FountainCare Reporters

According to reports, over 1.5 million people in Enugu State do not have access to basic water services. This water scarcity has an undulating effect on health, social life, and the economy of the state. The water crisis also has ripple effects on hygiene, worsening the menace of open defecation and poor hygiene. On the rural communities, and even in parts of the Enugu city, citizens have taken their fates in their own hands by digging wells or resorting to contaminated streams. In the urban areas, Enugu people have generally resorted to water tankers to cushion the effect of water scarcity. Water tanker owners, Shylocks that they are, having observed how important they are, threw caution to the wind in raising price of water. In fact, in the last one year alone, there has been100 percent increase in water prices, worsening the untold hardships faced by Enugu people in the face of ever-rising general cost of living. The worst part is that during the dry season, it takes up to a week or

  Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on improved security of lives and property in the state, saying Mbah’s commitment to maintain very good working relationship with the armed forces would continue to bring enhanced peace and security in the South East region. Air Marshal Abubakar said the Nigeria Airforce had recently invigorated its operations for peace and security in the region through the air components of the joint task force, Operation Udoka II, headquartered in Enugu by injecting a fresh set of troops. This was even as Governor Mbah separately assured the Chief of the Air Staff and visiting participants of the Senior Course 46 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State, of his administration’s continued partnership with the security forces for the security and stability of Enugu and the South East region. The Chief of the Air Staff gave the commendation on Thursday when he led the top eche

For the residents of the city of Enugu and those that have been following the disturbing trend over the past 20 years, what Enugu has in coal it lacks in water. Coal is in abundance and that informs the reflective sobriquet of Enugu as the “Coal City State,” while water had not only become a scarce luxury and expensive commodity but also a perennial endemic the people of the state had come to live with. They had accepted their fate in the face of helplessness, frustration and entrenched despondency. Thirsty tongues could only wag in despair, raspy voice from a droughting throat and the endless search for water continued. The people of Coal City often put up melancholic faces whenever the issues of water were raised, and their hearts palpitated once they remembered that dry season was around the corner. An offer of water to a visitant was like a priceless gift treasured by the benevolent host. The beautiful city of Enugu over the past two decades became an epitome of desert in an obscur

A wave of jubilation has swept through Enugu as the Gburugburu Free Surgery Programme, founded by former Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, successfully delivered two baby boys through separate Caesarean Sections (CS). Additionally, the program saved the life of a 1-year-5-months-old boy by addressing a Right Hydrocoele of the Cord through surgical procedures. Families of the newborns expressed overwhelming joy and gratitude for the successful deliveries facilitated by the humanitarian healthcare initiative, heaping prayers on Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his compassionate for humanity. The parents of the 1-year-5-months-old boy, whose life was saved through the surgical procedure, joined the celebration, highlighting the transformative impact of the Gburugburu Free Surgery Programme in Enugu State which they're now among the beneficiaries. Dr. George Ajogwu, the Director-General of the Gburugburu Free Surgery Programme, shared details of the remarkable surgeries.

  In a public service announcement, the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, mandated the verification and biometric capturing of all local government workers. The verification committee will be inaugurated on December 1, 2023, at the Government House, Enugu, with the exercise continuing until February 2024.  Workers are required to present their appointment letters and duty schedules, and non-compliance may result in the termination of employment. Additionally, local governments must submit weekly attendance lists to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government by Wednesdays. Signed by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, this directive takes effect from November 30, 2023. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT VERIFICATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT WORKERS The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has directed the verification and biometric capturing of all local government workers in the state. The verification com

In a somber announcement, Prof. Mohammed Bawa, the Acting President of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA), confirmed the untimely demise of Mr Emeka Ogbu. Ogbu, who held the position of NUGA President since his election in March 2022, passed away on Monday after a brief illness. FountainCare Reporters brings you this saddening update, noting that Ogbu, also the Director of Sports at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), played a significant role in the sporting community. Professor Bawa conveyed the news to newsmen in Jos on Wednesday, highlighting the void left in the leadership of NUGA by Ogbu's passing. The entire Nigerian Universities Games Association mourns the loss of a dedicated leader, and the broader sports community expresses condolences to the family and colleagues of Mr Emeka Ogbu.

In a shocking development, Appeal Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday sacked the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In the judgement, the Appeal Court declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Sa’ad Abdullahi Ibrahim (Turakin-Opanda), as the rightful winner of the election for Umaisha/Ugya State Constituency.

