The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: Enugu Guber 2023

  • [UPDATED] Enugu APGA Gov candidate, Frank Nweke, presents Edith Ugwuanyi as Deputy Gov candidate

    [UPDATED] Enugu APGA Gov candidate, Frank Nweke, presents Edith Ugwuanyi as Deputy Gov candidate

    …promises women inclusiveness when elected

    Debbie Egbo & Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

    Dr. Edith Ngozi Ugwuanyi has been named as the running mate to a former Minister of Information and Enugu governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Frank Nweke II.

    The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine had previously reported that the announcement and official unveiling of the deputy governorship candidate took place in a press briefing held, Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at Bridge Waters Hotel, Enugu.

    Making the announcement, Mr. Nweke expressed his determination to work with his deputy to restore the state and improve industries, water sector, employment and infrastructure.

    Giving assurances on the choice of Ugwuanyi, he stated that competence and the need to get women involved and well represented in politics informed his choice. “I don’t want a deputy that will be a spare wheel”, he said.

    Part of his speech read: “The search for a deputy governorship candidate who carries the unique attributes and ideals that are paramount to the party and the overall vision that we have for Enugu state has required careful consideration and deliberate effort.

    “In this search, a number of things were non-negotiable. The competence and character of the candidate to be selected was of utmost priority.

    Frank Nweke chooses running mate
    APGA Guber candidate, Frank Nweke & Deputy, Edith Ugwuanyi

    “Another top priority was the ability of the candidate to get the work done. I don’t intend to have a deputy who will be a spare wheel or one who will not actively contribute to bring our promise for Enugu state to life.

    “Someone that I will partner with to build a government founded on Good Governance, Law-and-Order, Human Capital Development, Economic Transformation, Infrastructure and a Sustainable Environment.

    “It is, therefore, my utmost delight to officially present our Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr Edith Ngozi Ugwuanyi – a distinguished professional of repute with a track record of impact in Enugu and the diaspora”.

    Assuring women of participation in his government, he said, “This, for me, affirms why it is essential to have women as active participants and contributors in government. Women hold the key to a moral and ethical renaissance in Enugu and in our nation at large.

    “Permit me to also state here that the number of women who will become local government chairpersons and commissioners in Enugu will be unprecedented. In fact, it is going to cause Enugu to be referenced”.

    He decried the state of things in Enugu in the past seven years.

    In his words, “We have never had it this bad, and the water problem has never been this bad”.

    He praised the achievements of Igbo iconic figures like Chief Jim Nwobodo and Chief Michael Okpara, and promised to follow in their footsteps.

    He claimed that the current governor of the state had refused to follow the footsteps of Dr Micheal Okpara, who created a viable economy for the eastern region.

    “Today, not only has the government destroyed the legacy of Okpara, they have not created one (one good legacy),” he said.

    Giving her address, the Deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Edith Ngozi Ugwuanyi, expressed her commitment to developing Enugu and restoring Enugu to a place of pride.

    “I have ignited myself to the job, committed to birthing the Enugu of our dream and I am mostly thrilled by the fact that he (Frank Nweke) is committed to grassroots development just like I have being working for years now.

    “I am excited to bring on board my years of experience in women and community development, healthcare, and a lot more”, she said.

    She expressed her happiness to be in a party whose slogan is people oriented.

    “I found in APGA, a party that recognizes competence regardless of gender. I am excited. We will restore Enugu to the place of pride that it’s meant to be”, Ugwuanyi said.

    Dr. Edith Ugwuanyi, a native of Ovoko, in Igbo Eze Local Government Area of the state, is the CEO of African Hope Foundation (AHF) Inc, a USA based NGO, established for the advancement of women, health, food safety and programs for women and youths employment.

    She studied Nursing and obtained a BSN at Texas Woman’s University in Houston Texas Medical Branch, USA 1990. She also obtained an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix, Arizona 2007.

