Category: General News

By Taiye Olayemi

The Heritage Music Museum project initiated by late music aficionado, Chief Femi Esho, has recorded a major milestone with the completion of its event centre component.

Ms Bimbo Esho, Managing Director of Evergreen Musical Company and daughter to late Esho, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Esho noted that the realisation of the event hall was made possible through the support of Dr D.K. Olukoya, General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries and Patron of the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is part of a broader heritage project envisioned by late Esho to preserve and promote Nigeria’s rich musical history.

According to her, the Heritage Event Hall, designed as a concert and performance venue is the first major structure completed within the proposed music complex.

She said the project, when fully realised, would include a music museum, library, gallery of artistes, exhibition of historical photographs and instruments, recording studio and cinema theatre.

“Dr Olukoya’s financial and moral support has been instrumental in ensuring that the Heritage Event Hall is completed and ready for use.

“Beyond his contributions, Olukoya remains committed to the vision of late Esho and stood by the family following his passing, we really appreciate this,” she said.

Esho noted that the facility was equipped to host concerts, live performances, album launches, corporate events, film screenings and cultural gatherings.

She said it also provides accommodation for artistes and crew involved in late-night performances.

She expressed optimism that the facility would help revive live music culture in Nigeria and provide opportunities for both veteran and emerging artistes.

Esho appreciated the support received so far as she called on stakeholders and the public to contribute toward the completion of other components of the project.

She said the completed complex would serve as a major tourist attraction and a hub for the preservation of Nigeria’s musical heritage. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Gov. Mbah Celebrates Jim Nwobodo’s Legacies, Patriotism on Vanguard’s Lifetime Achievement Award

 

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, at the weekend, joined the management and board of Vanguard Media Limited, publishers of Vanguard Newspapers, in honouring elder statesman and former Second Republic Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, describing him as a man who stood out in service to his people.

 

Mbah recalled that decades after his time as governor, Nwobodo’s legacies still loomed large across the present Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States.

 

The governor spoke at the 2025 Vanguard Personality of the Year Award ceremony in Lagos, where the octogenarian received the Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

 

“This is a fitting tribute to your life of service to the nation and humanity in various capacities, as well as your towering legacies that have continued to stand the test of time,” he said.

 

Presenting the award to Nwobodo on behalf of Vanguard Media Limited, Mbah added, “First, I would like to thank the management and board of Vanguard for this recognition and for allowing me the privilege to present this award to our selfless elder statesman.”

 

He noted the former governor’s exploits as Chairman of Rangers International, as well as Minister of Youth and Sports, during which Nigeria excelled at the Olympics and the African Cup of Nations (AFCON ’94) in Tunisia.

 

 

“Jim, as we fondly call him, represents a whole lot for us. As governor, at just 39, he left bold legacies virtually across what we refer to today as the South East. He was the governor of three states – Anambra State, Enugu State, and part of Ebonyi State.

 

“As a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, he epitomised courage and patriotism.

 

“So, it is with a deep sense of pride and profound honour that I present this Lifetime Achievement Award to a distinguished son of Enugu State and a patriotic Nigerian.

 

 

“On behalf of my family, the Government, and the good people of Enugu State, I convey our warm congratulations to you,” Mbah concluded.

 

Wife of the elder statesman, Dr Patricia Nwobodo, and other prominent Nigerians stood by the former governor as he received the award.

Peace, Stability: 4 Scholars hail continuation of governorship zoning system in Enugu in book

 

Four scholars residing in Enugu, on Friday hailed the continuation of governorship zoning system that has ensured peace and stability within Enugu State from 1999 till date.

 

Speaking during a pre-unveiling press briefing in Enugu on the book titled:“Zoning of Governorship Position in Enugu State: Evolution, Practice and Convention (1999–2023)”, the co-authors said that they wanted to provoke discussion on zoning arrangement that works.

 

The co-authors – Dr Uchenna Anioke, Dr Ambrose Igboke, Mr Clinton Umeh and Dr Chikezie Obasi — noted that the book is scheduled for public presentation on May 7, 2026 at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

 

They said that the new book examined the evolution, practice, and conventions surrounding the zoning of the governorship position in Enugu State in all ramifications.

 

The co-authors noted that they were motivated to embark on the publication to present an empirical, fact-based and research-driven effort, which documented and clarify the often debated zoning arrangement in Enugu State politics.

