News
Controversial Enugu Centenary Land: A Daniel Has Come To Judgement
The Enugu House of Assembly may not have made headlines for sometime, not because the House has not been sitting or performing it’s constitutional functions but the Media may not have seen weighty decisions to guarantee top spots in the news.
However, the recent report on the controversial Centenary City Land which has claimed some lives was a major decision that has attracted the attention of major media houses across the country.
For a controversy that led to several litigations, muscle flexing, behind the scene manoeuvres involving very prominent and powerful individuals, one could have predicted that even the Obeagu and Amaechi Communities must have had doubts if the Assembly would be able to treat their matter without fear or favour.
But the Assembly came out smoking; delivering a shocking report that can only be described as transparent.
The report of the Special Committee on
Land Matters/Dispute has continued to receive wide commendations across the country.
And the media cannot help but document this landmark report at a time the common man was losing fate in the system.
The Issues At Stake
The petition from Obeagu and Amechi Communities alleged that a private firm, Private Estates International West Africa(PEIWA) used intimidation, harassment, malicious demolition of buildings in order to forcefully takeover their ancestral land despite pending suits in court.
It all started sometime in 1982, when former Governor of Old Anambra State Dr. Jim Nwobodo, a native of Amechi Awkunanaw proposed to site a university within his home community.
He commissioned for Survey works pursuant to the proposed acquisition of an estimated 318.560 hectares of land in certain kindred families in Amechi Uwani and the Obeagu Awkunanaw Community.
Preliminary Survey was done and endorsed by the then Surveyor General, M.U.C Obi dated March 8, 1982 with Tracing No: MISC AN-53 for 318.560 hectares.
However, Jim Nwobodo left office in 1983 and was unable to complete the acquisition and the project.
But a certain Private company, Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), entered the land sometime in 2009 in the name of a New Township Development Joint venture with the Government and began to clear the land for the proposed development.
The promoters of the new project allegedly extended the land from 318.560 to over 1097 hectares of their ancestral lands partly belonging to AmechiUwani and the other part to Obeagu Awkunanaw.
While the survey sketch for the proposed Anambra State University of Technology was registered as TRACING NO: MISC AN-53, signed by the then Surveyor General, M.U.C Obi and dated March 8, 1982, a new Survey Plan was purportedly re-scripted to bear PLAN No: EN (A) 594 in favour of the Enugu State University of Technology in 1985 and expanded to 1097 hectares.
PEIWA’s Submissions
Responding to issues raised by the communities, PEIWA said they did not participate in the acquisition of the 1,097.128 hectares of land in 1986.
That on 18/5/2009, they entered into agreement with Enugu State Government named” New Township Development Agreement” (NTDA) to develop a model city on the 1,097.128 hectares in Amechi/Obeagu Communities covered by C of O dated 1/1/2009.
That sequel to the above mentioned agreement, the State Government relinquished to PEIWA the said 1,097.128 hectares of land.
That they took full possession of the land in accordance with the provisions as stipulated in New Township Development Agreement.
Committee Findings
In its findings the Assembly Committee noted that PEIWA was unable to prove that the process of acquisition was served on Obeagu/Amechi Communities as required under the Land Use Act.
The Assembly picked holes in the documents of acquisition of the said 1097 hectares with respect to the Survey plan, official gazette and some correspondences such as:
(i) The survey plan dated 1985 and it read “survey plan for the permanent site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, which is obviously dubious because Enugu State had not be created in 1985.The State was created in 1991 and Enugu State University of Science and Technology established thereafter.
(i) That Surveyor Igboanugo the acting Surveyor General of Anambra State in 1983 who eventually retired voluntarily in 1984 was said to have signed the survey plan in 1986 which is untrue because he could not have signed the
survey plan as Surveyor General of Anambra State two years after he had left office.
(iii) That the aforementioned official gazette was purported to have been signed in 1986 on behalf of Navy Captain Alison Madueke as the Military Governor of Anambra State when in fact Navy Captain Allison Madueke was not the Military Governor of Anambra Sate at that time.
