2023: OVER THREE YEARS OF PEOPLE-CENTRED AND RESULT – ORIENTED REPRESENTATION: AN APPRAISAL OF THE LEGENDARY EXPLOITS OF HON. MRS. JANE CHINWE ENEH, CHIEF WHIP ENHA AS MEMBER REPRESENTING AWGU NORTH CONSTITUENCY

By Christian Enebe

The role of women towards achieving gender balance and the development of a nation cannot be overemphasized. Gender balance is considered a critical global need that is central in promoting the stability of the society and all-round progress. The issues of gender balance has remained on the front burner with increasing demand for women to be accorded equal opportunities, allowed to maximize their potentials and contribute their quota to the development of the nation.

As a matter of fact, it is believed that a balanced society, that is holistic in approach to human welfare and development, cannot be achieved without the critical involvement of women in decision making and without giving women a voice. Some proponents of gender balance argue that men cannot feel what women feel and may not see what they see and as such cannot take the place of women in the society. This is not arguable. In fact, there is no gainsaying the fact that there is need for female members of the society to complement their male counterparts towards the betterment of humanity.

This is the reason the desire for women to be given opportunity to be involved in playing leadership roles and to participate in representing or adding their voices for the good of the people, has intensified in recent time with different countries going as far as making policy adjustments and legislating to accommodate more women in corridors of power.

In Nigeria, the impact of amazons like the late Dora Akunyiili, the very vibrant Oby Ezekwesili, the celebral and high impact Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, among others, who have showcased the indispensability of women in shaping a balanced and holistic society, remains a reference point. This partly explains the overwhelming support the good people of Awgu North Constituency accorded Hon. Mrs. Jane Chinwe Eneh which led to her emergence in 2019.

June 10, 2019 remains a memorable day in the annals of Enugu State. As may be recalled, it was the day the 7th Assembly of the Enugu State House of Assembly was inaugurated. It was a historic day for the entire Enugu State in general and for Awgu North Constituency in particular as Hon. Mrs. Jane Chinwe Eneh was on that day, sworn-in as Member representing Awgu North State Constituency. Upon taking the oat of office on that historic day, she became the first woman in history to represent the good people of Awgu North State Constituency. On that same day, she made yet another history when she was unanimously elected the Chief Whip of the Enugu State House of Assembly based on nobility of character and competence.

To say that Hon. Mrs. Jane Eneh’s exploits since assuming office are legendary and have justified the quest for women involvement in governance, would amount to stating the obvious. The truth is that virtually everyone in her constituency and beyond has been amazed by her remarkable achievements. She has not only delivered the goods but has become more than a representative to her Constituents. She practically assumed a mother figure and has touched lives in very unique ways aside discharging her traditional legislative duties with passion.

Besides, the legislative efforts she has undertaken in the course of representing the good people of Awgu North and the service she has heartily rendered in about three years and six months in office, reflect a whole-hearted dedication to her duty and a selfless commitment to the welfare and common aspiration of her people.

Barely two months of her assuming office, Awgu North Constituency was confronted by one of the most hideous security situations in recent history culminating in indiscriminate abductions and mindless killings of our people. Recognizing the hallowed duty which has been assigned to her and how it affects our people, she rose up to the occasion and without delay, co-sponsored a motion of urgent public importance on the need to intensify security in all rural areas and highways in Enugu State with specific emphasis on Awgu North.

This historic motion, which was unanimously adopted by the House, offered complementary impetus to the comprehensive and sustained actions of our responsive Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi by which the unfortunate situation was arrested and the incessant kidnappings and gruesome killings of Ndi Enugu curtailed. She is equally instrumental to the initiation and passing of many other strategic motions and has contributed significantly to the success of many critical bills in the hallowed Chambers of the Enugu state House of Assembly including the Bill to Establish the Enugu State University of Education, Ihe, which she worked assiduously and together with her colleagues at the Enugu State House of Assembly to ensure its speedy pssage into law. As if that was not enough, she donated a state of the art Toyota Sienna car to security operatives in Awgu North to aid their services and ensure protection of lives and properties of the good people of Awgu North Constituency.

