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The Enugu State Government on Wednesday signed agreements with four renewable energy developers to provide electricity to four rural communities across the state’s three senatorial districts.

The agreement was signed during the Renewable Energy Development for State Electricity Market (REDSEM) Grant Agreement Signing Ceremony organised by the Enugu State Government with support from the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) and German Development Agency (GIZ).

The benefiting communities were Okpatu, Ugbawka, Agwunta, and Ijabe, while the selected developers include Darway Coast Nigeria Ltd, Sea Solar Energy Limited and two other firms.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, said the programme marked the commencement of electricity projects in four unserved communities through an in-kind grant funded by the German Government through GIZ.

He said the grant covered the procurement of critical infrastructure, including solar panels, batteries, inverters, poles, wires and other equipment required to establish integrated solar mini-grids with a minimum generation capacity of 200 kilowatts in each community.

“In a nutshell, it means that four more communities in Enugu State will have electricity within the shortest possible time, potentially within six months if implementation is fast-tracked,” he said.

Okonkwo explained that while 80 per cent of the project cost was covered through the grant, the developers would contribute the remaining 20 per cent for civil works, metering, operations and electricity service delivery.

He noted that electricity supplied under the programme would not be free, but would be offered at affordable tariffs to ensure sustainability.

The EERC chairman said the selected communities were among 113 underserved and unserved communities identified by the state government for electrification.

He added that the communities had already provided land and signed agreements welcoming the developers, while regulatory agencies would ensure compliance with standards and consumer protection requirements.

Also speaking, Mr Joshua Garba, Head of Component, Sustainable Energy Investments at GIZ-NESP, said the initiative was jointly funded by the European Union and the German Government.

Garba commended Enugu State for emerging as a leading subnational government in implementing the provisions of Nigeria’s Electricity Act through the development of a state electricity market.

“Enugu State is always mentioned at our meetings and gatherings because of the progress it has made in the electricity sector. We are pleased to be part of this journey and will continue to support the state beyond the current intervention,” he assured.

Representing Gov. Peter Mbah, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the partnership aligned with the administration’s vision of making Enugu investment-ready through improved infrastructure and strategic donor partnerships.

According to him, access to reliable electricity remains critical for economic growth, security, healthcare, education and overall rural development.

He assured investors and development partners of the government’s commitment to providing regulatory support and eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks to ensure timely project delivery.

The SSG also stressed the importance of community participation and security, urging traditional leaders and community stakeholders to safeguard the infrastructure.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Franklin Enyinna, described the project as a major step towards achieving the state’s economic transformation agenda.

“You cannot grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion without reliable power supply. This project aligns perfectly with the governor’s vision of making Enugu an investment-friendly destination,” he said.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Electrification Agency, Mr Christopher Ezeoha, explained that the agency would supervise implementation, ensure compliance with technical standards and oversee operations to guarantee sustainability.

Speaking on behalf of the developers, the Chief Executive Officer of Sea Solar Energy Limited, Mr Chibueze Ekeh, said the selection process was rigorous and competitive, with only a few firms emerging successful.

Ekeh said the projects would provide reliable 24-hour electricity to rural communities for the first time, improving livelihoods, security and economic productivity.

According to him, Sea Solar Energy Limited alone expects to directly serve about 600 households, translating to nearly 3,000 beneficiaries.

He added that across the four communities, approximately 8,000 residents would benefit from solar systems with generation capacities ranging between 200 and 300 kilowatts peak.

…Says attacks on schools may cripple education, stall development

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has decried the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria, expressing concern that the terrorists and bandits attacks are now targeted at not only wasting precious human lives, but crippling the country’s education.

Atiku raised the concern on Wednesday following the latest attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State in which three persons, including the Vice Principal of the school, and two others were killed while several students were abducted.

Recall that a total of not less than 90 school children were on May 15 abducted in Oriire, Oyo State and Mussa, Borno State and the principal in the Oriire school beheaded.

The PDP presidential candidate in the 2027 election is worried that there is a pattern in these attacks aimed at crippling our education sector and consequently stalling our development strides.

The former Vice President therefore, calls for the declaration of emergency on security in Nigeria. He, however, noted that the envisaged state of emergency on security does not include the suspension of elected officials of states.

According to the Waziri Adamawa, the latest attack on a school in Kogi State is a direct threat to education and a colossal national embarrassment that demands urgent and drastic action.

“It is high time the Federal Government declared a statement of emergency to empower commanders with more freedom to act decisively and proactively with these monsters in the county,” Atiku said.

“I am not in any way calling for the removal of elected officials, but rather advocating for commanders to have freer hand to protect their battlefield decisions from political interference.”
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The ADC Presidential candidate explained that “Nigeria is facing worsening insecurity that demands extraordinary measures, including state of emergency.

“Learning can only take place in a safe environment and terrorist attacks on schools are increasingly making our schools dangerous places. Worse still, the anxiety and trauma that follow terrorist attacks on schools will inevitably make the school environment unsafe for both students and teachers.

