conference to be held in Luanda, Angola. The Inter-Parliamentary Union is an international organization of national parliaments that promotes dialogue and cooperation among its members.
Senator Ngwu’s nomination is a recognition of his leadership and diplomatic skills, as well as his commitment to representing the interests of the Nigerian people at the global level. As a representative of the Enugu West Senatorial District, Senator Ngwu has been actively engaged in legislative activities aimed at improving the lives of his constituents and advancing the development agenda of Nigeria.
At the 147th IPU conference, Senator Ngwu will have the opportunity to engage with parliamentarians from around the world, share his experiences, and contribute to discussions on global issues such as climate change, human rights, and peace and security. The conference will provide a platform for lawmakers to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and seek solutions to common challenges.
Senator Ngwu’s participation in the conference will also enable him to showcase the achievements and potential of Nigeria, towards giving a facelift to the foreign legislative policies.
Abia Ike n’eti.
Congratulations Distinguished senator Osita Ngwu.
Mr. Anikwe Kenechukwu SSA to Distinguished senator Osita Ngwu on public enlightenment
The Senator representing Enugu west in the national Assembly, distinguished Senator Osita Ngwu (RG) honored Priestly ordination organized by His Lordship most Rev. Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okoye the Catholic Bishop of Awgu diocese.
Bishop Okoye who received distinguished Senator Ngwu (RG) at St Michael Cathedral Awgu, expressed his high optimism and excitement for honoring the invitation despite his busy schedule.
Distinguished Senator Osita Ngwu RG was highly represented by Hon Emeka Udeh SSA on constituency matter Awgu local government and his counterpart from Aninri Hon. James Ajah Anayo, High Chief Chidi Ejinaka (Ogbuefi) and Comr. Emma Chukwu.
In his speech of presentation, distinguished senator Osita Ngwu RG, thanked God for the successful episcopal ordination and prayed that God will continue to guide and strengthen all the newly ordained priests in a pathway that will please God.
In other words, senator Osita Ngwu (RG) assured the Bishop that he will continue to discharge his legal duties diligently in partnering with the church to the glory of God and to humanity.
Other dignitaries present at the priestly ordination are the Executive Chairman of Aninri local government Hon. Bennett Ajah , Omezuribe na oduma, numerous priests across Enugu west, Rev. sisters and other well meaningful individuals.
The Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) has announced its monthly clean-up exercise, scheduled for Saturday, June 29th, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
According to a statement released by Andreas Gebauer, Special Adviser to the Governor on Waste Management, the exercise is aimed at maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all.
During the exercise, movement of people and vehicles will be restricted, except for essential service providers with valid identification or ESWAMA’s official pass. Offenders will be arrested and prosecuted at the Environmental Mobile Court of Law.
Additionally, sporting activities around Okpara Square and other locations within the metropolis have been suspended during the exercise. Participants are advised to join the clean-up exercise or risk arrest and prosecution.
The Authority appealed to the public to properly bag their waste before disposal and pay their ESWAMA bills promptly at any nearby commercial bank.
By participating in this exercise, Enugu State residents can contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
The Enugu State Government through the State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, is set to launch a pioneering initiative aimed at regulate herbal medicine practice across the state. This landmark Regulation and Sensitization Programme is scheduled to run from June 26th to July 10th, 2024, and will cover all Local Government Councils within the three Senatorial Zones of the state.
This initiative underscores Enugu State Government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, ensuring the safety and efficacy of herbal medicine, and integrating traditional practices into the broader healthcare system. By regulating herbal medicine practice, the government aims to safeguard public health, promote sustainable practices, and empower local practitioners with the knowledge and tools necessary to provide high-quality care.
The Regulation and Sensitization Programme will feature a series of seminars and workshops, beginning with an opening ceremony on June 26th, 2024, in Enugu. Each session will bring together modern traditional medicine practitioners from various local government areas, providing a platform for education, regulation, and collaboration. The detailed schedule is as follows:
Enugu North, Enugu East, and Isi-Uzo at Enugu on June 26th, 2024 (Wednesday)
Opening Ceremony Awgu, Aninri, and Oji River at Awgu on June 28th, 2024 (Friday)
Udi and Ezeagu at Udi on July 2nd, 2024 (Tuesday)
Udenu, Igbo-eze South, and Igbo-eze North at Obollo-Afor on July 3rd, 2024 (Wednesday)
Nsukka, Igbo-Etiti, and Uzo-Uwani at Nsukka on July 5th, 2024 (Friday)
Nkanu West, Nkanu East, and Enugu South at Agbani on July 10th, 2024 (Wednesday).
