By Andrew Chukwuemeka Odoh, Ph.D

A clean and orderly city doesn’t happen by accident. It doesn’t come from mere wishes or fine speeches.

It grows from clear vision, through careful planning, and execution by leaders who are willing to do the hard work of making things happen.

Real change in any city requires more than promise, it requires commitment, coordination, and the courage to insist that standards are kept. In recent times, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has shown what focused and intentional leadership can achieve. Since he became governor, Enugu has experienced changes that residents can see and feel in their everyday lives.

One of the most noticeable differences is the cleanliness of the city. Streets that were once untidy now look refreshed and well cared for. The cabs are now repainted to beautify the city.

Walking or driving through Enugu today, there is a clear sense that attention is being paid to the environment.

Waste is collected more regularly, and sanitation services are better organized. Behind the scenes, there is stronger supervision of waste management vendors and a more reliable payment system, ensuring that those responsible for keeping the city clean can do their jobs effectively.

The result is simple but powerful: fewer piles of refuse, cleaner surroundings, and a healthier atmosphere for everyone.

The transformation is also visible on the roads, especially in the transportation sector. For years, many taxis operated without uniform colors or proper maintenance, which gave parts of the city a neglected look.

Today, that story is changing with the introduction of new compressed natural gas-powered buses, five smart bus terminals.

The coordinated appearance of these vehicles does more than beautify the city. It signals structure, discipline, and a renewed identity. It shows that even small details matter when building a city people can be proud of.

Road improvements have further strengthened this positive shift. Many roads have been resurfaced or rehabilitated, making movement smoother and safer.

Better roads mean less wear and tear on vehicles, shorter travel times, and fewer frustrations for commuters.

Traffic flow has improved in several previously congested areas, making daily journeys less stressful. Many residents at Abakpa Nike will have a sign of relief after the handing over of Abakpa Nike road which is now under construction.

For many residents, this translates into more productive days and more enjoyable drives. For visitors, it creates a welcoming first impression.

What truly stands out, however, is the consistency behind these efforts. The changes are not random or cosmetic; they reflect a structured approach to governance.

Plans are made, executed, and monitored. Infrastructure is not only built but maintained. Service providers are held accountable. This steady, practical style of leadership is what turns temporary improvements into lasting progress.

Today, Enugu feels different. There is a renewed sense of pride among residents and growing confidence among investors. Clean streets, organized transportation, improved roads, and better waste management together create a city that feels alive, cared for, and forward-looking.

Urban transformation is never magic; it is the product of steady work and responsible leadership. The ongoing progress in Enugu under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah shows that when vision meets action, a city’s story can change for the better.

The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a multi-million naira Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Ugbawka community, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, as part of efforts to enhance access to quality healthcare at the grassroots.

The project, executed under the Special Quick Impact Project initiative of the Chief of Naval Staff, was undertaken in honour of Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu (retd).

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Friday, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the facility underscored the Navy’s commitment to positively impacting host communities and improving civil-military relations across the country.

Represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, the naval chief noted that the Quick Impact Projects were designed to recognise distinguished senior officers who had served the nation meritoriously, while also delivering meaningful development to communities.

According to him, the Navy currently has 33 such projects across the country and remains committed to expanding its social intervention footprint.

He added that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the health facility would not only improve healthcare delivery in Ugbawka but also attract qualified health professionals to the area.

In his remarks, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, disclosed that the state government had equipped the centre with furniture, medical equipment and healthcare personnel.

He said the facility would operate round the clock, with accommodation for staff and solar-powered electricity to guarantee uninterrupted services.

The governor also called on political office holders and philanthropists to support residents by enrolling them in the state health insurance scheme, which costs N12,000 per person annually.

Member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Chief Nnoli Nnaji, commended the Navy for collaborating with the state government and the community to ensure the functionality of the centre.

He pledged to sponsor health insurance coverage for 50 persons in each of the 28 wards within his constituency and promised to explore the provision of tricycle ambulances to strengthen emergency response services.

The traditional ruler of Ugbawka, Igwe Sunday Nwobodo, expressed appreciation to the naval authorities for honouring their son, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu (retd), with the project.

He announced that he had paid for the pre-registration of the first 100 residents to access healthcare services at the facility and assured that the community would take full ownership and responsibility for its protection and maintenance.

In his response, Rear Admiral Nwatu (retd) thanked the Chief of Naval Staff for approving and funding the project, as well as the Enugu State Government and Ministry of Health for their partnership.

He revealed that the healthcare centre was named after his late father and former Igwe-elect, Major Emmanuel Nwatu, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the development and wellbeing of the Ugbawka community.

A High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, on Friday sentenced popular native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki,” to 11 months’ imprisonment over his involvement in ritual practices popularly referred to as “oke ite” and other related offences.

The trial judge, Justice Jude Obiora, delivered the judgment after upholding four out of a 10-count charge filed against the native doctor.

Six counts were struck out for lack of merit.

Nwangwu was arraigned alongside two other traditional practitioners, Eke Hit and Onye Eze, following their arrest in February 2025.

The arrests came shortly after Governor Chukwuma Soludo launched a crackdown on alleged criminal activities linked to some native doctors in the state.

The enforcement followed the signing of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law and the establishment of security outfits, Agunechemba and Operation Udo-ga-chi, aimed at tackling insecurity.

Initially, the court imposed a six-year prison term with an option of a N60 million fine, to run concurrently.

However, after a plea bargain agreement between the defence and the state government, the sentence was reduced to two years.

Justice Obiora further took into account that the convict had already spent 13 months in detention under the Agunechemba Security Squad while awaiting trial.

