News
Unprecedented: Enugu guber aspirant supports Govt with 5.4km ashphalt road
It was an unprecedented feat. A rare show of philntrophy and support to the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s rural development programme.
With drainages on both sides of the road, the project was outstanding. It was a beauty. The stretch was also unprecedented. It was a prayer answered for the rural Communities who benefitted from the project.
The mammoth crowd that gathered during the commissioning Friday, May 6th, 2022, were shocked that an individual could go this far for a government he believes in.
The 5.4km Amagunze road delivered to the Enugu State government by Capt. Evarest Nnaji was personally commissioned by the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
The Governor who could not hold back his excitement described the road as “a wonderful project deserving of our commendation.”
The Governor also said that those who wish to be remembered make tough choices just like Odengene has made.
“Chief Nnaji, I laud you for this uncommon feat and pray that the Almighty, most merciful and most loving God will bless and give you good health.”
The Governor added that his administration is fully committed to identifying with such projects, from flag-off to inauguration and enjoined “all well-to-do and public-spirited individuals to support the delivery of public goods to Ndi Enugu”.
On his part, Odengene said he got drawn to the Governor because he’s “God’s man” who places God in everything he does. A man that never care about peoples past.”
The philanthropist went on to say that he watched what the Governor is doing from a distance and “I got convinced you’re a good man.
“Our Governor goes to the rural areas, people who ordinarily will never be remembered, fix their roads and will not demand any unnecessary publicity. You have connected so many hinterlands and made life easier for them.
“By my own count and what I have read, you have built over 700km of roads in one administration, yet, nobody is talking about it and he doesn’t care.”
“I have two cogent reasons why I undertook the construction of this road. One is about what you are doing in this state. This encouraged me to support the government in this direction because, the government can’t provide road for every place at the same time.
“The road connects four autonomous communities that are very productive and this will aid them in moving their produce to the market in what you are doing in other rural communities.”
He also commended the transformation strides of the Governor in the areas of sports development and health stressing that these interventions will improve the economy of the state in no small way and called on Ndi Enugu to support the Governor because he’s a sincere person while praying to God to enlarge his coast and give him higher grounds to continue serving the public.
In his remarks, Eze Agadi II of Ihuokpara, HRH, Igwe SA Nwatu, who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers said today is a great day in their lives adding that the Governor is blessed and has a good God who takes care of his own.
The revered traditional ruler revealed that the OAS Chairman, Nnaji didn’t start today as his philanthropy dates back to decades ago when he was doing remedial work on the road that connects them to other parts of the state repeatedly, stressing that he didn’t start the transformation of rural areas today.
He also said that Odengene played a vital role in the creation of Nkanu East Local Government Area stressing that he has been with them
Hon. Sydney Okey Edeh, Council Chairman, Nkanu East Local Government, in his remark thanked the Governor for coming to their place despite his tight schedule.
Speaking on the massive road project, Hon. Edeh said it’s a clear demonstration of the saying “When the righteous persons are in power, good things happen” and commended Odengene whom he said he has been hearing of his good deeds as a child and even in his adulthood, he’s still doing good and thanked him immensely for his good works in Nkanu East.
In his speech, Hon Okey J. S. Nwatu, the President General of Isienu Amagunze, said aside the multi million naira road project, Captain Everest Nnaji “has equally embarked on other numerous programmes to better the living standard of our people, some of which are award of scholarship to deserving sons and daughters of our communities and beyond up to university level.
“He contributed immensely to the creation of Nkanu East LGA and the construction of some structures therein, he designed and contributed to the construction, completion and beatification of Holy Innocent Catholic Church, Amagunze and other humanitarian projects, too numerous to mention.
Other speakers at the event which includes Rt. Hon. Princess Peace Nnaji, Commissioner for Gender and Social Development, The former Chief Judge of Enugu State, Her Lordship, FS Emehelu, SPA to the Governor on Agriculture, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe took turns to thank the Governor for the enablement and hailed Odengene for the project.
Ferotex CEO, Chief Festus Onu, while speaking on the road thanked the Governor for all the opportunities in the state, Odengene for giving them the job and the people of Amagunze for their support all through the time the construction lasted adding that the work was delivered according to specifications and on time too.
Other dignitaries at the event include: the speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Edward Ubosi, Member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Nkanu East and West, Nnoli Nnaji; Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information Barr. Steve Oruruo; the Chairman of Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Chief Ikeje Asogwa; the Chairman, Governing Council of Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Chief Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo; the Chairman, STVSMB, Dr. Gabriel Ajah; the Chief Executive Officer of Ferotex Construction Company Limited, Chief Festus Onu; Dr. Tony Okam, and the traditional rulers from the council area, PDP Ex-Officio Princess Nneka Okoro, Auxiliary Bishop, His lordship, Most Rev Ernest Obodo, former Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Bishop Gbuji, etc.
