Category: News

The management of the Enugu State Water Corporation (ESWC) has appealed to motorists and other road users in the state to exercise patience with it and use alternative routes to avoid traffic gridlock caused by the ongoing replacement of damaged water pipes around the Holy Ghost Cathedral/Ogbete Market axis.

The Corporation said the major pipes replacement work would ensure the availability of high pressure water around Uwani, New Haven, Ogui Layouts and their environs.

The appeal was made in a press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Water and Waste Management, Mr. Andreas Gebauer in Enugu on Tuesday,

Noting that the work had already commenced, the statement added that the project was expected to last for two weeks from Saturday, February 24, 2024, when the work commenced, stressing that alternative roads afforded by the present administration would ease movements of persons and goods.

“There are ongoing major excavations and replacement of 450mm Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes with Ductile Iron Pipe along the Holy Ghost area. The Corporation wishes to inform the public that the work, which has already commenced, will last till the next two weeks from the date of commencement.

“We appeal to the general public to exercise patience with the corporation during this period as it is likely to cause traffic gridlock along the Holy Ghost axis,” the statement reads in part.

It would be recalled that there had been several cases of major pipes bursts since the increase of water production from occasional 2 million litres to over 120 million a day by the Governor Peter Mbah Administration in November 2023.

The bursts were as a result of weak and damaged asbestos pipes laid in the colonial days, which are unable to stand water pressure required to service Enugu metropolis effectively.

…promises to commission Enugu Smart Schools, other projects

The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has commended the commitment of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State towards his initiative in reshaping and strengthening education in the state.

The VP, who spoke at the South East Business Roundtable and flag-off of the Light Up Nigeria Programme organised by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) held in Enugu, yesterday, expressed delight at the reforms in the education sector undertaken by Governor Mbah.

Promising to return to Enugu State to commission the ultra-modern, experiential smart schools and other projects, Senator Shettima underscored the importance of education in the nation’s development.

“I am coming back to Enugu to represent the President to commission the smart schools initiated by Governor Mbah,” he further noted.

He described the Igbo as industrial people who must be supported for the country to work, adding that the South East governors are among the best in the federation. “If the South East works, Nigeria works”.

Senator Shettima assured Nigerians that the President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, means well for the Igbo people and Nigerians in general, expressing hope of a country with prosperity.

On the Light Up Nigeria Project, the Vice President said the South East is an industrial powerhouse whose economic fortune remains critical priority to the President.

He noted that the choice of selecting Enugu for the flag-off project transcends geographical compensation to economic and commercial hub of the region.

“The choice of Enugu isn’t just for geographical compensation. With its renowned industrial layouts in Emene and 9th Mile corner, the commercial and manufacturing direction, potentials, and promise of Enugu State align with our vision of fast-tracking the economic growth and influence of this project beyond the South East, beyond Nigeria, and in fact, beyond Africa.

On his part, Governor Mbah said the Light Up Nigeria project has heralded a new dawn for power and industrialisation in the South East which would assist in fixing the perennial power challenge in the region.

He commended the Federal Government and the NDPHC for the solution-oriented initiative which would address the industrial needs of the region, making the South East a hub of manufacturing and industrialisation in the country.

According to him, the administration is already speeding efforts to derisk investment flow, make the state attractive to investors through the right infrastructure and environment.

“The programme will certainly bring improved access to affordable power to the South East. This will in turn result in reduced power costs for the productive sector and enable them improve enhanced productivity and generate jobs.

“Therefore, this project aligns completely with our approach to governance in Enugu in the sense that it is a very disruptive initiative, which shows a deep ability to think outside the box. Today’s Nigeria requires a marked departure from business as usual to business unusual,” the governor further stressed.

Speaking on the significance of the project, the MD/CEO of the NDPHC, Chiedu Ugbo, said the initiative is aimed at providing reliable and affordable electricity supply to industries and homes by utilizing underutilized generation capacity.

He stated that the NDPHC was also initiated to establish trade agreements with bulk purchasers of electricity and mobilising investments to address technical, commercial and collection losses in the supply chain.

