News
Enugu professionals hail Peter Mba’s leadership qualities
…make recommendations for development
The Conference of Enugu Progressive Professionals (CEPPP) has commended the leadership qualities of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Barr Peter Mba.
The group which said that Mba possesses the qualities needed to govern Enugu State, made recommendations on where the candidate should focus on when he emerges as governor of the state.
In a communique issued after a global conference meeting in Enugu, jointly signed by its President, Chief Okonkwo Igwe and the Secretary General Chief Jacobs Egbonwachi, the group said the challenges before business moguls in the state are many, but expressed confidence that Mba will hit the ground running when elected to office.
The communique which includes the recommendations reads:
“The Conference of Enugu Progressive Professionals therefore, in congratulating you and your running mate sir, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, believe very strongly that as a man of impeccable character and sound upbringing, what you are bringing to the table is the kind our great state needs at this critical stage of our development in Africa and the world.
“With the wide range of leadership needs of our people, as ndị Enugu, ndi Igbo, Nigerians and Black Africans, we believe that there is a lot you are going to be doing but do not doubt that you will hit the ground running.
“The following are suggestions of areas that we, in our different experiences are convinced need serious attention as firsts, among the projects your government would embark on-
“Road development in the rural areas: Enugu people are majorly rural dwellers, with agriculture and trade as our mainstay. Unfortunately, most of the roads in our rural communities are destitute, decrepit and seriously needs attention.
“We at CEPP believe that a a massive delve into roads and bridges construction across the 17 local governments in the state will quickly launch our state into the future, and once again stand it out as the capital of Igbo land.
“No doubt, this will be a daunting task that will require lots of funds, but we must sacrifice every money we can to begin this massive construction site, and launch a state ‘akin to Dubai’, by the time your government is through with these projects.
“Agricultural development: Being a farming people from ancestry, our people live agriculture by default and would usually succeed most as farmers, and traders of farm products. It is therefore imperative that governments that desire the progress of the state and its people must focus on this field. We are asking that the incoming Administration takes a very critical look at this field given the advantages of water bodies in the State especially Idodo river.
“Without any assistance at all, Enugu farmers, from Nkanu land to Nsukka, from Awgu to Agbaja, have excelled beyond expectations not only in farming and trading regular crops like rice, garri, yams etc, but we are adjudged to have the most diversity in food technology in Igbo land, (which happens to be number one in quality foods production).
“These special food types that need scientific development and investment could incude rarities like akidi, agbugbu/fiofio, Ukwa, ugba/ukpaka, ji ona, ọkpa, ukpo okwuru, achịcha, anara and ewa vegetables, soup condiments like okobo, akparata, ọfọ, achị and so many others that have not been given any attention by governments.
We cannot continue to focus on regular foods like rice, cassava and others that the rest of the world are competing to develop, we need to make a difference, and escalate our income in the local and international markets.
“Water Revolution in Enugu city and the state in general – Scarcity of water has become a very embarrassing situation in Enugu State. A few years back, Enugu State has been one of the few states in the country said to lack water, where its people have contacted water- related diseases. In Enugu East zone to be precise, a large number of people were hospitalised in Nkerefi in Nkanu East LGA and Ezza Nkwubo, Enugu East LGA due to guinea worm.
“More worrisome is the fact that the Enugu Water Board that prided itself in the last as the supplier of water to the whole Eastern Nigeria, including Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States is today practically dead. Enugu dwellers have to buy water from tankers who exploit the citizens in order to drink, cook and wash. This is undesirable and an emergency which we trust that your government can handle in the first year of leadership. We are therefore appealing that you put this at the forefront of your projects.
“Exploration of the Mining Potentials of Enugu State, including Coal and Petroleum deposits- We have read in the news reports with gladness in our hearts, that some of the critical areas in your programme is the mining sector, we therefore will not dwell much in this.
