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NEW YEAR: No tapering down on development speed, Mbah assures Enugu citizens

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Eid-El-Kabir: Gov Mbah felicitates Muslims, harps on love, sacrifice
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…Urges Nigerians to kindle the fire of love, empathy and charity

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has assured the people of the state that there would not be any slowing down in the new year the speed of transformation witnessed by the state in the year 2024.

This was even as he urged Nigerians to kindle the fire of love, empathy, and charity to move the nation forward in the new year.

Mbah stated this in his New Year message on Tuesday, reiterating his commitment to an inclusive development and all-bracing economic opportunities.

“The high expectations that have arisen as a result of the successes of the outgoing year are understandable. We cannot afford to temper your expectations with excuses, or by lowering our deliverables.

“So, as we behold the dawn of a New Year, we can rest assured that there will be no tapering down on the social and economic re-engineering we have set off across Enugu State.

“We went through 2024 with the spritely dash of a sprint runner. 2025 will be no different. There would be no slowing down to catch our breath, because our strong resolve to transform Enugu State has imbued us with the endurance of a marathon runner.

“In a few days’ time, we will witness the formal commissioning of some major capital projects – from completed Smart Green Schools to the breathtaking International Conference Centre; Primary Healthcare Centres that expand quality medical care to the remotest locations in our state, as well as several kilometers of urban and rural roads; and Bus Terminals designed to restore order and dignity to our public transport.

“These are significant projects. But they are just a miniscule representation of our larger vision for Enugu State.

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“This year, the doors of our Smart Schools will open across the entire state, bringing almost in a literal sense a world of opportunities to our children’s classrooms.

“Through our fully functional Smart Schools, we have caught glimpses of the wholesome transformation that children will experience when exposed to a range of practical and impactful learning.

“We can only marvel at the likely impact, as more students are brought into the pool that guarantees an education that is fit-for-purpose, and a skill set that sufficiently prepares them for the evolving global workplace.

“So, by September, every child from age 3 – 15 in each of our Smart Schools will have access to world-class free education – complemented with a free nourishing meal daily,” he said.

The governor added that his vision to transform Enugu State into a premier destination for business, investment, tourism and living, and grow its economy from $4.4bn to $30bn remained uncompromisable.

“We had long seemed content with initiatives that yield outcomes that were at best marginal, and which barely generated the real growth that can launch Enugu into a modern economy.

“The year 2025 will witness the extension of the frontiers of development – as we take it literally to the last mile, where the provision of basic amenities can be taken for granted by everyone,” he stated.

Mbah, however, urged the people of Enugu State and Nigerians to embrace love and empathy as a key ingredient in nation-building.

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“Let us not be so consumed by personal pursuits to such extent they render us insensitive to the needs of others.

“Let us resolve to never underestimate the power of a small kind deed. Love and empathy are crucial building blocks of every society.

“It is the reason we have carefully structured our development model in a way that is inclusive, and that ensures we’re not growing our economy at the expense of our common humanity.

“I can confidently assure you that we’re on track; we’re carrying everyone along, and will never veer off this track in this New Year.

“May this New Year kindle the fire of love, empathy and charity in our hearts – and banish the toxic air of hate, distrust and cynicism,” he stated.

Mbah thanked the people for their support and wished them a merry and hitch-free New Year celebration.

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Former Miss Nigeria dies in London

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Former Miss Nigeria, Edna Ibru
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Ex-Miss Nigeria and former First Lady of Delta State, Mrs Edna Ibru (nee Park) is dead.

Edna Ibru, wife of Olorogun Felix Ibru, the first civilian Governor of Delta State between 1991 and 1992, died in her 80s on Wednesday, in a London hospital after a brief illness.

The deceased, who was Miss Nigeria 1964, and the first Nigerian/African to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe, had two children for Ibru.

The Ibru family of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom in Delta State confirmed the death of the former first lady in a statement issued by her son, Dr Paul Ibru, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday.

“Our amazing mother passed onto glory on Wednesday 15, January 2025 after a brief illness”, the statement partly read.

It continued, “Until her death, she was full of life and we never expected her to leave us so soon but we cannot question the will of God in her precious life.

“She was a lover of people, a mediator, a mother to many, outrageously humorous, deeply caring, down to earth, full of stories all of the time, and we will miss her very dearly.”

Paul added that arrangements for her burial would be announced by the family later.

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Tinubu administration has no plan, no vision – Bauchi Governor

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Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed disappointment with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that while he initially celebrated Tinubu’s victory, he has since observed a lack of clear vision and effective policies that are hindering national progress.

Mohammed, who was an opposition governor during the 2023 elections, admitted to having high hopes for the new administration due to Tinubu’s successful tenure as Lagos State Governor.

However, he now believes that freedom and development remain elusive under the current leadership.

Speaking at a courtesy visit by Apostle Johnson Suleiman, the founder of Omega Fire Ministry, in Bauchi, Mohammed emphasized that President Tinubu appears to have entered office without a concrete plan or manifesto.

He also criticized the president for surrounding himself with individuals who he described as “misfits,” and warned that the administration’s direction is likely to lead Nigeria down a path of destruction.

The Governor clarified that he holds no personal animosity toward Tinubu, but expressed concern over the impact of the current policies, particularly those that he believes could negatively affect Nigerians.

He urged the president to be more inclusive and develop a comprehensive, well-thought-out vision for the country.

Mohammed called for reforms that would be beneficial to all citizens, stressing the need for unity and respect for Nigeria’s diversity.

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He cautioned against divisive policies and practices of impunity, urging for governance that prioritizes the welfare of the people and ensures their aspirations are not stifled.

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Yahoo Boys shoot EFCC officer dead, injure another in Anambra

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Armed internet fraudsters fatally shot an officer after opening fire on a team of anti-graft operatives in Anambra on Friday.

The officers were on a mission to corner a cluster of suspected cybercriminals, widely known as Yahoo Boys, when they were met with lethal violence on Friday morning.

One officer was shot dead on the spot and another sustained serious injuries and remained hospitalised in critical condition as of Friday night.

The officers had travelled to Anambra on the assignment from their zonal headquarters in Enugu.

A male suspect has been taken into custody for the murder, an official said. His identity was not immediately disclosed just as the motive of the attack is yet to be ascertained.

A spokesman for the EFCC said he would find out about the incident when contacted.

A police spokesman in Anambra did not immediately comment on the development.

The attack came as chairman Ola Olukoyede was recalibrating the agency’s protocol on raiding white-collar criminals. Yahoo Boys were hitherto largely known to be unarmed and, therefore, easily to take into custody.

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The deceased officer was identified as an assistant superintendent who had recently completed a promotional examination.

It was learnt that the identity of the officer was kept secret to allow time for his family to be officially notified.

Anti-graft agents expressed apprehension over the development saying the agency’s personnel insurance had been moribund for years.

“We no longer have life insurance,” an officer said under anonymity to discuss internal administrative policies.

“The last time family members of an officer who died on duty were compensated was under Farida Waziri.”

“So the families of the officer that died today won’t be getting anything,” another officer added. “So can we say he died for nothing?”

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