The Coal City Network

By Amb. Amaka Nweke, Commissioner IV, Enugu State Local Government Service Commission "On the joyous occasion of your birthday, I, on behalf of my family, and with utmost admiration, extend heartfelt congratulations to Her Excellency, the First Lady of Enugu State, and the gracious wife of our purposeful and visionary Governor, His Excellency Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Your Excellency, your unwavering commitment to the upliftment of women, the care of children, and the well-being of the underprivileged have continued to inspire all of us in public service. Your grace, dignity, and quiet strength have become a shining example of purposeful leadership and compassionate service. As you celebrate another remarkable year, I pray that God continues to grant you good health, renewed strength, and the wisdom to carry on your noble work. May your light continue to shine brightly as a beacon of hope and transformation across Enugu State. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency. I celebrate you with...

The Enugu State Government has announced the cancellation of this month’s environmental sanitation exercise scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025. A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia said the cancellation was to enable candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to participate in the exam scheduled for that day freely.   The government urged the good people and residents of the state to clean up their surroundings as usual, but emphasized that there would be no restriction of movements. Meanwhile, the Enugu State  Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) has released an updated statement dated Tuesday, April 22, 2026 announcing the cancellation of the exercise.

In celebration of her brilliance, leadership, and compassion, Dr. Mrs. Chiesonu Iziga-Eruchalu (PhD, CBA, NIM, FIIMCA), was honored with a prestigious award for Excellence in Consulting and Humanitarian Service under the Top Ladies in Business category at the 2025 She Awards Global, held on 10th of  April at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The event, themed “The Lipstick Force”, spotlighted outstanding women across various sectors who have demonstrated sophistication, high-level networking, and excellence in their fields. Representing Enugu State as the sole recipient from the region, Dr. Chiesonu stood out among a powerful lineup of global female achievers. In her acceptance speech, Dr. Chiesonu expressed heartfelt gratitude; "With tears of joy streaming down my face and a heart so full it might burst, I stand in awe of God's grace for this prestigious SHE Global Award in my hands. The moment feels surreal to be recognized among extraordinary women and to represent Enugu as its s...

  A Joint Security Team comprising Police from Oba Divisional Police Headquarters and Anambra Vigilante Operatives on 16th April 2025 at 6.30 pm during a raid in an uncompleted building at Isu village, Oba arrested six (6) suspects who allegedly hired sick persons to beg for alms from members of the public. The suspects are Doris Basil ‘f’ aged 28 years, Peter Ezedike ‘m’ aged 38 years, Susan Monday ‘f’ aged 27 years Ogechi Okoro ‘f’ aged 27 years, Solomon Sunday ‘m’ aged 29 years and Kenneth Achi ‘m’ aged 29 years.  The Operatives also recovered six mobile phones and Eighty-two thousand, four hundred naira (#82,400) in denominations of #50, #100 and #200 Naria notes and took in safe custody four ill persons from appearance suffering from brain tumour, breast cancer, and other terminal sicknesses. The Operatives also provided first aid for the sick persons and sought higher intervention for their treatment and safe return to their various homes.  The Commissioner of Polic...

…commends Mbah’s transformation efforts_ The newly appointed Managing Director (MD) of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has said the Enugu-Port Harcourt railway project is already receiving attention as one of the top priority projects of the Federal Government (FG). While assuring that the project had been getting a fair share of the national budget, the MD commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his transformational initiatives, saying the governor’s investment in infrastructure was already rubbing off on the people’s standard of living.  Dr. Opeifa, who stated these when he led a delegation of senior Management team of the NRC on a working visit to the Government House, Enugu, on Thursday, explained that he was in the state to reaffirm Management’s commitment to fostering cooperation with the state government in areas of mutual interest.  He pledged continuous synergy with the state to revamp the Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu rail line on the Ea...

Atiku Abubakar Isah , the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) , has alleged that Seyi Tinubu , son of President Bola Tinubu , and a rival faction leader, Ladoja Olusola , were behind his abduction by gun-wielding thugs in Abuja on Tuesday. Isah, in a statement issued on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 , said he was beaten and subjected to dehumanising treatment . He also said he was forced to record an involuntary statement at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) studio, stressing that Seyi declared him an enemy after his overwhelming election as NANS president at the 125th convention of the association. The NANS president maintained that he had written several petitions to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetoken , and other security agencies about the threats to his life, but nothing was done. Isah added that he would continue to lead NANS without fear or intimidation to serve the best interests of Nigerian students. His statement read:...

The Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Rt. Hon. Eugene Uche Anya , has been allegedly interrogated by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of financial fraud and other misconduct. SaharaReporters gathered that this development is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged large-scale financial irregularities and abuse of office. Anya, who was appointed as ECTDA Chairman in August 2023 by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah , was detained by ICPC operatives on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 . He was held between 10:49 a.m. and 5:37 a.m. on Thursday morning. Sources close to the investigation disclosed that Mr. Emike Ikechukwu , the Head of the Project and Physical Development Control Unit at ECTDA, is also under scrutiny. Anya appointed Mr. Ikechukwu to the position shortly after he assumed office, despite his not being a professional town planner and allegedly bypa...

...Presenting the award on behalf of the organization, Dr. Bernard Soglo, Ambassador Mosobalaje Mosobalaje, the Nigerian Representative of Transparency Africa, noted that Dr. Ndu’s impact of his administration in Ezeagu has attracted international attention, prompting the organization to recognize his efforts and to encoura ge him to continue on the right path: The Executive Chairman, Ezeagu Local Government Area, Dr. Vita Ndu, has been conferred with the Prestigious Transparency Africa Honour by the continental organization, Transparency Africa Initiative. The recognition which was presented on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, celebrates Dr. Ndu’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in leadership. “This is not just a recognition; the world is watching. Dr. Vita Ndu’s leadership has birthed numerous developments in the region, and we are here today to say, ‘keep going,’” Mosobalaje stated. Transparency Africa Organization is a globally respected non-governme...

  Barely three weeks after its official reception at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu Air has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise for cabin crew and ground staff positions, signaling its rapid operational rollout and commitment to job creation within Nigeria's aviation industry. The recruitment interviews are scheduled to hold across three key cities as follows: Abuja: Wednesday, 23rd April 2025 Venue: Peace Media Hotel Time: 10:00 am Lagos: Friday, 25th April 2025 Venue: 7 Oduduwa Crescent GRA, Ikeja Time: 10:00 am Enugu: Wednesday, 29th April 2025 Venue: Oranto Hotel Time: 10:00 am According to the airline, only applicants for the specified positions who have been contacted will be interviewed . Interested candidates may reach out via careers@enuguairlines.com for further inquiries. This development comes on the heels of the enthusiastic welcome Enugu Air received at AIIA on Friday, a milestone celebrated by aviation stake...

The former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ben Nwoye, has dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress. Dr. Nwoye made this known on Thursday through a membership resignation letter, which he sent to the ward chairman of Amurri ward, in Nkanu West local government area of Enugu State, which was sited by newsmen. He stated that his resignation is as a result of the disintegration of the leadership of the party in Enugu State, as the broom which was painstakingly tied together in 2013, when party members were called unprintable names, has loosened and permanently scattered. Dr. Nwoye, a founding member and face of the party in Enugu state, expressed deep disappointment over what he described as the collapse of internal cohesion and respect for party hierarchy. He lamented that the ideals that once held the party together have been sacrificed on the altar of personal interests and factional dominance. In his words, "I can no longer continue to be part of a structu...

  The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, extends warm Easter wishes to all Christians in the State, urging them to celebrate in reverence of Jesus Christ, who is the reason for the season. He describes Easter as a time of love, sacrifice, and renewed faith and calls on residents to embrace peace, compassion, and goodwill during the celebrations. Consequently, CP Giwa reassures the public of the Command’s firm commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment throughout the Easter period and beyond. He has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Heads of Tactical and Operational Units to ensure the comprehensive deployment of the Command’s intelligence and operational resources at their disposal. Furthermore, the Commissioner has charged the supervisory officers to ensure the strategic gathering of credible intelligence, as well as intensified visibility patrols and surveillance operations across their areas of responsib...

On Wednesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated an eight-member National Census Committee, which is predominantly composed of members from his geopolitical zone, the South West. The committee, which was inaugurated at the State House in Abuja, is chaired by Senator Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning from the North West. The Secretary of the committee is Nasir Isa Kwarra, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), with Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, both hailing from the North Central. The South West is represented by several other committee members, including Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the Principal Secretary to the President; and Mrs Oyinade Nathan-Marsh, the Senior Speci...

First Bank of Nigeria Plc officially inaugurated its Digital Experience Centre at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. This centre, the sixth fully automated branch of First Bank, operates twenty-four hours a day, providing both digital and physical banking services. The Digital Xperience Centre represents a significant advancement by First Bank in its efforts to revolutionise the banking industry in Nigeria. It serves as a state-of-the-art hub that enables customers to experience world-class innovative banking services and explore the future of banking firsthand. Speaking during the launch, the Managing Director of First Bank, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, praised the longstanding relationship between the bank and UNN, which he noted has existed for decades. He recalled that the land on which the bank is situated was generously provided to First Bank at no cost by the university authorities. Mr Alebiosu remarked, “This is the first Digital Experienc...

