The Coal City Network

Enugu, August 30, 2023 – The Gburugburu Free Surgery Programme, a remarkable humanitarian initiative initiated by former Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, is leaving an indelible mark on the lives of indigent citizens. The program, which provides critical medical care, recently completed successful surgeries on six individuals, further cementing its impact and legacy. Former Governor Ugwuanyi's unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of Enugu citizens, even after his tenure, is drawing widespread acclaim. The recent surgeries, conducted on the 20th, 24th, and 27th of August 2023, serve as a poignant testament to the enduring influence of this initiative in addressing the medical needs of those who lack financial means. Dr. George Ajogwu, the Director General of the Gburugburu Free Surgery Programme, underlined the program's relentless dedication to alleviating healthcare challenges faced by Enugu residents.

Tackling the alarming rise of illegal adoption and child trafficking, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development in Enugu State, has taken a resolute stand. A significant meeting brought together key stakeholders, including hospitals and service providers, to address the pressing issue of black-market adoption. The meeting focused on reinforcing the importance of adhering to proper adoption procedures and raising awareness about the legal consequences of engaging in illicit adoption practices. In her address to the assembly, Commissioner Enih reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to its mission of providing care and support to the community, particularly to vulnerable children. Highlighting legislative regulations governing the adoption process, Commissioner Enih stressed the significance of following established protocols. She firmly stated that the Enugu State Government is determined to eradicate illegal adoption, with serious lega

Addressing growing concerns over security issues, the Government Lagos State has taken a firm stance against vehicles with damaged or absent license plates. Drivers found in violation of this directive will face detainment, according to a recent announcement. Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, conveyed this directive over the weekend. He stressed the importance of adhering to legal requirements as outlined in the State’s Transport Reform Law of 2018, Sections 15 and 16. Toriola explained that several behaviors pertaining to license plates are considered unlawful, such as obscuring or covering the plate without authorization, using faded or damaged plates, misusing them, or not using them at all. These actions, he highlighted, are particularly worrisome given the current security challenges faced by the nation. Referring to Section 16 of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, Toriola asserted that operating a vehicle without proper

Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Barr. Ugochi Madueke Commenced an Exploration Tour on All Tourist Sites in the state, Visited the enchanting Heneke Waterfall, Serene Lake, and the captivating Twin Cave, all situated in the picturesque Ezeagu Axis in company of the former commissioner for Culture and Tourism and the Chairman of Ezeagu LGA. In a move towards transforming Enugu State into a premier tourist destination, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has embarked on an Exploration Tour of all key tourist sites across the state. Aligned with the visionary agenda set by Governor Peter Mbah, aimed at elevating Enugu State to the apex of tourism in the South East region and positioning it as a magnet for visitors from Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. Hon. Barr. Ugochi Madueke, the newly appointed Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, is spearheading the endeavor to unearth hidden gems within the state, while also identifying potential sites for development into world-cl

The flag-off ceremony of Nkanu East Local Government Area 2023 August Meeting on Friday was grace by the presence of the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Enugu State, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih, who delivered a compelling keynote speech highlighted the importance of gender equality, inclusion, and political participation during  The event, themed "Innovation, Resilience, and Gender Equality," brought together a diverse audience to discuss and promote gender parity and empowerment. Hon. Enih, the keynote speaker, emphasized the significance of financial independence for women, underlining its role in unlocking their potential within society. She urged women to become ambassadors of their families and play active roles in both family and social life. "Women, children, and vulnerable members of society are the government's priority," said Hon. Enih, highlighting their well-being. She encouraged individuals facing stigma to voice their co

A session held at the Enugu State High Court, the Enugu State House of Assembly Tribunal heard the case between Hon Solomon Izuchukwu Onah, the petitioner, and Hon Obinna Ugwuanyi Ijele. The proceedings commenced with Mr. Tochukwu Maduka SAN, Counsel to the Petitioner, presenting a significant piece of evidence – a document authored by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria. The document from the Vice Chancellor clearly stated that Hon Obinna Ijele, a University of Nigeria staff, had not resigned from his position before contesting  the election into the Enugu State House of Assembly. The Vice Chancellor outrightly characterized any letter presented by the defendant as a forgery and emphasized that Hon Obinna Ijele remains a current staff member of the institution. This revelation has raised implications concerning Hon Obinna Ugwuanyi Ijele's status as a federal civil servant as per the relevant constitutional provision. Section 107 (1) (f) of the Nigerian Constitution (a