“We will only briefly mention it that, like you have observed rightly in the past, our state is very rich in mineral deposits. Apart from coal in Enugu and petroleum in…, we are aware of other mineral deposits in places like Nkerefi, Nkwubor-Nike, Owo and many other communities.
A functional Ministry of Mining and Minerals will do our people a lot of good.
“Modern, Tech-based leadership-Every leader of the modern world must run a tech-based government in order not just to succeed but also to make explosive impacts across the country and the globe.
“We have got the technical knowhow, the manpower and a populace hungry and wiling to become like the rest of the world in the InfoTech industry. We therefore solicit an expanded Otigba Railway ICT centre to be domiciled hub with supportive facilities.
“Amusement Park and Lifestyle Satellite Town; a multipurpose park with classified zoo is long overdue. Enugu State can be a reserve for some of the finest breeds of wildlife in this part of the world given our conducive geography. To achieve these and more we appeal for an administration defined by private-public partnerships driven by people oriented policies.
“We, at CEPP believe that Enugu State can become self-sustaining with an idea-driven leader like you, and we are convinced that if you take steps in the fields we enumerated, a lot can be achieved.
We look forward to a wonderful outing with you at the helm, steering the affairs of our dear state to prosperity and happiness.
Congratulations in advance.”Enugu professionals hail Peter Mba’s leadership qualities
…make recommendations for development
The Conference of Enugu Progressive Professionals (CEPPP) has commended the leadership qualities of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Barr Peter Mba.
The group which said that Mba possesses the qualities needed to govern Enugu State, made recommendations on where the candidate should focus on when he emerges as governor of the state.
In a communique issued after a global conference meeting in Enugu, jointly signed by its President, Chief Okonkwo Igwe and the Secretary General Chief Jacobs Egbonwachi, the group said the challenges before business moguls in the state are many, but expressed confidence that Mba will hit the ground running when elected to office.
The communique which includes the recommendations reads:
“The Conference of Enugu Progressive Professionals therefore, in congratulating you and your running mate sir, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, believe very strongly that as a man of impeccable character and sound upbringing, what you are bringing to the table is the kind our great state needs at this critical stage of our development in Africa and the world.
“With the wide range of leadership needs of our people, as ndị Enugu, ndi Igbo, Nigerians and Black Africans, we believe that there is a lot you are going to be doing but do not doubt that you will hit the ground running.
“The following are suggestions of areas that we, in our different experiences are convinced need serious attention as firsts, among the projects your government would embark on-
“Road development in the rural areas: Enugu people are majorly rural dwellers, with agriculture and trade as our mainstay. Unfortunately, most of the roads in our rural communities are destitute, decrepit and seriously needs attention.
“We at CEPP believe that a a massive delve into roads and bridges construction across the 17 local governments in the state will quickly launch our state into the future, and once again stand it out as the capital of Igbo land.
“No doubt, this will be a daunting task that will require lots of funds, but we must sacrifice every money we can to begin this massive construction site, and launch a state ‘akin to Dubai’, by the time your government is through with these projects.
“Agricultural development: Being a farming people from ancestry, our people live agriculture by default and would usually succeed most as farmers, and traders of farm products. It is therefore imperative that governments that desire the progress of the state and its people must focus on this field. We are asking that the incoming Administration takes a very critical look at this field given the advantages of water bodies in the State especially Idodo river.
“Without any assistance at all, Enugu farmers, from Nkanu land to Nsukka, from Awgu to Agbaja, have excelled beyond expectations not only in farming and trading regular crops like rice, garri, yams etc, but we are adjudged to have the most diversity in food technology in Igbo land, (which happens to be number one in quality foods production).
“These special food types that need scientific development and investment could incude rarities like akidi, agbugbu/fiofio, Ukwa, ugba/ukpaka, ji ona, ọkpa, ukpo okwuru, achịcha, anara and ewa vegetables, soup condiments like okobo, akparata, ọfọ, achị and so many others that have not been given any attention by governments.
