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Enugu Reps member empowers 150 constituents in hospitality management
The three weeks empowerment program sponsored by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu came to an end on Saturday the 27th of November with all participants numbering 150 filled with a sense of gladness over having learned a skill that can lift them from poverty and serve them a life time.
The empowerment program which was held in Awgu for the first week, Aniniri the second week and Oji-River the third week where the grand finale was also held saw a total number of 50 participants from each center.
The empowerment program which was themed ‘skill gap improvement’ was organized to teach the participant cooking and hospitality management was powered by the National Institute For Hospitality And Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and also saw an ensemble of teachers from the institute as they taught the participants all they needed to know.
Ibrahim Baba who was representing Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, the Director General of NIHOTOUR who was unavoidably absent in the event expressed his gladness over the success of the program, saying “We’ve run this program in Aninri, Awgu and Oji river and am happy that over 70% component of this training program was hands on, and we have successfully delivered skills in the areas of cooking, baking, confectionaries and a list of others.
“I am confident to say that more than 80% of those we trained can prepare different local dishes”, he said.
Commending Okechukwu for his good work for his people and also advising them to put into practice what they have learned, Ibrahim said “Alhaji greets you and sends congratulation for a successful running of this program. The honorable have done a lot of things for you; therefore my advice to you is to take advantage of this opportunity.
“We usually work round the country, but we have never seen a constituency that prepares a marathon training and empowerment program sponsored by one person. Therefore am sure that the honorable will be proud to see most of you setting up your small scale businesses and running it successfully”, he added.
The program which is a continuation of the excellent service of Okechukwu to his people having already sponsored a free medical outreach for over 5000 patients, paying WAEC fees for over sixty public schools, delivering science kits and giving schools in his constituency desks and seats for the students, renovating and building classroom blocks for students, construction of roads, 7 days training of teachers from his constituency and a lot more.
Addressing the happy participants at the grand finale of the program, Okechukwu expressed his gladness for their willing participation to get trained for in a skill that will open a lot of opportunities for them.
“Am happy that you all were patient enough to learn it. There are places you will go and this training is not important, but here this can make all the difference in our lives. Our local delicacies like achicha, abacha, ugba and the others when sold in open societies and places like Abuja you will see that you can get a large sum of money for it but most people don’t know.
“So am urging you people today that when you get home, apart from the one you will cook for your family, try and open a little joint where you can use this skills to make money. Its from the little we are doing that we can be able to support the economy of enugu state”, he said.
Assuring his people of his unalloyed service to them, the lawmaker said “What is most important is remembrance. We may not have all we want now but anything that falls out I will make sure you all have it too whether it comes in form of medical outreach or any other things make sure to try your best to partake in it”.
The CEO of Best Western Hotel, one of the leading hotels in the state, Sir Isaac who graced the event with his presence spoke to the participants at length over the importance of the skill they just acquired.
“I have worked in the hotel industry for about 20 years now, and to get good chefs at times is always difficult. And this causes chefs to get paid a higher amount of money than most managers in a hotel”.
Commending their food he said “Eating what most of you just made now I believe we have a lot of chefs here. From the way you all are dressed to your manner of food hygiene I can say that you all can work in a hotel so that it’s not only calabar people that are employed to cook in our hotels all the time in Igbo land”.
Lauding the Honorable over a job well done, he said “Toby Okechukwu is really doing well. It’s not easy to host this empowerment programs he does all the time but he keeps doing it, and am promising you people that more is still coming from him”.
Former commissioner for Information, Doctor Godwin Uduehele revealed to UGAMATV that the program was organized by Okechukwu with an aim of assisting families in the increasing their menu and alleviating the sufferings of the families of the people participating.
“At the end of it they will be in the position of preparing different types of soups, both the ones they can eat and the ones they can sell, by so doing they will want to learn how to fish and not just get the fish.
Speaking about Okechukwu’s reason for holding the program in three different local governments, he said “The primary purpose of hosting it in 3 different places is because if you bring all of them together the tendency is that the means of all of them coming together from the 3 different local government for 3 days will be difficult.