Aside her legislative functions which she has discharged with every sense of responsibility, Hon. Mrs. Jane Eneh has demonstrated an undisputable commitment to the welfare of her Constituents to deserve a second term in office. Within her first three months in office, she paid an official visit to all the public primary and secondary schools in Awgu North constituency in order to familiarize herself with the needs of the schools. In the course of her visits, she observed that many of the pupils did not have necessary writing materials and could not actively participate in class work.

In a quick response, she distributed writing materials (notebooks, pens and pencils) to all the pupils and students in all the public schools in Awgu North, in an effort to improve their chances to succeed, improve the quality of learning in our schools and assist our children realize their dreams. She also constructed some classroom desks and repaired bad ones to improve the learning conditions in some of the schools she visited. Above all, she took it upon herself to request for more classroom desks from government for some of the schools, followed up until they were provided. This she did in order to ensure adequate supply of their requirements and to improve their learning condition.

Having observed the difficulty faced by some students and their inability to pay school fees (levies), she undertook the payment of the school fees of one hundred (100) indigent students in various public secondary schools in Awgu North. Ten needy students were selected as beneficiaries from each of the ten old communities in Awgu North, namely: Agbogugu, Ogbaku, Ihe, Isu-Awaa, Ituku, Agbudu, Amoli, Owelli, Ogugu and Ugbo communities. The beneficiaries were also spread across all the public secondary schools in the Constituency.

Although tasking, she did not relent as she went on to offset their school fees from JSS 1 and continued till they completed their JSS 3. She equally paid their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) fees as well as the first term fees of their SS1 and has resolved that she will extend the scholarship till they finish their secondary education. Despite the huge financial burden she bears as a result, she has continued to make the sacrifices and to bear the burden, given as she reasoned, that these efforts are an investment to our common future which as far as she is concerned, these students represent. According to her, “the son of a nobody today can become somebody in the future even without knowing anybody. We must contribute our quota to make a difference.”

It didn’t end there. Buoyed by the Enugu state government’s education policy thrust: to give every child access to quality education, which has inspired massive reconstruction of existing structures and construction of new buildings across schools in Enugu state to improve the learning condition of our schools, Hon. Eneh, upon assumption of office, vigorously pursued the approval of His Excellency the Governor for additional renovations and construction of more school buildings in Awgu North Constituency and to the glory of God, His Excellency, Governor Ugwuanyi graciously approved six school building projects in the first tranche based on the needs of the schools.

She further expedited action to secure the second and third tranches of the projects that covered all the wards and practically all the communities in Awgu North where the need was identified. Hence, Awgu North can now boast of the following completed projects: an ultramodern classroom block at Community Secondary School, Ituku, an ultramodern Exam Hall at Community Secondary School, Ituku, , an ultramodern classroom block at Community Secondry School Ogbaku, an ultramodern classroom block at Community School, Umuonwo, Ihe, an ultramodern classroom block at Primary School, Ihe.

Also, an ultramodern classroom block at UPE Owelli, an ultramodern classroom block at Girls Secondary School Owelli, an ultramodern classroom block at Central School, Ogugu, an ultramodern classroom block at Community Primary School, Otunko, Amoli, an ultramodern classroom block at Community Primary School, Nkwor, Amoli, an ultramodern classroom block at Community Primary School, Agbudu, an ultramodern classroom block at Community Seconday School Agbudu, an ultramodern classroom block at Community Seconday School, Ohumagu, Agbogugu, among other interventions.

She further deepened her Contribution to education and the welfare of Ndi Awgu North when she set up her adult education Programme which was made open to all interested persons in Awgu North Constituency. She went further to engage 100 retired teachers and others as tutors who were paid monthly. These teachers, as in other cases, were selected from the ten old communities of Awgu North.

In the same vein, she has not rested on her oars in her continuous effort to empower our women and youths. In this regard, she has explored employment opportunities and facilitated efforts leading to gainful employment of our youths, having used her good offices to ensure that the good people of Awgu North Constituency benefitted reasonably from the recent recruitment of teachers and other job opportunities in the state.

She has also promoted active engagement of our youths and supported our youths to acquire skills and become self-employed. Hon Eneh took her empowerment initiatives to another level when she appointed more than sixty (60) Ndi Awgu (from both Awgu North and South) into different positions in her office in what was described as taking the bull by the horns. This is not to mention those encouraged and supported in various ways to start up small scale businesses and those she gave motorcycle, sewing machine and other forms of support to aid their survival.

