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Enugu govt moves to reposition local govt areas for development

Published

3 years ago

November 7, 2023

Advocate News Nigeria

Gov. Mbah. Action pix....Deacon Ogbodo with Uzo-Uwani council chairman and others

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By Maurice Okafor

The current administration in Enugu state led by Governor Peter Mbah is very optimistic in impacting social amenities across the 17 local government areas in the state.

More importantly,the administration in what it termed ss ‘DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION’is bent on discovering the various socio cultural and economic potentials in the various rural communities and harnessing them for even development of the state.

Checks revealed that the means of achieving this feat informed the state government’s 60/40 percent partnership agreement on projects development with the 17 Council chairmen.

The implementation of this policy and realisation of the noble dream of developing and harnessing the various potentials in the rural communities in Enugu state is the reason for the current tour of the 17 local government areas embarked upon by the state commissioner for local government,rural development and chieftancy affairs, Deacon Hon. Okey Ogbodo.

The tour is meant to discover the various but yet untapped economic potentials in the rural communities, note the various developmental strides of the Council chairmen, interact with stakeholders, town union executives and other interested parties on rooms for improvement.

The tour of the 17 local government areas embarked upon by the state commissioner for local government,rural development and chieftancy affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo is also meant to resolve all crises areas that would enhance peaceful leadership and development of the rural areas.

The tour commenced on Tuesday,October 31st with a visit to Uzo-Uwani local government area,under Enugu North senatorial district.

At a Town Hall meeting held at the council headquarters at Umulokpa, with the stakeholders, Deacon Ogbodo thanked the people for their unflinching support to Governor Peter Mbah led adminidtration in the state, assuring them that Governor Mbah will unrelentlessly work for the good of the grassroots.

Commissioner Ogbodo noted that Uzo-Uwani local government area has the comparative advantage for agro-allied industries, stating the state government will capitalise on the massive and rich soil in the council area for investments in agriculture, that would create employment opportunities for unemployed youths in the envisaged agro-allied industries to be established in the council area, ginger food abundancy in the state and attract other socio economic and commercial activities to Uzo Uwani communities.

Deacon Ogbodo cautioned that the present administration in Enugu state demands accountability and transparency by the council chairmen, with emphasis on inclusive administration which would enhance peace and development.

He tasked the council chairman and party stakeholders to reconcile differences if any for optimal performance.

Giving account of his stewardship, Hon Chukwudi Nnadozie, Chairman Uzo Uwani LGA enumerated his developmental and political achievements and it’s impacts on the people.

According to him, his administration which started in 2020 has carried out a lot of developmental projects and programmes and above all, worked hard to keep the party intact.

He enumerated his projects to include provision of 300KVA transformers to some Communities, ashphalted 3km road, grading of community roads, provision of security Vehicles and Motorcycles to enhance adequate Security, massive support to the health sector which attracted UNICEF and WHO awards to him.

Nnadozie said he makes prompt payment of workers salaries, just as Traditional Rulers and Town Union President Generals receive stipends from his administrstion as at when due. He also promoted the education sector.

Some of the Stakeholders who spoke during the interactive meeting were HRH Igwe Emma Chukwuemeka Umunna, Chairman Uzo Uwani Traditional Rulers Council, Mr. Mathew Anuka of Uv uru Community confirmed the good works of the Chairman. They promised to maintain peace in their various communities for the good plans of the Governor to strive.

Speaking on behalf of women in politics, Hon. Princess Nwanneka Okoro and Lady Vera Ezeugwu maintained that their chairman has being carrying them along but they want to be involved the more.

The Enugu state commissioner for local government, rural development and chieftancy affsirs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo and his team continued their tour of the 17 local government areas of the state wiyh a visit to Oji River local government area on Thursday, November 2. Stakeholders of Oji River local government area assembled at the council headquarters to interact with him.

Deacon Ogbodo remarked that Oji River local government is well represented in the executive alm of government as two serving commisioners in Governor Mbah’s administration are from Oji River local government area.

He said the state government is still very desirous on how to improve on the lots of the rural dwellers which informed the reason of the local government tour embarked by his ministry.

He disclosed that the proposed Ugwuoba Industrial Park,Oji River is an initiative of Governor Mbah which will turn into reality for the benefit of the people,the South East zone and the country,based on it’s scope and viability.

Speaking on behalf of Oji River traditional rulers, Igwe Sunday Orah, commended Governor Mbah for having done so much within short a period.He said Mbah’s initiatives and achievements so far has shown that he is ready to serve Enugu state.

Some of the stakeholders demanded for more state government projects in communities within the local government. Some demanded for the constructoon of Umuabi-Nachi-Ehuhe Achi hinterland road, as a measure to reduce traffic hold up and pressure on Enugu-9th mile-Udi road- Oji River -Achi road. They pointed that it will serve as an alternative route to Achi with a shorter distance from Enugu in addition to opening up the rural areas interconnected along it’s route.

Another stakeholder lamented that the Oji River South Development center at Ugwuoba, whose roof was burnt some time ago, is still abandoned as such that the workers no longer come to work,most especially nurses and other health attendants attached to the Development center.

