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Governor has introduced an initiative to grant automatic employment to first-class graduates from both Nigerian and foreign universities into the state Civil and Public Service. This new policy aims to improve the quality of manpower in the state’s public sector and enhance service delivery across government institutions. The announcement was made by the state’s Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, who described the initiative as part of the Graduate Development Programme. This program is designed to attract top-tier talent to the state’s civil service, with a focus on first-class graduates and those with high-grade degrees. According to Okungbowa, Governor Okpebholo’s goal is to motivate workers and create an environment where top graduates can make meaningful contributions to the development of the state. Governor Okpebholo emphasized that this policy is not only aimed at attracting skilled professionals but also at retaining them within the state's workforce—a challenge that has ...

Hon. Clifford Obe, a member representing Igbo-Eze North Constituency II at the Enugu State House of Assembly, has moved a motion to halt the operations of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on state and local government-owned roads in Enugu State. The motion was presented on Thursday, November 21, 2024, and seeks to address concerns regarding unauthorized enforcement activities by the FRSC on roads under the jurisdiction of the Enugu State Government. Hon. Obe cited a significant court ruling from 2019, where the Federal High Court in Warri ruled that the FRSC had no authority to operate on state and local government-owned roads. The ruling was based on the premise that the FRSC’s mandate, as established by the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act 2007, is restricted to federal highways. Furthermore, a 2023 appeal in Asaba upheld this decision, reinforcing the notion that the FRSC's authority does not extend to state-managed roads. The motion highlighted that the FR...

Commotion was recorded at a major airport as four planes were involved in two separate collisions on the same day. Travel chaos erupted at Boston Logan International Airport on Monday, Nov. 25, after the two incidents, which took place hours apart, saw planes with broken wings and pilots sent to hospital. The first of the two crashes saw an American Airlines jet that was taxiing to a gate clip the wing of a parked plane belonging to Frontier Airlines. Terrified passengers on the smaller Frontier Airlines plane, which had been due to take them to Texas, recalled the terrifying collision. “That was terrible. It was very scary. All of a sudden, ‘thump.’ It sounded like something fell from below,” Evelyn Pipione, a Frontier passenger, told local news station WCVB. A video posted online shows the wing of the smaller Frontier Airlines plane trapped underneath the wing of the larger American Airlines jet, as passengers said the collision had caused serious damage. “So, you can see the wing ac...

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has urged Nigerians to resist the temptation to leave the country ("Japa"). He assured that the CBN is working to build an economy where individuals and businesses can thrive. Cardoso made this statement during the 59th annual Bankers Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos. He emphasized that leaving the country now could lead to people selling off their assets at low prices, which would be advantageous to external "predators" looking for cheap bargains. He also encouraged Nigerians to remain part of the solution to the nation's economic challenges, highlighting that there are opportunities in the Nigerian market that external investors are already eyeing. While acknowledging the difficulties caused by ongoing reforms, Cardoso explained that these reforms are necessary for addressing present challenges and securing future opportunities. His ultimate vision is...

 The initial excitement surrounding the resumption of activities at the Port Harcourt Refining Company has quickly faded, leaving many Nigerians in suspense. A visit by Saturday PUNCH to the refinery revealed no activity on site on Friday, just days after the refinery was inaugurated by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Melee Kyari. Kyari had launched the new plant at the Area 5 terminal on Tuesday, claiming that 200 petrol trucks were being loaded daily. However, skepticism followed the announcement, as reports suggested the trucks were being filled with old products stored in the tanks. Upon visiting the facility, it became clear that no substantial operations were taking place. Workers at the site explained that the refinery was undergoing a calibration process, which was expected to last until next week. An anonymous official revealed that the products loaded onto trucks were "dead stock"—old petrol, kerosene, and...

Pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa, arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, will remain in detention over Christmas, as Finnish law does not allow for bail. This follows his arrest, alongside four others, for charges including incitement to violence and terrorism financing. Ekpa, described as the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media to promote violence in Nigeria’s South-East, targeting both civilians and authorities. The Finnish authorities confirmed that Ekpa is facing charges related to public incitement with terrorist intent. The Päijät-Häme District Court ordered his remand in custody, and Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests of other individuals accused of financing terrorist activities. Ekpa's trial is set for May 2025. The Finnish criminal procedure does not recognize bail, relying instead on remand or travel bans as coercive measures to limit the freedom of individuals sus...

