News

Report Card: Enugu LGA sets the pace, showcases projects

Published

3 years ago

July 20, 2023

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

1966 Coup: Aguiyi-Ironsi family honours Fajuyi’s ‘supreme sacrifice’

Published

18 minutes ago

June 5, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The family of the late former Head of State, Maj Gen Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, has paid tribute to the late Lt Col Adekunle Fajuyi, describing his death as a “supreme and heroic sacrifice” that remains one of the most defining symbols of loyalty and national unity in Nigeria’s history.

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.

It further appreciated Nigerians, institutions, and well-meaning individuals who had consistently honoured the memory of Fajuyi, describing such support as proof that “the sacrifice of a true patriot is never forgotten.”

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.

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Anambra APP Celebrates Ugochinyere’s Emergence As Reps Minority Leader

Published

7 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

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 .

News

Rights Group Petitions IGP, Seeks Probe of Police Role in Controversial Enugu Land Disputes

Published

1 day ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, over alleged abuse of office and misuse of police powers by officers of the Enugu State Police Command in connection with a controversial land dispute involving Ostara Farms Limited and the Okpogho Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

In a petition dated May 29, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC accused the Officer-in-Charge of the Directorate of Legal Services, Enugu State Police Command, and other officers of allegedly interfering in ongoing land litigation, intimidating community members, and using criminal proceedings to influence a dispute that is already before several courts.

According to the organisation, the controversy centres on an agreement through which Ostara Farms Limited allegedly acquired about 2,000 hectares of communal land from individuals said to be acting on behalf of the community for a consideration of N50 million.

RULAAC said a significant number of community members have challenged the transaction, alleging that the agreement was entered into under questionable circumstances and contains terms that unfairly favour the company.

The rights group noted that several lawsuits concerning ownership and control of the disputed land are currently pending before courts in Enugu State, including Suit Nos. A/24/2025, AWH/41/2022, E/299M/2025, A/58/2025, A/59/2025, A/60/2025 and A/61/2025.

Despite the ongoing litigation, RULAAC expressed concern that police authorities have increasingly become involved in the matter through criminal investigations and prosecutions.

The organisation alleged that criminal allegations arising from the burning of a company-owned caterpillar by unidentified persons were being used to target outspoken opponents of the land transaction.

According to the petition, rather than identifying those directly responsible for the incident, the company allegedly supplied names of community leaders and critics of the land deal who were subsequently treated as suspects.

“If true, such actions amount to an abuse of police processes and a dangerous weaponisation of criminal justice mechanisms to suppress dissent, intimidate citizens and gain advantage in a civil dispute,” the organisation stated.

RULAAC further linked the matter to an earlier land dispute involving Obeagu Awkunanaw and Amechi Uwani communities and Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), noting that both companies are reportedly associated with businessman Kingsley Tobechukwu Eze.

The organisation recalled that concerns over police involvement in the PEIWA dispute had earlier been brought to the attention of the IGP and referred to the Police Monitoring Unit at Force Headquarters.

It also referenced reports that Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited are facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court, Enugu, relating to the alleged forgery of a survey plan connected with the acquisition of ancestral lands in Enugu.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants were accused in Count I; “That you Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited, sometimes in 2009 or thereabouts, at Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: forgery of the Survey Plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” of 1985 and thereby committed an offence contrary 3 (6) and punishable under Section 1 (2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

COUNT II

“That you Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited, sometimes in 2009 or thereabouts, at Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did make or utter the Survey Plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” of 1985 knowing same to be false or with intent that it may in any way be used or acted upon as genuine and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1 (2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act…”

RULAAC also referred to findings reportedly contained in the Enugu State House of Assembly’s Special Committee Report on Land Matters and Disputes adopted in December 2024.

The organisation urged the IGP to direct the Police Monitoring Unit to immediately take over investigations and prosecutions arising from the Ostara Farms dispute, investigate allegations of misconduct against one CSP Justice Attah, the Officer-in-Charge, Directorate of Legal Services in Enugu, and review any criminal proceedings allegedly initiated for purposes of harassment or intimidation.

