News
First Niger Bridge Maintenance Extended by One Week Over Heavy Rain
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Maintenance work on the First River Niger Bridge has been extended by one week due to persistent heavy rainfall across Anambra State.
The Federal Government had earlier closed the bridge to traffic to allow contractors to carry out maintenance work on the aging structure, with the initial closure scheduled to last for two weeks.
The contractor had previously raised concerns over inadequate lighting and poor sanitation around the bridge, saying the challenges were affecting night operations and posing security concerns for workers and construction materials.
However, the maintenance work has been further disrupted by heavy rainfall, which has persisted across the state for almost a week.
When reporters visited the bridge on Monday morning during another heavy downpour, workers were unable to commence operations. Some sections that had already been worked on were also reportedly affected by the continuous rainfall.
The Controller of Works, Engr. Timothy Emenike, who spoke to reporters in Onitsha, said the impact of the rainfall meant that the workers needed at least three consecutive dry days before they could effectively return to work.
He said the completion date had consequently been extended by one week, subject to favourable weather conditions.
“We have actually done a lot of work on most portions of the bridge, but with the constant heavy rains for almost one week, some areas have been affected and need at least three dry days for us to return to site.
“So, in view of what is on ground, we have extended the date for the completion of the project by one week, depending on the weather. For now, we pray that we shall have three dry days for us to return to site,” Emenike said.
Emenike, however, disclosed that after the maintenance work is completed, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, would conduct another inspection of the bridge before approval is given for its reopening.
He also said the challenge of inadequate lighting for night operations had been addressed, while the sanitation problems around the bridge had also been resolved.
By Our Reporter
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has approved the appointment of 101 new aides as Special Advisers (SAs), Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs).
The appointments, which take effect immediately, were contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.
The new appointees will handle various responsibilities covering economic development, political mobilisation, community engagement, youth development, environmental management, infrastructure, communication, women empowerment and other areas.
The appointments comprise seven Special Advisers, six Senior Special Assistants and 88 Special Assistants.
Special Advisers
- Chief S.N.C. Nwagu — Special Adviser on Conflict Resolution and Mediation
- Hon. Dr. Fidelis Odo — Special Adviser on Inter-Governmental Affairs and Coordination
- Augustine Okoli — Special Adviser on Policy Affairs and Analysis
- Hon. Pedro Nwankwo — Special Adviser on Stakeholders Relations and Community Affairs
- Chimezie Nkwuo — Special Adviser on Economic Development
- Chief Vitalis Okonkwo — Special Adviser on Grassroots Coordination
- Peter Andy Omeje — Special Adviser on Commerce and Business Development
Senior Special Assistants
- Rachael Okonkwo — Senior Special Assistant on Film and Creative Industry Development
- Barr. Okey Ude — Senior Special Assistant on Inter-Party and Mobilisation
- Hon. Chinedu Chukwunwike — Senior Special Assistant on Party Monitoring
- Barr. Peter Chukwujekwu Ogbe — Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Chukwudi Ozoeluba — Senior Special Assistant on Boundary and Land Dispute Resolution
- Frank Udemezue — Senior Special Assistant on Small and Medium Enterprise Development
Special Assistants
- Hon. Alachi Aaron Onu — Special Assistant on Forest Protection and Conservation
- Ugwu Emmanuel Chima — Special Assistant on Market Maintenance and Sanitation
- Dr. Okwoigwe Modestus Ndubuisi — Special Assistant on Health Facility Maintenance
- Hon. Okechukwu Agu — Special Assistant on Environmental Protection
- Ozor Ejike Okpe — Special Assistant on Enlightenment and Communication
- Solomon Gwiyi — Special Assistant on Publications and Documentation
- Cornelius Ugwu — Special Assistant on Town Union Coordination
- Hon. Romanus Ugwu — Special Assistant on Market Decongestion
- Hon. Gab Onu — Special Assistant on Market Sanitation
- Prince Lawrence Ugwu — Special Assistant on Road Infrastructure Maintenance
- Ugwunnadi Pius Nwabueze — Special Assistant on Grassroots and Rural Integration
- Timothy Chukwuemeka Nnaji — Special Assistant on Community Youth Engagement and Development
- Nick Nnaji — Special Assistant on Town Union Matters
- Mrs. Eucharia Anunobi — Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation, Enugu-North Zone
- Aneke Ogbonna Ajie — Special Assistant on Community Engagement
- Christian Ede — Special Assistant on Government House Matters