Our women were not left out. A good number of our women, selected from the various communities in Awgu North, were offered the opportunity to participate in a periodic empowerment workshop for rural women and community leaders which she organized in collaboration with WACOL and the National Democratic Institute towards equipping them for survival.

Widows were not forgotten either. As part of her annual Christmas and welfare package, two hundred (200) indigent widows among us, selected from the ten old communities of Awgu North, were recently supported with food materials, clothes and provided with other forms of assistance. Hon. Eneh as her custom is, provided weave-ons and arranged hairstylists who plaited their hairs and beautified them for Christmas. This has been an annual ritual since she assumed office in 2019. Hence, in these three years and six months, several indigent widows have benefitted from her rare generosity.

Since 2019, she has also been offering our people opportunities to travel to the Holy Land for pilgrimage. A number of persons, selected from different communities in Awgu North, were offered opportunities of a fully sponsored trip to the holy land (Israel) for pilgrimage. The latest set of these lucky pilgrims left Nigeria for Israel last month and are back to the country with testimonies, thanking God, the Enugu State Government and Hon. Jane Eneh for the opportunity to walk where Jesus walked.

Following the outbreak of coronavirus in 2020 which induced unprecedented hardship on our people, Hon. Jane Eneh distributed with dispatch, one hundred and fifty bags of rice and fifty cartons of Indomie noodles while embarking on an awareness campaign in order to ease the suffering of our people particularly the elderly, nursing mothers, the indigent and physically challenged who she considered most vulnerable.

All through these over three years in office, she remained united with our people, stood with them and carried them along, giving succour to those in need and helping in every way she could. Periodically, she offers free fuel (PMS) to over 200 Okada and Keke riders drawn from the ten (10) communities in Awgu North to improve their living conditions. She did this five times last year alone and has remained steadfast in ensuring the well-being of our people.

Hon. Jane Eneh can be described as a very compassionate woman and as a true leader, who would rather go hungry than see a suffering person and ignore him or her. She doesn’t mind inconveniencing herself for the good of others and for the common good. Hence, despite the heavy load of support to several constituents, she did not hesitate to assist one of us, Chiagozie Ekoh, who was an awaiting patient at UNTH Ituku Ozalla for about a year. She assisted his poor family to pay over three hundred thousand naira needed to offset Chiagozie’s hospital bills so that he could regain his freedom. 

She also supported a distressed elder, Aguocha Mbagu, the erstwhile eldest man in Ihe, now late) and his family to replace their roof after their roof was damaged accidentally. She also remembered the physically challenged. She provided Emeka Nweke a brand new wheel chair enabling him to move about, supported him to set up a small business and even assisted him to get married, making his life more meaningful in the process. Myles Monroe had her type of leaders in mind when he stated without equivocation that “True leadership is not about power but about empowerment.”

Her remarkable leadership and outstanding achievements did not go unnoticed. Aside the overwhelming support and encouragement of her Constituents, Hon. Jane Eneh emerged Leadership Scorecard Woman Leader of the year, 2019 based on her remarkable performance and visibility. In 2021, she was listed by AnedoOnline Media among the top five female politicians in Enugu State, a milestone which was based on her remarkable achievements. Also in 2021, she was decorated with the 2021 Woman Dignity Award based on her track record, performance and outstanding leadership prowess as explained by the conveners. She has also been laureled among other achievers in various other fora in Enugu State and beyond as an eloquent testimony to her legendary exploits.

Time will fail me to talk more about her other transformational grassroots initiatives, strategic women empowerment initiatives, party welfare programmes, respect for leaders/stakeholders, welfare of constituents or to highlight more about her selflessness, generosity, firmness of character and fear of God.

Hon. Jane Eneh is no doubt a visionary who has performed exceptionally well and has changed the narratives. She doubtless deserves our support and votes.

Support and Vote for Hon. Mrs. Jane Chinwe Eneh.
Support and Vote PDP
#JaneCares
#TomorrowIsHere

*DR. PETER MBAH RECEIVES THE PETER MBAH GRASSROOTS CANVASSERS IN ENUGU, EXPRESSES SATISFACTION WITH THEIR STRATEGIES*
*…reassures them that their efforts have indication and are not displaced.*

As the Enugu State PDP gears up for the Governorship/State House of Assembly campaigns ahead of the 2023 elections, a field action group, Peter Mbah Grassroots Canvassers *(PMGC)*, which aims at mobilizing critical support and votes for the Enugu State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr. Peter Mbah and other candidates of the Party, has assured him that they will deepen their impact in the grassroots by taking their canvassing activities to every polling booth, community, village and kindred in the state to ensure that the good people of Enugu State vote massively for him and other PDP candidates in the March 2023 elections.

