Freedom Square TV

11/09/2026

Enugu Youths Told to Ditch Fear, Harness Skills for Bigger Opportunities
Posted September 10, 2026 by Freedom Square TV

The Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has encouraged young people in Enugu State to prepare themselves adequately for available opportunities by developing competence, discipline, integrity and practical skills.

Omidiran made the call while delivering a keynote address at the Peter Eze Youth Connect 2026 held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu. The event was organised under the theme, “Beyond Quotas: Unlocking Opportunities for Enugu Youths Through the Federal Character Commission.”

The FCC chairman stressed that equity and merit should complement each other rather than be viewed as opposing principles. She explained that while access to an opportunity may provide an opening, an individual’s competence, character and performance determine how far they can progress.

She urged Enugu youths to adopt a national outlook, compete internationally, embrace technology, develop strong professional relationships and actively pursue legitimate opportunities available to them.

Omidiran also called on government agencies and institutions to provide clear information about available opportunities and ensure that access is fair, transparent and impartial. She further encouraged young Nigerians to turn difficult experiences into strength and use their achievements to create opportunities for others.

Earlier, the FCC Commissioner representing Enugu State, Peter Eze, advised young people not to assume that federal government employment is restricted to individuals with political connections. He maintained that qualified applicants can secure government opportunities by following the appropriate procedures.

Eze noted that misinformation suggesting that federal jobs had already been allocated before advertisements were published had discouraged many qualified young people from applying for available positions.

He therefore urged youths not to exclude themselves because of fear or assumptions that recruitment exercises had already been predetermined. According to him, prospective applicants must first submit themselves for consideration before they can be assessed.

The commissioner explained that the FCC has a constitutional mandate to promote equitable representation in federal institutions. He added that more than 700 federal ministries, departments, agencies, commissions and other government establishments provide employment and related opportunities.

He said the youth programme was also intended to introduce participants to grants, scholarships, fellowships, training programmes and other legitimate opportunities. Five participants, he disclosed, would be selected to receive fully funded scholarships for studies abroad.

Eze added that the initiative would continue beyond the event through the creation of a network that would enable young people to access and exchange information about genuine opportunities.

Declaring the programme open, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, said the state administration would continue investing in young people as part of its strategy to build a sustainable and prosperous future.

Onyia described youths as one of the government’s most important long-term investments, stressing that they should be given opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills and take on responsibilities that would contribute to the development of the state.

He disclosed that the state government was working to create an environment where young people could acquire relevant skills, establish businesses and compete for opportunities beyond their immediate communities.

The SSG further revealed that nearly 15,000 young people in Enugu had received training in various computer technology skills, while the government was also developing infrastructure aimed at supporting economic growth across the state.

Onyia similarly advised young people to prepare themselves for opportunities, noting that although governments and institutions can create access, individuals must acquire the necessary skills, qualifications and credentials to take advantage of those opportunities.

He encouraged the youths to embrace networking, technology, innovation and international opportunities, describing them as “the leaders of today” rather than simply the leaders of tomorrow.

The SSG commended the organisers and partners of Peter Eze Youth Connect for creating a platform that connects young people with opportunities, including the fully funded scholarships for five participants.

He urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunities provided to them and use their achievements to create similar pathways for others, stressing that the broader objective was to connect people across Enugu State with every legitimate opportunity available to them.

The event attracted more than 1,000 young people from the 17 local government areas of Enugu State and beyond, including students, persons with disabilities and members of the National Youth Service Corps.

11/09/2026

NITP Raises Alarm as Many States Fail to Implement 1992 Urban Planning Law
Posted September 11, 2026 by Freedom Square TV
The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has, over the years, played an important role in shaping urban development and planning in Nigeria. However, the institute says a major challenge confronting the country’s urban development is the failure of many state governments to domesticate and implement the 1992 Urban and Regional Planning Law.



The NITP has existed for more than six decades and has consistently advocated for proper planning before physical development takes place. According to the institute, every settlement should be properly planned and approved before development begins. This approach distinguishes the institute’s philosophy from the colonial pattern of urban development, which largely focused on planning and developing Government Reserved Areas (GRAs), many of which were occupied by colonial officials.



