News

Report Card: Enugu LGA sets the pace, showcases projects

Published

3 years ago

July 20, 2023

Everydaynewsngr

It was all commendation and praise by the people for Igbo-Etiti Local Government Chairman as he kicked off a programme dubbed ‘Igbo-Etiti Citizens Project Evaluation Tours,’ Igbo-Etiti PET.

Under the initiative, ordinary citizens, mostly those who had never had any close dealings with the government, some of whom were farmers, full time housewives, petty traders, drivers, Keke and Okada riders, youths, students, palm wine tappers, artisans, etc, were randomly selected for participation.

The programme designed to involve these ordinary citizens from the twenty wards of the local government, cutting across the four development centres in the council area, kicked off with 40 persons from the first four wards of Aku Ward 3, Ekwegbe Ward, Ukehe Ward 4 and Ohodo Ward respectively.

The next rounds will also comprise same number of people and wards until the whole twenty wards in the local government is covered.

The idea of a lean assemblage was to make it more closely interactive following the chairman’s determination to have a very close and personal experience with the team.

Addressing the team shortly before the tour kick-started, the chairman, Hon. Ikenna Nwodo said “we are here today because you placed your trust in us, to preside over the affairs of the local government. We are on an errand, and it is natural we give account of our stewardship.

“As you sent us to the market, it is the correct thing to do by showing you how we have fared with your resources. We will also hear from you in the true spirit of democracy so that you would have also had the opportunity to contribute to how you want to be governed.”

Nwodo told them that he would take them to see as many projects as they were ready to see during which they were free to ask questions pertaining to the costs, the necessity of such projects, and of course why it was located where it was sited. He also told them that after they had returned to his office, they were free to engage him further in any area just as they were free to make their project requests, as his administration in its citizen-based governance model, and having put the people at the centre of policies and projects is determined to take cues from the people.

The Chairman said, “I want to make it clear to you that this engagement is for you, the people, the real people in our villages, communities and towns, who most of the time have no access to presenting their views to those in government. We want a change for good, and this time, we are coming together in a non-partisan and political gathering, just as citizens of Igbo-Etiti, to rub minds together. So, it is not a party thing. It is a people’s affair. Just the ordinary folks who for long have been denied access to those in power with their voices unheard if not suppressed. So, make the most of it today.”

Thereafter the tours commenced. The first port of call was the local government ICT Center where the youths and indeed anyone interested were being taught and equipped with the knowledge and skills to be a player in the digital economy of the world. The Mayor told them that at the moment, at least eighty Igbo-Etiti sons and daughters were attending training at the facility free of charge, four times a week.

Although most of those around were probably seeing a computer desktop system for the first time in their lives, as they sat awestruck on the rows of desks with computers and watched as images of some of the projects they were going to see were projected on a huge screen. It was not hard to see that even when many of them were not literate, they were all the same connected with the full potential of the good intentions the government had for their children and fellow citizens.

The next port of call was the sprawling Ogbede main market. They were shown the general rehabilitation the market had undergone under the current administration, with a beautiful perimeter fence and arched entrance and exit gates, to secure the entire area. They saw the extensive containment system put in place to effectively checkmate the perennial floodings ravaging the market and environs.

From there they proceeded to the ultra-modern building market under construction nearby, which apart from shops upon completion, would also have other facilities like halls for meetings and other social activities like weddings. The team was also at Aku to see the extensive erosion, flood control, borehole drilling, and rehabilitation, as well as road rehabilitation works the council was undertaking.

On the whole, they visited about fifteen locations where they also saw more water, road projects, and power transformers supplying light to many communities which the Nwodo administration had installed.

The team retired to the chairman’s office only after the people complained of fatigue, having spent nearly four hours touring locations.

Many expressed delight at what they saw, commending the chairman and his government for the many projects he had done across the local government area and as they had seen, with strong impacts on the lives of the people.

Some also made requests for new projects and rehabilitation of existing ones that were moribund in their areas. Others raised concerns on the proper management of existing ones, to optimally serve the people.

On his part, Ozor Michael Okeigwe, who came from Ndinwara in Ukehe Ward Four said “What the chairman has done is more than unusual. I commend him for his good work. He did so much and that is why he was confident to call us to see. Such boldness can only come from performance. And even though I have seen a lot, I will also ask the chairman to look at our direction as we in Obletiti Nwankwo area of Ukehe, have not been reasonably remembered by the government in the past.”