Signed: Engr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh FNSE, Ph.D. Hon. Commissioner Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
The programme invites all modern traditional medicine practitioners within Enugu State to participate.
The Regulation and Sensitization Programme represents a significant step forward in the integration and formalization of herbal medicine practice in Enugu State. By promoting regulation, education, and collaboration, the Enugu State Government is poised to enhance the quality and reliability of traditional medicine, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of its citizens.
For more information and to register for the programme, practitioners are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
The Labour in Enugu State has clarified the statement credited to the Assistant General Secretary of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Chris Onyeka, which listed Enugu State among the states yet to implement the N30,000 minimum wage.
Onyeka listed Abia, Enugu, Bayelsa, Delta, Nasarawa, Gombe, Adamawa, Niger, Sokoto , Imo, Anambra, Taraba, Benue, and Zamfara as states yet to implement the N30 minimum wage in defiance of the Minimum Wage Act, 2019.
However, reacting to the development on Monday, the State Chairman, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Comrade Ben Asogwa, said the NLC chieftain must have been misquoted regarding Enugu State.
“The payment of N30,000 Minimum wage and it’s consequential adjustment started in February 2020 for all the state workers while the local government workers and primary school teachers were paid with 25% consequential adjustment.
However, Governor Peter Mbah on assumption of office approved the full implementation for Local Government workers and primary school teachers.
“Besides that, the Peter Mbah Administration has also been paying monthly wage awards of N10,000 to local government workers and primary school teachers and N25,000 to all categories of state workers from December, 2023 till date to cushion the current economic hardship pending the conclusion of negotiation of a new minimum wage.
“The governor recently approved the 100% Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for Nurses and Midwives and Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals in the State.
“So, nobody is talking about N30,000 minimum wage in Enugu again. We are actually waiting for the conclusion of negotiation of a new minimum wage, which our governor has already assured us that he would key into once the negotiation ends at Federal level.
“In fact, Governor Mbah is conveniently disposed to the welfare of workers,” Asogwa said.
Nigerian music star Davido has taken his ex-partner Sophia Momodu to court, seeking joint custody of their daughter Imade Adeleke. In a court filing, Davido alleged that Sophia rejected a N200 million house with a swimming pool he purchased for Imade and her, instead demanding an annual rent of N5 million.
Furthermore, Davido claimed that Sophia requested a monthly allowance of $800 (approximately N1.2 million) for a house maid and an annual upkeep fee of $19,800 (around N29.7 million). He is seeking a court order to grant him unrestricted access to Imade.
The case is currently pending in court, with Davido seeking legal resolution to the custody and support disputes. (Credit: Punch Newspaper)”
The Enugu state government led by Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has been commended for process taken to gather and make appreciable management of data to eradicate poverty in the state.
This commendation came from the numerous organizations on statistics management in the country such as the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO), International Labour Organization (ILO), State Operation Coordinating Unit (SOCU), amongst others.
Recall that office of the Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Donor Relations with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration, have organized a two-day workshop to initiate a move towards gathering data of the poor and proffering a means of alleviating their condition after analysis.
Speaking in the second day of the workshop, the representative of NBS and Head of Housing Statistics Division in that organization, Mr. Akinloye Adeyeye Elutade stated that apart from the fact that data was key in trying to solve a problem, the Enugu State government had already started well.
“Well, I must be honest with you, let me cease this opportunity to commend the government of Enugu state that has organized this programme through the commissioner for human capital development. It’s a good idea.
“Since we came here yesterday, we have listened to different speakers and we see that the government in place in Enugu state is really ready to address the issue of poverty in the country. And I believe that it’s one of the reasons why they are taking this step to embark on survey called ‘multi-dimensional poverty index survey’ because that is the survey that can actually go down to the grassroots level and to show those that are actually poor in the country.
“For them to have done that, I believe they are ready and I believe that the outcome of this workshop is something that the government will be able to utilize in order to address the issue of poverty in the state.”
Mr. Akinloye reassured the Enugu state government that having always been of immense assistance to the state, that they would not go back rather than offering helping hands whenever called upon as far as statistics and data management were concerned.