The institute explained that while it supports comprehensive planning, the current approach of ensuring that planning comes before development is gradually becoming more accepted in the creation and expansion of new cities across Nigeria. The emphasis is that development should not be allowed to take place first before authorities begin thinking about how to manage its consequences.



The position of the NITP becomes particularly important against the backdrop of Nigeria’s rapidly growing urban population and increasing housing shortage. Through its members working in both the public and private sectors, the institute contributes to ensuring that proposed development plans are properly considered and approved by the relevant government authorities.



The institute stressed that approval alone is not enough. Once a development plan has been approved, it must also be implemented according to the provisions contained in the plan. Failure to follow approved plans can result in settlements gradually developing into slums, making them difficult to live in and unsustainable in the long term.



The NITP clarified that, as a professional organisation, its primary responsibility is to advise government on appropriate planning policies and how those policies should be implemented. It is not the responsibility of the institute to personally execute development plans prepared by town planners who are its members.



The institute also pointed out that governments at the federal, state and local levels often fail to recognise the importance of planning ahead of development. Instead, planning is sometimes introduced only after damage has already occurred. The NITP argued that development should be preceded by proper planning rather than waiting until problems emerge before authorities attempt to address them.



Because the institute does not control government budgets, it can only provide professional advice to those responsible for decision-making and implementation. One important aspect of urban and regional planning is development control, which ensures that actual physical development complies with the provisions of approved master plans and other planning documents.



Despite these efforts, the town planning profession in Nigeria continues to face several challenges. One of the most significant is the refusal or failure of governments to fully implement the law that they are expected to enforce.



The Federal Government enacted the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law in 1992. The legislation was described as the country’s first indigenous town planning law and replaced previous town planning legislation. However, despite the importance of the law, the government has still not fully implemented its provisions more than three decades after its enactment.

According to the institute, this failure has created considerable confusion within the planning system and contributed to the crisis affecting urban development in Nigeria. Where there is no effective implementation of the law, the proper functioning of the town planning profession becomes difficult.

The consequences are also visible in government employment structures. The absence of effective implementation means that town planners may not be adequately employed across federal, state and local government institutions where their expertise is needed.

The institute linked some of the problems Nigerians experience daily to weaknesses in urban planning and development control. These problems include flooding, inappropriate land use, traffic congestion, the growth of slums, poor drainage systems and development activities that fail to comply with existing planning regulations.

The situation becomes particularly serious during the rainy season, when poorly planned developments and inadequate drainage systems can worsen flooding across urban centres. Political interference in land-use decisions is also identified as another challenge affecting proper physical planning.

Another difficulty facing the profession is inadequate funding. The institute noted that town planning departments and institutions often lack the necessary equipment, facilities and personnel required to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

There is also a shortage of properly equipped institutions capable of training the next generation of town planners. Many universities and polytechnics face challenges in providing the facilities and resources needed to produce professionals who can adequately respond to Nigeria’s rapidly changing urban environment.

The NITP therefore believes that the challenges are numerous, particularly because many states have yet to domesticate and effectively implement the 1992 Urban and Regional Planning Law. The institute has continued to put pressure on governments to take planning issues more seriously.

Over the years, the institute has used several approaches to draw attention to the problem. These include courtesy visits to government officials, national conferences and other professional engagements where the urgent need for proper urban and regional planning is discussed.

The institute maintained that town planning should be recognised as an essential part of governance. According to the position expressed by the organisation, the earlier governments begin to treat planning as an integral part of administration and development, the better the outcome will be for Nigerian cities and communities.

The NITP further warned that problems such as flooding, uncontrolled traffic, proliferation of slums, hazardous development, poor drainage and disregard for planning regulations are all consequences of weak urban development control.

On how the institute is assisting governments at the federal and state levels, the organisation said it would continue to provide professional advice and engage authorities on appropriate ways of addressing the country’s planning challenges.

