The Orbit News

15/11/2023

09/06/2023

Don urges executive, to allow legislators free hands to elect their principal officers.

By Our Reporter, Nsukka.

A Senior Lecturer, at the Department of Political Science University of Nigeria Nsukka(UNN), has urged the executive arm of government to allow elected states and national assembly members free hands to elect their principal officers.

Dr Chinedu Ejezie gave the advice in Nsukka on Friday in an interview with our reporter while speaking on June 13 inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.

Ejezie said that, the country's constitution recognised separation of powers and autonomy of the three arms of government; the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

He said it would amount to contravening the constitution of the country if any arm of government would insist on dictating or imposing principal officers on another arm.

"Whether in states or federal, the president and state governors being leaders of executive respectively should allow free hands to national and state assembly members to elect their officers, this is the beauty of democracy.

"Interfering or imposing principal officers on assembly members amount to flouting the country's constitution that granted the legislature autonomy to manage its affairs,'he said.

The Political Scientist said that, the danger of imposing principal officers on national or state assembly was that, officers will lack the political will to take decisions without first consulting the executive arm that installed him or her.

"The constitution is aware of this danger and its consequences that it granted autonomy and independent to the three arms of government.

"We all know that "he who pays the piper, dictates the tune" when the executive imposed officers on legislature, invariably it will dictate to them the bills to pass into law and those that will not be passed.

"This ugly condition most times makes the legislature a 'rubber stamp' or an appendage of the executive,"he said.

The don urged members of national and state assembly to put national interest first while electing their principal officers.

"Ensure that those you will elect as principal officers are men and women with proven and varifiable track records irrespective of their tribe, religion and political party affiliations.

"Remember the quality and capacity of those you elected will go a long to determine your achievements at the end of your 4-year tenure,"Ejezie added.

30/12/2022

*Enugu Traditional Ruler Pledges to Transform Community into Global Recognition*

By Uche Eze, Nsukka.

The traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka local government area of Enugu state, HRH, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu (Jr,) has pledged to change the face of his community to a globally recognized one.

Asadu, who made the pledge at his coronation ceremony held at Community Secondary School Edem-Ani added that he will leverage on his contacts to attract sustainable and result oriented development projects for the community.

“By the special grace of God, my reign will put our community in the world map and our community will be heard globally. I will leverage on my enormous contacts, home and abroad to continue to attract worthy developmental projects to my community.

My dream for Edem-Ani people is that of a community where there will be love and harmony among the people, and where the son of a nobody can become somebody someday”, he said.

The traditional ruler who was described as a philanthropist said his planned development vision for the community would involve short and long terms, saying that he would continue to provide succor to the less privileged and the sick through sustained financing of the community hospital at Ozalla-Ugbogidi village in the short-term, while the long-term plan involves youth empowerment programs to counter poverty and other social menace.

“I will sustain the sponsorship of outstanding Edem-Ani sons and daughters to various institutions of higher learning abroad for further studies. My vision is that in the next three years, I would have sponsored at least 10 young men and women from the community for further studies abroad”, he said.

Meanwhile, Igwe Asadu said the Food Bank Program he initiated in the community was aimed at alleviating hunger and poverty in the area.

According to him, he targets to feed about 100 people daily when the program becomes fully functional.

In a goodwill message by the Royal Father of the day, HRM, Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa, the Attah of Igalla, he commended the Enugu state government for given its traditional rulers enabling ground to operate, adding that he was happy to be a witness to the coronation of HRH, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu.

The member representing Nsukka West State Constituency in Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Emma Ugwuerua, who spoke to our correspondent shortly after the occasion said that “Edem-Ani is blessed with a leader who is ready and willing to impact meaningfully on the people”. He described Igwe Asadu as a promoter of peace and development and urged him to remain focused and steadfast in his leadership of the community.

The ceremony attracted dignitaries from far and near, including the executive governor of Enugu state, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The highpoint of the ceremony was the cutting of the coronation cake by the traditional ruler and his family members.