  The Super Falcons of Nigeria claimed the 10th spot out of 32 teams in the recently concluded 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. The tournament concluded on August 20, 2023, leaving soccer enthusiasts across the globe in awe of the remarkable performances witnessed on the field. The crowning moment of the event saw Spain emerge victorious with a 1-0 triumph against the Lionesses of England in the final, clinching their first Women's World Cup title. This monumental achievement also etched Spain's name in history, as they became only the second nation to secure victories in both the Men's and Women's World Cups. The meticulous ranking process by the world football governing body, FIFA, took into account various factors. Teams were assessed not only based on their performance throughout the tournament, but also on the circumstances of their eliminations. This unique approach ensured that teams that were knocked out at the same stage were ranked with due consideration to th

The Enugu House of Assembly Majority Leader, Hon. Johnson Samuel Ani, has fulfilled a campaign promise by commissioning the reconstruction of a dilapidated link road at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC). The project was inaugurated on August 22nd, 2023, in the presence of Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Ezenta Ezeani, Honorable Princess Obiajulu Ugwu, and other colleagues from the Enugu State House of Assembly. During the ceremony, the Dean of Students Affairs at UNEC, Mrs. Eni Udoh, expressed her gratitude for the long-awaited road reconstruction, which had been in poor condition for years. She extended her thanks to Hon. Ezenta Ezeani for leading the delegation and marked the event as a historic achievement that would be recorded in the annals of the university. In a statement to the press, Hon. Johnson Samuel Ani, the Majority Leader, conveyed his appreciation for the divine grace that enabled him to complete the project, highlighting his commitment to fulfilling campaign promi

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed satisfaction with the successes recorded so far in the fight against insecurity in the state, assuring that Enugu was open and safe for business. The Governor also said that Enugu had kicked illegal sit-at-home out of the state, assuring that the state’s security initiative, the Distress Response Squad (DRS) and its complementary Command and Control Centre would further secure the state when fully launched in a few weeks.   This was even as the new Commissioner of Police, CP, Enugu State Command, Kanayo Uzuegbu, unveiled the pilot scheme of the government’s DRS initiative, warning criminal elements to repent or meet their waterloo. Governor Mbah spoke when he received the new CP, who was on both a familiarisation and working visit to the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday. He said: “The Distress Response Squad (DRS), which pilot scheme will be commissioned today, is going to house over a hundred very highly sophisticated and techn

In a remarkable display of compassion and dedication, the Gburugburu Free Surgery Programme has yet again proven its commitment to the well-being of Enugu  citizens. Championed by former Enugu State Governor, His Excellency Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the program has successfully delivered critical medical interventions for individuals in need. On August 13th, the Chief Julius Ajogwu Memorial Hospital in Nsukka was witness to another success of the Gburugburu Free Surgery Programme, where an 88-year-old man and a young boy received life-changing medical care. Chief Okeafor Martins, aged 88, underwent a successful herniorrhaphy to treat his left inguinoscrotal hernia. Similarly, Eze Chinedu Patrick, aged 28, underwent a procedure to address his right inguinal hernia, resulting in a successful herniorrhaphy. Both beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt gratitude and extended blessings to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his life-saving support. Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi's commitment to this impactfu

A tragic incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, a group of bandits has attacked a military convoy in the Chukuba Ward of the Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State. According to reports from the Tribune, the bandits managed to shut down a fighter jet and claim the lives of 13 soldiers during the ambush. The criminals reportedly used sophisticated tactics to bring down the fighter helicopter, killing the pilot in the process. This attack has raised concerns over the evolving capabilities of these bandits and their ability to target military assets. Mr. Sanni Kokki, the Convener of Shiroro Concerned Youths, provided insight into the tragic incident during a telephone interview with journalists in Abuja. He revealed that the ambush occurred along the Zungeru-Tegina road in the Madaka Ward of Rafi Local Government Area. The attack took place on Monday morning and resulted in the deaths of the 13 soldiers. The aftermath of the attack has caused panic among local

