The Orbit News

30/04/2025

30/04/2025

NSCCIMA Mobilizes Igbo-Nsukka Towards Economic Emancipation.
..Unveils Igbo-Nsukka Digital Warehouse.
....Inaugurates Women Wing.

By Omeoyalu Nwezike,Nsukka.

Amidst the economic quagmire plaguing Nigeria like ravaging locusts, the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NSCCIMA) in collaboration with the Nsukka Professionals Association(NPA), Lagos branch has in a one-day Economic Summit held at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium(PAA), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)called for re-knew and more concerted efforts by the critical stakeholders towards harnessing the natural resources for the economic renaissance of Igbo Nsukka area.

The Economic Torch-Bearers came up with the theme of “Rethinking Nsukka Economic Development Strategies". The target according to its President, Barrister Samuel Otoboeze is to re-awaken the economic consciousness of the people of the Igbo-Nsukka cultural area to look around their environments to empower themselves by exploiting, exploring, and harnessing the natural resources around them for the benefit of the society.

Dr.Franklin Nnaemeka Ngwu, an Economist,(Associate Professor) in Strategy, Governance, and Risk Management with Lagos Business School(LBS) who was the keynote speaker said that the Igbo Nsukka area has the potential to create wealth and achieve revenue generation of over $30 million annually through its economy.The area is populated and blessed with natural resources that could be harnessed for the improvement of the economic base of the people. According to him,"what is needed is for the people to set up smart achievable goals”."Our people need to eschew unnecessary bickerings,hatred political wrangling that could undermine the productive and prosperous economic life of the area. He advocated the need for synergy among the people, the creation of a data bank, an investment or a bank to finance socio-economic transformation as well as establishing a chartered Institute of Vocational Studies to train and supply about 500 skilled workers for the country.

Barr. Sam Otoboeze,the President of the Chamber in his address of welcome said the summit was meant for cross-fertilization of ideas with experts in different fields to profer solutions for revamping the economy of the Igbo-Nsukka area for greater wealth creation and revenue generation. The area has a hub of economic potential in the State abd and it is a critical pillar in the realization of Enugu State’s $30 billion GDP target by Mbah's administration.

He said, "The meeting was an excursion into the economic viability of the Igbo-Nsukka area and a means to dialogue and articulate the way forward in enhancing the economic development plans of the area which include productivity, innovation, and connectivity".

“We in Nsukka are not waiting to be invited into the future; we are building it. And we believe that the pathway to achieving Enugu State’s vision lies through the cultural and economic engine of Nsukka. With approximately 55% of the State’s Population, its strategic geographical location as a Northern gateway into the Southeast, and the immense human capital embedded in our academic, agricultural, and cultural institutions, Nsukka is ready to lead. We are not simply advocating for growth; we are ready to partner with the government and other stakeholders to deliver 60% of the State’s GDP target”, he said.

According to Otoboeze,the vision of NSCCIMA was to transform the area into Igbo-Nsukka Agro-Innovation Corridor, the innovation capital of the Southeast, and establish a Technology and Creative Innovation District that would leverage university research, startup energy, and digital infrastructure to derive job creation and tech-based solutions in health, education, agriculture, and enterprise.He
said it won’t be possible for the chamber to work alone but needs synergy and serious collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to make the lofty dreams come true. He on behalf of the organization to the Executive Governor of the State, Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to come to their aid, requesting specifically for formal designation of Igbo-Nsukka area as a priority economic development zone under the State Development plan, permanent site as well as office complex and establishment of an Igbo-Nsukka Chamber-State Government Joint Venture.
He expressed displeasure over the attitudes of some mischief makers who peddled unfounded rumors that the gathering was for political issues to attack the governor of the state while it was an economic exercise for the betterment of the area.And their actions inadvertently affected the turnout."I am happy that the Governor sent his Commissioner of Finance to represent him".

