Category: Lifestyle

…Residents, traditional rulers commend Mbah’s rural development drive

The Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) has taken its community sensitisation and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercises to six communities in Nkanu West Local Government Area, with residents and traditional rulers commending Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for its focus on grassroots development.

The exercise, led by the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of CSDA, Monday Diamond Ani, is aimed at identifying and documenting beneficiary communities while enabling residents to participate directly in identifying and prioritising their development needs.

As part of the exercise, elections and inaugurations of Community Project Management Committees (CPMCs) were conducted in the newly identified communities.

The CSDA team visited Enuagu Amurri, Omuoha Obuoffia, Enuagu Akpugo, Eziokwe Amurri, Umueze Awkunanaw and Ndiagu Obuoffia.

At Enuagu Amurri, the traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Igwe Charles Nwoye, Obu Oha 1 of Amurri Ancient Kingdom, received the team and commended CSDA’s community-driven approach to rural development.

Nwoye also expressed appreciation to the state government for its attention to grassroots development.

At Omuoha Obuoffia, the team was received by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Obiora Igwesi, the traditional ruler of the community; Rt. Hon. USA Igwesi, a former member of the House of Representatives; the President General, Chidi Ugwu; alongside other residents.

Igwesi said the community had maintained a cooperative relationship with CSDA over the years, noting that the Agency’s interventions in the area predated the current exercise.

The traditional ruler of Umueze Community, HRM Igwe Dr. Emeka Ani, also expressed appreciation to Governor Mbah for what he described as his administration’s performance and for including the community in its development efforts.

Similarly, His Royal Highness, Igwe Ikechukwu Nnaji of Enuagu Akpugo, thanked the governor for bringing a water project to the community after, according to him, almost 30 years of waiting for government intervention.

Speaking during the exercise, Ani said the programme would also create opportunities for beneficiaries to receive livelihood support for micro-businesses.

He said Governor Mbah was committed to rural development and prompt intervention in communities, particularly through projects identified by residents as their most pressing needs under Phase 2.0 of the NG-CARES programme.

Ani urged members of the CPMC to remain transparent, committed and accountable in managing the responsibilities entrusted to them by their communities.

He said sustainable community development requires people genuinely committed to humanitarian service and concerned about the welfare of vulnerable members of society.

The CSDA’s community sensitisation and PRA exercise is part of its broader effort to ensure that communities participate actively in determining the projects and interventions that address their most pressing developmental needs.

Dr. David Okelue Ugwunta, Senior Lecturer in Banking and Finance at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and former Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Enugu State, has brought his practical experience in public financial management and fiscal governance into a national conversation on the digital transformation of military financial management.

Ugwunta was a Discussant at the Fifteenth Nigerian Army Finance Corps Officers’ Biennial Training Conference, held from 9–14 August 2026 at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA), Apapa, Lagos. The conference was themed “Leveraging Digital Financial Technology and Professionalism for Enhanced Troops Morale Needed for Mission Success.”

The conference provided a platform for senior officers and financial management professionals to examine how technology, professionalism, accountability and stronger financial controls can improve resource management and support military effectiveness.

In his opening remarks, the Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), Major General T. T. Sidick, underscored the importance of professionalising and transforming the Nigerian Army Finance Corps (NAFC) to respond to the demands of contemporary military financial management. His emphasis reflected the need for stronger financial controls, professional competence, accountability and the effective deployment of digital technology to improve resource stewardship and provide timely financial information for command decisions.

That institutional perspective provided an important backdrop to Ugwunta’s intervention.

From the Budget & Planning Ministry to the Nigerian Army Finance Corps

Ugwunta participated in the interactive session following the lecture, “Achieving Digital Financial Technology Transformation in the Nigerian Army Finance Corps for Enhanced Financial Management and Effective Decision Support for the Nigerian Army,” delivered by Major General A. A. Ayannuga (Rtd.).

Rather than simply reiterating the technical arguments in the lead presentation, Ugwunta drew on his experience as Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Enugu State, from 2019 to 2023, during the administration of former Governor Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi.

As Commissioner, Ugwunta was directly involved in economic planning, budget formulation, implementation monitoring, fiscal policy, and performance reporting. That experience led him to conceive an integrated digital approach to the State’s budget cycle one in which Ministries, Departments and Agencies could prepare or upload budget proposals through an online platform, while the central budget authority could access, review and interrogate submissions during budget bilateral discussions and integrate approved proposals into the final budget.

For Ugwunta, however, the more important question was what happened after appropriation.

