The Enugu State Government has entered into a N100 billion joint venture agreement to revitalize the long-abandoned Heneke Integrated Farm in Ezeagu Local Government Area, positioning the state as a future hub for agro-industrial development.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday at the Government House, Enugu, between the state government, Songhai Sustainable Initiative in Nigeria and Tribu Limited.

The partnership will operate under a newly formed Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named Enugu Tribu Songhai Farms Ltd, which will oversee the farm’s rehabilitation, expansion, and long-term management.

Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, described the signing as a major milestone in Enugu’s vision to drive industrial growth through agriculture.

“Today, we formalise a partnership that will breathe new life into the Enugu Songhai Initiative, transform abandoned assets into thriving agro-industrial hubs, and advance food security, regenerative development and inclusive growth for our people,” Onyia stated.

Originally launched in 2013, the Heneke Farm was left incomplete for over a decade.

Under the new arrangement, it will be transformed into a 10,000-hectare agro-industrial complex incorporating Crop production, Animal husbandry, Aquaculture, Food processing plants, Renewable energy systems and Eco-tourism infrastructure.

Additionally, a 25-hectare training and incubation centre will be established to empower youth and women, with the goal of creating thousands of jobs across the agriculture value chain.

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 43-year-old man, Patrick Ojele, for allegedly pretending to be mentally unstable while secretly cultivating a large cannabis farm in Awka, the state capital.

Police spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed in a statement on Thursday that Ojele was apprehended by operatives attached to the Operations Department during a routine patrol along the Awka–Enugu Expressway near Ngozika Estate on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“The suspect had been posing as a mentally unstable individual, a disguise that allowed him to avoid suspicion while maintaining a concealed marijuana farm,” Ikenga said.

According to the statement, after his arrest, Ojele led officers to the hidden farm, where a substantial quantity of what is believed to be cannabis sativa was discovered and seized.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the officers involved and noted that the arrest is part of the Command’s intensified effort to clamp down on drug dealers and dismantle supply lines that fuel cult activities and violent crimes in the state.

“This is part of our strategic approach to deprive criminals, particularly cultists and violent gangs, of their access to drugs and other illegal substances,” Orutugu stated.

The CP has ordered that Ojele be transferred to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Enugwu-Ukwu for thorough investigation.

The squad is expected to trace his buyers and unravel the network behind the illegal drug operation.

This development comes amid a wider crackdown by the state police. As previously reported, the Command has recently arrested 54 suspects, including 39 men and 15 women, for crimes including cultism, drug trafficking, and kidnapping.

The arrests followed coordinated raids across several communities, including Ogidi in Idemili North and Ifitedunu in Dunukofia LGA, as part of broader efforts to restore law and order, particularly among youth aged 18 to 26.

Floodwaters have submerged 15 out of 16 communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, just 24 hours after the Federal Government warned of the onset of this year’s flooding season.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had previously issued an alert, listing several flood-prone states and urging residents in low-lying and riverine areas to begin relocating as a precaution.

This most recent flooding, triggered by heavy rainfall, caused the River Niger to overflow its banks, inundating residential homes and farmlands in the Ogbaru axis.

In unaffected areas such as Okpoko, residents have begun early harvesting of crops in anticipation of worsening conditions. Farmers are making efforts to save what they can before the floodwaters reach their lands.

In response, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has activated holding centres across vulnerable local government areas. The agency is advising residents in Ogbaru, Anambra East, and Anambra West LGAs to move to higher ground.

Governor Charles Soludo, represented by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, who also chairs the state’s Flood Management Committee, has intensified collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and federal authorities to manage the crisis.

According to Ibezim, local government officials are working round-the-clock to mitigate the impact.

He said emergency holding camps are currently being upgraded, and proactive measures are being taken, including Clearing blocked drainage systems, Strict enforcement of the “Operation Clear Your Waterways” directive and Planning long-term dredging of the River Niger to reduce future risks.

Despite these efforts, affected residents say they have yet to receive any relief materials or direct assistance.

