwu as Rangers GM

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has appointed former Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu as general manager and chief executive officer of Rangers International Football Club.
    He made the announcement after a a fact-finding meeting with the board, management, players, supporters club and other stakeholders of the club.
    It was unanimously agreed that there was the need for a change in the management of the club.
    The league champion’s performance has been unimpressive, causing heartaches to the state government and supporters .
    Chukwu thanked the governor for the appointment and promised to put in his best to ensure that Rangers retained its top status in Nigeria football.
    He called for the support of the board, management, players and all other stakeholders. Chukwu replaces Ozo Chibuzor.

  • Excitement as Ugwuanyi appoints Zik’s son SA

    Excitement as Ugwuanyi appoints Zik’s son SA

    There was excitement yesterday in Enugu following the appointment of Uwakwe Ukuta Azikiwe, son of former Premier of the Eastern Region and Nigeria’s first President, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, as special adviser on Special Duties by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
    The governor announced the appointment when he introduced past leaders of the Eastern Region, East Central states, old Anambra, Enugu and the present Enugu states to the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, at the Government House in Enugu.
    Ugwuanyi said he recently appointed Zik’s son into the State Executive Council (Exco)as a special adviser, in recognition of the contributions of his father to the state, the Igbo nation and the country.
    The governor noted that the appointment of Zik’s son was based on merit and the conviction that his wealth of experience and contributions would add value to the efforts of his administration to impact the lives of the residents.

    Uwakwe is an American-trained lawyer, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005.
    e attended Lincoln University, and University of Baltimore School of Law, both in the United States of America (U.S.A).
    Until his appointment, he was a pioneer worker at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
    The new adviser thanked Ugwuanyi “for the honour and privilege to serve my state of birth”.
    He pledged to work for the actualisation of the governor’s vision to take Enugu to a higher level.
    A cross section of Enugu residents hailed Ugwuanyi for the gesture.
    A resident of Ogui in Enugu, Alphonsus Ugwu, noted that Ugwuanyi was the first Southeast governor to appoint Zik’s child into a government position.
    He described it as a welcome development, which other political leaders should emulate.
    Another resident Mike Uzoigwe said the governor had demonstrated his belief in merit and reward for excellence.
    He added that Ugwuanyi was the only governor from the Southeast, since the return of democracy in 1999, to have officially visited the Nsukka home of the late Dr. Azikiwe as a gesture of to identify with his family, and equally informed them of the state government’s plan to rehabilitate and turn Zik’s official residence in Enugu (as the Premier of the Eastern Region) into a tourist centre.
    He added that Zik paid the ultimate price for the development and unity of the country, and his family deserves the recognition of our leaders.

  • Ugwuanyi’s development strides in 2016

    A review of the activities of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State in 2016 towards the advancement of good governance and provision of critical infrastructure in the state couldn’t have come in any other better time than now. The year under review, was no doubt a tough one, considering the adverse effects of the economic recession in the country on the people. It was indeed, a year many Nigerians, both the rich and the poor, will not forget in a hurry.

    In Enugu State, even though 2016 was rendered tough by the severe economic hardship in the country, the pragmatic, people-oriented and visionary leadership of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi made a mark and impacted positively on the lives of the people through the provision of critical infrastructure and good governance.

    The governor’s development trajectory despite the meagre resources occasioned by the economic meltdown in the country has endeared him to the people of the state.

    His administration has remained focused and steadfast in its efforts to deliver on its campaign promises, “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.”

    Ugwuanyi during his one year anniversary in office on May 29, 2016, pledged that “rather than allow the severe economic recession occasioned by the negative developments in the oil sector, deter us from achieving our goals, we will instead, turn the situation into an opportunity to look inwards and harness those potentials which free oil money has blinded and prevented us from exploiting all the while.”

    According to him, “it is indeed a very well-known fact that, as a consequence of the nation’s current economic woes, the monthly allocation to states from the Federation Account has fallen to less than 38 per cent of what it used to be.