His proposed architecture envisaged the digital connection of budgeting, implementation, accounting, reporting, auditing and decision-making, enabling government to see at any point what had been received as revenue; approved, released, committed and spent as expenditure, identify variances and emerging financing pressures, and use the information to advise government and initiate appropriate corrective action.

Beyond Paperless Finance

Ugwunta argued that digital financial transformation should not be reduced to electronic payments or the computerisation of existing processes.

“The future of financial management is not simply paperless finance. It is integrated, intelligent and auditable finance.”

He proposed a Digital Financial Management Continuum:

Planning → Budgeting → Appropriation → Implementation → Accounting → Reporting → Auditing → Analysis → Decision.

In his view, the real value of digital transformation lies in connecting these functions so that the budget, accounting records, financial reports and audit information are generated from a common and reliable information architecture.

He stressed that the NAFC should be able to move from asking simply “what has happened?” to understanding “what is happening, what is likely to happen, what financing risk is emerging and what requires intervention?”

From Financial Data to Decision Intelligence

A central feature of Ugwunta’s contribution was the idea of a secure NAFC financial dashboard capable of providing decision-makers with real-time visibility of approved budgets, revenue, releases, commitments, expenditure, outstanding obligations, performance, variances and emerging financial pressures.

Such a system, he argued, should incorporate management by exception, automatically drawing attention to significant deviations, unusual transactions, underperforming programmes or emerging financial risks.

He also emphasised accounting and auditing as integral components of digital transformation.

Rather than treating audit as an activity that begins after transactions have occurred, digital systems can embed controls into financial processes, generate complete audit trails and use data analytics to identify unusual or high-risk transactions for timely review.

This, he argued, would move financial management from predominantly retrospective reporting towards continuous, risk-based and intelligence-driven assurance.

The position resonates with the broader direction of the conference. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by Maj.-Gen. Garba Ibrahim who called for tighter financial controls, stronger accountability, digital auditing, financial analytics, cybersecurity and data-driven decision-making, stressing the connection between sound financial management, troop welfare and operational readiness.

From Digital Transactions to Digital Command

For Ugwunta, the ultimate objective is not technology for its own sake.

“The real measure of digital financial transformation should not be how many transactions we process electronically. The test is whether we can transform financial data into reliable information, reliable information into intelligence, and intelligence into informed and smart public financing decisions.”

He however supported the advocate for a phased and multistakeholder implementation approach.

The intervention reflects the convergence of Ugwunta’s academic and public-sector career. In addition to his role as Senior Lecturer at ESUT, he serves as Senior Adviser (Economic) at Thoughts & Mace Advisory and works as an Independent Consultant with UNICEF, Enugu Field Office on Public Finance for Children. His professional work spans public financial management, fiscal policy, economic planning, public debt accountability, governance and development finance.

His participation at the Nigerian Army Finance Corps Fifteenth Biennial Conference therefore represented more than an academic engagement. It demonstrated how lived experience in government can be translated into practical policy ideas for strengthening financial management beyond the environment in which that experience was acquired.

For Ugwunta, the journey is clear: From digital transactions, to digital financial management, and ultimately to digital Corp decision support.

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s transformational leadership and developmental strides took centre stage, yet again, as Enugu Media Village honoured him with an Award of Excellence for dedication to transformational leadership and outstanding governance.

The award was presented during the organisation’s 2025/2026 Best Performing Local Government Chairman Poll and Leadership Recognition Ceremony, which took place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

Presenting the award on behalf of the organisation, the Board of Trustees Chairman of Enugu Media Village and former Chairman of Agwu Local Government Area, Hon. Nnanna Nze, commended Governor Mbah for what he described as his remarkable transformation of the state in just three years.

Nze noted that the governor’s developmental strides in critical sectors of the economy had continued to attract commendation from residents and stakeholders.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Founder and Director General of Enugu Media Village, Mr. Kelvin Uche Edeh, described the organisation as a media platform established to promote developmental governance and ensure that information about government projects reaches the grassroots.

He noted that Governor Mbah had demonstrated that governance was a powerful tool for transforming communities and improving lives.

“Governor Peter Mbah has shown us that governance is about changing communities and transforming systems.

“We are committed to supporting developmental governance by ensuring that information reaches the grassroots across all local government areas,” Edeh stated.

Receiving the award, Governor Mbah said the honour belonged to members of his team and the entire people of Enugu State for entrusting their mandate to him.

He, however, said that the people of Enugu State had only seen a tip of the iceberg, as he remained committed to exceeding expectations in delivering more dividends of democracy to the people.

Mbah, who was represented by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, said the people of Enugu State deserved only the very best, hence his insistence on excellence, innovation and high performance from members of his administration.

