Category: News

…Promises Renewed Vigour

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has tasked the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the state government to meet the N870 billion target projected in the state’s 2026 budget, citing the unpredictability of external revenue sources like the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation, given the prevailing geo-political tensions around the globe.

Mbah gave the charge on Monday during a Holy Mass at the Government House Chapel to formally kick-start work in all government offices in the new year.

He said that given global developments, the state should not allow itself to be taken unawares.

Recall that Mbah recently signed a record N1.62 trillion 2026 budget, which he explained would be funded through an anticipated N870 billion IGR, N387 billion FAAC allocation, and N329 billion capital receipts.

Speaking at the Holy Mass attended by the heads and members of the three arms of government, political office holders, captains of industry, traditional rulers, among other critical stakeholders, he called on all political appointees and civil servants alike to redouble their efforts, noting that the projected IGR could come from the quality of service they render to businesses and the people of the state.

“Given all the geo-political tensions across the globe, it is not going to be easy, particularly with our revenue projections. We just do not have clarity as to the direction things would go. It is extremely important we ensure that we realise the domestic revenue projection we set for ourselves this year so that we are then able to absorb the shock coming from all these geo-political tensions across the globe.

“To realise that projection comes from doing your own bit. We have ambitious revenue targets across the different MDAs. Our revenue comes based on the speed and quality of services you render. Let us have a renewed vigour to do our own bit and play our own roles,” he stated.

He stressed the need for dedication and team spirit among the state’s civil servants in 2026, describing them as the anvil of whatever the administration achieves or fails to achieve in the new year.

“Importantly, to our workers, we are still going to be counting on your support as civil servants and Permanent Secretaries. We have always said that you are the engine room of whatever success we achieve. We have to double down this year. Those little things we do, getting to work on time, treating documents expeditiously, and making sure that we play our own part in the scheme of things, matter a lot.

“We also have to continue to be champions of teamwork. We have to essentially understand that we are only as good as our weakest link. We need to support one another, knowing that we are working for one common objective; to serve the people,” he said.

While thanking the people of the state and the church for their continued prayers, good counsel, and support, he stressed the need for undiluted and unfettered feedback.

“We do not lay claim to being perfect. What we lay claim to is our resolve to serve the people optimally. That is why undiluted feedback and holding us to account become very important,” he concluded.

In his homily, the Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Rev. Fr. Anthony Udeh, described Governor Mbah as a servant leader earnestly dedicated to the wellbeing of his people.

He cited the thousands of both completed and ongoing projects as well as reforms initiated by the Mbah Administration, saying that such could only come from a leader with a burning passion to serve his people and build a better future for the children of the state and posterity.

The Holy Mass was attended by high-profile government functionaries, including the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Afojulu Ozoemena; and the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, among a host of others.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have dismantled a suspected suicide bombing network and intercepted logistics believed to be meant for terrorists during separate operations in Adamawa state.

The military said the operations were part of intensified cordon-and-search efforts targeting those behind the Gamboru Market Mosque suicide bombing.

According to the Joint Task Force (North East), troops carried out a coordinated operation in the Yan Lemo area of Mubi South LGA in the early hours of January 5, arresting eight suspects. Two of those apprehended were described as principal facilitators in the suicide bombing network.

Items recovered from the suspects’ residence included cash, mobile phones, identification documents, ATM cards, jewellery, and other personal effects. The items are undergoing forensic analysis to aid ongoing investigations.

The military said a suspect already in custody identified the two principal suspects as suppliers of materials used in assembling the improvised explosive device. Other occupants of the residence were also linked to the network.

All suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing interrogation before being handed over for further investigation.

In a related operation on January 4, troops intercepted suspected terrorists’ logistics in Mayo Nguli, Maiha LGA. The soldiers seized 45 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, estimated at about 1,125 litres, believed to have been smuggled for terrorist use.

The suppliers reportedly fled on sighting the troops, abandoning the fuel, which has been taken into military custody. No casualties were recorded during the operation.

The military said the operations underscore its resolve to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt supply chains, prevent future attacks, and bring collaborators to justice. It also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to sustain security across the North East.

