Freedom Square News, Enugu (2026)

22/08/2026

US gov't awards $125,000 grant for preservation of Lejja iron-smelting site

The United States government has awarded a $125,000 grant to support the conservation, digital documentation and physical preservation of the historic iron-smelting site in Lejja, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The grant was presented at the National Museum in Lagos and will be implemented by the Centre For Memories – Ncheta Ndigbo through its “Nchekwaba” Project.

Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, who represented Governor Peter Mbah at the award ceremony, described the development as a historic milestone and a significant partnership in the effort to preserve the state’s cultural heritage for future generations.

Ossai said the grant underscored the importance of preserving the Lejja archaeological site, stressing that its protection would require sustained collaboration among government, heritage institutions and the local community.

“The people of Lejja must remain at the heart of the preservation process, as their knowledge and participation will be central to the site’s long-term sustainability and resilience,” he said.

The Deputy Governor disclosed that the Enugu State Government was already preparing an Executive Bill to be forwarded to the State House of Assembly to provide a legal framework for the protection, preservation and administration of the archaeological site.

He said the proposed legislation would complement ongoing efforts to properly document and preserve the historical significance of Lejja and ensure that its heritage is protected for future generations.

Ossai expressed the state government’s appreciation to the United States Government for the grant and assured the Centre For Memories of the administration’s commitment to the preservation and global promotion of the site.

“On behalf of our Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, we appreciate the US Government for the grant and we assure the Centre For Memories of our collaboration to ensure that the story of Lejja is properly preserved, documented and shared with the world,” he said.

The Deputy Governor said the latest intervention represented an important step towards ensuring that Lejja’s historical significance is properly documented and made accessible to a wider global audience.

The Lejja iron-smelting site is regarded as an important archaeological heritage site in southeastern Nigeria, with evidence of ancient iron production that has attracted scholarly and archaeological interest.

The grant is expected to strengthen efforts to document the site, preserve its physical remains and deepen public understanding of Lejja’s contribution to the history and technological heritage of the region.

17/08/2026

NEW: Governor Mbah increases monthly subvention to ESUT by N115m, appeals to ASUU to suspend strike

Governor Peter Mbah has approved an additional N115 million monthly subvention for the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), as part of efforts to address concerns surrounding the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), ESUT chapter.

The additional funding will raise the state government’s monthly subvention to ESUT from the current N161 million to N276 million, representing a cumulative increase of N140 million since February 2026.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who made this known in a statement on Monday, said the additional funding underscored the administration’s commitment to strengthening ESUT’s capacity to meet its financial obligations, particularly its responsibility to staff and the continued delivery of quality academic services.

“Governor Mbah has demonstrated once again that his administration places the welfare of workers and the uninterrupted education of our young people at the heart of its priorities. This additional N115 million monthly intervention is a substantial commitment of public resources aimed at strengthening ESUT and ensuring that the institution can meet its obligations to its staff and students,” Prof. Onyia said.

He explained that prior to February 2026, the state government was providing N136 million monthly to ESUT. However, beginning in February, the government commenced an additional monthly intervention of N25 million specifically for the ESUT College of Medicine (ESUCOM) to support the payment of 120 additional staff, bringing the total monthly government support to the university to N161 million.

Prof. Onyia said the latest approval of an additional N115 million would raise the state government’s total monthly subvention to ESUT to N276 million.

He further said the increase would help ESUT towards achieving the salary agreement reached between ASUU and the Federal Government.

He appealed to ASUU members at ESUT to reciprocate the government’s intervention by suspending the industrial action and resuming academic activities, in the interest of students whose academic progress may be disrupted by the strike.

“We appeal to ASUU-ESUT to reciprocate this gesture by resuming academic activities, while all outstanding issues are addressed through constructive dialogue. Our students should not be made to bear the consequences of disagreements that can be resolved amicably,” the SSG said.

The SSG reaffirmed Governor Mbah’s commitment to the welfare of workers and the sustained development of ESUT, saying the substantial increase in government funding demonstrated the priority the administration places on education and the uninterrupted academic calendar.

He urged all stakeholders, including the university management and ASUU, to embrace dialogue and work collaboratively towards resolving the outstanding issues, stressing that the ultimate objective should be to ensure that ESUT students receive uninterrupted and quality education.

He further assured the university community that the Mbah administration would continue to support ESUT within available resources, while taking necessary steps to strengthen the institution and position it to fulfil its mandate as a leading university of science and technology.