Another major highlight of the event was the emergence of the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Engr. Jude Asogwa, as winner of the 2025/2026 Enugu State Best Performing Local Government Chairman Award.

The poll, which featured all 17 local government areas of the state, recorded Nsukka Local Government Area as the overall winner with 110,447 votes, ahead of Isi Uzo, Uzo Uwani, Igbo Eze North and Enugu South LGAs, in that order.

In his acceptance speech, Engr. Asogwa, who dedicated the award to God, Governor Mbah, his family and the people of Nsukka, said the recognition reflected his Council’s commitment to delivering development to all 52 communities in the LGA.

He further reaffirmed Nsukka’s support for Governor Mbah’s re-election, citing the administration’s investments in the area such as 20 Smart Green Schools, 21 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, dualization of the over 44.1-kilometre Enugu – Opi – Nsukka Road, the 52.2km Nguru – Lejja – Aku – Akpakume Nze – Egede – Affa – Eke road, and N1 billion oxygen plant, among other development projects designed to improve lives and grow Nsukka and Enugu North Zone’s economy.

“Let me just tell us that the secret of our performance is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. He is a leader that supports the local government council chairmen. He is a governor who does not tamper with the allocations of the LGAs. That is the secret of the results you are seeing. In addition, he has delivered 267 Smart Schools and 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres in the 260 wards.

“So, Nsukka is for Governor Peter Mbah. Also, we had earlier decided as a zone that come 2027, we will support and deliver not only the governor but also President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has contributed to the growth and development of our people, including the appointment of the first indigenous Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,” he said.

The event also featured the presentation of Awards of Excellence to distinguished public office holders and leaders in recognition of their contributions to governance, leadership and public service.

Among the awardees were Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District; Senator Ikeje Asogwa, representing Enugu North Senatorial District; Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency; Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; and Chie Chukwudi Nnaji.

The Enugu State Marketing Company Ltd., a state owned company, has unveiled one of its products, the Premium Enugu Cashew, a snack produced under “strict hygienic conditions” and “professionally packaged” to meet the highest standards of quality and freshness.

The company announced the launch of the product, which is now available to consumers seeking a healthy, delicious, and nutritious snack option.

According to the announcement, “Every pack is produced with the highest standards of cleanliness, freshness, and quality assurance to give you a healthy, delicious, and nutritious snack.”

The cashew is “carefully processed under strict hygienic conditions” by the Enugu State Marketing Company Ltd., ensuring that consumers receive a product they can trust.

The product is “available in attractive, sealed packaging that preserves freshness and makes it perfect for personal consumption, gifts, retail, and bulk purchases.”

The company highlighted the key attributes of the Enugu Cashew:

✅ Hygienically Processed
✅ Professionally Packaged
✅ Fresh, Crunchy & Nutritious
✅ Premium Quality You Can Trust

Where to Buy

Interested buyers can visit the Enugu State Marketing Company Ltd. at No. 24 Colliery Avenue, Opposite Enugu State Secretariat, Enugu, or the branch at 35A Ogui Road by Subway, Enugu.

Additionally, the product can be purchased on the EnuguMarket Mobile App. Residents can download the EnuguMarket App from the Google Play Store using the link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pixels.enugu_market. Those who prefer web browsing can also access the platform at www.enugumarket.ng.

For enquiries and orders, customers can call 0814 572 1776.

Enugu Cashew, Premium Quality, Hygienically Processed, Professionally Packaged.

Happy Birthday, Honourable Michael Chikosolu Ogbuekwe!

Today, we celebrate a rare gem a man whose life is a shining example of excellence, dedication, and impactful service. Hon. Mike Ogbuekwe, from your roots in Nkerefi, Nkanu East, through your formative years in Jos, Plateau State, to becoming a Mechanical Engineering graduate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, your journey has been nothing short of inspiring.

You have carved a historic path in public service, becoming one of the very few Nigerians to serve three governors across two states at the highest levels. From your impactful years in Anambra State where you rose from Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture to Director General of the Project Management and Monitoring Office (PMMO), saving the state over two billion naira through diligent oversight to your outstanding contributions in Enugu State under Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Peter Mbah, your record of service speaks volumes.

Your international exposure with Baker Hughes, training across Aberdeen, Houston, Paris, and Seoul, combined with your deep commitment to your people, has prepared you uniquely for greater responsibilities. As a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration and the Institute of Credit Administration, and now the APC nominee for Nkanu East Local Government Chairmanship with the strong backing of Governor Peter Mbah and the party, your star continues to rise.

On this auspicious day, we felicitate you for your integrity, visionary leadership, humility, and the positive difference you continue to make in the lives of many. May this new year of your life bring you greater joy, divine strength, fresh wisdom, and accelerated success in all your endeavours.

