Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reiterated his call for the enforcement of anti-spill lock on fuel tankers across the country, saying that disasters arising from tanker-spill had become too frequent.

Mbah restated the call on Tuesday when he received in his office the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, and her team who were in Enugu to flag-off the distribution of emergency intervention items to the victims of the Saturday tanker fire that caused the loss of several lives on the spot and also consumed several vehicles and goods at Ugwu Onyeama along the Enugu-Onitsha federal highway.

“As I stated when I visited the scene, we have disasters that we know that we obviously could not have envisaged or predicted; and when they happen, we trigger all the responses that we have set up.

“But this issue of tanker fire or explosion is becoming too recurrent and I did call on the law enforcement agencies, particularly the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, to ensure the enforcement of the anti-spill lock. This is because if we have anti-spill lock on those tankers carrying inflammable products like petrol and automotive gas oil, we will then be able to mitigate such disasters because even if the tanker falls, it will still not spill. But what happened in Enugu was a function of the spill of PMS (petrol) that got into other cars, and they got ignited.

“So, I will always want to use this opportunity again to reiterate my call on the law enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the anti-spill lock on all our petroleum product tankers. It is extremely important,” he stated.

The governor explained that his administration was doing everything humanly possible to ensure that the survivors got full medical treatment, noting that the government would bear the full expenses. 

“We have those that are at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH)  and the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Hospital, Park Lane,  and we are taking care of the bills,” he said.

He thanked and commended President Bola Tinubu and NEMA for their empathy, commiseration, and quick response to the sad development.

“We are deeply grateful for the support you have also provided. It is also a demonstration of the partnership between the federal government and the sub-nationals in this case, which we would want to entrench. We provided the ever-needed logistics to ensure that these items get to those who are most in need of them,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Umar, while commiserating with the government and people of Enugu State over the sad incident, commended Governor Mbah for showing leadership in the midst of the disaster.

“I wish to commend you for the timely visit to the scene of the incident and various decisions made, including ensuring that maximum medical attention was given to the survivors.

“Today’s flag-off of relief assistance to the victims of tanker fire is therefore an outcome of the collaborative initiative, which NEMA has put in place to support the population at risk. It is the collective responsibility of all tiers of government to provide support to disaster victims; hence, NEMA is therefore complementing the efforts of the state government,” she said.

She announced  a donation of  relief materials consisting of 200 25kg-bags of Rice, 200 cartons of spaghetti, 20 cartons of five-litre vegetable oil, 20 cartons of seasoning and 20 cartons of tomatoes paste and medicaments and medical consumables to persons affected and impacted by the tanker fire explosion in Enugu State.

The DG also added her voice to the alarm over the increasing rate of tanker fire in various parts of the country.

“The increasing cases of tanker fire explosion across Nigeria are not only devastating, but also a clog on the wheel of progress and economic development of our communities. Such incidents have negatively impacted lives, property, the environment, and have a grave potential of slowing down our developmental strides,” the DG concluded.

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Agbani- – The Enugu State Governor, Barr Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah has commended the management of the Enugu State University 9f Science and Technology, ESUT for its recorded innovative breakthrough.

The Governor who gave the commendation recently while inspecting the various technological innovations produced by the University said the Institution remains pivotal in changing global dynamics in innovative and man-power development

“Indeed, I saw technology deployed in the cause of service as I toured an exhibition pavilion showcasing a diverse range of products from biotechnology to pharmacology.

“Universities are meant to spur technological advancement. It is in line with this philosophy that I announced a new policy requiring all state-owned tertiary institutions in Enugu State to henceforth deliver Experiential Learning to our students. This change will reflect in planning, budget, curriculum reform, assessment and promotions, as well as research,” he said.

The Visitor to the University while expressing delight over the breakthrough, enumerated the government’s efforts I. Repositioning the university including earmarking₦1.6 billion for Infrastructural upgrade at the ESUT College of Medicine, ESUCOM

“We are also committing substantial funds for research purposes next year. These would be made available to state-owned tertiary institutions.

“We have committed over N1.6 billion to carry out structural expansion at ESUT to compensate for the space constraints at Parklane.