  • The Idea behind the Ije Awele 2023 movement is to ensure a Peaceful Transition of Governance in 2023 through conversations- Ogbuekwe, Convener

    The Idea behind the Ije Awele 2023 movement is to ensure a Peaceful Transition of Governance in 2023 through conversations- Ogbuekwe, Convener

    The Idea behind the Ije Awele 2023 movement is to ensure a Peaceful Transition of Governance in 2023 through conversations- Ogbuekwe, Convener

    As discussions towards the 2023 Guber race in Enugu continue, a political movement christened Ije Awele Enugu East Senatorial Zone 2023, has identified the need to ensure a peaceful handover of the reins of government in 2023 to a person from Enugu East Senatorial Zone.

    The conversation which was held on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at the Universal Hotel, Enugu, was a gathering of political leaders, leaders of opinion & thought, traditional rulers, the clergy, men, women, as well as youth & student groups from Enugu East Senatorial Zone. Speakers took time to discuss issues geared towards achieving the 2023 agenda.

    Ogbuekwe, Convener, Ije Awele 2023

    Speaking to our correspondent after the program, the Convener of the Movement, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Agriculture and hails from Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local government, pointed out that since the beginning of the fourth republic, Enugu had garnered a reputation for mature politics of consultations, negotiations and discussions, while highlighting what he called the existence of a standing arrangement, a gentleman’s agreement that recognizes the need for the governorship position in Enugu to be rotational.

    Royal Fathers in attendance

    “Ije Awele is a platform for sensitizing the good people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone and the greater Enugu State for a peaceful transition of government in 2023 based on the Zoning agreement we have in our state. I want to emphasize on the fact that the transition will be peaceful.”

    “We aim to have democratic discussions that will lead to mature politicking for 2023. It is important to do this to consolidate on the gains recorded in the administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.”

    Barr. Steve Oruruo addressing participants

    “As the Convener, I aim to see a united front for all aspirants from Enugu East Senatorial Zone, through creating a platform for discussions and debates on what we hope to achieve with the 2023 Guber race and position. We hope to involve Captains of Industry, Artisans, Youths, Elderly persons and so on.”

    “I do not believe that the Zoning arrangement will be altered because there will be superior arguments and conversations to counter any attempted alteration.”

    “We call on our brothers from other Senatorial Zones to join us in protecting the interest of Enugu East Senatorial Zone as it is a commitment to the interest of the entire people of Enugu” he said.

    The convener of PowerShift, Nonso Nnamani told the gathering that the first step they need to take is to get their Permanent Voters Card, PVC.

    Nonso Nnamani, Convener, PowerShift

    “You can make all the noise but without the voting power which is the PVC, you will make no impact.”

    “It’s important to register and vote. We need to also remind our people to register where they can access the polling boot on election day. We should endeavour to come out on election day, cast our vote and avoid transactional politics” he said.

    In attendance at the Ije Awele conversation were Barr. Steve Oruruo, Special Adviser to Enugu State Governor on Information, Bishop Chinedu Nwoye, SSA to the Enugu State Governor on Religious matters, two former Chairmen of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Frank Anioma and Hon. Okey Mba.

    Others were a two time former member of the House of Representatives, HRH Igwe Rt. Hon. Eddy, HRH Igwe Hyacinth Edeani, Chairman Nkanu East Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Dr C. Nome, the Enugu State Honorable Commissioner for Health, Associate Prof. Emmanuel Ike Obi, represented by Ugwu Cyril Ndubisi,
    Hon Nonso Nnamani, Convener, PowerShift Movement & Member, Enugu State Water Board, Hon. Monday Diamond Ani, SA to Enugu State Governor on Culture & Tourism, Hon. Egbo Kennedy, former leader of Nkanu East legislative council.

    Also in attendance were Hon Ogechukwu Nnamene, former SA to Enugu State Governor on Youth Affairs, Coordinators of Development Centers, Supervisory Councilors, notable youth leaders, and many well-meaning sons and daughters of Enugu East senatorial zone.

