Category: News

…As governor pledges collaboration

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors have lauded Governor Peter Mbah’s development strides in Enugu State, saying the governor had shown the commitment to ensure that development and infrastructure reached every part of the state simultaneously.

The leadership and members of the Institute made their impression known on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu, on the sidelines of their national workshop and the induction of newly qualified Quantity Surveyors at the International Conference Centre, in the state capital.

The workshop is themed “Standardising Procurement Excellence and Efficiency Efficiency the Nigerian Bureau of Procurement’s Standard Bidding Documents.”

Speaking during the visit, which also had a former Chief of the Army Staff, Quantity Surveyor, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtds) in attendance, the Institute’s President, Quantity Surveyor Kene Nzekwe, stressed that members “have continued to enjoy the security, ambience, and tranquility of this beautiful city.”

“It is a known fact that the development and growth of any country or state is highly dependent on her level of infrastructure development and the commitment of the leadership to continue to ensure infrastructure delivery.

“The magnitude of projects traversing the state is a statement that the Governor desires that development quickly reaches every nook and cranny of the state,” he stated.

He pledged the continued partnership of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors with the Mbah Administration in the planning, execution, and management of all construction projects in the state.

“Your dexterity for economic prosperity and societal well-being, and with the apparent interest of your government to develop infrastructure in various sectors, the role of quantity surveyors cannot be overstated.

“Quantity Surveyors are indispensable in the construction industry, specialising in cost management, ensuring financial efficiency, and maintaining the fiscal integrity of projects.

“By harnessing our expertise, we assure you that projects would not only be completed on time, but also within budgets, thus maximizing the value for money for every naira spent,” he added.

He also sought the government’s support for the Enugu chapter of the Institute.

In his response, Governor Mbah said the theme of the workshop aligned with the administration’s commitment to transparency, pledging continued collaboration with the Institute in the execution and management of the over 2,000 ongoing and completed projects across the state, which includes 260 Smart Green Schools and 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres across the 260 political wards in Enugu State.

“The theme of your conference actually resonates with us. The first thing I did immediately after my swearing-in was to sign Executive Order 001 and that essentially speaks to transparency. So, our governance philosophy is largely underpinned by those words: transparency, accountability and fund traceability.

“But something that we also do, which is why we find your profession indispensable, is the value for money. We try to squeeze from every naira we spend the last kobo from it. So, we ensure we get the value for everything we spend here in Enugu and there is no way we would have been able to successfully do that without your noble profession,” he stated.

…Says Enugu primed to serve as diaspora innovation hub

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, says his administration is poised to establish two new universities as part of his administration’s efforts to entrench the state as a knowledge centre and diaspora innovation hub.

Mbah stated this at the State House, Abuja, on Monday during the launch of Diaspora Bridge Platform, a digital innovation for connecting Nigerian professionals in the diaspora with local tertiary institutions for collaboration in research, teaching, innovation, and capacity building.

The platform seeks to leverage on the expertise of Nigerians abroad to promote national development goals in education, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEM-M).

The governor added that apart from the ongoing construction of 260 Smart Green Schools that would take off in September, his administration had consistently dedicated over 33 per cent of the state’s budget to education, well aware that human capital remained the true measure of the wealth of any nation.

“Enugu State is ready to host and lead diaspora collaborations. In addition to expanding our seven public tertiary institutions, we are establishing two new universities soon – the Enugu State University of Education and Technology (ESUET), and the Enugu State University of Agriculture and Technology (ESUAT).

“Because innovation is the language of the 21st Century, we are also establishing eight Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across Enugu State – one in each Federal Constituency.

“Our vigorous investment in innovation in Enugu State tertiary institutions is intended to complement our modest effort to reform our pre-tertiary Basic, TVET, and Senior Secondary education system, drive innovation, and leverage Artificial Intelligence, Simulation, and Virtual and Augmented Reality to ensure applied learning in ways that exceed the milestones of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Through our Center for Experiential Learning and Innovation (CELI), we are making skill development the focus of our education transformation. We are talking about foundational, life, digital, and job-specific skills for industry, innovation, technology, science, and medicine. When you think STEM-with Double MM (STEMM), think of Enugu State, come to Enugu State, give Enugu State a chance,” Mbah stated.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Education for the Diaspora Bridge initiative to leverage Nigeria’s diaspora communities, describing education as “the single most important sector upon which our nation’s socio-economic fate depends.”

He extolled the initiative answered to “an urgent call to reconnect global expertise with local purpose.”

“For years, our understanding of the role of the Nigerian diaspora has mostly been via the basic economic lens of their remittances.

“Seldom do we also contemplate how to galvanise their support towards causes with more enduring ends, beyond medical outreaches that are often few and far between.