11/12/2022

11/12/2022

Enugu Communities Hail Ugwuanyi over Road Construction

By Uche Eze, from Nsukka

It was jubilation galore among the people of Ibagwa-Agu and Utobolo autonomous communities in Nsukka West State Constituency of Enugu state as the State government commenced the construction of access road to the areas after years of neglect. This was as the residents showered praises on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for alleviating their aged long plight, stressing that they will remain grateful to him.

They expressed their joy during the flag off of the road at Ugwuoroko village in Utobolo community. Speaking on behalf of the communities, the traditional ruler of Utobolo autonomous community, HRH, Igwe Fidelis Ugwuanyi, said they were overwhelmed with joy on governor Ugwuanyi’s intervention on the road, saying that for decades the two communities have no access road.

According to the traditional ruler, Ibagwa-Agu and Utobolo communities have had unpalatable experience in accessing other neighbouring communities as well as evacuating their farm produce, especially during raining season due to the bad state of the road. He pointed out that the governor’s intervention was the fall out of their recent visit to him at the Government House Enugu where he pledged to construct the road to enhance easy movement of the people and boost transportation of their farm produce.

“For decades, we don’t have access road to these two communities; Ibagwa-Agu and Utobolo. No governor in Enugu State has ever come to our rescue except Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. We are happy that the Governor has fulfilled his promise to construct road that links the communities with Okwutu-Okpuje-Ibagwa-Ani-Nsukka road, a promise he made when we paid him courtesy visit, led by the member representing Nsukka West State Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ugwuerua.

We thank him for fulfilling his promise and we assure him of our loyalty and support to his 2023 senatorial aspiration for Enugu North Senatorial zone. We also thank our brother and son, Hon. Ugwuerua for his good representation, transparency and accountability to the people. We cannot forget his role in ensuring that the road is made accessible”, he said.

Hon. Dominic Ajibo, the Administrator of Nsukka West Development area in his remarks said governor Ugwuanyi has reduced the suffering of the people who had for several years, been passing through harrowing experience arising from inaccessible road. He added that Ugwuanyi's administration has ensured continued enjoyment of democracy dividends by his people.

Meanwhile, Hon. Ugwuerua, who flagged off the 18.3kms road project on behalf of governor Ugwuanyi said the state government is prepared to construct rural roads, to open up access to various communities in the development area, adding that work will soon commence at 9.4kms Ibagwa-Ani-Agu-Ibagwa Farm road, emphasizing that the contract had been awarded.

The law-maker assured the people that the problem of access roads in the area will soon be over.

The governor's representative however urged the contractor, Engr. Henry Nnaemeka Ikah of A*o Rock Logistics and Engineering Company to speedy up project and complete it within the record time.

01/09/2022

2023 Enugu Guber Race:"Mba is our candidate"... Enugu North Zonal Traditional Rulers.
By Omeoyalu Nwezike, Nsukka.

The traditional rulers in the six local government areas in Enugu North Senatorial zone of the state, on Tuesday 30th August, 2022 unanimously endorsed the People’s Democratic Party’s gubernatorial candidate, Barr. Peter Chigozie Mbah and presented “Ofo” (staff of authority) to him, saying the “ofo” should serve as his guiding light as he contests for the number one seat Enugu state:occupation of Lion Building for the 2023 general election in Nigeria.

The endorsement of Barr. Mbah came few weeks after the Town Union President-Generals and Secretaries of all the autonomous communities in the zone endorsed him and his deputy designate, Ifeanyi Ossai in Nsukka as their choice candidates for the election.

The traditional rulers is led by their zonal chairman, His Royal Highness Raphael S.N.Eze.Igwe Simon OkeOsisi Itodo the Ezeoha 1 of Essodo kingdom in Enugu Ezikein a town hall meeting held at Adada Hall in Nsukka with the governorship candidate, his running mate and other PDP stakeholders from the zone, said they have confidence in Mbah’s candidacy, pointing out that he has the capacity to deliver and consolidate on Governor Ugwuanyi’s achievements in the state. While presenting the “Ofo” on behalf of his colleagues to Mbah, Igwe Itodo assured him of their unalloyed support during and after the election.