  • Enugu 2023 Guber Race: Profile of Likely Candidates-2

    Enugu 2023 Guber Race: Profile of Likely Candidates-2

    Enugu 2023 Guber Race: Profile of Likely Candidates-2

    As the race to the Lion Building of Enugu State come 2023 commences, The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine X-rays the profile of likely contenders from Enugu East Senatorial Zone, as already published in the 2021 Independence edition of the Magazine.

    Chief Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji – Nwakaibie

    Chief Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji (Nwakaibie) was born to very wealthy Business Parents – Late Chief Obed Nnaji & a living healthy Mother – Chief Mrs. Monica Nnaji. He is from Amugo-Agu Village, Amugo Autonomous Community, Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State. His Secondary education was at St. Patrick Secondary School Emene, Enugu. He later went on to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) where he read Microbiology/Biochemistry.

    Nnaji’s political life and desire to serve led him to join the Peoples Democratic Party as one of its founding members. At the time, he was prevailed upon to run for the Governorship Election in 1999 but declined for His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani as his elder brother from Nkanuland. He instead ran for Senate and won but still stepped down for His Excelllency, Sen. Dr. Jim Nwobodo who was an elder statesman and foundation leader of PDP in Nkanuland, Enugu State and Nigeria. He was later appointed Member of FCDA Board by President Olusegun Obasanjo where he became the Chairman of Finance Committee of the Board.

    Nwakibie is an International Business Man, Industrialist and Contractor. It is reported that his Rice Mill factory in his hometown Akpugo is currently at 80% completion. He has a huge verifiable record of Philanthropy, Human Development and Political Patronage both at the Ward, Local Government, various States & Federal Level.

    He is married with 4 Children (One girl & Three boys).

    Chief Uche Nnaji

    Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa (CEO)

    Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa, popularly known as CEO due to his initials, hails from Amorji, Akpugo in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State. He was born on March 13, 1984. He holds a BSc. in Medical Microbiology and a Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

    CEO is a Social Entrepreneur and a Public Affairs Analyst. He is a School Administrator and the Convener of #YouthDecide2019. CEO is the brain behind the One Nigeria Reality Project, endorsed by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the project lead, ADA 042 Tourism and Cultural pageant.

    As an SME enthusiast, he has been involved as a Mentor in projects such as the Youth Empowered by Coca-Cola and the Boost Your Business training powered by Facebook. He is the Convener of the Annual Employability and Entrepreneurship Summit (EES) since 2015 in Enugu State and the Author of the classic THINK GLOBAL. He is the Executive Director of LEAD NETWORK, Principal Partner at H-Formance Consulting and the founder of CEO Media Agency.

    A happily married man, Okenwa has been appointed twice as a YALI Network Influencer in Nigeria. He is a Fellow of the Leadership Course in Criminal and Security Intelligence Management (Defence Intelligence College, Abuja). Okenwa is equally a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and a Fellow of the International Security Management Course.

    Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa

    Rt. Hon. (Prince) Ofor Chukwuegbo

    Hon. Prince Gregory Oforbuike Chukwuegbo was born on August 23, 1971 into the family of Igwe Vincent Van Chukwuegbo and Lolo Dorathy Chukwuegbo family of Umunuzi Kindred, Ndiaga, Amechi Uwani, Enugu South LGA of Enugu State. He is the seventh of nine children of his mother.

    Hon. Chukwuegbo attended St Jude’s Primary School, Amechi Uwani, the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu and Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree. After his graduation, he worked as Operations Manager at Private Network Ltd, the leading analogue telephone company. He was to rise to the position of Chief Executive Officer, in merited recognition of his leadership and resourcefulness. He went on to set up many other businesses; Wireless Point Communications, Private Concept Limited and BYK Fishing Company; before he heeded the call of his people to join politics.

    In 2003, Ofor Chukwuegbo contested and won election under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the State House of Assembly, representing the people of Enugu South Urban Constituency where he served as Chairman, House Committee on Works, Housing and Transport.

