GRPolitics
Ebonyi: Ex-SSG opens lid on why he left Gov Umahi’s Government
By ikenna oluka
The immediate past Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, Prof. Bernard Odoh, who resigned his appointment in controversial circumstances in April, has said projects being executed by Governor David Umahi are not meant to benefit the suffering masses in the state.
Odoh, in an interview with Punch Newspaper on Friday, said he left the government following the alleged mass outcry against Umahi’s policies and programmes despite the N53bn debt allegedly owed various contractors in the last three years.
He said, “I resigned because our policies and projects are not tailored towards reducing poverty and improving governance in the system. Our projects are not in our first 10 priorities.
“For instance, we have three overhead bridges along a distance of less than 12 kilometres despite the fact that there was no river in those places. We didn’t do traffic volume calculators to validate the need for those bridges.
“I am sure that by the time those bridges are completed, the state government would have spent more than N11bn on them. As far as I am concerned, those are not priority needs of our people.
“If you take N11bn and invest in quality education, we will move Ebonyi from where we are now. Currently, the state sits over a N53bn debt as a result of spending on needless projects.”
Odoh added that the investment in massive concrete structures that were not adding real value to the system would further impoverish the masses.
He said, “The state government will spend about N4bn to complete the Ebonyi City Mall, whereas the construction of a mall should not be a public sector driven initiative; it should be a private sector affair.
“Presently, the state government is building malls in Ebonyi with public funds; that is wrong. The state government is building the ecumenical centre that will cost about N7bn.
“There are lots of projects going on now which I think have no direct impact on the economic well-being of the people.”
The former SSG advised the governor against executing the projects.
“A lot of these issues that border on policy and governance are things that made me very uncomfortable and I felt I can’t be in a system where we are not focusing on the human aspect of our system. That’s why I left,” he added.
Attempts to speak with the Commissioner for Information, Senator Emmanuel Onwe on the issue failed on Saturday as he did not respond to a text message sent to his mobile.
Source: Punch
GRPolitics
Governor Peter Mbah Signs Multi-million Dollar Joint Venture To Birth Job Opportunities, Promote Sports And Youth Development In Enugu State
The Governor Of Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah has disclosed a recent deal he signed for the good of the people of Enugu. On his Facebook page he wrote;
“I was delighted to sign a multi-million dollar joint venture agreement with the Del-York Group for “The 042 Arena and Entertainment Park” over the weekend.
The multi-purpose sports and entertainment hub is designed to focus on key areas of development, training, innovation, education, talent discovery, hospitality, and entertainment, among others.
The Sports Arena will on completion feature training facilities, athlete housing, a physical therapy and sports medicine centre, and a performance centre, while the Entertainment Park will have a variety of designs, including screening rooms, stages, amphitheaters; and live, work and play facilities, among others.
It gladdens my heart that investors are now favouring our dear state as a location for businesses and investments. This demonstrates the success of our ceaseless efforts to make Enugu the safest place to live, invest, play sports, and enjoy leisure.
I’m hopeful that this project will create thousands of jobs for Ndi Enugu and also attract more investors and tourists to our state. It will also provide a platform for our young people to showcase their talents, thereby promoting sports and youth development in our state and the entire South-East region.
Many thanks to the CEO of Del-York, Linus Idahosa, who came up with the concept and chose Enugu as the planting soil. My administration will give him and his team all the needed support to flourish.”
Here are pictures from the signing ceremony.
We commend the Governor on this development.
GRPolitics
Governor Peter Mbah Appreciates Dave Umahi Over Swift Response To Work On A Recently collapsed Bridge In Enugu State
Governor Peter Mbah Appreciates The Minister For Works, Dave Umahi Over Swift Response To Work On A Recently collapsed Bridge In Enugu State
The bridge which is on the federal road, had sunk in on Monday.Thank God no casualties were recorded due to the less movements around the area on the it happened.
Here’s what the Governor wrote;
“Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of welcoming the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to Enugu State. The minister who came to inspect the collapsed bridge between the New Artisan flyover and the Naira Triangle, at the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway, assured me of its immediate reconstruction.
“He commended me for ameliorating the plights of my people by undertaking to dualise the Enugu State’s part of the Enugu-Abakaliki road, and also assured me that the federal government would expedite the necessary approvals.
“I sincerely appreciate the minister for the prompt response, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for inclusive leadership. This, for us, underscores the president’s commitment to his oath of office.”
Here are pictures from the scene visit
GRPolitics
PHOTO: Governor Peter Mbah Speaks At 2023 Lagos Chamber Of Commerce And Industry (LCCI)
The Governor of Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah was one of the guest speakers at the 2023 LCCI. While posting pictures from the conference on his social media page, He wrote;
“Today, I was honoured to stand as Guest of Honour and Speaker on the platform of the 2023 Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) International Business Conference and Expo.
This event underscores our commitment to global partnerships and trade cooperation. From Enugu, I have proudly joined the dialogue that transcends borders.
As we engage in vital conversations, I extend a hand of partnership, inviting stakeholders to explore our nation’s potential. Together, let’s unlock avenues for national growth and prosperity.
In Enugu State, we are open for business; building partnership with the private sector to unlock the capital market, attract investments, and retake our place in the local and global economy.
I’m excited to share with you our state’s abundant investment opportunities and government inventives in agriculture and agro-industry, logistics and aviation, tourism, real estate, mineral resources, information and communication technology (ICT), among others.
We are also de-risking business investment in key sectors by providing access to land, providing support infrastructure, handling engagement with host communities, and facilitating the approval of building permits.
Amid challenges, our resolve for a robust business environment remains unshaken. We are intentionally revisiting our ease of doing business indicators to ensure the environment is conducive for businesses to thrive.
Join me in embracing this momentous stride as we amplify Enugu State’s prominence on the national and world map.”
Here are pictures from the conference.
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