“The project aligns with the Electricity Act of 2023 which provides a strong framework for state government to develop electricity markets at the sub-national level, with the aim of delivering consistent and affordable electricity to residents. Through Light Up Nigeria project, state governments will derive the benefit of increased access to electricity, attraction of investment opportunities, revenue generation and economic growth,” he noted.

…Mbah says fixing power will fix other sectors

Vice President Kassim Shettima has said that Nigeria will fully work when the south east performs optimally in industrialization with adequate power supply.

He equated the region with the Jews, whom he said are “practically mobile, economically enterprising and educationally ambitious.”

The Vice President disclosed that he rejected a proposal that suggested to cut off the south east from electricity supply due to a debt profile, noting that President Bola Tinubu means well for the nation, noting that the south east and the Governors of the zone are the bests among others.

The Vice President made the remarks during the launch of South East Business Roundtable “Light up Nigeria Program”, conducted by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, NDPHC, in Enugu, on Monday.

According to Vice President Shettima, “We have to make the South East work; we’re targeting the south east for a two million job for women and the youths. We’re proceeding to Abia state to commission the power station built by the elder statesman, Prof Bart Nnaji and we will also commission some road projects and back to Enugu to commission the Smart school because education is the greatest gift you can give a generation.”

On his part, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, said the Light-Up Nigeria Project signaled a new dawn for power and industrialisation of the South East region, saying other sectors would fall in place once power challenge is fixed.

Mbah, while commending the Federal Government and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) for coming up with the project to ramp up power supply to industrial clusters in the South East, enjoined industrialists in the region to key-in fully and take advantage of the initiative to remove any bottlenecks faced regarding power availability.

He said Light-up Nigeria Project aligned with his administration’s disruptive approach to governance underpinned by thinking outside the box.

“The Light up Nigeria Project Today is, in my view, a new dawn for power in the South East and one of the most innovative initiatives in the power sector. This project is of critical importance since it deals with the power sector, which I believe is pivotal to economic growth. Indeed, if we fix power, a lot of other sectors would fall into place.

“This project ensures efficient dispatch of power to the largest consumers via bilateral sales agreements, which overides the existing bulk purchase arrangements through NBET, leveraging on a willing buyer, willing seller structure.

“The Programme will certainly bring improved access to affordable power to the South East. This will in turn result in reduced power costs for the productive sector and enable them improve enganced productivity and generate jobs. This is critical in this day where the country is pushing to boost production and drive-up exports to ultimately shore up our domestic currency.

“Therefore, this project aligns completely with our approach to governance in Enugu in the sense that it is a very disruptive initiative, which shows a deep ability to think outside the box. Today’s Nigeria requires a marked departure from business as usual to business unusual.

He pledged his government’s continued support to industrialists and other private investors across the state to complement the undeniable boost that the Light-up Nigeria Project would bring.

Pacesetter/Vanguard

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to shut down its services all over the country if labour members are attacked during its planned two-day protest beginning February 27, 2024.

…says Our Fears are here but salutes the Resilience of Nigerians

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25th, 2023 election, Peter Obi has marked the anniversary of the event and raised some observations.

According to a media release sent to Pacesetter, this was contained in a detailed speech he read at an Event, “Redefining Our Options and Consolidating our Legacies” organized by ‘Obidient’ support groups in Abuja on Sunday, Obi titled his speech ‘Tribute to Hope’.

He saluted what he called “abiding faith and solidarity of all those Nigerians who supported us and wished us well through the campaigns and the elections”.

Part of the speech reads: “I also salute the patriotism and freedom of choice of those who may not have supported or voted for us.

“I salute your courage and tenacity. Together, we made the courageous statement that a new, more prosperous, more united Nigeria is not only possible but also within reach of all Nigerians. You braved the odds, you defied the pessimism of nay-sayers, you made incredible sacrifices and clung to the stubborn belief that this land is our country and that its future is ours to shape for our common good and the good of posterity.

“Looking back at what happened at the election and the situation in the country today, we were correct in saying that the old ways of politics should give way to a new progressive Nigeria.