The group, led by two esteemed B.O.T members of the noble organization,  Rt. Hon. Prince Offor Chukwuegbo, Member Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. KGB Oguakwa, a former two time Member of the Federal House of Representatives and the Director General *(DG)* of the organization,  Owelle Engr. Barr. Steve Avah, paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Peter Mbah  in Enugu yesterday, October 8, 2022.

In his speech on behalf of the organization, Barr. Avah assured Dr. Peter Mbah that the group is an action group engaged in field operation and has strong presence down to every political ward, community, village, kindred and polling units across the state and reiterated the group’s determination to raise the bar of their ongoing canvassing during the campaigns to ensure his victory and those of other PDP sponsored candidates in the state in 2023.

The visit was an epoch – making event designed to intimate Dr. Mbah with the group’s efforts towards consolidating electioneering campaigns and deepening grassroots mobilization aimed at securing massive votes and electoral victory for Dr. Peter Mbah and his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai as well as other PDP candidates in 2023.

According to Barr. Avah, “we are volunteers, a project team. We volunteered ourselves; we conscripted ourselves by ourselves to undertake this mission. Considering the BIVAS Technology, we decided to conscript ourselves to take the message about your very reassuring candidacy to every voter in Enugu state. You have done it at a personal level and we have no doubt that you will do it for the state, he said.

Continuing, he said, “Peter Mbah Grassroots Canvassers is a field and action team that aims at reaching out to every card – carrying voter in Enugu State towards ensuring the success of Dr. Peter Mbah/Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai 2023 as well as other PDP Candidates. The Organization’s efforts is to massively reach out to mobilize every eligible voter in every polling booth in the state. We engage people at individual level, also in families, kindreds, villages, communities and Wards.

Corroborating the Director General’s statement, Engr. Christian Enebe, the Coordinator of Awgu LGA of the Organization, stated that the group is inspired and driven by the achievements of Dr. Peter Mbah, his capacity to deliver and the promise of his candidacy. He stated that the members of the group are volunteers who believe in the promising candidacy of Dr. Mbah and are as such his converts who are now converting others. According to him, the group is focused on the grassroots and specifically on the polling booths.

In their respective speeches, Hon. Cornelius Ugwu, Coordinator, Enugu East LGA and Barr. T. I. Ugwonna, Coordinator, Uzo Uwani LGA of *PMGC*, described the structure of the group at the grassroots level and the widespread nature of the organization that makes it tick.

In his speech, Rt. Hon. Prince Offor Chukwuegbo, a ranking Member of the House of Representatives, representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency and a revered B.O.T member of the organization, stated that he was convinced that Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is the next Governor of Enugu State. He informed Barr. Mbah that the group is made up of well known quality men and women in the state who are capable of moving mountains.

Going further, he stated that in the history of electioneering in Enugu state, there had never been this number of Coordinators working for a candidate. He described members of Peter Mbah Grassroots Canvassers as strong men and women and assured Barr. Mbah that they are standing solidly behind him.

According to him, he belonged to more more than fifteen (15) support groups but after understudying this one, I began to loose interest in some of them because of the programmes and agenda of this group which he said, has a direct impact on the polls. “With this particular group, we are going to deliver one hundred (100) percent”, he said.

“God gives power and it has pleased Him to choose you and we cannot but support you”, Offor promised. He added that the fact that Dr. Peter Mbah is coming from the private sector is an advantage. According to him, “It means that he will competently manage the economy and business of the state which is critical and a priority” he remarked.

In his response, the Enugu State PDP Governorship Candidate for the 2023 election, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, expressed satisfaction with the visit and thanked the group for coming. “Obviously, you have taken your time to understudy the task ahead and you have developed clear strategies for realizing our common and collective objective which is winning the  election, come next year. So, I ‘d like to reassure you that your decision and the effort you are making are not displaced. “They, indeed have indication and the indication is that we are charging ourselves up to eventually become good ancestors”, he said.

