The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu State Council has recognized Hon. Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, with the prestigious ‘Icon of Democracy’ award for his significant contributions to the advancement of democracy in Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole.

During the award presentation, Mr. Jonathan Emmanuel, the Chairman of the 2024 Press Week and a representative of the News Agency of Nigeria, highlighted Nnaji’s pivotal role in the fight for democracy, which included his imprisonment for his advocacy.

Emmanuel described Nnaji not only as a prominent politician but also as a philanthropist who has used his resources to positively impact society.

He further praised Nnaji’s leadership at the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, noting the progress and developments the ministry had seen under his stewardship, which contributed to the decision to award him the honor.

In his speech, Chief Emma Eneukwu, the APC National Vice Chairman for the South East, called on Enugu residents to join the APC and actively participate in mainstream politics.

He emphasized that the party had rid itself of “dead wood” and “moles,” strengthening its foundation for future elections in the state.

The event was attended by several notable figures, including Chief Ugochukwu Agballa, the state chairman of the APC, and Barrister George Ogara, the APC’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, who were present to witness the award ceremony.

Governor Similanayi Fubara has mocked the camp of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, by declaring that he still holds “the red biro.”

The statement was made by Fubara through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, during a Crossover service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Opobo Town, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, early on January 1.

At the service, Fubara expressed unshakable faith in God’s power to defeat those he described as “self-styled enemies” of the state and its people.

As part of the service, Fubara led the congregation in a song of gallantry, with attendees singing along to the words: “At the mention of Your name (God), every knee shall bow. At the mention of Your name, every tongue confess. That You are Lord, You are Lord, You are King, You are King of kings.”

Fubara emphasized that the lyrics were not just meant to comfort but to inspire confidence in God as the guiding force for greater victories in the coming year.

“The Red Biro is still filled. It is still here with me. Every plan of the enemy will continue to fail,” Fubara declared.

Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja of the Anglican Diocese of Niger Delta, who conducted the service, reflected on the challenges of 2024, including conspiracies, blackmail, economic hardship, and illness.

Despite these struggles, Oko-Jaja praised God for helping them persevere through it all.

He encouraged the congregation to remain hopeful, assuring them that in 2025, God would continue to uplift and bless them, leading them to victory.

The Bishop also prayed for peace, unity, and the continued development of the state in alignment with the key objectives outlined in the state’s 2025 Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development.

Prof. Victor Nnam, Enugu Former Commissioner, 

As Nigeria steps into the new year, the former Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State, Professor Victor Chukwuemeka Nnam, has urged citizens to renew their hopes and remain steadfast in the pursuit of a better future for the country.

In a new year message made available to DAILY GAZETTE, Professor Nnam emphasized the importance of unity, perseverance, and collective effort in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.

“The year 2025 presents a fresh opportunity for growth, progress, and transformation. Despite the obstacles faced in 2024, we must embrace hope and resilience as we work together to build a stronger nation for ourselves and future generations,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to take stock of the lessons learned in the past year and channel those lessons into meaningful action.

“The challenges of the past year should not diminish our spirit but inspire us to work harder, support one another, and remain committed to the values that bind us together as a people,” he added.

The former commissioner also urged the people of Enugu State and Nigerians at large to focus on the collective good, stressing that everyone has a role to play in shaping the future.

“As we enter 2025, we must be reminded that every effort counts, whether in our communities, schools, workplaces, or homes. Together, we can overcome the hardships that have tested us,” he said.

Nnam also highlighted the importance of leadership, urging both political and civic leaders to prioritize the welfare of the people.

“Effective leadership is essential to the prosperity of any society. Our leaders must be accountable, transparent, and committed to the common good. As citizens, we must also hold them to the highest standards and ensure that their actions reflect our collective aspirations. Let us work together, hand in hand, to renew our commitment to peace, unity, and development. The future belongs to us if we remain steadfast in our resolve,” he added.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has assured the people of the state that his administration will maintain its rapid pace of development throughout 2025.

In his New Year address, the governor emphasized that there would be no slowing down in the transformation of the state, following the significant progress made in 2024.

Mbah urged Nigerians to foster love, empathy, and charity, highlighting these values as crucial for building a stronger and more united country in the coming year.

“We cannot afford to lower expectations or make excuses. The successes of 2024 are a foundation we will continue to build on. As we enter the New Year, there will be no reduction in the energy and commitment we’ve shown to drive social and economic change in Enugu,” he said.

The governor outlined the upcoming commissioning of major projects, including the completion of Smart Green schools, an international conference center, new primary healthcare facilities, rural and urban roads, and modern bus terminals aimed at improving public transport in the state.

“These are just a fraction of our broader vision for Enugu. The opening of our smart schools across the state will bring new opportunities to children, providing them with practical and impactful education that prepares them for the future. This is just the beginning of our plans to ensure every child receives the best education possible,” Mbah added.

He emphasized that his administration’s focus remains on inclusive development and creating economic opportunities for all citizens.

Looking ahead to 2025, Mbah expressed confidence that the state will continue to make strides toward a brighter future for its residents.