  President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her unanimous re-election as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In a statement, Tinubu praised Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership and the trust the international community has placed in her to lead the 164-nation member organization for another four-year term. He acknowledged her historic achievement in 2021 as the first African and first woman to head the WTO. The President expressed confidence that her continued leadership will strengthen the role of the WTO in promoting inclusive global economic growth, fair trade practices, and good governance. Tinubu assured Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria's unwavering support as she consolidates her bold reforms and efforts to foster a more equitable and sustainable multilateral trading system. He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the WTO, ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which are essenti...

Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has been released by the Nigerian Army. His release was confirmed by his lawyer, Abimbola Ojenike, who stated that Soyombo was freed shortly after 7 pm on Friday. The military had previously stated that Soyombo was arrested at an oil bunkering site. Ojenike clarified that Soyombo had been released to his lawyers, and technically, if his attention is needed, his lawyers would be required to present him. Soyombo had been detained for three days, as reported by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) on X, which stressed that journalism is not a crime.

  Many communities across the South East have severe security issues, making people avoid traveling to their villages for ceremonies like burials and weddings. This situation worsened after the arrest of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by the Department of State Services (DSS). The region saw an increase in violence after IPOB declared a sit-at-home every Monday, forcing people to stay indoors or face violence. Several police stations were set on fire by Biafra agitators to demand Kanu’s release. [VANGUARD] As the insurgents went underground, they established hideouts in forests across the region, leading to the rise of "unknown gunmen." In Anambra, for example, gunmen set up camps in places like Amichi, Ukpor, Iseke, Azia, Orsumoghu, and Ubuluisiuzor, which are now considered no-go zones. Other camps exist across Ose Akwa River in Ihiala, Anaku, Ukwulu, and Nawgu, and these forests serve as detention centers for kidnapped victims. The 35-k...

  AN OPEN LETTER TO SOUTHEAST NIGERIA’S ILLUSTRIOUS SENATORS AND HONORABLE FEDERAL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE MEMBERS BY OHANAEZE YOUTH COUNCIL(OYC) Dear, Most Distinguished Southeast Senators and federal Honorable members, GIVE US ANIOMA STATE AS GIFT OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY. We respectfully solicit your backing and endorsement for the establishment of Anioma State, as a profound generational gift to the Igbo youths. Eminent Senators and Honorable Members of the Federal House of Representatives, National Assembly Abuja, the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), the leading socio-cultural youth organization of the Igbo Race globally, sincerely requests your thoughtful consideration and endorsement of the proposed Anioma State, a landmark gift to the rising new generation of Igbo origin. Throughout our lives, we have witnessed and endured tribal exclusion, political disenfranchisement, and economic marginalization in Nigeria, giving rise to an unyielding awareness of the profound inequalities an...

The Enugu State Government has taken significant strides toward revitalizing the coal mining industry, a sector historically pivotal to its economic identity. Over the weekend, the government convened with mineral title holders across the state, setting a firm deadline for the commencement of mining operations by December 2024. A communique issued after the meeting between the state's Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) and the mineral title holders highlighted key resolutions aimed at addressing the industry's challenges and ensuring its revival. Among the resolutions was the commitment to engage further with stakeholders to identify sector-specific hurdles and recommend viable solutions to foster inclusive and sustainable mining activities. The communique also underscored the importance of sensitizing host communities to MIREMCO's objectives. This measure seeks to enhance cooperation between the miners and local populations, thereby reduci...

  Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has directed the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr. Ndukwe Ayansi and five other staff members of the State Ministry of Health for their alleged involvement in the diversion and unauthorized sale of government materials. This directive follows the Governor's unannounced inspection, which uncovered the illicit activities. In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Monday Uzor, it was disclosed that the Governor, while en route to inspect state government projects, noticed a Toyota Dyana truck being loaded with registers, books, and other materials from the Ministry of Health's warehouse. Acting on his observations, the Governor entered the secretariat to investigate the situation. Upon further inquiry, it was revealed that the truck had been loaded with critical documents, including patients’ data registers, cards, and other hospital-related forms, which had already been sold without any government au...

  Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC) has uncovered over 10,000 fraudulent foreign student acceptance letters, casting a shadow over the integrity of international student admissions. This alarming discovery was made during the implementation of enhanced verification measures to combat the escalating issue of document fraud within the student visa application process. Bronwyn May, Director-General of the International Students Branch at IRCC, disclosed the findings while addressing a parliamentary committee. She revealed that a thorough review of 500,000 student applications processed over the past year had been conducted, and while most were legitimate, a troubling number of fake letters came to light. The data confirmed that 93% of the acceptance letters were authentic, but 2% were identified as fraudulent, while 1% were linked to canceled admissions. Further investigations exposed lapses in the verification practices of some universities and colleges, which...