    His political stock which was in steady ascendency rose even further in 2007 as he got elected into the Federal House of Representatives where he served creditably for an initial two terms. His transition from State to Federal Law Maker in record time, earned him the sobriquet – “Ochuko Mgbada Zogbuo Enyi”. He represented Enugu North and South Federal Constituency. In 2015, Ofor couldn’t return back to the green chambers until 2019 when he won another election to the House of Reps, to continue his representation and service to the people of Enugu North and South Federal Constituency. Prince Chukwuegbo was Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Police affairs in the 6th Assembly (2007-2011) and Chairman House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in the 7th assembly (2011-2015). He is currently Member, Governing Council, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja, Chairman House Committee on Abandoned Projects in the Ministry of Water Resources, and a member of several other committees.

    His privileged upbringing notwithstanding, Ofor has managed, by pure personal endeavor, to distinguish himself as a shrewd investor, and an astute entrepreneur. As the MD/CEO of Lit Group, he has managed to grow the hitherto little-known business, with modest investment at inception few years ago, into an international competitive brand. Lit has interests in Hospitality, Apartment Development, Leasing, and Lifestyle. Health Trust Pharmacy and Stores is the newest addition to the Group.

    Prince Chukwuegbo, a devout Catholic, is happily married to Lolo Ngozi Chukwuegbo (Nee Okechukwu), his wife of over 20 years and they are blessed with children, some of whom are already young adults.

    Rt. Hon. Prince Ofor Chukwuegbo

    Dr. Surv. Victor Chukwuemeka Nnam

    Victor Chukwuemeka Nnam was born into the family of Chief John Okwor Nnam and Mrs Florence Nnam of Amechi in Enugu South LGA of Enugu state on 23rd February 1984. He attended Robinson Primary School, Uwani, Enugu, from where he proceeded to UNEC Secondary School and later Enugu State University of Science and technology where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Surveying and Geoinformatics in 2007. Nnam holds an M.Sc in Geoinformatics and Surveying. In 2019, he obtained a PhD in the same course.

    Victor Nnam is a registered surveyor, a member of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) and was a Lecturer in the department of Surveying and Geoinformatics in the Enugu State University of Science and Technology. In 2019, he was appointed as the Enugu State Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development by the Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, a position he holds till date. He has also been a member of the Enugu State Boundary Committee, Office of the Deputy Governor and has attended several international conferences and trainings, with a lot of academic research work and publications to his name.

    A recipient of several awards, Victor Nnam is a devout Christian, a champion of youth advancement and a detribalized man. He is married and has three children.

    Hon. Victor Nnam

    To be continued…. 

  • Enugu 2023 Guber Race: Profile of Likely Candidates-1

    Enugu 2023 Guber Race: Profile of Likely Candidates-1

    As the race to the Lion Building of Enugu State come 2023 commences, The Pacesetter Frontier  Magazine X-rays the profile of likely contenders from Enugu East Senatorial Zone, as already published in the 2021 Democracy edition of the Magazine.

    Mr. Peter Mbah (Esq)

    Mr. Peter Mbah was born on 17th March, 1972 and hails from Owo in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. He started his primary education in 1978 at Army Children School, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1984 and later, Senior Secondary Certificate Education (SSCE). Peter Mbah obtained a Certificate in German Foreign Language from the VolkHoch Schule, Recklinghausen, Germany in 1992. He attended the University of East London, United Kingdom and graduated as a Lawyer (LLB Honors) with a Second-Class Upper Division. While at the School, Mbah was an outstanding President of the Student Law Society (1998-1999). In the year 2000, he was Litigation Assistant at CHASE CHRISTOPHER ROBERTS SOLICITORS, LONDON.

    Mr. Mbah became the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Enugu State in 2003. He was later appointed Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development of the Enugu State Government. Mbah later obtained a Masters (LLM) in Maritime and Commercial Law from the Lagos State University in 2004. He is a Fellow of the Certified Institute of Public Administration and Management (CIPM), a Member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    Mr. Peter Mbah is the Chairman/CEO of Pinnacle Oil & Gas Limited and several other successful companies. He is a Federal Government Licensed Shipping and Clearing Agent, and also the founder of FOCUS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL in 1996.