14/08/2026

*ESUT Don Advocates Sustainable Agriculture to Drive Nigeria’s Economic Empowerment*

A Professor of Agricultural Economics at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Emeka Celestine Nzeh, has called for renewed commitment to sustainable agricultural development as a strategy for economic empowerment, poverty reduction and diversification of the Nigerian economy.

Nzeh made the call while delivering the 59th Inaugural Lecture of the university, titled “Sustainable Agricultural Development as a Catalyst for Economic Empowerment: Taking Stock of the Journey So Far,” delivered on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

The lecture, which focused on the relationship between agriculture, economic development, rural livelihoods and environmental sustainability, identified sustainable agriculture as critical to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges and reducing dependence on crude oil.

According to the don, agriculture remains a major source of food, employment and income in Nigeria, but its potential has been undermined by inadequate funding, poor rural infrastructure, low adoption of modern technology, weak input markets and insufficient value addition.

He noted that despite the enormous opportunities available in the agricultural sector, Nigeria had continued to experience low and sometimes declining agricultural productivity, contributing to poverty and weakening the country’s economic diversification efforts.

Nzeh said the situation was particularly troubling because agriculture was closely linked to rural livelihoods, where a significant proportion of the poor population resides.

He observed that the poor state of rural infrastructure, including roads, water and electricity, coupled with limited access to modern agricultural technologies, had reduced resource productivity and made Nigerian agricultural products less competitive.

The professor also identified inadequate investment in research and development, weak managerial and organisational capacities, poor information systems and limited access to agricultural inputs as major constraints to the sector’s development.

He, however, said the country could reverse the trend by strengthening public policies that support sustainable agricultural practices, improving extension services and farmer training, promoting agro-ecological approaches, investing in agricultural research and development, and providing farmers with better access to organic inputs and other productive resources.

Nzeh further advocated increased budgetary allocation to agriculture, describing stronger investment in the sector as essential to improving productivity and achieving sustainable economic development.

He called for greater private-sector participation and public-private partnerships in agricultural development, citing the placement of ESUT’s research and commercial farms under public-private partnership management as an example of an approach that could enhance agricultural productivity and economic value.

The don said agriculture had strong linkages with other sectors of the economy and could stimulate demand for manufactured goods, create new markets, generate employment and foster industrialisation.

He identified poverty reduction, job creation, economic growth, global trade, food security and nutrition as some of the major ways through which agriculture could contribute to economic empowerment.

According to him, increased agricultural output and productivity could drive economic transformation, while food production could improve food security and nutrition and create healthier and more productive populations.

Nzeh also stressed the importance of transforming Nigeria’s traditional agricultural system into a modern, productive and environmentally sustainable sector capable of supporting long-term economic growth.

He warned that unsustainable agricultural practices could damage the environment and undermine economic empowerment, stressing the need for proper management of agricultural resources.

The don called for policies that would promote biodiversity conservation, protect watersheds, improve soil health and water quality, and provide financial incentives for farmers adopting sustainable practices.

He further recommended multi-stakeholder collaboration to develop and implement better agricultural management practices, improve agricultural policies and create new income opportunities for producers through value addition.

On Nigeria’s growing population and food demand, Nzeh said the country must urgently improve agricultural productivity to meet the nutritional needs of its population and reduce dependence on imported food.

He said increasing population pressure on agricultural land could intensify food insecurity if not matched with sustainable production methods, technological innovation and improved resource management.

The professor also highlighted climate change, food insecurity, post-harvest losses and insecurity as emerging issues that should shape future agricultural research and policy.

He proposed greater attention to climate-smart agriculture, digital innovations, regional food trade systems and the empowerment of women in agriculture.

The professor said sustainable agricultural development remained imperative if Nigeria was to reduce poverty, diversify its economy, improve food security and achieve meaningful economic empowerment.

He stressed that agriculture should no longer be treated merely as a subsistence activity, but as a strategic sector capable of serving as a major engine of economic transformation and sustainable national development.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, stated that sustainable development in agriculture and other sectors of the economy can be driven through human capacity improvement.

While congratulating the inaugural lecturer, he urged professors in the University who were yet to present their inaugural lectures to increase their global visibility and relevance by fulfilling the important academic ritual.
The academic festival which received applause from the audience was well attended by ESUT Management team, Vice Chancellors from other universities, top academics, government functioneries and captains of industries from across the country.

