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Empowerment: Enugu Commissioner doles out ₦50m to 105 youths
In a rare show of magnanimity and grassroots empowerment, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh (Prince of Mburubu) has disbursed non-refundable grants totalling N50 million to the people of his hometown, Mburubu, in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Commissioner Ezeh
The wide-reaching intervention aims to boost farming activities, uplift local businesses, and complement Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s mission to eradicate poverty from every home in the state.
The funds, drawn from Dr. Ezeh’s personal resources, were distributed directly to hundreds of beneficiaries, with individuals receiving between N200,000 and N500,000, while each of the community’s villages received N1 million. The youth of Mburubu were collectively given a special grant of N3 million to encourage enterprise and innovation.
Speaking during the distribution ceremony, Dr. Ezeh said his initiative was not a political gesture but a deliberate contribution to support Governor Mbah’s economic vision.
“This is personal money, but I am driven by a shared mission with His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, to ensure that poverty is eradicated from every household in our dear state,” Dr. Ezeh stated.
“We must ask ourselves every day: how are we supporting the government to bring prosperity to our people?”
He appealed to the beneficiaries to use the resources judiciously so that “more people can benefit in the next round.”
He also called on affluent sons and daughters of Enugu State to emulate the gesture, urging them to give back to their roots.
To ensure equitable distribution, the funds were handed out via direct cheques during a well-attended community ceremony.
Among the notable individual beneficiaries were artisans, small-scale farmers, traders, and traditional community leaders.
A long list of recipients received N200,000 each, including Mrs. Blessing Aniobi, Peter Chukwu, Cletus Egbo, Mercy Edeh, Chief Denis Aniobi, and Ogbonna Chukwu, among others. Over 50 names appeared in this category.
Recipients of N300,000 included High Chief Cornelius Aniobi, Helen Onyeabor, Emmanuel Abraham Aniobi, and Ozo John Nwosu, alongside several women and youth. More than 40 people received this mid-tier funding.
At the highest level, individuals like Jeff Okuta, Joseph Onu, and Chief Geodge Enyim were each granted N500,000 to support larger-scale business or farming projects.
In a significant push to empower communal structures, each of the following villages received N1 million: Umudara, Uhuegbe, Uhuagu, Obinagu, Umunafor, Amanator, Amachi, and both the men and women of the Umuogbuewu family. The Mburubu youth, a vital demographic for sustainable development, were awarded N3 million to implement group-led economic initiatives.
“This money is not for lavish spending. It is for farming, for trade, for enterprise. Let it be seed capital that yields harvests of prosperity,” Dr. Ezeh advised.
Community members welcomed the support with visible gratitude, describing the grants as “timely and transformative.” Chief Emmanuel Edeh, a recipient, praised Dr. Ezeh’s commitment to grassroots development: “He is not just talking about change—he is making it happen.”
Another beneficiary, Cecilia Aniobi, who received N300,000, said, “This is the first time many of
us are getting direct support without political strings. It will help me expand my cassava farm.”
Dr. Ezeh’s gesture comes at a time when food security and small business growth are central to Governor Mbah’s strategic development plan for Enugu State. By aligning his personal philanthropy with public policy, Dr. Ezeh has positioned himself as a leading example of public-private synergy in community development.
He urged Mburubu residents to continue supporting the Governor’s programmes: “The transformation of Enugu State requires unity of purpose. Let us walk hand in hand with the government.”
Dr. Ezeh concluded by assuring the community that more interventions will come if the funds are used wisely: “This is only the beginning. Let this yield harvests of success that will multiply opportunities for all.”