The Enugu State Governor, Barr.Peter Mbah, represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Urama in his remarks extolled NSCCIMA and Nsukka Professionals Association Lagos branch for their proactive steps in addressing the economic issues affecting the area. Pointing out that what they have done was in line with the Governor’s ideals of transforming the economic sector of the State. While reiterating the Governor’s commitments to beef up the Internally Generated Revenue of the State, with emphasis on transparency and accountability, the commissioner assured the people that HE would work in double harness with NSCCIMA to harvest the economic potential in the area to accelerate the economic development.

In his opening remarks as the chairman of the event, the former Economic Adviser in President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, Prof. Osita Ogbu(Oshimiri) asked people of the area to have a change of mindset to succeed in their economic endeavors. He charged the seven local government area chairmen in the area to up their games by strategizing how to re-engineer their economic base for the transformational development of the economy of the area.

The high points of the economic summit were the Unveiling of the Igbo-Nsukka Digital Warehouse and the inauguration of the WSCCIMA (women's wing of NSCCIMA).

Goodwill messages came from the former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi, the chairman of Igbo-Eze South LG/ALGON Vice Chairman, Enugu State, Hon. Ferdinand Ugweze, and Barr. Mrs. Ann Ezeakor who represented the Director General of WCCIMA, National, Eribo Weyinmi, all commended NSCCIMA and the organizers of the event, with Hon. Ugweze calling NSCCIMA to have a similar economic platform at the seven local governments of the area.

There was a technical session, anchored by Bishop Aloysius Eze Agbo, the Anglican Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, where Prof. Rose Onah and Dr. Sam Maduka Onyishi, Chancellor Maduka University Ekwegbe discussed the way forward for exploiting, harnessing, and improving on the economic potentials of the area.

Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi, the Chancellor of the Maduka University Ekwegbe had a no-holds-barred encouraging, and motivational speech where he elucidated much on wealth creation having seen it in all in the economic sphere of life. His speech was a testimonial coming from grace to grace. He was very emphatic in attributing success to God.

Barr. Nnagbogu John Ngwu, a full-time farmer at Agu Ukehe suggested that the traditional rulers should discuss how interested persons who wish to farm can have access to communal land for farming to improve the economy of the area.
Those who graced the event were Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, HRM, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu(Ogadagidi)the Igwe of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom and others too numerous to mention.

26/08/2024

Rev. Fr Kelechi Ugwu conducts 1st mass @ St Michael's Catholic Parish Ohebe-Dim as the 2nd Indigenous Priest.

By Chinazom Okenwa .

It was celebration galore at the St.Michael's Catholic parish, Ohebe-Dim, Igbo-Etiti local government area of Enugu state South Eastern Nigeria on Sunday August 25,2024 as friends, relations braved all odds:the turbulent economic, security and social situations in Nigeria to attend the first mass of Rev.Fr.Kelechi Francis Ugwu an indigenous priest who was ordained on Saturday June 29,2024 at the St.Patrick's Catholic parish Ovom, Yenagoa Bayelsa state by His Lordship, Most.Rev.Hyacinth Oroko Egbebo MSP, bishop of the catholic diocese of Bomadi.

The joy in the hearts of the Catholic faithfuls and the entire people of Ohebe-Dim community knew no bounds on the ordination Rev.Fr Kelechi as the second indigenous Catholic priest after 22 years when Rev.Fr Chinedu Jude Okenyi was ordained as the first indigenous Catholic priest in Ohebe-Dim.Therefore, it was a great joy that family members, relations and friends came from far and wide to grace the event.

The high point of the event during the reception was the presentation of a Toyota Camry car as gift to the Chief Celebrant, Fr.Kelechi Ugwu by the parishioners to ease his movements in his evangelical engagements.

In his sermon, Rev.Fr.Chinedu Jude Okenyi the first indigenous Catholic priest of Ohebe-Dim ancient kingdom urged Christians to persevere and continue to hold onto God in their lives notwithstanding the type of situations they may find themselves."I urge christians to hand over all our problems to God and wait in patience.Joshua made a decision that he and his family members had decided to worship only God the creator of Heaven and Earth". ".To you Fr. Kelechi,"always focus on Jesus Christ to show you the light and direction as God shall shield you from all the challenges associated with priesthood". The first reading came from the book of Joshua Chapter 24 verses 1-2 and 15-18, second reading was from Ephesians:5:21-32 while the gospel was from John chapter 60:60 and 68.

