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Gov Mbah: Why We’ll Continue to Prioritise Child Welfare, Education

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…Restates zero tolerance for all forms of child abuse

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, says his administration will continue to prioritise the welfare and education of children in the state, as it remains the only way to guarantee a prosperous and decent future for the state.

Mbah has also reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for all forms of child abuse, including child marriage, sexual abuse and exploitation, child labour, child trafficking, among others.

He spoke when he received the Enugu State Children’s Parliament, led by the Honourable Speaker, Miss Chimamanda Amobi, at the Government House on Tuesday.

Mbah, who has consecutively invested over 30 per cent of the state’s 2024, 2025 and 2026 budgets in education, said that a society that fails to invest in the quality education and welfare of its children had already compromised its future.

“You represent the hopes, the dreams and the future of Enugu State. Your coming here today reminds us why we must continue to work tirelessly to build an Enugu State where every child can learn, grow and succeed.

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“Our tagline is Tomorrow is Here, and that our tomorrow is largely you. You are the tomorrow we talk about. You are the tomorrow we see, and we can touch you. Yes, you are at the heart of our government.

Everything that we do, including our projects, is all centered around you because you are the real investment. You are the real future we can build.

“In Enugu, you would see that we are largely focused on the future, and the future is all about our children — how we care for them and how we prepare them to take care of us tomorrow,” he said.

Mbah said that although the gains of his administration’s huge investments in education, especially the construction of 260 Smart Green Schools, would be fully felt years after he must have left office, he was more interested in preparing Enugu children for the emerging global economy than any applause.

“Free quality education is the right of our children; we are not doing you any favour. And we have not only provided nine years of free education as provided by UNESCO, we are providing 12 years of free education in Enugu State. And it is absolutely free — from school uniforms to writing materials and one square meal daily.

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“The Smart Green Schools are a platform where we can get our children to express the best version of who they are and to express and optimally use the gift that God has given each of them,” the governor stated.

He said that besides equipping the children with skills for the evolving 21st century, like robotics, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, virtual reality, augmented reality, ICT hubs, e-libraries, among others, such that would enable them to stand up to their peers in any part of the world, the Smart Green Schools initiative was designed to take care of their health and growth.

He said that because of the presence of a clinic in each school, the child’s health and immunisation status is profiled by a nurse during admission at age three, ensuring that any missed vaccinations are regularised.

“To make sure no child suffers from malnutrition, there will be one nutritious meal each day at every Smart Green School,” he stated.

He, however, enjoined Enugu children to imbibe and uphold the values of fairness, honesty, fear of God and humility for which Enugu people are known.

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Mbah warned that anyone who subjects any child to any form of abuse in Enugu State would have his government to contend with.

“We have zero tolerance for child abuse in any form. Just the other day, we stopped a wedding of an underage girl, and we will prosecute the parents. It is totally unacceptable,” he emphasised.

Earlier, the Speaker, Miss Amobi, who called a passionate call for more investments in children’s welfare and education by all levels of government in Nigeria, commended Governor Mbah for putting Enugu children at the heart of his government.

“I want to appreciate the child-friendly governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on behalf of Enugu children, for his numerous achievements in child health and development in Enugu State.

“We commend him for the establishment of Smart Schools for experiential learning, stronger educational policy, establishment of a Disability Commission, free daily school meals and the training of auxiliary social workers for child protection in Enugu State. We are indeed grateful,” she concluded.

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The children were also accompanied by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih; the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Nkechinyere Ewoh; and the Communications Officer (Advocacy and Partnerships), UNICEF Nigeria, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe.

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Education

Enugu: CIC Student Drowns While Trying To Retrieve Bucket From Water Reservoir 

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By Our Reporter
Tragedy has struck the family of Comrade Ambrose Nnamani of Isi-Ama Ejona in Mbu Amon, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, following the death of their 14-year-old son, Kosisochukwu Nnamani.
The deceased, who was a student of the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu, was reportedly drowned while attempting to recover a bucket that fell into a water reservoir.
Sources disclosed that the unfortunate incident occurred on May 4, 2026, throwing the family and members of the community into mourning.
A burial poster released by the family described the death of the teenager as a “painful exit,” stating that his sudden demise has left relations, friends and schoolmates devastated.
According to the burial arrangements, a Christian wake is scheduled to hold at the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, while funeral Mass and interment will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at his father’s compound in Ugwu-Faith, Isi-Ama Ejona, Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State.
The family prayed for the peaceful repose of the young boy, describing him as a “little angel gone too soon.”

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Soludo Laments Absence Of Public Policy In Academic Research

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By Okey Maduforo Awka .

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has lamented lack of research in public policy making contending that academic research with positive impact on governance is sterial.

He further challenged the academic community to step up it’s intellectual works towards solving contending issues that shape the wellbeing of the immediate society.

The Governor who delivered a lecture at the 6th Biennial Adada Lecture Series 2026 convened by Association of Nsukka Professors noted that gone are those days when intellectual works end up at the University book shelf without transforming the socioeconomic needs of any given society.

Soludo observed that the “fusion of thought and action” remains the only bridge to a national rebirth.

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Soludo questioned why academic discussions have seemingly lost their authority in national life. Despite producing thousands of professors and journals, he noted a “severed link” between academic research and public policy.

“If you have 200 Professors as members, how is the Adada zone not a first world?” he asked, challenging the audience to move beyond the walls of the university. “We produce journal articles, but how many have become policies? Intellectualism without activism is sterile.”

