Category: News

Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has gifted each Ebonyi worker a Christmas gift of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00).

The governor announced this yesterday, Thursday, December 21, 2023 during the celebration of the Elderly Persons in the State in the spirit of the yuletide season, subsumed under the flagship programme of Sen. Remi. Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu.

Confirming this in a post on his verified X handle, Leo Oketa, Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s media aide said the governor gave meaning to the Christmas celebration in Ebonyi.

His post reads in full: “In truth, this is one of the most difficult days to attempt a summary of an event, because of its multifaceted bangs of good news. One laced with all facets of love – warm celebrations, a good Christmas. It would seem as though Ebonyi workers took the highlight of the day, following the jaw-breaking news of the Christmas gift of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00) to each of them, from the Governor of Ebonyi State.

“Be that as it may, the base hue for the occasion was another round of love from the mother of the State, Her Excellency, @UzoamakaNwifuru, First Lady, Ebonyi State. It was an event at her call, to celebrate the Elderly Persons in the State in the spirit of the yuletide season, subsumed under the flagship programme of the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, @SenRemiTinubu, mother of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“It was on this great platform set by the First Lady of Ebonyi State, that the Governor rode to send showers of blessings to Ebonyi workers, giving meaning to their Christmas like never before. Just maybe, they will begin to plead with Her Excellency to always schedule her functions and invite the father of State. He has proven time and time again, that at the sight of his beloved wife, he rains goodies. Of course, that is what the presence of a mother should produce.

“The programme did not halt with the aforementioned highlights. As the event was going on, health officers were offering free medical checkup to the elderly people on the sidelines, as part of the Christmas package organized for them by Her Excellency’s pet project – Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO). Again, His Excellency, @FrancisNwifuru took time to visit the corners and inspect the free medical checkup, and it was heart-warming.

“What more? That is why it is a proper Christmas. Only the healthy can enjoy Christmas and only those who have the wherewithal can smile in this season. The Government Ebonyi State has provided these for the people, under the leadership of a Chief Servant who has the NEEDS of Ebonyi people at heart.

“I guess it is a proper time to say, Merry Christmas to Ebonyi people. Thank you, Your Excellencies. We have never had it so good”.

Recall that Governor Francis Nwifuru had empowered 500 Ebonyians with 2 million naira each for the translation of their skills and talents to profitability and boost their businesses.

…rallies support for Gov. Peter Mbah

Enugu, the Coal City state was literally shut down on Sunday as a group, Ikemba Guys Association, marked its inaugural end-of-year party and induction of new members.

The event attracted the crème de la crème in Enugu and beyond including royal fathers, prominent politicians, businessmen and captains of industry.

For many who have been following the activities of the group especially in the build up to the 2023 governorship poll in Enugu, the group has become a real movement and political structure for mass mobilization.

It was not surprising the number and quality of personalities that assembled at the Vee Eye Pee Centre, New Haven, when the group took Enugu by storm at the weekend.

The founder of the association and former House of Representatives member, Chief USA Igwesi, while speaking on the direction of the group, said it was time for him, his friends and political associates who have stood with him over the years to give back to the society.

Igwesi, who had served as a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly and the Chairman of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), said the group will soon roll out its philanthropic packages for the less privileged in Enugu.

“These are the people who worked with me during those periods I was in service and my intimate pals. They are the people who constitute members of the Ikemba Guys Association. And it is a charity organisation with a philanthropic package. We want to give to society what they gave us. I assembled these people because they are very eager to compensate indigent people in society. So our aim is to form a cooperative society where we can do that in clusters and give back to society.”

He, however, noted that the group will continue to show support and promote the agenda of the governor of Enugu State, whom he described as exceptional and capable of turning the state into one of the most developed capitals in the world.

The President of the Human Rights Council, Václav Bálek (Czech Republic), has announced the appointment of Mohamed Chande Othman of Tanzania, Joy Ezeilo of Nigeria and Mona Rishmawi of Jordan/Switzerland to serve as the three independent members of the new Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan. Mr. Othman will serve as Chair of the Mission.

The Human Rights Council established the Fact-Finding Mission in October, through resolution A/HRC/RES/54/2, “to investigate and establish the facts, circumstances and root causes of all alleged human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law, including those committed against refugees, and related crimes in the context of the ongoing armed conflict that began on 15 April 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, as well as other warring parties.”

