Author: Our Correspondent

  • Plateau – Hon Bendal’s quest to partner Gov Mutfwang , major   reason why some APC stakeholders are ganging up against him – Group

    Plateau – Hon Bendal’s quest to partner Gov Mutfwang , major reason why some APC stakeholders are ganging up against him – Group

    By Isreal Adamu

    Some members of the All Progressives Congress , under the aegis of Coalition of Langtang South APC Youths in Plateau State yesterday passed a vote of confidence on the member representing Langtang South in the State House of assembly Hon Bendal Nancwat Domfa.

    The Coalition also condemned the actions of those behind the purported suspension of the lawmaker from the party describing it as the handiwork of detractors.

    In a statement in Jos, the leader of the group
    Hon. David Nimfa condemned what it termed the unwarranted attack on Hon Bendal .

    According to the group, “we want to say that Hon Bendal has been making us proud since his swearing in as lawmaker, as he has been working hard with all stakeholders including the Plateau state Governor Bar Caleb Mutfwang and the leadership of the Local government council, alongside other stakeholders to bring development to the LGA.

    They added that ” We are aware of what is on ground , since assumption, of office Hon Bendal has been working so hard to ensure that development comes to the people of the zone, he has at several occasions said, he is willing to partner with the Plateau state Government and other relevant agencies to bring development to the people of the zone and this is not going well with some self centered Politicians in the LGA who believed he should be fighting with members of the ruling party in the state.

    According to the group,angered by this development, some cross section of Politicians who have been rejected by the people because of their poor performances are instigating and calling for his suspension from the party over what they termed as anti party activities which is a total falacy and cheap blackmail.

    He said “we have come together as members of the APC Concerned Youths in Langtang South to make our position known following recent happenings in our party and to pass a vote of confidence on Hon Bendal and to also align completely with the good leadership he is providing for the People of Langtang South

    “Hon Bendal has never been involved in anti party activities, rather he is some one determined to provide quality legislation to our people ”

    “We therefore express our dismay over a purported, non-existing suspension notice against Hon Bendal

    “Those who are planning to suspend Hon Bendal would fail, because as APC youths we would resist and reject it in totality. “We call on members of the public who may not be vast with the structure, organization and constition of political parties to disregard the news of the suspension of Hon Bendal from the party. ”

    “That is not how one is suspended from a political party. The rule and procedure cannot change overnight to satisfy a few sadists that are out to undermine our leader who is working so hard with several stakeholders to bring development to the LGA. ”

    “We equally pass a vote of confidence on the leadership of Hon Bendal and urge him not to be distracted by the divisive tendencies and desperate moves of enemies of progress and the party masquerading as stakeholders. ”

    “We are not oblivious of their sponsors who do not mean well for our constuency and Plateau state. We know their motives and antics, but we know for sure that they will fail woefully.”

    “We as a group called on Hon Bendal to continue to work with all stakeholders to bring development to our Local Government Council, ” they added.

  • My  purported suspension by Langtang South APC laughable, says  Plateau Lawmaker Bendal Domfa

    My purported suspension by Langtang South APC laughable, says Plateau Lawmaker Bendal Domfa

    By Isreal Adamu, Jos

    Member Representing Langtang South in the Plateau House of Assembly Hon Bendal Nancwat Domfa, at the weekend described his purported suspension from the All Progressive Congress (APC) at his Local Government Council as laughable.

    He also described as unconstitutional the planned suspension stressing that it was orchestrated by “anti-democratic forces masquerading as the Executives of the APC at his LGA.

    Hon Bendal Domfa also described those who announced his suspension from the APC in Langtang South as ” bunch of comedians and pretenders”.

    His reaction was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Jos and signed by Hon Solomon Nandul his aide .

    ‘I have never been involved in any anti party activities’, he said.

    He described the recent media attacks on him as the handwork of political jobbers and detractors who are seeking undue political attention.

    He said those who are plotting to suspend me from the Party have demonstrated complete undemocratic and anti-constitutional behaviour which has rendered its uncharitable pronouncement purportedly suspending me as null and void and of no consequence whatsoever.