“We have equally provided funds worth hundreds of millions to this institution for various programmes, including setting up a multi-purpose laboratory at the College of Medicine, water reticulation at the College of Medicine, rehabilitation of Anatomy building at the College of Medicine, procurement of equipment for re-accreditation of Nursing Sciences, Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory Sciences and procurement of equipment for resource verification of Public Health, Radiography, Human Nutrition and Dietetics as well as Biomedical Engineering in addition to other major interventions to transform the institution.

“We would be setting up a Centre for Experiential Learning here. It would be an experiential hub where professors will be wholly immersed in Experiential Learning, which would be passed on to their students,” Mbah said.

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Governor Mbah in a handshake with ESUT Monitor Newspaper Editor-in-Chief, Joseph Joy

The Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Barr Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah has pledged to support the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT flagship newspaper, the ESUT Monitor.

The Governor made the promise on Tuesday at the Agbani Campus of the university while delivering the Maiden Distinguished Personality Lecture at the newly built 1000-Capacity Multipurpose Auditorium, named after him.

The Governor who spoke on the theme, “Experiential Learning: Building the Wealth of the Nation” made the promise when the Editor-in-chief, Joseph Joy and the News Editor, Chiekezie Emmanuel presented a copy of the publication to him.

The Governor who was visibly happy over the creative work of the students made enquiries about the paper’s frequency of publication and funding

The Editor-in-Chief, explained that the papers is published once every semester, a situation that didn’t go down well with the Governor.

“Why once every semester?” The Governor inquired.

“We don’t have the financial capacity to publish more than once, sir,” Joy said.

“How is the funding?”

“The publication is funded by the department and on few occasions through event coverage and advert. But the department is responsible, sir.”

“This is not ideal. I will support you to ensure that the paper comes out regularly. I will follow it up with your VC and you will hear from us. Keep it up,” the Governor said.

The editors expressed gratitude and posed for a photograph with the Governor, marking a triumphant moment for ESUT Monitor Newspaper.

ESUT Monitor Newspaper is a publication of the Department of Mass Communication, ESUT. It serves primarily as the training medium for the students in the journalism training.

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Enugu – The Governor of Enugu State, Barr Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah has flagged off the construction of a 300-bed international hospital in the state.

Flagging off the project on Monday, the Governor while performing the groundbreaking ceremony said the the project once again cements the Government’s believe in good health and well-being of the people.

Gov Mbah noted that when completed, the Hospital would have multi-specialty healthcare facility that’s set to become Africa’s leading destination for medical tourism.

“Today, we flagged off the Enugu International Hospital project – a 300-bed, multi-specialty healthcare facility that’s set to become Africa’s leading destination for medical tourism. This hospital, to be equipped with cutting-edge technology and an array of specialised services, will offer everything from cardiology, oncology, and ICU care to rehabilitation and medical engineering.

“It is a commitment to bring to an end, the need of seeking medical care overseas by our people. The facility will also serve as a training and research centre for students from our state’s major tertiary institutions, building a future of skilled healthcare professionals.

“We’re actively engaging our sons and daughters in the diaspora, inviting them to bring their expertise back to Enugu. We’re giving them our word that Enugu is open and ready for business. We have derisked investment, offering incentives to make sure their returns are guaranteed.

“Today’s groundbreaking reaffirms our dedication to improving healthcare at all levels – from primary centers and cottage hospitals to secondary facilities and tertiary institutions such as our state-owned ESUTH and SUMASTH.

“With this world-class hospital, we are fulfilling our promise of bringing advanced healthcare home. A healthier, self-sustaining Enugu State where quality healthcare is accessible to all remains our vision,” the Governor said.

The 300-bed Enugu International Hospital will on completion become a regional hub of medical tourism, offering highly advanced and specialized medical care and services.

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Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has flagged-off the construction and dualisation of the 43.7km Penoks-Abakpa Nike-Ugwogo-Nike-Opi Nsukka Road with streetlights and 18-month completion timeframe in line with his administration’s vision to make the state the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Opi attended by political heavy weights and leaders of Nsukka Zone, Mbah stressed that the the project, which includes straightening the of many bends, would drastically reduce accidents and criminality on the road.

“In the build-up to the election and in my acceptance speech after my election, we made a pledge that we are going to dualise the Penoks-Abakpa-Ugwogo-Opi-Nsukka Road because . we realised from the outset that if we had to grow this economy to an exponential height, no section of this state should be left behind, more so an economic hub like Nsukka Zone. So, all we are doing here today is connecting those dots,” he said.

