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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.
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.
A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.
It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.
In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.
The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.
Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.
Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.
*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.
The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .
He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.
Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.
He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.
He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.
Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.
Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.
The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.
“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.
He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.
Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”
“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”
“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.
He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.
Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.
This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.
According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.
“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.
Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.
On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.
In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.
“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.
Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.
One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.
“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said
The Enugu State Government has disowned a group allegedly defrauding traditional medicine practitioners under the guise of acting on its behalf.
In a disclaimer issued on April 28, 2026, the government warned against the activities of individuals operating under the name Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Enugu State (AMTIPES), describing the body as illegal and unrecognized.
According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Onyekwere Nwobodo, the group has been harassing practitioners and collecting unauthorized levies despite having no accreditation from the state.
The government clarified that the registration and certification of traditional medicine practitioners in Enugu State fall strictly under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in line with existing laws. It stressed that no other body has the authority to act on its behalf in this regard.
Authorities disclosed that reports of AMTIPES’ activities have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies. Some individuals linked to the group have already been apprehended and are currently facing prosecution in court.
The government urged members of the public, particularly traditional medicine practitioners, to remain vigilant and avoid any dealings with the impostors.
It further emphasized that compliance with only officially recognized channels would protect practitioners from exploitation, reiterating the warning that “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.”
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