    “In the light of the above abysmal development, I wish to use this medium to beseech all my teeming supporters, loyalists and numerous party faithful in Langtang South and Plateau State and beyond to remain calm in the face of this latest ridiculously irrational charade and unbecoming action by anti-democratic, ‘gestapo – fascists’ and forces of darkness, masquerading as party officials in the Local government.

    “I am not distracted, but rather committed to bringing development to my constituents,

    I would continue to partner with all stakeholders to ensure that massive development is brought to my people.

    Those miscreants calling for my suspension are the ones that the APC should have suspended a long time ago from the Party because of their alleged fraudulent activities in the party.

    They diverted the whole money sent by our party for the governorship election in Langtang South for their personal gain causing the party colossal loss.

    They said ,since their principal lost his election for the federal house of Representatives.

    They collaborated with some LGA party leaders, and never called for any party meeting for about a year. It took me to call for a congress meeting where i gave N2,000,000 to encourage and calm members in preparation for the recently concluded Local Government elections.

    They also did not disclose the N1,000,000 our Distinguished Sen. Simon Lalong gave as support to party members for the just concluded Local Government elections elections.

    It was the Senator’s aide who later disclosed that the gave 1 million naira support to each of the six local governments areas in the southern zone.

    These same people also hijacked the deligates form which I bought for all those who aspired for positions in the party, but they hid the forms and single handed wrote and submitted names of party excos to say impunity and its associated consequences at its peak. I can go on and on, their attrocities against APC is endless.

    They do not have any moral justification to suspend me and others, said the lawmaker.

    ” I would always continue to put the interest of my people and Plateau first in all my dealings”, Hon Bendal pledged.

  • WIMIN Leads Capacity Building for Nasarawa Women

    WIMIN Leads Capacity Building for Nasarawa Women

    From Abel Leonard, Lafia

    In a significant stride towards empowering women in Nasarawa State, the Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) recently concluded a three-day training program aimed at equipping women with the skills necessary to actively participate in the mining sector and related economic ventures.

    The event, held in collaboration with the Ford Foundation and supported by the Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs, focused on enhancing the value chain of gemstones and promoting economic independence for vulnerable women in the state.

    The training program introduced participants to a wide range of skills, including gemstone faceting, polishing, and sorting, as well as salt making and other vital mining processes. These skills are expected to not only improve their income-generating opportunities but also promote local production and value addition within the state’s mining sector.

    Speaking during the three day training workshop, with journalists in Lafia, the President of the Association, Dr. Engr Janet Adeyemi stated that the program was especially targeted at victims and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), many of whom had been economically disempowered.

    With the reopening of a shelter for these women, WIMIN, through its partnership with Ford Foundation and the Nasarawa state ministry of women affairs and social development, is providing not just a refuge, but opportunities for economic recovery. Many women have already benefitted from this initiative by learning new skills that are vital to the mining industry.

    “The re-opening of the shelter for victims and survivors of SGBV in Nasarawa is not just a physical space. It symbolizes a safe haven where women can rebuild their lives through economic empowerment and gain independence,” she said.

    Dr. Janet highlighted the transformative efforts of the organization in empowering women across the country. Dr. Janet, a staunch advocate for gender equality and economic empowerment, emphasized the significance of including women in Nigeria’s mining sector, which has historically been male-dominated.

    She noted that WIMIN’s recent activities in Nasarawa State, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, are a clear demonstration of the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing opportunities for women to excel.

  • Nasarawa United Celebrates National Team Call-Ups for Three Players

    Nasarawa United Celebrates National Team Call-Ups for Three Players

    By Leo Zwànke, Lafia

    Nasarawa United Football Club celebrates as three of its players have been selected to join Nigeria’s Super Eagles B Team for the upcoming 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifying fixture against Ghana.

    The players are: goalkeeper Mohammed Galadima, center-back Victor Collins, and star striker Anas Yusuf—were chosen by Interim Coach Augustine Eguavoen to represent Nigeria in the prestigious tournament qualifiers. This marks a major achievement for Nasarawa United, as it is the first time that three of its players have been simultaneously called to the senior national team.