Responding to questions from the journalists, the IPA country Director, Funmi Ayeni, said that the first thing has been taken in terms of initiating data gathering process. She assured to support the state government in terms of “technical assistance, collaborating with the data stakeholders, ensuring that we collect the right data, helping them to build credible evidence and even to use such evidence, because when you collect all these data, then what next? How do we even design this intervention? So, it’s all about measuring and making sure that we have what is needed. The actual outcomes, the impact that the governor desires, which is poverty eradication, zero poverty in Enugu state are those things that are needed to be actualized.”
In her appraisal, the State coordinator of Enugu SOCU, Mirs. Joy Blossom Eneh, stated that “this is the first of its kind, we are so grateful to the governor. We say God bless him for having this kind of thing for the poor. We are grateful.”
Mrs. Eneh added that having organized such programme, the next level was implementation pointing out that the issue then was what to do to totally eradicate poverty in the state.
His Royal Majesty Igwe Sir Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Igwe Ogadagidi of Edem-Ani Nsukka, Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council and Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, has demonstrated his commitment to supporting inclusive education with a generous donation of 2 million naira to visually impaired students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
On a recent visit to his palace in Nsukka, a delegation of visually impaired students from UNN, led by Prince Sebastian Chiagozie from the Political Science department, congratulated His Majesty on his inauguration as Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council. The students also highlighted the challenges they face in their academic pursuits, including limited access to resources and support services.
In response, His Majesty Igwe Ogadagidi commended the students for their determination and resilience, emphasizing that disability does not limit ability. He encouraged them to strive for excellence, saying, “There is ability in disability, and I encourage you to succeed despite the obstacles you face.”
To support their academic pursuits, His Majesty donated 2 million naira to the students, which will cover their educational expenses and provide access to essential support services, including assistive technology and learning resources. This donation will enable the students to receive quality education and pursue their academic goals with confidence.
The visually impaired students who received the generous support were overwhelmed with gratitude. Ejah Manifest from the Mass Communication department expressed, “This donation means the world to us. It gives us hope and motivation to pursue our dreams despite our challenges.” Nwazu Precious from the Social Work department added, “We feel seen and valued, knowing that His Royal Majesty Igwe Ogadagidi is standing by us.”
Ambassador Timothy Nwachukwu, Technical Assistant on Communication, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Students Engagement, praised His Majesty’s generosity and empathy, saying, “This donation exemplifies the power of kindness and generosity, providing not only financial assistance but also instilling hope and a sense of belonging among the visually impaired students and their community.”
Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and their fans trooped out at Okpara Square, Enugu, Monday evening, to celebrate the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, trophy won by the team.
The team arrived Enugu in grand style, Monday afternoon, after winning their last league match for the season in Jos where they beat Gombe United 2:1 and were also officially crowned champions, having earlier won the title by thrashing Bendel Insurance of Benin 2:0 in their week 37 league encounter in Enugu.
Lead by their captain, Chukwudi Nwaodu; team manager, Fidelis Ilechukwu; and the General Manager/CEO, Amobi Ezeaku, Rangers were treated to a thunderous ovation by the crowd consisting of the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Lloyd Ekweremadu; his Information and Communications counterpart, Aka Eze Aka; MD, Afrinvest West Africa, Ike Chioke; Executive Chairman, Enugu State Tourism Board, Rita Mbah; a retinue of Rangers legends, Emmanuel Okala; former Council Chairmen; and fans led by Emmanuel Okoh, aka Okwuluora.
Speaking, the GM, Amobi, thanked the fans for all the support given to the players and the entire team, noting also that the governor of the state, Dr. Peter Mbah, made a whole difference by believing in the team with all his heart and investing in all the resources needed to put the team in good spirit and shape to do the exploits.
“First, this is victory, not only for Rangers, but for Ndi Enugu and the entire Ndigbo. We thank our amiable governor for believing in us and giving us all the support. The only support we did not get was probably the one we did not ask for.
“However, the truth is that the journey has just begun, because the victory called for more work. We have to work harder and get even more prepared for the journey ahead. But we are the Never Say Die team. So, we assure you that we will continue to make you proud. We will retain this title next season because it has come to stay.
“Going into continental competitions, rest assured that we will make you proud,” he stated.
Amobi said because the trophy was for their supporters, the doors of Rangers office would be open for the next one month to enable their fans and supporters to have a feel of the trophy and take pictures with it.
While appreciating the fans and the governor for their unflinching support, the Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Lloyd Ekweremadu, assured fans that Rangers would be going into continental competitions more fortified, describing the club as a national pride and brand.
Speaking to journalists, club legend, Emma Okala, said the name of the game was to win and the former players would stand by the team to see them to victory.
