GR Diary
Hon. Chukwuemelie Lambert Agu Transforming Housing Development in Enugu: From Civil Service to Private and Profit Oriented Perspective
Driven by the determination to always keep moving, Honourable CHUKWUEMELIE LAMBERT AGU, as a high achiever, figured out the solutions to housing development in Enugu State, writes IKENNA OLUKA
The people who wish to achieve something are always action-oriented. When they feel like work needs to be done, they do it without asking too many questions and ensure that the work is done on time.
Driven by the outcome and the determination to always keep moving, high achievers try to figure out all the possible solutions for their work beforehand.
This analogy perfectly describes the personality of Honourable Chukwuemelie Lambert Agu General Manager/CEO, Enugu State Housing Development Authority (ESHDC).
Background Check:
Hon. Chukwuemelie Lambert Agu, until his appointment as the GM/CEO of Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC), was a successful business manager/administrator. He was recruited into the public sector by the present Executive Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to be the GM/CEO of ESHDC April 2016.
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor Enugu State with the team from Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC), led by the GM/CEO, Hon. CHukwuemelie Agu, during a project inspection
He attended St. Patrick’s Secondary School, Emene, Enugu; University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Enugu State University of Science & Technology.
Hon. Chukwuemelie has over 20 years of choice management experience from various positions held in top flight Businesses.
For high achievers, optimism comes naturally. They focus on what is good and offer good vibes in return. Being optimistic leads to a better mindset that everyone needs to fulfill their goals.
No wonder, on his assumption of office as the General Manager/CEO of Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, Hon. Agu swiftly and almost simultaneously embarked on the development of more than 6 estates within 18 months! Starting from Transparency Estate to Heritage, WTC-Citadel 1&2 to Rangers 1&2 and many others, all he and the team have done simply implies enabling people to develop these estates themselves. They provide them with communal living- gated-apartments, water, electricity and other facilities.
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor Enugu State with the team from Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC), led by the GM/CEO, Hon. CHukwuemelie Agu, during a project inspection
ESHDC under Hon. Agu’s leadership also gives them little time to develop; therefore, within one year to two years. The transformation he brought to bear ensures the Corporation now works with only the willing and capable people to develop these estates.
The Impact:
High achievers create a plan for long-term goals and focus on it. You will find them going back and forth from the present to their planned future quickly.
Before now, we were seeing heavy congestion in Enugu which was not there when we were young and growing. Thus, ESHDC under Hon. Agu’s dispensation initiated projects developing the outward parts of the metropolis. They wanted a situation where value is added to the out-sketch of the State. In places like the United States, you see people drive 30minutes to an hour to go to work and still go back. That is the intent with projects located to aid people who can come from Abakpa, Awkunanau, Four-Corner, Nsukka to attend to their daily activities in the metropolis and still go back for a 20 to 30minutes drive.
The future is bright; “basically, we are laying the foundation for those coming after us to think and develop better”, Hon. Chukwuemelie Agu said in one of his interviews with the press. “Technology has improved in the housing sector too. However, you can’t do much without adequate funding. With the number of estates we are developing during my dispensation is going to add values to what my predecessors have done. Many of them we have served in this capacity did creditably well. What this means is that with time, people can afford to have enough funds to maintain the old estates and dig into the future.
Hon. Agu with the energized staff of ESHDC
“Because land is a scarce commodity, currently, we are trying to discuss with communities where lands are sold at N200,000 or N400,000, so we want to develop estates around them which will automatically add value to the remaining lands. This will also accord them security; normally, we have armed security personnel for all our estates. Apart from that, you are bringing people from different spheres of life to the communities.
“With that, the economy of that community will go up; shops, markets, schools, hotels, and other demands will come up. So, the future is bright for the housing sector in Enugu State. Already, we have 36 estates. With the grant rents, service charges, there will be enough funds to maintain existing estates and develop new ones.
From the foregoing, it is obvious that Hon. Agu came prepared. His well-drafted plans have added value to the Enugu State economy at large.
There is no stopping for high achievers. They deal with exponential growth because they do not like being slowed down!
Hon. Agu has pushed the boundaries. He has pursued projects, building for everybody depending on what the market says. ESHDC under his leadership has developed some ‘nucleus apartments’ in some of the estates. Also, in some estates, people have not started developing their property; they have encouraged them by building in some of them. That shows the human face of this government.
ESHDC has built some 4-bedroom terrace apartment; which is not common in the country. In some they are developing 2-3bedrooms terraces.
The cost of land is high now which could be chief among the reasons they are building terrace forms which will give us more houses in small portions of land.
Before our eyes, Hon. Agu is leading a housing revolution based on his dream of developing a new city entirely. The partners- investors must be appreciated too for selecting Enugu; assisting the government to achieve this.