The institute also stressed that flooding and other urban problems would continue to affect Nigerian communities if trained professionals are not given adequate opportunities to manage the physical environment. This is especially important in rapidly expanding urban areas where population growth is putting increasing pressure on land, housing, roads and other infrastructure.

The NITP said both its national body and state chapters have continued to engage government authorities and communicate the importance of proper planning through different channels, including the media.

05/09/2026

04/09/2026

Picture One
Introduction and greetings

Pictures speak where words sometimes cannot.

Live at the unveiling of the book “History, and Lessons of the Nigerian civil war, chronologically arranged written by Elder Obiora Ikechi, Uchenna Cyril Anioke PhD, Chief James I. Egwuonwu.

These pictures capture moments of reflection, learning, and remembrance as we revisit a significant chapter in Nigeria’s history—not merely to remember the past, but to draw lessons for the present and future.

History must be remembered, lessons must be learned, and peace must be preserved. 🇳🇬

02/09/2026

HON. SYDNEY OKECHUKWU EDH HONOURED FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP & ACHIEVEMENTS

02/09/2026

DBN, L-PRES train livestock farmers in Enugu, Ebonyi on financial access
Posted September 1, 2026 by Freedom Square TV
Enugu, Sept. 1, 2026

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) and Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), on Monday began second phase capacity building for life stock farmers in Enugu and Ebonyi states.

The five-day Livestock Accelerator and Mentorship Programme (LAMP) for selected livestock farmers in Enugu, is part of the second phase of the L-PRES capacity building focusing on business management, financial literacy, productivity, documentation and access to credit.

Speaking, the Director and Project Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Adeniyi Adedoyin, said LAMP evolved from the Nigerian Livestock Growth and Acceleration Strategy developed by the Minister and Permanent Secretary of the ministry.

Adedoyin said the strategy was aimed at building a sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive livestock sector in Nigeria.

According to him, one of the 10 pillars of the strategy is access to finance and credit.

He said developing a critical mass of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) in the livestock sector required ensuring that operators had access to affordable credit.

The director commended DBN for successfully implementing the first phase of the capacity-building programme across the six geopolitical zones.

He said the first phase provided livestock entrepreneurs with foundational knowledge and skills, including the documentation required to access credit from financial institutions.

He explained that LAMP was a continuation of the first phase, designed to deepen participants’ understanding of how to operate profitable and sustainable businesses.

Adedoyin said the financing being made available under the programme was subsidised at about 16 per cent as against the commercial lending rates of about 30 per cent.

Also speaking, Mr Fortune Granville, Capacity Building Manager, DBN, said the programme was funded by the World Bank through the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development under L-PRES.

Granville said DBN was implementing Component 2.2 of the project, which focused on capacity building and access to finance.

He said DBN was providing expertise through training while partner financial institutions would provide access to loans for qualified MSMEs.

The manager said many small business owners lacked critical documents, licences and statutory filings required by financial institutions to access loans.

Granville said no fewer than 60 livestock entrepreneurs participated in the first training conducted in January for the South-East zone, while 20 top-performing participants were selected for the current accelerator and mentorship programme.

He said the beneficiaries would receive a five-day intensive training followed by six months of mentorship and hand-holding by experts.

On her part, the National Value Chain Consultant for L-PRES, Mrs Heather Akanni, said the initiative would provide further mentorship and support to enable beneficiaries to apply the knowledge acquired to expand their businesses across different livestock value chains.

She noted that access to finance had remained a major challenge in the livestock sector.

She said participating financial institutions were now being encouraged to consider other areas of the livestock value chain beyond production, including processing, packaging and marketing.

She also encouraged livestock businesses to embrace insurance as a means of protecting their investments and improving their eligibility for financing.

The Enugu State Project Coordinator, L-PRES, Dr Ifeyinwa Nnajieze, said the state hosted the first L-PRES Small and Medium Enterprise/Participating Financial Institution (SME-PFI) regional training for the South-East from Jan. 26 to Jan. 30, 2026.