The governorship candidate who was visibly overwhelmed by the support and honour bestowed on him by the royal fathers, extolled them for the confidence they reposed in him, stressing that he would not disappoint them and the people of Enugu North senatorial zone if elected to lead the state in 2023. Barr. Mbah said he was elected to flag the fly of PDP after the Party’s Primary held in May 2022 on the principles of equity, justice and fairness, adding that he would imbibe the same principles if eventually he occupies the Lion Building in Enugu.

“Our spiritual and natural fathers are sending me to the Lion Building to be their voice, to be their anchor and to be their representative. I salute you, all the traditional rulers in Enugu North Senatorial zone for your diligent wisdom and as the representatives of our ancestors.

“You have all come today collectively with one strong voice saying, “they are sending me to the Lion Building”. I therefore thank you for reposing your confidence and love in me. I want to assure you that we are not going to let you down. The position you have taken is consistent with what Enugu North has said and spoken through you.
“On the 24th day of November 2020, Odinma Nsukka came together and assured that their decision and direction will be led by His Excellency, our amiable Governor. The governor himself said his decision will be guided by equity, justice and fairness.
“On the 25th day of May, 2022, in line with the principles of equity, justice and fairness, I emerged as the candidate of our great Party, the People’s Democratic Party for 2023 governorship general election. So, you can some consistency. I am a product of equity, justice and fairness and I am going to imbibe the same principles in the course of my leadership of the people”, Mbah said.

He pledged to partner with the traditional rulers in his government development plan, adding that their plan for development would centre around the people, as democracy is all about the people.
"The concept of democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people and we have no choice than to partner with you, the institution of tradition and custodians of culture. I will like to assure you that the decision you made today has assured you a noble place when history is made in Enugu state in 2023. You have demonstrated that you are fair minded traditional rulers”, he said.

Speaking further, Barr. Mbah said if elected that he would transform Enugu North senatorial zone with monumental development projects, adding that the area would be turned into a formidable tourist centre capable of attracting over 3Million visitors in the next four to eight years, as well as focus on integrated rural development programme.

Among those in the town hall meeting were the deputy governor designate, Ifeanyi Ossai, Engr. Vita Abbah, the PDP House of Representative candidate for Nsukka-Igbo-Eze Federal constituency, Engr. Simon Atigwe, PDP House of Reps candidate for Udenu-Igbo-Eze North Federal constituency, Hon. Emma Ugwuerua, member representing Nsukka West State Constituency in Enugu state House of Assembly, some local government chairmen in the zone, including Udenu local government, Hon. Solomon Izuchukwu Onah who is also the state ALGON chairman and the PDP State Chairman, Augustine Nnamani and other party loyalists.

18/07/2022

Enugu: Town Unions pass vote of confidence on Ugwuanyi,endorse Mbah-Ossai candidacy for 2023.
By Chinazomu Okenwa, Nsukka

As the of 2023 general elections draws closer by months, Town Unions in Enugu North Senatorial district of Enugu State on Saturday 16th July,2022 endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the senatorial candidate for the zone in 2023.
In addition,the group also adopted the Party’s governorship flag bearer, Barrister Peter Mbah and his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai as their preferred candidates for the governorship election in the state, stressing their confidence on the duo to better the lots of Ndi Enugu.

The endorsement of the trio followed a motion moved by the President-General of all the town unions’ Presidents in Enugu state, Chief Barr.Paulinus Eze at a town hall meeting of the unions’ presidents and secretaries from the six local government areas that constitute Enugu North Senatorial district(Udenu, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Nsukka, Uzo-Uwani and Igbo-Etiti) convened by Odinma Nsukka at the Adada Hall of Nsukka local government area. The motion was unanimously seconded by members.