Mrs. Augustina Agali, from Umuagwani in Ohodo ward, raised some concerns about the habit of commercializing water boreholes provided by the government by some community management committees, and people. According to her, “The people find it quite uncomfortable that after a borehole is provided by the government, some people in the communities would use some means to start collecting money from the people. When you complain, they say it is for maintenance. Yet, when they break down, it is the government that will repair them as the Chairman is doing in some of the places we saw today. Chairman, please look into this.”

The chairman promised to take his time to go through all of their observations and requests and would do the needful according to the resources at the disposal of the government. The event came to an end after a light refreshment, with some tokens handed to each attendee as Fuel Subsidy Removal Palliative.

Meanwhile, below are some of the projects executed or being carried out by the Nwodo administration in Igbo-Etiti:

1. Rehabilitation of Water Works at Ogbede Health Centre (Completed)

2. Rehabilitation of Water Works at Amauwani Nkporogwu Ukehe (Completed)

3. Rehabilitation of Water Works at Amaedem, Ikolo (Completed)

4. Rehabilitation of Waterworks at Oshigo Aku (Completed)

5. New Borehole at Ugwuinyinya Uwelle Amokofia Ukehe (Completed)

6. Rehabilitation of Waterworks at Amufie Ohodo (70 % of work done, further redevelopment required)

7. New Borehole at Umuokwo Idoha (50% done)

8. Rehabilitation of Borehole at Mgboko Aku (40 % of work done)

9. Rehabilitation of Borehole at CSS Umunko (50% done)

10. Rehabilitation of Waterworks at Umuofiagu, Ukehe (Commencing)

11. Rehabilitation of Waterworks at CSS Ekwegbe (Commencing)

12. Rehabilitation of Waterworks at Diogbe 2 (Commencing)

13. Rehabilitation of Waterworks at Ozarra Uwellu (Commencing)

14. Rehabilitation of Waterworks at Ochima (Commencing)

15. Establishment and training of LG Water Sanitation and Hygiene (W.A.S.H) UNIT (Completed)

16. Establishment of 299 community-level institutions called ‘WASHCOMS’ (Completed)

17. Entrepreneurial training on Sanitation Marketing for TBOs (toilet business owners), and masons (Completed)

18. Passing of Prohibition of Open Defecation Law & establishment of a special task force on enforcement (Completed)

19. Supply and Commissioning of 500KVA Transformer at Uwelle Amokofia Ukehe (Completed)

20. Supply and Commissioning of 300KVA Transformer at Onyohor (Completed)

21. Supply and Commissioning of 300KVA Transformer at Ohodo (Completed) (It seems the Transformer is currently faulty; we are procuring a replacement)