    Club Chairman Solomon Babanjah expressed immense pride in the players’ accomplishments. “We are incredibly proud of Mohammed Galadima, Victor Collins, and Anas Yusuf, who has impressively netted eight goals in eight games this season,” Babanjah said. “Their selection is a testament to their hard work, skill, and commitment, and we recognize the immense honor and privilege of representing one’s country.”

    The Chairman commended the trio’s impact on the team’s success, attributing their national selection to their excellence and teamwork. “Their commitment has been the driving force behind our club’s recent achievements, and we are confident they will contribute positively to the national team. We wish them all the best as they represent Nigeria and Nasarawa United on the international stage,” he added.

    Babanjah also expressed the club’s gratitude to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, for recognizing the players’ talents. He noted that Nasarawa United remains committed to supporting the national team’s growth and strengthening its ties with the NFF.

    The three players are scheduled to join the national camp in preparation for the first leg of the CHAN qualifiers on December 22, 2024, with the return leg to follow a week later. The winner over two legs will secure a spot in the tournament, exclusively for players in their respective domestic leagues.

    Daybreak reports that the 8th edition of the African Nations Championship will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1-28, 2025.

  • Fresh Agitations May Erupt Over Scrapping of Niger Delta Ministry – Security Expert Warns FG

    Fresh Agitations May Erupt Over Scrapping of Niger Delta Ministry – Security Expert Warns FG

    Says Proposed 15% Deduction From States Allocation by FG Unconstitutional

    By Mike Odiakose

    A Port Harcourt based security expert, Dr. Olalekan Jackson-Ojo at the weekend advised President Bola Tinubu to revisit the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNNA) to forestall fresh agitations and unrest in the oil-producing States.

    Reacting to the scrapping of MNDA and the creation of a single ministry to handle Zonal Development Commissions, Dr Ojo said President Tinubu did not consult critical Stakeholders and leaders before scrapping the ministry.

    He disclosed that issues that gave rise to agitations in the oil-producing States have not been fully addressed and it is premature to scrap the ministry that was created to manage the issues.

    According to Dr Jackson-Ojo, who is a Fellow of the International Institute of Professional Security, “before the formation of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs you know what people of Niger Delta like Avengers, Egbesu Boys and others were doing because they were fighting for their rights because of degradation of their farmlands, their water and environment pollution they suffered.

    “Somebody came and said ‘Ok, in order to pacify these people let’s form the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to further enhance the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commissions.’

    “Now, immediately after the ministry was formed 95 percent of the agitation died down. That is to say the people were very happy with it.

    “One President came and established this ministry to make the people happy but you (Tinubu) came to scrap it. The people of the Niger Delta may not be happy about this.

    “Before this Ministry is scrapped it would have been better to call the Stakeholders in Niger Delta to educate them, to hear from them, to listen to them and to hear their views before you do this.

    “I hope we are not inviting another Niger Delta agitation because we know if there is any agitation in Niger Delta it will affect the economy of the entire country. We should be careful.”

    Dr. Jackson-Ojo also added that the proposed deduction of 15 percent of statutory allocation of States by the federal government is unconstitutional and will definitely lead to several litigations.

    “They (FG) also said 15 percent of statutory allocations will be deducted from the states.

    “That is another problem this administration wants to brew. It is going to be something that will be challenged in law court because the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria did not permit anybody to deduct 10 Kobo from the statutory allocation of the States.”

  • New Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, to deliver keynote address in   Women Summit in Abuja

    New Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, to deliver keynote address in Women Summit in Abuja

    Joyce Babayeju

    The Women in Business and Politics Summit, scheduled to take place on October 28th, 2024, at the Yaradua Center, Abuja, has announced its keynote speaker: Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

    Formerly Minister of State for Police Affairs, Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim brings her wealth of experience in security, administration, and nation-building to her new role.

    Joining Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim are:

    – Distinguished senators
    – Members of the House of Representatives
    – Influential party women leaders

    The summit is scheduled for Monday, October 28th, 2024 at the Yaradua Center, Abuja.

