..As Developer, Prof. Nnam Assures Traders of Timely Completion, Urges Shop Owners to Begin Development

Pastor Beloved Dan Anike, the Executive Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of residents through ongoing developmental projects within the council.

Anike made this statement on Wednesday during an inspection of the ongoing development at the New Orie Ugwogo Market.

He expressed gratitude to the host community and the project developer for their continued collaboration in advancing the market’s development.

The Enugu East council chairman announced that the local government would immediately begin the construction of new shops at the market site, with plans to relocate the old Orie Ugwogo Market to the new location by the first week of February 2025.

Hon. Anike emphasized the importance of adhering to the approved designs and permits, urging individuals who had secured shop spaces to commence construction within the specified timelines to avoid the risk of reassignment or relocation.

Speaking during the inspection, the chairman stressed that the local government’s swift action was aimed at improving the market’s infrastructure, which would, in turn, benefit both the local economy and the traders.

He reassured traders that the development would be executed efficiently and within the stipulated timeframe to ensure a smooth transition to the new market.

The site inspection was led by Prof. Victor Chukwuemeka Nnam, the Principal Consultant of Geosquaremeter Innovative Ltd, along with the leadership of the Umunonu community and other key stakeholders.

Prof. Nnam, who provided a comprehensive update on the progress of the project, including the construction of the market’s prototype, assured that the project would be completed on time.

Prof. Nnam encouraged potential investors to visit either the local government secretariat or his office to explore available investment opportunities at the market.

He highlighted that the project presents significant prospects for those looking to invest in the growing business hub, particularly as the market is poised to become a key economic center within the area.

Speaking to DAILY GAZETTE, the traditional ruler of the host community, Umunonu, Chief Joseph Ugwumba Agbo, expressed his support for the ongoing development, stating that the new market would enhance trade and improve the livelihoods of both traders and the community.

He commended Pastor Beloved Dan Anike’s leadership for ensuring that the project was progressing smoothly and called on all community members to cooperate with the development process to guarantee its success.

On his part, Barr. Chukwuemeka Agbo, the legal adviser to the Umunonu community, assured the public that all legal processes and requirements were being followed to ensure the smooth implementation of the market’s development.

He noted that the community was fully committed to ensuring that the project adhered to all regulatory guidelines and urged all stakeholders to work together for the benefit of the people.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that with construction plans now in full swing, the market’s completion is eagerly anticipated to boost the area’s commercial growth and create more business opportunities for both local and external investors, bolster local economic activities, provide ample opportunities for traders, and attract further investments to the area.

More than 1,000 former members of the Labour Party (LP) have officially joined the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State.

The defectors were welcomed by Governor Charles Soludo at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center in Awka, the state capital.

Chief Rochas Orji, the national coordinator, led the group alongside various state and local government coordinators.

Governor Soludo praised APGA as Nigeria’s leading progressive party and emphasized his commitment to creating an environment that would support the swift development of the state.

He reaffirmed that the party’s primary focus is on delivering effective governance and the benefits of democracy to the people of Anambra.

Ifeatu Obiokoye, the State Chairman of APGA, attributed the large-scale defection to the progress Governor Soludo has made in transforming the state, noting that it highlights the increasing struggles of the Labour Party, which has seen a notable decline in influence in Anambra.

Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Governor, shared that the discussions leading up to the defection had been ongoing for six months.

He explained that the internal crisis within the LP, including allegations of mismanagement of campaign funds, favoritism in candidate selection, and the lack of a strong leadership structure, contributed to the mass departure.

“This large-scale resignation is a clear indication of the deepening crisis within the LP, with infighting at both the national and state levels. The exit of grassroots supporters, including the Oga Ndi Oga warriors, demonstrates that Anambra has now effectively become a stronghold for APGA, with few considering the LP a credible opposition,” Obiogbolu said.

President Bola Tinubu is set to present the N47.96 trillion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year to a joint session of the National Assembly today, barring any unforeseen changes.

The budget estimate was approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday.

Ahead of the presentation, heightened security measures have been implemented around the National Assembly Complex.

Personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Sergeant-at-Arms, and the Federal Road Safety Corps are on standby to restrict access, allowing only individuals with official business related to the budget presentation to enter.

In preparation for the event, National Assembly staff handling clerical and auxiliary services have been asked to stay at home until the conclusion of the session.

Additionally, businesses and service providers within the vicinity, including banks and food vendors, have been instructed to close for the day in compliance with National Assembly directives.

The joint session, which will be presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, follows the passage of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), the foundation for the proposed budget, by both chambers of the National Assembly.

The gubernatorial race in Anambra State has never been more intriguing as the 2025 election cycle promises to be a watershed moment in the state’s political history.

All eyes are on Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife, a political titan, as she stands on the cusp of making history as the first female elected governor of not only Anambra State but also in the annals of Nigerian democracy.