May your light continue to shine brighter, and may the good Lord keep you in perfect health to deliver even more value to your community, state, and nation.

Happy Birthday, ‘Incoming’!

Wishing you a year filled with abundant blessings, fulfilled dreams, and lasting legacies.

Long life, good health, and greater heights! Part 15

Bread is one of the staple foods in most Nigerian homes. When people think breakfast, they think leftover foods or bread. Some people cannot go a day without eating bread. It is as if they cannot breathe well if they do not eat bread. Lol. Growing up, I observed that whenever someone travelled and came back, they always bought something and most times it was bread in addition to something else or only bread. It was like an unwritten rule to travel and come back with bread. When people came to visit, they brought bread and sometimes fruits.

Bread is so versatile that presently bakeries now bake different kinds of bread – coconut bread, sardine bread etc. There is also the wheat bread variant for health purposes. People eat bread with a lot of things – butter, chocolate spread, tea, custard, beans(popular in Yoruba land), sardines, moi-moi and so much more.

The best combination I have seen and enjoyed is bread and eggs. This combo is amazing and every single time I think of bread, the thought of fried eggs accompanies it. This bread and egg combo is also a popular street food. Most of the Hausa men that sell food by the roadside specialize in noodles and eggs and bread and eggs which is popularly called ‘Meshai’(forgive me if it was not spelt right). They fry the eggs separately, toast the bread a bit in a pan, fill the middle of the bread with the fried eggs, press together as if eliminating all the calories and toast again in a pan. This is basically how everyone eats bread and egg and I am not going to lie it is now boring.

So we will be preparing our bread and eggs in a different way. Let us get right into it.

For this, we would be needing sliced bread, eggs, fresh pepper, onions, green pepper, carrots, tomatoes and seasoning cubes. This is very easy to make and you are going to love it.

First, we would prep all our ingredients and we would start by rinsing and dicing finely the fresh pepper(the quantity depends on how spicy you want it to be), onions, green pepper, carrot and tomatoes. It has to be diced into little square cubes so that it can cook within the little time that it would be cooked.

Next, break eggs into a bowl. Put the diced vegetables into the bowl with eggs. Add seasoning cubes to taste and stir till seasoning cubes are dissolved properly in the bowl with eggs and vegetables.

Lastly, cut out the middle of the sliced bread to separate the crust. But you have to do it with precision so that what is left of the crust is not too thin.

Let us cook now;
– In a pan, put in little oil and the crust of the bread you cut out. If your pan is big enough, it could contain two bread crust at a time.

– Pour a little of the egg mixture into the middle of the crust. Cover the pan and allow to cook for 2 minutes. The whole time, the heat should be on the lowest.

– The middle part of the bread which was cut out is then placed in the pan and pressed down into the crust and flipped over. After flipping, cover the pan and allow to cook for another minute till golden brown.

– This process is repeated till all the crust is finished.

Your bread and egg is ready and it feels like your eating ‘eggs-infused bread’ LOL.

This can be eaten alone as a snack, with tea or with whatever you would eat bread and eggs with. Perfect for a family breakfast or for your kids breakfast in school.

I hope you try this and I would like to hear from you when you do. Kindly send your reviews and chats to enaamobi98@gmail.com or on Instagram at thecravefactory.ng.

Regards,
Chef Enna.

A medical outreach, book presentation, and eucharistic service are among key activities lined up for the 60th birthday celebration of Most Rev. Barr. Christopher Nweke Ede, the Methodist Archbishop of Enugu.

The three-day event, scheduled for April 4 to 6, 2026, is expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria, including serving and former governors, top clergy, and traditional rulers.

The programme will begin on April 4 with a medical outreach at Wesley Specialist Hospital, Enugu, aimed at providing healthcare services to residents.

On April 5, a thanksgiving service will be held at Wesley Cathedral Church, with His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, Prelate Emeritus, billed to preach.

The celebration will climax on April 6 with a eucharistic service at Wesley Cathedral Uwani, followed by a birthday reception and book presentation at The Trinity Dome along Agbani Road, Enugu.

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah will serve as chief host, while Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is expected as chief guest of honour.

Other dignitaries expected at the event include Rt. Rev. (Prof.) STV Adegbite; former governors Ifeanyichukwu Jim Nwobodo and Samuel Ominyi Egwu; and business executive Gbolahan Olayomi.

The event will also feature prominent clerics, including His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, who will officiate the birthday service, alongside other spiritual leaders.

Organisers say the celebration will draw a large gathering of stakeholders across religious, political, and traditional institutions.