Doris Ewo, Enugu

Peace and Good Governance Group, P3G, in Collaboration with The Nigeria Police Force, Enugu Command, on  Wednesday, December 13, 2023, organised a Youth Security Summit in a bid to enlighten the youths on security and the  need to shun societal vices, while conversing with security heads and stakeholders.

The Youth Security Summit with the theme, “The Good Citizen”, aimed at reducing the menace of insecurity and inclusion of the youths in providing a serene environment for economy development had a large number of youths in attendance.

The Guest Lecturer, Professor Sam Amadi, Coordinator, Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, stated that security was the critical driver of development, noting that “you cannot deliver an economy without security”.

“Our young people rightly or wrongly have lost confidence in the people who are leaders informally or formally to secure them and have resorted to dangerous self help”, he added.

Amadi went further to call for the inclusion of the youths in matters of security and the need for government to assure the youths of safety in reference to the constitution which gives the state the right to protect its citizens.

Additionally, he acknowledged the need for the establishment of “South East Development and Security Council” to create coordination and enhance the work of the state police and other security agencies, suggesting that the security outfit ‘Ebubeagu’ should be changed to ‘Anyaoha’.

He observed the rising need for the development of a new political will to end Nnamdi Kanu’s trial, thereby removing excuses that will make Southeast a theatre of war, and also a continuous Youth Security Summit where the leaders will address the youths. He advised the youths to denounce violence and accept democracy, discourse and demonstration.

On his part, the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, in his address opined that the strength of a nation “is built on the foundation of youths”, just like crimes are mostly committed by the youths, laying claims to the fact that youths are motivated by different factors which could be drug induced, unemployment and idleness.

Stating that acts or omissions inimical to the peace of a state were punishable by law, he went on to appeal to the youths to be of good behaviour, imbibe ethical and moral orientation, emphasising on the role parents had to play and the need for education to make sure the youths have a set-up direction and a purposeful thinking.

Monday Diamond Ani, Convener of the summit, in his Address,  observed that the set of youths who perpetrate crime  “are guys on the street who feel angry at the high class and the mindset that Nigeria is no longer a better place”.

Calling for proper orientation with love, unity and a secured environment in the Southeast, Ani said: “If Nigeria must be good, it should start with everyone, not just me, not just you”.

Enugu State Commissioner For Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu, in a panel session, stated that the government has a role to play beyond taking a criminal approach to fighting crime and dealing with insecurity.

Ekweremadu further revealed that one of his Key Performance Indicators, KPIs, is to have a high percentage and number of employment opportunities created for young people with importance on orientation and reorientation of this young people to engage and sensitze them on becoming good citizens of the state and country.

Other guests at the event were the Archbishop of Enugu Province, Anglican Communion, the Most. Rev. Prof. E. O Chukwuma (OON), Archbishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Archbishop Christopher Ede, Bishop Obi Onubuogu, HRH Igwe Abel Nwobodo, HRH Igwe H. Edeani, among other heads of security agencies.

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah has announced partnership between the state and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Mbah made this known in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) page @PNMbah, over the weekend.

While reiterating commitment towards nurturing a thriving SME ecosystem to foster economic growth objectives in the state, Mbah disclosed that the groundbreaking initiative tagged N1 Billion Matching Fund Programme, will empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Enugu State and pave the way for their growth and success.

According to him, the initiative will introduce Conditional Cash Grants for 5,000 MSMEs, providing them with crucial financial support needed to thrive.

He further stated that the collaboration between Enugu State and SMEDAN spans various impactful programmes, including skill acquisition, startup loans, and the creation of modular industrial estates, among other essential initiatives.

He also thanked Mr. Charles Odii, the Director General of SMEDAN, “for his vision, tenacity, and commitment to helping SMEs,” and promised that his administration will continue to collaborate with SMEDAN in the pursuit of economic expansion and advancement.

In his words:

“I’m excited to announce our partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), on a groundbreaking initiative – a N1 Billion Matching Fund Programme. This commendable initiative is set to empower Nano, Medium, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (NMSMEs) in Enugu State, paving the way for their growth and success.

