Category: News

…Says Nigeria has lost a distinguished leader, patriot

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia, describing it as a monumental loss to the nation.

Mbah also described the late former federal lawmaker as a distinguished leader, consummate public servant, and patriot, who committed his entire working life to his people and the nation in various capacities.

In a statement he personally signed Tuesday morning, the governor observed that Chief Onyia had lived a life of total service to Ngwo community, Enugu State, and Nigeria as a whole, saying his vast experience, knowledge, national and international reach would be missed.

“Ndi Enugu received with a deep sense of grief and loss, the passing of statesman and former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Gideon Onyia, aged 73.

“Chief Onyia was a distinguished leader, fine diplomat, patriot, consummate public servant, and quintessential intellectual, who shone more than a million stars in the service of his community, Enugu State, and Nigeria as a whole.

“A former Member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, he was appointed by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to serve as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs between 1999 and 2003.

“This quintessential leader of men later went on to serve Nigeria in other high-profile capacities, holding the position of Chairman, Nigeria Economic Joint Commission; Chairman, Sao Tome and Principe Joint Boundary Commission; and Chairman, International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, among others.

“He contributed immensely to Nigeria’s constitutional and political development as Member, 1988/1998 Constituent Assembly in Abuja, Secretary General of the Eastern Mandate Union, National Secretary of the Peoples Consensus Party as well as founding member and later as national officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others.

“He was indeed a fine gentleman, philanthropist, promoter of peace, justice and equity, and indeed a colossus in all ramifications, whose selfless service, wealth of experience, deep knowledge, and local and international reach will be highly missed,” Mbah stated.

Continuing, he said, “His demise is, therefore, a monumental loss to not just Enugu State, but Nigeria as a whole.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Enugu State, I send heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Ngwo, and indeed millions of Nigerians whose lives were directly and indirectly touched by the distinguished service of this great patriot.

“Importantly, I pray God to grant his fine soul eternal repose.”

Recall that Chief Onyia’s family had earlier in the day announced that the late politician passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2025 “after a period of illness.”

…advocates gender equality for development

The wife of the Enugu State Governor Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah has pledged to sustain policies and programmes geared towards the development of women, girls and other vulnerable groups in the society.

Mrs Mbah gave the assurance during the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day at the Michael Okpara Square Enugu, Saturday.

Mrs Mbah who was represented by the wife of the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mrs Chinyere Ugwu stated that since the inception of the present administration in the State, it hasu continued to map out policies and programmes aimed at enhancing the welfare of women, children and other vulnerable groups, adding that the empowerment of women, girls and other vulnerable groups in education and vocational and other skill sets woukd be sustained.

She stated that women play pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the society, stressing that these groups should be provided with they required incentives to achieve their objectives.

She stated that the State government through the State’s Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development has rescued victims of domestic based violence, provided succour to the vulnerable as well as those trapped by man made obstacles.

According to the governor’s wife, “we recognize the achievements of women in politics, education, business, health care, technology and beyond.

“It’s also a moment to highlight the challenges that remain such as discrimination, gender based violence, economic discrimination, business to leadership.

“As we join the world in commemorating International Women’s Day 2025, this is a day of reflection, celebration, and most importantly, call to action in continuation of the achievements of women and girls in Enugu State and across the globe.

“This year’s theme, “For all Women and Girls: Rights. Equality and Empowerment. Accelerate Action”, reminds us of our responsibility to create a society where no woman or girl will be marginalized”, she stated.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Children Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Eni said that the International Women’s Day world over is aimed at commemorating the noble role women have played in the political, socio-economic development of the society, pointing out that in Enugu State under the present administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a lot has been done to enhance the welfare of women, girls and other vulnerable groups, enjoining the people to avail themselves of these opportunities.