“Our various diaspora communities across the world represent Nigeria’s most critical human resource. What has been lacking is a formal platform where their expertise and collective financial clout could be wholesomely tapped.

“Today, we take the important first step towards that goal under the banner of the Diaspora Bridge, convened by the visionary Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa,” he stated.

…You’ve Done Well in Security, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Tells Mbah

Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has heaped praises on the Auxiliary Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Ernest Obodo, and the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University and Catholic clergy, Prof. Christian Anieke, for what he described as their selfless service and uncommon commitment to humanity.

Mbah gave the commendations during separate thanksgiving Masses held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Udi, and Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, to celebrate Bishop Obodo’s and Prof. Anieke’s silver jubilees as Catholic priests on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Speaking at Udi, the governor said, “My encounter with Bishop Obodo dates back to long before I became governor; we served together as members of the Governing Council of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu. Even then, he demonstrated remarkable insight and clarity on critical issues. But it was in our more personal bilateral meetings that his deep thinking and passion for service truly shone through.

“Our conversations on agriculture and economic empowerment helped shape aspects of our agricultural roadmap in Enugu State today. Bishop Obodo spoke not only about increasing production, but about value addition, agro-processing, and how to empower our youth, not just by giving them fish, but by teaching them how to fish.

His humility and unwavering commitment to lifting people out of poverty are disarming. Even at a time when attracting foreign direct investment is a challenge, Bishop Obodo is already doing it through his agricultural initiatives.”

Speaking about Prof. Anieke on Sunday, Mbah described the cleric as a “priest, academic and administrator par excellence” whose life and service embody the highest ideals of sacrifice, moral integrity, and nation-building through education.

He recalled his deep ties with Godfrey Okoye University, noting that it was the very ground where he first presented his manifesto to the people of Enugu ahead of the 2023 governorship election.

He urged the congregation to continue to support Prof. Anieke, praising him as a moral compass and visionary whose work aligned perfectly with the state’s poverty eradication agenda.

“He has demonstrated how education could be used as a tool to eradicate poverty, which is in line with our administration’s policy of ending poverty through education and wealth creation,” the governor said.

According to him, “The VC epitomises a strong moral compass and values, which are already shaping lives, nurturing communities, and working for the common good of the people.”

Delivering the homily at the Godfrey Okoye University, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, praised Anieke for his accomplishments both as a priest and educational visionary.

He called on fellow priests to live exemplary lives marked by service, learning, and spiritual devotion.

“A priest must be seen as a scholar, a gentleman, a saint, and must always serve the people,” he said.

Archbishop Kaigama lauded Governor Mbah’s Administration for its developing strides and improved security of lives and property in the state.

“You have done well in security,” Kaigama told the governor.

“We commend you for the good work you have done in the state, particularly your huge investment in the security architecture of the state, which has reduced criminal activity,” he added.

The thanksgiving Masses, which also had the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Reverend Calistus Onaga, in attendance, also drew dignitaries from different spheres of life, including the academic, religious, and political spheres, all of whom paid glowing tributes to the celebrants.

The Enugu State Police Command has intercepted a disturbing social media post alleging that five women who deal in fresh corn at New Market, Enugu, were lured by a man in a minibus under the guise of buying corn from his farm, but were later allegedly murdered and their mutilated bodies found by the roadside. The Command wishes to categorically state that the story is entirely false, unfounded, and fabricated to cause public panic. No such incident has been reported, nor has any investigation or credible intelligence suggested the occurrence of the alleged crime.

For the avoidance of doubt, no report of missing or found persons matching the description in the viral post has been received, and no bodies have been discovered with missing organs as claimed. This misinformation is clearly a deliberate attempt to incite fear, distort public perception, and undermine the relative peace and security currently being sustained in the State.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, urges residents to disregard the fake news and remain calm, while reaffirming the Command’s unwavering commitment to public safety and crime prevention. He has further directed operatives of the Command to identify and bring to book the originators and peddlers of the fake report for prosecution, in accordance with extant laws.

CP Giwa warns that the dissemination of fake news is a criminal offence and will henceforth be treated with the seriousness it deserves. He advises the public to always verify information before sharing, and encourages citizens to report suspicious activities or security concerns to the nearest Police Station, via the Command’s emergency numbers 08032003702 or 08086671202, or the Enugu State Command-and-Control Centre on 112.

SP DANIEL NDUKWE, anipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer
Enugu State Command
State Headquarters
GRA, Enugu
July 25, 2025

Believed to be a part of its urban renewal plans, the Enugu state government has commenced door-to-door collection of waste in the capital city and has also set time for waste disposal at central points for areas that are yet to be covered by the door-to-door waste collection.

These were contained a public announcement on waste disposal which was signed by Prof. Sam C. Ugwu, the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change.