Mbah regretted that a trip from Enugu to Nsukka presently takes over an hour, hence the decision to do the 3.6km from the Penoks Junction all the way to the T-Junction flyover in addition to the 41km Abakpa Nike-Opi Nsukka Road to reduice travel time to about 30 minutes and make it possible for the people to comfortably live and work in Enugu and vice versa.

He also noted that his administration’s grassroot-based development and economic model placed the Enugu North Zone at an advantage.

“We are doing projects based on electoral wards. Guess who are the greatest beneficiaries of this model? It is the Nsukka zone. You have 102 electoral wards. That means you will end up with 102 smart schools, 102 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, over 1,000km of roads based since we are additionally going to do at least 10km of roads per ward,” he remarked.

In his remark, the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani and Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, said, “The people of Nsukka cultural zone and Enugu North Senatorial District never imagined the possibility of this life-time project. The only way we can pay you back is that you do not need to come to campaign here for your second tenure because we are all going to do that for you. You are Godsent to the people of Nsukka, Enugu State and Nigeria at large.”

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezeani Ezenta, noted that the governor had shut the mouths of naysayers.

“I feel emotional because a lot of things were said during the election. But today, by your good work, you have proved yourself even more Nsukka than any other Nsukka man,” he emphasised.

On his part, former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, described the project as “gigantic, huge, unbelievable and marvelous,” noting that it would open Nsukka Zone and the state to the world.

“This is a legacy project. Your name will never die. Your spirit shall never die. We will continue to give you support,” he added.

Other speakers, including the Chairman of Nsukka Nsukka LGA, Hon. Jude Asogwa, former Secretaries to the State Government, Dr. Dan Shere and Prof. Simon Ortuanya, among others extolled the initiative.

Significantly, in a press statement he personally issued on Monday, Member representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency on the platform of the Labour Party, Hon. Dennis Agbo, described the road as “a transformational project, which will greatly facilitate commerce, ease mass transit and evacuation of farm produce by our hard working farmers as well as fight crime and criminality.“

“Our governor has clearly demonstrated his uncanny ability to see and unleash the enormous potential of our dear state and people. It is heartwarming to note that Enugu has suddenly become a frontline state and a reference point for transformational project initiatives,” he stated.

The Member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency and Leader of the Enugu State Caucus of the National Assembly, Hon
Nnoli Nnaji, expressed the total delight of the federal lawmakers at the governor’s development initiatives and pledged their total support for him to move the state forward.

Meanwhile the CEO of COMAG Construction Company, Cosmas Agu pledged to deliver a high quality project and on schedule.

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Enugu – The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah has congratulated the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, for emerging winners of the 042 Coal City Debate competition organised by the State Government in collaboration with Zenith Bank.

The Governor in a message to the participating students shortly after the competition on Friday, said the debate tagged “Debate Cool _it” was designed to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and leadership among young people in the state.

While congratulating ESUT and all the participating schools, the Governor said the government will extend the spirit of intellectual challenge and growth from universities down to Smart Green Schools, helping to build resilient, globally competitive youths in our state.

ESUT emerged winners of the competition and were rewarded with ₦15, 000, 000 cash prize; Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, came second and got ₦5, 000 000 cash reward while the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, came 3rd.

“After 12 weeks of intense competition, yesterday I presented cash prizes to the talented debaters of the 042 Coal City Debate. The Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia presented the prizes on my behalf.

“Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) emerged as the grand winner, receiving N15 million, with N5 million awarded to the runner-up, the Institute of Management and Technology (INT), Enugu, while the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus came third.

“Congratulations to all the participants for their remarkable dedication. May they carry forward the lessons learned from this exercise and serve as exemplary models for others. We’ll continue investing in these young leaders who are the foundation of the society we envision for Enugu and Nigeria.

“This debate, tagged “Debate Cool-it,” was designed to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and leadership among our young people. Our administration is committed to building a culture of innovation, and this tournament is only the beginning. We aim to extend this spirit of intellectual challenge and growth from universities down to our Smart Green Schools, helping to build resilient, globally competitive youths in our state.