    “Before we came into office, governors used to enjoy access to excess crude fallouts but now, the language has changed to bailout funds. The situation has become so bad that many states are unable to pay salaries and meet other obligations; and when a governor pays salaries, he is applauded and it makes news. The Federal Government essentially summed up the situation with its recent and solemn declaration that the country is broke.

    “However, notwithstanding these bleak economic realities, we were able to embark on the massive development of urban and rural roads across the state in fulfilment of our promise to create more urban centres, enhance rural access and boost economic activities in every corner of Enugu State.”

    From the foregoing, a critical review of the achievements of Ugwuanyi’s administration in 2016, in the midst of the daunting economic challenges speak volume and  showcase his leadership qualities in navigating the state to greater heights.

    It was in 2016 that Ugwuanyi’s administration commenced massive construction of over eight major roads spread across the three senatorial districts of the state, which were flagged off in late 2015.

    The roads include the Nike Lake road; the Abakpa Nike road; the Opi-Nsukka dual carriage road; the Amaeke-Ngwo-Nsude- 9TH Mile bypass; the Amankwo-Amaeke-Amah Brewery Junction-9th Mile by-pass; the  Ohom Orba Junction-Imilike Ani- Ezimo Uno- Ezimo Agu-Imilike –Ogbodu Aba-Obollo Etiti-Amalla-Obollo Afor ring road; the Enugu Road Junction-Umuezebi-Nru Junction-University Gate road; the Post Office Roundabout- Odenigbo Roundabout- Ogurugu Road-Ikenga road; and the Obechara Road Junction-Umuakashi-Mechanic Village-Ikenga Hotels Junction road. It is worthy of note that five of these roads have been completed and inaugurated while others are nearing completion.

    It was also during the year under review that a data-simplifying civic organization, BudgIT, listed Enugu, Lagos and Rivers as the only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that can fulfill obligations to their workers. Enugu State in spite of the economic recession has been regular in the payment of workers’ salaries and still executes capital projects. In fact, the state government paid last December salaries on the 19th to enable its workers celebrate Christmas with their loved ones. The wise decision was based on the fact that Enugu is predominately a civil service state and it is only when workers’ salaries are paid that the economic activities of the state are reactivated for the overall interest of the people.

    In 2016, Ugwuanyi’s administration grabbed the bull by the horns and embarked on the rehabilitation of the failed sections of the federal government roads along Oji River-Ugwuoba-Anambra State boarder road by old road and 9th mile-Egede-Nsukka-Obollo Afor- Benue State boarder road to alleviate the pains road users experience on the roads and guarantee smooth and safe transportation during this Yuletide.

    It was also last year that the governor, in a move to extend the frontiers of development to the rural areas with the aim of creating more urban centres to boost economic growth and improve the lives of the people,  simultaneously flagged off 35 infrastructural projects across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state. The projects, which comprise 25 roads, water schemes, electricity, hospitals, schools, buildings, among others, are ongoing.

    The state government last year approved the release of funds for the execution of N3 billion worth of projects for the renovation of over 276 primary and secondary schools in the state with the Federal Government providing 50 percent of the sum. It also embarked on the recruitment of 2000 primary school teachers to improve the standard of education in the state.

    Recently, 750 unemployed youths selected from across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state were enrolled into the SDGs Skill Acquisition programme to create opportunity for them to realize their potentials with the aim of creating employment and eradicate poverty in line with the administration’s four-point agenda.  The state government pays each trainee N5,000 per month for transportation and N100,000 at the end of the training to assist the person start his or her own business.

    The governor’s passion for sporting activities and support to the Enugu Rangers International Football Club saw to the club’s winning of the 2016 Nigerian Professional Football League – a remarkable feat that broke the club’s jinx of not winning a trophy since 32 years.

