The Enugu State Government has tasked health partners and stakeholders on translating government policies, investments and strategic plans into measurable improvements in health outcomes meant to uplift residents’ health status.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, gave the task on Saturday in Enugu while formally declaring open the 2026 Enugu State Health Sector Joint Annual Review (JAR) Meeting.

Ugwu assured that the state government remained committed in building a stronger, more responsive and resilient health system.

The commissioner called for renewed commitment, accountability and collective action to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.

He commended Gov. Peter Mbah for his remarkable commitment to transforming the health sector through sustained investments, reforms and initiatives aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for the people.

Ugwu noted that the meeting provided an important platform for partners and stakeholders to take stock of the implementation of the 2026 Annual Operational Plan, assess progress, identify gaps and bottlenecks.

The commissioner said that the meeting would provide opportunities for agreements on practical actions to accelerate health sector performance.

In a remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. George Nwachi, stressed the importance of the review as a mechanism for strengthening accountability, evidence-based decision-making and effective implementation of health programmes.

Nwachi emphasised the need for stakeholders to critically examine achievements and challenges, close identified implementation gaps and develop realistic priorities that would further improve service delivery across the state.

The technical sessions featured the presentation of the 2025 JAR Resolutions by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the Ministry of Health, Mrs Ann Oguejiofor, providing a basis for assessing progress on previously agreed actions.

The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Desk Officer, Mrs Uju Ewoh, also presented an update on the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) initiative.

The State Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Ikechukwu Obodo, presented the validated JAR template to guide the assessment of health sector performance and ensure that the review is anchored on reliable data and measurable indicators.

The outcomes of the two-day critical stakeholders’ meeting would serve as a critical foundation for the development of the 2027 Annual Operational Plan, further advancing Enugu State’s determination to deliver stronger, more efficient and people-centred healthcare services.

…As Nsukka LG boss, Asogwa bags Best Council Chairman Award_

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s transformational leadership and developmental strides took centre stage, yet again, as Enugu Media Village honoured him with an Award of Excellence for dedication to transformational leadership and outstanding governance.

This was even as the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Engr. Jude Asogwa, emerged winner of the 2025/2026 Enugu State Best Performing Local Government Chairman Award, while Isi-Uzo Council Chairman, Barr. Obiora Obeagu came second in the poll.

The awards were presented during the organisation’s 2025/2026 Best Performing Local Government Chairman Poll and Leadership Recognition Ceremony, which took place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

Presenting the awards on behalf of the organisation, the Board of Trustees Chairman of Enugu Media Village and former Chairman of Agwu Local Government Area, Hon. Nnanna Nze, commended Governor Mbah for what he described as his remarkable transformation of the state in just three years.

Nze noted that the governor’s developmental strides in critical sectors of the economy had continued to attract commendation from residents and stakeholders.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Founder and Director General of Enugu Media Village, Mr. Kelvin Uche Edeh, described the organisation as a media platform established to promote developmental governance and ensure that information about government projects reaches the grassroots.

He noted that Governor Mbah had demonstrated that governance was a powerful tool for transforming communities and improving lives.

“Governor Peter Mbah has shown us that governance is about changing communities and transforming systems.

“We are committed to supporting developmental governance by ensuring that information reaches the grassroots across all local government areas,” Edeh stated.

Receiving the award, Governor Mbah said the honour belonged to members of his team and the entire people of Enugu State for entrusting their mandate to him.

He, however, said that the people of Enugu State had only seen a tip of the iceberg, as he remained committed to exceeding expectations in delivering more dividends of democracy to the people.

Mbah, who was represented by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, said the people of Enugu State deserved only the very best, hence his insistence on excellence, innovation and high performance from members of his administration.

Another major highlight of the event was the emergence of Engr. Jude Asogwa, as winner of the 2025/2026 Enugu State Best Performing Local Government Chairman Award.

The poll, which featured all 17 local government areas of the state, recorded Nsukka Local Government Area as the overall winner with 110,447 votes, ahead of Isi Uzo, Uzo Uwani, Igbo Eze North and Enugu South LGAs, in that order.