List of beneficiaries
Ogbonna Chukwu – 200,000
Chief Ralph Imeka – 200,000
Chief Denis Aniobi – 200,000
Okonkwo Ogbonna – 200,000
Blessing Aniobi – 200,000
Fredrick Aniobi – 200,000
Victoria Chukwu – 200,000
Chimezie Nwogho – 200,000
Blessing Okafor – 200,000
Maria Chidebe – 200,000
Cletus Egbo – 200,000
Florence Chukwu – 200,000
Nwachukwu Dorathy – 200,000
Mercy Edeh – 200,000
Augustine Edeh – 200,000
Ekene Chukwu – 200,000
Elias Okeke – 200,000
Augustine Nwachukwu – 200,000
Amaechi Romanus – 200,000
Nwanzi Joseph – 200,000
Roseline Chukwu – 200,000
Baby Paul – 200,000
Nneka Nwokike – 200,000
Linus Nwankwo – 200,000
Alfred Nwigwe – 200,000
Charles Aniobi – 200,000
Onovo Jonas – 200,000
Chukwu Ambrose – 200,000
Peter Chukwu (sir pee) – 200,000
Anthony Chibuikem Mbah – 200,000
Joy Oluchi Nwankwo – 200,000
Chukwu Ndubuisi – 200,000
Chima Omah – 200,000
Peter Okeke – 200,000
Gabriel Onovo – 200,000
Esther Enyim – 200,000
Emmanuel Njoku – 200,000
Florence Nwaju – 200,000
Onyema Eze – 200,000
Edwin Udeh – 200,000
Lawrence Edeh Aniobi – 200,000
Josephine Nwafor – 200,000
Aniebo Chukwu – 200,000
Benedict Onu – 200,000
Ogbonna Aniobi – 200,000
Susanna Aniobi – 200,000
Edwin Aniobi – 200,000
Felicia Chukwu – 200,000
John Egbo – 200,000
Elizabeth Nwogbo – 200,000
Onu Elizabeth – 200,000
Helen Aniobi 2- 00,000
Paul Njoku – 200,000
Cecilia Aniobi U – 200,000
Mary Nwafor – 200,000
Onyemaechi John – 300,000
Helen Onyeabor – 300,000
Christopher Edeonu D.P.G 300,000
Chief Everist Edeani 300,000
High Chief Cornelius Aniobi – 300,000
Patrick Chukwuorji – 300,000
Cecilia Edu Amobi – 300,000
Emmanuel Abraham Aniobi – 300,000
Eze Cecilia – 300,000
Chukwu Helen Eze – 300,000
Onyeabor Ekwueme – 300,000
Okoro Ogonna – 300,000
Nwigwe Tochukwu – 300,000
Chukwu Mercy – 300,000
Onyeabor Kelvin – 300,000
Okorie Stephen – 300,000
Onyeabor Sunday – 300,000
Owe Ikechukwu – 300,000
Godwin Nworie – 300,000
Onuvo Nwadibie – 300,000
Peter Onu – 300,000
Chief Okonkwo Agwu – 300,000
Virgina Okorie Eze – 300,000
Lolo Ogechukwu Ede – 300,000
Lady B – 300,000
Ozo John Nwosu – 300,000
Cecilia Okafor – 300,000
Ezinne Precious Nwodo – 300,000
Uche Chukwu – 300,000
Ikechukwu Indubisi -n300,000
Ikechukwu Anyim – 300,000
Edwin Uden – 300,000
Roselin Okeke – 300,000
Ambros Amiobi – 300,000
Okudiri Dominic Ogbu – 300,000
Chief Kingsley Eze – 300,000
Alhaji Raymond Nwachukwu – 300,000
Jeff Okuta – 500,000
Linus Igbuolu – 500,000
Simon Aniobi – 500,000
Joseph Onu – 500,000
Emma Ede – 500,000
Joseph Nwonkwo – 500,000
Okechukwu Chukwudike – 500,000
King David – 500,000
Okeke Michael – 500,000
Chief Geodge Enyim – 500,000
High Chief Sunday Chinwuba – 500,000
Emmanuel Ezeh – 500,000
Abata Anari – 500,000
Umudara Village 1,000,000
Uhuegbe Village –1,000,000
Uhuagu Village – 1,000,000
Obinagu Village 1,000,000
Umunafor Village – 1,000,000
Amanator Village – 1,000,000
Amachi Village – 1,000,000
Umuogbuewu Family Men – 1,000,000
Umuogbuewu Family Women – 1,000,000
Mburubu Youths – 3,000,000.
The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chinedu Ogah, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies to investigate the financial activities and source of wealth of socialite and businessman, Paschal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest.
Ogah, who is Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, made the call on Thursday at a press conference in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
The lawmaker said the businessman’s financial dealings should be subjected to scrutiny regardless of his public profile.
“I am urging the EFCC to thoroughly investigate him, investigate his bank accounts, investigate all the things he does,” Ogah said.