    It was also in 2016 that Enugu State through the instrumentality of its Economic Advisory Council organized the first ever Enugu State Investment Summit christened “Oganiru” to showcase the economic potentials of the state in line with the promise to vigorously promote investment and pursue the diversification of the State’s economy.

    These landmarks recorded by the governor during the year under review, were made possible through accountability, transparency, financial discipline and prudent management of the state’s lean resources.

    It was also possible through the application of the best economic practices, reform programmes in the public service, finance and economic development sector which had resulted in a significant increase in the state’s internally generated revenue. For instance, the state government after a staff audit in the 17 Local Government councils discovered a total of 3,916 ghost workers who receive salaries on monthly basis.

    With the recent presentation of the 2017 Budget estimates tagged, “Budget of Economic Recovery and Inclusive Development” before the Enugu State House of Assembly, which articulated the plans and vision of the present administration to create an environment that will further encourage full development of its human and natural resources, Ugwuanyi has rekindled his commitment to the provision of social services and rebuilding of vital infrastructure in all sectors and across the State.

    As the present administration has always promised not to allow the prevailing harsh economic climate in the country, prevent it from attaining the lofty objectives that was set out for the benefit of the people, the onus, therefore, is for the people of the state to continue to support and pray for its success for Enugu State is truly in the hands of God.

     

    • Amoke, writes from Enugu State.
  • Ugwuanyi urges tertiary schools to tackle recession

    Ugwuanyi urges tertiary schools to tackle recession

    Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has urged tertiary institutions to contribute their quota to fighting recession through research that can help diversify the economy.

    In his speech at the 17th convocation of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Ugwuanyi said the nation’s economic fortunes could be reversed with collaboration from all quarters, especially research efforts by the academia towards the development of scientific and technological solutions.

    He said: “I am actually convinced that tertiary Institutions in the country do have a critical role to play in this regard, especially if they would tailor and intensity their research activities towards the development of new scientific capacities and technologies that would not only help to diversify our economy and create new jobs, but could also spur rapid growth in every sector. There is therefore no better time than now for ESUT and other institutions in the country to rise up to the challenge and in particular with the private sector that deliver scientific technological breakthroughs that would impact significantly on the economic profile and fortunes of the nation.”

    Ugwuanyi praised the Governing Council, management, workers and students of the university for contributing to its growth and promised to continue to provide funds for its development.

    “I charge the Council and the Management of ESUT, to deploy all their energies and competences to improve the fortunes of ESUT and take it to the desired pinnacle of intellectual and technological excellence. Today, we have come, not just to witness the 17th Convocation but also to celebrate the milestones that it has achieved in the recent times,” he said.

    Reeling out the achievements of the university under his watch, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Luke Okechukwu Anike, said ESUT earned number one status among state universities because of revival of research through resuscitation of research centres like the Biotechnology Centre, Industrial Development Centre, Social Science Research Centre and Entrepreneurship Centre, as well as the creation of a Research and Innovation Unit.

    “It was heart-warming to know that our university, ESUT, had assumed its rightful place as the first state university and the first university of Technology in Nigeria and that due to the above humble effort and more, our university was ranked number one state university and number 17 university in the country in the recent webometric survey rating of varsities based on quality of programmes and products,” he said.

    Anike also said the institution has invested in staff development by sponsoring workers to attend national and international conferences, workshops and seminars.

    In his address, the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council, Prof Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, revealed that since the council was inaugurated, it had worked with the management to plug loopholes to provide a congenial academic environment for all.

    Onah, also praised the state and federal governments, lawmakers and other officials for contributing to the 36-year-old institution’s success.

    On his part, the Chancellor, Ambassador Hassan Adamu (Wakili Adamawa) praised the management staff of the university for their achievements so far and called on the stakeholders to work towards sustaining the dream of the founding fathers of ESUT.

    At the combined convocation for the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 academic sessions, 12,714 students from nine faculties graduated.

