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My administration’s intolerance for criminality is flushing out crimes – Mbah to new GOC
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has disclosed that the success behind the state’s enduring and sustainable peace and security was as a result of the deliberate zero tolerance policy of the administration against criminality, saying insecurity in any form was being systematically eradicated.
The governor stated this when he received the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye, who was on a familiarization visit to the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday.
Governor Mbah attributed the success in combating crime to the state’s collaborative efforts with all the security agencies, including local and community policing, as well as the proactive commitment to ensure a safe, secure and peaceful environment for residents and businesses to thrive.
While underscoring the robust and productive relationship that had existed between the state government and the Nigerian Army, Mbah highlighted the government’s primary role of ensuring the security and well-being of the citizens which was pivotal to fostering growth and development in the state and the South East region.
“It is absolutely difficult for us to talk about development without security. We have a commitment to our people to grow our economy exponentially and also to eradicate poverty. We think that those will remain pipeline dreams if we do not have security, which was why very early in our administration, we identified the security challenges as the biggest elephant in the room. And we were in a hurry to escort that elephant out of the room and chase it out,” Mbah said.
The governor, who commended security agencies for their commitment and tireless efforts in making sure that insecurity of any kind was stamped out of the state, added that the state was experiencing growing numbers of investments across various sectors of the economy because of the huge investment the administration had committed in the security space.
“We have zero tolerance for criminality, which is responsible for the level of investment we have made in that sector. We have been able to deploy technology, and of course, we cannot use the technology to operate in isolation. We still need the foot on the ground to be able to work effectively. That is where we have seen this collaboration taking place,” he added.
Assuring the GOC of continuous support from the administration in areas of logistics and other operational mechanisms that will strengthen the capability of the military to effectively eliminate any vestige of insecurity in the state as well as the entire South East zone, Mbah stressed that security ranks as a top priority for the government.
He further reiterated the state’s avowal to continue to crack and flush out criminal gangs and their criminal activities to enable private investments and businesses to flourish and expand the economy to $30bn within the next six years.
Governor Mbah’s audacious statement anchors on the reports of improved security in the state, with several complex crime busts and arrests made in the past one and a half years which had sent criminals packing and fleeing the state to other areas.
Speaking earlier, Maj. Gen. Olatoye, extolled the governor for his resilience in tackling and flushing out threats, maintaining that he was aware of the ugly situation in the past and what the security situation is in recent times in the state.
Olatoye, who took over office as the 39th GOC in 82 Division, reaffirmed that his responsibility in the South East Region was to upscale the peaceful environment he met for socio-economic activities to thrive.
“All I know is that we can get it better. I have had interaction with the governor and he has told me some plans that he has as regards Enugu State.
“I want to state here before everyone that ours is to collaborate with you to take Enugu State to a greater height,” he further noted.
He called on all concerned stakeholders to collaborate with the security agencies, adding that his office was always open for assistance and collaboration.
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as Member, extending the Association’s membership base in Nigeria’s fast-growing domestic aviation market and reaffirming AFRAA’s commitment to supporting the continued development of African carriers across the continent.
This was announced by AFRAA in Nairobi on Wednesday, making Enugu Air the 50th Member of the association, joining the AFRAA airline fraternity, collectively representing more than 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Speaking on the occasion, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, said, “We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity.
“As a state-backed carrier serving Nigeria’s rapidly expanding domestic market, Enugu Air represents the kind of homegrown investment that is vital to building resilient air connectivity across our continent.
“We look forward to supporting the airline through the IOSA certification process and to its continued growth within the AFRAA membership, as we work together to advance the cause of unified African skies.”
Reacting to the development, the CEO of Enugu, Capt Tolu Ita, described the admission into AFRAA as a major milestone in the airline’s short history.
“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity. This membership underscores Enugu Air’s commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for Nigerians while contributing to the vision of a unified African aviation market.
“We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification,” Tolu stated.
Founded on July 7, 2025, Enugu Air commenced commercial operations with a fleet of Embraer E170/E190/E195 aircraft.
The airline, which has its headquarters in Enugu and operates from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, currently serves nine domestic destinations including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City.
As part of the airline’s growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
As part of its growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
The admission of Enugu Air aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities and strengthens the voice of the association. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, remains central to the realization of a truly integrated African aviation market.
Meanwhile, founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry.
The association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable air transport industry in Africa, where African airlines become key players and drivers of African economic development.
AFRAA membership cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators.
The association’s members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved a fresh round of appointments involving a commissioner, three Special Advisers and 1,000 other aides.
The appointments comprise 90 Senior Special Assistants and 910 Special Assistants, with the governor saying the move is intended to reinforce his administration and improve its reach across the state.
Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, from Akoko North-West Local Government Area, has been nominated as Commissioner for Special Duties. Her nomination has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for consideration and confirmation.
The governor also appointed Hon. Abimbola Fajolu as Special Adviser on Environment, Chief Ade Adeniyi as Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development, and Mr Muyiwa Ogunyemi as Special Adviser on Transport.
Among those named as Senior Special Assistants are Erelu Toyin Ogungbure, Women Mobilisation (South); Bidemi Obayangbon, Forestry; Gboluge Olufunmi Alex, Community Engagement (South); Hon. Akin Adeniyi, Community Engagement (Central); and Obayan Theophilus Ayodeji, Community Engagement (North).
Others include Kelvin Solomon, Students Affairs; Adeolu Iwakun, Volunteer Services; Samson Job Bazuaye, Oil and Gas; Fade Ojamomi, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation; Sam Adepoju, Public Engagement; and Alhaji Samad Orijeminiyi, Scholarship.
Also appointed are Victor Omodara, Grassroots Mobilisation; Abayomi Adefolalu, Photography; and Alhaji Abdukadiri Adenoyi, Prince Nzuoma Egbulefu and Alhaji Garba Goni, all for Non-Indigenes.
About 40 people are suspected to have lost their lives after a boat carrying farmers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred while the victims were crossing a stream to access their farms.
An eyewitness said more than 70 people were on the boat when it capsized shortly after taking off.
The village head was among those on board but he was reportedly rescued.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” a local journalist who was at the scene, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, told our reporter.
According to him, the victims comprised farm owners and labourers who had been engaged to harvest rice.
“The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” he said. (Daily Trust)
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