We’re also introducing Conditional Cash Grants for 5,000 MSMEs. These grants are designed to provide vital financial support to MSMEs, giving them the needed boost to thrive.

Moreover, our collaboration with SMEDAN spans various impactful programmes, including skill acquisition, startup loans, and the creation of modular industrial estates, among other initiatives.

Enugu State is committed to creating a prosperous future for our SMEs and the community at large.

Many thanks to Mr. Charles Odii, the Director General of SMEDAN, for his vision, tenacity, and commitment to helping SMEs. We also appreciate him for taking the time to come to our state on Thursday to officially seal the agreement. We will keep collaborating to achieve our goal of economic expansion and advancement.”

…as Mbah says no retreat in the war against insecurity, corruption

The National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended the effort of the Governor Peter Mbah administration at restoring normalcy in Enugu State, saying the administration has fought insecurity to a standstill in the state.

This was even as Governor Peter Mbah commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on its success at fighting corruption, reiterating the commitment of his administration to waging a remorseless war on corruption and insecurity, saying it was critical to the effort to grow Enugu’s economy from a $4.4 billion to $30 billion economy and eradicate poverty.

Speaking at the official commissioning of the EFCC Enugu Zonal Command Complex, Tuesday, Ribadu, who was the Special Guest of Honour, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to the war against insecurity and corruption across the country, saying the President Bola Tinubu administration had no room for corrupt EFCC officers and law enforcement agents.

He said: “Your Excellency, the governor, we want to thank you so much for the good work you are doing, not just for Enugu State, but for our country. Things are changing. We are getting better here and things are improving. You are one of the very, very few that has shown that, indeed, it is possible. Security is getting back to normalcy in Enugu State and, by extension, the South East. And you are in the forefront of it. We recognise that and thank you for the good work you are doing. The economy is improving. It is clear. You are addressing insecurity. You are engaging.

“We believe that with leaders like you, the human challenges and the typical things we had to face in the past will certainly be put behind us. We want to encourage you and all those, who are doing exceptionally good work in restoring order in Nigeria.

“We were here in June and we had an interaction with the governor, and he came out strongly and courageously. He said that he would do his best to restore order. Today, based on our own records and statistics – because we get daily reports of activities – there are lots of instances or days or even weeks and more that we have not recorded one single violence or incident of either terrorism or even kidnapping. They are going extremely down in Enugu State and by extension the South East. Things have changed.

“Unfortunately, before the coming of this administration, police stations were being attacked, law enforcement people were being attacked. People were giving selfish orders. Those who are not even in Nigeria will sit somewhere in the comfort of the countries where they live and be giving instructions that people should not go to work; should not go out to look for their own livelihood and people used to take such orders. But no more; it is no longer happening. We thank the leaders who have emerged in the South East and we thank the federal government for engagement.

“We want to thank the governor of Enugu State. He has done a wonderful job. And also tell people of this state to support him. He is doing a good job. We are very, very proud of what is happening today in Enugu State and the South East by extension”.

As part of the security effort, he reiterated the commitment of the Tinubu administration to giving every Nigerian a sense of belonging and treating every part thereof with equity, justice, and fairness.

Also speaking, Governor Mbah, while commending security on the good job done so far in the state, said his administration supported the EFCC towards the rebuilding of a befitting zonal office in Enugu to strengthen the war against corruption and insecurity.

“We hereby enjoin the security agencies and EFCC to sustain their good work to ensure that Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole are finally able to consign the memories of insecurity to distant history.

“The opening of this office reconfirms our commitment as a nation to sustain the war against corruption. This commitment is well founded in view of the many proven negative effects corruption has on economic development.

“With this in mind, considering the objective of this administration to make Enugu one of the top 3 states in Nigeria in terms of GDP and achieve a zero percent rate in the poverty head count, it is clear that corruption has to be brought down to a barest minimum within the State,” he stated.

On his part, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, charged his men to raise the ante, utilising the facilities and resources at their disposal in the war against corruption to redeem the nation’s image.

“With this facility, I want to assure His Excellency and indeed all citizens of Enugu State and the entire South East region that fraudsters have no place in any part of the zone.

“To whom much is given is given, much is also expected. I require every staff to be doubly committed to the mandate of the Commission for the South East to feel the greater impact of the EFCC in our development”, he said.