If you ever wonder how someone gets from the lower level of the hierarchy up to the top, it is all because of their attitude towards opportunities.
Hon. Chukwuemelie Lambert Agu was presented an Award of Appreciation by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Enugu State for his contribution and support towards football development in Enugu State and as the man of the people….December 2021
Never underestimate what the world has to offer you. Be keen on availing different chances since you never know how they can benefit you.
High achievers are always on a lookout for new and better opportunities for themselves, and you need to follow their lead!
Let’s keep supporting Hon. Chukwuemelie Lambert Agu for the development of our State.
Events
Hamzat, Abiru To Speak on Impactful Empowerment For Nigerians At TheGazelleNews Annual Public Lecture
TheGazelleNews, a leading online newspaper, is set to host its much-anticipated annual public lecture on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
This year’s lecture will focus on a topic of crucial national importance: “Poverty Alleviation: Fantasies, Expectations, and Realities of People’s Empowerment.”
The event will convene distinguished speakers, thought leaders, and government officials to address the challenges and practical solutions surrounding poverty reduction and empowerment in Nigeria.
It will feature Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, as the Guest Speaker, who is expected to bring a wealth of experience in governance and infrastructure development to the discourse. As the Keynote Speaker, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, a renowned legislator and financial expert, will share valuable insights into policy-driven approaches for sustainable poverty alleviation.
A dynamic panel discussion will follow, featuring prominent personalities: Engineer (Dr.) Adekunle Olayinka, FNSE – Special Adviser on Works to the Lagos State Government; Ms. Abisola Olusanya – Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Lagos State, who will provide perspectives on the agricultural sector’s role in empowering communities; Comrade Tosin Adeyanju – Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), focusing on community development through structured funding and Honorable Rasaq Ajala – Executive Chairman, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, who will be contributing insights on local government initiatives.
Goodwill messages will be delivered by: the Senate Leader, Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde; the Chairman of Winners Golden Group, Honourable Idowu Osuolale Obasa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and National Orientation, Chief Sunday Dare.
The event will be graced by prominent personalities in government and public service, with Nigeria First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, serving as the Special Guest of Honour; Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Chairman of the occasion and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, will be the Chief Host.
The Father of the Day is seasoned politician noted for his connection with the people especially at the grassroots level, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS), and Mother of the Day, Her Excellency Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, reflecting her longstanding commitment to social empowerment and women’s issues and of course her role as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.
In a celebration of excellence and dedication to public service, TheGazelleNews will present its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Chairman of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
A highly respected political figure and royal prince from the Akinsemoyin ruling house of Lagos, Prince Olusi has made impactful contributions as a former Lagos City Councilor, House of Representatives member in the Second Republic, and Commissioner in Lagos State. His award highlights a career marked by unwavering dedication to Lagos and its citizens.
The day’s proceedings will be hosted by the dynamic compère duo, Gbenga Adeyinka and Feyikemi Niyi-Olayinka, who promise to guide the audience through an engaging and memorable event.
The organizers of Africa Tech Alliance Forum [AfriTECH 4.0] have announced the distinguished lineup of speakers for this year’s Forum themed: “Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for Future of Africa’s Economy”.
Scheduled to hold on Thursday, November 07, 2024 at Oriental Hotels, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, AfriTECH 4.0 will bring together leading voices in technology, telecommunications, ecommerce, software, finance, emerging technologies and government to explore key innovations and challenges shaping Africa’s digital transformation.
AfriTECH has become one of Africa’s most anticipated technology events, and the 2024 edition will feature a stellar lineup of industry experts, innovators, and policymakers who will provide insights into how emerging technologies are propelling Africa’s digital economy.
Special Guests:
Dr. Aminu Maida, a distinguished leader in telecommunications and digital transformation, serves as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
With over two decades of experience in the ICT sector, Maida has become a pivotal figure in driving Nigeria’s digital economy, overseeing regulatory frameworks and initiatives that foster innovation, investment, and inclusivity in Nigeria’s telecom industry.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, is a transformative leader in Nigeria’s technology landscape, currently serving as the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Under his guidance, NITDA has driven impactful initiatives supporting Nigeria’s digital economy, fostering innovation, digital skills development, and creating an enabling environment for tech startups and entrepreneurship.
He will deliver the keynote address at AfriTECH 4.0.
Professor Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju is the CEO of Galaxy Backbone, a key government-owned technology and digital infrastructure company. Under his leadership, Galaxy Backbone focuses on strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem by providing secure and innovative ICT infrastructure to government agencies and businesses, supporting national development and e-governance initiatives.
Biram Fall, the Regional Managing Director, QNET, a leading e-commerce-based direct selling company.
In his role, Mr. Fall oversees QNET’s operations and growth strategies across several markets, focusing on enhancing regional reach and ensuring the company aligns with local business needs.
