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.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions—a landmark move to enhance the country’s security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the President on (Information & Strategy) Bayo Onanuga says, “this approval underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further.”According to the statement, “the expansion builds on the Administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and ongoing support for operational readiness and force modernisation.”Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate twelve divisions, strategically positioned across the country as follows:1. 1 Division Headquarters – Kaduna (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States)2. 2 Division Headquarters – Ibadan (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States)3. 3 Division Headquarters – Jos (Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States)4. 5 Division Headquarters – Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States)5. 6 Division Headquarters – Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States)6. 7 Division Headquarters – Maiduguri (Borno and Yobe States)7. 8 Division Headquarters – Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States)8. 9 Division Headquarters – Ilorin (Kwara and Niger States)9. 10 Division Headquarters – Jalingo (Taraba and Adamawa States)10. 81 Division Headquarters – Lagos (Lagos and Ogun States)11. 82 Division Headquarters – Enugu (Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States)12. 83 Division Headquarters – Benin City (Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States).The establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases.
The Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF) worldwide, a pan-Igbo socioeconomic pressure group, has urged the Federal Government to direct the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to supply Dangote Petroleum Refinery adequate crude.
The Chairman of NUF, Chief Augustine Chukwudum, made the call on Wednesday in Enugu while reacting to Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s move to start direct sales of refined Petroleum products in dollars.
It would be recalled that a top management official of the Dangote Group said that its refinery was receiving just four million barrels of crude oil monthly under the arrangement, instead of about 13 million barrels envisaged after President Bola Tinubu’s 2024 directive.
The refinery had attributed its decision to switch from naira-denominated fuel sales domestically to dollar transactions to the crude supply shortfall, saying it would also increase exports of refined petroleum products to earn foreign exchange.
Chukwudum called on the Federal Government to intervene urgently before things get out of hand and Nigerians suffer the more.
According to him, fuel price remains major determinant of prices of other commodities and services in the country as transport cost depends on.
“Things are bound to get worst if the Federal Government neglect to take immediate and decisive actions meant to better the life of the citizens.
“NUF is rasing this alarm because this administration is behaving as if they are not answerable to the people their are supposed to be serving.
“The Federal Government should direct NNPCL to supply all the crude oil needed by Dangote Refinery since the company has the capacity to meet local or domestic petroleum needs of the country.
“The government must stop all forms of fuel importation because that money been used for importation is a waste and put a pressure on our fragile foreign reserve as a nation,” he said.
The NUF boss noted that the refinery company must be allowed to pay in naira with this move, suffering of citizens would be curtailed.
Chukwudum also reiterated the call of the group for the Federal Government to set up judicial panel of inquiry to look into the account of NNPCL for some years now.
A commotion reportedly erupted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State after some officials were accused of demanding ₦2,000 from applicants before processing voter registration and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The allegation surfaced in a video circulating on social media, which showed what appeared to be a heated confrontation between applicants and officials at the electoral commission’s office.
According to a resident who narrated the incident in the video, some INEC officials allegedly insisted that applicants pay ₦2,000 before their voter registration or PVC processing could be completed.
The situation reportedly escalated when one of the applicants challenged the alleged demand, insisting that voter registration and PVC-related services are free and should not attract any payment.
The applicant was said to have confronted the officials and attempted to record the exchange with a mobile phone, triggering a heated argument that attracted other applicants and bystanders.
Although raised voices and a commotion could be heard in the footage, the circumstances surrounding the incident could not be independently verified.
The video has since sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the alleged extortion and calling on INEC to investigate the incident and sanction anyone found culpable.
INEC has consistently maintained that voter registration services are free of charge. These include fresh registration, collection of PVCs, transfer of voter information, correction of personal details, and replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.
The commission has also repeatedly urged members of the public to report any cases of extortion, bribery or illegal charges involving its permanent or ad hoc staff during voter registration and PVC distribution.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official statement specifically addressing the allegations involving its Onitsha South Local Government Area office.
The incident comes as the electoral commission continues its nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC has also introduced an online self-service platform to enable prospective voters and existing registrants to complete several registration-related processes conveniently, while reiterating that voter registration services remain free of charge.
MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has restored power supply to parts of Enugu metropolis, which witnessed darkness.
Some parts of Enugu metropolis, under the Band A tariff regime, during the weekend witnessed three consecutive days of blackout.
The Head, Communications of MainPower, Mr Emeka Ezeh, disclosed this in a statement he issued on Tuesday in Enugu.
According to him, MainPower wishes to inform its esteemed customers that power supply to the Gariki Injection Substation was successfully restored on Monday, July 20, at about 8:30p.m.
“This is following the successful resolution of a major fault involving the indoor 11kV breaker at the station.
“The fault, which occurred on Friday, July 17, affected electricity supply to customers served by the Army and Gariki 11kV feeders.
“Consequently, normal electricity supply has now been restored to all affected areas,” he said.
Ezeh appreciated residents and customers for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the outage.
He noted that the company remained committed to delivering safe, reliable, and improved electricity services to its customers and residents of the state.
It would be recalled that MainPower, which is a subsidiary of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), is in-charge of electricity distribution in Enugu State.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Four herders and several cattle were killed on Tuesday when suspected gunmen attacked a cattle camp in Ifite Awka Community, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident has sparked concern in Awka, the state capital, as the attackers reportedly invaded the settlement and opened fire on the herders before fleeing the scene.
The attack has also prompted the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to appeal for calm among its members, expressing confidence that the perpetrators would be apprehended and brought to justice.
In a statement, the National Deputy Director-General of MACBAN, Gidado Siddiki, said the four deceased herders were members of the same family.
According to him, the incident occurred at the cattle camp of Alhaji Aminu Mohammed on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
He said, “According to reports, unknown armed assailants invaded the cattle camp while the herders were peacefully engaged in their legitimate cattle-rearing activities.
“The attackers opened fire sporadically, resulting in the deaths of four herders, namely Mohammed Bujumi, Hassan Bujumi, Abubakar Bujumi and Sani Bujumi.
“Several cattle were also killed during the attack, while the assailants reportedly fled with some of the cattle carcasses towards the nearby Mgbakwu Community.”
Siddiki added that another herder, identified as Usman Iliyasu, narrowly escaped the attack.
MACBAN condemned the incident as “heinous and senseless,” calling on security agencies to immediately investigate the attack, apprehend those responsible and prosecute them.
The association also urged the Anambra State Government to take urgent steps to strengthen security and protect the lives and property of residents.
While appreciating the prompt intervention of the Joint Task Force and the state government in recovering the bodies of the victims, Siddiki appealed to MACBAN members to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“We urge everyone to cooperate fully with the security agencies and allow the government to carry out the necessary investigations and take appropriate action to ensure justice is served,” he said.
Confirming the attack, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a police-led joint security team responded to the scene following a distress call.
He said the operatives discovered the bodies of four male victims who had suffered fatal injuries.
“Preliminary observations revealed that the victims had their hands tied and sustained multiple injuries, including machete cuts and blunt force trauma. Also, two residential huts within the settlement were set ablaze during the attack,” Ikenga said.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that four dead cows were found within the vicinity, while two other cattle had been slaughtered, with portions of their meat removed.
He added that security operatives recovered sacks containing abandoned chunks of meat a short distance from the scene.
According to Ikenga, preliminary findings indicated that the attackers were armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, double-barrel guns and machetes.
He said one survivor escaped unharmed and was assisting the police-led joint security team with useful information that could aid the investigation.
The Anambra State Police Command urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist the ongoing investigation.
The Command said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
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