 

 

Speaking, Dr Uchenna Anioke, one of the co-authors, said that the outcome of the 2023 governorship election, which witnessed intense debate and disagreements over zoning, remained a major push for the work.

 

He noted that former Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi strongly upheld the zoning principle, adding: “Ugwuanyi’s stance may have cost him a political Fortune”.

 

Anioke emphasised that zoning had remained an issue in every election cycle, but stakeholders interviewed for the book overwhelmingly agreed that the system—whether viewed as a convention or practice — had worked for Enugu State.

 

Describing the book as a blend of historical documentation and eyewitness accounts, he traced the roots of zoning to what he called a “triangular equilibrium” among the old Enugu, Nsukka, and Abakaliki divisions.

 

This, he explained, served as a balancing mechanism before the creation of new states and the current 4th Republic.

 

According to him, the book captured the general consensus among the people that equity and fairness are best preserved when power rotates among the zones.

 

 

Corroborating, another co-author, Dr Ambrose Igboke, said that the publication situates zoning within the framework of senatorial district balancing rather than cultural considerations.

 

Igboke said that the authors relied on archival records and firsthand interviews with key political players still alive, adding: “This is our contribution to knowledge.”

 

He added that the book provides an exhaustive account of developments from 1999 to 2023, including insights into how zoning influenced not just the governorship but also other offices such as deputy governor and speaker.

 

Speaking, another co-author, Mr Clinton Umeh, revealed that the book uncovered political intrigues dating back to 1999, among former Governor of old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwobodo, former Gov. Okwy Nwodo, and late former Gov. Christian Onoh.

 

The co-author said that the three prominent political leaders and their followers debated vehemently which zone should produce the first governor in the new democratic era (current 4th Republic).

 

Umeh noted that the book also explored the political dynamics that contributed to former Gov. Chimaroke Nnamani’s emergence as governor in 1999.

 

He also said the book dealt on issues such as the unique case of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, which council area stands admixt both unique cultural and political identities of Nsukka Cultural Zone and Enugu East Senatorial Zone.

 

Umeh, however, noted that zoning had contributed significantly to political stability and enduring political peace in Enugu State.

 

 

In his views, Dr Chikezie Obasi, one of the co-authors, said that current governorship zoning system had removed bitter political rancour and volatility from the state.

 

Obasi said that states “where zoning for equity does not exist” there would be continuous strive and volatility even after a governor had emerged lasting up to four years.

 

He described the book as the first comprehensive scholarly attempt to validate the zoning arrangement in Enugu State.

 

He noted that zoning had help reduced political tensions from the time of political primaries, as major political parties respect the zoning convention.

 

The authors collectively expressed confidence that the book would deepen understanding of Enugu State politics for researchers and help prevent future disputes since the zoning system and structure had been upheld by all.

Staff Healthcare, Wellbeing: EEDC Commission’s ultra-modern Sick Bay

 

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has strengthened its commitment to employee welfare with the commissioning of an ultra-modern Sick Bay aimed at providing quality healthcare support for its workforce.

 

The facility, commissioned at the company’s corporate headquarters in Enugu, represents a significant step in EEDC’s ongoing efforts to create a supportive and health-conscious work environment.

 

The sick bay is designed to provide immediate first aid and basic emergency care to employees, customers, and visitors who may experience sudden illness or injury within the company’s premises.

 

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of EEDC, Engr. Vincent Ekwekwu, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the company’s people-first philosophy, noting that the health and wellbeing of employees remain central to the organisation’s operational success.

 

According to him, the primary objective of the facility is to stabilize affected individuals and, where necessary, facilitate prompt referral or evacuation to appropriate healthcare facilities.

 

Ekwekwu clarified that the facility is not a hospital or full-service clinic and will not provide long-term medical care, advanced treatment, or surgical procedures.

 

In his remarks, the Managing Director of MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL), Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, who performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally declare the facility open, commended EEDC’s management for the well-thought-out initiative targeted at staff welfare.

 

He noted that given the amount of time employees spend in the workplace, the likelihood of sudden illness cannot be ruled out, making the sick bay a critical intervention point for immediate care.

 

 

“We at MainPower are excited about this development, as we are key beneficiaries of this facility,” he said.

 

The sick bay is managed by a qualified occupational health nurse who ensures that staff receive competent and timely medical attention.

 

In a move that underscores innovation and efficiency, the facility is powered by a robust Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system developed in-house by the EEDC ICT team.