    According to Hassie Mohammed Oyama,the Summit Coordinator, the “summit promises to be a powerful platform for women’s empowerment and leadership, fostering partnerships for an inclusive society. Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s leadership and commitment to women’s empowerment will undoubtedly make this summit a resounding success”

  • Tinubu sacks 5 ministers, redeploys 10 others

    Tinubu sacks 5 ministers, redeploys 10 others

    President Bola Tinubu has announced a major carbinet shakeup with the sack of five ministers and redeployment of eight others.
    The shakeup is contained in in press release made available today in Abuja by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.

    Those sent packing are:
    Barr. Uju-Ken Ohanenye
    Minister of Women Affairs
    2.Lola Ade-John
    Minister of Tourism
    3.Prof Tahir Mamman SAN OON
    Minister of Education
    4.Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo
    Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development and
    5. Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim
    Minister of Youth Development

    Those redeployed are:
    Hon Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu
    Minister of State, Education Now Minister of State Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction

    2.Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa
    Minister State, Health

    Now Minister of Education

    3.Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo
    Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation

    Now Minister of State Works

    4.Hon. Abubakar Eshiokpekha Momoh
    Minister of Niger Delta Development

    Now Minister of Regional Development

    5.Uba Maigari Ahmadu
    Minister of State Steel Development

    Now Minister of State Regional Development

    6. Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite
    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

    Now Minister of State Finance

    7.Sen. John Owan Enoh
    Minister of Sports Development

    Now Minister of State Trade and Investment [Industry]

    8. Imaan ulaiman-Ibrahim
    Minister of State, Police Affairs

    Now Minister of Women Affairs

    9. Ayodele Olawande
    Minister of State for Youth Development

    Now Minister for Youth Development

    10. Dr. Salako Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye
    Minister of State, Environment
    Now Minister of State, Health

    The full statement by Onanuga is presented below:

    STATEMENT ON THE RESTRUCTURING OF MINISTRIES AND MINISTERIAL PORTFOLIOS

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has approved the immediate implementation of eight far-reaching actions to reinvigorate the Administration’s capacity for optimal efficiency pursuant of his commitment to deliver on his promises to Nigerians.
    The eight actions approved by Mr. President include:
    1. The renaming of the Ministry of Nigeria Delta Development to Ministry of Regional Development to oversee the activities of all the Regional Development Commissions. The Regional Development Commissions to be under the supervision of the new Ministry are; the Niger Delta Development Commission, the South East Development Commission, the North East Development and the North West Development Commission.

    2. The immediate winding up of the Ministry of Sports Development and the transfer of its functions to the National Sports Commission in order to develop a vibrant sports economy;

    3. The merger of the Federal Ministry of Tourism and the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture to become Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy;

    4. The re-assignment of ten (10) ministers to new ministerial portfolios;

    5. The discharge of five (5) Ministers.

    6. The nomination of seven (7) new ministers for onward transmission to Senate for confirmation;

    7. The appointment of Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports Commission;

    8. The appointment of Sunday Akin Dare as Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation working from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation

    LIST OF MINISTERS REASSIGNED TO NEW PORTFOLIOS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

    S/N
    Name of Minister
    Current Designation of Minister
    New Designation of Minister
    1.
    Hon Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu
    Minister of State, Education

    Now Minister of State Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction

    2.Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa
    Minister State, Health

    Now Minister of Education

    3.Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo
    Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation

    Now Minister of State Works

    4.Hon. Abubakar Eshiokpekha Momoh
    Minister of Niger Delta Development

    Now Minister of Regional Development

    5.Uba Maigari Ahmadu
    Minister of State Steel Development

    Now Minister of State Regional Development

    6. Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite
    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

    Now Minister of State Finance

    7.Sen. John Owan Enoh
    Minister of Sports Development

    Now Minister of State Trade and Investment [Industry]

    8. Imaan ulaiman-Ibrahim
    Minister of State, Police Affairs

    Now Minister of Women Affairs

    9. Ayodele Olawande
    Minister of State for Youth Development

    Now Minister for Youth Development

    10. Dr. Salako Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye
    Minister of State, Environment
    Now Minister of State, Health