Ugwuaji community in Enugu South Local Government Council is experiencing jubilation following the successful intervention of Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi's Gburugburu Free Surgery Programme. The initiative recently saved 14-year-old Chukwuemeka Chidera, 08100433811, from Ugwuanyi community, who was grappling with Right Inguinal Hernia. The timely Herniorrhaphy Surgery conducted under the program became a beacon of hope for the young boy. Former Governor Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi received praise not only for Chukwuemeka's rescue but also for extending his compassionate gesture to 35-year-old Mr. Ezugwu Chidera, 08022821266. Mr. Ezugwu, burdened by a giant Lipoma on his chest, found relief through Lumpectomy, courtesy of Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi's healthcare initiative. Another beneficiary, 61-year-old Mr. Kelvin Nnadi, 07034922385, from Eha-Alumona, had a Giant Lipoma on his neck successfully removed through Lumpectomy, further highlighting the Gburugburu Free Surgery Program

To foster entrepreneurship and address the challenges faced by startups, the Enugu SME Center is set to host the second edition of the Enugu Skill Acquisition Masterclass (ESAM) Plus. The theme for this edition is “Navigating Challenges in Growing and Scaling a Startup.” Dated for Saturday, 2nd December 2023, the event will kick off at 10 AM and take place at Bridge Waters Okpara Avenue, Enugu. The distinguished panel of speakers for this edition comprises esteemed industry leaders and seasoned entrepreneurs. Among them are; Napa Onwusah , Startup Leader at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Cynthia Chisom , Founder of SDC Startup School; and Koromone Koroye , Co-founder of Jamit. The masterclass will delve into crucial topics such as the strategic use of technology for scaling startups, overcoming challenges encountered during periods of growth, and effective methodologies to navigate and surpass obstacles. Furthermore, the discussion will touch on the pivotal role of media in enhancing start

The assistant national youth leader of Ohanaeze Ndígbo worldwide, Ogbonnia Wenceslaus, has conveyed warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Barr. Chima Obieze following his recent victory at the Court of Appeal. In a statement from the National headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndígbo in Enugu, Ogbonnia emphasized that Obieze's triumph symbolizes hope and the continuation of the impactful work encapsulated in the PEOPLE’S CHARTER OF NEEDS. The Court of Appeal in Lagos declared Obieze the rightful winner of the March 18th poll to represent Ezeagu constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly. The ruling resulted in the removal of Jude Udefuna of the Labour Party for not meeting the constitutional requirements for the election. Ogbonnia expressed confidence in Obieze's ability to make a lasting impact on the lives of his constituents, stating, "This victory at the Appeal court marks the beginning of a new chapter in your political career, and I have no doubt that you will seize this opp

In a bid to prioritize community health, the Paul Basil Iloegbouba Foundation has declared its annual Free Mega Medical Outreach scheduled for the 12th of December 2023, starting at 7:00 am. The event will be held at Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu. This remarkable initiative, powered by Horizontal City Property Developers Limited, features a comprehensive range of services, including Free Medical and Dental Therapy, Minor Surgical Operations, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Services, Health Education, Ophthalmology, and Physical Fitness. The foundation, a Non-governmental humanitarian organization established in 2014 by Engr. Paul Basil Iloegbouba and his Vice President, Mrs. Favour Basil, has been consistently addressing the diverse needs of the community for over nine years. The couple's commitment extends beyond physical health, emphasizing spiritual well-being. Engr. Paul Basil Iloegbouba and Mrs. Favour Basil have empowered over 250 individuals financially, enabli

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken decisive action, suspending all wet-leased aircraft operated by United Nigeria Airlines (UNA). This move comes in the wake of a controversial incident involving the diversion of a UNA aircraft from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) to Asaba International Airport. Sources within the NCAA reveal that the regulatory body communicated its decision to the airline's Chief Operating Officer (COO) on Monday. The suspension is expected to remain in effect until a thorough inquiry into the Sunday incident is concluded. Following the diversion incident, which gained widespread attention on social media, Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Musa Nuhu, convened an emergency meeting. During this session, it was determined that the airline's explanation for the diversion was deemed insufficient by the authority. Contrary to UNA's claims of adverse weather conditions in Abuja at the time, reports from Air Traffic C

Confusion erupts as the Appeal Court in Lagos overturned the Enugu State Election Petition Tribunal's earlier decision, reinstating Hon. Williams Amuka of the Labour Party as the legitimate representative for Igbo Etiti West in the Enugu State House of Assembly. The contentious legal battle ensued when Ugwu Charles Chukwuebuka of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) contested Amuka's victory declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). On September 30, the Election Petition Tribunal nullified Hon. Amuka's election, prompting the Labour Party candidate to take the case to the appellate court. A unanimous decision by the three-man panel of justices, led by Hon. Justice Bolaji Yusuf, recognized the merit in Amuka's appeal, upholding INEC's declaration of him as the rightful winner of the March 18 House of Assembly election. Responding to the verdict, Chibuzor Ezike Esq., one of Hon. Williams Amuka's counsels, expressed gratitude to the Court of A