“All 15 out of the 16 communities have been affected by the flooding, and no one has come here to see us. Maybe they’re on their way to Ogbaru,” one villager told reporters.

The Enugu State Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) has announced plans to launch a widespread clampdown on dilapidated, non-roadworthy, and dysfunctional vehicles, particularly trucks, plying roads within the state.

The Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, Mr. Val Chime, disclosed this during a media briefing in Enugu on Wednesday, citing the increasing number of road accidents along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, which is currently under reconstruction.

He attributed many of the crashes to faulty and unfit trucks.

According to Chime, the VIO has re-strategized its operations to ensure only roadworthy vehicles remain in circulation.

“We are doing this in active collaboration with other sister road traffic and safety agencies within the state to ensure that this particular operation is robust and total,” he said.

He encouraged vehicle owners and motorists to take advantage of the recently established Automated Vehicle Testing Centre in Emene, inaugurated by Governor Peter Mbah, to conduct periodic checks and identify mechanical faults in their vehicles early.

Chime emphasized the importance of routine inspections for vehicle health, likening it to regular medical check-ups for humans.

He noted that commercial vehicles are required to undergo automated inspections every six months, while private vehicles should be inspected at least once a year.

Highlighting the advantages of the automated testing facility, Chime said:

“Once you have obtained your vehicle’s roadworthiness certificate, you can use the facility free of charge and consult with professionals on any vehicle or road-use concerns.

“The centre was designed to bridge the diagnostic gap left by regular mechanics, offering accurate, computerised detection of faults that the human eye may miss.”

He also commended Governor Mbah for his administration’s commitment to revamping the state’s transportation infrastructure. According to Chime, the state has seen the development of Five new modern transport terminals, Over 80 vehicle shades, A fleet of 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses currently in operation as well as the state’s new airline, Enugu Air, which flies to destinations such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt,and Owerri.

He noted that the patronage of these services has grown steadily due to their affordability and commuter-friendly services.

Additionally, Chime mentioned the introduction of the “Iji Card”, a cashless travel card system similar to an ATM card. The card can be topped up for use and easily replaced if lost or stolen.

Looking ahead, he revealed that the state is preparing to introduce both intra-state and inter-state mono-rail systems, as well as ferry services in the riverine areas of Nsukka.

“These efforts are aimed at modernising transportation in Enugu and improving safety, accessibility, and convenience for all road users,” he added.

The family of a young baker, Plangdes Nelson, popularly known as Allwell Nelson, has made a desperate plea to the Plateau State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to rescue their daughter from the hands of kidnappers.

Plangdes was abducted on the night of Sunday, September 14, 2025, from her residence in Dong, located in Jos North Local Government Area.

According to eyewitness accounts, the kidnappers also seized her cousin, Bright Bernard, a student of the University of Jos, who had just completed his exams and was visiting the family.

Narrating the ordeal, her brother Joseph Jwanshak said the incident occurred during a heavy downpour at around 10:00 p.m.

“We heard a loud bang at the window. They tried breaking in through the iron bars but couldn’t, so they forced the main door open,” he recounted.

“One of us ran through the back to get help, but the rain made that almost impossible. They entered the house, took phones, packed some food items, and left with Allwell and Bright.”

When asked about ransom demands, Joseph said the family was contacted the following day.

“They called on Monday, September 15, and asked for ₦50 million. They repeated the demand again on Tuesday. Soldiers visited the area the next morning, but nothing concrete seems to be happening. This whole experience has been traumatising.”

Friends and supporters have since taken to social media to amplify calls for her release.

Eva James, a close friend, stated:

“Allwell Nelson was kidnapped in Dong, Plateau State and is still being held by these monsters.”

Another concerned friend, Zariyi Yusuf, added:

“We are counting on Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the police, and all relevant authorities to do everything possible to bring her home safely. We also pray for her protection while in captivity. She is a vibrant young baker and a beautiful soul making Plateau proud.”

When contacted for updates, the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, Alfred Alabo, assured that efforts were ongoing:

“Our men are working on the matter, and by the grace of God, we are hoping for success.”