GRLife
Monica Ugwuanyi: The Virtuous First Lady of Enugu State
By Sandra Gabriel [Women/Fashion Editor]
The monumental development in Enugu State as piloted by the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s (Gburugburu) administration in Enugu State leaves no one in doubt. He stands firm for grassroots development.
Well, the best kept secret of the trailblazing performance is that the very fountains of this government are supported by a very strong vessel- the first lady.
Mrs. Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi is such a virtuous woman whose counsel can never be valued a little, because her winged spirit is feathered often times with heavenly words, and, like her beauty, ravishing and pure.
This supports the popular saying that behind every successful man is a woman; in this case, Mrs. Ugwuanyi represents even more, a supportive, dynamic and spirited woman of repute.
Actually, those who said there is power in name can’t be wrong. In the 4th century this name, Monica, was borne by the North African St. Monica of Hippo, the mother of Saint Augustine. Since the Middle Ages it has been associated with Latin moneo“advisor” and Greek monos “one”. As the occupant of His Excellency’s heart, her intelligent advisory is very glaring in a manner the State affairs are conducted wearing human face.
While standing behind the Husband as ‘the Rock of Gibraltar’, Her Excellency is not lacking the soothing balm that calms the nerves when tensions are high.
Many who know her understand that her milk of compassion for the vulnerable keeps flowing from one Senatorial District Enugu State to another. In fact, while launching Ugo Touch of Life Foundation (U-TOLF) in April 2017, she said, “Learn to be compassionate to one another to attract the blessings of the Lord. Your time is enough for us to touch somebody’s life. All hands must be on deck to move Enugu State forward. Let us start working together; It is important to touch the lives of our people especially the vulnerable ones.” It takes a touched heart to reach out to the stretched hands of the needy.
Just like the husband who believes, not in propaganda-governance, rather touching lives of the very downtrodden in the society, Monica Ugwuanyi has been building on the pet-project (U-TOLF Foundation); through medical outreach to nooks and crannies of the State.
She has demonstrated that, truly, compassion, if transmitted in form of medical facilities will improve on the health of the citizens, especially those living in the rural areas.The U-TOLF’s healthcare programmes has provided free cervical and breast cancer screening, enlightenment, and treatment to thousands of women, while men are provided with free prostate cancer screening and care.
U-TOLF has provided free eye screening and treatment as well as free de-worming of thousands of school children in rural areas. The Foundation also builds sickbay and carry out other health campaigns, such as hygiene to promote health in rural schools.
Further research shows that Mrs. Ugwuanyi, has through the same pet-project offered scholarships to indigents citizens, ensured that orphans and children of the poor do not miss out on primary and secondary education.
Impressively, those covered by this scholarship scheme are cared for down to their uniforms, sandals, books and writing materials throughout their junior and senior secondary education.
Her fond for women economical empowerment not only let’s her provide free vocational training for these women, she also personally hands them the requisite facilities to start up their own businesses. Farm inputs, such as fertiliser, are also distributed to woman in rural areas every farming season.
The amiable wife of the Governor also understands the vital role of women in housekeeping. Therefore, she personally takes it upon herself to enlighten women on home management, household hygiene, clean cook, and among others.
Yet she isn’t making noise about it!
Her spiritual stamina is also never in doubt. This family loves God! She has taken it upon herself to run with the task of recommitting Enugu into God’s hands on the 9th day of every month on the platform of the Enugu State Women Prayer Network.
She has not only been mobilizing Enugu women to pray, she also put structures in place to minister to the educational, health, and economic needs of the less privileged in the State.
Today, the results are endearing: Enugu State has been variously rated as one of the most peaceful and secured states in Nigeria. Whereas richer States lament of a casting down, unable to pay salaries, Enugu State has continued to witness a lifting up.
Enugu is not only among the few states that pay workers regularly, equitable development projects are going on in every part of the State. For a very long time in the history of this State created in 1991, the State government paid workers 13th month salary. You need to visit Enugu State to see the joy on the faces of the people: this is true democracy.
Also, indigenes of the State who could ill afford transport fares to visit their loved ones during the yuletide season were provided with free buses.
To this end, GrassRoots.ng, representing the people’s voices, celebrates this amazon; a solid pillar behind the successes recorded in the State in less than three years. Enugu State is truly in the safe hands of God.
Spotlight
PRCAN Congratulates Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on Her Historic Election as President of NIMN
Reporter: SANDRA ANI
The Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on her election as the President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN).
In a statement signed by Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, fnipr, Chair/CEO of PRCAN, the association described Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi’s election as a landmark achievement and a significant moment in the history of the marketing and communications profession in Nigeria.
“On behalf of PRCAN, I extend our warmest congratulations to Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on her historic election as the first female President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria. Her emergence is not only a celebration of professional excellence but also a beacon of inspiration to practitioners across the integrated marketing communications industry,” Dr. Ali-Balogun stated.
She further noted that Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi’s distinguished career and consistent dedication to the development of the marketing profession have earned her this well-deserved recognition.
“Her leadership comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s evolving marketing and communications landscape. We are confident that NIMN will continue to thrive under her visionary guidance, championing innovation, professionalism, gender inclusion, and sustainable growth in the sector,” she added.
PRCAN expressed optimism about strengthening institutional collaborations between NIMN and PRCAN to advance professional development and capacity building in Nigeria’s integrated marketing communications ecosystem.
“We look forward to deeper synergy between our two organisations as we collectively strive to elevate standards, empower practitioners, and shape the future of our industry,” the statement concluded.
