News
Enugu East Council Boss Named NUJ’s Best LGA Chairman for 2025
…attributes achievements to Gov. Mbah’s leadership
Engr. Pastor Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, Executive Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, has been named Best Local Government Chairman of the Year 2025 in Enugu State by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The Union said the award recognises his “inclusive, innovative and transformational governance model,” which has positioned Enugu East as one of the state’s most progressive councils.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Anike dedicated the recognition to Governor Peter Mbah, saying the council’s achievements were made possible by the governor’s clear policy direction. “Our achievements are a reflection of the governor’s exceptional leadership. His disruptive innovation agenda provided the framework that made all these reforms possible,” he said.
In the last one year, Enugu East LGA has undergone major administrative and developmental reforms that have created a more responsive, data-driven and community-focused governance system.
Anike’s administration is guided by a framework that combines inclusion, innovation, institutional strengthening and transformation, all aligned with Governor Mbah’s vision of a more livable and economically vibrant state.
At the centre of the council’s development approach is the Family Economic and Empowerment Programme (FEEP), which integrates governance inclusion, community empowerment, human capital development, social protection and public health improvement.
The chairman explained that FEEP has helped the LGA organise development “not as isolated activities but as a coordinated system with measurable outcomes.”
These efforts have attracted national and international recognition. Enugu East placed second in Nigeria in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Mayors Challenge, placing the council on the global innovation map.
The World Health Organization also honoured the LGA in May 2025 as the Best Performing LGA in Primary Healthcare in the South-East. In addition, the council pioneered Nigeria’s first Inclusive Governance Charter, which has strengthened transparency, accountability and equity and is now referenced as a national model.
Under Anike’s leadership, community inclusion has expanded significantly. The LGA institutionalised participation through engagements with communities, youth groups, women, traditional institutions, faith leaders and development practitioners.
This process later led to the establishment of the Human Capital Development Trust Fund. The council sponsored WAEC fees for 1,700 students for the 2024/2025 session and has already begun registration for the next academic year. It also registered and trained over 200 women’s cooperatives for a revolving loan scheme aimed at strengthening family economies.
The LGA’s scholarship and bursary schemes have supported thousands of young people. The Greater Tomorrow Scholarship granted full awards to 150 students in both junior and senior secondary school categories, selected through competitive examinations.
Another 1,000 undergraduates benefited from the bursary programme, while 15 medical and technology students received sponsorship at Maduka Onyishi University. Seven law students also received support in 2025, alongside five students supported for international studies. In youth skills development, more than 400 young people have completed training in ICT, welding, upholstery and heavy-duty operations, while 100 others graduated from aviation-related training at the Universal School of Aviation in Lagos.
Health protection has also expanded, with 5,000 people, especially women of childbearing age, the elderly and the urban poor, enrolled into the health insurance scheme. In land governance, the administration established the Land Mediation and Verification Centre, which now handles land rights protection, conflict resolution and fraud prevention across communities.
The council has also recorded significant progress in infrastructure delivery. Fifteen transformers have been installed and energised, while 60 kilometres of community access roads have been graded.
In addition, the LGA delivered 12.4 kilometres of inter-community roads with drainage channels, including a mini bridge linking parts of Ugwuomu, Emene, Ibagwa, Eziama and Umuchigbo. Three new Type-1 Primary Health Centres were constructed in Neke Uno, Nkpologwu and Obinagu.
The Ugwogo–Amankpaka Ultra-Modern Market has been completed, while several neighbourhood markets are progressing through public–private partnerships.
Anike’s administration has also strengthened peacebuilding and institutional stability. The Land Mediation and Verification Centre continues to resolve disputes quickly, offering communities a reliable avenue for justice and minimising tensions in areas previously prone to conflict.
On social welfare, the LGA has rolled out programmes that support vulnerable households. Ten thousand women benefitted from the One Woman, One Wrapper initiative, while a festive distribution of 10,000 bags of rice to households is being planned. The council has also introduced an Elders Welfare Package and institutionalised an Advisory Council to support development decisions.
Reflecting on the progress so far, Anike maintained that the achievements recorded in Enugu East are a direct outcome of Governor Mbah’s leadership philosophy. “Governor Mbah gave us the clarity, the confidence and the policy direction to be bold and innovative. Enugu East simply followed his footsteps to deliver results,” he said.
With these reforms, Enugu East LGA has become a leading example of inclusive and innovation-driven local governance in Nigeria.
A Police Inspector, Dr. Obodo Paul Ikechukwu, has reportedly died after he was involved in a fatal road accident allegedly involving a police convoy in Enugu State.
The deceased, who hailed from Nkpologu in Enugu State, was serving in the Operations Department of the Enugu State Police Headquarters at the time of the incident.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the accident remain unclear, but sources said the inspector was fatally injured after being struck by a vehicle in a police convoy.
Dr. Obodo, who was also a PhD holder, was described by colleagues and associates as a dedicated officer whose death has come as a shock to members of the police command and his community.
As of the time of filing this report, the Enugu State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident, while further details are being awaited.
The Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, , has offered prayers for , praying for God’s favour, protection, and victory as the state approaches the coming elections.
Speaking during a church gathering, Mbaka declared that Governor Mbah would succeed, expressing confidence that God, whom he said had begun a great work through the governor, would bring it to completion.