“The governor has done very well for the level of support he gave to the players, I must confess. Putting the stadium in order to enable them to play their home matches at The Cathedral instead of Awka was a major clincher,” he said.
A top fan of the club, Emmanuel Okoh, vowed to continue to give his all to ensure that Rangers excel in the coming season and continental competitions.
Okoh doled out cash appreciation to Rangers legend, Emma Okala and some fans.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the federal government to address the lingering insecurity and economic hardship facing the country. This was part of the resolutions reached at the quarterly National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, June 21, 2024.
The communiqué, signed by the NUJ National Secretary, Achike Chude, and the communiqué drafting committee, including Comrade Amos Etuk, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, Comrade Chiroma Ali Ibrahim, and Comrade Mary Replong Domtur, highlighted several resolutions reached at the meeting.
Resolutions
NEC appreciates the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, for hosting the NEC meeting successfully and commending him for his people-oriented policies and programs.
NEC approved the appointment of the National Treasurer, Barrister Dele Atunbi, to also serve as the National Legal Adviser of the NUJ.
NEC further resolved that State Councils MUST be in good financial standing in line with the Constitutional provisions of the Union at all material times.
NEC commends the Governments of Edo and Imo States for donating buses to the State Councils and commends the Governors of Ogun and Akwa Ibom States for appointing NUJ members to key positions.
NEC urges the Governor of Adamawa State, Governor Umaru Fintiri, to sign into Law the Media Bill passed by the Adamawa State House of Assembly.
NEC mandates the National Secretariat to overhaul and reorganize the International Institute of Journalism, IIJ, by instituting a new Governing Council for optimal performance.
NEC cautions politicians to refrain from attacking journalists on essential duties during the upcoming governorship elections in Ondo and Edo States and calls on the heads of security apparatuses to stop the arbitrary arrests and detention of journalists.
NEC frowns at the lingering insecurity across the nation, especially kidnapping, violent crimes, insurgency, banditry, and militancy, and calls on the heads of security apparatuses to address the situation.
NEC expresses dismay at the increasing cost of living conditions and calls on the Federal Government to take immediate measures to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians.
NEC expresses concern about the delay in expected production output at the Dangote Refinery and its impact on the economy.
NEC calls on the Transmission Company of Nigeria and Ministry of Power to restore electricity supply to affected States.
NEC calls on Federal and State Governments to intervene on the poor state of roads in the country.
NEC seeks an urgent consideration from the federal government to include the southeast among the zones captured in the coastal highway project as no zone along the coastal line should be sidelined in the project.
NEC requests communities in flood-prone zones to adhere strictly to the early warnings by NIMET and Federal Ministry of Environment to avoid regrets occasioned by flood disaster. And NEC equally calls on the government to address the perennial flooding affecting most parts of the country.
NEC appeals to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resolve the issue of the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
NEC also appeals to the federal government to address and resolve pending issues with ASUU in the interest of education and Nigerian students.
NEC also resolves to appeal to heads of security agencies to support orphans and widows of deceased security personnel that paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of their duties.
NEC urges the federal government to take urgent steps to regulate the activities of illegal mining in the country to avert further disasters.
Communiqué Drafting Committee
Comrade Amos Etuk, Chairman, NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council (Chairman, CDC)
Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, Chairman, NUJ, Anambra State Council (Member, CDC)
Comrade Chiroma Ali Ibrahim, Secretary, NUJ, Borno State Council (Secretary, CDC)
Comrade Mary Replong Domtur, Secretary, NUJ, Plateau State Council (Member, CDC)
The meeting, presided over by the NUJ President, Chief (Dr.) Chris Isiguzo, MFR, had in attendance journalists from across the country, who deliberated on various issues affecting the union and the country at large.
In a related development, the NUJ has called on the federal government to urgently intervene in the lingering crisis in the university system, particularly the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The Enugu State Ministry of Health has issued a public service announcement alerting residents to the ongoing cholera outbreak affecting several states in Nigeria. While no cases have been confirmed in Enugu State yet, the ministry urges residents to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their community.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which spreads through contaminated food and water, especially during floods or inadequate sanitation conditions. Approximately 30 states in Nigeria, including those surrounding Enugu State, are currently affected.
To prevent the spread of cholera, residents are advised to:
– Boil or treat drinking water to ensure its safety
– Wash hands frequently with soap and clean running water
– Avoid consuming raw or undercooked food
– Cook food thoroughly
– Avoid street food or food from unhygienic sources
– Wash fruits and vegetables properly
– Educate family, friends, and neighbors about cholera prevention
– Report any symptoms promptly (diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration) to health authorities nearest to you
If symptoms occur (severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration), seek medical attention immediately. Cholera can be treated effectively if detected early.