14/08/2026

PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, ENUGU STATE COMMAND, CP MAMMAN BITRUS GIWA, psc, mspsp, smicm, ON THE ARREST AND PARADE OF KIDNAPPING SUSPECTS LINKED TO MULTIPLE KIDNAPPING AND MURDER CASES IN ENUGU STATE, HELD 14TH AUGUST, 2026, AT THE STATE HEADQUARTERS, GRA, ENUGU

Members of the Press,I am pleased to brief you today on the outcome of a series of intelligence-led operations conducted by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, which have resulted in the arrest of fourteen (14) male suspects linked to different kidnapping syndicates operating across State lines and implicated in multiple kidnapping incidents and a murder case in Enugu State.You will recall that the Command has, at various times and locations, rescued kidnapped victims, arrested and, in some instances, neutralised kidnapping suspects, while recovering fi****ms, ammunition and other incriminating exhibits.Recently, in separate joint operations, security operatives rescued kidnapped victims at Ogbozara Community in Nsukka LGA and Owukpa Community in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State, with several exhibits, including live ammunition, recovered.Most recently, one of the victims abducted from a church at Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi LGA, was rescued on 2nd August, 2026. Further joint, intelligence-led operations subsequently led to the rescue of the remaining two victims, the arrest of three suspects, the neutralisation of one suspect, and the recovery of ransom money, fi****ms, ammunition and other incriminating exhibits.Further intelligence-led operations by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Violent Crime Response Unit (AK-VCRU) led to the arrest of two additional male suspects linked to the Affa Church kidnapping. The duo, who fled to Port Harcourt following the operational pressure mounted by joint security operatives, were traced and arrested in Port Harcourt and brought back to Enugu.Preliminary investigation reveals that, after fleeing Enugu, the suspects regrouped with their cohorts in Port Harcourt and abducted another victim, who was released after a ransom of ₦5,000,000.00 was paid.In furtherance of the Command’s sustained offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes, twelve (12) additional suspects were earlier arrested through human and technical intelligence-led operations conducted in different parts of the country. The suspects were arrested on various dates in June, July and August 2026 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Rivers, Kwara and Taraba States.Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are members of an organised criminal network operating from different parts of the country. They converge in Enugu State to plan and execute kidnapping operations before returning to their respective locations.The network is aided by an Enugu-based member who operates a tricycle and provides transportation for the gang members, their fi****ms and other criminal implements to and from operational locations. Another Enugu-based member provides intelligence that enables the gang to evade security surveillance and identify suitable targets and locations.The suspects have, during interrogation, confessed to involvement in several recent and past kidnapping incidents across Enugu State, including along the Enugu–Ugwuogo–Opi–Nsukka Road; Obioma–9th Mile–Umulumgbe–Okpatu Road; Eke–Affa–Egede–Ezinze axis; and various locations in Ezeagu LGA.Specifically, preliminary investigation has linked the suspects to the following armed kidnapping incidents:The abduction of a male victim at Mgbabuowa/Aguobuowa, Ezeagu LGA, on 25th May, 2026, during which Five Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦5,500,000.00) was obtained as ransom.The abduction of two male victims and the shooting and murder of a female victim at Obioma, Udi LGA, on 9th May, 2026, during which the gang obtained twenty-eight thousand US Dollars ($28,700.00) as ransom.The abduction of two male victims along the Eke–Ezinze Road, Udi LGA, on 10th April, 2026, for which Seventy Thousand US Dollars ($70,000.00) was obtained as ransom.The kidnapping of seven victims at Obinaofia, Ezeagu LGA, on 12th April, 2026, during which Twenty- Five Million Naira (₦25,000,000.00) was obtained as ransom.These are in addition to other kidnapping incidents and ransom payments which the suspects have disclosed during interrogation.Investigation has further revealed that the suspects laundered and concealed proceeds of their criminal activities through investments in livestock and different properties, lavish spending and other conspicuous consumption, as well as leisure and overseas trips, including trips to neighbouring countries such as Cameroon.Exhibits recovered so far include:Five (5) AK-47 rifles;Two (2) pump-action guns;One (1) locally fabricated firearm;Three hundred and ten (310) rounds of live 7.62 x 39mm ammunition; Eight (8) live cartridges; andSeven (7) AK-47 empty Magazines. The Command is conducting further investigations to establish the suspects’ involvement in other kidnapping and violent-crime incidents within and outside Enugu State, identify and arrest other members of the syndicate, and recover additional fi****ms, ammunition and other criminal proceeds. Upon conclusion of investigation, the suspects will be charged to court in accordance with extant laws.The arrests and recoveries are a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of sustained intelligence gathering, ICT-enabled investigation, inter-agency collaboration, inter-state cooperation and coordinated operational policing adopted by the Command.I wish to assure the Government and people of Enugu State that the Command remains resolute in its offensive against kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, r**e, cultism and other violent crimes across the State. Our intelligence assets and operational teams remain fully engaged in identifying criminal networks, dismantling their structures and bringing their members to justice.We will continue to make Enugu State increasingly unconducive to unrepentant local criminals, criminal elements seeking to infiltrate the State, and their activities.I most sincerely appreciate the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, for his strategic leadership, guidance and sustained operational support, which have continued to enhance effective and result-oriented policing in Enugu State.I would also like to express my profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his unwavering support and commitment to making the State safe, secure and conducive for residents, visitors and legitimate economic activities. His forward-looking leadership and support for training and security operations have significantly strengthened our collective efforts to combat crime in the State.I equally commend other security agencies for their collaborative support, while also thanking members of the public for their continued cooperation and timely provision of useful information to the Police. Community support remains indispensable to effective intelligence-led policing. I therefore urge residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities through established Police channels.Thank you for your time and attention.