 

The Chief Information Officer, Engr. Idika Okechukwu, who was also present at the event, explained that the EMR application enables seamless management of patient records, appointment scheduling, and real-time health monitoring, while ensuring confidentiality, accuracy, and ease of access to medical services.

 

He added that staff can access the facility using their staff numbers, while assuring that strict data privacy measures have been implemented to safeguard employees’ medical records and health history.

 

Also speaking, the Chief Finance Officer, Mr Pauli Isiguzo, reiterated EEDC’s commitment to investing in initiatives that enhance staff welfare, noting that a healthy workforce is critical to delivering reliable and efficient service to customers.

 

Other management staff of EEDC present at the event included the Head of Audit, Mr. Bode Aro; Head of Supply Chain Management, Mrs. Nnenna Aguji; Group Head, Human Resources, Ms. Nkiru Chukwuma; and Group Head, Health, Safety & Environment, Dr. Francis Iwu.

 

Also in attendance were management staff of MEDL, including the Head of Customer Service, Mrs. Ijeoma Ogudebe, and the Head of Communications, Mr. Emeka Ezeh.

 

Some staff members who spoke at the event expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and reassuring. They noted that access to immediate healthcare within the workplace enhances their sense of security and improves their ability to focus on their duties.

 

With this development, EEDC continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a healthy, safe, and productive workforce; while setting a benchmark for employee-focused initiatives within the power sector

Police detain suspect in Enugu, recover stolen tricycle after few hours

The Police Command in Enugu State has detained a suspect, Collins Ibeabuchi, after four hours of stealing a tricycle within Trans-Ekulu axis of Enugu metropolis.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Monday in Enugu.

Ndukwe said that operatives of the command attached to the Trans-Ekulu Division, on April 18 at about 10a.m., detained tha 30-year-old suspect, and recovered a stolen tricycle in his possession.

He said that the apprehension of the suspect followed a report by the custodian of the tricycle, who stated that he discovered the vehicle missing around 6a.m. the same day.

The spokesman said that the custodian affirmed that the tricycle was parked in front of his residence in Trans-Ekulu.

“Upon receipt of the report, operatives were swiftly mobilised, and the information was circulated through the command’s control room, leading to the recovery of the tricycle along Nike Road, Abakpa-Nike, Enugu, within hours of the incident.

“The suspect has confessed to the crime and attributed his action to hardship.

“He will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he said.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had commended the operatives for their prompt response, which led to the apprehension of the suspect and recovery of the tricycle.

The commissioner reiterated earlier call on vehicle owners to adopt basic security measures to safeguard their property and reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.

Enugu CP monitors security at UTME-CBT centres, hails orderly, peaceful conduct

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, has monitored security arrangements at various centres for the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Computer-Based Test (CBT) across the state.

After the monitoring on Saturday, the Commissioner commended police personnel, other security agencies, and JAMB officials for the peaceful and orderly conduct observed at all centres.

The state police boss noted that centres covered included those in Nsukka, Agbani and Enugu metropolis axis of the state.

The centres are: the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Maduka University; Zeetech CBT Centre; Renaissance University; St. Augustine CBT Centre; Institute of Management and Technology; Enugu State College of Education Technical; Union Secondary School, and Holy Rosary College.

The commissioner, however, charged security personnel to sustain the momentum to ensure a seamless and hitch-free examination process.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment in collaboration with other security agencies, to maintaining law and order throughout the examination period and beyond.

He urged members of the public, particularly candidates, parents, and guardians, to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency lines: 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668, and 09134448093.

The UTME examination, which was scheduled by JAMB for 10 days, started on April 16 and would terminate on April 25.

NCoS appreciates Monsignor Ike, CIDJAP contributions to inmates’ reformation, custodial centres uplift

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has appreciated Monsignor Obiora Ike, Founder, Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP) for his contributions to inmates’ reformation and uplift of custodial centres.

It would be recalled, that Ike, who is also a Professor of Ethics and Religion, celebrated his 70 birthday, 45 years of priesthood and 40 years of founding CIDJAP, on April 7.

Speaking after a novelty match in honour of Ike at the Maximum Custodial Centre, Enugu on Saturday, Assistant Controller-General of Corrections (ACG) Prisca Oku, the Zonal Coordinator of NCoS, Zone M, Enugu. commended Ike for dedication to reformation of inmates.

Oku noted that Ike through his CIDJAP institute had been instrumental to most of the charity and humanitarian works done in custodial centres in Enugu State and beyond.