The announcement noted that disposal of refuse at the nearest designated dump sites for areas yet to be covered by the door-to-door waste collection were now to be between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily and cautioned that “offenders will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the State Environmental and Climate Protection Law”.

The full statement reads:

The Enugu State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change expresses deep concern over the activities of scavengers littering the waste points and the indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drainages during rainfall, which leads to blockages and flooding.

Residents of Enugu city and other urban areas are hereby informed that the Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) is currently conducting door-to-door waste collection, ensuring refuse is picked up directly from households.

In order to curb the activities of scavengers and the indiscriminate disposal of waste in the city, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Enugu State Waste Management Authority, introduces a waste disposal time for the disposal of waste in market areas and other areas not yet covered by door-to-door waste collection.

Therefore, residents are advised to dispose of their refuse at the nearest designated dump sites between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily. Evacuation trucks will commence clearance operations by 10:00 p.m. to guarantee a clean city by the following morning.

Please note that offenders will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the State Environmental and Climate Protection Law.

Let us work together to maintain a clean, healthy, and flood-free environment.

Unidentified gunmen, Thursday night, invaded three communities of Umualoma, Ndiakunwanta and Ndiejezie in Arondizogu, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, killing no fewer than seven persons.

It was gathered that the gunmen on a motorbike opened fire and killed people indiscriminately.

The victims were said to be shop owners and their customers, and passersby.

The incident was reported to have happened between 10pm and 11pm.

Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the police in the state, Henry Okoye, said tactical teams had launched intense search for the killers.

“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has strongly condemned the gruesome attack carried out by gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN in the early hours of today, 25th July 2025, at Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakuwata Uno, all in Arondizuogu, Ideato North LGA.

“The senseless assault, which claimed the lives of over seven persons and left several others critically injured, was described by the CP as barbaric, inhumane, and totally unacceptable. He assured the public that the Command has deployed adequate operational and intelligence assets to identify, apprehend, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Consequently, the CP has led tactical unit for intense combing of the affected areas and affirmed that the situation is now under control, and proactive security measures have been taken to forestall further attacks and restore lasting peace in the region.

“While expressing heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, CP Aboki Danjuma prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and a speedy recovery for the injured. He also extended his condolences to the bereaved and encouraged them to remain strong during this difficult time,” the statement read. Vanguard

…Reassigns 3 Commissioners

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Tuesday, rejigged his cabinet, swearing in a new Head of Service, six new Commissioners, and reassigning three others.

Mbah also assigned portfolios to the new appointees following the administration of Oath of Office on them by a representative of the Ministry of Justice, Chizoba Ogbodo, at the State Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Enugu.

The newly sworn-in appointees are: Dr. Godwin Anigbo, Head of Service; Engr. Benjamin Osita Okoh, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure; Prof. Benedett Ekwutosi Okoli, Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication; Enyinna Franklin Ogbonna, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources; and Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry.

Others are Prof. George Ugwu, Commissioner for Health and Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr., who was designated as the Commissioner for Water Resources.

Dr. Felix Nnamani was reassigned from the Ministry of Water Resources to the Ministry of Labour and Employment as Commissioner, Dr. Malachy Agbo was reassigned from the Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Eradication to the Ministry of Information, while the former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, is now the Commissioner for Housing.

Speaking on the occasion, Mbah charged the appointees to hit the ground running, stressing that there would be no honeymoon period for them.

He said the administration had in two years steered high expectations among the people of the state as well as Nigerians in general and could not to lower the its performance across sectors.

“You would soon notice that here in Enugu, we have steered such a high expectation among our people. And everyday it feels as though we are presenting a scorecard.

“Therefore, you have to hit the ground running, as there will be no honeymoon period for you, unfortunately.

“There are humongous goals that we have outlined. And your various Ministries will play critical roles in accomplishing those goals.

“We set targets, we set goals, and we have key performance indicators, we have measurable indicators, hence, we have to measure and we have to constantly take analysis of where you are in respect to the set goals and what your results are. Those key performance indicators are key to us and we will measure you based on these outcomes and results,” the governor stated.

He further charged the appointees to work as a team, in line with the established cultures of the administration.

“We also recognise teamwork champions. We do not encourage working in silos. You have to work as a team, we believe that by working as a team, we are able to accomplish our collective goals. You should not see your colleagues as rivals. They should actually complement your efforts instead.

“Our modest accomplishment in the state so far is not done by a single champion. We like to recognise our successes as team efforts,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of other appointees, Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo thanked the governor for finding them worthy out of the many other highly qualified Enugu citizens and beyond, assuring that they would not let him down.

“Since you chose to entrust us with this sacred duty as you make history on a daily basis, we will keep faith with our Oath of Office. We will be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of our duties. We will strive to contribute to the nationally acknowledged success that your government has become,” he said.

The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, several commissioners and senior appointees of government as well as the spouses of the appointees.