The appeal court seating in Lagos state has, over the weekend, upturned the decision of the election tribunal which had earlier upheld the election of the Labour Party house of assembly candidate for Ezeagu state constituency of Enugu state, Udefuna Chukwudi over the case filed at the tribunal by the PDP candidate in the 2023 election, Bar. Chima Obieze.   The Judgement of the appeal court has reversed the decision of the tribunal and restored Obieze as rightfully winner elected member of the state house of assembly, thereby nullifying the election of the Labour Party Candidate   It will be recalled that on September 28th, 2023, the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Enugu state had given its Judgement that left many, including senior lawyers stunned in the petition of the Peoples’ Democratic Party and her candidate for Ezeagu state constituency, Rt. Hon. Barr. Chima Obieze. While the petition was on three grounds- invalid nomination; non-quali

  In a joint operation on Sunday, the Enugu State Police and Department of State Service (DSS) successfully neutralized three male armed robbery suspects in a fierce gun battle at Second Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu. According to a statement by Mr. Daniel Ndukwe, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Enugu State Command, the operation yielded significant results. Two locally-made revolver pistols, six live rounds of .9mm calibre ammunition, and an operational tricycle with Enugu registration number MGL 100 WL were among the items recovered. The gang's criminal activities were not limited to weaponry, as the security forces seized a considerable amount of cash totaling approximately five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000.00). Additionally, the recovery included rolls of POS transaction printing papers, assorted mobile phones, wallets, bags, and various other items believed to have been stolen from POS operators and their customers during previous attacks across Enugu metr

In a joint statement, the Ministry of Information and Communication, Enugu State, and the Ministry of Works have alerted the public to an upcoming controlled explosion at the collapsed bridge near the New-Artisan Axis, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. Scheduled for Monday, November 27, 2023, the controlled explosion aims to facilitate the restoration of the failed bridge. The operation will be led by the Commander Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), in collaboration with the anti-Bomb units of the police, the Zonal Mines Officer, and DSS personnel responsible for the explosive unit. To ensure public safety, the charging process will commence at 10 am, with the actual blasting set for 5 pm on the same day. The Ministries emphasize that this measure is vital for the well-being of residents in the vicinity and the entire Enugu community. The announcement, signed by Aka Eze Aka, Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communication, Enugu State, and Engr Gerald Otiji, Hon. Commissioner for Wo

  A Women and Youth Livelihood Specialist and the Acting Project Coordinator of Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project Enugu State Mrs Ihuoma Eze has been rewarded by the Potter's Wheel Foundation's 2023 Awards for her Honesty, Sincerity and Professionalism in discharging her duties in APPEALS. The award presentation took place during the grand finale of the Foundation's "Enugu Women and Youth Productive Skill Fair" that also marked their 3rd Anniversary on the 24th of November 2023 at Indoor Sports Hall, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Stadium, Enugu. The award presented to her by a prominent figure and erudite scholar, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, a former minister of Petroleum and former Vice-Chancellor of University of Nigeria Nsukka, stands as a clear appreciation for her diligent service to Enugu State as the acting coordinator of Enugu APPEALS Project. In her thank you speech, Mrs Ihuoma Eze commended the efforts of Potter'

In a landmark ruling today, the Court of Appeal in Lagos has overturned the victory of Hon. Udefuna Chukwudi of the Labour Party as the representative for Ezeagu Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly. The court cited the failure of Chukwudi to meet constitutional requirements as the basis for this decision. Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious following his legal challenge against the validity of Chukwudi's nomination, his alleged non-qualification, and purported disregard for the 2022 electoral act. Earlier, on September 28th, 2023, the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions sitting in Enugu state had upheld Chukwudi's victory, asserting that his election adhered to the electoral act and met the minimum requirements. However, Obieze contested this decision, arguing that Justice Adie Attoe's panel ruling on Chukwudi's qualification contradicted the 1999 constitution and a previous Supreme Court ju

  FULL TEXT OF GOVERNOR PETER MBAH'S SPEECH: The Commissioning of the Ultra-modern 24/7 Water Scheme at 9th Mile Corner, Enugu Today, Saturday, 25th November, 2023 It is said that the journey of a thousand miles starts with a first step. Ndi Enugu, as we gather today to commission this ultra-modern water scheme, allow me to felicitate you all as we make yet another step on this journey to realizing our vision for the state, a vision, which will see Enugu become ‘one of the top 3 states in Nigeria in terms of Gross Domestic Product, and achieve a zero percent rate in the poverty headcount index’.  I cannot help but think back to our campaigns before the elections, where it all started. Given our vision and mission for the state, it became evident to us very quickly that the challenge of water supply is fundamental to the achievement of our objective to take our GDP in the state from the current position of $4.4 billion to $30 billion within the next 4-8 years. It was clear to us tha