Daberechukwu Egbo, Enugu

The aftermath of the extensive free Enugu Mega Medical Outreach organised by Paul Basil Iloegbouba Foundation, PBIF, on Tuesday, 12th Dec 2023, at Michael Okpara Square has left a profound lasting effect on lives and wellbeing of the beneficiaries.

Recall that the Paul Basil Iloegbouba Foundation recently provided essential medical and healthcare services to the people of Enugu State under the direct supervision, commendation and encouragement of Enugu State Ministry of Health led by the Special Adviser to Enugu State Governor on health matters, Dr Yomi Jaye.

Pacesetter also highlighted the range of medical and healthcare services rendered to the beneficiaries, which include: assessment of vital signs, performance of diagnostic lab tests, eye vision screening and enhancement with the free presbyopic reading lens/glasses distributed to the aged and elderly, ear check ups and assessment, physiotherapy sessions, dental check ups and services, as well as dispensation of free medication from the pharmacy department.

The medical outreach which was a transformative initiative and a selfless service to humanity made positive impacts on the lives of the beneficiaries as they narrated their experiences and shared heartfelt testimonies while speaking with Pacesetter’s Correspondents.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Onu Ijeoma Helen, who came for eye treatment and general body checkup, expressed heartfelt gratitude to PBIF and the medical professionals, noting how dedicated and committed they are while attending to her and other patients.

“This is great, the organizers are wonderful, they’re doing a really good job. They’re just attending to everybody with humility and dedication, even the little children, the elderly ones and the youths. I like the way the medical professionals are adressing the health issues here.”

She said words of prayers for PBIF and implored the public to partake in such wonderful program to save lives. She stated her willingness to be a part of the organisation to save lives.

Another beneficiary, Mr Ibe Osonwa, who was there for the eye problem, waist pain and arthritis expressed immense happiness and appreciation for the opportunity to benefit from the outreach.

“I heard about this program from my wife, I was happy to come and receive free medication for my ailments.

“I received physical therapy massage and treatment for my waist pain and back pain, I feel alot better now, my muscles feel stronger right now. I also recieve drugs and a presbyopic lens for my eyes.

“By God’s grace I believe I’ll get completely healed when I take the medications from the pharmacy department.”

A  young nursing mother, Ms. Favour Edeh, who brought her sick little boy, while speaking with Pacesetter, recounted her experience.

“I came here from Amurri in Nkanu West Local Government Area, because of my son, Emmanuel David Edeh. He’s been ill for quite some time now and we don’t know what the health issue is. In the cause of looking for a health solution, someone informed me about the program.

“The doctors have done a medical assessment of my son’s health situation. They administered some medication to him and they referred him to Parklane Teaching Hospital for immediate intensive medical service.

“They’ve collected our data and personal details and they’re arranging an ambulance for emergency transport to Parklane Hospital at the moment”, she said.

Mr Ifesinachi Madubuko, a member of the Paul Basil Iloegbouba Foundation further emphasized on the organisation’s willingness and commitment to positively impact lives and help people.

“Ab initio we do this every year, it has been part of our program, but this year we decided to step it up a notch and organise a grand outreach for the people of Enugu.

“We organised and rendered these medical services at Achi, Afikpo, Oji River, Ezeagu and many other communities”.

He stated that the organisation and its members derived joy from helping people.

“We’re happy to be participants, we’re happy to be doing this once again, God has given us the strength, energy, resources and supplications that we need to continue pushing this event forward to greater heights.”

He also beseeched the members, volunteers and the public to keep up the good work and spread the word about PBIF’s humanitarian services.

“The outreach is for everyone, there’s no limitation. Tell your loved ones and friends about Paul Basil Iloegbouba Foundation, let them be partakers and God shall bless you for participating and refering people

“We’re grateful to our partnes. We’re also grateful to Pacesetter Frontier Magazine and other media collaborators like Afia TV, NTA, all the organisations and groups that have come here to ensure the program is a reality.”

Air Peace has provided clarifications on the dynamics of air fares, dismissing claims in some quarters that the airline was extorting South-Easterners with air fares.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says re-run and bye-elections may be held across the country next February.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued an injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting fresh elections to fill the seats of 26 members of the Rivers House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).