    MINISTERS TO BE DISCHARGED ARE AS FOLLOWS:

    1. Barr. Uju-Ken Ohanenye
    Minister of Women Affairs
    2.Lola Ade-John
    Minister of Tourism
    3.Prof Tahir Mamman SAN OON
    Minister of Education
    4.Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo
    Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development
    5. Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim
    Minister of Youth Development

    LIST OF NEW MINISTERS APPOINTED AND PORTFOLIOS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

    S/N
    Name of Minister
    Designation of Minister
    Ministry
    1.Dr Nentawe Yilwatda
    Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction

    Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction

    S/N
    Name of Minister
    Designation of Minister
    Ministry
    2. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi
    Minister of Labour & Employment
    Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment

    3.Bianca Odinaka Odumegu-Ojukwu
    Minister of State Foreign Affairs
    Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    4.Dr Jumoke Oduwole
    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (Trade and Investment)
    Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment

    5.Idi Mukhtar Maiha
    Ministry of Livestock Development
    Federal Ministry of Livestock Development

    6.Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata
    Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development
    Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

    7.Suwaiba Said Ahmad PhD
    Minister of State Education
    Federal Ministry of Education

    The President thanked the outgoing members of the Federal Executive Council for their service to the nation while wishing them the best in their future endeavours.

    He then charged the newly appointed ministers as well as their reassigned colleagues to see their appointment as a call to serve the nation. He added that all appointees must understand the administration’s eagerness and determination to set Nigeria on the path to irreversible growth and invest the best of their abilities into the actualisation of the government’s priorities.

    The Presidency Federal Republic of Nigeria
    October 2024

  • Court sacks Kano SIECOM Chairman 72hrs to LG Elections

    Court sacks Kano SIECOM Chairman 72hrs to LG Elections

    By Achadu Gabriel, KADUNA

    A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has sacked Prof. Sani Lawan Malumfashi as Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).

    Justice Simon Amobeda on Tuesday, gave the ruling, in a case filed by one Aminu Aliyu Tiga and All Progressive Congress (APC).

    Justice Amobeda ruled that Malumfashi was disqualified for being a political party card-carrying member.

    However, this is coming in less than 72 hours into the local government elections, slated for October 26, 2024 across the 44 LGAs in the state.

    Efforts to make him comment on the court decision proved abortive as he refuses to speak to newsmen today.

  • 800 athletes to participate in 3rd Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics

    800 athletes to participate in 3rd Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics

    By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

    The President of Nigeria Wrestling federation, Hon.Daniel Igali said over 800 athletes will feature in the third edition of Governor Douye Diri National wrestling tournament scheduled for 3rd to 10th November, 2024 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

    Hon.Igali said over 200 officials, military and paramilitary clubs as well as 25 states of the federation have indicated interest for this year tournament.

    Champion Igali who doubles as the Bayelsa State commissioner for sports development stated this in a press conference held at the Samson Siasia stadium with the themed “Preparing Champions for the Future”, will serve as a platform for identifying outstanding athletes capable of bringing laurels to Nigeria on the global stage.

    According to Champion Igali, over 15 Wrestling clubs across the country have indicated interest for this year’s championship,adding that this year’s tournament is better organized compared to previous edition due to the level of enthusiasm and interest from the participants coupled with the nation’s poor outing in the last Olympics games in Paris, France.

    He commended the prosperity government led by Gov.Douye Diri for given premium attention to sports development in the State, stressing that Bayelsa State has produce 82 gold medals at the African games.

    “Bayelsa alone has produce 82 gold medals at the African level, we have 82 times African Champion from Bayelsa extraction.

    ” We have 138 medals won by Bayelsan at the African level.we have 4 common wealth games gold medals from Bayelsa and Olympic silver medal.

    ” Bayelsa is the home of wrestling, we also have about 19 times Olympian from Bayelsa in wrestling alone.

    “So, there is no sport that comes close to wrestling in terms of achievement. It is not a surprise that successive administrations have sponsored this competition for thirteen years in a row,” he said.