Troops of the Joint Task Force, supported by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, have killed no fewer than 23 bandits who were fleeing Kano State after launching deadly attacks on Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas.

…As Gov Mbah assures of tremendous support for community and social developments

The General Manager of Enugu State Community and Social Developments Agency (CSDA), Monday Diamond Ani and his mother, Prophetess Janet Ani, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah at the governor’s Owo country home.

The visit which took place on the New Year Day was historic as Diamond’s Mother, overjoyed, appreciated the Governor for finding her son worthy for such crucial and strategic appointment.

Prophetess Mrs Janet Ani also prayed for His Excellency the Governor for long life,all round successful administration and more higher political offices in the country.

On his part, the CSDA Boss, thanking the governor, promised to make him proud through his office by making positive impact in the 583 communities of Enugu State.

Gov Mbah assured Ani of his tremendous support to the Enugu State CSDA to effect immense grassroots and community developments in line with the philosophy of ‘Tomorrow is Here’, which is anchored on disruptive transformation.

Recall that Monday Diamond Ani was recently appointed by Gov. Peter Mbah, to head the Enugu State Community and Social Developments Agency (CSDA).

On assumption of office, Ani emphasized his commitment to positively impacting lives, particularly in rural communities across Enugu State.

The Enugu State Persons with Disabilities Commission has commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for what it described as his inclusive and visionary leadership, as it extended New Year greetings to the state government and people of Enugu.

In a statement signed and issued on behalf of the chairman, governing board, management, and staff of the commission by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Sunday Anthony Egbo, the body thanked God for His protection over the state and praised the governor for promoting equity, dignity, and opportunity for all citizens.

Egbo described the commission’s establishment as one of the landmark achievements of the Mbah administration in 2025, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to inclusion and social justice.

He said the governing board remains committed to supporting the state’s development agenda in the New Year by advancing policies and programmes that safeguard the rights, welfare, and full participation of persons with disabilities in public life.

According to the commission, its focus in 2026 will include advocacy, accessibility, empowerment, and the building of strategic partnerships aimed at translating policy objectives into measurable outcomes across the state.

The commission also appreciated the support and cooperation of Ndi Enugu, calling for sustained collective responsibility in building an inclusive society where no one is left behind.

Egbo who is also a legal practitioner expressed optimism that deeper inclusion, stronger institutions, and shared prosperity can be achieved through collective effort.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has dismissed claims by the Bauchi state government led by Governor Bala Mohammed, that the commission was engaging in politically motivated persecution, abuse of prosecutorial powers and actions capable of endangering public safety, following the arrest, detention and prosecution of senior officials of the state government.

In a petition dated December 31, 2025, and addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the Bauchi State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice accused the EFCC of weaponising federal law-enforcement machinery to intimidate the state government and unlawfully rope in Governor Bala Mohammed without evidence or jurisdiction.

The petition demanded the immediate intervention of the Attorney-General of the Federation to restrain what it described as an “escalating abuse of prosecutorial powers” by the EFCC, warning that the agency’s conduct now poses a “clear and present danger” to constitutional order, democratic stability and personal safety in Bauchi State.

But in a statement posted on the verified X handle of the commission, the EFCC said it is non- partisan and discharges its mandate without affection or ill will.

Continuing, the Commission noted that on the issue of terrorism financing, it did not “invent the law, and where there are offences punishable by extant laws, EFCC will be failing in its responsibility to do otherwise”.

The commission asked Bauchi governor to focus on governing Bauchi State and “allow the EFCC focus more on cleaning the financial space of the nation, in line with its assigned mandate”.

The full statement is reproduced below:

Disregard Bala Mohammed’s Wild Claims – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC, views with great displeasure the claims of Bauchi State Governor,  His Excellency,  Bala Mohammed about the Commission being used by  political opponents, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to persecute him and his aides.

These claims are as wild as they are far- fetched. The EFCC is an independent agency created to fight economic and financial crimes. The Commission is non- partisan and discharges its mandate without affection or ill will. The attempt to portray it as a pliable agency that panders to the demands of certain political interests is therefore mischievous and condemnable.