Known for his expertise in direct-selling and his commitment to sustainable business practices, Fall has been instrumental in expanding QNET’s footprint in Africa and other emerging markets.
Ebehijie Momoh is a renowned financial services leader with over 20 years of experience in banking and payment technology, currently serving as CEO of AfrigoPay Financial Services Limited, where she leads the company’s mission to provide innovative payment solutions across Africa.
With a background in financial services and a deep understanding of digital payments, Momoh brings extensive experience to her role, focusing on transforming the financial landscape through accessible, secure, and efficient payment systems.
Her leadership emphasizes financial inclusion, driving AfrigoPay’s efforts to reach underserved communities and promote economic empowerment across the continent.
Dr. Muhammed Sirajo Aliyu is a visionary leader in Nigeria’s information technology sector. He is the incumbent President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the foremost association of IT professionals in Nigeria.
With an extensive background in computer science, IT governance, and digital innovation, Dr. Aliyu brings over 25 years of experience to his role, where he champions the advancement of technology and professional development within Nigeria’s IT ecosystem.
Dr. Temitope Alakija, a renowned academic and statistician, is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Statistics at Yaba College of Technology [Yabatech] Lagos. With a deep expertise in data science, statistical analysis, and quantitative research, Dr. Alakija is dedicated to advancing the field of statistics and training future leaders in data-driven decision-making.
Holding a PhD in statistics and with numerous publications, Dr. Alakija’s research contributions have significantly influenced both academia and industry, particularly within Africa. Her commitment to academic excellence and her role in fostering a data-literate society make her a highly respected figure in the statistical community.
Adesola Akinsanya – President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA). Akinsanya brings decades of expertise to his role, where he advocates for technological innovation, professional growth, and policy advancement in Nigeria’s IT landscape..
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). Engr. Adebayo is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, with over 25 years of experience in telecom and ICT. He is known for his advocacy for industry development, regulatory reform, and the provision of accessible telecommunications services across Nigeria.
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere – President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON). With an extensive background in telecom management, digital strategy, and regulatory advocacy, Emoekpere is dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s telecom industry and fostering an environment that promotes innovation, investment, and inclusivity.
Key Speakers for AfriTECH 4.0:
Engineer Ikechukwu Nnamani – CEO, Digital Realty (Nigeria). In his keynote presentation at AfriTECH 4.0, Engr. Nnamani is expected to share his expertise on building resilient telecommunications infrastructure to support Africa’s digital future.
For over 16 years under his leadership the Digital Realty datacenter in Lagos is rated the most interconnected facility in the West African sub-region being the number 1 peering point for the region and boosting all submarine cables in the region, long distance providers, metro fiber providers, mobile services providers, fixed services providers, OTT providers, Internet Exchange, VAS providers, and global Tier1 service providers, amongst others.
Other outstanding personalities confirmed as speakers include – Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Limited; Mr. Emmanuel Amos, Founder – Programos Foundation/InnovationBed Africa; Chukwuebuka Ume-Ezeoke, Chief Technology Officer at CED Technologies; Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, Founder, Hyperspace Technologies; Happiness Obioha, Managing Director, Tecom Concepts Limited; Chukwuemeka Mbaebie, Convener, Lagos Blockchain Week; Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director, Transblue Limited; Chika Nwosu, Managing Director, PalmPay; Jude Ozinegbe, Founder/Convener at Cyberchain; Mohammed Rudman, CEO, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria [IXPN]; Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO Open Access Data Centres (OADC); Kehinde Ogundare, country manager, ZOHO [Nigeria]; Ayodeji Ogunmola, Director, Products Management at Northsnow Ltd; Oluwakayode Durodola, founder, Otuntech Limited; Lovelyn Okafor, Country Head, Nigeria at Newmark; Olaniyi Ibraheem, Business Development Manager (Africa) at UBankConnect; Adedamola Bowale, Co-founder & Technical Lead at Avancee Pinnacle, and Moniade Adeniyi, Product Innovation & Business Growth Strategist, Northsnow Ltd.
Meanwhile, innovationbed Africa is set to host “Startup Showcase” at AfriTECH, a session dedicating to startup finalists for this year’s United Nations World Summit Awards. Discussants include – David-Bobola Ojoawo, the Producer for Compas.AI; Stephen Adeyemo of Expertplug; Siro Collins, CEO of Advanced Engineering Center (AEC), WSA Winner 2023; Elijah Moses, Producer for VerionX; Rasheed Aliu Producer for LOOPBOX; Musami Umar Musam, founder of RollMal; David Ezeonyekwere, the founder of CheapMarketDeal, and Sule Wisdom David, the founder of CyclexAfrica.
