The Coal City Network

October 1st is a significant day in Nigeria as it marks the country’s Independence Day. This year, the celebration will honour 64 years of independence from British colonial rule, commemorating the struggles and sacrifices of past heroes who fought for Nigeria's freedom. Festivities typically include parades, cultural performances, and speeches by Enugu State Government officials, emphasizing national unity and progress.  The celebration serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to build a prosperous future, fostering hope and resilience among the populace. As the date approaches, there is a palpable sense of pride and anticipation throughout the nation, the economic downturn notwithstanding.  Hence, Ministry of Information and Communication Enugu State invites all to key into its media packages that will bring live programmes of the celebration to your door steps. The packages include a radio programme featuring 3 radio stations -  Urban Radio 94.5, Dream FM ...

Dear Engr. Chinedu Asogwa CONGRATULATIONS I write you with great joy and fulfilment as I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your swearing in as the Executive Chairman of Nsukka Local Government. This is indeed a significant accomplishment, and I am confident that under your leadership, Nsukka local government  will witness a new era of growth, development, and prosperity.  Your victory is a testament to the overwhelming support and trust the people of Nsukka Local Government have placed in you. I thank them for their commitment to ensuring this success, and I have no doubt that you will honor that trust by delivering the uncommon transformation you have promised.  Your vision, experience, and dedication to service have rightly positioned you as the leader Nsukka local government needs during this pivotal time. My dear brother, as you embrace this significant responsibility, know that you have my prayers and full support. I am confident that, with God's grace and guida...

   A Renowned Philanthropist cum  humanist, Chief . Charles Mba , congratulates  Hon . Akachukwu Eze  on his  landslide victory in the Udenu Local Government Area chairmanship election and Successful swearing - in Innugauration today . Chief Charles Mbah , in his submission, poured Encomiums on  Hon.Akachukwu Eze leadership skills and vision for the good people of Udenu local government, expressing his assurance and confidence in his  ability to drive the needed positive change. Congratulations once more, Chief . Charles Mba added, “ and may your leadership bring growth, unity , Progress to our local government . Long live Udenu Local Government !! Long Live Enugu State !!

I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your swearing - in ceremony today . This Swearing -in marks a significant and well-deserved change that promises pragmatic and progressive development for Ndi Udenu Local government, ultimately leading to unprecedented socio-economic advancements across the board. As  assume the mantle of leadership, i wish you every success in delivering the best for our people. Congratulations Hon. Akachukwu Eze and may your tenure be productive and Impactful in bringing development and prosperity for our local government. God bless Udenu Local Government.

A sharp division has emerged between Northern and Southern senators over the issue of regionalism during a two-day retreat on the 1999 constitution amendments. Organized by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the retreat was held in Kano to discuss key reforms to the nation’s constitution. While Southern senators embraced the idea of reverting to a regional system of government, citing potential improvements in economic development, infrastructure, and security, their Northern counterparts strongly opposed the move. Speaking to journalists, a leading voice from the North, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), made it clear that his region would not support the return to regionalism. According to him, the Northern region did not benefit from the regional system during Nigeria’s First Republic, thus any attempt to reintroduce it would be unwise. Similarly, Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Fin...

In a move aimed at fostering private-sector partnerships and boosting Enugu State's economic growth, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State met with the members of the Coal City Elites Forum (CCEF) in Abuja. The forum, led by Ambassador Dr. Benito Eze, is composed of senior public servants of Enugu State extraction based in Abuja. During the high-level business roundtable, Governor Mbah outlined his vision for transforming Enugu’s economy through private sector investment and strategic collaborations. In his opening address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Donor Relations, Dubem Onyia Jr., highlighted the Governor’s notable achievements in his first year in office. These include initiatives aimed at boosting infrastructure, education, and economic diversification. Onyia emphasized the Governor's commitment to modernizing Enugu and making it a hub for innovation and investment. Amb. Dr. Benito Eze, President of CCEF, welcomed attendees and reiterated the core objectives of th...

In just two months, several ministries and agencies under the administration of President Bola Tinubu have collectively spent over N1.8 billion on air travel, estacodes, and duty tour allowances, sparking outrage and calls for stricter government spending policies. A recent report from GovSpend has revealed that between July and September 2024, ministries such as the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Federal Ministry of Finance, and several others expended a combined total of N755.88 million on Duty Tour Allowances. Additionally, they spent another N1.04 billion on air tickets, estacodes, and foreign trips, amounting to N1.8 billion in total.  The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy led the list with an expenditure of N322 million, followed by the Ministry of Finance with N187.2 million. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) spent N150 million, while the Ministry of Petroleum Resources recorded N108 million in ...