     

  • Ugwuanyi salutes ex-servicemen’s sacrifice

    …as Archbishop lauds governor for payment of retirees’ benefits

    Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices of ex-servicemen who laid down their lives for the safety and security of the nation and her citizens.

    Gov. Ugwuanyi also congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for the gallantry of servicemen and the successes they have continued to record on the battlefields as well as against the security challenges currently confronting the nation.

    Speaking at the launch of the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem in Enugu, the governor called attention to the plight of ex-servicemen and the survivors and dependents of fallen heroes, urging the public to show them appreciation for the sacrifices they made for the nation’s sake.

    “We offer them our sincere gratitude, goodwill, solidarity and unrelenting prayers. In doing this, we are not only according these great patriots the honour and credit that they truly deserve but  we are also reassuring those still in service, that the country would never forget their sacrifices nor forsake them in their own hours of need,” Ugwuanyi assured.

    Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Enugu State Council, Engr. George Amalu, expressed gratitude to the governor for his support which he said has given the state Legion a sense of belonging and inspired the Enugu Legion “to square up with other Legions in other states of the federation.”

    Also in his remark, the Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Anglican Communion, Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the payment of arrears of pensions and gratuities of retirees in the state, enjoining other governors in the country to emulate the gesture.

  • We’ll pray for your success in 2017, monks tell Ugwuanyi  

    The Monks of Our Lady of Mount Calvary Monastery at Awhum in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State have promised to always pray for the success of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as well as the progress of the state and the nation.

    In a remark during a thanksgiving mass at the Monastery in honour of the newly sworn in Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. James Ikeyi, Rev. Paul, on behalf of the monks, expressed delight at the governor’s leadership style, which he said centred on good governance and fear of God.

    They hailed the governor for his commitment and interest in the progress of the Monastery.

    The monks also congratulated him for his 2015 election victory, describing him as “the man of the people”.

    They noted that Ugwuanyi’s visit to celebrate the first mass of the year was symbolic and an indication of his closeness to God and the interest he had in the monastery.

    The monks pledged to continue to offer special prayers for God to protect the governor as well as give him the wisdom, grace, vision and other things he needed to discharge his responsibilities creditably, despite the economic challenges in the country.

    “Your Excellency, your coming to Awhum Monastery before and after election has indicated that you have everything in common with the monastery. May the Good Lord continue to give you the strength and ability to discharge your responsibilities well. We will continue to pray for your administration at Awhum Monastery,” the monks said.

    Ugwuanyi thanked the monks for their continued prayers and kind words of encouragement.

    The governor also congratulated Mr. Ikeyi and his family for God’s favour and love on them.

    He wished Enugu State residents a happy and prosperous New Yea.

    Ugwuanyi pleaded with the monks to remain steadfast in their prayers for him and the state so “that God will continue to order our steps to take the state to greater heights”.

    The governor visited the motherless babies’ home at Enugu in the spirit of the New Year celebration.

  • ‘Ugwuanyi has brought wind of change’

    Ex-Senate President Dr. Ken Nnamani has hailed Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi

    Ugwuanyi for inspiring a sense of pride in the state through transformation.

    Nnamani, who spoke at the Culture Day and Annual General Meeting of Amechi

    Uwani Community, in Enugu South Local Government, where the governor was the special guest of honour,

    said it was significant that the experience occurred barely over one year of his administration and at a time of recession.

    He added: “There is a new wind of change in Enugu State.

    “If you have not been to Enugu for some time, you may think you are in a foreign land following the infrastructural development. The man behind this is Governor Ugwuanyi.”

    Nnamani hailed the governor for the visit by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammad Saad Abubakar 111.

    According to him, the visit

    had lifted Enugu’s profile and strengthened socio-political bond between the Southeast and the North.

    Ugwuanyi advised other communities to copy Amechi Uwani by sustaining their culture and embarking on community development projects through collective efforts.