“Under no circumstances, should we allow terrorists or bandits to destroy our way of life and stop our children from going to school.”

The former Vice President added that “a terrorist attack on one one school is a threat to schools elsewhere across the country because of its domino-effect.”

As part of the drastic measures to address these security challenges, Atiku advocated the establishment of national guards made up of retired veterans to complement the efforts of our military and police that are clearly overstretched and under-manned.”

He also called for improved human intelligence on terrorist movements and greater community vigilance, explaining that “our communities have a great role to play in information sharing and eternal vigilance.”

The Department of State Services on Monday arraigned a man, Paul Jibrin Oweleke, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations that he used social media to call for a military coup to remove President Bola Tinubu from office.

Some gunmen on Wednesday morning invaded Government Secondary School in Iluke, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three persons including the Vice Principal, Mr Gani Anifowose.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has boasted that it will clear all elective positions in next year’s general election, describing opposition candidates as “scavengers looking for money to grab” and not serious contenders.

The Enugu State Police Command has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging a planned infiltration, kidnapping, and attack on the campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and its environs.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Command described the report as false, misleading, and deliberately designed to create fear and panic within the university community and surrounding areas.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said intelligence and threat assessments conducted by the Command revealed no credible information suggesting any planned attack or security threat to the institution.

According to the statement, the Command has continued to work closely with the university authorities and other security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property.

“Intelligence and threat assessments conducted by the Command have revealed no credible information or trend suggesting any planned attack or security threat to the university community,” the statement said.

The police further disclosed that adequate security measures had been put in place within and around the institution and would be strengthened where necessary.

The Command alleged that the false report originated from a criminal syndicate operating under the guise of “Anonymous” and other social media aliases, noting that similar alarmist claims had been circulated in the past to incite fear and undermine public peace.

It added that intelligence-led investigations were ongoing to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible for spreading the report and their collaborators.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reassured the management, staff, students, and residents of the university community that security agencies remained vigilant and committed to maintaining public safety.

Giwa urged members of the public to disregard the report and avoid sharing unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.

He warned that the dissemination of false information could attract legal sanctions and encouraged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities through established security channels.

A heavy downpour that hit Nsukka, Enugu State, on Friday left parts of the town flooded, sparking widespread reactions on social media as residents debated the causes of the incident and called for government intervention.

The flooding, which affected sections of a major road in Nsukka, triggered discussions among residents and commentators, with many attributing the situation to blocked drainage channels caused by indiscriminate refuse disposal.

Reacting on X, a user identified as IgboAngelGabriel, who tweets as #ThatEnuguDude, blamed the flooding on poor environmental habits.

“This road has always been facing this problem for years! And you know what the actual problem is? blockage of the gutters with refuse. Nsukka people are so good at dumping refuse in the gutters,” he wrote.

Another X user, Tobe, identified as #OdoGeraldGiggs, argued that both the government and residents should share responsibility.

“Govt did solid drainage work on that axis of the road, are also meant to be cracking down people who throw dirt in that axis and also maintain the drainage. Citizens throw dirt here, making it hard for water to flow efficiently. So both Govt and citizens are to be blamed,” he said.

Similar views were expressed on Facebook, where Ikenna Paul stated, “Our people dey very nonchalant…na block dem block those gutters, what do you expect?”

However, some residents blamed the condition of the road on previous administrations. A Facebook user, #Ndubuisi_23, argued that the road was poorly executed during the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

“If we are being honest, this road was rehabilitated by the immediate past governor of Enugu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, during his first tenure. That was barely 8 to 10 years ago. If he had done a good job, the road wouldn’t be in this shape today,” the user wrote.

But others disagreed with that position.

Mike Ebuka wrote: “This is the consequences of dumping refuse in the gutters. Ugwuanyi built this to standard but citizens turned the gutters to a refuse dump.”

Also supporting that view, Sam Oluka advised critics not to blame the current administration, saying: “Don’t blame the current government; rather, your man who didn’t carry out a feasibility study on the road before reconstruction.”

Some commenters, however, faulted the current government’s maintenance efforts.

An X user identified as #eric_tc24 said: “For those blaming Gburugburu, he built that road and added proper drainage to it. The drainage was clogged, and in 3 years, Peter Mbah’s government has not been able to clean it up. They’ll pull out dirt from the drainage, leave it on the road till rain falls and washes it back into the drainage.”

Others described the flooding as a natural occurrence that could be mitigated through better drainage management.

“It’s a natural disaster, no place flood doesn’t occur, but it can be controlled with good channels of water and good road,” Hugo Fundz wrote on Facebook.

Similarly, Martin Mba said residents should take responsibility for their actions.

“If you properly check you’ll see that the same residents are the ones that blocked the waterways with refuse,” he wrote.

Another resident, Eminent Nwa Coal City, expressed confidence that the state government would address the problem.

“I am sure Peter Ndubuisi Mbah will give this problem everlasting solution,” he stated.

The incident has renewed calls for improved drainage maintenance, stricter enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal, and long-term measures to tackle flooding in parts of Nsukka.