- Pastor Emeka Ogbonna — Special Assistant on Humanitarian Band and Entertainment
- Chidi Udo — Special Assistant on Interstate Relations
- Engr. Egbonwonu Jude Chikezie — Special Assistant on Infrastructure Monitoring and Maintenance
- Emma Ogbonna — Special Assistant on Civic Education and Voter Awareness
- Ali Stanley Osita — Special Assistant on Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs
- Hon. Onuora Udeanugwo — Special Assistant on Cooperative Development and Empowerment
- Sunday Ignatius Okafor — Special Assistant on Political and Grassroots Mobilisation
- Barr. Chika Nzelu — Special Assistant on Non-Indigene Relations
- Hon. Ugwuoke Emeka Sylvanus — Special Assistant on Environmental Management
- Miss Domitila Chidimma Ozioko — Special Assistant on Public Engagement and Advocacy
- Hon. Emmanuel Ugwu — Special Assistant on Human Development
- Nnadia Ajima Nwodo — Special Assistant on Ecological Management
- Peter Oramalu — Special Assistant on Urban Beautification
- Sabastine Ngwu — Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment
- Mr. Titus Ike Olu — Special Assistant on Public Awareness and Sensitisation
- Mr. Jude Aniogbo — Special Assistant on Industrial Harmony
- Romanus Agada — Special Assistant on Public Advocacy
- Onogwu Festus Chibuike — Special Assistant on Community Development
- Ugwuja Emmanuel Okeke — Special Assistant on Public Engagement
- Barr. Nnabuike Nwodo — Special Assistant on Public Utilities (North)
- Ugwu Ikechukwu — Special Assistant on Inter-Party Affairs
- Ugwu Franklin Izuchukwu — Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment and Orientation
- Aniagor Sunday Okechukwu — Special Assistant on Cultural Orientation
- Tobias Ogbonna Onuh — Special Assistant on Rural Development
- Abugu Sabastine Ekene — Special Assistant on Social Orientation
- Ugwu Cletus — Special Assistant on Public Communication
- Engr. Onyeka Solomon — Special Assistant on Public Participation and Inclusion
- Hon. Innocent Anayo Eze — Special Assistant on Youth Engagement
- Okwo Emeka Robert — Special Assistant on Environment
- Hon. Fred Ozoilo — Special Assistant on Training and Strategy
- Celestine Ikeana — Special Assistant on Youth Development
- Mr. Christian Njeke — Special Assistant on Capacity Building
- Hon. Mark Ogbonna — Special Assistant on Community Building
- Chuma Dilibe Esq. — Special Assistant on Technology and Innovation
- Engr. Ugwu Uchenna — Special Assistant on Youth Empowerment and Skills Development
- Hon. Ikerionwu Eze — Special Assistant on Digital Innovation
- Dr. Cordelia Idoko — Special Assistant on Gender Coordination and Empowerment
- Com. Mike Okenwa — Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development
- Prince Ifeanyi Onuora — Special Assistant on National Orientation
- Gabriel Igwe — Special Assistant on Community Enlightenment and Outreach
- Uche Ezugwu — Special Assistant on Environmental and Sanitation
- Ozioko Theophilus — Special Assistant on Youth Engagement
- Igwe Ifebuche Cyprian — Special Assistant on Protocol
- Peter Chibuzor Nwaekemezie — Special Assistant on Market Orientation
- Mrs. Eucharia Ani — Special Assistant on Gender Advocacy
- Hon. Solomon Egbo — Special Assistant on Contact and Mobilisation
- Obinna Augustine Okenwa — Special Assistant on Youth and Sports
- Engr. Wilson Ogbonna — Special Assistant on Monitoring and Evaluation
- Paul Nwodo — Special Assistant on Government Communication
- Chukwudi Nwatu — Special Assistant on Social Media
- Blessing Ugwoke — Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation
- Prince Nonso Nnaji — Special Assistant on Youths Alliance
- Barr. Francis Anurika Ani — Special Assistant on Social Engagement
- Hon. Ngene Chijioke Oscar — Special Assistant on Urban Renewal and Beautification
- Hon. Okwudili Onuora — Special Assistant on Security Intelligence
- Maduako Ikenna Philip — Special Assistant on Regional Integration
- Ngozi Itanyi — Special Assistant on Grassroots Women Coordination
- Agbo Kinsley Okechukwu A. — Special Assistant on Stakeholders Engagement
- Chekwube Henry Ogbodo — Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation
- Chukwuma Prince Uche — Special Assistant on Grassroots Mobilisation
- Kingsley Chekwube Ude — Special Assistant on Media Relations
- Onwuka Toti Miracle — Special Assistant on Special Duties
- Chukwudi Ozor — Special Assistant on Project Monitoring
- Mama Onyebuchi Emmanuel — Special Assistant on Public Affairs
- Eze Godwin — Special Assistant on Inter-Party Relationship and Management
- Ishienyi Olisaemeka — Special Assistant on Social Welfare and Community Relations
- Chief Robert Alum — Special Assistant on Rural Development and Livelihood
- Humphrey Madu — Special Assistant on Political Liaison
- Uroko Innocent — Special Assistant on Inter-Governmental Affairs
- Ifeanyi Ani — Special Assistant on Community Mobilisation
- Chikezie Aga — Special Assistant on Civic Values and National Reorientation
- Surv. Julius Nshiodo — Special Assistant on Rural Surveys and Land Development
The appointments take effect immediately.
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.