The National Agency for Drug Administration and Control (NADAC) has arrested a Nigerian man, Emeka Madu, for allegedly manufacturing and distributing fake malaria drugs. The arrest took place at an uncompleted building where Madu and his associates were operating their illegal drug production facility. According to NADAC officials, Madu and his cohorts were producing counterfeit malaria medications, endangering the lives of countless Nigerians. These fake drugs, which have been circulated widely, are believed to have caused the deaths of thousands across the country. The operation to apprehend Madu was carried out after a thorough investigation by NADAC’s enforcement unit. The agency’s spokesperson confirmed that all individuals involved have been taken into custody and will face charges for endangering public health. NADAC has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and only purchase medications from licensed pharmacies to avoid falling victim to counterfeit drugs. The agency is intensifyi...

T he Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike targeting the group's central command in Beirut on Friday, September 27, 2024. This development marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has intensified over the past year. The Friday afternoon strike was part of a larger Israeli campaign to dismantle Hezbollah’s military leadership, which has been actively launching rockets and drones into Israeli territory from southern Lebanon since October 2023. The IDF’s statement noted that Nasrallah, who had led Hezbollah for more than 30 years, was eliminated along with Ali Karki, Commander of Hezbollah's Southern Front, and other high-ranking officials. The airstrike hit Hezbollah's command center, located beneath a residential building in Beirut's southern suburbs, an area known to be a Hezbollah stronghold. The operation was strategically timed to minimize ...

The Magistrate Court sitting in Nkwo Nike Magistrate Court District has remanded Mr Tochukwu Nzekwe the CEO of TOSHEL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY in prison for conspiracy, deliberate destruction of public property,threat to life and subversion of court invitations and proceedings. Recall that on the 28th of May 2024,a heavily loaded truck without a tyre and rim was caught destructively running on the newly Asphalted New-Artisan road constructed by the foremost construction company EKETESON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. The road which was said to be ready for commissioning by the Executive Governor of Enugu State Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah on the 29th of May was partly destroyed due to this ugly incidence which subsequently resulted to  postponement of the commissioning by His Excellency. On the developing story ,it was gathered that this ugly act was deliberately masterminded by a rivalry construction company known as TOSHEL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY owned and managed by Mr Tochukwu Nzekwe.  On the s...

Expressing deep sorrow over the recent senseless loss of lives Enugu State, Enugu State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has strongly condemned the tragic killings that marred the recent Oriokpa Masquerade festival. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, is viewed as a violation of the state's rich cultural heritage and the core values of peace and communal harmony that its traditions uphold. The Ministry, while mourning with the affected families, assured the public of the Enugu State Government's commitment to justice and unity during this time of grief. Dame Ugochi Madueke, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, voiced the government's outrage, stating that the purpose of masquerades in Enugu’s culture is to unite, uplift spirituality, and promote communal harmony. She reiterated that violence has no place in these sacred traditions. In response to the incident, the Ministry is collaborating with law enforcement age...

  L-R: Maria Shadeko, Portfolio Manager, Premium Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc.; Peter Ani, Brewery Manager, Ama Brewery, Nigerian Breweries Plc.; Ayodele Lawal, Sales Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc.; Chinwe Ude, Zonal Business Manager- East, Nigerian Breweries Plc.; Chief Johnbul Offor, Nigerian Breweries Distributor; and Kennedy Ekkeh, Regional Business Manager, Enugu at the Trade unveil of Heineken 45cl bottle in Enugu. Heineken, the world’s most international beer, has proudly unveiled its newly designed 45cl bottle at an exclusive trade event in Enugu. Attended by top directors of Nigerian Breweries, key distributors, and other trade partners in the region, the event marks a significant milestone in Heineken’s commitment to providing a fresh, modern beer experience tailored to the evolving preferences of Nigerian consumers. The 45cl bottle is a new addition to Heineken’s premium range, designed with a sleek and stylish aesthetic that appeals particularly to Nigeria’s younge...

A married woman from Enugu, Mrs Uwakwe, has confessed to tampering with a DNA result in a desperate attempt to convince her husband that he was the father of their newborn child. The confession came after a second test exposed the forgery, unraveling a plot that has shocked the local community. Mrs. Uwakwe admitted to downloading a DNA test form from the internet and altering it to show that her husband, Mr. Chuka Uwakwe was the biological father of the baby. The couple, well known in their Enugu neighborhood, had been married for five years, with this child being their first. Trouble began when Mr. Chuka, a government employee, started questioning the paternity of the baby due to rumors circulating among family members and friends. Despite the initial DNA test which Mrs. Nkechi provided confirming his fatherhood, his suspicions grew. He sought a second, independent test, which revealed the truth: the child was fathered by another man, whose identity remains undisclosed. When confronte...

The Federal Government has begun disbursing the new minimum wage to its civil servants, following months of anticipation and negotiations. This marks a pivotal step in addressing wage concerns that have lingered within the civil service workforce. The confirmation of this development came from Bawa Mokwa, Spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, during an interview with newsmen earlier today. According to Mokwa, federal employees will start receiving notifications about their updated salary payments starting Thursday, September 26, 2024. He stated, “Federal Government civil servants will start getting the new minimum wage from today. As for the arrears, I cannot confirm if that will be included in today’s disbursements.” This follows the earlier approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who on July 18, 2024, sanctioned an upward review of the minimum wage to N70,000. The new minimum wage law was subsequently passed by the Senate, effectively amending the ...