    Barr. Peter Mbah

    Captain Evarest Edeh Nnaji (Odengene)

    Captain Evarest Edeh Nnaji (Odengene) was born on 16th August, 1962 into the family of Chief Silas Edeh Nnaji and Chief Mrs Janet Wowo-Ogo Nnaji, of the Odengene larger family clan, Isienu Amagunze, Nkanu-East Local Government Area, Enugu State.

    He attended Isienu Community Primary School, Amagunze, Nkanu-East LGA, Enugu State (1972-1978), and later Madonna High School, Etiti, Imo State (1978-1982). Captain Evarest attended the prestigious University of Lagos (UNILAG) (1998-2002) where he obtained a degree in Political Science.

    He acquired Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) USA, Aircraft Pilot License and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Aircraft Pilot License. Odengene attended Helicopter Services International, Spring Texas – USA (1994-1996), and also United Flight Services, Spring Texas – USA (1998-1999). He also attended Salaika Aviation, Danbury Texas – USA from 2001 to 2005. He obtained Nigeria Air Law (NCAA) Licensed to fly in the United States of America and Nigeria. He is specially trained as a Vertical Reference and Long Line Helicopter Pilot.

    Captain Evarest Nnaji is the Managing Director/CEO of many companies such as Odengene Air Shuttle Services Limited (OAS Helicopters) Nigeria, Odengene Air Shuttle, Inc. (USA), Odengene Group of Companies Ltd, Electrostatic Laser World and OAS Offshore Logistics Ltd

    Captain Evarest is an accomplished Businessman, Aviator and Politician. He is the founder of Odengene Foundation, which has over the years granted and maintained scholarship for innumerable indigent students, up to the University level. The Foundation also undertakes legal services for Awaiting Trials inmates in prisons for minor offenses.

    Capt. Evarest Edeh Nnaji

    Hon. Barr. Chijioke Jonathan Edeoga

    Hon. Barr. Chijioke Jonathan Edeoga was born on October 2nd, 1964 into the family of Late Mr. Jonathan and Mrs. Jemimah Edeoga of Omulor Mgbuji, Eha – Amufu in Isi-Uzo LGA, Enugu State. Chijioke Edeoga holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Bachelor of Law Degree from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007. He also holds Masters of Law from the prestigious University of London also in the United Kingdom.

    His Political career began in 1992 following his appointment as the Press Secretary by the then Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo. He was also elected as the Chairman of Isi–Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State. He ran for the House of Representatives and was elected. While in the green chamber, he was the Chairman, House Committee on Information. Edeoga was also an Adviser on Legislative matters to the then Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, His Excellency, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu. From 2011–2015, he was appointed as the Special Assistant to Former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on National Assembly Matters. He has served as the Honorable Commissioner for Local Government Matters in Enugu State (2015 -2019). In 2019, Governor Uguwanyi re-appointed him as the Honorable Commissioner for Environment, a position he holds till date.

    He is the Chairman and Publisher of Enugu LGA News magazine. As a reputable Journalist, he has piled his trade in various Newspaper houses, including Daily Star, the Outlook, the Champion and the Post Express. The Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) awarded him for excellence in Feature Writing

    A believer in human empowerment, Chijioke Edeoga is a devout Christian, A Knight in the Church and a respected family man.

    Hon. Chijioke Edeoga

    Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa

    Born on February 4, 1962, to the Family of Late Chief Edward Ohaa Nwannaji Nwagu of Amangwu Autonomous Community of Obuoffia Awkunanaw, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. He began his career as a Bursar in the Enugu State Education Commission, later appointed Company Accountant of Vanguard Industries, Ltd, Enugu.

    In 1999, he was appointed the Accountant General of Enugu State and in 2006, the Commissioner for Agriculture by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Chimaroke Nnamani.

    In 2007, he transferred his services to the Federal Civil Service, where he retired as a Permanent Secretary in January 2021 after serving in different Federal Ministries. His academic qualifications include GCE-1979, WASC-1980, Higher National Diploma in Finance-1985, PGD, Accountancy & Finance-1990, MBA, Banking & Finance-1992.

    Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa

    To be continued….