(iv) The said correspondences supposedly signed by Chief Gabriel Ezeoha Ogbodo on behalf of Obeagu Community in his capacity as the Igwe of Obeagu were forged because he
was not the Igwe of Obeagu in 1986. He was deposed as Igwe of Obeagu long before 1986.
(v) The correspondences purportedly signed by Chief V.V. Chukwuegbo on behalf of Amechi community were also forged. Chief V.V. Chukwuegbo was not the Igwe of Amechi at that time, neither was he the regent. HRH Moses Ogbodo was Igwe of Amechi then.
(vi) That the former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Jim Nwobodo in Vanguard Newspaper publication of 4th March, 2020, stated that any acquisition or certificate of occupancy over the land made and or predicated on the Anambra State of Nigeria official gazette No.12 Volume II of 27th March, 1986 and the purported 1985 Enugu State University of Science and Technology (plan EN(A)594)when Enugu State was not in
existence is invalid.
That Obeagu/Amechi Communities proved beyond reasonable doubt that they were not carried along in the acquisition process.
That this matter cannot be peaceably resolved by litigation rather through mediation addressing those issues highlighted by the host Communities for a lasting peace both to the investors (including all other developers and persons affiliated to or who derive titles from the host communities)and the host Communities as well.
The Committee accused PEIWA of deliberately withholding information as it concerned fulfilling their financial obligations as stipulated in the New Township Development Agreement, hence, their blatant refusal to submit to the Committee the evidence of payment to the State Government.
That Amechi and Obeagu Communities have not been compensated for the purported acquisition of their ancestral land.
That about 80% of the land is currently encumbered as the communities have sold to several developers who have in turn sold to third parties who are bonafide purchasers without any notice.
That this dispute and numerous litigations are negatively impacting on various meaningful ventures intended for the area, the image of the state is also affected as if it harbours an unfriendly business environment, and in all these, none of those involved, including the communities are better-off either.
Recommendations
The Committee urged the State Government, to, as a matter of urgency set up a high powered mediation panel for possible and amicable resolution of the matter.
That all parties should embrace dialogue and compromise as the only veritable means to peaceably resolve the issue for a lasting peace.
That a mechanism should be put in place to expedite action on the immediate payment of commensurate compensation to the Obeagu and Amechi Communities in respect of the portion of land already developed by PEIWA.
That Enugu State Government should urgently consider entering into partnership with the host communities instead, since the agreement entered with PEIWA touching or involving the entire hectares of land(1,097 hectares), belonging to the host communities without evidence of government acquisition, has created unimaginable complexities and the present hydra headed situation.
That Enugu State Government should call for Audit of all the Lands developed by PEIWA in order to ascertain the exact portion of land under PEIWA’s occupation and its indebtedness to the State Government.
Yes, A Daniel Has Come to Judgement and the masses must be celebrating that they have such a legislature that can be relied upon in cases such as this.
Observers have also stressed the need for the Assembly to followup on the recommendations to see to it’s logical implementation as some very powerful individuals may want to obstruct the course of justice.
This is a test case, and the integrity and resolve of the Enugu House of Assembly is on trial.
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
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.
…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.
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.
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)
-
News5 days agoCommissioner Dies Suddenly at Abuja Hospital
-
News5 days agoSept. 26 Polls: ‘ENSIEC is over 90% ready’ – Chairman
-
Crime5 days agoKidnappers Dump 16-Year-Old Enugu Boy Near Onitsha Checkpoint, Police Rescue Him
-
Uncategorized5 days agoUK Confirms Koi Herpesvirus Outbreak, Restricts Fish Movement
-
News5 days ago
Niger Delta Chambers Unveils Plan to Transform Region Into Investment Hub
-
News4 days ago
Dangote Reveals He Bought First Private Jet at 22
-
News5 days ago
Niger Delta Chamber Breaks Silence on Alleged Summit Trademark Dispute
-
Health3 days agoUNTH Begins Contact Tracing After Suspected Diphtheria Case