House of Reps Donates ₦18 Million to Victims of Enugu Tanker Explosion

House of Reps Donates ₦18 Million to Victims of Enugu Tanker Explosion

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday presented an N18 million relief cheque to the Enugu State Government to support victims of the January 25 petrol tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. The tragic incident claimed multiple lives and left several others injured. Presenting the donation in Enugu, the Speaker’s delegation, led by Hon. Nnolim Nnaji and comprising other members of the Enugu State Caucus in the House, described the explosion as a national tragedy. The lawmakers commended Governor Peter Mbah for his swift response in providing aid to affected families and reaffirmed the House’s commitment to standing with states during crises. “We are here to deliver the Speaker’s heartfelt condolences and this financial support to further assist the victims and their families,” said Hon. Nnaji. “The House of Representatives recognizes the gravity of this loss and will continue to support Enugu State in its recovery efforts.” Governor Mbah expressed deep gratitude for the gesture, noting that the funds would be disbursed transparently to those impacted by the disaster. “This donation reflects the Speaker’s compassion and solidarity beyond words. We assure you that every naira will reach the intended beneficiaries to help alleviate their suffering,” the governor stated. The explosion, which occurred at a busy section of the expressway, had drawn national attention, prompting calls for improved safety measures on highways. The Enugu State Government has since intensified efforts to assist victims while reviewing transport regulations to prevent future tragedies.

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Enugu State is safe and will remain so, as the government is unalterably committed to the protection of lives and property

Killing of 25 Persons in Enugu by Herdsmen Is Fake News – Advocacy Group

The Concerned Professionals for Good Governance, a leadership advocacy group, has refuted reports alleging that 25 persons were killed by herdsmen in Enugu State. In a statement titled “Debunking the Politricks of Insecurity: Enugu State on Our Minds,” the group described the report as false, malicious, and aimed at discrediting the state government’s efforts on security. The coordinator of the group, Mr. Okechukwu Nwafor, stated that after investigating the viral claim, they found no evidence of such an attack in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area. He said the report, which claimed dozens were killed and injured, was “a devious fabrication” intended to create panic and undermine the growing reputation of Enugu as a peaceful and secure state. According to the group, Enugu State maintains a digitized security control center and works in close collaboration with the police, military, and other security agencies to ensure the safety of its citizens. It also noted that Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration has significantly invested in security infrastructure and public-private partnerships to enhance safety across communities. The group added that attempts to politicize insecurity through the spread of fake news were tactics used by political actors seeking to tarnish the state’s progress in sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. They urged the media and public to verify sensitive reports before accepting or sharing them, especially those related to security and public safety. Reaffirming confidence in the government, the group declared Enugu State safe and on track to becoming a leading destination for tourism, investment, and national events. It called on citizens and media professionals alike to resist the “politricks of insecurity” and to promote unity and truth for the continued progress of the state. Enugu State is safe and will remain so, as the government is unalterably committed to the protection of lives and property

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Enugu to host 23rd National Sports Festival

The National Sports Commission (NSC), after its top management meeting, has announced Enugu State as the host of the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival. The Coal City State emerged top from a competitive bidding process and the state is set to deliver a world-class event. The National Sports Festival, a biennial multi-sports event, brings together thousands of athletes from Nigeria’s 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to celebrate sportsmanship, national unity and sporting excellence. Before Enugu State takes center stage, the 22nd edition of the festival is set to hold in January 2025 in Ogun State, with the Gateway State buzzing with pomp and pageantry, as the Games draw closer. Honourable Bukola Olopade, the former chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and current NSC Director General, revealed that the Gateway Games will host over 15,000 athletes. He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to supporting Ogun State in delivering a premium tournament. With Enugu’s selection for the 23rd edition, the festival promises to uphold its legacy of excellence, inclusivity, and showcasing the best of Nigerian sports talent, while unearthing talents good enough to fly the flag of the nation internationally. This marks the first time the South-Eastern State will be staging the event since its inception in 1973. The 21st edition of the Games was hosted by Asaba, Delta State, with over 11,000 athletes participating in the grand tournament. With Ogun State billed to host the next edition of the games in January next year, it also marks the first time the host of the subsequent Games is known before the end of the current Festival. This development will give Enugu State enough time to prepare adequately for the games and will also enhances the Corporate image of the Festival.

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Court jails internet fraudster in Enugu

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu has convicted and jailed one Okwudili Joseph for fraud. He was prosecuted on a one-count charge bordering on impersonation and cybercrime by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial  Crimes Commission, EFCC. The charge reads: “That you, Okwudili Joseph, on or about the 5th day of June, 2024 at Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated one Jim Warren, a gas  detection specialist from the United States of America with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (3) (a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the same Act.” He pleaded “guilty” when the charge was read to him, following which prosecution counsel, Mohammed Shehu reviewed the facts of the case and prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly, while the defence counsel, G. C. Ugwele prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, arguing that her client has become remorseful of his action and has learned his lesson as well. After listening to both sides, Justice Umar convicted and sentenced Joseph to two years imprisonment with hard labour or to pay a fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira). The convict’s road to jail began with his arrest by EFCC operatives on June 5, 2024 in Nike, Enugu, following credible intelligence that linked him to fraudulent internet activities. He admitted to the commission of the crime upon arrest and willingly tendered his confessional statements.

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