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Tag: Ebonyi State

  • NUT begins indefinite strike in Ebonyi

    NUT begins indefinite strike in Ebonyi

    The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Ebonyi chapter, has commenced an indefinite strike in seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state over unpaid three months salaries.

    Mr Bassey Asuquo, Secretary of the Union in Ebonyi, listed the affected LGAs to include Ebonyi, Edda, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ivo, Ishielu and Ohaukwu.

    Asuquo explained that the strike was due to the unpaid salaries of October, November and December 2024.

    “As we speak, the January 2025 salary has not been paid to any of our members in the 13 local government areas of the state.

    “Sequel to our earlier notice on mobilisation for an indefinite strike, we have thoroughly reviewed the compliance of local government chairmen regarding the clearance of our members’ salaries.

    “As at the close of work on Feb. 5, 2025, we acknowledge that certain local government areas have cleared the salaries of our members.

    “However, we regret to inform you that several local government chairmen have failed to clear the backlog of our members’ outstanding salaries.

    “In response to this non-compliance, we hereby declare an indefinite strike action in Edda, Ebonyi, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ishielu, Ivo and Ohaukwu.

    “All our state and branch officers in the affected local government areas are instructed to adhere strictly to this directive and ensure the immediate enforcement of the action starting from Thursday Feb. 6; this includes organising and maintaining solidarity picket lines and monitoring the compliance of the action across the affected localities,” he said.

    Asuquo urged members to remain steadfast and continue to show solidarity to ensure total compliance.

  • Police confirm 10 dead as gunmen attack Ebonyi community

    Police confirm 10 dead as gunmen attack Ebonyi community

    The Police in Ebonyi have confirmed 10 persons dead in an attack launched by suspected gunmen at Amagu village in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.

    The spokesman of the command, SP Joshua Ukandu, who confirmed the incident on Sunday in Abakaliki, said that the attack occurred on Sunday morning

    “Several houses were also burnt selectively in the area and other properties destroyed. Upon receipt of the information, we drafted police operatives to the area. We are currently investigating the incident while normalcy has returned to the area,” he said.

  • Police confirm 1 dead in Ebonyi communal clash

    Police confirm 1 dead in Ebonyi communal clash

    The Police Command in Ebonyi has confirmed one person dead in a clash between the people of Omege-Agalagu and Ukwuinyima Communities in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.

    The Spokesman of the Command, SP Joshua Ukandu confirmed this on Sunday in Abakaliki.

    Ukandu explained that the incident started when two youths from the two communities fought and one of them from Omege was stabbed.

    “The person was rushed to the hospital but later died. Due to his death,  members of his community launched attack against the other; houses were burnt, especially the thatch roofs.

    “Our men were mobilised to stopped them from causing more troubles. Peace has returned to the area and investigation has started to find the root cause of the matter.

    “We have also arrested the man that stabbed the victim,” the Spokesman added.

  • Ebonyi Assembly Deputy Speaker’s aide dies in road accident

    Ebonyi Assembly Deputy Speaker’s aide dies in road accident

    Ifeanyichukwu Eze, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Speaker, Ebonyi House of Assembly, Mr Chinedu Onah, has died in a road accident on the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway.

    Mr Chinonso Nwede, the Secretary of the Deputy Speaker’s Legislative Aides Forum, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.

    According to him, the incident occurred whilst Eze was returning from a funeral wake, accompanied by three other legislative aides and one additional person.

    Nwede said the wake was held in solidarity with a friend whose mother’s funeral took place on Jan. 11.

    “Sadly, Eze succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The four other individuals involved in the accident are still receiving treatment for their varying degrees of injuries,” he said.

    Eze, until his demise, was also the Youth Movement Coordinator for Gov. Francis Nwifuru in the Umuogudu Oshia Ward of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

    Nwede described Eze’s demise as a painful loss for his colleagues and the people of Ebonyi, adding that it was “one too many and too difficult to endure”.

    He noted that the incident was particularly devastating as Eze’s colleagues were preparing to celebrate his completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme and other milestones.

    “Eze’s life was not without its challenges, having lost his mother at a tender age and being raised without her care.

