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Tag: Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

  • Enugu Gov, Ugwuanyi fires political appointees

    Enugu Gov, Ugwuanyi fires political appointees

    Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has directed all political appointees in the state to hand over on or before May 26, ahead of the expiration of the second tenure of his administration on May 29.

    This is contained in a statement by Ugwuanyi’s Special Aide, Mr Louis Amoke in Enugu.

    The directive was conveyed through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Simon  Ortuanya, when the SSG met with Heads of Boards, Parastatals, Agencies and Commissions in his office in Abuja Building and Government House, Enugu.

    Prof Ortuanya listed the affected political appointees to include all Commissioners of Ministries, Special Advisers (SPAs) to the Governor, Chief Executive Officers of Government-owned Companies, Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs) to the governor.

    Others are Technical Assistants to the Governor, Technical Assistants to Commissioners, Technical Assistants to Special Advisers and  Technical Assistants to Enugu State House of Assembly Members

    Others are Board Chairmen and Board Members of Government-owned Companies, Executive Secretaries of Parastatals or Government-owned Companies, and State Project Coordinators of World Bank-Assisted Projects.

    The SSG said “the above mentioned political appointees are to hand over their affairs to the Permanent Secretary or Director of Administration or Director of Personnel Management, as the case may be.”

    The state government also directed all civil servants holding political positions to return to their parent ministries.

    Prof. Ortuanya explained that the decision was in line with established procedure, as the second tenure of Governor Ugwuanyi expires on May 29, 2023.

    “Enugu State Government expresses gratitude and sincere appreciation for the contributions you have rendered towards the development of the state.

    “The state wishes you well in your future endeavours,” he added.

  • Enugu-based activist denies maligning Gov. Ugwuanyi

    Enugu-based activist denies maligning Gov. Ugwuanyi

    An Enugu-based Social Activist, Mr Chukwuma Okenwa, dismissed insinuations that he granted media interview against Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his “sterling outstanding achievements” in the state.

    Okenwa said this on Sunday in Enugu while reacting to reports linking him to unprintable statements against the governor.

    “To set the record straight, I did not grant any interview to a non existent platform seeking attention.

    “I have not even heard of any platform called by the name before and I am sure it is equally a strange platform to the good people of Enugu State.

    “How can an acclaimed news platform compile such a report without the name of the news writer?”

    Okenwa said such “a report can only be fabricated by unconscionable individuals who are bent on scoring cheap political points”.

    He called on the people of the state to disregard such a report, as “never a time did I grant such an interview to any news platform, not even in my dream”.

    The activist also thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for the opportunity to serve in his administration, adding: “I urge His Excellency, to disregard the malicious report linked to me.”

  • Ten houses razed, one person killed in Enugu communal clashes

    Ten houses razed, one person killed in Enugu communal clashes

    There was pandemonium in the  Oruku community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Wednesday, when a group of boys suspected to be hoodlums stormed the community to wreak havoc.

    The hoodlums were suspected to be loyal to some powerful persons who are at war with neighboring communities in the area.

    The hoodlums razed 10 houses and killed one person in the melee.

    It was gathered that  the houses were burnt between December 25 and Wednesday, December 28, 2022 morning.

    Among the houses burnt on Tuesday and the early hours of Wednesday morning included the palace of the late traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Emmanuel Mba, who was killed by paid operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactical Squad on December 26, 2020 by some powerful community leaders.

    Others affected are the house of the former local government chairman, Hon. Ejike Ani, and his younger brother, Agozie Ani.

    It was also gathered that one man whose identity is yet to be ascertained was equally killed during the burning of the houses.

    A victim, Agozie lamented the crisis especially the burning of his house, saying that he has lost everything he had.

    He said, “Over 10 houses were burnt in Oruku from 25th December 2022, including my own, Hon. Ejike Ani and the late Igwe Emmanuel Mba’s houses.

    “They also shot and killed one man on Christmas Day. Our crime was supporting Gov. Ugwuanyi’s peace deal on Oruku – Umuode crises and he abandoned us,” Ani lamented.

    Meanwhile, two videos showed burning houses said to be that of the Agozie Ani and another showing a burnt house said to belong to Ejike Ani.