The occasion featured march pasts, educational talks on gender based violence and nutrition, traditional dances, distribution of food items to support families and award of honours to eminent dignitaries including the Wife of the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mrs Chinyere Ugwu, Wife of the Nkanu East Local Government Chairman and Chairman of the ALGON, Mrs Rita Edeh, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, the SSA to the Enugu State Governor on Revenue, Adenike Okebu, and the Coordinator of the Enugu State Prayer Network, Dr. Favour Ugwuanyi.

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has bagged the prestigious Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) degree from the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ekiti State, for his inspiring leadership and contributions to the advancement of quality education in Nigeria.

This was even as the governor, who bagged the honorary award at the maiden convocation ceremony of the state-owned university in Ikere-Ekiti at the weekend, reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue to transform the education sector in Enugu State and set exemplary steps through innovative and experiential learning model.

Mbah stressed that although the gains of investments in education take many years to crystalise, his administration’s reforms and huge investments in education was driven not by public acclaim, but by the conviction that the highest legacy was to equip Enugu children and the youth with quality education that imbue them with the requisite knowledge and skill set to compete on the global stage.

“This award is a reminder that there is no greater honour than service. It is an inspiration to re-commit to the governance values that underpin our modest achievements in Enugu State.

“These values are shaped, particularly, by the conviction that education is the best legacy to bequeath to the emerging generation,” he added.

The governor, who has consistently dedicated over 33 per cent of the state’s annual budget solely to education, maintained that the achievements recorded in the quality of output in the education sector through the deployment of huge resources had reflected in the ongoing construction of 260 Smart Green Schools for experiential learning in the state.

He explained that this education model emphasises experiential learning that imbues children with problem-solving skills over rote learning.

While stressing the university’s motto, “Learning for Self-Reliance,” Mbah said this should resonate with all levels of government nationwide in the face of shrinking international funding by some world economies, saying it was time to press the inventive button as a nation.

He noted that despite the BOUESTI being at its formative years, the university had made giant strides by nurturing an environment that was conducive to learning.

“This clearly underscores the university’s firm belief in the primacy of human capital development. Although established in 2020, it is heartwarming that this university is emerging as a formidable platform for science and technological renaissance.”

Commending the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his enduring reforms and sustained investment in education, Mbah charged the graduands to wear the toga of the university with pride and dignity, urging them not to severe links with the institution as alumni.

While conferring the highest degree on the governor, the university’s Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun, said the degree was strictly meant for lawyers of distinction, which Mbah had clinched by merit.

He described the governor as a rare breed in the entrepreneurial space, who was presently disrupting the Nigerian leadership space through his innovative style of governance.

Also, according to a publication by Sahara Reporters, his death was linked to cancer, marking the end of a long struggle with the illness.

The online news media further reported that in October 2023, Okupe was hospitalized with prostate cancer and was flown to Israel for treatment.

However, it was learnt that his condition did not improve as he and his family expected.

Okupe was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 16 years ago and later developed sarcoma in his right shoulder.

At the time of filing this report, PACESETTER placed a phone call to his known number but the response of the network provider was that his number was unreachable.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the employment of 774 National Health Fellows, a pivotal initiative led by the Federal Ministry of Health to foster sustained improvements within Nigeria’s healthcare system.

President Tinubu announced the fellows’ employment on Thursday during the programme’s launch at the State House in Abuja. Nigeria’s development partners, senior government officials, and traditional leaders, including the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III attended the ceremony.

The employment of these fellows, selected from each local council, stemmed from the recommendation of Professor Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Professor Pate lauded their selection as the best among 360,000 applicants, underscoring the merit-based nature of the process.

The President’s surprising gesture drew wild applause from the fellows and other guests at the event.

President Tinubu praised the bold initiative and the rigorous selection process, highlighting its significance.

“This programme is a transformative initiative that underscores my administration’s commitment to harnessing the immense potential of Nigeria’s greatest asset—its young people. With over 60% of Nigerians under 30, we boast one of the most energetic, resourceful, and dynamic youth populations globally. This presents unparalleled opportunities to drive innovation, economic prosperity, and social transformation,” stated President Tinubu.