QNET is the gold sponsor of AfriTECH 40. Silver Sponsors – Galaxy Backbone, Digital Realty, Digital Encode Ltd. Bronze Sponsors – CED Technologies, AfriGoPay, Tecom, Northsnow UK, Hyperspace Technologies, Palmpay, OADC.
Ecosystem Partners: NCC, NITDA,, InnovationBed Africa, ALTON, ATCON, NCS, IXPN, NiRA, Lagos Blockchain Week, Newmark Group, all are supporting AfriTECH 4.0.
Media Partners include; Techeconomy, NigeriaCommunicationsWeek, ITPulse, Ravenews, TechTrends.Africa, TechBuild.Africa, GrassRoots, DigiVation Network, TechLifewithUgo, BusinessMetrics, BusinessRemarks, SwiftReporters, TechTV, Africa Hyperscalers Media, CyberEra, ITRealms, DigitalTimes, TechnologyMirror, TechandBizNews, ITNewsNigeria.
“AfriTECH 4.0 will also feature interactive panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions that will explore other critical topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, fintech, smart cities, and sustainable innovation”, said Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of AfriTECH. “We are grateful to the sponsors and partners”.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, as well as network with other industry leaders, innovators, and investors”, he added.
Participation
Participation is free, but you are required to pre-register: https://bit.ly/3ZPdi88
GR Diary
TestNigeria 3.0 Conference: Elevate Your QA Practices to Prevent Outages like CrowdStrike’s
….Sen. Salisu Shuaibu Afolabi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT & Cybercrime, who will declare the conference open
The Nigerian Software Testing Qualifications Board (NGSTQB) has announced plans for the TestNigeria 3.0 Conference, set to take place on September 26, 2024, at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Lagos State.
With the compelling theme “Security in the Spotlight: Safeguarding Digital Frontiers through QA,” the conference aims to address the critical role of quality assurance (QA) in enhancing the security of digital ecosystems.
Why Attend TestNigeria 3.0?
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Boye Dare, president of NGSTQB, said that the recent CrowdStrike incident, where a defect caused widespread disruptions for banks, hospitals, and airlines, underscores the urgent need for rigorous QA processes.
“Millions of PCs displayed ‘blue screens of death,’ highlighting the essential role of comprehensive testing.
“CrowdStrike has since committed to enhancing their software testing protocols, improving error handling, and adopting staggered deployments to prevent future issues”.
Mr. Dare said that TestNigeria 3.0 will provide attendees with the insights and tools to prevent similar disruptions in their own organisations.
Key Benefits of Attending:
- Learning from CrowdStrike’s Experience: Gain valuable insights into preventing large-scale outages. Understand the importance of thorough testing, robust error handling, and strategic deployment to safeguard your organisation against similar issues.
- Expert-Led Sessions and Panels: Engage with industry leaders and experts in software testing and security. Participate in discussions covering the latest advancements, strategies, and technologies to enhance your QA processes.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals across various sectors. Exchange ideas, share experiences, and build collaborations that can drive innovation and improvement in your QA practices.
- Cutting-Edge Trends and Innovations: Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in software testing. Learn how to integrate security into your QA processes to protect your digital frontiers and ensure the resilience of your software systems.
- Professional Development: Benefit from the expertise of NGSTQB, a leading organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in software testing in Nigeria. Discover how the Test Maturity Model integration (TMMi) can aid in test process improvement and compliance.
Conference Highlights:
- Elevating Security Consciousness in QA Practices: Prioritise security at every stage of the software development lifecycle to proactively identify and mitigate risks.
- Integrating Security Testing into QA Processes: Incorporate methodologies like penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and code review into your QA processes to address security weaknesses before they can be exploited.
- Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Foster collaboration among QA professionals, cybersecurity experts, and industry stakeholders to collectively tackle evolving security challenges.
- Regulatory Compliance and Governance: Align QA processes with regulatory mandates such as NDPR, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and ISO/IEC 27001 to demonstrate commitment to safeguarding sensitive data and protecting privacy rights.
- Empowering Stakeholders through Education and Training: Equip QA professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex landscape of security and QA through continuous learning and professional development initiatives.
Special Guest of Honour:
“We are honoured to welcome Sen. Salisu Shuaibu Afolabi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT & Cybercrime, who will declare the conference open. We will also welcome Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, the Chairman House Committee for ICT and Cybersecurity who will deliver the Keynote Address.
“The presence of these great lawmakers underscores the importance of this event and the critical role of QA in national cyber resilience”, he said.
About NGSTQB:
The Nigerian Software Testing Qualifications Board (NGSTQB) is dedicated to promoting excellence in software testing and quality assurance in Nigeria. As a member of the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®) and the local chapter for The TMMi Foundation, NGSTQB strives to enhance professional standards and practices in software testing through certification, education, and collaboration.
For more information and to register for the conference, please visit https://www.ngstqb.ng/conference
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