    “As the only son, his father had pinned his hopes on him, and was relieved to see him grow into a capable individual and serve as personal assistant to the fourth citizen of Ebonyi,” he said.

    Nwede expressed sympathy for Eze’s family, particularly his father, and the Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly.

    He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the other victims of the accident and for Eze’s soul to rest in peace, whilst also seeking fortitude for his family to bear the irreparable loss.

  • Ebonyi will witness unprecedented development in 2025 – Gov Nwifuru

    Ebonyi will witness unprecedented development in 2025 – Gov Nwifuru

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has said 2025 will be marked by unprecedented development, growth and massive transformation of all parts of the State.

    Nwifuru made the declaration in a New Year message to his people on Tuesday in Abakaliki and issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor.

    The governor said he would prioritise policies and programmes that would promote inclusive development and foster economic opportunities for the benefit of the people.

    “I have declared this new year as one that will be marked by unprecedented development, growth and massive transformation of all parts of the state.

    “As we step into the New Year, I extend my warmest greetings to every citizen and resident of our great state.

    “This is a time of reflection and renewal, an opportunity to chart a new course for personal growth and collective progress in line with the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda.

    “In 2024, we, through your support, prayers and encouragements, annexed new grounds and deliberately took a quantum leap in all spheres of governance,” he said.

    The governor noted  that his administration had placed over 25, 000 of the citizens on sound economic pedestal for accelerated growth and prosperity.

    “Though the year 2024 brought challenges,  it also showcased the resilience, unity, and innovation of our people.

    “We have made significant strides in improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security last year.

    “This year marks a new dawn for the state’s political history and landscape and will bring to full actualisation, the letters and spirit of my manifesto,” the Governor pledged.

  • How God used Umahi to make me governor – Nwifuru

    How God used Umahi to make me governor – Nwifuru

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has said God used the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi to make him the State’s governor in 2023.

    Nwifuru said this  on Monday when both attended mpowerment programme by member representing Ohaoazara/Onicha/ Ivo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama, at Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

    Umahi ensured that his political godson Nwifuru, succeeded him at the  end of his tenure in 2023. The duo have enjoyed a cordial relationship since then with Umahi consistently asserting that Nwifuru would complete an eight- year tenure in office.

    At the event Nwifuru said he the state governor because he the `greatest beneficiary` of Umahi’s governance.

    “God would have used another person to make me governor but Umahi was the only person available to be used. At the time God searched for a person to use in making me governor, Umahi made himself available,” he said.

    Nwifuru noted that God also used the minister to make him Speaker of the state House of Assembly for eight years when he was governor.

    “I performed the duty honestly and that is why I am proud to have him as a boss. Umahi as a governor, excelled in ensuring peace, infrastructure and human capital development among other sectors,” he said.

    The governor further described Umahi as a goal-getter who knows when to strike and get what he wants.

    Why I attended Labour Party legislator’s event – Gov Nwifuru

    Meanwhile, Governor Nwifuru has explained that he attended an event organised by a labour party legislator from the state because politics is not enmity.

    Nwifuru said this on Monday at Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, during the empowerment programme of member representing Ohaoazara/ Onicha/ Ivo Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama.

    The governor said that he attended the event because politics should be about collaboration in the overall interest of the state and country.

    “Kama is supposed to be my enemy as he belongs to another party but he has turned out to be my friend. After election comes governance. That is why I came with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, including its chairman,” he said.

    He said Kama had aligned with this ideology by also identifying with his administration.

    “Any time I am engaged in any activity even child naming ceremony, Kama is always there.

    “I advise him to join APC before the door is closed as I will campaign for the candidate of my party during elections.

    “He should also ensure that these items get to APC members so that they would speak good of him when he eventually joins,” he said.

    Kama in his remarks, thanked the governor and all the state’s leaders who attended the programme, saying that Nwifuru takes him as a brother and friend.

    “I also thank the leadership of the House of Representatives and stakeholders of the constituency as their selflessness and commitment testify to the communal spirit in us,” he said.

    The lawmaker said the items include tricycles, motorcycles, grinding machines, sewing machines, hair dryers, knapsacks, among others.

    “These items are designed to support our constituents in their various endeavours, whether in local transportation, commerce, personal development, among others.