“The students addressed pressing issues such as climate change, governance, human rights, gender inequality, femimism, abortion, cybercrime and cybersecurity, and more. They learned to engage in respectful, constructive dialogue on complex societal topics. The participants have set a high standard, and their performances reaffirmed my belief in Enugu’s bright future,” the Governor said in statement on his social media handles

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Tragedy struck in Enugu on Saturday night as gunmen suspected to be assassins murdered the Chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders’ Association (OMMATA), Mr Stephen Aniagu.

The incident occurred at Moses Ogbodo Junction near Topland Market in the Amechi suburb of Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State around 7 pm on Saturday.

According to eyewitnesses, Aniagu was likely heading home after the market closed when he was attacked. His body was riddled with bullets and his car was missing.

Sources said they heard gunshots and pandemonium erupted as everyone scampered for safety

The motive behind the killing is yet to be determined.

Enugu: Gov Mbah Gives Security Agencies 48Hrs to Produce OMMATA Chairman’s Killers

Meanwhile, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has given security agencies in the state 48 hours to fish out the killers of the Chairman of Ogbete Main Market Traders Association, OMMATA, Chief Stephen Aniagu, vowing that no one would commit such heinous crime in the state under his watch and go scot-free.

Mbah also commiserated with the deceased’s family and OMMATA.

Reacting to the development on Sunday, Mbah said, “My heart grieves over the brutal murder of the Chairman of OMMATA, the late Chief Stephen Aniagu. This is a sad loss, not only to OMATTA as a body, but also to the entire state.

“In the meantime, I have directed security agencies in the state to produce his killers within 48 hours. As we have always maintained, and every merchant of death or criminal in the state ought to know by now, that we have demonstrated the capacity to bring them to book. We have the will, technology, and resources to pursue, track down, overtake, and defeat such workers of wickedness.

“Therefore, those who committed this atrocity have bitten more than they can chew. They have murdered sleep, hence neither they nor the government and security agencies will sleep until all the perpetrators are captured and justice served in accordance with the law sooner than later.

“I urge Ndi Enugu to go about their lawful businesses, for the security of lives and property remains our priority as a government. Those who have decided to test our resolve will meet their waterloo like others before them,” Mbah stated.

Commiserating with Chief Aniagu’s family, community, and OMMATA, the governor noted that the late market leader served his community, the association, and Enugu State creditably.

“The Government and people of Enugu State grieve with them. But I urge them to find solace in the service he rendered to our dear state and the fact that his killers will never go scot-free. It is a promise,” he concluded.

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The Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah will attend the burial of late Ezinne Lucy Onuzulike Okolie, mother of ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, today in Awgu Town, Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State.

Also, Senators, Commissioners as well as Vice-Chancellors of some universities in Nigeria will also honour the burial of the octogenarian.

“Our VC is a popular person so we are expecting the big shots we have in our society. We are expecting the governor of Enugu State, we are expecting the Deputy governor, commissioners, senators and more people in Enugu state even those who have had interaction with the VC, his former student, colleagues at UNN and at Uniport would also be there,” Professor Chike Nwoha, Burial Committee Chairman, told our correspondent.

“Even at the meeting we had on Tuesday in Abuja, I saw so many of his friends (Vice-Chancellors) who were asking whether the burial would still hold on Thursday 16th. So it shows that many of them would be there and the expectation is high,” he concluded.

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In continuation of the bid by Governor Peter Mbah Administration to revive and convert Enugu State’s dormant assets to productive industries, the government has signed a ₦100 billion deal with Pragmatic Palms Limited, a subsidiary of Diamond Stripes Limited, to resuscitate the moribund Enugu State United Palm Products Limited, UPPL.

The partnership will see Pragmatic Palms transform UPPL, one of the agricultural and agro-industrialisation initiatives of the late premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr. M. I. Okpara, which had lain fallow for many years.

Speaking during the signing of agreement at Government House Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah said the move was in line with his administration’s determination to grow the state’s economy exponentially from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, assuring the investors that his government would play its own part.

“This is a moment we must all be very proud of because it represents a major leap in our quest towards the revival of our dormant assets in line with our vision and the promises we made to our people.

“This investment outlay of over N100bn is very significant because we also see agriculture beyond food security. We see agriculture as business.

“I want to assure you that the government you are dealing with is business-facing, and given my background as an entrepreneur, we understand what it means to have the ease of doing business. So, we are going to ensure that this is going to be an experience that you will use as a reference point. We will be very responsive, and we are going to make sure that this partnership works for the benefit of the company and also that of Enugu State. So, what we are doing here today will mark the beginning of great things ahead,” Mbah stated.