“If You Have Evidence Against Stanley Mbam, Charge Him; Otherwise, Release Him” — Oganiru Izzi
A socio-cultural organisation of Izzi extraction, Oganiru Izzi, has challenged Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to either release the state’s sacked Commissioner for Works, Mr Stanley Mbam, or charge him before a competent court if the government has credible evidence of wrongdoing against him.
The group said the continued detention of the former commissioner without a formal charge raises concerns about due process, constitutional rights and the rule of law.
The leader of Oganiru Izzi, Mr Godwin Mbam, made the demand while speaking with correspondents of National Issue Newspapers at the Crack Department of the Ebonyi State Police Command in Abakaliki.
Mbam condemned what he described as the prolonged detention of Stanley Mbam without allowing a court to determine whether he had committed any offence.
He challenged the state government to produce evidence if it believes the former commissioner committed a criminal offence.
“If there is credible evidence against him, charge him to court and let the court decide. If there is no case against him, he should be released,” Mbam said.
He also appealed to the Ebonyi State Police Command to uphold the Constitution and resist any pressure that could result in unlawful detention.
Vanco Flyover: “We Will Reveal the Full Details”
Mbam also issued a three-day challenge to Governor Nwifuru, declaring that if the former commissioner was not released or charged to court, his organisation would make public what it described as the “full details” of the Vanco Flyover project.
According to him, the proposed disclosure would address issues surrounding the project, including its funding, payments, contractual arrangements and other financial details.
“We will let the world know the full details of the Vanco Flyover and how the funds were utilised,” he warned.
He further challenged the state government to demonstrate transparency by making relevant documents concerning the project available to the public.
“What About the Alleged ₦1.5 Billion Forfeiture?”
The Izzi group also questioned what it described as the selective application of the state government’s anti-corruption campaign.
Mbam referred to allegations involving an account reportedly frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an alleged ₦1.5 billion forfeiture to the Federal Government.
He questioned why, according to him, the governor had allegedly not taken similar action if the facts surrounding the matter warranted it.
Mbam stressed that he was not opposed to the fight against corruption but insisted that any anti-corruption campaign must be comprehensive, transparent and applied equally.
“If Governor Nwifuru wants to fight corruption, let him fight it holistically. Nobody should be targeted while other serious allegations are ignored,” he said.
“If Nwifuru Says He Knows Nothing, We Will Produce the Facts”
Mbam further challenged Governor Nwifuru to publicly state whether he was aware of alleged corruption issues within the Ministry of Works.
“If Nwifuru publicly claims that he is unaware of corruption in the Works Ministry, I will make public the facts available to me. The facts will shock the state,” he declared.
He insisted that the matter should not degenerate into a political vendetta, arguing that the appropriate place to determine criminal liability is a court of law.
According to him, the people of Ebonyi State deserve clear answers concerning the Vanco Flyover and other issues involving public funds.
“Everybody Should Be Subject to the Law”
The Oganiru Izzi leader maintained that the controversy should be resolved through transparency, documentary evidence and due process.
“If there is a case, charge him. If there is no case, release him. The government cannot claim to be fighting corruption while abandoning the principles of justice and the rule of law,” he said.
Mbam warned that failure to address the issues could compel the organisation to make further disclosures concerning the Vanco Flyover and other matters it considers to be in the public interest.
By Our Correspondent
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better country.
Chukwu, also known as Ochiri Ozua 1 of Amagu Ikwo, made the call in an Independence Day message to Nigerians, particularly the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.
He described the anniversary as not only a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the responsibilities of leaders in building a Nigeria that meets the aspirations of its citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant challenges, with millions of citizens currently facing economic hardship, while young people continue to search for opportunities and many communities contend with insecurity and uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, the Ebonyi politician said the resilience of Nigerians remained a source of hope for the country’s future.
“I believe in the resilience of our people. I believe in the ingenuity of our youths, the strength of our women, the wisdom of our elders and the determination of ordinary Nigerians who wake up every morning and refuse to give up on this country,” he said.
Chukwu, however, stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership, arguing that public office should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
He called for leadership that prioritises the protection of lives, creation of economic opportunities, provision of infrastructure, strengthening of institutions and responsible management of national resources.
The candidate also emphasised the need to create an environment where young Nigerians can pursue successful lives within the country and where hard work, merit and enterprise are rewarded.
