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Governor Ugwuanyi’s Maradona move

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Enugu

BY: Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu

This used to be a favorite haunt…The Forest Reserve adjacent to Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.

Bianca

Bianca

My early morni​​ng jogging sessions took place in its environs. Sometime last year, whilst aboard an airline flight from Abuja to Enugu, I sat next to one of our wealthy businessmen who excitedly informed me that he had embarked on a grand project to convert this Forest Reserve beautifully lined with gamelan and eucalyptus trees into the site of a big Luxury hotel.

The fence

He said he had been working on this project for the past couple of years. The problem was getting the State Government to grant him the allocation…’ This Governor is proving too tough’, he indicated; ‘But once he leaves office, this project will go through. I’m working on it’.

Enugu

The transformation of forest reserve in Enugu

I was not elated at this prospect. This Reserve is one of the very few remaining ‘Green’ areas within the Enugu Metropolis. It would be a pity to convert this scenic place into yet another hotel project. I raised this point.

‘This is prime land that is just wasting away’, he responded. ‘We’ll cut down all those trees for this magnificent hotel…ka Nwoke a pugodi (let this man leave office)’

It is also possible that there were many others who had a similar ‘bright idea’.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi during inspection visit to the site

Fast forward to a week ago when a friend sent me these pictures of the same Forest Reserve. It has now been converted to a beautiful recreation centre with an artificial water pond, park relaxation seats, artworks and a monumental roaring lion of about 30ft high and 60 ft wide under construction.

I forwarded the pictures to the hotel mogul and his only response was ‘ike gwuru’ (meaning: I’m tired).

Enugu now has a new and picturesque tourist attraction. I can’t wait to visit!

Kudos to the visionary Governor of Enugu State, Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for saving this Landmark stretch, in pursuance of his urban renewal drive, especially in view of the fact that Forest Reserves in the state have become endangered due to scarcity of land, high population and economic growth. With this dexterous move, the Forest Reserve is secure and preserved for the people, and Enugu Metropolis is better for it.

The transformation of forest reserve in Enugu

All hail the new UNITY PARK!

Ndi 042 and coal city lovers, udo dir !

Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu is the former Nigeria Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative, United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

Culture

Charles Emembolu Named Chair of Nigeria’s Creative Tech Council (CCTF)

By Sandra Ani

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Engr. Charles Emembolu, chairman of CCTF
Engr. Charles Emembolu, chairman of CCTF

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) of the Federal Ministry for Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) has appointed Engr. Charles Uchenna Emembolu to chair the Council for Creative Technology Futures (CCTF), a pioneering body set to drive innovation in Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries through advanced technologies and platform including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Web3.0, and blockchain.

The CCTF’s mandate is to position Nigeria as a global leader in creative innovation by developing a National Creative-Tech Framework and Roadmap, shaping policy reforms in intellectual property protection, taxation, and technology adoption, and spearheading flagship initiatives such as the Creative Futures Fund, ICE Hubs, and Discover Naija. These will expand job creation, skills development, and global market access for Nigerian creatives across 49 industry sectors.

Engr. Emembolu is a technology entrepreneur, innovation policy advocate, and current Chairman of the Innovation Support Network (ISN) Nigeria, representing over 220 incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs nationwide. He is also Co-Convenor of the Omniverse Africa Summit, which unites technology and creative sector leaders from across the continent.

At the heart of the Council’s direction and coordination is Mr. Obi Asika, the dynamic Director-General of NCAC, whose track record, leadership and deep industry expertise will anchor the CCTF’s vision, ensure high-level stakeholder engagement, and drive alignment across Nigeria’s diverse creative and technology ecosystems. The ministry of FMACTCE is led by Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa.

Our creative economy is a catalyst for technology-driven prosperity. The present is digital, global, and transformative. Through CCTF, we will channel that momentum into capital, ownership, and innovation, enabling more homegrown platforms that consolidate our creatives’ global leadership as owners of their value ecosystems,” said Emembolu.

The NCAC will serve as the Secretariat for the CCTF, whose inaugural council members are:

  • Charles Emembolu — TechQuest, IT Expert & Talent Development (Chair) 
  • Misan Harriman — Director/Photographer 
  • Dayo Elegbe — Sponge Group (Digital Marketing) 
  • Bizzle Oshikoya — The Plug (Music & Talent Management) 
  • Kemi Awodein — MD, Chapel Hill Denham (Investments & Advisory)
  • Osas Peter — Founder, BlackAt 
  • Malik Afegbua — AI Storytelling & Creative Visual Futurism 
  • Sandra Oyewole — Olajide Oyewole & Co. (IP Lawyer)
  • Judith Okonkwo — Imisi 3D; AR & Deep Tech Leader 
  • Dr. Dahiru Sani — Founder, Kaduna Business School 
  • Dr Chinedu Odoala – NCAC (CCTF Secretariat)

The CCTF will seek to deliver actionable frameworks, after which implementation will scale nationally and internationally.