The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) marked a crucial milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year's meeting of heads of states tagged " Summit of the Future" was held between September 22-23, in New York, USA UNGA summit of future underscored the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation to address pressing challenges such as climate change, poverty and inequality, while also tackling the impacts of ongoing conflicts and global health crises. The Vice President of Nigeria, HE Shettima who represented President Bola Tinubu, led a delegation of key ministers to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Amongst Nigeria's delegation to the UNGA  was the honorable minister of innovation, science and technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji. Innovation, Science and Technology, multilateral partnerships, access to credit are among the key economic drivers for growt...

Martins Otse, popularly known by his social media alias VeryDarkMan (VDM), a renowned Nigerian social critic, has raised alarms over his safety following the public exposure of his residential address. In an emotional video, VDM revealed that the address was leaked online after a cease-and-desist letter intended for him was shared on social media. The letter, reportedly sent by Mrs. Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjueyi Atsepoyi, wife of popular figure Mr. Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi, known as Mr. Jollof , threatens legal action against VDM. The dispute stems from allegations made by VDM against Mrs. Atsepoyi, sparking widespread controversy. While the letter was not sent directly to him, it was addressed to him or his legal team, and its circulation online has led to unintended consequences. VDM expressed his concern about his current safety situation, stating that the leak of his address has jeopardized his personal security. In his video, he shared the anxiety of not being able to return ho...

Tragedy struck in Nsukka, Enugu State, as two persons were reportedly killed today, Tuesday, 24th of September 2024, in Nsukka Town in separate incidents involving the notorious Oriokpa masquerades, whose violent activities have continued to instill fear in the local communities. Video 1;  loading... Video 2;  loading... Video 3; loading... The first casualty, an unidentified middle-aged woman, met her untimely death at Aku Road, Obechara area, Nsukka, after being chased by one of the Oriokpa masquerades. In an attempt to escape, she ran into a moving truck and was killed instantly, causing widespread panic and horror among onlookers. In another incident at Nru Junction, a young male, later identified as a student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), also lost his life. Although details surrounding his death remain unclear, sources suggest that he may have been trying to evade the masquerades when he was caught in the chaos that ensued. These tragic incidents have once ...

In the ongoing treason trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has officially withdrawn from the case. The decision came after Kanu personally requested that she recuse herself during the hearing on Tuesday. At the commencement of the session, Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, pleaded with the court to delay the trial. He argued that his client had been denied sufficient opportunity to prepare his defense adequately. However, before Ejimakor could finish his submission, Kanu interrupted, instructing his lawyer to sit down. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused herself from the ongoing treason trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The decision came during Tuesday's court session following a direct request from Kanu himself. Kanu, who has been at the center of the trial concerning his separatist activi...

Nigerian soldier, whose identity has been withheld, has been accused of stealing military ammunition and uniforms from his fellow soldiers and selling them to bandits in Katsina. The soldier is reportedly attached to the 35 Battalion in Katsina town. A video obtained by Reporters shows the accused soldier being publicly tortured and flogged by his colleagues, with his hands tied behind his back. In the video, one of the soldiers, speaking in Pidgin English, is heard saying, “Him steal my ammunition, that one no do am, him steal my SF (Special Force) clothe, that one no do am, him still steal my regimental jacket.” This reveals that the soldier not only stole ammunition but also essential military clothing and equipment. Another soldier in the video further condemns the act, stating, “See am, all of us dey the same unit, 35 battalion. He don lose guard, he go sell am go give bandit and he is our fellow soldier, we think say na our fellow soldier, not knowing na our enemy him be.” The so...

  Hon. John Ogbodo, the newly elected Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Council, has extended heartfelt appreciation to the people of Nkanu West for their overwhelming support in the just-concluded local government elections. In a message of gratitude, Ogbodo thanked Governor Peter Mbah for his visionary leadership and commended the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) for ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process. He emphasized his commitment to working diligently in line with the collective goal of building an inclusive and thriving Nkanu West, aligning with the broader vision for Enugu State's progress. Message of Appreciation to the Good People of Nkanu West                     September 22, 2024 Dear Good People of Nkanu West, May I first of all express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the progress of Enugu State. Hi...

  The ongoing local government elections in Enugu State witnessed a major highlight as Hon. John Ogbodo, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Nkanu West Local Government Area, cast his vote at his polling unit in Eketoke, Akpugo Ward 2. Arriving at the polling station to the cheers of a large, enthusiastic crowd, Hon. Ogbodo expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of the election, commending the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) for ensuring a smooth and orderly process. Speaking to reporters after voting, Hon. Ogbodo lauded ENSIEC for their professionalism in managing the electoral process. He emphasized the importance of a transparent and fair election, noting that the peaceful atmosphere at the polling unit was a testament to the work done by the electoral body. "I am deeply impressed by the manner in which ENSIEC is conducting this election. The process has been smooth, and I commend them for their dedication to upholding democratic pri...