02/08/2026

ENUGU STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

ENUGU JOINT SECURITY OPERATIVES RESCUE ABDUCTION VICTIM, INTENSIFY OPERATIONS TO RESCUE TWO OTHERS IN AFFA COMMUNITY

A joint security team comprising Police operatives, Forest Guards, and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group has intensified operations and is on the trail of armed men alleged to have abducted three persons within the precinct of a church at Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area, in the early hours of today, August 2, 2026. The operatives, while closing in on the fleeing suspects, forced them to abandon one of the victims, who was immediately rescued unhurt. The assailants, however, escaped with the remaining two victims.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, mspsp, smicm, has directed the Area Commander, Oji-River, and the Head of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to further intensify ongoing operations and deploy all available operational assets to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of the suspects. He also directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to immediately generate actionable human and technical intelligence in support of the operation, while activating the surveillance and technical capabilities of the Enugu State Command-and-Control Centre to bolster the ongoing rescue efforts.

The Commissioner urges residents of the community to remain calm and continue to support the Police with credible and actionable information, assuring them that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice. Such information can be reported through the following emergency lines: 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668, or 09134448093, or via email at [email protected].

SP DANIEL NDUKWE, mnipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer
Enugu State Command
State Headquarters
GRA, Enugu
August 2, 2026

31/07/2026

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲𝗮’𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝗱𝗿𝘆𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗔𝗦 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹
Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk is free to play after CAS partially upheld his appeal against a doping ban.

25/07/2026

UNN Pro-Chancellor Commends Oluremi Tinubu, Reaffirms Commitment to Academic Excellence

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Adegboyega Adebayo Kareem, has commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her outstanding contributions to national development, leadership and humanity as the university conferred an honorary doctorate on her at its 55th Convocation Ceremony.

Speaking during the ceremony held on Saturday for the award of postgraduate diplomas, higher degrees, the title of Professor Emeritus and honorary degrees, Prof. Kareem described the First Lady and other honorary award recipients as distinguished personalities whose contributions embody the ideals for which the University of Nigeria stands.

The Pro-Chancellor said the institution was proud to honour Senator Tinubu and the other recipients for their remarkable achievements in leadership, enterprise, scholarship and service to humanity.

Prof. Kareem, who was making his first major public address since assuming office as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the university's Visitor, Chancellor of the university, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, members of the National Assembly, ministers, traditional rulers, diplomats, alumni, parents and other guests to the ceremony.

Congratulating the graduating students, he urged them to uphold the values of integrity, excellence, diligence and service to humanity, stressing that their degrees represent not only academic achievement but also a responsibility to become innovators, ethical leaders and worthy ambassadors of the university.

Prof. Kareem also lauded the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the Senate, management, staff and students for what he described as significant achievements recorded by the university within the last 11 months in academic development, infrastructure, research, international collaborations, digital transformation and institutional reforms.