“In the twelve months since that election, most of the fears we expressed for our nation if we went the way of the old politics have come to haunt us in frightening forms. We may have lost an election but we have won a moral victory of epic proportions. All the worst fears that we warned might happen have all been playing out.

“Our national economy has been driven into perhaps the worst state in all of our national life. The population of those classified as multi-dimensionally poor has climbed astronomically to over 80% of our population. Similarly, unemployment is galloping, for a predominantly youthful population, this scenario is dire and frighteningly dangerous.

“The hunger protests have united our people across ethnicity, language, region, faith, and location. This is another confirmation of our belief that Nigerians are united by the circumstances of their living conditions, not by artificial barriers raised by opportunistic politicians. We are now one people under hunger.

“Just yesterday, I read with sadness, the reports of how a massive crowd besieged the Zonal Office of the Nigerian Customs in Yaba to purchase the discounted 25kg rice offered by the Customs Service. In the course of the heavy stampede that ensued, some lives were lost. It is heartbreaking to think that despite all the wealth of our nation, Nigerians are losing their lives in their desperate quest to buy food cheaper, in the face of the growing hunger and starvation in the country”.

The former Anambra state Governor however noted the patriotism of Nigerians even in the face of daunting challenges: “Wherever I have gone all over Nigeria, North, and South, I have been struck by the reality of poverty, deprivation, and suffering sometimes written boldly on the faces of people.

“Yet the beauty of our people remains the optimism in their Nigerian identity and the hope they all cherish in the future of our country. None of the poor people that I have encountered has ever wished they were not Nigerians. On the contrary, the consensus among them is that Nigeria is a good place ruled mostly by bad leaders.

“Despite our current problems and setbacks as a nation, I am glad to reassure our supporters and compatriots that there is nothing in our dark experiences that has dampened my resolve and optimism in the possibility of the New Nigeria that we all strove so hard a year ago to enthrone. And nothing has happened to discourage my resolve or optimism about the goals we fought for. A greater, more compassionate, more prosperous, and more equitable New Nigeria is possible”.

The LP flag bearer finally saluted the courage of the ‘Obidients’ and reassured them that, there is no looking back in the journey to rescue Nigeria.

“For me, the journey to a better Nigeria has just begun. It is a lifelong journey. On that journey, despair is not an option. Surrender is not a choice. Failure is not even a remote possibility. The nation has heard us. The youth have carried the mantle of changing their destiny and the direction of our country. They cannot wait to take back their country from those who regard national leadership as a criminal racket”.

Dr. Yuusa Tanko
Chief Spokesman
Obi-Datti

Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

The Enugu State Young Farmers Association, ENSYFA, led by Mr. Kenneth Eze has revealed its plans to explore the practice of Sack-Farming as a means of abating the rising cost of food items and tackling farmer-herder crises in the country.

The group proposed this during their courtesy visit to the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Hon. Patrick Ubru, on Thursday, February 22, 2024. 

Joined by members of the group comprised of young farmers in Enugu State, and Mr. Ozor, a member of the group’s advisory board, Eze, presenting a proposal titled “Addressing Food Insecurity through Youth Empowerment in Agriculture”, said the proposal focused on the concept of Sack-Farming as a solution to land scarcity, farmer-herder conflicts, and insecurity

Noting that the identified issues constituted both remote and immediate causes of food inflation in the country, he revealed that the body was committed to playing pivotal roles in combating food insecurity in Enugu State. 

Responding, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru extended a warm welcome to the delegation and appreciated the efforts of young farmers in Enugu State. 

He highlighted the importance of youth involvement in agriculture and emphasized ongoing government initiatives to support farmers.

Ubru welcomed the proposal and expressed readiness to collaborate with ENSYFA. 

He further highlighted ongoing efforts by the state Ministry of Agriculture to increase productivity and support young farmers,while encouraging ENSYFA to formally request land allocation from the state government for farming purposes, specifying the types of crops to be cultivated. 