Meanwhile, in a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, the organisation called on the IGP to intervene in two criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Enugu, over the repeated failure of police authorities to produce defendants for arraignment.

The cases are 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.

According to RULAAC, the charges were filed following investigations by the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu, indicating that investigations had been completed and prosecution was ready to proceed.

The organisation, however, lamented that despite the filing of the charges, the defendants have repeatedly not been produced before the court for arraignment, resulting in prolonged delays.

RULAAC said the cases came up before the Federal High Court on May 20, 2026, where the court reportedly expressed concern over the inability of the prosecution to present the defendants for plea.

The rights group warned that the continued delays could lead to the cases being struck out for lack of diligent prosecution, thereby undermining public confidence in the criminal justice system.

It urged the IGP to direct the FCID Annex, Enugu, and the FID Abuja, through the Directorate of Legal Services, to ensure the production of the defendants on the next adjourned date of June 18, 2026, and facilitate diligent prosecution of the matters.

RULAAC maintained that its intervention was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the justice system and ensuring that police powers are exercised impartially and in accordance with the rule of law.

News

Police Declare 6 IPOB Members Wanted Over Protests Against Kanu’s Jail Terms

Published

2 days ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Okey Maduforo Awka

Six members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police .

The six persons led by Mr Chukwuebuka Ohaechesi, include Emma Okonkwo, Jude Uwa, Gentle Okoro, Uchenna Dike, and Emmanuel Nwankwo who are said to be at large.

The were said to have fled to neighboring states in the South East hence signaling the other four Police Commands in the geopolitical zone to assist in the manhunt for them

The Police accused them of executing protests against the detaintion of the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving jail terms in Sokoto Correction Center.

According to a statement issued by the Abia Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eguavon Omokaro, the individuals are suspected members of IPOB who have allegedly participated in protests at various times and locations within the state.

The statement alleged that the protests were organised in connection with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demands for justice through the judicial process.

The Police Command further stated that these protests have allegedly resulted in breaches of peace and disruptions to law and order in Abia State. Consequently, the Police Intelligence Department reportedly concluded that the named individuals were among the principal organisers and coordinators of the demonstrations.

The statement further alleged that; ;
“It should be noted that on every 30th day of May, these men and their cohorts convene for the so-called remembrance of Biafra, holding clandestine meetings at various locations in the name of the emancipation of the Biafran Republic and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

According to the police, the six individuals were invited on several occasions for questioning in relation to the allegations against them.

The statement indicated that the first invitation was issued on 18 December 2025, followed by a second invitation on 7 February 2026, and a third invitation on 3 March 2026.

The police alleged that the individuals failed to honour all three invitations.

The statement further asserted:
“These individuals were invited by the police on several occasions. Firstly, on 18 December 2025, they failed to honour the invitation. Again, they were invited on 7th February 2026 and failed to appear. Finally, they were invited on 3 March 2026, and they also failed to present themselves before the police.” It stated.

As a result, the Abia State Police Command announced that all six individuals had been formally declared wanted.

The police appealed to members of the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to their arrest and prosecution, stating that informants would be suitably rewarded.

The declaration of the six individuals as wanted persons is linked to allegations of their participation in pro-Biafra activities, demonstrations concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and their alleged association with IPOB, an organisation that has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and security operations by Nigerian authorities.

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Power Doesn’t Last Forever, It Has Expiry Date — VeryDarkMan Warns Wike

Published

2 days ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

Social media activist and commentator, , popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , over comments he allegedly made concerning teachers protesting in solidarity with colleagues and schoolchildren affected by insecurity in Oyo State.

In a statement shared on social media, VeryDarkMan argued that Wike may not fully understand the pain and trauma experienced by parents of abducted children and affected teachers. He claimed that the minister’s children were educated abroad, away from the security challenges facing many Nigerian families.Nigerian entertainment news

The activist stated that insecurity, kidnapping, and attacks on schools remain serious national concerns and should not be dismissed or reduced to political issues. He stressed that the fears and frustrations of parents whose children face security threats deserve greater attention from public officials.

VeryDarkMan further warned that political power is temporary, urging leaders to remain accountable to the people and sensitive to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.