Speaking on what prompted the group to endorse the trio for their various elective positions, Chief Eze said governor Ugwuanyi had made unprecedented achievements in the state, promoted the activities of town unions as well as made communities nearer to the government. According to him, Ugwuanyi on assumption of office in 2015 recognized town unions as important organs in the administration of communities and made them more effective and efficient through financial and moral supports.

“In April 2015, former governor Sullivan Chime handed town unions over to governor Ugwuanyi and since he inherited the unions, there have been positive changes that have made the unions effective and efficient. He first approved payment of N30, 000 (Thirty Thousand naira) stipend, organized workshop for the unions and introduced VEC (Visit Every Community). He was the first governor that provided N5M to all the autonomous communities in the state to execute project of their choice.

"With these, we see it as necessary to appreciate the governor’s gestures by asking him to represent the zone in the senate, come 2023 and by extension voting massively for those he has confidence in for the forthcoming elections. It is the view of the town union Executives that in voting for Mbah and Ossai, we are voting for peace, good governance and consolidation of Ugwuanyi’s legacies”, chief Eze said.

However, contrary to allegations that governor Ugwuanyi truncated the zoning system in the senatorial seat in the zone by instituting himself for the position for 2023, the president of Odinma Nsukka and former PDP chairman in the state, Engr. Vita Abbah denounced the claim, stressing that the governor was pressured to join the race by Odinma Nsukka, which he said was working for the interest of the zone.

“The intelligentials in Nsukka and the Odinma Nsukka went to Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to prevail on him to contest for the senatorial seat for 2023 general election. It wasn’t the governor that forced himself into joining the senatorial zone election. There is no personal interest on who goes to senate but on the conviction that Ugwuanyi is capable of entrenching fair and equal representation when he gets to the senate”, he said.
Engr. Abba further pointed out that the essence of the town hall meeting was to interact with the unions, with the view to explaining the true picture of the political situation in the state, especially as it concerns Enugu North Senatorial, where he said people have been attacking governor Ugwuanyi since after the conduct of PDP primaries. He however stressed that it was not an avenue to campaign for the governor, adding that when people were not properly informed, the polity might be heated with adequate justification.

In his remarks, the deputy governor designate for the 2023 governorship election in the state, Barrister Ossai, commended the town union President generals for their maturity and understanding, adding that the endorsement of governor Ugwuanyi for senate, Barrister Mbah and himself was a clear demonstration that the governor did well in leveraging the welfare of the people of the state. He stated that the anger and attacks on the people from some sections of the state were the fallout of the PDP primaries and described the situation as unnecessary and mere political propaganda that was aimed at smearing the good image of the governor.

He therefore enjoined the people of Enugu North Senatorial district to disregard any move by political opponents to inject bad blood in them, emphasizing that they should give Ugwuanyi and his political train the much needed supports to win the 2023 elections.

Other speakers during the meeting were Malachy Agbo, Secretary General of Odinma Nsukka, Chief Innocent Ezeoha, the State Vice Chairman of PDP, Rt. Hon. Ezenta representing Igbo-Etiti East in Enugu State House of Assembly. Barrister Walter Ozioko, chairman, Nsukka local government area, Dr. Dan Shere, former Enugu SSG and Hon. Simon Atigwe, representing Udenu-Igbo Eze North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. They urged the people to have positive and holistic assessment of Ugwuanyi’s achievements for the state and Nsukka as a whole before joining those that crucify him.

The town hall meeting also attracted some local government chairmen in the zone as well as other political stalwarts in PDP.

21/06/2022

Congratulatory message to Barr.Ifeanyi Ossai.

We, the members of the Adada General Adada (AGA) world- wide hereby felicitate with Barr.Ifeanyi Ossai on his emergence as the gubernatorial running mate to the People's Democratic Party(PDP) flag bearer in Enugu state, Barr.Peter Mbah.

Sir, we glorify God for the uncommon favour upon you our son for the position which was well sought by many who were also eminently qualified for the exalted position.

We immensely thank Barr.Peter Mbah and the PDP family in the state for finding you worthy for the position.