    Igali also commended Mr. Ono Akpe, the Director General of the Prosperity Cup and consultant of the forthcoming wrestling competition, for his input and efforts ahead of the event.

    He said the 3rd Gov Douye Diri Wrestling Classics would witnessed freestyle, Greco-Roman female styles and senior wrestling, explaining that freestyle and Greco-Roman will have ten weight classes, with an inclusion of five Junior and cadet classes making it a total of forty-five weight classes.

    He further explained that the tournament will feature special prizes like, the chief of defense staff prize, the controller general of customs prize and the speaker of Bayelsa State house of assembly prize.

    In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs. Grace Alagoa, thanked Igali for the efforts made so far to organize the event.

    Alagoa assured participants and spectators to “expect the best” as the government will do all it can to make the event remarkable.

  • Gov Mbah Flags off Tractor Assembly Plant in Enugu, Commissions Mega Door Factory

    Gov Mbah Flags off Tractor Assembly Plant in Enugu, Commissions Mega Door Factory

    By Gabriel Idibia

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, Tuesday, flagged off the construction of Nortra Tractor Assembly Plant and Service Centre, an investment by ODK Group of Denmark, in Enugu city

    On the same day, the governor also commissioned the New-Watson Doors Industry established by a Chinese firm at Nachi, Enugu State.

    Flagging off the construction of the Nortra Tractors Plant and Service Centre, Governor Mbah noted that it was a significant step to his administration’s vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn.

    “What we have gathered here to do today is not a mere symbolic act; it is certainly an act that takes us closer to the dream of having at least 1,000 tractors in Enugu State by next year.

    “We have always said that Enugu is going to be that premier destination for investors to come. But we realised that, that will not happen just by wishing for it. Which is why what we see here today is Enugu State going that extra mile of making it attractive for investors to invest here. Which is also why we have placed an order for at least 1,000 tractors, which we hope to at least have through this assembly plant.

    “It would have been easier for us to place an order for 1,000 tractors. But we did not see the value in that, which is why we are only getting 200 tractors already assembled and imported here. But the remaining 800 will be assembled right here in Enugu State.

    “Again, initiatives like what we are doing with Nortra, not only creates opportunities, but will also stimulate our economy. It boosts that economic growth that we are expecting and creates employment for our people,” he said.

    Mbah, therefore, promised to seek, identify with and support genuine investors, who want to partner with the state in the onerous journey to a $30bn economy.

    “So, we are going to continue to support Nortra to ensure that we provide the basic amenities, the right infrastructure, and also security for your investment to thrive.

    Earlier in her address, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry, Adaora Chukwu, observed that Enugu was ODK Group’s first investment destination in Africa, adding that the Group’s specialisation and reputation for manufacturing innovative and high-quality agricultural equipment and machineries would scale-up agricultural production in the state.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, also described the venture as a huge leap for agriculture in the state.

    Earlier in their address, the CEO of ODK Group Denmark, Mr. Morten Anderson, and the Managing Director of Nortra Tractors, Mr. Philip Njoku, said that Enugu was chosen as the first entry point into Africa because they “identified Enugu State as a state that is thriving powerfully in terms of innovation, commercialisation and everything you can think of in terms of development.”

    Commissioning the New-Watson Doors Industry at Nachi, Mbah that the company was still contemplating as to which state to invest in at the time they met him in 2023 and commended them for believing in what his administration was doing to make Enugu State the preferred destination for investment.

    He reiterated his administration’s determination to continue to de-risk investments and patronise investors and businesses in the state.

    “We have also created the enabling environment for the investors to thrive. We will be patronising the company, making sure we do not go outside of Enugu State to procure all that we need for our 260 Smart Green Schools, 260 Type 2 Healthcare Centres, and the other massive projects that we can get within the state,” he said.

    He, therefore, urged other investors from China and other parts of the world to head to Enugu to invest.

    In his remark, the CEO of New-Watson, Chen Shando, thanked Governor Mbah for “the massive support received from the government and the people of Enugu State.”