It is derogatory for Mohammed to ascribe the Commission’s activities in Bauchi State to the Influence of Mr. Wike.  It is important to state that no political office holder is in a position to influence the investigative activities of the Commission. If Bala Mohammed wants to be honest, he would have revealed to Nigerians that he was standing trial for money laundering at the time he won election as governor of Bauchi State. Only the constitutional Immunity from prosecution, which his current office attracts, has put that case in abeyance.  Who also influenced the Commission to investigate him in 2016 and charge him to court?

In the instant case, the facts against some officials of Bauchi State government are already placed before the court.  Members of the public can access the charges and decide for themselves whether the case is borne out of vendetta or is a product of painstaking investigation by the EFCC. They will also understand why Bala Mohammed as the approving authority in Bauchi State is mentioned in the charge.

Crying wolf over issues of terrorism financing is like clutching at straws. The Commission did not invent the law, and where there are offences punishable by extant laws, EFCC will be failing in its responsibility to do otherwise.

Public accountability should be the priority of politicians of all persuasions. It is the height of hypocrisy for opposition politicians to be quick to scream persecution each time an opposition figure is called to account but are mute when a member of the ruling party faces the same ordeal.   Recently the Commission arraigned a ranking member of the ruling party in court for alleged corruption, and not a whimper of persecution was heard from any of the political divide.

Governor Mohammed should face the governance of Bauchi State and allow the EFCC focus more on cleaning the financial space of the nation, in line with its assigned mandate.

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru says the Ebonyi State government has procured three aircraft to launch a state-owned airline aimed at boosting economic activity.

The governor disclosed this in his New Year broadcast to residents on January 1, 2026, adding that the aircraft are expected to arrive in the state before the end of the month.

Nwifuru said the initiative is designed to improve connectivity and position the state for increased investment.

“Reliable air transport makes it easier for investors to do business, for professionals to move in and out of the State, and for our people to connect with other parts of the country and beyond.

“Ebonyi Air will support business growth, encourage tourism, and reduce the time and cost of travel. It will also strengthen Ebonyi’s position as a State that is ready to engage with the wider economy and attract new opportunities. By improving connectivity, we are creating conditions that support trade, investment, and job creation, while making our State more accessible and competitive.”

The governor also announced plans to establish a modern cement factory to harness the state’s limestone deposits.
According to him, the project will focus on local value addition and job creation.

“For many years, raw materials from different parts of Nigeria have been transported elsewhere for processing. Our goal is to add value here at home. By processing our limestone within Ebonyi State, we keep jobs, skills, and income within our communities.”

Nwifuru said his administration has prioritised investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and human capital development, noting that visible infrastructure is critical to sustainable growth.

“Beyond classrooms and hospitals, development must be visible in the physical environment where people live and work. We constructed and rehabilitated roads in all local government areas, renewed Abakaliki metropolis, improved rural connectivity, and delivered bridges and flagship infrastructure projects.

“Infrastructure creates access, but access must lead to opportunity.”

The governor also granted state pardon to eight individuals, including five posthumously, in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“For the individuals who are no longer alive, this pardon is posthumous. It is granted to clear their names, restore dignity to their memory, and bring peace to their families and communities.

“For those who are living, this pardon is extended with the expectation of renewed responsibility. Mercy does not excuse wrongdoing, but it opens the door to reform, reintegration, and a better path forward.”

Nwifuru thanked Ebonyi residents, state leaders, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support, reaffirming his commitment to policies and projects with direct impact on the lives of the people.

Hon. Chukwuma Ogbodo, Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area in Enugu State, has presented a ₦8.2 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the legislative council of the local government.

The proposal, tagged “Budget of Sustainability,” was laid before lawmakers on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Ogbodo said the focus of the 2026 budget is to aggressively pursue projects that align with the development philosophy of the Enugu State Government.

“The preoccupation of the 2026 Budget would therefore be to vigorously pursue projects that are in line with the disruptive innovation of the State Government. We shall judiciously utilize funds in addressing the critical developmental needs of the Local Government Area. This shall be our policy position in 2026,” he said.