We assure you, your principal and His Excellency, Rt.Hon.Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi our dear governor of the state of our unalloyed support in all ramifications to take Enugu state to greater heights in line with the dreams of our founding fathers who fought tirelessly for the creation of the state.

Sir, we urge you to be our good ambassador. We are behind you and we pray for you.

Enugu state is in the hands of God.

Congratulations.

Comrade Ike Okenyi.
National Deputy Director of Media and Publicity.
Adada General Assembly(AGA).

18/05/2022

Adada General Assembly supports Ugwuanyi on Choice of Successor, canvasses for a candidate from Isi-Uzo.

By Goddyson Ezike, Nsukka.

Adada General Assembly(AGA),World Wide, a Socio-cultural Organization in Nsukka cultural zone of Enugu state has commended the Enugu State governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his giant developmental strides in the State and pledged its unalloyed support to whoever he chooses as his successor in the 2023 governorship election.

The group also requested him to pick his preferred candidate for the 2023 guber race from Isi-Uzo local government area of the state.

The chairman of the group, Hon. Lazarus Ogbonna who briefed journalists on Tuesday at Adada Hall in Nsukka local government area said the group is conscious of the political gimmicks and propaganda trending on the social media to truncate zoning formula for the election of governor in Enugu State as well as prevent the incumbent from naming his successor. Added that members of the group are aware of the antecedents of Ugwuanyi's predecessors, who single handedly picked their successors.

According to the chairman, nothing stops Governor Ugwuanyi from taking to the earlier arrangement in making his choice of successor, stressing that Senator Chimaroke Nnamani anointed Sullivan Chime in 2007, while Chime chose Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as his successor in 2015.

“Gentlemen of the press, we have invited you for two main reasons; the first is to appreciate governor Ugwuanyi on his developmental strides in Enugu State. We are particularly impressed on the efforts he has made to transform Nsukka to greater heights, through the provisions of infrastructural facilities, employment of our sons and daughters, empowerment and capacity building of our youths; among others.

The second one is on the issue of power shift in the state. We are aware of the succession precedence already in place in Enugu State, which began with Chimaroke Nnamani. He chose Sullivan Chime as his successor in 2007, and Sullivan in 2015 had Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as his preferred candidate.

"With this precedence already on ground, it therefore becomes imperative that Governor Ugwuanyi toe the steps of his predecessors to nominate who will succeed him in 2023 governorship election. It is not a crime if he does that.

"As at today, Ugwuanyi leads and should decide who succeeds him. Those mounting pressure on him to change the already existing pattern, should henceforth cease to interfere in his political activities and allow him to concentrate and make his choice of successor.

"We want to assure His Excellency that whoever is his choice, is our choice . Let it also be known that whoever fights Governor Ugwuanyi, is fighting Adada General Assembly”, he said.

The group also called on Governor Ugwuanyi to consider zoning the next governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Isi-Uzo local government area of the state, noting that the area is the most politically marginalized in Enugu East Senatorial zone. This, Ogbonna said should be for equity, justice and fairness and to give the people identity in the politics of the state.

“Adada General Assembly is miffed by the high-tech political move to suppress Isi-Uzo from the political power sharing in Enugu East Senatorial zone and to totally deny them identity in the political configuration of the zone. It is sad that Isi-Uzo which was ceded into the zone through political gerrymandering has not been duly recognized for elective positions. It is the most disadvantaged area in the zone such that it is denied all the elective positions for the National Assembly.

“It is regrettable too that even when Isi-Uzo man, Professor Den Chris Onah was appointed the Vice Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), he was denied the opportunity on the ground that “he is from Nsukka”. That was a very unfortunate and disappointing situation as the people have since remained at the receiving end in the political representation. We exist as human because we have identity. Where now can one place an average Isi-Uzo person. Nkanu people have denied them identity and this is an auspicious time to address these political injustices.

"We therefore appeal to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State to give Isi-Uzo identity. We know that Ugwuanyi is a man of justice and the only one that can assuage the feelings of Isi-Uzo people, the group said”.