    “We selected the beneficiaries based on the state governor’s detribalised approach of inclusivity and fairness, irrespective of political affiliation.

    “The beneficiaries are advised to use the items for intended purposes while those yet to benefit are assured of being captured in subsequent batches,” he said.

    Mrs Nnenna Okoroafor, a beneficiary, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture and called for more assistance from leaders.

    Former Senate President, Pius Anyim, Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, among others attended the event.

  • I will ensure Gov Nwifuru completes 8 years in office – Umahi

    I will ensure Gov Nwifuru completes 8 years in office – Umahi

    Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi says he will never abandon his successor, Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi and ensure that he completes eight years in office.

    Umahi made the pledge on Saturday at his hometown Uburu, Ohaoazara Local Government Area of Ebonyi when Nwifuru’s clan members, Izzi National Youths Forum, paid him Christmas homage.

    The former governor, while describing the visit as “surprising”, maintained that Nwifuru would complete his two terms in office as he and other former governors of the state did.

    “God forbid that Izzi people stand against me tomorrow but my covenant with God and Nwifuru is to complete uninterrupted eight years in office.

    “Nothing will stop this as I fought principalities and powers alone and won to make him governor. Do you think I cannot do it presently that I have someone by my side?” he queried.

    He reiterated his earlier stance that the Izzi clan remained the state’s present best governance option and had no regret over it

    “Nwifuru is humble and till the end of eight years, I am not leaving him,” he said.

    Umahi commended the leadership of the group for its dexterity noting that he was awed by the number of members on the delegation.

    “It is gratifying that you came to celebrate with me when you should have been at home celebrating with your son, the governor,” he said.

    The National President of Izzi National Youths Forum, Mr Andrew  Elom, said the visit was to thank Umahi for fulfilling his promise of handing over the state’s governorship seat to an Izzi indigene.

    Elom pleaded with Umahi not to abandon his successor and son, Nwifuru but always guide him to remain on the right path.

    “This is a project you initiated and commenced and the governor needs all the encouragement you can give him,” he said.

    He described Umahi as a performing minister, noting that Nigeria is currently witnessing and enjoying replication of his wondrous works in Ebonyi.

  • Ebonyi workers to get N150,000 Christmas bonus

    Ebonyi workers to get N150,000 Christmas bonus

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has announced a N150,000 Christmas bonus to all state civil servants as appreciation to their dedication and commitment to service.

    The announcement is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abakaliki by Dr Monday Uzor, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor.

    According to the statement, the governor announced this at a State banquet organised in honor of the visiting British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Gill Lever at the Government House Abakaliki.

    “Workers in Ebonyi State Civil service will receive N150, 000 each as 2024 Christmas bonus from the State Government.

    “The gesture is in appreciation of workers commitment to duty and their understanding during the strike action.

    “Our Workers have shown a lot of commitments and respect to us as a government.

    “During the strike action they heeded our appeal because they understood the situation of things and we are most grateful and ready to always dialogue on how to improve their welfare,” the statement read.

    The governor further directed that every worker should receive the bonus before close of work on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

    Uzor said that the governor had earlier received the British Deputy High Commissioner in his office at Ochoudo Centenary City, Abakaliki where he solicited the assistance of the British Government in the areas of Water, Health, power and education as well as Agriculture.

    “We are committed to industrialising the state; we have made progress in Ebonyi Pipe Production Company, Ebonyi State Fertilisers and Chemicals Company, Industrial Clusters, and Ebonyi State Hatchery, Nkaliki.

    “We cultivate rice in large quantities and seek your collaboration to enhance production for exportation,” the governor said.

    The statement added: “Water and sanitation are another area we have made significant progress in our quest to increase provision and access to quality water supply in the rural and urban areas.

    “We have revived the Oferekpe water scheme with the capacity to produce 100 million cubic litres of water on a daily basis.”

    Gov. Nwifuru commended the UK Foreign Office and other development partners for their active support and commitment to Nigeria’s State development.

    Earlier, the Deputy High Commissioner had expressed satisfaction with on-going development  in the state and pledged to assist considering the long standing ties between the UK and Nigeria.