“It shall be well with Peter Mbah; may the favour of God be with him. We back him with our prayers. The Adoration family throws our prayers around him, that he will succeed, in the name of Jesus. May God grant him the power of victory at the end of the whole election,” Mbaka said.
The cleric further expressed hope that Mbah’s leadership would bring joy to the Igbo people, the people of Enugu State, and the Church, adding that the Igbo economy could witness greater advancement under his administration.
According to Mbaka, the progress recorded so far gives hope that greater achievements lie ahead, stressing that God would perfect the work already begun.
His remarks come as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the forthcoming elections.
ENUGU — Governor Peter Mbah has directed the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (ESEMA) to provide immediate relief materials and other palliative support to two families displaced by the fire that razed a two-storey building at No. 22 Church Road, Asata, Enugu, on Saturday.
The governor’s directive followed reports by Everydaynewsngr that the inferno destroyed two flats and consumed household property, valuables, and important documents belonging to the affected families, leaving them homeless.
The General Manager of ESEMA is expected to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate the distribution of emergency relief items to ease the hardship faced by the victims while further interventions are considered.
Residents of the area welcomed the governor’s swift response, describing it as a demonstration of compassion and responsible leadership at a difficult time for the affected families.
One of the victims, an employee of a higher institution in Enugu State who is said to be approaching retirement, had lamented that the fire wiped out decades of savings and destroyed all his household belongings, including vital documents and certificates.
No lives were lost in the incident, while the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the outbreak as affected families begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives.
The state government urged residents to remain safety conscious and report fire emergencies promptly to relevant agencies to minimise damage and loss of property.
By Our Reporter
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s real estate industry, alongside Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited, have called for urgent reforms to strengthen professionalism, transparency, and investor confidence in the sector.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued on Monday in Enugu following the company’s 2026 Mid-Year Seminar/Luncheon, held on Friday, July 3, at Wendy’s Place. The seminar, themed “Next-Level Real Estate Practices,” brought together real estate developers, chief executive officers, realtors, marketers, investors, and other stakeholders from the South-East to examine emerging industry trends, challenges, and practical strategies for sustainable growth.
According to the communiqué, participants unanimously adopted several resolutions after extensive deliberations.
Among the key resolutions was a call for stronger government action against the multiple sale of land. Participants urged the Federal, State, and Local Governments to strengthen land administration policies and impose stringent sanctions on communities and individuals involved in the fraudulent sale of the same parcel of land to multiple buyers.
They noted that such practices continue to erode investor confidence, fuel land-related litigation, and discourage genuine investment in the real estate sector.
The stakeholders also stressed the need to promote professionalism and healthy competition within the industry. They maintained that competition should be driven by integrity, innovation, quality service delivery, and professionalism rather than unhealthy rivalry, misinformation, or actions capable of damaging the reputation of fellow practitioners.
They further encouraged industry leaders to embrace collaboration as a means of promoting collective growth and enhancing public confidence in the sector.
The communiqué also emphasised the importance of honesty and transparency in dealings with clients. Participants urged real estate practitioners to refrain from making false claims, exaggerating property values, misrepresenting estate locations or approvals, or giving unrealistic assurances merely to secure transactions.
They insisted that prospective buyers should be provided with accurate, verifiable, and complete information before making investment decisions.
On service delivery, the seminar called on real estate developers and chief executives to establish effective internal controls to eliminate the overselling or double allocation of plots. Developers were also urged to ensure prompt allocation of purchased lands and timely issuance of all necessary documentation.
According to the communiqué, efficient service delivery is critical to sustaining customer trust and improving the credibility of the industry.
The participants also called on government agencies, industry regulators, professional bodies, community leaders, developers, and practitioners to work together in building a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly real estate environment that protects property buyers and supports sustainable national development.
Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical business practices, professional excellence, continuous capacity development, and responsible real estate investment in Nigeria.
The communiqué was signed by Comrade Damian Ogudike and Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, directors of Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited, on behalf of the company’s board. It was also drafted and endorsed by the seminar’s resource persons, Mrs. Amaka Dim of Exotic Landlady Estate and Miss Blessing Anene of BuildWise Solution Centre Estate.
By Our Correspondent
ENUGU — Two families were left homeless on Saturday after a fire destroyed two flats in a two-storey building located at No. 22 Church Road, Asata, in Enugu metropolis.
The fire, which started at about 10 a.m., reportedly broke out after the occupants of the affected upper-floor flats had left for their daily activities.
Although the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, eyewitness Tony Iroji said the inferno completely destroyed household items and other valuables in the affected apartments.
One of the victims, who returned home while the building was engulfed in flames, reportedly collapsed after seeing the extent of the damage. He was revived by sympathisers at the scene.
The victim, said to be an employee of one of the higher institutions in Enugu State and nearing retirement, lamented that years of hard work had been wiped out by the incident.
According to him, the fire destroyed all his household property, including important documents and certificates, leaving him with no option but to relocate his family to his ancestral home.
“All I have worked for all these years is gone,” he said in tears.
No life was lost in the incident, but residents appealed to the Enugu State Government, emergency management agencies and public-spirited individuals to come to the aid of the affected families, even as they urged the authorities to investigate the cause of the fire.
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