     

    In a video obtained by newsmen, one of the arsonists was seen and heard saying this is the house of Governor Ifeanyi’s loyalist.

    he said “this is the house of idiot Ejike Ani, the devil that bring ruin to Oruku by joining the weakling called Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. This is his house – this is the boys’ quarter, this is also his many building.”

    “His house should also look like his own group. We have built him a new house so that his house will look like his own group. He is a human being. This one is the second building. He is the one that causes all the problems we have in Oruku. We have built a story building for him now because the bungalow doesn’t fit him any longer as the former local government chairman, who is destroying the Oruku.”

    In a second video showing a burning bungalow, a background voice said “Agozie Ani this is your own house. We have built two storey building for you. This is the house of the vengeance. This is your home since you feel that there was no strength, we want to show you that there’s strength. This is the beginning, you will stay outside to come and implement your governor’s peace. You and others have been boasting to deal with us but we are already dealing with you and your useless governor.”

    Meanwhile, the renewed attack followed a judicial panel set up by the Enugu government to look into the Oruku – Umuode communal conflict.

    However, the findings and recommendations of the panel had since been submitted to the state government but not much has been heard about its implementation.

    No fewer than 12 prominent people from the community who supported Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s peace initiative had been killed and over 100 houses razed down since December 26, 2020.

    The murderers and arsonists were believed to be working for some powerful personalities including a military general involved in the protracted communal conflict in the area in the last two decades.

    When contacted on the telephone, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said “I don’t have information on this”.

  • Ugwuanyi inaugurates Nnamdi Azikiwe’s centre in Enugu

    Ugwuanyi inaugurates Nnamdi Azikiwe’s centre in Enugu

    Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Friday converted old Premier’s Lodge of the defunct Eastern Region to Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Centre for Historical Monument of Great Zik.

    Newsmen reports that the centre houses Zik’s interviews, showcase of his leadership qualities, exhibition of his life, scholarly awards, media releases in form of documentaries and movies as well as his dressing.

    Inaugurating the centre, Ugwuanyi said it was conceived to serve as a historical, educational, cultural and tourist monuments in honour of the late Zik.

    The governor, who described Zik as a scholar, foremost nationalist, an outstanding and inspirational leader, said he was pleased that his administration came up with the idea which started five years ago.

    He, however, emphasised the need for people to appreciate the past leaders for their contribution and efforts for the wellbeing of the country.

    The General Manager, Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC), Mr Chukwuemelie Agu, thanked the governor for remodeling the centre earlier earmarked for demolition.

    According to him, the place serves as official office of the Great Zik of Africa while the other side was his residential home known then as Premier Lodge.

    Agu said the centre would preserve the lyrics and history of the Premier of the then Eastern Region, and the corporation had placed high premium on preserving his relics such as shoes, eye glasses and cloths.

    “ESHDC is highly privileged and excited to be part of this memorable and historical project,” Agu said.

    Also, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, while thanking Ugwuanyi for not making the great works of Zik swept under carpet, said the centre would help to uphold the legacies of their son, Owelle of Onitsha.

    He stressed that the gesture was not ordinary, particularly in Nigeria where people easily forgot the efforts and suffering of past leaders.

    “Children coming behind us will not know about Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Michael Okpara and others unless they visit centre like this to appreciate their efforts, legacies and philosophies.

    “With this, they will emulate their leadership principles and sense of humanity, so that in future more like them will emerge,” he said.

    Achebe, who lauded Federal Government for reintroducing History in school curriculum, said: “It is worst policy decision a nation can make by denying their people the knowledge of their history and place in the world.

    “It is a common knowledge that the most effective way to conquer a nation is not by physical arm like Russia, the real conquest is when you deny people the sense of their history, language and culture.

    “That was what Colonial Masters did to us but Zik and others fought for it but we Nigerians subsequently denied ourselves history.”

    Thanking Ugwuanyi on behalf of the family, the wife of Zik, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, said the family would not forget what the governor did for them.

    She said: “The centre is going to be a legacy project in Enugu and a centre where anybody visiting Enugu will come to see as well as tourists attraction for many.”

    Earlier, Zik’s son, Mr Uwakwe Azikiwe, said that Ugwuanyi conceptualised the ideal of immortalising his father by renovating the old Premier Lodge where Zik resided and worked as Premier of Eastern Region from 1954 to 1960.

    Uwakwe, who is the Special Adviser to Ugwuanyi on Special Duties, stressed that it was presented to them in 2016 and renovated by ESHDC.

