The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has briefed the Senate Committee on the Commission’s activities and development priorities for the South-East region during an oversight visit to Enugu on Monday.

The meeting focused on critical infrastructure and development needs across the region, including road connectivity, rural electrification, access to clean water, education, environmental sustainability and strategic projects aimed at unlocking the South-East’s economic potential.

During the engagement, the Senate Committee stressed the need for improved staff welfare, effective institutional development and sustained collaboration between the Commission and the National Assembly to ensure the successful implementation of its mandate.

The Committee also passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the SEDC, expressing support for the initiatives undertaken by the Commission so far.

The development comes as the Commission continues efforts to address longstanding infrastructure challenges and promote sustainable economic growth across the South-East.

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The SEDC reiterated its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to attract strategic investments and implement practical interventions that will improve livelihoods, strengthen regional integration and promote inclusive development.

The Commission’s mandate covers the five South-East states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, with a focus on advancing development initiatives capable of improving the living conditions of residents and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged residents of Enugu State to avoid waiting for rush hours before participating in the ongoing Claims and Objections, and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection windows.

INEC, on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, commenced nationwide Claims and Objections for fresh registrants and PVC collection for those who did transfer of voting location and those who are yet to collect their PVCs.

INEC Residents Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Enugu State, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, during a press briefing on Friday in Enugu, said that the Claims and Objections window would last for seven days from Oct. 9 to Oct. 15.

Chukwu said that both exercises would commence simultaneously on Oct. 9 across all the 260 Registration Areas (RAs) in the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State.

He said that INEC had concluded training and retraining for designated personnel on the procedures and processes for the Display and Hearing of Claims and Objections, as well as the distribution of PVCs.

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According to him, I urge all eligible persons concerned to take advantage of this opportunity and avoid waiting until rush hours or the last day before visiting their designated Registration Areas.

He said, “The Display and Hearing of Claims and Objections is an important aspect of the voter registration process.

“It provides an opportunity for eligible citizens to examine the voters’ register and bring forward legitimate claims or objections regarding entries in the register in accordance with the Commission’s established procedures.

“This process is designed to help identify and correct errors, address legitimate concerns, and improve the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register ahead of future electoral activities.

“I therefore encourage members of the public to visit their respective Registration Areas during the seven-day period to participate in the exercise and bring any legitimate claims or objections to the attention of designated INEC officials”.

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On PVC distribution, Chukwu said the distribution was intended for eligible citizens who registered during first-phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and those who applied for voter transfers or replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.

He said, “All affected persons are strongly advised to visit the appropriate Registration Areas where their PVCs are available and collect them within the stipulated period.

“They should follow the instructions of designated INEC officials to ensure an orderly and seamless process. The PVC collection will continue till December.”

The REC disclosed that Enugu State currently had a total of 2,213,768 registered voters across its 17 council area, adding that the figure underscored the importance of maintaining an accurate, credible, and up-to-date voters’ register.

He said that commission remained committed to ensuring that eligible citizens had the opportunity to participate in the electoral process in accordance with the law.

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“I call on all stakeholders, community leaders, civil society organisations, political parties, and members of the public to support the successful conduct of these exercises by sensitising eligible citizens and encouraging them to participate.

“INEC Enugu State remains committed to transparency, inclusiveness, professionalism, and the continuous improvement of the electoral process,” he added.

Questions Over Geological Studies, Core Drilling, Mining Licence and 2027 Political Timing

By Our Correspondent

ABAKALIKI — The proposed new cement factory in Ebonyi State is generating growing questions over the technical evidence behind the project, particularly the availability of a commercially viable limestone deposit, geological studies, core drilling, laboratory analysis and the required mineral rights.

The project has been presented as a major industrial investment capable of transforming the state’s economy, creating employment and strengthening its industrial base.

But before a cement factory can become a viable commercial project, one fundamental question must be answered: Where is the raw material?

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Limestone is the principal raw material for conventional cement production. Establishing its suitability and commercial viability requires more than identifying rocks on the surface.

It ordinarily involves geological mapping, geophysical surveys, exploratory drilling, core recovery and core logging, followed by laboratory analysis of the samples.

The laboratory tests are expected to establish the chemical composition and quality of the limestone, including its calcium carbonate content and the levels of silica, alumina, iron, magnesium and other materials that could affect cement production.

The drilling and analysis also help establish the thickness, continuity and quality of the deposit and ultimately provide the basis for estimating the quantity of recoverable limestone available to sustain the proposed factory.

It is therefore against this technical background that questions are being asked about the proposed Ebonyi project.

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Where are the geological and geophysical survey reports? Where are the core-drilling records and core logs? Where are the laboratory results? What quantity of limestone has been established, and how many years could the reserve sustain the proposed factory?

There is also the question of the project’s mineral title or mining licence.

The promoters and the state government may need to identify the precise limestone deposit on which the proposed factory will depend and make clear the mineral rights covering the area.

The issue is particularly significant because establishing a cement plant requires enormous capital investment. Investors would ordinarily need credible geological data and a proven raw-material reserve before committing substantial resources to construction.