We cannot continue to focus on regular foods like rice, cassava and others that the rest of the world are competing to develop, we need to make a difference, and escalate our income in the local and international markets.
“Water Revolution in Enugu city and the state in general – Scarcity of water has become a very embarrassing situation in Enugu State. A few years back, Enugu State has been one of the few states in the country said to lack water, where its people have contacted water- related diseases. In Enugu East zone to be precise, a large number of people were hospitalised in Nkerefi in Nkanu East LGA and Ezza Nkwubo, Enugu East LGA due to guinea worm.
“More worrisome is the fact that the Enugu Water Board that prided itself in the last as the supplier of water to the whole Eastern Nigeria, including Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States is today practically dead. Enugu dwellers have to buy water from tankers who exploit the citizens in order to drink, cook and wash. This is undesirable and an emergency which we trust that your government can handle in the first year of leadership. We are therefore appealing that you put this at the forefront of your projects.
“Exploration of the Mining Potentials of Enugu State, including Coal and Petroleum deposits- We have read in the news reports with gladness in our hearts, that some of the critical areas in your programme is the mining sector, we therefore will not dwell much in this.
“We will only briefly mention it that, like you have observed rightly in the past, our state is very rich in mineral deposits. Apart from coal in Enugu and petroleum in…, we are aware of other mineral deposits in places like Nkerefi, Nkwubor-Nike, Owo and many other communities.
A functional Ministry of Mining and Minerals will do our people a lot of good.
“Modern, Tech-based leadership-Every leader of the modern world must run a tech-based government in order not just to succeed but also to make explosive impacts across the country and the globe.
“We have got the technical knowhow, the manpower and a populace hungry and wiling to become like the rest of the world in the InfoTech industry. We therefore solicit an expanded Otigba Railway ICT centre to be domiciled hub with supportive facilities.
“Amusement Park and Lifestyle Satellite Town; a multipurpose park with classified zoo is long overdue. Enugu State can be a reserve for some of the finest breeds of wildlife in this part of the world given our conducive geography. To achieve these and more we appeal for an administration defined by private-public partnerships driven by people oriented policies.
“We at CEPP believe that Enugu State can become self-sustaining with an idea-driven leader like you, and we are convinced that if you take steps in the fields we enumerated, a lot can be achieved.
We look forward to a wonderful outing with you at the helm, steering the affairs of our dear state to prosperity and happiness.
Congratulations in advance.”
The Methodist Church Nigeria has honoured the General Manager of the Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Hon. Monday Diamond Ani, with the prestigious “Apostle of Faith Award” in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian services and contributions to community development.
The award was presented by the Methodist Diocese of Akegbe, Aninri and Awgu Archdiocese (AAA) under the leadership of Rt. Rev. C. Orji, the Methodist Bishop of AAA Diocese, Enugu.
According to the Church, the honour was bestowed on Hon. Ani in acknowledgment of his selfless commitment to community development, social welfare, and humanitarian service over the years. The Church noted that his contributions have transcended political considerations and have positively impacted countless lives across communities.
His consistent humanitarian interventions have earned him the popular title “Odoziobodo”, meaning “one who builds and restores communities.”
Hon. Ani is widely regarded as a passionate advocate for community service, driven by a desire to improve living standards and promote love, unity, and a sense of
belonging among the people. His dedication reflects Christ’s teaching on the greatest commandment—love for God and love for one’s neighbour—placing service to humanity at the centre of purposeful living.
Due to his unavoidable absence, the award was received on his behalf and later presented to him at his office by Dr. Okechukwu Animba, Vice President (South-East) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
Responding to the honour, Hon. Ani expressed profound gratitude to Rt. Rev. C. Orji and the entire Methodist Diocese for recognising his humanitarian efforts. He prayed for God’s continued grace and strength to serve humanity and touch more lives through his work.
He also appreciated his principal, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for appointing him to lead the CSDA, an agency charged with driving community interventions and sustainable development across the state.