He also accused Cubana Chief Priest of undermining President Bola Tinubu’s political fortunes in the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ogah questioned the socialite’s claim to political influence in Ebonyi State and challenged him to make his membership card of the All Progressives Congress (APC) public.
The lawmaker further criticised recent comments attributed to Cubana Chief Priest on social media in which he reportedly called for the resignation of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru.
Ogah demanded that the comments be withdrawn and followed by an apology, warning that legal action could be taken if the businessman failed to comply.
“Who is Cubana Chief Priest? What is his address that gives him the impetus to speak against our governor, the most performing governor in Nigeria?” he asked.
According to Ogah, Cubana Chief Priest had no electoral mandate to speak on behalf of Ebonyi State or demand the resignation of its elected governor.
He also questioned the businessman’s political influence, noting that he had previously contested an election in Imo State but failed to secure the party’s primary ticket.
Ogah alleges plot against Nwifuru
The lawmaker further alleged that unnamed political actors were sponsoring campaigns aimed at discrediting the Nwifuru administration and weakening the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
He defended the state’s security architecture, particularly the Commissioner of Police, Hope Okafor, against what he described as an orchestrated campaign for her removal.
Ogah urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant agencies to investigate those behind the alleged campaign and determine whether any law had been breached.
“All of us can attest to the peace and security we enjoy in Ebonyi State. The Army, the police, the Civil Defence and the DSS are doing marvellously well in Ebonyi State,” he said.
Lawmaker accuses Otu of mobilising protesters
Ogah also accused another critic of the state government, Charles Otu, of allegedly mobilising people from outside Ebonyi State to participate in a protest against the government in Abuja.
He claimed that some of those involved were presented as Ebonyians despite allegedly coming from other states.
Ogah said his lawyers had previously petitioned the DSS over allegations involving Otu and urged the agency to investigate the matter.
He also challenged Otu to substantiate allegations he allegedly made against him during an appearance on Arise Television.
“My own is that whosoever defaults the law, we take it legally. I cannot mention who I have not known. But when we get there, it is for the security agencies to investigate,” Ogah said.
Ogah lists Nwifuru’s achievements
Defending the Nwifuru administration, Ogah cited the state government’s scholarship programmes, school construction, road projects and other development initiatives as evidence of the governor’s performance.
He said hundreds of Ebonyi indigenes had benefited from postgraduate scholarships in Nigeria and abroad, while roads and schools were being constructed across the state’s 13 local government areas.
Ogah also praised Nwifuru for what he described as political tolerance, saying opposition parties had been allowed to operate freely in the state.
He argued that the people of Ebonyi should determine their political leadership through the ballot rather than through media campaigns and protests.
“Ebonyi people will choose who is their leader. They should stop using the media to castigate the governor,” he said.
Questions Nwifuru’s omission from Tinubu campaign council
The lawmaker also questioned the reported omission of Governor Nwifuru from President Tinubu’s campaign council, describing it as an error that should be corrected.
“How can a governor that has done much in APC not be included in the campaign council? How can a governor that is elected under the APC not be included?” Ogah queried.
He maintained that Nwifuru’s political influence and the APC’s electoral performance in Ebonyi made him an important stakeholder in Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
Ogah warned political actors against using the media to destabilise the state and urged all parties to pursue their grievances through legal and democratic channels.
The lawmaker, who is also the Ebonyi State Coordinator of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), was accompanied by other members of the group at the press conference.
He reiterated his call for security agencies to investigate the various allegations raised and take appropriate action against anyone found to have violated the law.
The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has urged youths in Enugu State to disregard the belief that federal government jobs and other opportunities are already allocated before they are advertised.
FCC Executive Chairman, Hulayât Motunrayo Omidiran, gave the charge on Thursday at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, during the Peter Eze Enugu Youth Connect 2026.
Omidiran urged the youths to acquire relevant skills, embrace technology and actively pursue legitimate opportunities, stressing that federal character should promote both equity and merit.
She also warned against fraudulent recruitment schemes and advised applicants to authenticate employment opportunities before applying.
The Enugu State Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, challenged young people to prepare themselves for available opportunities.
Onyia said government could create opportunities, but individuals must develop the capacity to take advantage of them.