Nnajieze said the training engaged selected farmers in mandatory BizAid online training, practical sessions and expository teaching, with grants awarded to some livestock farmers who emerged first to third in a test conducted by DBN.

She said Enugu was selected as a pilot state for the programme, adding that the outcome was encouraging.

According to her, Enugu was again selected to host the South-East geopolitical zone for the implementation of the L-PRES Livestock Accelerator and Mentorship Programme.

She attributed the development to the strategic role of the state in Nigeria’s livestock sector and the support of Gov. Peter Mbah’s administration for livestock development.

Nnajieze listed some of the state’s livestock development initiatives to include the ongoing construction of an Integrated Livestock Development Centre at Ubahu, comprising an irrigation plant, grazing land, feedlot and meat processing facilities.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Christopher Okeke, who received a grant of N500,000 during the first phase of the programme, said the intervention enabled him to return to pig farming after financial challenges forced him to temporarily suspend the business.

Okeke said he used the money to purchase piglets and restructure his business.

02/09/2026

FreedomSquareTV is delighted to announce that we will be LIVE from Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu, for the public presentation and unveiling of the landmark book:

“HISTORY AND LESSONS FROM THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR”
Chronologically Arranged

Join us as the three authors unveil this important work documenting the history and lessons of the Nigerian Civil War for present and future generations.

Venue: Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu
Tomorrow | 3rd September 2026
10:00 AM Prompt

Watch LIVE on FreedomSquareTV

01/09/2026

Kenya, Ethiopia dominate 2026 Enugu Int’l Marathon
Posted August 29, 2026 by Freedom Square TV

Athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia have dominated the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon, winning the top prizes in the 42-kilometre men’s and women’s categories.

Athletes from different parts of Nigeria and other African countries participated in the marathon.

The 10-kilometre and 42-kilometre races commenced at Mgbemena area of Enugu and ended at the popular Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.

In the 42-kilometre men’s category, Kenya’s Edwin Kipyogo emerged winner with a time of two hours, 23 minutes and 38 seconds.

Ethiopia’s Habtamu Girma finished second in two hours, 23 minutes and 39 seconds, while his compatriot, Shiferaw Daltiemayo, placed third in two hours, 23 minutes and 41 seconds.

The winners received cash prizes of $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.

In the women’s 42-kilometre category, Ethiopia’s Zennebe Aberu emerged winner after completing the race in two hours, 48 minutes and 40 seconds.

Negashu Chatiu finished second in three hours, three minutes and 18 seconds, while Adugna Mahley came third with a time of three hours, six minutes and 32 seconds.

They were also rewarded with the cash of $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.

Meanwhile, Nigerians dominated the 10-kilometre category, with Gang Boyi, Davwi Gyany and Pam Joshua finishing first, second and third respectively in the men’s race.

In the women’s 10-kilometre category, Patience Daylop emerged first, followed by Vivien Obadiah in second place and Favour Mwantiyi in third, all Nigerians.

Presenting prizes to the winners, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, congratulated all the athletes for participating in the competition.

Ossai said the state government was committed to making the state a welcoming destination for residents, businesses, visitors and tourists.

He said the marathon was an indication of the government’s determination to position Enugu as a major destination for sports, tourism and investment.

“When I arrived, they wanted me to do a symbolic crossing of the road, but I figured it would be disrespectful to those of you that participated in the race.

“I shouldn’t take your glory by simply jogging across your line. So, for all of you that took the pains and endured the marathon, I say a very big congratulations,” he said.

The deputy governor said the state government had, in the last three years, worked to restore Enugu’s position as a pivotal destination in the Southeast and Nigeria.

He said the marathon demonstrated the government’s readiness to welcome businesses, create opportunities for young people and expand the state’s tourism potential.

Ossai said the government would continue to improve the organisation and standards of the marathon to ensure greater comfort for participants.

He urged participants to return for subsequent editions and encourage their friends and colleagues to participate.

The deputy governor also commended the sponsors and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the marathon.