Fielding questions from newsmen, the Enugu State Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Adaora Chukwu, described the deal as a milestone, listing its many socio-economic benefits to the state.

“Today, we witnessed a remarkable milestone. Recall that before His Excellency came on board, one of the first promises he had made to the people of Enugu State was to revive our non-operational assets and United Palm Products Ltd is one significant asset that has been dormant for years. And what we did today was the partial handover and the contract signing of UPPL to a company called Pragmatic Palm Ltd, which is a subsidiary of Diamond Stripes Ltd.

“The economic significance of what we did today is huge: The number of jobs it will create, the multiplier effects in terms of increasing production in the oil palm industry. You know that oil palm is an export commodity. We are not talking about the forex earnings into the state and also the building of capacity in-house, technology transfer, as well as skills and knowledge transfer to the people of Enugu State,” she said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of Pragmatic Palms, George Nwangwu, said that palm products were in high demand, noting that United Palm Products Limited was capable of kick-starting the economic transformation of Enugu State.

“We have to realise that agriculture is a business. We are going to bring in a lot of equipment, and we are going to process the palm. Not just the palm, the palm kernel is an export commodity. If you go back and look at the biggest import over the years, palm is actually number five on the list. So, it is a significant product, and we tend to make sure we optimise its potentials here.

“The idea is to kick-start the economic transformation of the state. For instance, if we produce enough, people will come and set up their soap factories and then employ more people. It has a multiplier effect.

“Also, just to give you an example, to get the one at Oji River running, you are talking about close to 500 people because we need people to weed, to operate the plants and process it. So, you are also creating direct employment. If you put all these together, you can see that it runs into thousands of jobs,” he explained.

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The Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, State, Dr. Peter Mbah, promised that his administration was working towards strengthening and improving subsequent marathons in the state by making it attractive enough for international athletes to participate as a world-class sporting event.

Governor Mbah, who joined in the 21.79km Coal.City half marathon on Saturday, which kicked off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, stated that the event would serve as an opportunity to discover young talents and for all sports lovers as well as the elderly to keep fit and live a healthy lifestyle.

He said his administration was keen on sustaining and consolidating the huge success recorded in this year’s marathon through the right investment in the development of the sports industry in the areas of sporting infrastructure and facilities, adding that the state saw sports as business and source of wealth creation for the people.

“We’re investing hugely in our sports sector, and we’re not only treating sports as leisure or recreation, but we’re also seeing the sports industry as key business. That’s why in addition to quickly returning the pitch, once we came in, to enable Rangers International return to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, we just awarded the contract to renovate and overhaul our stadium and bring it to world-class standard.

“You also know that in that sector, we’ve just recently entered a memorandum of understanding to build a world-class entertainment and sports centre and this is all going to reinforce our position in the sports industry,” he added.

While congratulating the participants, who came from over 20 states across the country, the governor stressed that the goal of the event was to promote unity, discipline and cooperation amongst Nigerians, saying in a few years, the state would join the league of world athletics competitions because of the level of investments the administration was committing to the industry.

“What is even more important is the desire of the state to take the Enugu State Marathon event to the next level. In few years, I want you to note that the Enugu State Marathon is going to be part of the world international athletic events. Just as you have the Boston Marathon, the London Marathon, you’ll also have the Enugu Marathon in the international athletics calendar,” he added.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr Lloyd Ekweremadu, explained that part of the goals of the marathon was to continue to foster the culture of sports and fitness, which engenders healthy development.

He expressed satisfaction over the success of the event, saying participants from other states were happy about the hospitality and the excellent works the governor was doing in the state through his infrastructural drive.

Commending the Zenith Bank PLC for partnering with the State Ministry of Youth and Sports, the commissioner maintained that this year’s event couldn’t have been possible without the support of the governor, community patrons, and other businesses.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to the winners of this year’s Marathon. Francis James, Israel Sadjo, and Nenfort Mathias clinched the sum of ₦1,000,000, ₦500,000 and ₦300,000 as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places respectively in the male category, while Patience Dahyop, Agofurb Charity and Munitikat Emmanuel also clinched the same amounts as the winner, 1st and 2nd runners up, respectively, in the female category

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