In his speech during the reception activities, Fr.Kelechi, said,"To my family members, numerous friends and well wishers, parishioners, I will not disappoint you. I will do my best to live up to the call.It was not easy for almost 12 years now, with your prayers l was able to wither all the storms". He appreciated all persons and groups who encouraged him throughout the journey into the seminary and ordination.

In his remarks, Engr.Prof.Marcel Ugwoke Agu who was the Father of the Day,"I strongly believe that our new indigenous priest, Fr Ugwu will be a good ambassador.His grandfather late Chief Emmanuel Ugwu was among the first Christian converts in the community.He remained a strong Catholic faithful till he died.Then his son, late John Ugwu(the father of Fr Kelechi)followed into the footsteps of the father till he denied a church Warder like his father.So Catholicism runs in the blood of their family members".

Sir Engr.Alfred Okonkwo Ugwu in a chat with the press thanked God Almighty for the gift of a priest in their family saying it was a dream come true."Well in all honestly, the ordination of my brother Kelechi as a priest in the Catholic church is a fulfilment of a dream.Our later father, Chief Emmanuel Ugwu from Obeke in Umuotuga village was among the first Christian converts in our community.And my later brother John continued.So it was his dream that has been fulfilled and I am glad.May God bless all who are part of the successful journey that we are celebrating today".

The parish priest of St.Michael's catholic church, Ohebe-Dim, Rev.Fr.Charles Izuchukwu Odoh, appreciated all who in one way or the other supported towards making the event a success for all in attendance for gracing the occasion.

Among personalities that graced the event included, but not limited to Lt.Col.Alexander Ugbor of the Nigerian Army, Rev.Fathers and sisters and seminarians from dioceses across the country,
Lady Monica Agu a former Chief Supervising Principal (CSP),Nsukka Educational zone, Dr Paulinus Ezeme of the Political Science department ,University of Nigeria Nsukka(UNN),Comrade Ikechukwu Okenyi, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO)National Population Commission(NPC), Enugu state and Mr Jude Ugwu, a former State Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS).

United Ogene group of Akaibute Ohebe-Dim made the event very colorful with their displays to the admiration of the audience.

15/05/2024

Odida Ogboso Umulokpa is now Obodo-Ukwu Ogboso Umulokpa.

The people of Obodo-Ukwu village, Ogboso Umulokpa in Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu state have changed the name of their community from Odida Ogboso Umulokpa to Obodo-Ukwu Ogboso Umulookpa.

In an affidavit of change of name dated April 26,2024, signed by the President General of the community, Ozo Joseph Obieze Nwankwo(popularly known as Onowu Ezeugo) and Ozo Ndibe Chidiume(the eldest man) and which was also published by the Vanguard newspaper of Tuesday May, 14,2024, page 7, reads thus and captioned,"COMMUNITY CHANGE OF NAME",reads,"We the entire people of Obodo-Ukwu village, Ogboso in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu state of Nigeria, wishes to declare and state that we were formerly known, called and addressed as ODIDA OGBOSO UMULOKPA now wish to be known and addressed as OBODO-UKWU, OGBOSO UMULOKPA.All former documents remain valid.General public please take note" ,the document emphasized.

According to the court affidavit, the decision for the change of the name of the village was reached on the 30th day of December ,2023 by the people of the village in a general meeting.

In an interview with our reporter, the President General of the town union, Ozor Joseph Obieze Nwankwo(Onowu Ezeugo),said,"the change of the change of the name of our community was for the fact that the name Odida was not favourable to us as a people as we never experienced improvements in our lives and development of the place.Everything was in upside down and in backwardness.Frankly speaking,since we changed from Odida to Obodo-Ukwu we have started experiencing positive impacts.Now our youths have living in the townships, started erecting houses both at home and abroad , buying cars, provision of social amenities in our community and so many developmental strides are in place now.So as the President General of Obodo-Ukwu Ogboso, Umulookpa, I want to be remembered for bringing positive changes in my community and I pray to God to bless my people so that together we can develope our community".

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

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.