01/09/2026

Powell Homes Launches ROME Initiative, Offers 10% Discount on Property
Posted August 29, 2026 by Freedom Square TV

In its quest to make real estate ownership affordable and accessible to people of different financial capacities, Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. has kicked off its latest real estate initiative, Real Estate Ownership Made Easy, also known as ROME.

The event, which took place on Friday at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, had in attendance over 1,200 participants, including investors, realtors and other key players in the industry.

Speaking with newsmen on the reason behind the ROME Initiative, the Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd., Architect Chibuikem Onyekachi Emmanuel, said the company aims to make willing clients landowners across the country.

He stated that the ROME Initiative, which it has kick started, will end on September 30, 2026, as there are no plans on ground to extend it.

He posited that the initiative allows every potential client to own a plot of land at one of its newest estates in Enugu, called Glory Layout, which the company currently sells at ₦1,500,000, with a considerable payment plan that lasts up to a year.

He also stated that clients who are interested in making full payment will receive a discount of 10% from the original price, while those paying in instalments will receive a discount of 5%, which will span for one year.

He also stated that the discount has nothing to do with the usual percentages that the company pays its agents, realtors or staff who attract customers, adding that, so long as the payment falls within the duration of the initiative, all the incentives will be paid to those who deserve them.

According to him, “This is one of the best things that can happen to anyone who wants to own properties through us. We want people to start owning properties irrespective of their financial status. This ROME Initiative ensures that you get a 10% discount on any of the properties that you buy during this period once you are making full payment, and also a 5% discount for someone paying in instalments. The aim is simple: to produce numerous land and property owners. We want the ‘wow’ effect on the customers. We want to ensure that people can own properties without stress and get the value of their investment.”

In her address, popular Nollywood actress and the Brand Ambassador of the company, Mrs. Patience Ozokwo, popularly known as Mama G, said the company has kept on rejigging her love for what they do because of their sterling integrity.

She stated that the ROME Initiative is timely, owing to the idea behind it and the commitment of the company to ensuring that it is stress free for both clients and realtors.

Mama G also beckoned on all to utilise the opportunities presented by the initiative to acquire properties from the company, as it is time bound, while also affirming her unalloyed vow to the company’s integrity, saying that once the company starts misbehaving, she would be the first to move out.

“Powell Homes and Shelters has continued to give me reasons to believe in what the company stands for. The way it handles its clients, realtors and partners shows that it understands the importance of trust in this business. I believe this initiative will give many people the opportunity to own properties through a process that is simple, clear and convenient.”

In his remarks, the Manager of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd., Surv. Steve Ibaro, said ROME will end on September 30, 2026, and all the properties owned by the company are included, depending on the package that a client or customer wants.

He stated that clients who want to start with the instalmental payment package have one year to complete the payment or inform the company of the reasons behind their pending breach of the agreement should anything like that arise.

He also commended their clients, stakeholders and realtors for always identifying with the company, an act he said would continue to improve the company’s growth and service delivery.

“ROME is an opportunity for people to own properties through flexible payment plans. The initiative covers the company’s properties, depending on the package selected by the client. We appreciate our clients, stakeholders and realtors for their continued support and identification with Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. The company remains committed to making property ownership easier for people who genuinely desire to invest in real estate.”

Speaking on behalf of the Realtors and partners of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd., the Managing Director of Chris Alex Homes and Properties Ltd., Mr. Eze Christian, said Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. is a brand to reckon with for all who want to have genuine properties, irrespective of their financial ability, especially realtors who are still learning the business and looking for partners.

He stated that, having partnered with Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. for over five years, the company has always displayed a high level of integrity in what they do, which has distinguished it from others.

He also appreciated the Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd., Architect Chibuikem Onyekachi Emmanuel, for always bringing out initiatives that empower staff, realtors, partners and other stakeholders, stressing that the company remains a force to reckon with in the real estate industry.

“Powell Homes and Shelters has built a name through its commitment to genuine property transactions and good relationships with its partners. The company has shown that real estate can be handled with transparency, responsibility and respect for clients. Its continuous support for realtors and partners has made it a dependable company and a strong brand in the real estate industry.”