Hon. Raymond Okechukwu Ugwu who represents Enugu East Rural Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, has reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development and youth empowerment through innovative skill-building initiatives.

Hon. Ugwu gave the assurance on Wednesday at Emene during a free agro aid and ICT training programme he organized to equip his constituents with modern agricultural techniques and digital skills.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that the initiative marks the first of its kind in the history of the constituency, aimed at fostering sustainable livelihoods and bridging the gap between education and rural enterprise.

The training, with the theme “empowering constituents through agriculture and ICT knowledge,” featured practical sessions on ICT-driven business opportunities, sack farming, short-term crop cultivation, and small-scale livestock rearing, including rabbit and grasscutter farming.

Participants also received guidance on accessing markets, securing agricultural credit, and developing business models suited to rural communities.

In a welcome speech, the lawmaker noted that the initiative is a way of giving back and equipping his people with practical skills that can change their lives and lift their communities.

“Today is a day that will shine brightly in the history books of Enugu East Rural Constituency. It is a day when the seeds of knowledge are being sown, and surely, we shall reap a harvest of prosperity and self-reliance in due season.”

“This is not just a training, it is a clarion call for all our farmers, youths, women, and residents to rise and take their rightful place in the unfolding economic revolution.”

“Governor Mbah has not just raised the bar; he has shattered the ceiling of development expectations.

“His projects in agriculture, education, digital infrastructure, and rural development have turned barren fields into blooming gardens. Here in Enugu East Rural, we have felt the soothing touch of his development agenda like rain falling on parched earth.”

“Whether it is in the revitalization of our farm settlements, the improvement of our rural roads, or the strategic empowerment of our youths through digital literacy, Governor Mbah has shown that a leader who plants trees under whose shade he does not expect to sit, is one who truly loves his people.” He added

To ensure that the training yields immediate impact, each participant received an agro-startup support package, including fertilizers, crop seedlings, and sacks for sack farming—enabling them to begin their agribusiness journey right away.

Dignitaries present at the event included HRH Igwe Dr. Emmanuel Ugwu, the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike; Dr. Patrick Ubru, Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization; Kenneth Eze, President of the Enugu State Young Farmers Association; and Hon. Ekene Uzodimma.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ngozi Egbo expressed deep appreciation for the initiative.

“No one has ever brought something like this to us. We are truly grateful to our representative”

Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep appreciation to the workers of the state, celebrating their resilience, dedication, and professionalism amid ongoing political instability and economic difficulties.

In a Workers’ Day message released on Thursday through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara lauded the workforce for their unwavering contributions across all sectors, describing them as essential pillars of the state’s growth and a “beacon of hope for a more prosperous future.”

Fubara aligned his message with the 2025 Workers’ Day theme “Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate”, stressing the importance of prioritising workplace safety and adopting environmentally conscious labour practices.

He noted, “Protecting workers from environmental and workplace hazards is critical to sustainable development.”

The suspended governor also acknowledged the federal government’s efforts, saying, “President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been instrumental in advancing labour reforms and supporting climate-resilient policies aimed at enhancing workplace safety across the country.”

Despite facing governance disruptions, Fubara remained firm in his praise for the state’s workforce.

“Your sacrifices and sense of duty are the cornerstone of our state’s stability and progress,” he stated.

Reaffirming his commitment to workers’ welfare, he called on both public and private employers to uphold labour laws and respect the rights and dignity of their employees. He emphasized that improving working conditions must be a shared priority.

Fubara concluded his message with a spiritual appeal and a hopeful vision for Rivers State: “I pray for divine guidance for all leaders and assure the people of Rivers State of my resolve to build a work environment defined by dignity, opportunity, and prosperity.”

Encouraging unity and optimism, he added, “The forces of justice, peace, and progress will ultimately prevail.”

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has suggested that former Governor James Ibori may soon join the All Progressives Congress (APC), days after both Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor made the remark on Tuesday during a vigil mass held at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area.

The service was in honour of the late former Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama.

During his address, Governor Oborevwori underscored the importance of unity among Urhobo political leaders, using the moment to pay glowing tribute to Utuama.

“I’m glad to be present at this gathering, organised for one man whose life touched many. Today’s message speaks more to those of us still alive than to the departed,” he said.

He went on to recall a notable act of generosity by the late deputy governor: “While serving as Deputy Governor, he was given a plot of land in Asaba. Rather than keep it, he gave it to the Catholic Church and even helped fund the construction. To me, that’s a lasting investment in heaven.”

Oborevwori expressed hope that the late Utuama’s legacy would foster greater unity in Ughelli South and across the Urhobo nation.

“He led a meaningful life and passed on with dignity,” the governor added.

The Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. Anthony Ewherido, also paid tribute to Utuama’s life and service.

In his sermon, the Bishop highlighted the deceased’s commitment to both public service and the Church.

Bishop Ewherido extended his condolences to the bereaved family, urging them to uphold the values of humility, generosity, and godliness exemplified by the late professor.

He also reminded the congregation that death marks not an end but a transition into eternal life.

He called on political leaders in Delta State to continue working together for peace, growth, and development.

Governor Charles Soludo has announced the clearance of seven years’ worth of pension and gratuity arrears owed to retirees in Anambra State.

The declaration was made during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Awka, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants.