The Enugu State Ministry of Health has pre-positioned drugs and consumables to contain the outbreak in case it reaches the state.
Remember, prevention is our best defense against cholera. Let’s work together to keep our community safe.
SIGNED
Hon. Commissioner for Health Enugu State Ministry of Health
Traditional rulers, town union presidents-general, and stakeholders in Enugu North Senatorial Zone of Enugu State have commended the governor of the state, Dr. Peter Mbah, for the proposed ultra modern market at Nru, Ede-Oballa and Eha-Alumona boundaries in Nsukka local government area.
Reading a letter conveying government’s plan to a meeting of the royal fathers, PGS, and stakeholders of the zone at Nsukka Local Government headquarters, Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, said the purpose of the meeting was to ensure that there was a collective acceptance of the project by the concerned communities.
Igwe Asadu, who is also the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, maintained that the construction of the ultra modern market required maximum cooperation by all to ensure its speedy realisation as planned by the government.
“We have only one agenda here and that is to discuss about the proposed new ultra modern market by the state government. We are faced with a new phase, so no need going back to the old phase. Development is what is about coming to our place. My duty is to ensure that the right thing is done and it is my duty to use my good offices to maintain peace at all times,” he said.
In his address, a renowned stakeholder in Enugu North, Hon. Chinedu Onu, while expressing his happiness over the development, said that the intention of the Enugu State government to build an ultra modern market in Nsukka was an opportunity that should be welcomed with two hands.
According to him, the government had the right to use land in any part of the state in overriding public interest, urging the communities involved to ensure maximum cooperation between them and the government in order to attract more projects to the zone.
“The governor we have today is an empathic governor. He feels the pulse of his subjects. Today, Nsukka has notable sons in government and they are ensuring that the dividends of democracy get to their people.
“The acquisition of this land started during the tenure of our son, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Today, the new government wants to complete it to 100 hectares and give Nsukka one of best markets anyone can think of. So, what we have to do now is to support them and make sure that this comes to fruition,” he said.
Speaking, the traditional ruler of Ede-Oballa community, Igwe Christian Asogwa, maintained that the involvement of the stakeholders of the community by the government showed Governor Mbah’s democratic dispositions in dealing with the people.
According to him, they had already lost hope of the market since the past administration came to them asking for a land to build a world-class market for the people of Nsukka, but today their hope had been rekindled as the present administration was out to start the project in earnest.
“Since the state has involved us in this, we will not have any option than to give them our blessings. At a point, we started asking ourselves whether the government had lost interest in building the modern market for us, because the former administration started this process, but they couldn’t complete it. But thank God that today, we have a governor, who is out to build the market for our people. Yes, market ushers in development in a society and adds value to the community lands. We pray it comes to fruition,” Igwe Asadu said.
On his Part, the traditional ruler of Agbamere, Eha-Alumona, Igwe Simon Ugwu, commended Governor Mbah, saying that his people were strongly behind the government to build the market for the interest of all.
“The Lord has remembered Nsukka land, as this move will go a long way in giving Nsukka a face-lift and boost economic activities in the zone,” he said.
In his own remark, the traditional ruler of Eziama Edem Nsukka, Igwe Linus Akugwu, lauded the governor for his good intentions, assuring that the land, which was earlier given to the state government during the past administration for the market was still intact. He said that anyone, who encroached on the said land had done so at his own peril.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Ogige Market Traders Association, Ngozika Ozioko, popularly known as Mama G, had equally commended the governor for finding Nsukka worthy of such wonderful proposed project. She maintained that though the demolition of the Ogige for the purpose of building the Modern Transport Terminal affected some people, it was common knowledge that development all over the world come with temporary inconveniences.
She said that the traders of Ogige Market were happy with the news of the proposed market, asserting that although some felt the impact of the change going on at Ogige Market, Nsukka, everyone had realised that it was necessitated by development.
“The truth is that the demolition of Ogige Market was not targeted at hurting anyone. It is a development that is coming and it has this way of affecting some persons, who will still later enjoy the benefit of the change that is coming.
“The governor is just one year in office. By the time he will be clocking four years in the office, we will be seeing wonders in all the entire state. May God bless governor Peter Mbah and give him the strength to complete his good works in Enugu,” Mrs Ozioko said.
REFMEDIA GISTS 