There was jubilation on Friday as outgoing Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, inaugurated multiple projects in the university town of Nsukka, to mark the successful end of his administration. Ugwuanyi inaugurated the 5,000 capacity stadium which would complement the Akanu Ibiam Stadium inside the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN.
The governor expressed delight that the ultra-modern stadium fitted with tartan tracks and astroturf for track and field competitions as well as the full complement of other ancillary facilities including floodlights has been superbly completed for public use.
His words, “The good people of Enugu North Senatorial District will definitely relish the opportunities that this sporting facility will unleash especially the development of sports talent among the youths.”
He congratulated the contractor, COPEN GROUP, for the quality and timely delivery while appreciating the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for expert supervision, saying: “It is therefore my profound honour to formally inaugurate this engineering masterwork, to the Glory of God and benefit of the good people of Nsukka Cultural Zone and beyond."
The governor had earlier inaugurated the Enugu State Secretariat Annex, Nsukka; the Nsukka Conference Centre adjacent to the State Secretariat Annex; the 5,000-seat Nsukka Township Stadium; and the Nsukka Press Centre.
Inaugurating the State Secretariat Annex, Nsukka, Governor Ugwuanyi said that the iconic and befitting edifice on three floors with 27 offices and other ancillary facilities, located at Ede-Oballa, Nsukka Local Government Area has reduced cost, turnaround time and engendered cohesion and efficiency in the operations and coordination of government’s administrative activities.
Governor Ugwuanyi, who received accolades from the civil servants through the Head of Service, Ken Chukwuegbo and the host community, Ede-Oballa, through Chief Engr. Vita Abba and the traditional rulers of the four autonomous communities, for his vision, foresight and timely actualisation of the project, said that the operationalisation of the state Secretariat Annex has reduced the travel time/distance of staff of the state’s public service zonal offices who no longer need to travel to Enugu on a regular basis for the conduct of their activities.
The story was the same at the inauguration of the Nsukka Press Centre newly built by his administration in fulfillment of its commitment to provide a conducive work environment for the Nsukka Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Enugu State Chapter.
Ugwuanyi had, in 2022 inaugurated a befitting Enugu Press Centre for the NUJ in the state, which was remodelled by his administration.
The remodelling of the NUJ Enugu Press Centre, named after Governor Ugwuanyi, was the first intervention on the facility in the last 30 years.
Inaugurating the Nsukka Press Centre, Governor Ugwuanyi stated that his administration was grateful to God for affording it the enablement to fulfill its promise, adding that “it is our expectation that this chapel will be inspired by this gesture to re-commit to vibrant and responsible journalism in pursuit of a better society for all.”
Dignitaries at the event include the member representing Nsukka East Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Nwamba, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, Head of Service, Mr. Ken Chukwuegbo, former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Engr. Vita Abba, former PDP Presidential Aspirant, Chief Charlie Ugwu, former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dan Shere, Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Walter Ozioko, Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Mr. Robinson Odoh, Deputy Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Mr. Sylvanus Asogwa, and former Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Ogbo Asogwa, Hon. Amos Amadi Agbo, clergymen, traditional rulers, youth and women groups, among others.