The Socio-cultural Group advised those who engage in social media warfare over who succeeds Ugwuanyi to avoid heating the polity for interest of peace and harmony in the State; and commended Ugwuanyi for the peaceful co-existence of Ndi Enugu and urged his would-be successor to maintain the tempo.

In the press briefing were Barrister Ogbuja Ogbu, the group Secretary, Comrade Ike Okenyi, National Deputy Director Media and Publicity, Hon. Cosmo Agbo, Exco official member among other members of the group.

25/02/2022

Today, Friday February, 25,2022,President Buhari has signed the controversial amended electoral act into law.
Below are the major highlights:

Here is the summary of ten key provisions of the new ELECTORAL ACT LAW .

1. Clause 29(1) stipulates that parties must conduct primaries and submit their list of candidates at least 180 days before the general elections.

2. Clause 65 states that INEC can review results declared under duress.

3. Clause 3(3) states that funds for general elections must be released at least one year before the election.

4. Clause 51 says that the total number of accredited voters will become a factor in determining over-voting at election tribunals.

5. Clause 54(2) makes provisions for people with disabilities and special needs.

6. Clause 47 gives legislative backing for smart card readers and any other voter accreditation technology that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deploy.

7. Clause 34 gives political parties power to conduct a primary election to replace a candidate who died during an election.

8. Clause 50 gives INEC the legal backing for electronic transmission of election results.

9. Clause 94 allows for early commencement of the campaign season. By this provision, the campaign season will now start 150 days to the election day and end 24 hours before the election.

10. Clause 84 stipulates that anyone holding a political office – ministers, commissioners, special advisers and others – must relinquish the position before they can be eligible to participate in the electoral process either as a candidate or as a delegate.

27/01/2022

Jonas EzikeUroko , Onunekwuru Oha Ohebe-Dim 1 dies @ 73 for burial Jan15,2022.

By Ike Okenyi.
A seasoned high ranking member of the revered Oha Ohebe-Dim, Igbo-Etiti local government area of Enugu state has died at the age of 73 according to a press release signed by his eldest son, Mr Chibueze John Ezike on behalf of the family said today dated January 3,2022.

The obituary announcement indicates that the body of late Chief Jonas EzikeUroko will be buried in his family compound at Umudimnevu in Nnawamu village of Ejuona Ohebe-Dim.

Okwuruoha as he was popularly called was a farmer of great repute.A dogged fearless fighter for just causes, a mentor, iconic , humble, honest and peace loving.
The late sage was a community leader who dedicated over four decades to the service of his community and humanity at large.
He is revered throughout the community for his hard work and selflessness.

As a beacon of hope to so many orphans he gained the name Okpokotarhibe as he is always available to assuage the sufferings of the less privileged.

His body will leave Bishop Shanahan hospital mortuary to lie in state at the Obu Umudinevu, Ejuona primary school,the compound of Elder Ozor William Obute (his maternal uncle)and at Obeke clan and to his compound for internment and funeral activities.

The family of late Ozo Okwesilieze Ezike Uroko enjoin well wishers to join them in paying last respects to the beloved icon.

Left to mourn him are (who died on October 25,2021)are his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters,several nephews nieces.

21/11/2021

01/10/2021

Celebrating Governor Ugwuanyi’s Excellent Performance in Enugu State Health Sector at Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary.

By Dr. Emma Ugwuerua

Today, October 1, 2021 is another milestone in the history of Nigeria as the country marks her 61st Independence Anniversary. It is a period Nigerians celebrate their liberation from the clutches of the colonial masters; and more so, a time to pay glowing tributes to well meaning Nigerians that have contributed to the well-being of the country and its citizens.

Therefore, as the people of Enugu State join other Nigerians to commemorate this historic event, it is also expected that they use this opportunity to rejoice with their Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, for his outstanding improvement on the health of the people of the state, through revitalization and re-invigoration of the Enugu State Health Sector for effective service delivery.