  • Nigerians react as Gov Nwifuru crowns his father as King in Ebonyi

    Nigerians react as Gov Nwifuru crowns his father as King in Ebonyi

    The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis  Nwifuru, has caused a stir on social media after presenting a certificate of recognition and a staff of office to his father, Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwamkpu.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the new monarch, which the Governor noted, was in accordance with the Law establishing Ebonyi State Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Cap 146, with the charge also to ensure that peace and unity reigned in his domain.

    The Governor lamented the ill-treatment, which he said the people of the community meted out to his father in the early stages of his life, which according to him, led the monarch into polygamy.

    Nwamkpu is a polygamist with 19 wives and 108 children.

    Governor Nwifuru said, “if I continue to tell you the level of humiliation my father suffered in the hands of my people, everybody here will cry. Even this primary school that we chose as the venue of this event, was our farm land, but they took it away from us and chased my father away from his farm, for doing nothing.

    “It even got to a point my father stopped us associating with any member of this community. It was this condition that actually led him into marrying many wives, for him to get many children.“

    The governor’s action has sparked mixed reactions amongst Nigerians on social media.

    sal_mendoz wrote: “I’m sorry. Any man that marries 19 wives in this recent day and age cannot be a good or responsible person. I have nothing against polygamy but 19 wives? I wonder why the community stopped associating with him.”

    maxwell50202 wrote: “Polygamy is good before but this generation of us can’t work because of hardship.”

    lolo_starrr wrote:” Using public office to settle scores and personal vendetta? That’s a new one. Or maybe not. Cos many monarch’s installed post colonialism were simply awarded the titles in reward for their treachery to their fellow kinfolk. We will be alright las las.”

    pablo_de_oracle wrote: “He really needed to be the governor o chai. No he can help his sibling.”

    digi_versed wrote: “Condition led him to having 19 wives and 108 children. Una never talk true.”

     

  • Lassa fever leaves 23 dead in Ebonyi

    Lassa fever leaves 23 dead in Ebonyi

    The Ebonyi State Government on Thursday said that 394 suspected cases of Lassa Fever have been recorded since January till December in the state.

    The government said 48 cases were confirmed from the suspected case and out of which 23 persons died of the disease while 25 persons were discharged.

    Gov. Francis Nwifuru announced this on Thursday in Abakaliki at the official sign off and handover ceremony of Medecens Sans Frontieres (MSF) also known as ”Doctors without borders” Lassa Fever support activities to the state government.

    “Though we grief over those that died, we give kudos to doctors without borders for saving the lives of those who survived the disease.

    “The spread of this virus is believed to be facilitated by sociocultural practices, poor health seeking behavior, poor environmental sanitation conditions, lack of  awareness and community engagement.

    “We, therefore applaud the splendid efforts of one of our international health ally and partner known as MSF

    “The giant humanitarian strides recorded as milestones of this team in the area of health and well-being of our people is enormous and as a government we are highly indebted to them.

    “MSF became an official health ally and partner to Ebonyi State through the state ministry of health in 2018 and since then they have remained steadfast.

    “Records have shown that this year 2024 alone, Nigeria has recorded over 4,726 cases with very significant fatality rate.

    “In Ebonyi State here, we have recorded 394 suspected cases since January till date with 48 confirmed cases  out of which 23 persons died of the disease while 25 persons were discharged home.

    “As a governor,  I am satisfied with  proactive, relentless and very tremendous efforts you have made in our health sector since your arrival to Ebonyi State in 2018.

    “I believe that sooner than later we shall overcome and eliminate in totality the dangers of Lassa Fever and with your constant backup our acceleration in subduing this deadly virus will be faster and better,” he said.

    The governor implored MSF leadership in their rank and files to consider the sincerest appeal from the state and continue our partnership for the sake of humanity.

    He promised to offer feasible support to accomplish the set goals in Ebonyi State in order to eradicate Lassa Fever.

    Earlier, Dr Allan Godfrey, MSF’s Field Coordinator in Ebonyi thanked the governor for creating an enabling environment in the discharge of their humanitarian services to the people.

    Godfrey noted that its intervention in Ebonyi on healthcare delivery had been successful, urging the state government on the need for sustainability.

    “Within our stay in the state , we have constructed six health centres and other interventions,” he added.