A disturbing report has emerged from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where allegations of manipulation and a potential rigging plot for the upcoming convocation representative election in the university's governing council have caused widespread outrage. The acting vice chancellor, Professor Chigbu, is said to be involved in a scandalous scheme, backed by a powerful student leader, Emeka Udo, to manipulate the election results and install Udo as the convocation representative, despite the lack of transparency and fairness in the process. On November 7, 2024, the UNN acting vice chancellor convened a convocation meeting through the university’s registrar to inform graduates of the guidelines for participating in the election. The guidelines, which had been the standard procedure for years, required graduates to update their membership through the university portal and pay a 200 Naira fee. Participants were also required to submit their credentials for verification by the un...

  During the colonial era, spanning from 1914 to 1960, mining activities in Enugu were marked by harsh treatment and exploitation of miners, with little regard for their well-being or the development of their communities. Despite the end of colonial rule, many mining communities have continued to feel the echoes of this inequity, grappling with inadequate infrastructure, limited opportunities, and environmental degradation.  The administration of His Excellency,  Barr. Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State, recognizes these challenges and is determined to rewrite this narrative. The state government is committed to ensuring that mining no longer symbolizes exploitation but becomes a source of empowerment and development for local communities.  The state government will promote Inclusive Community Participation by ensuring that local communities are not mere spectators but active participants in decisions concerning mining activities in their areas.  Traditiona...

   Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad have arrested two suspects for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping, murder, and burial of Mrs. Mary Nwatu, a 70-year-old woman, in a shallow grave. The suspects, identified as 33-year-old Ikechukwu Okoye and 39-year-old Juliet Ogbodo, both hail from Onuorie-Obuno in Akpugo Community, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. The gruesome incident occurred in September 2024. According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, preliminary investigations revealed that Mrs. Nwatu was reported missing on September 15, 2024, after all efforts by her family to locate her proved futile. Subsequently, on October 5, 2024, the prime suspect, Ikechukwu Okoye, began contacting the victim’s children, demanding a ransom of six million Naira (N6,000,000.00). DSP Ndukwe stated that Okoye confessed to abducting Mrs. Nwatu on September 14, 2024, around 8:00 a.m. when sh...

  There was chaos at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, on Thursday when a group of armed thugs allegedly loyal to Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, stormed the premises and violently disrupted an event. The incident left several participants injured and property destroyed. The event, organized by the Bus Conductors Association of Nigeria (BCAN), an affiliate of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), was meant to inaugurate the association's new leadership. However, it turned into a nightmare when the thugs, wearing caps emblazoned with MC Oluomo's image, invaded the venue brandishing dangerous weapons, including machetes, knives, bottles, and sticks. Led by one Segun Aluwaye, who identified himself as the chairman of Berger Park, the attackers forced their way through the main gate of the Secretariat and unleashed mayhem. Participants, including government officials and invited guests, were ch...

The School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) Comprising of the Chairman Barr Peter Chidera Aneke ph.D. MCarb, the representative of the ministry of education, School Director Principal, The PTA Chairman FGCE, Chief Dr Chinedu Mba, representative of State Education Board, Representative of the Nigeria Police , Representative of the DSS, Representative of the host Community and The President of the School Alumminai Association convened today, 20th November 2024, at the Staff Common Room to address the recent disturbing incident of mass bullying that has drawn significant public attention. The meeting reaffirmed the institution's commitment to preserving its standing as a citadel of academic and moral excellence while ensuring a safe and disciplined environment for all students. The incident involved a group of students who participated in the physical assault of Ukachukwu Arinze Zane, an SS1student. This act of violence shocked the school community and necessitated swift and decisive...

Mike Ofikwu, a well-known lawyer and human rights activist, has been brutally murdered by unknown gunmen at his residence in Otukpo, Benue State. This tragic incident, which has left the community in shock, occurred on Wednesday evening around 8 p.m. According to eyewitness accounts, Mr. Ofikwu had just returned from work and was waiting for the gate of his home on Otukpa Street to be opened when the assailants struck. Two armed men in a vehicle approached him and opened fire at close range, before fleeing the scene in their car. “It felt like a scene from a movie,” recounted an eyewitness who preferred to remain anonymous. The witness disclosed that the assailants appeared to have been monitoring Mr. Ofikwu's movements and took advantage of the moment he stopped at his gate. The gunshots immediately drew the attention of neighbors, who rushed to assist the victim. Despite being quickly transported to a nearby hospital, Mr. Ofikwu tragically succumbed to his injuries due to sig...