Consequently, the two-year term was adjusted, leaving Nwangwu to serve an effective 11-month sentence at the Awka Correctional Centre.

Beyond the custodial sentence, the court directed that his shrine be demolished and all items recovered from him forfeited to the state.

The judge also ordered Nwangwu to publicly renounce “oke ite” and similar ritual practices by posting videos across his social media platforms after completing his sentence.

He is further required to serve as a Youth Entrepreneurship Ambassador for the state, producing advocacy materials discouraging young people from engaging in ritual-based wealth-seeking activities.

Part of the ruling stated that he would no longer practise or administer charms associated with “oke ite” and must make public statements denouncing such activities upon release.

Reacting to the outcome, defence counsel Ogwuedom Iwuoba described the judgment as a mutually agreed plea bargain.

He said the agreement reflected a consent judgment reached with the state government, adding that there would be no appeal since both parties had upheld the terms of the bargain.

Troops under the Joint Task Force South East, operating through Operation UDO KA, have stormed and dismantled what security authorities described as a major stronghold of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Mother Valley, Nkwere area of Anambra State.

The operation, carried out on February 26, 2026, involved personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps under the Joint Task Force South East framework.

According to security sources, troops advanced on foot for over three hours through difficult terrain to access the valley, which had allegedly served as a long-standing operational base for suspected IPOB/ESN members.

During the confrontation, the armed elements reportedly deployed locally fabricated improvised explosive devices and opened heavy gunfire in an attempt to repel the advancing troops.

Security operatives, however, overpowered the group after an intense exchange. One suspect was confirmed dead, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries.

The forces recovered a cache of items from the location, including two pump-action guns, one locally made firearm, a tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders, an electric kettle and flags said to be associated with separatist propaganda.

Security authorities also said they destroyed several structures within the camp, described as the group’s “Supreme Headquarters,” including solar power installations and a Mikano generator, in a move aimed at crippling the group’s logistics and operational capacity.

In a related development, an ambush team arrested two suspected members of the group.

One was apprehended while allegedly attempting to plant an improvised explosive device, while the other was said to have been monitoring troop movements.

Both suspects are currently in custody and undergoing profiling and investigation.

Troops also recovered a KIA saloon car and a black Toyota Sequoia SUV from what was described as a terrorist vehicle park within the valley.

Security officials said clearance operations are ongoing in the area to prevent any regrouping, reiterating that there will be no safe haven for criminal elements threatening peace in the South East.

They assured law-abiding residents of sustained security presence and protection, while warning that individuals engaged in violent activities would face decisive and lawful action.

Residents of Obuno Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area have expressed relief following the extension of road and basic infrastructure projects leading to Smart Schools and several hinterland areas by the council chairman, Hon. John Ogbodo.

The council boss, who recently embarked on an inspection tour of ongoing projects across the local government, said his administration, in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s agenda, is deliberately shifting focus to neglected rural communities to ensure inclusive development.

During visits to project sites in Obuno Akpugo, the chairman noted that development must not be concentrated only in urban centres while rural dwellers continue to grapple with poor access roads, erosion challenges, and lack of basic amenities.

He stated that the construction of rural access roads linking all Smart Schools in the council would ease the movement of farm produce to markets, reduce transportation costs, and improve socio-economic activities within the agrarian communities.

According to him, bringing governance closer to the people remains a core mandate of his administration, stressing that every ward in the council area would feel the impact of ongoing projects.

Some members of the community who spoke to DAILY GAZETTE during the inspection, including Mr. Chika Nwodo, Margret Nneji, and Nwabueze Nnamani, commended the council chairman for prioritising the hinterlands, noting that some of the affected roads had been in deplorable condition for years.

They expressed optimism that the intervention would not only improve connectivity but also attract further development, including small businesses and social services, to the communities.

The chairman reassured residents that more initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and agricultural support would be rolled out in the coming months, maintaining that grassroots development remains the foundation for sustainable growth in Enugu State.

A 55-year-old man, Collins Ika, has been sentenced to 60 years imprisonment by a Delta State High Court of Justice sitting at Orerokpe for raping an 11-year-old girl entrusted to him in the Ugolo community, Okpe Local Government Area of the state.

The offence was committed between 2021 and 2022. The trial judge, Justice Joe Egwu, while delivering the judgment in Orerokpe on Monday, also ordered the convict to pay ₦50million as compensation to the victim.

In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of ₦111,000 brought by the defendant in an attempt to settle the matter out of court without the knowledge of the complainant, the police, or a human rights activist.

Ghe court ordered that the money be forfeited to the Delta State Government. The prosecution, led by Miss Phoebian

Onomakpome, an assistant director in the Delta State Ministry of Justice, had earlier told the court that the victim testified that the accused repeatedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of her and threatened to kill her if she opened up to anybody.

The mother of the girl also testified that she entrusted the child and her siblings to the defendant, their neighbour, during her absence.

The girl later disclosed the abuse after complaining of persistent waist pains. Following a report to the police, the defendant fled but was later arrested in a sting operation facilitated by a human rights activist.

The defendant was invited under the guise of a discussion for settlement and arrested when he arrived with ₦111,000, allegedly intended to hush the case.

During the trial, the defendant denied the allegations and called his wife as his only witness.

In his ruling, Justice Egwu held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and accordingly sentenced the defendant to 60 years’ imprisonment, stressing that the judgment should serve as a deterrent to others.

In 2025, an Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, sentenced a 33- year-old man, Olamilekan Ajewole, to life imprisonment for raping a 10-year-old girl.

The charge read, “That the defendants on June 29, 2024, at Ayetoro Ekiti did conspire to rape a 10-year-old girl, contrary to Section 31(2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap.C7, Laws of Ekiti State 2012.”