President Tinubu said the National Health Fellows initiative is part of several platforms provided by his administration to empower Nigerian youths, enabling them to excel and contribute to national development.

The President encouraged the fellows, pioneers in the health service programme, to fully embrace the opportunities and view themselves as future leaders of Nigeria’s health care system.

“Your selection is more than a recruitment; it proves our commitment to creating a nation where equal opportunities are available to every Nigerian, irrespective of social status, gender, or creed. You are this country’s greatest asset, and we are committed to fostering a bright future where Nigeria stands as a nation of pride for all,” the President affirmed.

President Tinubu emphasised the programme’s vision to cultivate a pipeline of health leaders to drive meaningful, sustained change and innovation within Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

“Healthcare is a critical pillar of national development. No country can thrive if its people are unhealthy. An unsustainable health program poses risks, while sustainable development hinges on a robust healthcare system. You are the pillars of this vision, and I am proud to be here with you today,” said President Tinubu.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative and the crucial role the 774 fellows will play in revolutionising Nigeria’s health sector.

“I am here to inform you that the social movement to improve the health of Nigerians has begun, and we are already witnessing positive results,” he remarked.

Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, Youth Minister Ayodele Olawande, and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, offered the fellows additional encouragement with inspiring messages.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called the people of the state, Christian faithful, and Nigerians to see the 2025 Lenten season as a time for forgiveness, penitence, charity, empathy, and sacrifice.

This was even as the Government House Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Anthony Udeh, emphasised the need for fasting and prayer as well as reconnecting with God and showing love to all.

Mbah made the call during a holy mass to mark Ash Wednesday at the Government House Chapel, Enugu.

He said, “For us as Christians, this is a journey of 40 days that has just started today. This year’s Lenten season is of a particular resonance because, as you know, it also coincides with the Ramadan, and the Ramadan is also a fasting period for our Muslim brothers. So, it is indeed a call to peace and unity for our country.

“For Christians, Lent is a period that we have to forgive and love one another. It is also a period for us to sacrifice, be empathetic, moderate, and above all, give to charity.

“Again, as you already may have heard the homily or message today, this is a season for prayers, fasting and a season for almsgiving.

“So, I call on our people, Ndi Enugu, and the country at large to not only imbibe these values of sacrifice, moderation, empathy and almsgiving, but also to carry on with it beyond the season.”

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Udeh urged Christians to fast, pray, and extend love to their neighbours, describing Lent as a season of sacrifice.

“The Lenten period offers Christians the opportunity to purify and renew their spiritual life as well as to connect with God,” the Chaplain also added.

Also in attendance at the holy mass where prayers were said for the state and the nation were Government House staff, senior government functionaries, and traditional rulers.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has joined other well-meaning Nigerians in congratulating former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on his 88th birthday, describing him as not only a consummate nationalist, but also Nigeria’s gift to the world.

Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, Mbah said, “It is a great honour for me to felicitate former President, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, on his 88th birthday.

“Chief Obasanjo is an international icon, elder statesman, consummate leader, and quintessential global citizen, who by dint of tenacity, hard work, and fate, has played important roles in Nigeria’s political development and in shaping African and global affairs.

“He midwifed the transition to democratic rule as a military ruler in 1979 and as a man of destiny, he emerged from a widely condemned incarceration to take up the onerous task of rebuilding Nigeria’s international image and economy as the first elected President in the current democratic dispensation in 1999.

“While you may not always agree with all his views, his love for his country and Africa as well as the fact that he speaks and acts from the depth of his conviction and conscience is never in doubt.

“Therefore, it is my pleasure to salute and celebrate Chief Olusegun Matthew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo, GCFR, the Balogun of Owu Kingdom, a pan Nigerian, unapologetic patriot, Pan-Africanist, and a man of courage and principle on his special day.

“On behalf of my family, Government and good people of Enugu State, I pray God to grant him many more years in sound health that we may continue to draw from his wealth of knowledge, experience, and international goodwill as we strive to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

“Happy birthday, Your Excellency.”