    “There are sections for his personal life, independence, first and second republic, places named after him,” he added.

  • Fr Mbaka to build 500-bed university hospital, three factories in Enugu

    Fr Mbaka to build 500-bed university hospital, three factories in Enugu

    The Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka is set to build a 500-bed University Hospital, three factories, a waste management plant and other facilities within the vicinity of the Adoration Centre, in Enugu State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Rev. Fr. Mbaka conceived the projects in partnership with a British firm known as HP Kapital Limited with a view to remodelling the Adoration Centre to serve as a multifunctional facility.

    Mbaka revealed plans for the projects when he visited the Governor of Enugu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to seek his support for the projects. Governor Ugwuanyi declared that his administration will support a proposal.

    Ugwuanyi, who spoke when Mbaka led the Group Chairman of HP Kapital Limited, Nandishwar Kaushal and his team to visit him at the Government House, Enugu, said the state government will do all that is required, considering its limited resources, to assist and ensure that the laudable projects succeed.

    The delegation visited the Governor to formally inform him of their remodelling plan for the Adoration Centre to serve as a multifunctional facility to include a University Hospital of international standard with specialized medical services such as a helipad and air ambulance, a five-star hotel, recreation facility and convention centre, among others.

    Requesting land for the projects, the delegation also informed the Governor of their plan to build an energy plant to manage waste and convert it to wealth. They equally said they will build three factories that would employ 600 people locally, who will be trained by 40 engineers to be trained abroad, among other inherent benefits to the state and the local community.

    Speaking, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed delight at the project action plan which he said was in line with the accomplishments of his administration in creating jobs for the youth and providing qualitative and affordable healthcare services to residents of the state, including the rural dwellers.

    The governor, who noted that Fr. Mbaka has paid his dues, stressed that his administration will continue to support and encourage any venture that would create jobs and add value to the economy of the state and the living standard of the people.

    “I want to assure and reassure you that the Enugu State Government will do all that is required, giving our limited resources, to assist you”, he said.

    Earlier in his presentation, the Group Chairman of HP Kapital Limited, Kaushal, informed Gov. Ugwuanyi the University Hospital will be affiliated with “your University here (ESUT) and AU University in Britain”, adding that “the degrees that will be issued will be in collaboration with your University and AU British University”.

    He disclosed that the company hopes to have an initial strength of 7,500 students in a number of different Curriculums, “not only medicine”, explaining further that “the staff accommodation is going to be 2,500 people” locally and internationally.

    On corporate social responsibility, the chairman stated that they will help the needy and the less privileged, revealing that “10 per cent of all beds, no matter the cost of the bill, we will treat those patients for free so far those persons are registered citizens of Enugu State”.

    Corroborating, Fr. Mbaka thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his fatherly support, pointing out that it would be a thing of joy “the generation to come will know that this project came to be in Gburugburu’s (Gov. Ugwuany’s) time”.

    The AMEN Spiritual Director maintained that the project is coming to Enugu State because of the existing peace and the enabling environment provided by the governor.

    According to him, “The HP Kapital Limited is not just coming as a mono entrepreneurial team; we are partnering with them. It is a holistic partnership between them and Adoration Ministry. All you have suggested are in tandem with our vision and mission. More so when you talked about the charitable dimension and how this will be beneficial to the inherent resident community; it is part and parcel of our dream”.

    Fr. Mbaka prayed for the timely commencement and successful completion of the project, and assured Gov. Ugwuanyi of their collective commitment and determination to ensure that he inaugurates some of the projects before the end of his administration.

    “Your Excellency, by the time you are not in the office as a Governor of Enugu State there are a lot of things for which you should be remembered for. And I pray that among all the credible, multiple, pragmatic, and demonstrated developments, one of them should be this project we have come with today”, he said.

  • Relocate to your development areas to foster grassroots-based intelligence gathering- Ugwuanyi to new administrators

    Relocate to your development areas to foster grassroots-based intelligence gathering- Ugwuanyi to new administrators

    Determined to stem local security challenges, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has directed the 68 newly sworn-in Development Area #Administrators in the state, to relocate to their areas and take charge immediately.