Political Questions

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The timing of the announcement has also raised political questions, coming as Ebonyi and other parts of the South-East move towards the 2027 general elections.

Critics may therefore question whether the proposed cement factory is already at an advanced technical and investment stage or whether the announcement is still largely a proposal.

That question can only be conclusively answered by documents.

If the project has progressed beyond the conceptual stage, the government should be able to provide evidence of the geological investigations, exploratory drilling, core analysis, reserve estimation, mineral rights and feasibility work supporting it.

Conversely, if these processes are still ongoing, the government could clarify that the project remains at the preliminary stage and provide a realistic timeline for completing the studies and moving to construction.

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There is nothing inherently wrong with announcing an industrial project at an early stage. What would be problematic is creating the impression that a commercially ready cement factory is imminent when the fundamental geological and regulatory groundwork has not yet been completed.

Public Demand for Evidence

The controversy, therefore, is not whether Ebonyi should establish another cement factory. It is whether the proposed project is backed by the technical evidence required for such an investment.

The Ebonyi State Government and promoters of the project should clarify:

– The exact location of the limestone deposit;
– The geological and geophysical studies already completed;
– The number and location of exploratory boreholes;
– The results of core drilling and core logging;
– The laboratory analysis of the limestone samples;
– The estimated proven and recoverable limestone reserves;
– The expected lifespan of the deposit;
– The mineral title or mining licence covering the deposit;
– The environmental and other regulatory approvals;
– The identity of the investors and financing arrangements; and
– The projected construction and production timelines.

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Until these questions are answered with verifiable evidence, doubts about the technical readiness of the proposed factory are likely to persist.

For Ebonyi residents, the demand is straightforward:

Show the geological studies. Show the core-drilling results. Show the laboratory analysis. Show the limestone reserve estimate. Show the mining licence.

Those documents, more than political declarations, will demonstrate whether the proposed cement factory is a fully developed industrial project or an investment proposal still awaiting the technical groundwork required to make it viable.

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………..As Council Chairman, Traditional Ruler Applaud Quality of Work at Hosanna Estate, Ibagwa Nike.

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has praised the business prowess and vision of the Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters, Architect Chibuikem Onyekachi Emmanuel, calling him a reference point for youths in entrepreneurship.

Governor Mbah made this known Wednesday during the official commissioning of Hosana Estate, Ibagwa Nike, where he also commended Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. for investing in the state’s housing sector.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr Ifeanyi Ossai, stated that such a gesture by an Enugu-born entrepreneur was part of the state government’s development agenda, driven by resilience and a determination to leave Enugu better than it was inherited.

He also commended the Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. as well as other investors for committing resources to Enugu, describing their investments as an encouragement to the government’s drive to reposition the state.

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Barr Ossai assured investors and residents that the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah would continue to provide a safe environment for businesses and communities to thrive.

According to him, “As government, our primary objective is to provide security for the people and I’m delighted with what I’ve seen about the estate,” he said, while encouraging the investors to cooperate with the estate management for effective management of the development.

He also assured residents that the government would continue expanding infrastructure across the state.

“On our part, we’ll keep expanding infrastructure and for all those we’ve not attended to, do not be disappointed, we’re already on that path and we’re progressing geometrically. However, I thank all the investors and assure you that as a government, we’ll continue to provide security for the state.”

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Beloved-Dan Anike, commended Powell Homes and Shelters for choosing Ibagwa Nike for the project, noting that the ongoing dualisation of the road had positioned the area as an emerging urban centre.

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He also stated that Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. had “blazed the trail” by investing in what he described as a future goldmine, adding that the local government was committed to supporting the development agenda of Governor Mbah.

The council chairman also noted that housing developments such as Hosana Estate would contribute to addressing the country’s housing deficit, particularly in Enugu State.

The traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike, His Royal Highness, Igwe Emma Ugwu, expressed satisfaction with the project, saying the community understood and supported the development initiatives of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd.

He recalled that when members of the community approached him to make enquiries about the project, he assured them that it was consistent with the developmental agenda of Governor Mbah and the community’s quest to support genuine businesses.

“When my people came to my palace to make enquiries about the project, I assured them that it aligns with the developmental initiative of His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and that the company is genuine and reliable.”

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The traditional ruler also thanked the Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. for choosing Ibagwa Nike as the location for the estate, assuring him that the community would give their best to make the project a success.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd., Architect Chibuikem Onyekachi Emmanuel, said the commissioning was more than the unveiling of another housing project, describing it as a celebration of vision, perseverance, partnership and purpose.

He attributed the successful completion of the project to the grace of God and the collective efforts of everyone who contributed to bringing the vision to reality.

“Today is not simply about commissioning another housing project. It is a celebration of vision, perseverance, partnership and the power of purpose. Above all, we acknowledge that it is by the grace of Almighty God that we have reached this point. What we are witnessing today is a reflection of His faithfulness and the collective efforts of everyone who contributed, in one way or another, to bringing this vision to reality.”