He assured that the Governing Council would continue to provide strategic leadership by promoting transparency, accountability, financial discipline and academic excellence while creating an enabling environment for teaching, learning, research, innovation and community service.

According to him, the council is committed to repositioning the University of Nigeria as one of Africa's leading institutions of learning and research through strengthened governance, expanded digital infrastructure, improved staff welfare, modernised facilities and deeper partnerships with government, industry and international institutions.

25/07/2026

55th convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria begins for the award of higher and honorary doctorate degrees at the Ekpo Ref Convocation arena, UNN.

24/07/2026

Alleged Child Labour Case Involving Anambra Girl Raises Concern in Bayelsa

Reports circulating online claim that a young girl from Anambra State is being subjected to harsh treatment while living with a couple who operate a restaurant in Bayelsa State.

According to the claims, the girl is made to work for long hours each day, reportedly from midday until the early hours of the morning. It is also alleged that, unlike the couple's own daughter who attends school, the child has been denied access to education. Reports further suggest she has suffered neglect and has visible injuries, including burns believed to have been caused by hot water.

The allegations have triggered widespread concern, with many people urging the appropriate authorities to step in, verify the claims, and ensure the child's safety. They are also calling for anyone found responsible for abuse or exploitation to face the full weight of the law.

As of the time of this report, the allegations remain unverified, and an official investigation is expected to establish the facts.

22/07/2026

168 Bag First Class as UNN Graduates 12,895 at 55th Convocation

ENUGU---No fewer than 168 students graduated with First Class honours as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), announced that a total of 12,895 graduands would receive degrees and diplomas during its 55th Convocation Ceremony.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing to flag off the convocation activities at the Enugu campus.

According to him, 10,641 students will receive first degrees and diplomas, while 2,944 will be awarded higher degrees. The higher degrees comprise 1,390 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, 1,340 Master's degrees and 214 Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDs).

Professor Ortuanya described the convocation as a celebration of academic excellence and the university's renewed commitment to scholarship, innovation and national development.

He said the convocation lecture would be delivered on Thursday, July 23, by the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, under the chairmanship of former Vice-Chancellor of UNN and current Vice-Chancellor of the University on the Niger, Professor Ositadinma Nebo.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced that four eminent Nigerians would receive honorary doctorate degrees in recognition of their contributions to national development. They are Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; businessman and philanthropist, High Chief William Agbo; architect, Dr. Kaycee Kelechi Orji; and Dr. William Franklyn Richardson.

He further disclosed that two distinguished scholars of the university, Professors Peter-Jazzy Ezeh, and Boniface Obinna Okere, would be honoured with the title of Professor Emeritus.

Reviewing his administration's first eleven months in office, Professor Ortuanya said the university had recorded significant academic and infrastructural achievements aimed at repositioning UNN as a globally competitive institution.

He said the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria increased the university's MBBS admission quota from 180 to 400, while the Dentistry quota rose from 15 to 60 students following successful accreditation exercises.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced that the National Universities Commission approved the unbundling of the Department of Mass Communication into five specialised degree programmes, while four new programmes:Agribusiness, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Industrial Arts, and Criminology and Security Studies, received full accreditation.

According to him, the university has also established a Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Laboratory, commenced the digital transformation of its Central Library, and is digitising administrative processes to improve efficiency and transparency.

On infrastructure, Ortuanya said extensive reconstruction of internal roads, hostels and other facilities was ongoing across the Nsukka and Ituku-Ozalla campuses. He listed the rehabilitation of Eni-Njoku, Eyo-Ita, Nkrumah and Odili hostels, the reconstruction of the historic Zik's Flats, construction of new hostels and laboratories at the College of Medicine, and the resumption of work on the Senate Building among major projects being executed.

He added that campus security, transportation and staff welfare had also improved, noting that salaries were being paid promptly and 1,984 staff members, including 25 new professors, had been promoted within the period under review.

Professor Ortuanya said the university had expanded its international partnerships with institutions in Sweden, Taiwan, China, Belarus, the United States and South Africa, resulting in research collaborations, staff and student exchange programmes, and increased global visibility.

He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to restoring the university's reputation as a leading centre of teaching, research, innovation and community service, while calling on alumni, development partners and other stakeholders to support the institution's ongoing transformation.

"Our vision is to reposition the University of Nigeria as a globally competitive institution distinguished by excellence in teaching, cutting-edge research, digital innovation, entrepreneurship and transformational community engagement," he said.

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