“Even if you have it at Aninri, Awgu people will go there 3 times and it will affect the number of people who are participating due to distance. So, we did it this way to ensure they don’t spend much coming from their place to the training ground and so that they dont have any reason not to attend and so today is the grand finale which is aimed at bringing the 3 local governments together.
Adding that Okechukwu has made provisions for those who just learned the skills to kick start their business, he said “We are giving them starters pack which include electric cooker, cooking spoons, fry pan and some amount of money so that they can buy things which they learned and practice it”.
Ebele iloaku who was one of the organizers of the program expressed her gladness that the event was a success stating how difficult it was organizing the program.
“It was not easy organizing the program, but thank God for everything. With the help of God I is was able to monitor everything and there hasn’t been anything like argument or fight.
“Also Dr. Uduehele because he has also been making it very easy for me too because before he leaves the program he always talk to them to work with me. And am happy for their cooperation so far”, she said.
Advising the participants she said “I will advise them to take the program serious because last year we did the same program but it was based on making liquid soap, disinfectants, Vaseline and many other things. I pleasantly surprised when I went to Gariki market one day and saw one of our students who was selling Vaseline and liquid soap and I was happy because it proves what we are doing have not been a waste. So my advice to this set of students is that they start up something with what they have been given today and not to go back to start staying idle”, she said.
Mrs Kelechi who took the participants on baking and cooking classes have commended the honorable and other organizers for their efforts in making the three weeks training go smoothly.
Speaking with UGAMATV, she said “I’ve been teaching them on both cooking and pastries for three weeks and I’ve had 150 students for the 3 centers. Each center is 50 people”.
Adding that she was very impressed with the performance of the participants so far, she said “Most of them are really ready to work. Even after their class is over some of them at Awgu have been calling me and am very happy because even their parents are also encouraging them.
Commending the efforts of Okechukwu for his people she said “I pray God should bless Toby. If we have people like Toby and Ekweremadu who have been really working in the state then Nigeria will be great.
Advising the students not to just attend the workshop due to the packages the honorable promised them, she said “they should put into practice what they have learned here and they should always pray for Toby, because as he is going forward we are also going forward with him”.
One of the participants of the program from Awgu, Cecilia Udeh have thanked Toby Okechukwu for providing the opportunity for them, stating that “its not easy for him to come from the federal to the east just to do this for us so I pray for more upliftment in his life.
“This program have enlightened so many people that partook in it. I decided to participate in the program because I knew I will learn a lot of things from it like how to make certain pastries and local delicacies. I believe that with all I have learned so far by January I will start a business with them”, she said.
Tony from Aninri who was also one of the male participants of the workshop was filled with nothing but words of praises for the Honorable. “Toby Okechukwu brought people from National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism to teach us how to make cake, meatpie, fish roll, cooking and other things”, he said.
At the end of the program, Okechukwu who had eaten a lot of the food and pastries prepared by the participants was impressed with what they had done. In an exclusive interview with UGAMATV, he revealed that his motivation for organizing programs like that every year was to prevent them from being idle.
“An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. The only thing you can do for your people is to get them skillfully engaged. This training on local cuisine and pastries is meant to enable them to have the skills and capacity to earn a living and have the opportunity of working in a restaurant as a chef and they can open up their own businesses.
“We are creating opportunities for people to have skills, so that when they get money by any means they can multiply that money and then raise their own capital.
“My assurance is that I will do my best to ensure that anything that is being shared to the citizens by the federal government gets to my people and they don’t lag behind, I will always do my best to represent them”, he said.
When asked how long he had been running programs like that he said “This has been running for a long time now. We have supplied science kits to all the secondary schools in my area,we trained teachers for one week at SEDI on how to use this kits.
Emphasizing that people needed to stop expecting the government to give them works, he said “Sometimes you expect government to give you employment but most times it better you employ yourself. 99% of employment is self employment, so that is why we try to bring these skills to sustain them.
“We have trained engineers at SEDI, we have trained people on agriculture like snail farming, fish farming and the rest. (speaking on his next training) These are areas they can also find a niche. Going forward we are going to teach our constituents on how to make gas from waste, because gas is now very expensive”, he concluded.
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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