“We speak a lot about the future and that is because we have a past that has been bequeathed to us and we are somehow, challenging ourselves on what future we want to bequeath to our children”, he further stated. We have been talking about: “launching a quantum leap”, “disruptive innovation” and “tomorrow is here.” These statements reflect our ideas and philosophy and require urgent and integrated plans”, Dr. Mbah quipped.

Talking about growing the economy of the state from a GDP of $4.4B to $30B, it requires us growing the economy seven folds in the next 4 to 8 years. We cannot do that by marginal growth strategy. This is why we talk about disruptive innovation. We have to disrupt the status quo in order for us to achieve such humongous growth. So, we developed growth plans that will take us there, he further revealed.

As a result, you have things like sector – based productivity growth. If we talk about agriculture for instance,  we have relevant technologies designed to drive the sector.
We are interested in our energy, mineral sector, we are interested in our infrastructure, we are interested in our ICT infrastructure. A lot of the things we want to do, that will launch us into the quantum leap we are talking about, will require using technology.

Even in our agriculture sector, you will notice a lot of programmes that are technically enabled. Of course, one of our objectives will be to feed Enugu State and make sure that Enugu state is the food basket of the nation; make sure that Enugu state becomes the export hub of agricultural products.

“That essentially, will also require technology”, he said. Continuing, he said, “we are going to have a technology for Agricultural system of transformation in Enugu State. It may sound a bit strange but it is going to be a technology for agricultural system for transformation that will further take agriculture in the state to an enviable level.

He further stated that a lot of things the good people of Enugu State are going to witness, will be things that they are going to be happy about – happy that we are part of this journey of development, happy that we are part of this growth, happy that we are part of this journey of  greatness.
The point is that for our children to mark us out as good ancestors, requires sacrifices and we will do our best to make “Ndi Enugu” and our children proud.

Dr. Peter Mbah was presented with the group’s official cap by the Director General of the organization, Owelle Engr. Barr. Steve Avah.

By *Christian Enebe*
*Ag. Director, Media/Publicity*
*Peter Mbah Grassroots Canvassers*

*PETER MBAH GRASSROOTS CANVASSERS VISIT CHIEF IKEJE ASOGWA, THE NEWLY APPOINTED DG OF BARR. PETER MBAH CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION, CONGRATULATE HIM ON HIS APPOINTMENT AND PLEDGE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH HIM*

The State Executive Committee of Peter Mbah Grassroots Canvassers *(PMGC)* led by the Director General, Sir Steve Avah Esq., today September 7, 2022, paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of Barr. Peter Mbah Campaign Organisation at the Campaign Office, Independence Layout, Enugu.

The visit which was to congratulate the newly appointed Director General over his well deserved appointment by the PDP Governorship Candidate, Barr. Peter Mbah, was part of the group’s efforts to work in close collaboration with the office of the DG and other critical stakeholders towards delivering on their mandate to ensure that come 2023, the good people of the state vote massively for Barr Peter Mbah and other candidates of PDP.

The DG of Peter Mbah Grassroots Canvassers, Sir Steve Avah, in his speech, congratulated Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the “Ide of Iheaka” on his appointment which he described as well deserved and strategic, adding that Chief Ikeje’s style of excellence and result – orientation has distinguished him in the state and made him indispensable in the scheme of things.

Chief Avah went further to state that the group is convinced that the DG will deploy his wealth of experience, political savvy,  competence, capacity, energy and well known never-say-die commitment to duty towards ensuring the success of Barr. Peter Mbah in March 2023.

He equally assured the DG that with  Peter Mbah Grassroot Canvassers and the teeming supporters of Barr. Mbah whose popularity has been on the upward trajectory, that 2023 is a done deal. Sir Steve Avah assured the DG that his group will work closely with him and will swing into full action when governorship campaings commence on October 12, 2022.

In his response, the DG Peter Mbah Campaign Organisation, Chief Asogwa, welcomed Chief Steve Avah and his team to his new office and thanked them for the timely visit. He expressed satisfaction with their visit and mission which he said will promote the good cause of PDP and the Governorship Candidate of the Party, Barr. Peter Mbah which according to him is geared towards the progress of the state and the welfare of the good people of Enugu State.

In his words; “Barr. Peter Mbah is people focused. In line with that, this Organization will receive every group willing to be part of this movement which is already on course with outstretched arms.” There will be no discrmination, he further stated.