She said, “On behalf of the Controller-General of NCoS, C-G Sylvester Nwakuche, we appreciate you for 40 years of impact to inmates in the state through personal and CIDJAP projects and interventions. You are indeed a pillar of support.

“We, NCoS, are here to celebrate your uncommon and impactful life as well as touch on inmates’ reformation in our facilities.

“We continue to pray that God keep blessing and strengthen you with good health. God will bless all those working in CIDJAP that have helped to carry out your positive  dreams and aspirations concerning inmates to reality.”

Corroborating, the Enugu State Controller of Corrections, Mr Valins Obizue, noted that Ike had become the voice of the voiceless and represented inmates interest in all levels of governance and engagements.

“Your life, Monsignor, is a great inspiration to all and your philanthropy to the downtrodden and those behind bars remains exemplary for over 40 years.

“We know that the centres always have pressing needs; but we must pulse and thank you immensely for the dedicated years of service to humanity especially to the course and reformation of inmates. We are grateful,” Obizue said.

Speaking, the Deputy Controller of Corrections in-charge of Maximum Custodial Centre, Enugu, Dr Sunday Igwe, said that NCoS brought out the programmes to appreciate and celebrate a priest and brother to inmates, “who holds nothing back to show his love to inmates”.

According to Igwe, the novelty football match won by Monsignor Ike’s team, the guided tour and inmates’ products’ exhibition are all meant for the inmates and NCoS to join in celebrating Ike’s impact to the custodial community in Enugu State.

“We appeal for assistance in differs ways especially in reduction of number of inmates, vehicles to take them to court, vehicles for official duties, revitalisation of machines and equipment in various workshops and a functional water tanker among others,” he said.

One of the inmates, who spoke on condition of anonymity on behalf of others, said that CIDJAP had given virtually all inmate educational scholarship to all levels of education, sponsored vocational training and paid health expenses among other philanthropic gestures.

“However, daddy, we are no longer asking for double ration of food; but double ration of freedom and release from here; so that we can be integrated into the society and use our discovered talents and higher educational attainment to assist the society better,” he said.

Responding, Ike said that he had taken copious note of lacks in the facility during the guided tour, listened to demands of inmates and “noted an abnormal as well”.

He noted that CIDJAP would donate 10 sewing machines and bring technicians that would fix obsolete machines in vocational workshops, adding: “We will meet and pressurise the governor to donate vehicles for conveying inmates to courts and for officials.”

Ike said, “Since I am a member of the State Committee on Prerogative of Mercy; the governor will be granting amnesty to some inmates on May 29, which is Democracy Day; Oct. 1 Independence Day and on New Year Day.

“I will be meeting the Chief Judge of the state and work out possibility of having jail delivery twice yearly and send CIDJAP lawyers to take up some cases, where the accused and incarcerated are innocent or have no one to speak for them.”

Ike assured that on compassionate grounds, he would take up the case of nursing mothers or pregnant women in custody.

“We must stop the courts and law enforcement agencies sending mentally challenged persons to custodial facilities, there are medically helpful places they should go to.” he added.

Adedoja Felicitates Oloyede on CCII Honour.

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‎By Adewale Owoade.

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‎A former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, has congratulated Professor Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on his recent honour by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).

 

The award will be presented to him, tomorrow, Saturday April  18, 2026, during CCII cultural day at the Olubadan stadium Ibadan.

 

The CCII Award is coming ahead of the nationwide UTME Examinations for over 600 blind candidates taking place on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21, April, 2026.

 

‎Adedoja, in a statement made available to journalists, described the award as a well-deserved recognition of Oloyede’s outstanding contributions to education, public service, and national development.

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‎The Balogun Agbaoye of Ibadanland, noted that Oloyede’s leadership at JAMB has brought about remarkable reforms, enhancing transparency, credibility, and efficiency in Nigeria’s tertiary education admission process.

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‎According to him, the honour of Ibadanland Distinguished National Service Award, bestowed by the CCII not only reflects Oloyede’s professional excellence but also his unwavering commitment to integrity and service to humanity.

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‎Adedoja further commended the CCII for recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, adding that such gestures serve as motivation for others to strive for excellence.

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‎He expressed confidence that Oloyede would continue to uphold the values of diligence, accountability, and patriotism in his service to the nation.

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‎The member of JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, JEOG, wished the JAMB Registrar continued success in his endeavours and prayed for greater accomplishments in the years ahead.