The Commissioner also assured the delegation of the security of farmers and livestock, revealing measures put in place by the Peter Mbah-led administration to ensure their safety.

Thanking the Commissioner for his hospitality, a committee was raised to ensure that Enugu State Young Farmers contribute towards the vision of the ministry to achieve 5 million metric tonnes of cassava cultivation this year.

Discussions on adding to the state’s efforts towards increasing the production of crops like Soya, Sorghum, Cassava, Oil – palm, Rice, Maize and Ose Nsukka also formed a part of the visit.

…revokes illegal approvals

…says unapproved buildings threaten major bridges, human safety

The Enugu State Government has raised the alarms over what it described as proliferation of fake land title documents, forged building approvals, and illegal structures across the metropolis, vowing to bring the perpetrators to book and ensure they did not profit from their crooked actions.

The government also announced the withdrawal of all forged and fraudulently obtained building approvals and stoppage of structures that did not have government’s permits, but assured genuine investors in the state that the administration of Governor Peter Mbah remained investment-driven, and would continue to create the right environment for their businesses to flourish.

The Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Hon. Uche Anya, made the revelations at press conference in Enugu on Thursday where he stressed that government had a fundamental role in ensuring that the lives of the citizens were protected, as unapproved buildings were not only a threat to some major bridges in the state, but also posed a danger to human and environmental safety.

He said that the state would go after owners of the illegal structures if they refuse to submit themselves for verification and proper approval.

The ECTDA boss expressed concerns over what it further described as willful sabotage of the robust system of land administration and development being put in place by the government, saying that a lot of approvals and buildings were products of fraud, as they did not emanate from any government office.

Displaying samples of fraudulent title documents and building approvals, he said: “It is disheartening that in spite of all we have done, we are still facing challenges in our development control. We have some unscrupulous developers, who call themselves investors, sabotaging our master plan, corrupting the very system we are setting up for international transparency standards.

“We have discovered, painfully, that some of the distortions we have to deal with are actually products of fraud. We have instances where people are applying for approval using the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) for an entirely different district.”

He lamented that some individuals, who obtained approvals to erect specific structures had deviated from the approved building plans to erect “strange and distorted structures that were never approved.”

Pointing out some of the fraudulent and illegal structures, the Chairman explained that no approval was obtained for the ongoing building opposite the Fire Service, between Otigba Junction and Ogui Roundabout, expressing worries that such structure could pose danger to human life if not checkmated.

According to him, the proprietors of a certain named night club in Independence Layout, obtained approval by fraudulent representation through a Certificate of Occupancy meant for Plot 31 Ekulu River Layout in GRA, Enugu.

Citing the example of the Ekulu bridge between GRA and Trans-Ekulu, Anya also raised the alarm that some major bridges in the state were threatened by illegal structures at the banks of the river under them.

He, however reiterated the commitment of the administration to adhere to the state master plan and support existing and potential investors to grow their businesses by de-risking investment, stressing that the government would not fall prey to vicious attacks and blackmail by the unscrupulous elements holding the good people of the state at the jugular.

“We welcome people that want to make Enugu their preferred home; Enugu is home for all. This is what this administration is committed to. When we talk about our $30 billion investment drive for Enugu, it is not a joke. You could see that the Governor Mbah administration is not joking about it; you could see the massive infrastructural developments going all over the place.

“You could see that the governor pays attention to ease of doing business. For instance, our taxation system has been harmonised. We have zero tolerance for double taxation. You could see that e-government has taken root.

“Our Lands Ministry is undergoing total reform to enable our people and investors to obtain their C-of-O in a matter of 72 hours maximum if all your documents are in order. Here at Enugu Capital Territory, we also make it easy for every development approval to be done within five working days or within one week,” Anya added.

Numerous Friends, Associates, Political Heavyweights and Colleagues have paid glowing tributes to Chief Sir Nwabueze Nnamani (Ikeoha), on the celebration of his seventieth birthday.

In different statements sent by Nnamani’s friends and associates, they all eulogized him as a man who had dedicated a major part of his life to the service of Nigeria, Enugu State and his people.