Another highpoint of the occasion was the handing over of the group’s letter of congratulations to Chief Ikeje by the DG of the group, Sir Steve Avah Esq.

Chief Dan Nwome, a key member of Barr. Peter Mbah’s media team joined Chief Ikeje to receive the group.

*Christian Enebe*
*Acting Director Media/Publicity*

PETER MBAH GRASSROOTS CANVASSERS (PMGC) INAUGURATES LOCAL GOVERNMENT COORDINATORS IN STYLE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO BARR. PETER MBAH/BARR. IFEANYI OSSAI, OTHER PDP SPONSOSORED CANDIDATES FOR 2023 ELECTION

Peter Mbah Grassroots Canvassers (PMGC) today 21 September 2022, in a very colourful event that was well attended by members from different parts of the state, inaugurated 17 man Local Government Coordinators who were charged with spearheading the activities of the group in their respective Local Government Areas.

The coordinators comprise of Party faithful with proven integrity who  over the years, have exhibited capacity to deliver results and are popular in their respective Local Government Areas.

The Coordinators who were carefully selected from the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu state, along with other members of the group, converged at the White Leaf Hotel, New Haven, Enugu where the inauguration took place.

The inauguration prepared the Coordinators who are the Chief canvassers in their respective Local Government Areas to drive Barr. Peter Mbah’s election victory as well as those of other PDP sponsored candidates through taking the campaign message of the Party and the unique manifesto of Barr. Peter Mbah to the door steps of all the good people of Enugu State of voting age.

In his address, the Director General of the group, Barr. Steve Avah, described the group as a project team of committed men and women determined to use their wealth of experiences to ensure the success of Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and other PDP Candidates in the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria.

According to him, the group is poised to reach every voter in Enugu State from the Local Government, down to the wards, villages and kindreds to canvass for votes and secure deserved victory for our candidates.

In his speech during the occasion, Rt. Hon. KGB Oguakwa, a two time Member Federal House of Representatives that represented Awgu/Aninri/Oji River Federal Constituency and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Organization, described Barr. Peter Mbah as a unique candidate with impeccable character, history of irreproachable entrepreneurship and outstanding achievements.

He stated that it was only wise for Ndi Enugu to give Barr. Peter Mbah an opportunity to replicate his rare achievements in the cooperate world in Enugu state. He went further to commend Barr. Peter Mbah’s running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, whom he described as a highflier and asserted that the good people of Enugu State is blessed to have the duo as the Governorship and Deputy Governorship Candidates at this time. He enjoined the Canvassers  to be dogged and steadfast in the discharge of their duties.

In his very moving speech, another Board of Trustees member of the organization, Rt. Hon. USA Igwesi, former Leader, Enugu State House of Assembly and a former Member of the Federal House of Representatives who represented Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency, described Barr. Peter Mbah
as a professional and businessman with a long track record of excellence who has demonstrated capacity to continue from where Governor Ugwuanyi will leave off and make a significant mark.

According to him, the new BIVAS technology means that it is no longer business as usual. It means that there will be no ballot snatching and there will be no thuggery. He stated that with quality candidates like Peter Mbah, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai and others of PDP extraction on the ballot, the BIVAS is in the interest of PDP. He pointed out that the development underscores the need for taking the good message of Barr. Peter Mbah and PDP to the voters in every nook and cranny of the state, emphasising that he was convinced without any iota of doubt that Ndi Enugu will vote massively for Barr. Peter Mbah and indeed all PDP candidates.

The highpoint of the event  was a brief inauguration ceremony conducted by Hon. Prince USA Igwesi which took place immediately after a formal introduction of the Coordinators who were equipped with the group’s  work plan and charged to leave no stone unturned to ensure the victory of Peter Mbah and other PDP sponsored candidates.

Speaking on behalf of the Local Government Coordinators, Chief Onu Nwodo representing Enugu East Senatorial zone, Hon. Alphonsus Nweze representing Enugu North Senatorial zone and Hon. Onyemachi Jideofor IK (Blunker), representing Enugu West Senatorial zone,  expressed satisfaction with the assignment and pledged on behalf of their colleagues that they will give their best to ensure the victory of Barr. Peter Mbah and other PDP Candidates.