A clash between two rival communities, Oyofo and Awha, within the Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, has resulted in the tragic loss of four lives and heightened tensions in the region. The confrontation, stemming from a contentious land ownership dispute, erupted on a fateful Friday morning, leaving in its wake the wreckage of five motorcycles and a tricycle. This decades-long land dispute has been a lingering source of contention between the Oyofo and Awha communities for over sixty years. The simmering feud culminated in a deadly confrontation at around 10 am, where violence erupted, leading to the unfortunate loss of four individuals' lives. A statement released by the Enugu State Police Command's spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, detailed the swift response of Enugu's Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ammani, who promptly dispatched police personnel to the affected areas. Their intervention managed to restore a semblance of order to the region, although tensions conti

  By Chimezie Ashuke  One problem with Mr. Ikem Okuhu, who claims to be a journalist but never underwent any journalistic tutelage or training, is his suffusion with self-importance, propensity for Pseudo intellectualism, belligerence and uncoordinated sensationalism.  Yes, the only thing that qualifies Okuhu to claim being a journalist is that he read Mass Communication. That is all.     That is why there are too many mechanics that have made it difficult for people to identify mad men and quacks in  journalism practice, especially with the social media platforms' weak regulatory framework that has created fertile ground for  sensationalism and fake news. That is also why their compromised and bias articles and fake stories can not pass rigorous editorial test in any national daily of repute. It is an axiomatic fact that journalism goes beyond procuring a degree certificate in Mass Communication without undergoing journalism training and practice, where discipline, professionalism

The Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu has issued a strong response to a recent article published in Vanguard Newspaper on August 6th, 2023. The Institute, through its Management, has refuted the allegations made in the article, which it claims were spread by individuals with malicious intentions. Key points highlighted in the response include: Appointment Process: IMT clarified that staff appointments are subject to the explicit approval of the Governor through the Governing Council. The Institute emphasized that no employment had been made without proper authorization, and appointments are based on merit and seniority. Academic Board Meetings: IMT confirmed that the Academic Board meetings are statutory and cannot be bypassed. The Business Committee (BC) within the Academic Board does not have approval powers. Dealing with Cases: The Institute stated that the Academic Board follows a well-defined procedure for handling reported cases of missing scripts. Past instances

To begin with, if I had sought permission from Ifeanyi Ossai to do a response to Ikem Okuhu’s prattle, I would never have got it. After all, Mr Okuhu has made a name for himself in churning out the kind of write-ups that Wole Soyinka would describe as ‘kindergarten drivel’. The first thing I do when I encounter a babble such as the one from Okuhu is to look up the picture of the writer. Perhaps it’s small boy performing a self-drill on writing. In this case, I was looking at a wrinkled old man, who seemed embittered by his mis-spent life, and struggling to pull back his career that is hurtling into oblivion. Labour Party was the last hope to re-jig his life, and regain some relevance. That last straw of hope has also faded away. Life must really be difficult for Mazi Okuhu, for despite his bogus claims and pompous credentials, people like him are useless without the crumbs on the corridors of power.  Let me quote a few lines from Ikem Okuhu that triggered this rejoinder. Hear him: ‘It’

The Law Faculty of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, extended its heartfelt appreciation to Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, founder of the Ikechukwu Ezeugwu Foundation, during a special visit to the foundation's headquarters in Enugu. The purpose of the visit was to honor the recent graduate, Miss Malinda Itanyi, who successfully completed her LL.B law degree through the foundation's scholarship program. Comr. Ezeugwu Chibuzor, President of the Law Faculty, conveyed gratitude on behalf of the entire faculty, acknowledging Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu's steadfast dedication to youth and his significant contributions to education. He remarked, "On behalf of the faculty of law, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, we are here to say a big thank you for one of us, Miss Malinda Itanyi from Igbo-Etiti local government area who has just graduated with an LL.B law degree through a scholarship opportunity from your foundation." Continuing his address, Comrade Chibuzor said, &

Gburugburu Free Surgery Programme has orchestrated a significant wave of relief for Enugu State citizens. The initiative, under the unwavering patronage of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and led by the dedicated Director-General, Dr. George Ajogwu, has successfully executed multiple life-changing surgical interventions. The Gburugburu Free Surgery Programme, recognized for its commitment to enhancing the well-being of the state's populace, marked a momentous achievement by aiding six patients with complex surgical conditions within the Enugu North Senatorial Zone. Dr. George Ajogwu, the driving force behind the initiative, elaborated on the compassionate effort, noting the remarkable support extended by His Excellency, Barr. Peter Mbah, and Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai. The program's latest triumph transpired on August 6th and 7th at the Chief Julius Ajogwu Memorial Hospital. Operating sessions are routinely held each Saturday, Sunday, and Thursday to accommodate the diverse