The Governor further advocated for “Productive Intellectualism,” where critical thinking guides public purpose. Drawing from his first tenure as Governor over the last four years, Governor Soludo highlighted how he has attempted to bring intellectualism to governance through “sacrificial volunteerism” and how he succeeded in laying the foundation for the African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley.

He emphasized that nations do not develop by resources alone, but by ideas that precede institutions; citing historical giants like Isaac Newton, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Kwame Nkrumah, Ahmadu Bello, and a host of others, as examples of a shared pattern of logical thinking that yield ideas and then built.

“This is a challenge to the intellectuals and the wider academic community: to multi-task, as the modern intellectual must be both a thinker and a doer, Question the Status Quo which remains a fundamental element of true intellectualism”

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“Standing akimbo is too expensive,” Soludo warned. “We don’t just live; we live to matter. It is time to get back to basics and drive the African renaissance through active participation.”

Speaking earlier, Professor Osita Ogbu, presiding as Chairman, observed that the true benchmark of academic excellence is not found in the complacency of achievement, but in an unyielding hunger for discovery and the courage to apply that knowledge to real-world challenges. He asserted that intellectuals are never satisfied, they keep working.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Ortuanya, framed the gathering as a significant homecoming for Governor Soludo. He offered a glowing tribute to the Governor, commending his transformative contributions to the Nigerian state and his broader dedication to the service of humanity.

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Education

Enugu East LGA Signs MoU with Medical University, Targets 100 Scholarships

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Enugu East Local Government Area has formalised a strategic partnership with David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening human capital development in the council area.
The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting between officials of the council and the university’s management, is expected to open new opportunities in medical education, training, and healthcare capacity building.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, described the partnership as a major step toward building a healthier and more prosperous society through deliberate investment in education.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the broader development agenda of the Enugu State Government under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, particularly in the area of human capital development.
As part of the agreement, the council unveiled plans to sponsor 100 students from Enugu East to study medical-related courses at the university, a move aimed at addressing manpower gaps in the health sector while empowering local youths.
“This partnership is not just about education; it is about securing the future of our people. By investing in medical training, we are building a foundation for sustainable healthcare delivery in Enugu East,” Anike said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Jesse Uneke, commended the council for its forward-thinking approach, describing the MoU as a mutually beneficial arrangement that would enhance both academic excellence and community impact.
He assured that the institution would provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the scholarship programme and other areas of collaboration captured in the agreement.
The MoU is also expected to cover research collaboration, capacity building, and possible medical outreach programmes within Enugu East communities.
Stakeholders say the partnership marks a significant milestone in the council’s drive to improve access to quality education and healthcare, while positioning Enugu East as a model for grassroots-driven development.
Implementation of the agreement is expected to commence in the coming weeks, with both parties set to outline detailed modalities for its execution.

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Education

Enugu East Scholarship Beneficiaries Matriculate at Maduka University

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Fifteen students from Enugu East Local Government Area who were awarded scholarships to study medicine and engineering at Maduka University have officially matriculated, marking a major milestone in their academic journey.
The scholarship initiative, driven by the Enugu East Local Government Council under the leadership of Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, is part of efforts to boost human capital development through strategic investment in education.
The council facilitated admission for the beneficiaries into high-demand professional courses, positioning them to become future leaders in medicine, engineering, and related fields.
The matriculation ceremony was attended by key government representatives, including Barr. Uche Mbaeke, Secretary of Enugu East LGA, and Pst. Polycarp Ugwu, Secretary of the Enugu East Human Capital Trust Fund, who represented the council at the event.
The ceremony signals the beginning of a new academic chapter for the students, who are expected to make meaningful contributions to their community and beyond.
The initiative has been widely commended as a bold step toward youth empowerment and sustainable development in Enugu East.

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Education

Shock as Polytechnic Lecturer Collapses, Dies During Lecture

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A lecturer at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Mr. Anslem Ojodomo, has died after collapsing in class while teaching.
The Rector of the polytechnic confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday in Lokoja by the Acting Coordinator, Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. John Onimisi, describing the development as a “deep personal shock.”
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the institution, coming just a month after another lecturer, Dr. Barnabas Akuba, passed away shortly after completing his PhD programme.
Ojodomo’s death has sparked concern among staff and students, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the sudden losses.
Student eyewitnesses, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, said Ojodomo collapsed while addressing his class. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The polytechnic community has been left in a state of uncertainty, having lost two lecturers in quick succession.
Meanwhile, the Rector, Prof. Salihu Avidime, extended heartfelt condolences to the institution and the family of the deceased, noting that Ojodomo was a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration.
Avidime recalled meeting Ojodomo just hours before his death, where they exchanged pleasantries.
He described the late lecturer as a dedicated and humble academic committed to excellence.
“The Polytechnic community is mourning the loss of a promising academic and dependable colleague who embodied scholarship, service, and character,” he said.
“Ojodomo’s contributions as Deputy Dean, Student Services, and lecturer were impactful and inspiring.”
Anselm Victory Ojodomo (October 5, 1992 – March 27, 2026) held a Master’s degree from Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, where he had recently defended his PhD proposal.
He joined Kogi State Polytechnic in 2021 and served on several committees.
The polytechnic community commiserated with his family and the people of Igalamela/Odolu, praying for his soul to rest in peace.

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