By Christian Enebe
Ag. Director Media/Publicity
PMGC

*PETER MBAH GRASSROOTS CANVASSERS PAY COURTESY VISIT TO THE ENUGU STATE PDP DEPUTY GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, BARR. IFEANYI OSSAI AHEAD OF CAMPAIGNS, PLEDGE TO REACH EVERY VOTER IN THE STATE FOR PETER MBAH, IFEANYI OSSAI AND OTHER PDP CANDIDATES*

As part of preparations for the forthcoming campaigns and the 2023 election, the Peter Mbah Grassroots Canvassers *(PMGC)* led by the BOT members and the Director General of the organization, yesterday, September 21, 2022 were at the residence of the Enugu State PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai to pay him a courtesy visit.

The major objective of the visit by the group was to  assure Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai of the group’s determination to take the message of our Party (PDP) to every nook and cranny of the state and mobilize the voters in the state in order to ensure the victory of Barr. Peter Mbah/Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, and other PDP candidates during next year’s general election.

The group equally used the opportunity to formally congratulate Barr. Ossai on his emergence as the Enugu State PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate which according to the group reflects his electoral value.

Top on the list of those who made the visit were Rt. Hon. KGB Oguakwa, a two time Member of the Federal House of Representatives, who reprented Awgu/Aninri/Oji River Federal Constituency at the green chambers and who was in the meeting in his capacity as one of the BOT Members of the organization that led the visit.

Rt. Hon. Engr. Simon Atigwe, a Member of the Federal House of Representatives currently representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, also a BOT member of the Organization was part of the leadership of the team.

Ikemba, Rt. Hon.Prince USA Igwesi, another powerful BOT Member of the organization, former Leader Enugu State House of Assembly and a former Member of the House of Representatives that represented Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency was also among the leadership team. The Director General (DG) of the organization, Barr. Steve Avah was also among the team that led the visit.

Other members of the group that were in attendance include the 17 local government Coordinators and members drawn from the 17 local Government Areas of the state.

The meeting began with a rousing ovation and songs by members of the group to express their joy when their host, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, showed up. He readily joined in the songs and acknowledged the greeting from his guests and warmly received them.

In his opening speech, the DG Peter Mbah Grassroots Canvassers, Barr. Steve Avah thanked Barr. Ossai for honouring the group’s request to pay a courtesy call on him and for the very warm reception accorded the group.

He further noted that the group was very mindful of the busy nature of his engagement, and accordingly acknowledges the clear and unambiguous display of respect in receiving the group even on short notice.

He went further to intimate Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai on the mission of the group which he said was to assure the incoming Governor of the group’s resolve to ensure the emergence of Barr. Peter Mbah and Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai as Governor and Deputy Governor of Enugu State respectively as well as the success of other PDP Candidates through reaching all eligible voters in every nook and cranny of the state.

Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, in his welcome remarks, appreciated the group for making the visit and thereafter personally went round to have  a handshake with every member of the group who took turns to introduce themselves.

In his response, he acknowledged that the visit of PMGC was the first of its kind stating that he was impressed with the quality, strength and calibre of men that make up the group. He revealed amusingly that he had to invite the Director General (DG) of the Peter Mbah Campaign Organization, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, when he saw the weight of his visitors “so that he would join me to receive them.” Chief Asogwa, the “Ide of Iheaka” joined in receiving members of PMGC.

According to Barr. Ossai, “in the political transition such as we are currently undergoing, you cannot find a more potent means in negotiating this murky road than this devoted canvassers. The reason he said is because power has gone back to the people where it rightfully belongs and we have progressed to a dispensation where the power of engagement and communication will play a significant role in the realization of political interests and ambition.”

He commended the successive PDP governments in the state for the remarkable progress the state has made so far and thanked His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the peace in the state and for creating access and providing the enabling environment to prime investment.

He assured the group that Barr. Peter Mbah will leverage on that to take the state to a higher level stating that Peter Mbah is unmatched in capacity to syndicate both local and bilateral investment. He assured the group that the assignment was worthwhile given the fact that it will doubtless contribute in giving Enugu State the type of leadership it needs at this time.

According to him, “our decision to ask Barr. Peter Mbah to serve us as our Governor is to benefit from the industry he has so much built, from his intellectual energy which he has deployed in his private business, to invest part of it in our state business to create opportunity for young people and move the state to an enviable height.”