The council chairman noted that the budget would fund both legacy and ongoing projects considered critical to the wellbeing of residents, assuring that funds would be prudently managed.

Ogbodo said the 2026 proposal is the second budget his administration has presented since assuming office, adding that several projects were executed in the previous fiscal year.

According to him, these include the facelift and repainting of the council administrative complex, the construction of a double-bungalow office and residential quarters for the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Agbani, and improved waste management through the purchase and deployment of waste bins across the council area.

He added that the council constructed toilet and restroom facilities with shops and a solar-powered borehole at Ozalla Four Corners Motor Park, as well as an abattoir with water facilities at Eke Agbani Market.

The chairman also listed multiple water projects executed through borehole drilling in several communities and public institutions, including twelve Green Smart Schools and the General Hospital, Agbani.

On infrastructure, Ogbodo said the council recorded progress in roads, culverts, and bridges, citing the ongoing construction and asphalting of Smart School link roads across the fourteen wards of the local government.

In the health sector, he said counterpart funding was promptly released in 2025 for the construction of Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres in all wards.

“All our health projects and programmes across the Local Government were improved upon and sustained,” he said.

Ogbodo disclosed that the agricultural sector also benefited from the development of 200 hectares of land for Smart Farms in Amurri, Akpugo Ward 1, and Akpugo Ward 2, alongside the distribution of fertilisers and other agro-inputs to farmers.

He said the ₦8.2 billion budget prioritises economic services, social services, education, environment, and general administration, with a focus on providing basic amenities such as health, roads, education, power, and agriculture.

The chairman commended Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for his support to the council and for ensuring that local government allocations are released without interference, which he said made the council’s achievements possible.

Speaking on behalf of the legislature, the leader of the council, Emmanuel Onyekachi Nnamani, commended Ogbodo for his developmental initiatives, particularly his emphasis on cleanliness and environmental management.

The budget proposal was moved for acceptance by the majority leader, Felix Chibuike Anih, and seconded by John Okorie.

Other council officials, including the deputy chairman, Samuel Friday Nnam, and the secretary to the local government, Onochie Igwesi, were present at the budget presentation.

As the nation welcomes the year 2026, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, says there will be no room for complacency on the part of his administration, promising accelerated consolidation of the gains made in the past two and a half years.

Mbah also described 2026 as a year of quantum leap for the people of Enugu State, maintaining that “our optimism is not abstract, but grounded in the concrete work we have done.”

The governor gave the assurances in his New Year broadcast to the people of Enugu State, urging optimism and unity on the part of the people of the state and the nation as a whole.

While recalling his administration’s successes in the revival of moribund assets, transformation of the transport system as well as the water sector, security, road and tourism infrastructure, educational and agricultural sectors, and the surge of investment and visitors to Enugu, Mbah acknowledged that “it is far easier to rise than it is to remain standing.”

“That is why this year demands more of us than the years before. 2026 is not a victory lap. It is a humble continuation of a journey that is nowhere near finished.

“What we have begun is not fleeting – it must now be secured for generations. We have to build well, not quickly for applause, but carefully for posterity.

“And above all, we must resist complacency. Success can seduce us into comfort. Comfort slows our steps. And when steps slow, progress slips away,” he emphasised.

On specific projects and programmes to expect in the New Year, Mbah said, “In 2026, life in Enugu will change in ever more visible and practical ways.

“Every urban road across our cities will be paved and upgraded with proper drainage and walkways, with many also receiving new streetlights to improve safety.

“Projects like the 9th Mile 24/7 water scheme, the planned Ajali Scheme revamp and Oji River will continue to push clean water directly into more homes across Enugu.

“All 260 Smart Schools will open fully, offering digital learning, science labs, renewable power and a free daily meal to more than 300,000 children.

“In every one of our 260 wards, a fully equipped Primary Healthcare Centre will open, staffed and powered to deliver real care when it is needed most.

“Enugu’s airport operations will expand, with plans to grow Enugu Air’s fleet to 20 aircraft this year, accelerating trade, tourism and investment.

“Strengthened security infrastructure, ongoing industrial revival efforts, growing support for small and medium enterprises, and expanded connectivity will ensure that more families feel economic opportunity through rising incomes, safer streets and a clearer path to a better life.”