Architect Chibuikem Onyekachi Emmanuel, on behalf of the Board, Management and entire team of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd., also appreciated Governor Mbah, represented at the event by Deputy Governor Ossai, for honouring the commissioning.

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He explained that the company viewed housing as more than the construction of physical structures, describing a home as a source of security, dignity and stability for families.

“At Powell Homes and Shelters, we believe that housing is more than bricks, concrete and physical structures. A home represents security. A home represents dignity. A home provides stability for families. Access to decent housing contributes significantly to the development of healthy, productive and prosperous communities.”

He also posited that Hosana Estate was conceived as a planned and functional community designed to meet the needs of modern families rather than merely as a collection of houses.

He further stated that the estate was equipped with essential infrastructure and amenities, including internal roads, drainage systems, electricity infrastructure, recreational facilities, a synthetic football pitch and a children’s playground.

The Managing Director also acknowledged the significant housing deficit facing Nigeria and the financial difficulties confronting many families, saying the company was determined to make homeownership more accessible. He added that the company would continue to develop quality homes at affordable price points while exploring innovative financing models, strategic partnerships and appropriate housing solutions to enable more Nigerians and members of the organised private sector to own homes.

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“The commissioning of Hosana Estate marked not an end but a new phase in the company’s expansion plans. While today marks the successful completion and commissioning of Hosana Estate, our journey does not end here. If anything, this achievement strengthens our resolve to do more. We are also committed to expanding our housing developments outside Enugu. This is because Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. is committed to building more homes, developing more communities and expanding access to decent housing, not only in Enugu but in other parts of Nigeria where the need exists.”

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has matriculated 70 inmates enrolled in various undergraduate programmes at its Special Study Centre within the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre, Enugu.

The matriculation took place on Wednesday during the 31st matriculation ceremony of the centre.

In an address at the ceremony, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, described the event as a milestone in the Service’s commitment to using education as an instrument for the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

Nwakuche, who was represented by the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Zone M, Prisca Oku, said the NCoS would continue to strengthen correctional education and expand opportunities for academic, vocational and skills development across custodial centres.

He encouraged the matriculating inmates to remain focused, abide by the rules and regulations of both the university and the Service, and strive to become worthy ambassadors of the correctional education programme.

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“I therefore encourage our matriculating inmates to remain focused, uphold the rules and regulations of the University and the Service, and strive to become worthy ambassadors of the correctional education programme,” he said.

He added: “To the matriculating students, I also urge you to embrace this opportunity with seriousness, discipline and determination.

“Your present circumstances should not define your future; rather, let this opportunity equip you with the knowledge, skills and character needed to build a productive and responsible life beyond custody.

“Your academic journey is not merely about obtaining a qualification; it is also about transforming your mindset, broadening your horizons and preparing yourselves for meaningful reintegration into society.”

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Udoma Oji Udoma, said the university had continued to provide quality and accessible higher education to inmates by offering 100 per cent tuition-free education at all levels.

Udoma, who was represented by the Director of NOUN Enugu Study Centre, Prof. Loveth Ekwueme, said the university had consistently championed inclusivity by providing educational opportunities for inmates.

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“NOUN affirms its belief that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” he said.

According to him, the initiative reflects NOUN’s commitment to national development, social justice and the rehabilitation of citizens who deserve a second chance.

“To our new students: today you pledge to uphold the values of scholarship, discipline, and integrity. Your enrollment signifies courage, determination, and the desire to transform your lives through knowledge.

“Remember that education is the most powerful tool for personal renewal and societal reintegration,” he said.

The Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Mr Valins Obizue, encouraged inmates to take advantage of the free educational opportunities available to them and pursue academic qualifications that could improve their lives.

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Obizue commended the Controller-General of the NCoS and NOUN for providing a veritable and accessible platform for the reformation and academic advancement of inmates across the country.

In his welcome address, the Officer-in-Charge of the NCoS Maximum-Security Custodial Centre, Enugu, Dr Sunday Igwe, said the study centre commenced in July 2011 with 12 students but had grown to 262 students.

Igwe described the growth as more than a numerical increase, saying it represented “262 dreams, 262 aspirations, 262 opportunities and 262 journeys towards personal and professional development.”

He said the NCoS firmly believed that education was one of the most powerful instruments for human development, reformation, rehabilitation, reintegration, empowerment and positive transformation.

“Our custodial environment is not only about security and safe custody. It is also about preparing individuals for meaningful contributions to society.

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“The presence and growth of NOUN academic activities within this environment demonstrates that education can flourish wherever there is commitment, discipline and determination.

“NOUN remains and offers the foremost Open and Distance Learning opportunity in Nigeria,” he said.

One of the matriculating inmates, whose name was withheld, appreciated the Controller-General of the NCoS and the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN for providing the educational and reformative programme and making it accessible to inmates.

The newly admitted undergraduates enrolled in various programmes, including Public Administration, Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Criminology and Security Studies, among others.

Highlights of the ceremony included the administration of the matriculation oath to the new students and the cutting of the matriculation cake.

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