     

    Gov. Ugwuanyi also directed that the new Administrators must engage all Traditional Rulers, Presidents of Town Unions, Religious Leaders, Youth Organizations, Women Organizations, Neighbourhood Watch groups, Forest Guards and indeed all stakeholders in their respective Development Areas, to inspire a grassroots security architecture underpinned by robust intelligence gathering and communication of same to security agencies.

     

    The governor who gave the directives when he swore in the Administrators, at the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday, stressed that the grassroots engagement strategy “is the only means of fully reclaiming our neighbourhoods, and we expect no less”.

     

    Harping on the imperative for this new paradigm of neighbourhood-based intelligence gathering, Gov. Ugwuanyi pointed out that the strategy “stares us in the face”, stressing: “If we must secure our communities/neighbourhoods and fulfill our pivotal mandate of security and welfare of our people, as enshrined in section 14 subsection 2(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), then we must necessarily understand our neighbourhoods and the residents; their means of livelihood, lifestyle and networks”.

     

    The governor therefore stated that “Enugu State Development Areas can no longer be superintended by absentee or non-resident Development Area Administrators”.

     

    He reminded the administrators that they have a duty to also ensure that their subjects are fully enlightened on government’s policies and programmes, and mobilized for collaborative partnership in peace keeping as well as implementation of policies and programmes of government.

     

    According to him, “The government and people of Enugu State are eager to see our Development Area Administrators impact the grassroots with a view to changing the narratives on security, local economy and micro-infrastructure.

     

    “Our new Administrators, I congratulate you on your assumption of duty (today) while assuring you of the all-time support of Enugu State Government as you embark on this critical duty.

     

    “I pray that the abiding grace of Almighty God leads you through this onerous assignment”.

     

    Responding, the administrators expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for giving them the opportunity to serve the state, their respective local government and development areas, and assured the governor that they will discharge their duties diligently in accordance with his directives.

     

    The event was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi and other Honourable Members of the House, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani, the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, Members of the State Executive Council (EXCO), Special Advisers to the Governor, Council Chairmen, among others.

  • Photos: Ugwuanyi, Deputy, Speaker, others pay condolence visit to late Ekweremadu’s family

    Photos: Ugwuanyi, Deputy, Speaker, others pay condolence visit to late Ekweremadu’s family

    Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Friday, led a state government delegation to the family of the late Commissioner for Transport, Rt. Hon. Mathias Ekweremadu Jnr, on a condolence visit, at his Enugu residence.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the deceased, who is the cousin of the immediate past Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, died in Enugu on Thursday.

    According to reports, the commissioner slumped during an interaction with the Enugu State House of Assembly Committee on Transport led by a member representing Enugu East Rural constituency, Mr Hillary Ugwu.

    The governor who was accompanied by his Deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, other members of the House and State Executive Council (EXCO), consoled the wife of the late Commissioner, Mrs. Stella Ekweremadu, his children and other family members.

    The governor and his entourage were also received by the Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, who offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Ekweremadu, and for God to grant his family and the state government the fortitude to bear the loss.

    The late Ekweremadu was ex-Chairman of Aninri Local Government Area and former Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly who represented Aninri Constituency, between 2013 and 2019.

  • [BREAKING] #EndSARS: Ugwuanyi imposes 24-hour curfew on three Enugu LGs

    [BREAKING] #EndSARS: Ugwuanyi imposes 24-hour curfew on three Enugu LGs

    The Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi led Enugu State Government has imposed a 24-hour Curfew in Enugu East, Enugu North and Enugu South Local Government Areas, effective from 7pm today, Wednesday, October 21, 2020, untill further notice.

    Recall that there has been reports of widespread violence in some areas following the fallout of the #EndSARS protests.

    More details soon…

  • Ugwuanyi appoints Prof. Okwueze as Deputy Chief of Staff

    Ugwuanyi appoints Prof. Okwueze as Deputy Chief of Staff

    Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, has approved the appointment of Prof. Malachy Ikechukwu Okwueze, as his Deputy Chief of Staff.

    In a statement by the Secretary of the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the appointment takes effect from Friday, January 24, 2020.

    Prof. Okwueze, until his new appointment, was the Vice Chancellor of Coal City University, Enugu.

    The new Deputy Chief of Staff is a first class degree holder in Religion and best graduating student of the University of Nigeria for the 1986/87 Session.