22. Supply and Commissioning of 300KVA Transformer at Ohebe Dim (Completed)

23. Commissioning of Transformer and installation of distribution lines in Umuna (Completed)

24. Purchase and modification for security 4 Sienna Vehicles (Completed)

25. Purchase and modification for security 2 Hilux Vehicles (Completed)

26. Purchase of Computers and Printers for local police (Completed)

27. Purchase of security gadgets for Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and the police (Completed)

28. Refurbishment of seven (7) security Sienna buses for Neighbourhood Watch (Ongoing)

29. Establishment of Igbo-Etiti Tech Hub (Completed)

30. Installation of LG Secretariat-Wide WiFi (Completed)

31. Creation of the first ever Igbo-Etiti LG Website, and probably the only one so far in Enugu state (Completed)

32. Ogbede Market Upgrade (70 % Done)

33. Ogbede Building Material Market (40 % Done)

34. Ogbede Warehouse Rehabilitation Project (50 % Done)

35. Aku Major Drainage and Road project (20 %, Progressing)

36. Diogbe Drainage and Road Project (50 % Completed)

37. Uwelle/Ogbede LG Headquarters Drainage Works (50% Done)

38. Enugu-Markurdi Expressway Igbo-Etiti Portions Remedial Works (Ongoing)

39. Enugu-Orturkpo (Old Road) Igbo-Etiti Portions Remedial Works (Ongoing)

40. Medical Supplies to Various Health Centres (Ongoing)

41. Provision of Seedlings and Fertilizers to Farmers (Ongoing)

42. Scholarships Awarded to Students (Completed)

43. Procurement of Educational Materials for Primary and Secondary Students (Ongoing)

44. Infrastructural Works at Ogbede New Layout (Ongoing)

45. Furnishing of All Offices in the Chairman’s Office Block (Ongoing)

46. Renovation of Councillors Offices (Completed)

47. GEEP Programme (Completed)

48. Omenuko Adult Education and Welfare Scheme – Monthly Financial Support to over 700 indigenes)

49. ITF-NECA Construction and Artisanal Training in collaboration with Enugu SME (Ongoing) – Training about 10 students on 4 Month Course. Currently in the third month)

50. Ogbede Skills Acquisition Centre Project (Ongoing)

51. Supply and Commissioning of 300KVA Transformer at Umuofiagu, Ukehe (Soon to Commence)

News

Nwifuru Sacks Ebonyi Works Commissioner

Published

1 hour ago

September 19, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has removed the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, from office with immediate effect.

The governor’s directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor.

According to the statement, Mbam was directed to immediately hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government.

He was also ordered to transfer the responsibilities of the Ministry of Works to the Permanent Secretary pending further directives from the state government.

The statement read in part: “The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed the immediate removal from office of the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam.

“He is to hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government and transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.”

The governor, according to the statement, assured residents that his administration remained committed to effective governance and improving public infrastructure across the state.

No reason was given for Mbam’s removal.

The development comes months after Nwifuru suspended Mbam and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development and Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi-Abara, in February 2026 over alleged dereliction of duty.

The earlier suspension was also announced by Uzor, who directed the affected commissioners to surrender government property and official vehicles to the SSG.

Mbam’s latest removal has reportedly generated concern within the State Executive Council, particularly amid calls for improved performance by government officials.

Former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation under the administration of former Governor David Umahi, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, had recently called on Nwifuru to overhaul his State Executive Council and ensure that officials who were underperforming lived up to expectations.

The government has not indicated whether Mbam’s removal is connected to the earlier suspension or any specific issue concerning the Ministry of Works.

News

SEDC to Launch 50,000-Hectare Agro-Mechanisation Project in Enugu to Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity

Published

3 days ago

September 16, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has concluded arrangement for the kick-off the zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation project in Enugu community meant to tackle insecurity, unemployment and food insecurity.

The SEDC zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation, which is meant to be established in each of the 15 senatorial zones of the five South-East states, would commence at a pilot scheme level on Sept. 22.

This is contained in a statement issued by the media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Uche Anichukwu, on Wednesday in Enugu.

The Managing Director of the Commission, Mr Mark Okoye, disclosed this during a community engagement at the pilot project site in Nomeh Unateze community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday.

Okoye said the SEDC had, following its establishment in 2024, used the first year to do extensive studies and design a blueprint that cuts across different areas of the South-East economy.

He said the agro-mechanisation projects, remained a major part of the commission’s blueprint, explaining that it would address insecurity, unemployment, and food security.

According to him, so, what we are here for is one of our flagship initiatives, which is called the South-East Agro Mechanisation Programme or the South East Agro Development Programme.

Okoye said that the SEDC was committed to develop up to 50,000 hectares of land and that would be used for mechanised farming across the region.

“We are here for a pre-assessment, pre-flag-off visit to see the area, understand the level of work that needs to be done and ensure that contractors can start mobilising so that once we hit the site we start running.

“Because a big part of what we are looking at is how to address food insecurity and unemployment, ensuring that we are producing what we put on the table.

“We are starting with pilot programmes where we are taking 200 to 300 hectares of farmland across 15 senatorial zones and developing them to standard farms.

“Where you not only have cassava, maize, some of our staple crops, but also some cash crops. In some areas, there will be the centres for learning and centres for productivity,” he said.

Okoye said that Gov. Peter Mbah would flag off the project on Tuesday, adding the SEDC team came to assess the area, meet with the community and ensurr that all the plans are in place.

“And within the second we put this investment here, at least N4 billion or N5 billion of added investment will come in,” he said.

Okoye commended President Bola Tinubu for addressing the long yearning by the South-East for a commission to mobilise resources and coordinate development in the region.

He urged the people to reciprocate the numerous gestures by supporting the Tinubu to continue the development efforts post 2027.