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator Simon Ekpa, alongside four others, has been arrested in Finland over alleged terror-related activities. Ekpa, who has declared himself the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, was taken into custody by the district court of Päijät-Häme on suspicions of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. A report from Finland revealed that the Central Criminal Police had apprehended the five individuals, stating that the primary suspect, Ekpa, is accused of using his platform to incite criminal activities with terrorist implications. The authorities further disclosed that four additional suspects were arrested for allegedly financing the suspected activities. The Central Criminal Police explained that the detention of the suspects is linked to a preliminary investigation into activities that have resulted in violence against civilians and authorities in South-Eastern Nigeria. Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, heading the ...

The Nigerian Army has reopened the Umuokpara-Onuimo Road to the public after several days of closure following an attack by unidentified gunmen that left three military personnel dead. This move comes as part of renewed efforts to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of road users in the affected area. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Enugu, Major General H.T. Dada, accompanied by the Brigade Commander of 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Brigadier General Olusola Diya, and other senior military officers, inspected the site of the incident. During the visit, it was resolved that the military checkpoint previously stationed in a densely populated area would be relocated to a more strategic location near the Onuimo River. This decision aims to provide a clearer vantage point for monitoring and enhance the military’s response capacity in case of future threats. Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (retd.), Special Adviser to Abia State Governor Alex Otti on security matters, highlighted t...

  The Enugu State High Court has delivered a landmark judgment directing the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) to compensate Onyebuchi Chinedu with N55 million for the unwarranted demolition of his six shops located on Lagos Street, Onu Asata, in Enugu North Local Government Area.   The case, which began on July 24, 2015, concluded with Justice Kenneth Okpe ruling that the actions of the ECTDA were arbitrary and lacked due process. He declared the demolition illegal, unconstitutional, and unwarranted, citing the absence of proper notice to the plaintiff.   In his judgment, Justice Okpe stated: “The demolition of the plaintiff’s building made up of six shops and the basement at Onu Asata Ihuewuzi (Lagos Street) Ogui-Nike, Enugu by the defendant is unlawful. The plaintiff, having obtained approval of his development plan from the defendant, is entitled to construct the approved structure without interference.”   The court granted a pe...

 A 17-year-old boy, Samuel Onyeme, was reportedly beaten and locked inside a dog cage after visiting his female classmate at her residence in Asaba, Delta State. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when Samuel accepted his classmate's invitation to her home.  Eyewitnesses recount that as the two were conversing outside the house, the girl’s father and brothers confronted Samuel. They allegedly assaulted him with wooden planks, dragged him into their compound, and locked him in a dog cage. Samuel's mother, Mrs. Onyeme, described the event as traumatic, stating that the family also confiscated her son's mobile phone and lured her to the house under false pretenses. Upon her arrival, she was denied access to her son for over two hours. She further disclosed that her daughter, Jessica, was assaulted when she attempted to intervene. The situation escalated when Samuel’s elder brother, Ben, reached out to a family friend, who contacted a human rights organization. This group ...

  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially flagged off the construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin City, marking a significant milestone in his administration’s commitment to addressing traffic congestion and enhancing urban mobility in the state capital. This groundbreaking project is part of a broader initiative to improve transportation infrastructure and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Edo State. In a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, it was disclosed that the administration has also planned the construction of two additional flyovers at Dawson Road Junction and Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction, both located in Benin City. These projects aim to reduce the city's persistent gridlock, foster economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for residents and commuters. During the flag-off ceremony, Governor Okpebholo highlighted the strategic importance of Ramat Park as a gateway to...

FULL TEXT Of The Distinguished Personalities Lecture by Gov Peter Mbah, Today at ESUT Permanent Site. Instructively, the most impactful policies are not necessarily those that create the biggest buzz. But they offer the clearest indices of human development. Nothing transforms lives and paves a path to a promising future like quality education. It is the reason why one-third of Enugu State’s total annual budget went into funding education. This translates to roughly twice UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15%-20%. What this means is that for every 100 Naira spent, 33 Naira goes to the education budget. This funding has enabled us to implement both infrastructural and pedagogical overhaul of our education system. Our will has enabled us to begin a transition from a system where pupils seemed, to all intents and purposes, to be merely going through the motions of learning, to an ecosystem of Experiential Learning Through our Basic Education Smart Green Schools, we have introduced the “cu...