Writing on behalf of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia noted that: “This significant milestone is a testament of God’s grace and dedication as we celebrate this joyous moment with you and your family.

“We specially thank God who graciously added another year to your life and also commend your exemplary dedication and outstanding service to the developmental efforts in Enugu State with the past administration”.

Tracing the history of their friendship since 1970, Nigeria’s former Senate President, Sen. Dr. Ken Nnamani observed that: “Our friendship…has endured the test of time, spanning over 54 years.

“From our early days together during the aftermath of the Nigerian Biafran War to the present day, your unwavering loyalty, dedication, and friendship have been a constant source of joy and inspiration”.

On his part, Hon. Deacon Okey Ogbodo, Enugu State Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development & Chieftaincy Affairs, wished “more fruitful years and strength to you, until the actualization of the Lords promise of 120 years to mankind”.

Acknowledging his efforts as a peacemaker in Nkanu and Awkunanaw, which sometimes came at a “huge personal cost” to him (Nnamani), HRH Eze Barr. Igwesi Obi Igwesi opined: “Yours is a life worth living and these great strides have been made possible by the finger of God”.

Saluting his political prowess, in addition to maintaining peace and cordiality within the circle of elitist Stakeholders, Hon. Peter Okonkwo, a former Enugu State Commissioner for Local Government Matters stated: “As the Chairman of the complex Council beaming with Political Gladiators and Leaders, Ikeoha navigated the political minefield of Nkanu-West with an uncommon ease of a trained Officer and high-end tactician in Human Relations Management”.

Other respected Nigerians who took turns in showering words of commendations were HRH Igwe Ezeudo Sir Abel O. Nwobodo KJW, JP, FCIM, MFR, Traditional Ruler of Umuawalagu Unateze Town, Nara Clan; HRM Igwe (Dr.) Sam O. Aneke (ACG rtd), Okwuluoha IV of Udi; HRH Igwe Ifeanyi Ogbu, The Eze Odenigbo II of Nara Unateze Kingdom; HRH Igwe Raymond Agwa, Ezediri Oha III Of Akagbe-Ugwu Awkunanaw and Hon. Solomon I. Onah, Member Enugu State House of Assembly, Udenu Constituency.

Chief Sir Nwabueze Nnamani (Ikeoha) was born on February 22, 1954. He worked with the Nigerian Customs Service, rising to and retiring in 2010 as a Deputy Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service.

He was the Chairman, Enugu State Rural Electrification Board and was appointed Transition Committee Chairman of Nkanu West LGA by the immediate past governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

He would later go on to be elected Executive Chairman, Nkanu West LGA, serving for one term.

He also was the Vice President, Awkunanaw Welfare Association.

Pacesetter reports that in gratitude to God for his seventieth birthday, Nnamani will be celebrating with the motherless babies, orphans and old people, in a line up of activities that will reach its climax with a birthday party on February 24, 2024.

The Enugu State Inter-ministerial Committee on Property/Land Reconciliation and Compensation Committee recently set up by the state government has provided guidelines for members of the public to submit their land documents and other claims to the committee for review and possible compensation.

In a press statement signed by the Chairman of the committee as well as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, affected persons in the state were directed to address their petitions to the Chairman of the committee and attach all supporting documents relating to the transaction in respect of any property or land in issue with the present government.

While noting that a mandatory soft copy of all documents must be forwarded to the committee’s e-mail address, compensationteam@enugustate.gov.ng, the statement added that the first phase of the submission would commence from the date of the inauguration of the committee and end on March 15, 2024.

“All submissions should be presented to the Chairman of the Committee noting the following: one hard copy of all information, claim, complaint or appeal with supporting documents attached must be addressed to the Chairman; the submission must clearly state the location and relate to conflict on the landed property affected and claims, or demand for reconciliation/compensation on land acquired by the government or land property affected by development by the government,” part of the statement reads.

It also enjoins members of the public to contact the secretary of the committee, Barr. Juliet Okonkwo, for inquiries through the following number: 07032154967.