It was Winston Churchill who said that healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have, while Mahatma Gandhi observed that it is health that is the real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver. Thus, one of the principles set out in the introductory part of the World Health Organization’s constitution is that health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security.

The administration of Chief Ugwuanyi, no doubt is conscious of this vital aspect of life, knowing fully well that the success of the state is dependent on the quality of the lives of its citizens which could only be achieved through the provision of quality health care system. Thus, during his maiden address as the Governor of Enugu State, he promised to give Ndi Enugu a health system that would guarantee their health safety and also attract patients from other parts of the country.

Today, His Excellency has proven to the people that good and sustainable health system is sine-qua-non to good and effective governance.

First, his government rehabilitated and upgraded facilities at the School of Basic Midwifery and General Hospital Awgu, which was established in 1951 by the Missionary, taken over by the old Anambra State in 1977 but was later abandoned to its ruin.

And due to the prolonged neglect of the institution, it lost its accreditation in 2004 but this was restored in 2018 through Governor Ugwuanyi’s intervention. This was also as his government offset the payment of the accommodation fees of the first set of fifty students and second set of eighty-one students of the school.

Similarly, to ensure effective health care service delivery in the state, the Governor, in line with the Enugu State Health Sector Reform Law of 2017, in 2018, inaugurated the Board of Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage to guarantee effective implementation of access to quality and affordable health care services.

To further enhance easy access to medical facilities, especially by the rural populace, Governor Ugwuanyi’s government constructed Seven Type-three Primary Health Centres in seven local government areas in the State. The local government areas are Ezeagu, Nkanu East, Igbo-Etiti, Igbo-Eze South, Isi-Uzo, Udenu and Uzo-Uwani.

Also, the General Hospitals in Agbani, Enugu-Ezike and Nsukka were upgraded and rehabilitated alongside the rehabilitation of other thirty-four health facilities across the State.

Besides, the State Government embarked on the construction of physical infrastructure at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) both in Enugu and Igbo Eno sections of the State owned university, and also established state-of-the art Enugu State Diagnostic Centre, the first of its kind in the State. Qualified and Competent medical personnel were also recruited for efficiency in the sector.

At the time coronavirus pandemic was ravaging the world, the administration of His Excellency took proactive measures to contain the spread of the disease. Consequently, Colliery Hospital Enugu which had been abandoned for years, was reconstructed, equipped and designated as Infectious Disease Isolation and Treatment Centre. This was also as Isolation centers were built and equipped at the relevant areas of the state, including Nsukka to handle cases arising from the virus. Palliatives were as well given to the indigent persons of the state to cushion the effect of the pandemic.

It is also worthy to state that His Excellency has shown benevolence to health workers’ welfare in the State. The recent upward review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure from forty-one to sixty percent with effect from September 2021, was a pointer to this. He also demonstrated love to some patients who could not offset their hospital bills by paying such bills. Suffice it to note that he recently pledged to offset any bill arising from the treatment of the victims of Kerosene explosion from Igbo-Etiti local government of the state who are currently receiving treatment at the ESUT Teaching Hospital, Park lane, Enugu.

There is no gainsaying that Governor Ugwuanyi has done enormously well in the health sector of the State, including ensuring that proper hygiene and sanitary measures are carried out throughout the state and engaged the services of over one thousand youths to clean up the streets under the auspices of the “Enugu Clean Team Project”.

Evidently, Governor Ugwuanyi has demonstrated that he values the lives of the people he leads and that excellence is never an accident but the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful ex*****on and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.
Your Excellency, as we rejoice with other Nigerians today, we are saying Happy Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary. Enugu remains in the hands of God. To God be the Glory.

*Dr. Emma Ugwuerua is a member, Representing Nsukka West State Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly*

*The above is today's focus in FRCN Enugu*
You may wish to tune in for a repeat broadcast by 11am for the Igbo version of the focus, 6 and 9pm respectively for English version.
*Happy New Month & Nigeria Independence Anniversary*