He further revealed that the commission would soon roll ou an investment agency to help mobilise local and Diaspora investments for the region’s speedy development.

A community leader in the community, Chief Uche Anichukwu, described the agro-mechanisation project as one of the blessings of the APC, Tinubu and Mbah administrations to Enugu State in general and Nomeh Unateze in particularly.

Anichukwu, who is also media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, said that the Nenwe-Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara road, with a spur to Oduma, had created ready and multiple access to market for the proposed agricultural project.

Speaking, Chairman, Nomeh Unateze Town Union Caretaker Committee, Dr Chukwudi Anyianuka, and other community stakeholders, reiterated their support for the project.

They commended Tinubu and Mbah for siting the project in their community.

“We are very happy. We cannot wait to see it actualised and we promise that we are going to provide everything that is necessary to make sure that this is established.

“The Commission has taken a methodical approach to regional development.

“Rather than the pitfall of throwing money at development challenges, it undertook a study of the region and came up with a master plan, which includes this initiative, to reinvent the South-East,” Anyianuka added.

Also present at the interactive session were the members of the traditional council of Nomeh Unateze and community heads.

News

Poor Lighting, Sanitation Frustrate Work At First Niger Bridge

Published

4 days ago

September 15, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

…As Onitsha South Mayor Empowers Workers

By Okey Maduforo, Awka

Maintenance and rehabilitation works at the recently closed First Niger Bridge are being hampered by poor lighting during night shifts and inadequate sanitary facilities at the site.

Recall that before the closure of the bridge, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, had disclosed that efforts would be made to carry out some of the rehabilitation works at night.

However, some of the workers at the site said poor lighting was affecting effective monitoring of activities on the bridge, while the poor sanitary condition of the area was also posing a threat to their health.

The workers made the complaints during a working visit to the bridge by the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji.

Orji, who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Local Government, Barr. Paul Onuachalla, and executives of the Fegge Community Landlords/Tenants Welfare Association, led by its Chairman, Chief Nnamdi Onugha, provided cooked meals and packs of bottled water to the personnel and workers at the site.

Speaking after the visit, Orji said the gesture was aimed at supporting the workers and showing solidarity with the Federal Government’s rehabilitation efforts on the bridge.

He said, “To support the workers and give them a sense of belonging, that is why we came to appreciate them. We will continue doing so from time to time as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”

The Mayor also disclosed that the council had provided facilities, including mobile toilets and water tanks, while arrangements were being made for water tankers to supply water to the tanks.

Orji further stressed the importance of the military presence in Onitsha South, noting that the personnel would contribute to security, rapid response and protection of the bridge, Onitsha South and parts of Ogbaru Local Government Area.

He added that the council would continue to strengthen its collaboration with security agencies to ensure maximum security across Onitsha South Local Government Area.

Earlier, after inspecting the environment with the Mayor, the Officer in Charge, who pleaded anonymity, identified poor lighting at the bridge at night as one of the major challenges confronting the personnel.

According to him, the situation makes it difficult to effectively monitor activities around the bridge, particularly during night shifts.

He also complained about the poor sanitary condition of the under-bridge environment where the personnel camp, saying they had to clean up the area themselves upon arrival.

The officer further appealed for improved accommodation and food support for the personnel.

He, however, commended the Mayor for the visit and assistance, saying the gesture made the workers feel appreciated.

“We feel loved and appreciated. We are happy seeing you around,” he said.

News

Dangote Reveals He Bought First Private Jet at 22

Published

4 days ago

September 15, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he bought his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half.
Dangote made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange.
Reflecting on his business journey, the billionaire said he had enjoyed travelling by private jet over the years but was now comfortable using commercial flights.
He also urged wealthy Nigerians to channel more of their resources into productive investments rather than luxury assets.
Dangote particularly appealed to affluent Nigerians who spend huge sums on private aircraft to consider investing such wealth in industries and businesses that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive,” he said.
He stressed that directing private wealth towards productive ventures would help strengthen the economy, create jobs and provide greater opportunities for national development.

News

Niger Delta Chamber Breaks Silence on Alleged Summit Trademark Dispute

Published

5 days ago

September 14, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.

NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.

The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.

More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.

While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.

NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity

It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.

NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law

We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.

NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.

The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.

Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)