The Oji River Council Chairman,Hon. Kingsley Onyeagba,represented by his deputy,Hon Sopuluchi Onyebuchi,enumerated the achievements of his boss to include purchase and installation of a transformer at Oji -Urban, grading of several rural roads leading to the communities, Youth empiwerment, rural farm roads,drilling of boreholes etc.

The tour will continue this week with a visit to some other council areas.

PROMISES DELIVERED

News

Oyo Abduction: Eight kidnappers arrested, others killed — Presidency

Published

4 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

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After 56 days in captivity, abducted Oriire pupils and teachers in Oyo State, have regained their freedom.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on X on Friday said the victims were rescued by the security agencies.

According to him, eight of the kidnappers have been arrested and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services.

He also said that some of the terrorists were neutralised, adding that there was no quid pro quo in the rescue.

Updated: in the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being… pic.twitter.com/26q9himKyo

— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) July 10, 2026

He said, “In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised.

There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon.”

PROMISES DELIVERED

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BREAKING: Kidnapped Oyo pupils, teachers regain freedom

Published

6 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

The freed pupils and teacher. Photo: Bayo Onanuga

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The pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom.

The development was disclosed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

In a shared post on his verified X handle, Onanuga simply announced that the victims had been released by their abductors.

The freed pupils and teacher. Photo: Bayo Onanuga

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.

As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding their release, including whether any ransom was paid or the circumstances leading to their freedom, had yet to be disclosed.

The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools; Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

No fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were taken during the attacks.

During the attack, a teacher, Joel Adesiyan, was killed while attempting to escape.

Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded in the kidnappers’ den.

The terrorists holding the victims had reportedly made a four-point demand before agreeing to free the captives, including the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law.

The Oyo State Government had consistently maintained that no ransom would be paid to secure the release of any victims.

The incident had triggered weeks of public anguish, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers embarking on a month-long strike in the state to press for the victims’ rescue before suspending the action in July.

It also drew federal intervention, with military and police authorities repeatedly assuring Nigerians that operations to secure the victims’ freedom were ongoing.

PROMISES DELIVERED

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Enugu State Forest Guard Issues Standing Operational Order

Published

13 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

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…Harps on discipline, professionalism

The Enugu State Forest Guard has issued a new Order introducing comprehensive standards governing the dress code, operational turnout, accoutrements, corporate identity, discipline, and professional appearance of all officers and operatives of the Corps.

The new policy issued entitled Headquarters Standing Operational Order No. 178/2026 was announced by the the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji, in Enugu.

He said the reforms are fully aligned with the vision of the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to build a disciplined, intelligence-driven, technologically enabled, and highly professional security architecture capable of safeguarding lives, property, forests, and other critical assets across the State.

In statement issued by the Geraldine Chiagozie, an Assistant Superintendent of Forest Guard, Olasoji said the Order forms part of the ongoing institutional reforms aimed at strengthening discipline, reinforcing command and control, enhancing operational professionalism, and projecting a distinctive corporate identity for the Corps.

“As the operational activities of the Forest Guard continue to receive increasing public visibility through field operations, community engagements, television, radio, newspapers, and digital media platforms, it has become imperative to institutionalize uniform standards that reflect the discipline, professionalism, and values expected of a modern government security organization.

“The Standing Operational Order prescribes approved uniforms and their designated days of wear, operational dress for bush-combing and other field deployments, standards for approved accoutrements, lanyards, rank insignia, footwear, and personal grooming. It also establishes special dress codes for Administrative Officers and the Provost Unit to promote uniformity, professionalism, and easy identification throughout the Corps.

“The Order further prohibits the wearing of unauthorized uniforms, civilian attire (mufti) without authorization while on official duty, unauthorized footwear, and the use or public display of improvised wooden weapons during official assignments.

‘It emphasizes that only Headquarters-approved uniforms, equipment, and accoutrements shall be worn by personnel in the discharge of official duties.

“To ensure strict compliance, Directors, Senatorial Commanders, Zonal Commanders, Heads of Departments, Unit Commanders, and Sector Officers have been directed to conduct regular inspections before office duties, patrols, bush-combing operations, ceremonial activities, media engagements, and other official assignments. The Provost Unit has also been mandated to monitor compliance and enforce the provisions of the Standing Operational Order across all Commands and Units of the Corps,” the statement explained.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the Forest Guard, has also provided more insights into the significance of the initiative.

“Discipline begins with appearance. A professional security organization must be instantly recognized by its smart turnout, uniformity, discipline, and operational readiness. This Standing Operational Order is therefore not merely about uniforms; it is about strengthening our institutional culture, promoting accountability, reinforcing public confidence, and ensuring that every officer and operative represents the Government of Enugu State with dignity, honour, and professionalism,” the statement quoted Dr. Olasoji as saying.

The Commander reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Enugu State Forest Guard to continuous institutional improvement, operational excellence, intelligence-led security operations, respect for the rule of law, and effective collaboration with communities and other security agencies in promoting peace, public safety, and sustainable development throughout Enugu State.

Meanwhile, the Headquarters Standing Operational Order takes immediate effect, and all Commands and Units have been directed to ensure immediate and full compliance with its provisions.