-By Isaac Asabor In a moment of profound irony, Egbujo suggests that even Sunday Igboho, the radical Yoruba activist, might have shown more national sensitivity in appointments if he were in charge. That comparison is damning. But it underscores a truth: leadership is not about rewarding your tribe, it is about reassuring the nation. There are moments in a nation’s political journey when the truth must be told, not whispered. Nigeria is at such a moment. For all who still believe in the fragile dream called Nigeria, Ugoji Egbujo’s explosive and unapologetically frank piece, “Is Nigeria Now A Yoruba Republic?” must not be brushed aside as just another column in the endless chatter of public discourse. Mr. President, this article is a mirror. And you, more than anyone else, must look into it. Egbujo’s column is not perfect, no piece of commentary is — but it is a compelling and critical lens into the fears, frustrations, and realities that many Nigerians, both within and outside the corr...

  In a heartwarming show of compassion and dedication to grassroots development, Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji , the member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has handed over keys to fully furnished two-bedroom bungalows to two widows in separate communities, Mrs. Jacinta Nnaji of Ugwunani Okwo, Akegbe Ugwu , and Mrs. Cordelia Nworiennajiedeh of Amaechi Idodo . These humanitarian gestures are in alignment with Governor Peter Ndubisi Mbah’s people-centered administration, which prioritizes the welfare and upliftment of the vulnerable in Enugu State. During the emotional handover in Akegbe Ugwu, Mrs. Jacinta Nnaji was overwhelmed with joy as she received the keys to her new home. Fighting back tears, she said, “I have nothing to say rather than for God to continue to sustain Nnolim for me. Since he can remember a widow like me, God will never abandon him.” The event drew community leaders and dignitaries who showered praise on Hon...

Popular Nigerian TikToker, Peller , has hinted at a breakup with his girlfriend, Jadrolita . The controversy began after Peller was seen getting cozy with another girl during his recent trip to Ghana. Reacting in a TikTok live session, Jadrolita expressed her grievance over the incident, stating that she could no longer continue with the relationship. Defending his actions, Peller claimed that he had been paid to appear in the girl’s video to help promote her page. He said, “It’s not my fault. I was paid to do it to help her get more followers. They paid for it.” Responding to him, Jadrolita said, “Most people have been saying I’m older than you in this relationship, which is fine. But I ignored that, and I followed my heart. Now that I followed my heart, you are saying they paid you to do this, to do that? I’m telling you I cannot be with you. Continue with your streaming and do whatever you want. Go and meet someone else who will tolerate such nonsense. Focus on the girl...

… Reaffirms zero-tolerance for unprofessional conduct and corruption. As part of his commitment to upholding discipline and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, today, April 16, 2025, conducted parade drills for officers and men of the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID). Addressing the personnel, CP Giwa reaffirmed his zero-tolerance stance against unprofessionalism, extortion, and other corrupt practices. He emphasised that the era of approving frivolous, fictitious, or trumped-up petitions for investigation is over. The Commissioner charged all personnel in the Department to remain steadfast, diligent, and professional in their duties, warning against illegal arrests, prolonged detention, extortion, and other misconduct. He sternly cautioned that any officer found culpable will face severe disciplinary action. SP DANIEL NDUKWE, anipr, mnisma Police Public Relations Officer  Enugu State Command GRA, Enugu Ap...

  …Best Graduating Student from UNIZIK receives award from Igbo-Eze South Chairman The Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area and Deputy Chairman of ALGON, Enugu State, Hon. Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, in a remarkable show of commitment to education and youth development; aligning with the educational vision of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, awarded fully funded Master’s scholarships to two outstanding graduates during the 2025 Education and Youth Empowerment Programme held today, Wednesday, 16th April 2025, at the Council Secretariat, Ibagwa-Aka. The scholarship recipients are Miss Emeka Abigail Amuche, a native of Ulunya Ovoko and First Class graduate of Political Science Education from the University of Calabar, and Engr. Egwuchika Tochukwu Onyeze from Alor-Agu, who emerged as the overall Best Graduating Student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, with an outstanding CGPA of 4.95 from the Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering. Each of th...