    He also has a Bachelor of Laws Degree and Master of Laws Degree, both from the University of Nigeria and won the prize for the Second Best Overall Performance in the Nigeria Law School Bar Final Examination in 1996, among other several academic prizes.

    Prof. Okwueze, who recently served as a member of one of the 12 Sectoral Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Enugu State Government, for reform of public service in the state, was equally a former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Nigeria.

    He held other administrative positions in the University, such as Dean of Students Affairs and member of Governing Council. The erudite scholar is married with children.

  • Enugu gov appoints Nollywood actress

    Enugu gov appoints Nollywood actress

    Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu State Governor, has appointed Nollywood actress Rachael Okonkwo, as Enugu State Ambassador on Youth Development.

    The beautiful famous actress announced the good news via her Instagram page, where she shared a photo of herself and the governor holding what appeared to be her appointment letter.

    ” I am overwhelmed and glad to inform you that I have been appointed the Enugu State Ambassador on Youth Development by the state governor, His Excellency IFEANYI LAWRENCE UGWUANYI (GBURUS).

    “I am humbled that my state found me worthy to represent them and I promise to do my utmost best towards creating positive impact in the lives of Youths and the people of Enugu State at large.

    #Enugu State is in hand of God
    #Nkolinwansukka
    #Ugommandigbo, she captioned the photo.

    Okonkwo, who is popularly known as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka is a fast rising Nollywood actress, model, singer, dancer and a philanthropist.

    In 2007, Rachael Okonkwo joined the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood) professionally, after registering with the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Enugu Chapter, and started attending movie auditions and featuring as minor character in movies.

    In 2008, she played a supporting role in the movie “Royal War” alongside Ini Edo and Van Vickers.

    Also in 2010, she played a supporting role in the movie “Open and Close”, alongside Nuela Njibuigbo, Patience Ozokwor, John Okafor and Charles Inojie.

    In 2014, the renowned dancer rose to fame after playing the lead role in the Nollywood blockbuster movie “Nkoli Nwa Nsukka”, an Igbo indigenous movie produced and directed by Mac Collins Chidebe.

    Rachael Okonkwo has acted in more than 100 Nollywood movies which include Royal War, Ekaette Goes to School, White Ladies, Sister Esther, Paw Paw the Guitar Boy, Bloody War, Ogidi, Teri Teri, Arthur One Eye, Onwa Na South.

    Others are Left Over, Zee World Madness, University Girls, Vale of Tears, Ojawa-Nwa, Justify My Love, Eno My Calabar Love, Ijele the Princess of Fire, Local Prostitute, Please Leave My Husband, Tears of Betrayal, The Gods Anger, among others

    In 2014, the model and songwriter won the Best Indigenous Comedy Actress at the City People Entertainment Awards.

    In 2016, she was nominated for Best Comedy Actress of the Year at the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards for her role as Nkoli in the movie “Nkoli Nwa Nsukka”.

    The beautiful and talented actress, recently debunked rumours that she was dating Nollywood movie producer and director, Mac Collins Chidebe, and Nollywood famous actor Ken Erics during an interview.

    Okonkwo, who is also a philanthropist, has a special way of giving back to the society.

    According to her, she hosts an annual carnival, which aims at providing free gifts for kids and entertainment to the people.

    She said the project enables her to interact with her fans.

    In 2015, she hosted the first edition of the children’s Easter Carnival, which aimed at giving free gifts to kids during the Easter celebration and was held in Enugu coal city of Enugu State.

    In 2015, Rachael Okonkwo was nominated for Best Supporting Actress of the Year (English) at the City People Entertainment Awards and Best Comic Actress of the Year at the Karis Media Awards.

    In 2016, Rachael Okonkwo was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the City People Entertainment Awards.

    In 2016, she hosted the second edition of the children’s Easter Carnival, which was held in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    The second edition recorded more turnout as she was accompanied by fellow Nollywood actors like Ken Erics among others to the event.

    In 2017, she hosted the third edition of the children’s Easter Carnival, which was held in her city of birth Nsukka, Enugu State.

    The event recorded not less than 5,000 people in attendance including Nollywood celebrities like Angela Okorie, Nonso Diobi, Ken Erics, Eve Esin and Nigerian Hip hop rapper Slowdog

    Rachael Okonkwo is currently one of the richest and most influential actresses in Nigeria.