The Enugu State Tourism Board has denied allegations that Governor Peter Mbah directed it to deny former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) the use of Michael Okpara Square for a political rally.

The Executive Chairman of the board, Dame Rita Mbah, said the governor had no involvement in the decision, insisting that the facility was already fully booked for government and other activities during the Christmas and New Year period.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Mbah described reports alleging that the governor ordered the rejection of Obi and the NDC’s request as false and misleading.

She explained that a representative of the group approached the manager of Michael Okpara Square, in her presence, to request the use of the facility but was informed that all available dates had already been booked weeks earlier.

According to her, the representative was subsequently informed of the booking situation but insisted on submitting the request letter.

She alleged that the individual practically forced the receipt of the letter on her and resorted to verbal abuse, which continued even after she disengaged from the conversation.

The Tourism Board chairman added that more than five persons witnessed the incident.

Mbah further explained that other applicants, including religious organisations, had also been unable to secure the facility because their applications were submitted after the available dates had been booked.

She maintained that the decision was strictly based on the existing booking schedule and had nothing to do with the political affiliation of the applicants.

“I received no instruction or communication from Governor Mbah concerning the request. The matter was handled strictly in accordance with the facility’s existing booking schedule,” she stated.

The chairman described the allegation that Governor Mbah personally directed the rejection of the request as an attempt to manufacture a political controversy.

“It is unacceptable to manufacture a story, attribute it to the Governor and present it as fact without a single documentary evidence to substantiate the claim. The public deserves facts, not fabricated narratives designed to whip up political sentiments,” she added.

She expressed confidence that her clarification would put the circumstances surrounding the request in their proper perspective.

The statement was signed by Dame Rita Mbah, Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Tourism Board, and dated November 12, 2026.U

The Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) has honoured Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, in recognition of his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and transforming the state’s health sector.

The prestigious award was presented to Mbah during the Guild’s 28th Annual General Meeting and Conference, held in Enugu on Thursday. The event brought together medical professionals and other stakeholders to deliberate on emerging issues and challenges in the healthcare industry.

The conference was themed, “The Business of Medicine in the Present Economic and Security Challenges in Nigeria,” with the sub-theme, “Digital Health, Telemedicine, Integrating Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and AI Tools Without Breaking the Bank.”

Receiving the award, Mbah expressed appreciation to the association for choosing Enugu State as the host of its annual gathering.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning the state’s health sector through strategic investments, modern infrastructure and improved access to quality healthcare services.

He particularly highlighted the state-of-the-art 300-bed Enugu International Hospital, which is expected to commence operations soon.

According to him, the hospital represents one of his administration’s landmark investments aimed at expanding the state’s capacity to provide world-class medical services.

“The 300-bed Enugu International Hospital will definitely reduce the need for residents to travel outside the country for specialised healthcare,” he said.

Earlier, the National President of the Guild of Medical Directors, Dr Raymond Kuti, commended Governor Mbah for his visionary leadership and the strides recorded in the state’s health sector.

Kuti emphasised the importance of sustained government commitment to building a stronger, more efficient and accessible healthcare system.

The keynote address was delivered by Emeritus Prof. Sam Ohaegbulam, Medical Director of Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu.

Similarly, Prof. Emmanuel Chino Iyidobi, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, delivered the sub-theme presentation, focusing on the opportunities and practical applications of digital technologies in modern medical practice.

The recognition of Governor Mbah by the Guild further underscores the association’s acknowledgement of his administration’s efforts to transform Enugu State’s healthcare landscape through innovation, infrastructure development and strategic partnerships.

The 28th Annual General Meeting and Conference also reinforced the importance of collaboration between government and private medical practitioners in addressing prevailing economic and security challenges while embracing digital solutions to make healthcare more accessible, affordable and sustainable for Nigerians.

The gathering provided a platform for critical discussions on the sustainability, innovation and future of medical practice in Nigeria.

Shock and grief have enveloped the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State, community following reports that six newly graduated students have been found dead inside an apartment in the Hilltop area of Nsukka.

The tragic incident reportedly occurred on Thursday morning, barely 24 hours after the victims celebrated the completion of their academic programmes at the university.

The deceased, comprising five females and one male, were said to be pharmacy graduates who had participated in a sign-out celebration on Wednesday.

Videos and photographs of the celebration had earlier circulated on social media, showing the graduates jubilating with friends over their academic achievement.

However, the celebration reportedly turned tragic following the discovery of their lifeless bodies inside an apartment during a private gathering in the Hilltop axis, an off-campus community near the university.

A social media influencer, Chininkem Ugwuanyi, raised the alarm over the incident in a post, describing Thursday as a dark day for the Nsukka university community.

He wrote: “Dark Thursday in Nsukka @ University Of Nigeria Nsukka….

“Seven Pharmacy students who just signed out or graduated yesterday all died in an in-house party at the Hilltop axis of the school environment.

“They reportedly lost their lives at a house party while celebrating their sign-out.”

Meanwhile, a disturbing video purportedly showing the lifeless bodies of the victims inside a spacious room has circulated on social media, further heightening concerns over the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Although reports circulating online have given conflicting figures, with some claiming that seven students died, information available in the initial account identified six victims.

The cause of their deaths had not been established as of the time of filing this report. It was also unclear what happened inside the apartment before the victims were discovered.

Efforts to reach the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls put through to his telephone were not answered.

The university management had also yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of press time.

The tragedy has sparked concern among students, residents and members of the university community, with many demanding an urgent investigation to establish what led to the deaths.

The incident has left families, friends and colleagues mourning the sudden loss of the young graduates, whose academic celebration has been overshadowed by an unexplained tragedy.