In his acceptance speech, Engr. Asogwa, who dedicated the award to God, Governor Mbah, his family and the people of Nsukka, said the recognition reflected his Council’s commitment to delivering development to all 52 communities in the LGA.

He further reaffirmed Nsukka’s support for Governor Mbah’s re-election, citing the administration’s investments in the area such as 20 Smart Green Schools, 21 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, dualization of the over 44.1-kilometre Enugu – Opi – Nsukka Road, the 52.2km Nguru – Lejja – Aku – Akpakume Nze – Egede – Affa – Eke road, and N1 billion oxygen plant, among other development projects designed to improve lives and grow Nsukka and Enugu North Zone’s economy.

“Let me just tell us that the secret of our performance is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. He is a leader that supports the local government council chairmen. He is a governor who does not tamper with the allocations of the LGAs. That is the secret of the results you are seeing. In addition, he has delivered 267 Smart Schools and 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres in the 260 wards.

“So, Nsukka is for Governor Peter Mbah. Also, we had earlier decided as a zone that come 2027, we will support and deliver not only the governor but also President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has contributed to the growth and development of our people, including the appointment of the first indigenous Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,” he said.

The event also featured the presentation of Awards of Excellence to distinguished public office holders and leaders in recognition of their contributions to governance, leadership and public service.

Among the awardees were Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District; Senator Ikeje Asogwa, representing Enugu North Senatorial District; Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency; Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; and Chie Chukwudi Nnaji.

Petroleum marketers have slowed fuel purchases from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery amid uncertainty surrounding the company’s decision to sell Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in U.S. dollars, raising concerns over possible disruptions in fuel supply across Nigeria.
While some marketers claimed that fuel loading had been suspended at the Lekki-based refinery, the company dismissed the reports, insisting that loading operations were continuing as normal.
Industry players, however, said many marketers had deliberately reduced or halted large-scale purchases while awaiting clarification on the refinery’s new pricing structure and the expected landing cost of imported petroleum products.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Ukadike, explained that marketers were reluctant to buy large volumes because of uncertainty over future petrol prices.
According to him, products currently in circulation were purchased at between ₦1,250 and ₦1,300 per litre, while fresh supplies could be priced differently depending on the new crude oil pricing template and imported fuel costs.
“The challenge is that marketers do not know whether petrol prices will rise or fall after making fresh purchases. Consumers still expect fuel to be sold at the prevailing pump price, making it risky for marketers to stock up,” Ukadike said.
He noted that although fuel distribution had not stopped entirely, the volume of products being loaded had reduced significantly. He urged the Federal Government to intervene quickly by resolving the pricing uncertainty to restore confidence in the downstream petroleum sector.
Similarly, the IPMAN Western Zone Chairman, Oyewole Akanni, confirmed that the uncertainty had forced many marketers in the South-West to suspend fresh purchases, resulting in temporary closures of some filling stations.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Akanni said the situation followed the reported suspension of PMS loading at the Dangote Refinery about four days ago, forcing marketers to rely on private depots where prices have risen sharply.
According to him, ex-depot prices at private facilities in Lagos now range from ₦1,200 to ₦1,220 per litre, excluding transportation costs, with some depots reportedly selling at up to ₦1,250 per litre. He added that products were still available from suppliers such as NIPCO and Aiteo at around ₦1,200 per litre.
Akanni disclosed that four truckloads of petrol meant for his filling stations had remained at the refinery since loading was reportedly suspended.
“I was supposed to receive four truckloads of PMS four days ago, but that has not happened because the trucks are still at the Dangote Refinery,” he said.
Despite the situation, Akanni maintained that Nigeria was not experiencing fuel scarcity and advised motorists against panic buying. However, he warned that prolonged uncertainty could eventually lead to an increase in pump prices.
The developments have heightened anxiety in the downstream sector, with marketers closely monitoring pricing decisions before resuming normal fuel purchases.