“In the area of gratuity of retired workforce, we have paid arrears of gratuity which we inherited when I came into office, and I am happy to report that except there is anyone who has not completed his or her documentation, we cleared the backlog of pension arrears of four years,” Soludo said.

He further detailed progress on pension payments, saying: “Similarly, for those who retired from the civil service that were also being owed four years of pensions amounting to N14 billion, I am happy to announce that we paid for 2018, paid 2019, paid 2020, and now it is remaining one year which is 2021, and it would be paid shortly.”

Reiterating his administration’s resolve to prioritize workers’ welfare despite economic challenges, the governor added “Within the available resources as a government, my commitment to the labour force is that we will continue to work very hard to improve the working conditions and welfare of our workforce.”

In his earlier remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Anambra State, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, commended the governor’s efforts but urged further reforms.

He called on the state government to commence immediate implementation of the contributory pension scheme, noting it was one of the key recommendations of a joint committee aimed at securing the future of retirees.

Nwafor also appealed for the prompt payment of outstanding allowances for non-teaching staff under the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and post-primary school service.

These workers, he noted, have yet to receive the approved 17.5 percent peculiarity allowance.

He stressed the need for parity, adding that non-teaching staff deserve “equitable treatment similar to the 27.5 percent granted to teachers.”

Additionally, Nwafor urged the full implementation of the approved Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHSS).

He further advocated for expanded training opportunities for workers and enhanced security in the state’s workforce system.

Amid rising political tension and shifting allegiances, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has ignited speculation about a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), likening his current party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to a faulty aircraft unfit for a 2027 political journey.

Speaking on Tuesday at a Town Square meeting in Ikot Akpankuk for the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, the governor drew a pointed analogy: “If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?”

While not explicitly declaring his departure from the PDP, Eno’s remarks have stirred widespread discussion and anticipation.

He, however, urged Akwa Ibom citizens to keep supporting his administration as it delivers on campaign promises.

Responding, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba dismissed the governor’s comments as speculative, reaffirming that Eno remains within the party fold.

He stressed that recent defections, such as Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s move to the APC, do not mirror the electorate’s sentiments.

He added: “It does not necessarily reflect the position of the electorate.” Ologunagba warned against creating a one-party state and urged citizens to protect democratic plurality.

He also cautioned President Bola Tinubu not to assume that defections guarantee electoral victory in 2027.

Former PDP spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan echoed these sentiments, asserting on Arise Television that the ruling APC itself is on the verge of internal crisis.

He pointed to growing dissatisfaction among blocs that formed the APC, especially the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

“It is the PDP bell that is ringing now, and everybody is talking about mass defection. I can assure you that very soon, it’s going to start with the APC,” he said.

“Even as you speak today, if you have your ears to the ground in the All Progressives Congress, you’re already aware that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)… is in tatters, and that is the truth.”

He warned of an impending implosion and urged observers to pay attention to the CPC’s agitation and internal rifts.

PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor condemned the speculation of Eno’s defection, describing it as “very, very unfortunate.”

He insisted the governor have moral duty to remain in the party that has nurtured his political career for over two decades.

“When you assume that people possess integrity, class, and substance, it is deeply disappointing to discover they are, in fact, merely small men in oversized clothes and big shoes,” Osadolor said.

He urged Eno to focus on advancing reforms such as BVAS and iREV to ensure electoral transparency rather than defecting out of fear of being “rigged out.”

Meanwhile, sources close to Senate President Godswill Akpabio suggest that Eno’s potential defection is generating excitement in APC circles.

According to insiders, the move fits into a broader plan dubbed the “Lagos-Calabar” strategy to bring South-South states into APC control ahead of the party’s congresses in August.

“As we speak, only Bayelsa State is yet to join the moving train. But I can tell you that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Lokpobiri, is working hard,” a source said.

However, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka rejected claims of any official directive to dominate the region, calling them baseless.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, reacting to his 2023 running mate Ifeanyi Okowa’s defection to the APC, maintained a calm stance.

“Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar bears no grudges; he has said that, and he means it,” said his media aide Paul Ibe.

“As a democrat, he subscribes to the universality and constitutionality of the freedom of association.”

Ibe reiterated that Atiku remains committed to the PDP and has no plans to jump ship.

Yet not all voices within the PDP are aligned.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro faulted Atiku for failing to unite the party post-2023.

Speaking on Channels Television, Moro said: “Given his ambition to contest once more, I expected Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to have started from day one after the 2023 election to galvanise the PDP.”

Olisa Ifeajika, executive assistant to the Delta governor, clarified that Okowa never expressed regret over running with Atiku.

“In that (television) interview, there was no time when Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa said he regretted being Vice Presidential candidate,” he said.

He added that Okowa’s defection was informed by a realization that “PDP was already a sinking boat, a shadow of itself. The umbrella is torn, and it no longer covers anybody anymore.”

Meanwhile, PDP chieftain Dele Momodu argued that only a formidable Northern candidate can effectively challenge President Tinubu in 2027.

“Any Southerner who thinks they can challenge Tinubu is likely wasting their time,” he said on Arise TV.

Momodu underscored the importance of strategic coalition-building, suggesting figures like Rabiu Kwankwaso as key to mounting an effective opposition.

In a related development, Delta Governor Oborevwori has confirmed that former Governor James Ibori will be officially welcomed into the APC, despite his informal ties with the party in recent years.