   A landlord from Zengeza is currently on the run after allegedly collaborating with four other individuals to fatally assault his tenant in a dispute over rental funds. The suspect, identified as Crispen Marara , is being sought by police in connection with the death of 38-year-old Tendai Nenguwo , who died on Sunday, April 13, at Chitungwiza Central Hospital following the attack. The incident reportedly originated from a disagreement over US$560 that Tendai had allegedly collected from other tenants residing at a property on Hanga Street in Zengeza 1, owned by Marara’s parents. It is alleged that Tendai failed to remit the funds and instead converted them for personal use. “Police are investigating a murder case in Zengeza,” confirmed Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza . “The deceased was reported to have used the money of the accused person. The deceased passed on while admitted at Chitungwiza Central Hospital on April 13.” According...

Traders in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area have expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah , for what they described as a “bold and life-changing transformation of market infrastructure and economic systems” across the state. The traders made this known during the inspection tour of key market projects in the LGA by the Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah , who visited Nkwo-Ogbede Market and other strategic locations to assess the progress of ongoing infrastructural interventions initiated under Governor Mbah’s administration. According to the traders, the newly renovated market is a symbol of the administration’s genuine concern for grassroots development. They praised the clean environment, enhanced security, and availability of solar-powered lighting, which now allows for extended business hours. Many noted that the improved conditions are not just helping them survive economically but also enabling real busines...

It has become crucial to address some misconceptions propagated by self-styled activists who, in their quest for influence, have strayed from the truth. I have remained largely silent, aiming to foster constructive dialogue; however, the continued misrepresentation by individuals like Mr. Matthew, who seems to thrive on social media turmoil amid pressing security challenges in Uzo-Uwani, cannot go unchallenged. The issue of security in Uzo-Uwani, particularly related to the activities of Fulani herdsmen, has been ongoing since 2005, following the tragic murder of a young man in my community. Unfortunately, this has led to a cycle of conflict, which some individuals exploit for their own agenda, resulting in instances of robbery and kidnapping. It is a gross misunderstanding to expect that security strategies should be shared publicly, whether on social media or in public forums, for the sake of self-promotion or blame-shifting. Now is not the time for divisive rhetoric or unstructured ...

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello , has submitted a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), calling for the arrest of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan , who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. Bello, through his legal counsel N.A. Abubakar , accused the senator of making defamatory and inciting statements against him during a homecoming event in Okehi LGA on April 1, 2025. The petition urged the police to summon Senator Natasha to present evidence backing her claims. Should she fail to do so, Bello demanded that she be prosecuted under applicable laws, including for criminal defamation , inciting public disturbance , and spreading false information injurious to public peace . In a separate letter by another lawyer, R.O. Balogun , Bello demanded a retraction and public apology , warning of potential legal action if Senator Natasha failed to comply. According to the former governor, the senator falsely accused him of being involved in an assassination pl...

  In a historic move, the Nigerian Army has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anaele as the acting Director of the Department of Army Public Relations. Anaele, who will officially take over from Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 , becomes the first female senior officer to lead the Army’s public relations unit since its inception over five decades ago. This landmark appointment marks a significant step towards gender inclusivity within the Nigerian military hierarchy. According to media sources, no female officer has ever held the position of spokesperson for the Nigerian Army until now. Anaele’s elevation is seen as a progressive milestone in the country’s military history, inspiring a new era for women in the armed forces. Further details on her formal inauguration and responsibilities are expected in the coming days.

...As Council Chairman Describes Igwe - Elect As The People's Choice. The Caretaker Committee, Umueze Town Union and the people of Umueze community today made official presentation of their Igwe - elect, Chief Emeka Ani, Igwenaezuruoha 11 of Umueze Umueze. The community conducted election for the traditional ruler on Saturday, 12 April where Chief Emeka Ani overwhelmingly emerged the winner. Recieving the Igwe-elect with the Town Union executive and some elders of the community, the local government chairman, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo described the Igwe -  elect as the people's choice which he said manifested in his overwhelming success at the polls. He further described the election as credible, calm and peaceful saying that Umueze as a community had always been law-abiding people and supportive to government policies and programmes. The council boss advised Igwe - elect, Chief Ani to see his emergence as a call to serve his people and not an opportunity to create unnecessary ...

A recently surfaced video has ignited widespread concern across Nigeria, featuring members of a joint security task force expressing deep frustration over their operational constraints in combating banditry in the country’s northern regions. In the viral footage, the security personnel lament being deployed into perilous situations with minimal weaponry and, more troublingly, under strict directives not to engage or harm the bandits they are meant to confront. The officers questioned the rationale behind such orders, especially when they possess actionable intelligence on the bandits’ locations and believe they have the capacity to neutralize these threats effectively. One officer voiced his dismay, stating: “We are sent into the forests with little to defend ourselves and told not to harm the bandits. It's disheartening when we know where they are and could act decisively if permitted.” This revelation has sparked debates over the alleged politicization of security operations...