He said Nigeria had “come too far to surrender to hopelessness,” urging citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to the country’s progress.
“A better Nigeria is still possible, but it will require responsible leadership, accountable institutions and citizens who refuse to give up on their country,” he said.
Chukwu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring: “Nigeria will rise. Nigeria must rise. And together, we must build the Nigeria we deserve.”
He also paid tribute to the nation’s past heroes, praying that their sacrifices would continue to inspire the country.
“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,” he said, as he wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, democracy in the country has continued to evolve and deepen, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, has said.
Anosike made the observation in a message to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, noting that despite the challenges the country had encountered since 1960, its democratic system had continued to improve under successive administrations.
According to him, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed relatively smooth transitions from one administration to another, while citizens have continued to exercise their fundamental rights to hold governments accountable for their performance.
“Before the return of the democratic process, it was indeed difficult and near taboo to challenge the leadership of the country, and those who may have attempted it in the past faced grave consequences.
“Similarly, we have had smooth transitions from one dispensation to another, producing five presidents through the ballot and not through the barrel of the gun. These elected presidents were produced by different political parties.”
Anosike said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sustained the country’s democratic principles and created an avenue for Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion, to express their views on government policies and programmes.
“Under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have been enjoying the freedom to express themselves over issues, policies and programmes of government, and those expressions have been shaping and guiding the administration of Mr President,” he said.
The APC chairman said Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey as a nation and the progress made since independence.
He said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast had offered another opportunity for Nigerians to renew their hope for a greater and more prosperous country.
Anosike also commended what he described as the “enormous infrastructural development” taking place across the country under the Tinubu administration.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support and have faith in the administration as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
An Elder Statesman, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has called on political leaders and policies formulators to ensure governmental policies and programmes directly touch lives of the people and reduce hardship in the country.
Ngwu, who is a prominent community leader in Enugu, urged Nigerians to maintain peace within neighbourhoods and communities, as no meaningful development can take place without peace.
The statesman made the call on Thursday in Enugu while reacting to the developmental efforts of Nigeria at its 66th Independence.
He said that previous and present administrations had put in place policies and programmes to reset the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.
Ngwu said that while the removal of fuel subsidy, and unification of the foreign exchange had good intentions, their impact is yet to reflect on the lives and livelihoods of vast majority of Nigerians.
He urged leaders to ensure that public resources were properly managed while citizens remained patient with reforms aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of the country.
The elder statesman noted that at 66th independence, the country was still struggling on keeping its peace and co-existence as a country; adding that the founding leaders of Nigeria envisaged a closely united, bonded and peaceful country.
He called for return to policies that promote local production, indigenous industries and entrepreneurship, arguing that excessive dependence on imports had continued to weaken the country’s productive capacity.
According to him, we are yet to achieve economic independence even as we needed to do more on non oil revenue earns as the greater part of the world is moving towards greener and clean energy.
“Greater emphasis should be on skills acquisition, creativity and entrepreneurship education system, as academic qualifications without practical skills could leave graduates dependent on scarce white collar jobs.
“We ought to be economically productive nation capable of producing and exporting goods while developing its human capital,” he said.
Ngwu noted that current insecurity and social instability could be partly attributed to poverty and ignorance, while calling for greater honesty and trust between leaders and citizens.
“Corruption, tribalism and selfishness must be addressed if Nigeria is to achieve peace and lasting progress,” he added.
He also called for the scrapping of state electoral commissions as they have not helped in deepening democracy at that level. The National Election body should take over that responsibility.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, Macmaduson Concepts Limited, a leading provider of HVACR,industrial parts, sensors, electrical and plumbing materials, has extended warm Independence Day greetings to its customers, clients and business partners across the country.
In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the company expressed appreciation to its valued customers for their continuous support, trust and partnership over the years.
Macmaduson Concepts Limited, which specialises in HVACR,Industrial Materials, sensors, air-conditioners, refrigerators, cold rooms, chillers, refrigerants, electrical materials and plumbing materials, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria and reflect on the nation’s journey.
The company wished Nigeria continued growth, unity, peace and prosperity, while expressing hope for a brighter future for all Nigerians.
The message from the company reads in part:
At Macmaduson Concepts Limited, we celebrate our great nation, Nigeria, and appreciate our valued clients for their continuous support, trust and partnership. May Nigeria continue to grow in unity, peace and prosperity.”
The company concluded its Independence Day message with the theme: “One Nation, One People, A Brighter Tomorrow.”
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary from Macmaduson Concepts Limited.
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