When the Enugu State House of Assembly adopted the report of its Special Committee on Land Matters and Disputes in 2024, many observers described it as a watershed moment in the long-running controversy surrounding the Centenary City land in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
The report attracted national attention because it tackled a dispute that had generated numerous court cases, allegations of intimidation, destruction of property, community unrest, and claims involving some of the most influential figures in the state.
For many residents of Amechi and Obeagu, the Assembly’s intervention provided the first official platform where their grievances appeared to receive impartial consideration. The committee’s findings were widely commended for their detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the acquisition and development of over 1,097 hectares of ancestral land.
At the heart of the controversy was the allegation that Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), operating under a development agreement with the Enugu State Government, relied on questionable documents to assert rights over vast portions of land originally linked to a proposed university project initiated during the administration of former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Jim Nwobodo.
After reviewing submissions from the parties, the Assembly committee identified several inconsistencies in documents connected with the acquisition process. Among its findings were concerns regarding the authenticity of a survey plan purportedly prepared for the “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” in 1985, despite the fact that Enugu State had not yet been created at that time.
Controversial Enugu Centenary Land: A Daniel Has Come To Judgement
The committee also questioned the authenticity of signatures and official endorsements appearing on key documents, including survey records, gazette notices, and correspondences allegedly executed on behalf of traditional authorities in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
Based on these findings, the committee concluded that the host communities had established that they were not properly carried along in the acquisition process and recommended dialogue, compensation, government intervention, and a comprehensive audit of lands developed under the Centenary City project.
At the time, many hailed the report as evidence that the legislature was willing to confront powerful interests in defence of justice and accountability.
Two years later, events appear to have given fresh significance to those findings.
Today, Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited are facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court, Enugu, in connection with the alleged forgery of a survey plan linked to the disputed acquisition of ancestral lands in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
According to the charge sheet in Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, the defendants are accused of conspiring to forge a survey plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” purportedly dated 1985.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants knowingly made or uttered the survey plan as a genuine document despite its alleged falsity. The offences are said to be punishable under relevant provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The criminal charges have drawn renewed attention to the conclusions reached by the Enugu State House of Assembly in 2024, particularly its observations regarding inconsistencies surrounding the same survey plan and related acquisition documents.
The developments have also prompted further advocacy from civil society organisations. The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police to direct the Police Monitoring Unit to take over investigations and prosecutions connected with the dispute, investigate allegations of misconduct against certain police officers, and review criminal proceedings allegedly used for harassment and intimidation.
In a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, RULAAC also urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene in two criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Enugu, citing repeated failures by law enforcement authorities to produce defendants for arraignment.
The cases include Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.
As the criminal proceedings continue, many observers believe the matter has entered a decisive phase. The allegations that were once the subject of community petitions, legislative inquiries and public debate are now before a court of law for determination.
Whether the Assembly’s 2024 report marked the beginning of accountability or merely one chapter in a much longer struggle remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the issues raised by the Amechi and Obeagu communities have not faded away. Instead, they have evolved into a legal test that could shape public confidence in land administration, governance and the rule of law in Enugu State for years to come.
If the legislative findings, criminal investigations and court proceedings ultimately converge on the truth, then many residents may indeed conclude that, at long last, a Daniel has come to judgment.
Son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a letter of remembrance and solidarity written on behalf of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family to the Fajuyi family, marking the 60th anniversary of his death, said July 29, 2026, will be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier they described as “a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.”
The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup.
They stated that Fajuyi, in a defining moment of conscience, chose honour over personal safety and refused to abandon his guest and superior, a decision the family said reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood.
According to the statement, his action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continued to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service.
The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the enduring pain of their loss, while praying for continued strength, comfort, and peace.
The statement further stated, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”
The family called on government institutions, military authorities, and custodians of national memory to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remained a national responsibility to remember and honour.
It urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy continues to challenge the nation to uphold unity, courage, honour, and selfless service.
Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.
Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.
“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”
“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”
Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.
“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .
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