The FCC Commissioner representing Enugu State, Peter Ogbonna Eze, said the programme was designed to bridge the information gap preventing young people from accessing federal employment, scholarships, grants, fellowships and training opportunities.
Eze said many youths were discouraged from applying for federal jobs because of the misconception that such positions had already been shared among influential individuals.
He urged them to apply whenever legitimate opportunities were advertised, warning that nobody should pay money to secure a federal government job.
He also disclosed that five participants in the programme would be selected for a full scholarship opportunity.
Eze said the initiative would continue as a platform for connecting Enugu youths with credible opportunities and urged participants to become “ambassadors of opportunity” by sharing useful information with others.
The event brought together youths and stakeholders from across Enugu State to discuss federal representation, employment, education, skills development and other opportunities.
By Chinedu Sabastine
ENUGU — Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State has fixed Sunday, September 13, 2026, for its annual New Yam Festival.
The cultural celebration, which is scheduled to commence at 3 p.m., is being organised under the leadership of the Executive Chairman of Umuchigbo, Hon. Chief Afam Joseph Ogbene, popularly known as Akirika Chioku 1, Na Nike Kingdom.
The festival is expected to showcase the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the people of Umuchigbo and Umuenwene in Iji Nike Autonomous Community, while promoting unity and communal bonding.
Ogbene, in an invitation to the festival, described the celebration as an opportunity for the people to preserve their cultural heritage, strengthen community ties and give thanks for the year’s harvest.
He said, “Our New Yam Festival is more than a cultural celebration. It is a time for us to come together as one people, appreciate our heritage and give thanks for the blessings of the year.”
According to him, the event will also provide an opportunity for sons and daughters of the community, as well as friends and well-wishers, to reconnect and celebrate together.
“We are inviting everyone to come and celebrate with us. It is a celebration of our culture, our community and thanksgiving for the new yam season,” he added.
According to the invitation, activities will commence at Ogbene’s residence on Akirika Chioku Avenue, Nome Ogba Aniji Road, Umuchigbo, before proceeding to Obodoeze Iji Village Square, Odangene, for the New Yam rites and masquerade display.
The event will also feature traditional cuisine, music and other forms of cultural entertainment.
The organisers urged sons and daughters of Umuchigbo, friends, well-wishers and members of the public to join the community in celebrating the festival.
The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of senior officers, with several major generals and brigadier generals redeployed to key command, operational and administrative positions.
The changes, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, are aimed at strengthening the Army’s operational effectiveness.
Major General IA Ajose has been appointed the new Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI. He moves from the Department of Army Operations at Army Headquarters to take charge of military operations against insurgency in the North-East.
Other notable appointments include:
Major General AE Abubakar — Dean, Faculty of Operational Research, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
Major General AM Alechenu — Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
Major General RT Utsaha — Commander, Defence Headquarters Garrison.
Major General AM Umar — Commandant, Army War College Nigeria.
Major General UM Alkali — Director, Department of Civil-Military Affairs.
Major General GS Muhammed — Director General, Nigerian Army Finance Corporation.
Major General JE Osifo — Chairman, Military Pension Board.
Major General IE Ekpenyong — Director of Engineering Services, Defence Logistics, Defence Headquarters.
The reshuffle also affects several brigadier generals, including Brigadier General AA Bello, Brigadier General MS Adamu, Brigadier General MS Sule, Brigadier General I Sule, Brigadier General E Azenda and Brigadier General AS Bugaje, who have all been assigned to new command or administrative roles.
The Chief of Army Staff directed the newly posted officers to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, dedication and a strong sense of duty.
More than 24 feared dead in suspected poisoning incident in Ondo
More than 24 people have reportedly died following a suspected poisoning incident in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The deaths were recorded in Araromi-Obu, Orita New Town and Odigbo communities, while several other residents affected by the incident are receiving treatment at various hospitals.
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed the incident but said he could not provide further details until medical experts conduct a professional assessment and determine the cause of the deaths and illnesses.
As a precaution, the local government has restricted the sale and consumption of sachet herbal concoctions and similar drinks being hawked in the affected communities.
Residents have been advised to avoid suspicious herbal mixtures, unverified sachet products and other substances of uncertain origin pending the outcome of medical examinations and laboratory tests.
Authorities are expected to carry out further investigations to establish the source of the suspected poisoning and confirm the exact cause of the deaths.
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