Source: Techeconomy

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African Union Declares 2025 the ‘Year of Reparations and African Heritage’ and Launches Decade-Long Action Plan

By Celestine Achi

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African Union Declares 2025

The African Union has officially designated 2025 as the “Year of Reparations and African Heritage,” launching a coordinated decade-long initiative (2026–2036) to address the lasting impacts of slavery, colonialism, and systemic global inequalities.

Africa’s call for reparations from former colonial powers has moved from activist and academic discourse to the forefront of continental and international policy. The African Union (AU) has formally designated 2025 as the “Year of Reparations and African Heritage,” marking the beginning of a coordinated, decade-long campaign to address historical injustices stemming from slavery, colonialism, and systemic inequities in global governance.

The AU’s mandate, endorsed at the highest level, calls on all member states and AU organs to take concrete actions in pursuit of reparations. This includes redress for the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring legacy, colonial exploitation, arbitrary borders, the destruction of institutions, as well as contemporary neocolonial structures, economic imbalances, and debt burdens.

In a historic decision at the 7th AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in July, leaders agreed to extend the program beyond 2025 into a Decade of Action on Reparations and African Heritage (2026–2036). This move signals a sustained, strategic approach to securing justice and restitution for Africa’s people.

“This, undoubtedly, gives us as a Union the opportunity to sustain the momentum for the realization of this noble cause and also to develop well-thought-through strategies to mobilize adequate resources to support the domestication of the subject,” said Ghana’s President, speaking on behalf of the collective African leadership.

The push for reparations has also begun to influence policy debates in Europe. In a recent formal inquiry to the European Commission, European Parliament member Barbara Bonte questioned the effectiveness of Brussels’ Africa policy and asked whether the EU has critically assessed its approach in light of Africa’s growing demands for equitable engagement.

The AU’s initiative reflects a continental consensus that historical injustices remain unresolved and continue to shape Africa’s economic, cultural, and political realities. By prioritizing “Reparations” in the official designation, the AU underscores the issue as a matter of justice rather than symbolic reconciliation.

The coming decade will see coordinated campaigns, diplomatic engagement, and legal strategies aimed at compelling former colonial powers to acknowledge, apologize, and compensate for the lasting impact of historical wrongs. For Europe and other actors, this moment represents both a challenge and an opportunity to redefine relations with Africa on a foundation of fairness, dignity, and mutual respect.

The AU’s message is clear: Africa’s demand for reparations will remain at the center of its international agenda for the next decade. The global response to this call will shape not only the future of EU-Africa relations but also the broader quest for justice in the international order.

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Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Bags Ugosimba Chieftaincy Title in Enugu

…Says ‘I love your state’

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Oluremi Tinubu Bags Ugosimba Chieftaincy Title in Enugu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Ugosimba 1 Enugu” (Jewel/Eagle from another kingdom)by the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council.

She received the title on Tuesday during her two-day working visit to the South East state.

Conferring the title, alongside other officers, patrons, and members of the Council, the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, said the honour was in recognition of her love for Enugu State and service to the nation and humanity.

“Our First Lady served in the senate for three consecutive terms and was honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON. Nobody could say you were silent at the parliament.

“The good news is the humanitarian part of you. We looked at the way you love Enugu State. We are thanking you for what you do for the midwives, for the nurses. Personally, I am a nurse too. I appreciate it when it comes to the less privileged, healing the sick, clothing the naked, feeding the hungry. So, we are here to recognise and appreciate all these good works you are doing. It’s only God that can pay you for your good work,” he said.

An evidently elated Mrs. Tinubu, thanked the Government and people of the state for their overwhelming acceptance and love.

She described Enugu as a peaceful state, saying that she felt inner peace since she arrived in the state capital on Monday.

While also appreciating the royal fathers, she described the title as a special honour, not only to her, but also her husband, President Bola Tinubu, and the entire family.

“Thank you so much for all the support you have given. Today is indeed a great honour to me personally and also to my family. I love your state; it is such a very peaceful state and a very peaceful ambience.

“I want to thank Your Majesties for this honour done to me and also to my husband as well; and I know he will be very delighted and I believe the children too will be delighted.

“It is not that I have not been given titles, but this one is quite special and I believe it is God-ordained. And as you have honoured me today, Enugu State will know it for good.

“This moment will remain special in my heart and I will always remember your people for good and for the honour you have done for me. And this is not the end because our tomorrow is here already,” she said.

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