PRCAN once again congratulates Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi on this outstanding achievement and wishes her a successful and impactful tenure.
Spotlight
Obasanjo, Christ Embassy, and Eminent Nigerians Honour Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe at 50
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and top dignitaries celebrate media leader and minister at milestone birthday thanksgiving, reports SANDRA ANI
A constellation of national leaders, spiritual luminaries, and prominent Nigerians gathered on Thursday to honour Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe—publisher of National Daily Newspaper and National Standard Magazine—as he marked his 50th birthday with a grand Thanksgiving Service and Banquet at Christ Embassy, Isheri, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Among the high-profile attendees was former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who lauded Pastor Ebhodaghe for his steadfast commitment to God and his enduring service to humanity. In a heartfelt goodwill message, Obasanjo commended the celebrant’s journey of faith and purpose.
“An occasion like this is not just for celebration, but for deep gratitude to God. Fifty years and nine months, counting from your mother’s womb, is no small milestone,” Obasanjo said. Reflecting on life beyond the golden jubilee, he added, “After 50 glorious years of grace and divine favour, the next chapter must be about even greater service—to God, and through that, to humanity. I pray you enjoy another half-century of impactful living.”
In a touching conclusion, the former president remarked, “When you celebrate your next 50 years, I may no longer be here. But wherever I am, I will be remembering you.”
A Celebration of Faith, Leadership, and Impact
The thanksgiving event drew key figures from the religious, political, business, and media spheres, creating a vibrant atmosphere of unity and reverence. The service was hosted by Christ Embassy and officiated by prominent ministers, who welcomed attendees and led the formal proceedings.
Most Reverend Tom Amenkhienan, a senior member of the Loveworld Central Executive Council, offered an anointed prayer for Pastor Ebhodaghe and his family, declaring blessings of divine health, spiritual elevation, and unstoppable progress. “Your going and your coming shall be blessed. No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” he prayed.
Delivering the sermon, Pastor Moses Olayemi of Christ Embassy Benin Zone 1 drew from Psalms 1 and 4 to illustrate the celebrant’s life as one rooted in godliness and integrity. “You can see from the calibre of individuals present today that Pastor Sylvester is a man who walks with God,” he said. He encouraged attendees to examine their spiritual walk, drawing on the biblical example of Cornelius, who despite his righteousness, sought spiritual renewal.
A Life Transformed by Calling
In an emotional vote of thanks, Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe paid special tribute to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, President, Loveworld Incorporated, crediting him with a life-changing spiritual encounter.
“Twenty-seven years ago, I turned on the television and saw Pastor Chris preaching. I heard a voice say, ‘Your destiny is connected to his ministry.’ That moment changed the course of my life,” he shared, visibly moved.
Pastor Ebhodaghe also thanked his family, friends, colleagues, and fellow ministers for their unwavering support and encouragement over the decades.
Guest List
The celebratory banquet saw an impressive turnout of distinguished personalities from across various sectors. Alongside Chief Obasanjo were:
Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, businessman and political figure
Sir Dr. Mike Okiro, former Inspector General of Police
Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc
Prince Bisi Olatilo, Chairman, Biscon Communications Group
Dr. Uche Ogah, President, Masters Energy Group
Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, Director, Lagos State Security Trust Fund
Mr. Oladimeji Oresanya, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment
Dr. Tola Salah, Special Adviser on STEM to the Kwara State
Entertainment
Elie Kamano’s Anthem Amplifies Pan-African Reparations Call with Striking New Music Video
Guinean artist and activist Elie Kamano has released a powerful new music video for his single, “Ils veulent l’Afrique sans les Africains” (“They Want Africa Without Africans”), delivering a bold artistic statement that fuses political resistance, cultural memory, and Pan-African solidarity.
Filmed on the sacred grounds of the Thiaroye mass graves in Dakar, the video honors victims of one of colonialism’s most heinous massacres. Kamano’s visual tribute transforms the site into a defiant stage, linking Africa’s historical trauma to the modern reparations movement. With raw lyricism and symbolic imagery, the video makes a clear demand: “Africa will reclaim what Europe stole.”
The release arrives at a pivotal moment. The African Union has declared 2025 as the Year of Reparations, providing institutional momentum to cultural and civic efforts across the continent. In Dakar, a recent high-profile conference reignited demands for justice surrounding the Thiaroye massacre, leading Senegalese authorities to launch archaeological excavations to document the scope of the 1944 French military crime—evidence that may substantiate formal reparations claims to France.
The reparations conversation has visibly moved to the streets. Dakar’s walls now feature bold graffiti murals demanding €50 trillion in reparations from former colonial powers—vivid calls for justice that cannot be ignored. In Bamako, Malian scholars and policymakers echo the urgency, calling for strategic frameworks that link historical redress with sustainable African futures.
Kamano’s work stands at the intersection of music and movement—galvanizing Pan-African youth, scholars, and policymakers alike. His anthem doesn’t just commemorate the past—it ignites the future.
“This is not just a song,” says Kamano. “It’s a voice for the voiceless. A call for dignity. A battle cry for what is rightfully ours.”
‘If You Want It Dirty, You’ll Get It Dirty’, Benue Diaspora DG Escalates Threat Against National Record Reporter
PRCAN Congratulates Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on Her Historic Election as President of NIMN
Obasanjo, Christ Embassy, and Eminent Nigerians Honour Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe at 50
LASG Acquires New Outboard Engines For Optimum Boat Performance
Elon Musk builds Hotel in Mars, Sets to launch soon at $5million per night – Photos