The governor promised hell to criminals who still had the appetite to test his administration’s resolve to keep the state safe and secure.

“Let me be clear: no crime committed will go undetected and unresolved. We will track and prosecute everyone who has committed a crime. We will never drop our guard.

“We must protect what we have built, finish what we have started, and refuse complacency in any form.”

He reiterated his government’s commitment to inclusive development and called for the continued support of the citizenry, while also holding government accountable.

“This year calls for focus and commitment. It calls for every one of us to stay engaged, to stay informed, to hold ourselves and our institutions to high standards.

“Our promise remains firm: we are still determined to leave no one out in the cold. Public funds will continue to be channelled solely into projects that uplift lives,” he said.

He wished Ndi Enugu and Nigerians a happy New Year, urging optimism and unity, insisting that “the strength of our state and nation comes from working together.”

The Bauchi State Government has formally accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of engaging in politically motivated persecution, abuse of prosecutorial powers and actions capable of endangering public safety, following the arrest, detention and prosecution of senior officials of the state government.

In a strongly worded petition dated December 31, 2025, and addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Bauchi State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice accused the EFCC of weaponising federal law-enforcement machinery to intimidate the state government and unlawfully rope in Governor Bala Mohammed without evidence or jurisdiction.

The petition, marked SECRET, demanded the immediate intervention of the Attorney-General of the Federation to restrain what it described as an “escalating abuse of prosecutorial powers” by the EFCC, warning that the agency’s conduct now poses a “clear and present danger” to constitutional order, democratic stability and personal safety in Bauchi State.

According to the state government, the EFCC arrested and detained the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development alongside senior civil servants over actions taken strictly in the lawful discharge of their official duties, backed by valid financial approvals and regulations.

Despite full cooperation, the officials were allegedly detained beyond constitutionally permissible timelines on matters described as administrative and bailable. The petition disclosed that when the case came before the Federal High Court, the presiding judge openly expressed displeasure at the EFCC’s conduct, particularly the prolonged detention without charges, disregard for bail principles, and repeated failure to produce the defendants in court despite several adjournments.

Rather than submit to judicial discipline, the Bauchi government alleged that the EFCC escalated the matter by introducing fresh and far-reaching allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering—charges that were conspicuously absent at the point of arrest and detention.

“No terrorist organisation has been identified, no terrorist act linked, and no evidentiary trail disclosed,” the petition stated, adding that the timing of the allegations strongly suggests they were introduced as an afterthought “to intimidate, scandalise, and destroy reputations rather than to advance justice.”

The petition further accused the EFCC of making reckless and false claims in its charge sheet, including the assertion that the Accountant-General of Bauchi State was ‘at large.’ The state government described this as a blatant misrepresentation, stressing that the Accountant-General honoured EFCC invitations, was detained, and later released on bail after meeting all conditions.

Even more alarming, the Bauchi government accused the EFCC of deliberately dragging Governor Bala Mohammed into the criminal narrative, despite the governor not being an accused person.

According to the petition, the governor’s name was repeatedly and gratuitously mentioned in the charge sheet—sometimes more prominently than those actually standing trial—in what it described as an attempt to try him in the court of public opinion, criminalise political opposition by insinuation, and violate his constitutional immunity.

The state government described the terrorism-financing allegation as a “bogus hatchet job” aimed solely at politically destroying the governor’s image.

The petition highlighted Mohammed’s public service record, noting that he has served Nigeria as a civil servant to the rank of Director, Senator, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and now Governor of Bauchi State, without any criminal conviction or abuse of constitutional immunity.

“No amount of political persecution will diminish the respect he enjoys,” the Attorney-General asserted.

In a grave warning, the Bauchi government also raised concerns that the EFCC’s actions—both overt and covert—are increasingly perceived as posing threats to the safety and wellbeing of the governor, his staff, and even his family, citing the manner of arrests, escalation of allegations and sustained public insinuations.

“This trajectory is dangerous and unacceptable in a constitutional democracy,” the petition warned.