Recall that the committee is saddled with the responsibilities of verifying all title documents relating to lands and property in any designated area assigned for construction; verifying all construction approvals and stages of construction; reconciling all issues of double allocations, wrongful allocation, double certificates of occupancy; evaluation and payment of compensations in respect of any acquisition; resolving issues of acquisition and recommending amount of compensation to be paid, and verifying allocations and payment made as a result of the allocations.

It further states that any claim, complaint or appeal from members of the public to the committee must relate to only transactions with the present administration.

The committee had already commenced the first phase of its assignment which is the alleged claims of allocations at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

…accuses land grabbers of causing problems

…Orders contractors to work 24/7

The Enugu State government has faulted claims of demolitions and forceful ejections of residents of Nchatancha Nike, one of the many communities affected by the ongoing construction of New Enugu City, a smart city flagged off by Governor Peter Mbah in October.

It blamed the protests and disturbances, including the Monday attack on a bulldozer at the construction site, on land grabbers in the community, who sell portions of the already acquired and gazetted lands to unsuspected buyers, saying that some culprits were already in the security net.

It said that although affected communities were already served a notice years ago when the land acquisitions began by previous governments, the Governor Peter Mbah administration was approaching the mega project with a human face by ensuring that compensations and proper relocations were done before any demolitions.

The Secretary to Enugu State State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, made the clarifications on Monday during a site visit with journalists at Nchatancha Nike where a bulldozer was attacked, vowing that government would not be deterred in its determination to actualise the first phase of the New City in 24 months as already agreed with the China Communication Construction Company, CCCC, in October.

He said that the governor, who already had series of conversations and buy-in of the communities ahead and in the course of the project had ordered the contractors to begin a 24-hour construction work.

Addressing journalists at the site, Prof. Onyia explained: “What we have discovered was that a few of community members, in noticing how bullish the governor is in building this New Enugu City, embarked on selling the lands to unsuspecting individuals, knowing that those buyers, not them, will now have to contend with the government.

“But I think we need to step back and answer the questions on when this process started. The first acquisition process started long before this government came. People have been served the notice many years ago that there would be a day like this when a government would decide that it is now time to actualise the promise to build a new city.

“But in doing that, what the governor decided would happen first is to clear the first 1,000 hectares. There are no homes here, as you can see. A few of the marked items you saw at the entrance belong to federal institutions.

“To make sure that no one was left without proper compensation, the governor constituted the Inter-Ministerial Committee, which I chair. We have also put out an announcement. So far, nobody has submitted anything because we are not even at that stage of demolishing anything yet. If you look around, all you see are farmlands. There is no building here, just a bush.”

“Furthermore, we have also told those who have active farmlands in those areas to please send us a claim based on clear calculations. We have not received any information yet.

“So, there’s no clear justification for escalation to protest or the attack on machines here. We have a process that we are waiting to address.”

On proper relocation of the affected Nchatancha community, he said: “The plan to relocate the affected community was built-in by the current governor as it wasn’t originally built into the process since they were given advance notice to move.

“So, we actually have our plans to compensate them and we have also built plans to relocate them to an area that will have the right type of infrastructure. Smart school will be located there, a primary health care facility is going to be located there, they are setting out the roads around there even right now. Their farmlands have equally been factored into those relocation plannings.

“Therefore, it is not something we are doing without a human heart. The governor is the father of the state and he is a critical thinker. These things have been thought through by his technical team with him in leadership”, he stated.

Onyia, however, warned property buyers to do their due diligence so as not to be defrauded by people, who were selling the same land acquired and gazetted by the government long ago.

Flagging off the project in October, Governor Mbah said the New Enugu City would rub shoulders with Dubai, Singapore, and other major cities in the world.

“This is going to create a veritable platform because in this city, we are going to have a dedicated power project, a dedicated power plant, we are going to have a central sewage system, we are going to have all the public utilities centralised, and it is going to be provided by the government.

“We are going to have access to high-speed internet. In this New City, there is hardly anything you find in any modern smart city that you will not find in here”, he stated.