Enugu at 25: Gov. Ugwuanyi pledges to sustain founding fathers' legacies …former governors, deputies to receive pension
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has assured the people that he will continue with the legacies of the founding fathers of the state to inspire it to greater heights.
Gov. Ugwuanyi who spoke at the event marking the 25th Anniversary of the creation of Enugu State which took place at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, paid tributes to all those who laboured tirelessly for the creation of the state, saying that their vision and contributions would always be appreciated.
The governor who observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased Catholic Seminarian, who was murdered by suspected herdsmen at Ndiagu Attakwu, Akegbugwu, in Nkanu West Local Government Area, noted that the ceremony would have been postponed if the arrangement had not been concluded before the sad incident occurred.
While wishing the injured ones quick recovery, Gov. Ugwuanyi said that the state is nonetheless celebrating the “goodness of God, peace, unity and shared prosperity”.
The governor recalled his promise in his inaugural address on May 29, 2015, to work in accordance with the ideals and aspirations of the founding fathers of Enugu State to deploy the resources of the state for the common good in face of the severe economic downturn. He added that he has not only kept faith with his promises but also put in place the platform for greater successes.
Gov. Ugwuanyi announced the decision of his administration to reconstitute the Enugu State Elders’ Council to provide “the necessary guidance and counsel to ensure the seamless development of Enugu State.”
He equally disclosed plans to amend the state’s pension laws to “accommodate past civilian governors of the old Anambra and Enugu States and their deputies in appreciation of their contributions and services to the State.”
He disclosed that efforts were on to amend the pension laws of the state to give the move the desired legality.
“I wish to reiterate our commitment to take development to the rural areas as part of our strategy to create new urban areas, boost socio-economic activities, create employment opportunities and reduce the pressure on Enugu metropolis.
“Also in line with our promises, we will continue to pursue the diversification of the State's economy through the full exploitation of our vast land resources, particularly in the Nsukka and Greater Awgu areas, for agricultural production.
“We are laying a new foundation for our children as future leaders through extensive youth development policies and the enactment of relevant laws including the Enugu State Child Rights Act.
“Ndi Enugu, we have committed Enugu State into the hands of God and with Him as our shepherd, we will continue to overcome our challenges and record success in all our endeavours. Be assured that the God who brought us here, the God who created Enugu State, will certainly take us to the Enugu State of our dreams in Jesus Name. Amen,” Ugwuanyi prayed.
Earlier in his sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka, Prof. Godfrey Onah, lamented the recent herdsmen attack on a community in the state, calling on the President to take drastic actions to put an end to the incessant killings and maiming of innocent citizens of the state and the country at large.
Dignitaries that attended the event include the wife of the governor, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi; the Speaker of Enugu House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani; Senator Chukwuka Utazi and some other members of the National Assembly from the State. Others are Senator Jim Nwobodo, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (rtd), Air Commodore Anthony Oguguo (rtd), the clergy, security chiefs, traditional rulers, among others.