Governor: EFCC Being Used to Force Defection

The petition aligns with recent public allegations by Governor Bala Mohammed, who accused the Federal Government of using the EFCC to persecute him and officials of his administration over his refusal to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor made the allegation on Wednesday at the Government House, Bauchi, while receiving an Ambassadorial Award for Safety from the Institute of Safety Professionals in Nigeria.

Mohammed, who also serves as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, disclosed that one of his commissioners is currently being detained by the EFCC, describing the action as politically motivated and intended to intimidate his government.

“This is not about fighting corruption; it is about political coercion,” the governor said, vowing not to defect under pressure or blackmail.

Demand for Federal Intervention

In its petition, the Bauchi State Government demanded immediate federal intervention, including strict supervision of the EFCC, restraint from retaliatory and media-driven prosecutions, assurances that terrorism allegations would not be pursued without credible evidence, and measures to prevent actions capable of inflaming political tensions or endangering lives.

The state warned that selective justice and prosecutorial recklessness undermine public confidence, weaken institutions and threaten national cohesion.

“Nigeria must not drift toward a system where opposition is criminalised and dissent punished through intimidation,” the petition concluded.

Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, in collaboration with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, have declared the last Saturday of January each year as the Igbo World Day of Adoration and Thanksgiving, with the maiden observance scheduled for January 31, 2026.

The declaration is contained in a statement issued by representatives of Igbo archbishops and bishops under the platform Igbo Archbishops and Bishops in Alaigbo for Peace and Justice.

According to the church leaders, the decision followed periods of prayer, consultation and deep spiritual reflection on the historical experiences of the Igbo people, particularly the impact and aftermath of the Nigerian civil war between 1967 and 1970.

The statement noted that the survival of the Igbo during and after the war despite widespread destruction and years of post-war marginalisation remains a significant milestone that has not been adequately acknowledged through a collective act of thanksgiving to God.

They explained that the annual observance is intended to unite Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora in gratitude to God for preservation, protection and continuity over the 56 years since the end of the civil war.

Under the arrangement, Christian denominations across Igboland and Igbo communities worldwide are expected to hold special services of adoration and thanksgiving in their places of worship between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. The services will be conducted in the Igbo language.

The clerics expressed confidence that a unified act of thanksgiving would attract renewed divine favour, peace and progress for the Igbo nation.

The proclamation was jointly endorsed by several prominent clerics, including the Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr. David Onuoha; the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji; the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke; and the Anglican Archbishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Sosthenes Eze.

Others are the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzo Raphael Opoko; the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Enugu Synod, Most Rev. Prof. Eziichi Anya Ituma; and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-East Zone, Very Rev. Dr. Abraham Nwali.

The Alumni Association of Special Science School, Ihe, has announced plans to hold its 2026 reunion alongside the official launch of a ₦1 billion school building project.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, opposite Okpara Square, Enugu, and will commence at 10:00 a.m. prompt. It is expected to attract alumni from different graduating sets, education stakeholders, government officials, and members of the general public.

According to the organizers, the reunion aims to foster unity among old students while mobilizing funds for the infrastructural development of the school.

The keynote address will be delivered by the Executive Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Beloved Dan Obinna Anike, who’s also an old boy of the school.

The event will be hosted by the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and will feature several prominent dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, members of the National and State Assemblies, and the Commissioner for Education, Enugu State, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, alongside other commissioners.

Also expected at the event are His Lordship, Most Rev. John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye, Catholic Bishop of Awgu Diocese, who will serve as Father of the Day; Chief Mrs. Grace Obayi, an elder stateswoman and former Commissioner for Education in Old Anambra State; and the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Highness, Igwe M. A. Ibeziako, Okaa Obuluzo I of Ihe.

Other dignitaries include former principals of the school, education administrators, community leaders from Ihe and Awgu, past and present teachers, students, and advocates of education.

The reunion and project launch are being organized by the Special Science School, Ihe Old Boys Association, under the leadership of Sir Jedidiah C. Honesty, with Dr. Arinze S. Udeh serving as Chairman of the Reunion Planning Committee.

Speaking on the event, the organizers described it as a significant step toward rebuilding the future of the institution through alumni-driven development.