Amobi Ezeaku, General Manager of Rangers International FC, says he will decide within the next three weeks whether to remain at the club, citing family concerns, health challenges, and lucrative international opportunities.

Speaking during Rangers’ end-of-season briefing, Ezeaku said the decision would be one of the most important of his professional career after nearly three years at the helm of the Enugu-based club.

“Give me three weeks,” he said.

“I can only answer this question in the next three weeks. Right now, I am here. But in the next three weeks, I will give a definitive answer as to my stay in Rangers.”

The football administrator insisted that the future of Rangers transcends any individual.

“Whether I am in Rangers or not, Rangers will continue to thrive. Rangers will continue to survive. Rangers will continue to go from leap to leap beyond bounds. It is not about me. It is about this institution, a great institution,” he said.

For the first time, Ezeaku opened up on the personal sacrifices associated with the role, revealing that his young children currently live outside Nigeria and have spent much of their childhood away from him.

“I have two boys, two years and three years, and they are not with me here in the country,” he said.

“After two years and ten months, two trophies in three years, and then a family that is suffering my absence, young boys who are growing without their father, I need to have a clear head to decide.”

He said his wife and other trusted advisers would play a key role in determining his next move.

Ezeaku also disclosed that he has attractive opportunities abroad, including a position with FIFA that remains open.

“Before I came to Rangers, I was supposed to join the FIFA legal department. The last mail I was supposed to send, I didn’t send it because I wanted to come to Rangers,” he said.

According to him, FIFA is awaiting his response for a Senior Legal Counsel Litigation role based in Miami, United States.

“As I speak to you, FIFA is waiting for me to send a reply to the Senior Legal Counsel position. The office is in Miami. The mail is here. I had to archive it.

“It is enticing.”

The Rangers boss also revealed that he has received approaches from influential figures linked to Nigerian football clubs but ruled out the possibility of joining any domestic rival.

“I have spoken to two deputy governors in this country who want me to come and work for their clubs.

“One is a prominent club very close to us here.

“But even if you offer me billions, I can’t work for any other club in Nigeria,” he said.

Ezeaku further spoke on the mental and emotional demands of football administration, describing Rangers as an institution where many people see him as a source of hope during difficult times.

“Every day in this office, I see people who look at me as their last hope.

“When a man comes to you crying that his family has not eaten for two days, even if you don’t have money, you have to find a way.

“These things torture me mentally,” he said.

He also disclosed that he suffered a serious health scare in August 2025 due to the pressures associated with the role.

“August 12 last year, people were deciding whether to take me to the mortuary. Many of you never knew.

“I didn’t know when I was carried away from my house,” he said.

Despite acknowledging the appeal of relocating to cities such as Zurich, Miami, or Cairo for international football roles, Ezeaku maintained that his affection for Rangers remains strong.

“I love Rangers with my life.

“I will do anything humanly possible to make sure that the light of Rangers is never extinguished.

“If everything goes well in three weeks, I will announce that I am staying.”

His remarks come amid growing speculation over his future following a successful spell that has seen Rangers remain competitive domestically while strengthening its administrative structure.

Presidency says progress has been made toward state police establishment, with constitutional amendment expected after ongoing consultations.

Ikenga Nkanu Worldwide has congratulated the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on what it described as his landmark achievements in political leadership and administrative excellence.

In a congratulatory message signed by its Chancellor, SNC Nwagu, FIICA, MNIIA, the group commended the governor for his performance in office, stating that his administration has demonstrated that strategy and humaneness can work together in governance.

The group highlighted achievements in infrastructure development, economic growth, and welfare-oriented policies, noting that new roads, smart schools, and modern hospitals have been delivered across the state, including projects that directly impact Nkanu land.

According to the statement, Governor Mbah’s administration has also recorded growth in internally generated revenue, attracted investor confidence, and created jobs through what it described as disciplined and data-driven governance.

Ikenga Nkanu Worldwide further praised the governor for prioritising the welfare of residents, security of lives, and unity among the people of Enugu State.

“You have governed with precision, delivered with courage, and led with compassion. Enugu State is better, stronger, and more respected under your watch,” the statement read.

The group expressed support for the governor and prayed for more wisdom and strength as he continues to implement his administration’s “Tomorrow is Here” agenda.

It also declared its confidence in the governor’s political future, stating that it believes a second term in office is assured.

Rangers International FC has expressed sadness over the road accident involving the contingent of Rivers United FC while travelling to their President Federation Cup fixture.

In a statement signed by the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Rangers International FC, Amobi Ezeaku, the club extended its heartfelt sympathies to everyone affected by the incident.

The club said it was grateful that no lives were lost and prayed for the speedy recovery of all players and officials who sustained injuries in the accident.

“At moments like this, football rivalry gives way to humanity. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Rivers United family, and we wish all those involved a speedy return to full health,” the statement read.

Rangers further assured Rivers United of its support during the difficult period, stressing that the entire Rangers family stands with the club.

“Stay strong, Rivers United. The entire Rangers family stands with you,” the statement added.