Her journey is not just a political campaign but a clarion call for inclusivity, competence, and transformative leadership.

She started her political career as a legislator and immediately made an instant impact. Ekwunife’s tenure as a legislator was instrumental in tackling unemployment in Anambra State.

She championed policies and programs that directly addressed youth unemployment and empowered women. Through her legislative efforts, she facilitated the establishment of skill acquisition centres, enabling thousands of young people to gain vocational skills and become self-reliant.

Her constituency projects also included the provision of startup grants and equipment to small-scale entrepreneurs.

In the education sector, Ekwunife’s impact was transformative. She initiated scholarship programs for indigent students, constructed classroom blocks, and donated learning materials to schools across Anambra Central.

Her advocacy for increased budgetary allocation to education at the federal level resulted in tangible improvements in the quality of education in her constituency. Her passion for education stems from her belief that knowledge is the bedrock of societal development.

Healthcare is another sector where Ekwunife has left indelible footprints. As a legislator, she prioritised health projects, facilitating the construction of primary health centres and equipping them with modern medical facilities.

She also organized free medical outreaches, providing access to quality healthcare for thousands of rural dwellers. Her efforts to promote maternal and child health significantly reduced mortality rates in her constituency.

Her commitment to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has been a cornerstone of her legislative agenda. Recognizing the critical role of SMEs in economic growth, she advocated for policies that provided easy access to credit facilities.

Through partnerships with financial institutions and government agencies, she facilitated funding opportunities for small business owners, thereby boosting economic activities and creating jobs.

Ekwunife’s wealth of experience in high-profile positions underscores her readiness to lead Anambra State. She has served as the Chairperson of several committees in both chambers of the National Assembly, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and legislative acumen.

Her current role as the Director-General of the South East Governors’ Forum has further expanded her administrative experience and deepened her understanding of regional governance.

In this capacity, she has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among the governors in addressing security challenges, economic integration, and infrastructural development in the South East.

Ekwunife’s decision to contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked conversations across political circles. While the APC has traditionally faced challenges in Anambra State, her candidacy brings a fresh dynamic to the party’s prospects.

Her cross-party appeal, built on years of impactful representation and grassroots mobilisation, positions her as a unifying figure capable of bridging political divides.

From a technical standpoint, Ekwunife’s candidacy represents a strategic advantage for the APC. Her deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges facing Anambra State, coupled with her proven track record, provides a solid foundation for a compelling campaign.

Politically, her ability to connect with diverse demographics—from market women to urban professionals—is a testament to her broad-based appeal.

Additionally, her gender plays a significant role in her electoral prospects. As Nigeria grapples with the underrepresentation of women in leadership, Ekwunife’s candidacy is seen as a beacon of hope for gender equity in governance.

Her victory would not only shatter the glass ceiling but also inspire a new generation of women leaders across the country.

While Ekwunife’s path to the governorship is promising, it is not without challenges. The political landscape in Anambra State is highly competitive, with formidable opponents from other parties.

However, her extensive grassroots network, coupled with her track record of performance, provides a significant advantage. The increasing clamour for competent leadership and gender inclusivity also works in her favour.

Uche Ekwunife’s political journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, vision, and exceptional leadership. Born in the bustling town of Nri in the Anaocha Local Government Area, her early life was shaped by values of hard work, integrity, and service.

A graduate of Business Administration, Ekwunife’s foray into politics was marked by a desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Her career began in the banking sector, where she honed her skills in finance and administration before transitioning into public service.

Her political career took off when she was elected to the House of Representatives in 2007, representing the Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency.

Her tenure was characterized by groundbreaking legislative initiatives, advocacy for women’s rights, and community development projects. She later served as a Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, where her performance further cemented her reputation as a trailblazer.

Beyond her political career, Uche Ekwunife’s life is a testament to responsibility and service. A devoted wife and mother, she has managed to balance her family commitments with her demanding public service roles.

Her humility, empathy, and dedication to the common good have endeared her to many.

Her philanthropic initiatives, including scholarships for underprivileged students and support for widows, reflect her deep compassion and commitment to social justice.

These attributes, combined with her political acumen, make her a well-rounded leader poised to redefine governance in Anambra State.

As the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial election approaches, Uche Ekwunife stands at the threshold of history. Her aspiration to become the first female elected governor of Anambra State is not just about breaking barriers but about delivering transformative leadership that will uplift the state and its people.

With her wealth of experience, stellar achievements, and unwavering commitment to service, she embodies the qualities needed to steer Anambra State toward a brighter future.

History beckons, and the people of Anambra State have a unique opportunity to elect a leader who represents progress, inclusivity, and excellence.

Uche Ekwunife’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, competence, and vision, the possibilities are endless.