  A reputable Nigerian NGO, the Monday Diamond Foundation, Commemorates Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu's 56th Birthday as an Unparalleled Role Model In a heartwarming tribute to a remarkable woman, the Monday Diamond Foundation (MDF) has lavished praise on Her Excellency Ambassador Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, as she celebrates her 56th birthday. MDF, a distinguished youth-oriented organization known for hosting a series of impactful debates, hails Ambassador Ojukwu as an irreplaceable role model for not only Igbo, Nigerian, but also African women at large. In a statement released by the Executive Director of MDF, Monday Diamond Ani (Odoziobodo), he expressed deep admiration for Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu's enduring influence on society. Ani affectionately referred to Ambassador Ojukwu as a timeless and virtuous exemplar, embodying wisdom, humility, and inimitable qualities. The tribute underscored her longstanding contributions as a former Miss Nigeria, Miss Africa, and Miss Intercontinental.

It was not surprising to many who had listened to the Urban Parliament on Friday morning where one Mr. Ray Nnaji, ostensibly out of frustration and malice, launched a vitriolic assault on the government and people of Enugu State in his desperate scheme, or perhaps, subterfuge, to arm twist Governor Peter Mbah to offer him a political appointment. Over the past administrations where Ray appeared to hold sway and recognitions, notoriously becoming an archetypal of a career politician, he did this through his infamous proclivity for venality. He is known for everything but integrity, honour and morals. If any of these was ever associated with him, definitely that could have been lost decades ago having become a scoundrel and protagonist of stomach politics propagated and achieved through ruthless means.  Ray’s uncouth speech and the prima act of barbarity in which he presented issues and overturned logic  exposed his conscientious ignorance regardless of his claim of being a lawyer; a tra

A heart-wrenching incident that highlights Nigeria's prevailing culture of negligence and corruption, Dr. Vwaere, a young and promising doctor, lost her life due to the failure of essential infrastructure. Her tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of such practices within the country. Dr. Vwaere's journey into the medical field was marked by hope and ambition. After completing her education at Babcock University, where her family made significant financial sacrifices to provide her with quality education, she aspired to contribute to her community through her medical skills. She embarked on her internship at the General Hospital (Odan, Lagos Island), owned by the Lagos State Government, with dreams of making a positive impact. However, her dreams were shattered due to a combination of neglect, mismanagement, and a disregard for safety. The hospital's only elevator, which had been in disrepair since 2018, continued to operate despite its det

In a gesture of appreciation for Governor Peter Mbah's pragmatic and people-oriented leadership, Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District, lauded the governor for his prompt action in alleviating the adverse effects of the Federal Government's removal of fuel subsidy on the people of Enugu State. Senator Ngwu praised the governor's swift actions, hailing the initiation of the committee as excellent news for retirees who had dedicated their productive years in service to the Coal City State. This move reflects Governor Mbah's commitment to addressing the welfare of retirees and ensuring they receive their deserved benefits. The senator expressed confidence that both the palliatives and the pension payment committee would provide much-needed relief to the citizens of Enugu State during these challenging times. He also urged the committee members to work diligently and transparently to achieve their objectives and ensure that the benefits reach those

  In a significant effort to boost the economic prospects of local farmers in Nsukka, Enugu State, a seminar powered by Ski-Business Solutions Ltd and partners, including the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and Udoamaka Diogbe Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited, was conducted. The seminar aimed to equip 120 local farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to explore the export market and maximize their profits. The event featured Dr. Uchenna Anikwe, an Export Consultant with Ski-Business Solutions Ltd and the Traditional Ruler of Diogbe Community, emphasizing the importance of tapping into the export market to enhance the nation's economy. He stressed the value of processing local produce to international standards, which could result in hard currency earnings and more lucrative farming practices. The seminar introduced the farmers to quick-growing and high-yield seedlings for palm fruits and jumbo-cashew nuts, aiming to improve yields and meet internati