In their respective vote of thanks on behalf of the the three Senatorial zones of the state, Chief Onu Nwodo, Hon. Barr. Oforbuike Nwanjoku (Ochiagha Ndumeze) and Hon. Ugwu Amadieze Martins (Mmirimarugo), thanked the incoming Deputy Governor for the warm reception and assured him of the determination of the group to deliver.

*By: Christian Enebe*
*Ag. Director, Media/Publicity*
*PMGC*

*CHIEF WHIP ENUGU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, HON. MRS. JANE C. ENEH: AN EPITOME OF BEAUTY, DOING A BEAUTIFUL WORK*

By *Christian Enebe*

Beauty is defined as a combination of qualities that are esthetically pleasing. Such qualities according to thinkers, may be tangible or intangible; physical or abstract. According to Karl Wilhelm Fredrick Schniegel, “beauty is that which is simultaneously attractive.”

Beauty has also been equated with virtues like character, selflessness, charity and the likes by which humanity has been preserved and advanced. This perception informs the concept of what is regarded as the true meaning of beauty. 

In his reflection on beauty, Audrey Hepburn concluded that “the beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.”

In the light of the foregoing, Hon. Mrs. Jane Eneh, Chief Whip Enugu State House of Assembly representing Awgu North constituency, can be described as an epitome of beauty, a sight to behold, going not only by her facial mode and overall outlook but the nature she has consistently displayed.

According to Women of Impact magazine, “whom (or what) we deem ‘beautiful’ is a reflection of our values.” In line with this view, some schools of thought have come to equate beauty with humanity.

Beauty, whatever the nature or form, is always pleasing and as such, very warmly received and applauded. The outpouring of encomiums that has continued to greet Hon. Mrs. Jane Eneh’s impact on society since she assumed office in 2019 is unparalleled and reminiscent of the applaud that beauty receives whenever and wherever it manifests.

One is reminded of the measureless congratulatory messages that poured on that fateful morning for South African’s Zozibini Tunzi when she displayed the beauty of African woman and clinched the Miss Universe crown in 2019.

According to Channels TV, South Afican president, Cyril Ramaphosa was among those who appreciated and applauded Zozibini’s beauty which was generally believed to derive from her uniqueness.

This is akin to the applaud that Hon. Mrs. Jane Eneh has continued to receive from the great and small as a result of the uniqueness of her representation and the beauty of her heart and personality by which she has won the  hearts of the people that have now come to recognize her not only as a worthy representative but also as their revered queen.

Everywhere she goes, she radiates beauty and leaves indelible footprints on the sands of time. Catholic women Organization of her zone, has continued to celebrate her achievements as one of their longest serving women leaders with amazing results.

The good people of Enugu West Senatorial zone and PDP family, applaud her for being a shinning example and a worthy ambassador given the remarkable role she played as PDP Zonal Woman Leader. As an outstanding social mobilizer, Hon. Eneh leveraged on her position to inspire and motivate the teeming women population in her zone, paving way for more women participation in the political arena. There is no better way to measure Hon. Jane Eneh’s beauty than through guaging the intrinsic joy that these women radiate.

Although society from ages past keeps imposing its changing views about beauty which in essence is both superficial and artificial, the meaning of true beauty, which is found within, remains unchanged and subsists as its true measure.

In the same vein, we may be continually subject to a one-sided perception of what is lovely and what is beautiful, beauty is in fact precisely one’s overall make-up and by which one can be completely defined. That is to say that beauty is not one-sided but total. It is the aggregate of appeal that sometimes transcends sensory perception.

It is the admiration that impeccability evokes. It is the satisfaction that permeates the inner being and elicits convictions, unrestrained approval, followership and applaud of not just the physical appearance but also uncommon virtues and totality of a person.

We recognize beautiful souls in our midst by their uncommon acts in making a difference in the lives of people and leading the way through which people find meaning (in life). Hence, Plato states without equivocation that “beauty has good consequences and it is identifiable with the good.”

Socrates further opines that “there is, besides a sense of what beauty may be, the signs of measure and proportion which signal its presence and it is linked with goodness and  justice.” That is to say that love, kindness, humility, selflessness and other rare virtues that define Hon. Jane Eneh and by which she has made a marked difference, are innate characteristics that signpost true beauty.

Hence, we relate with the beauty of Mother Theresa which humankind still celebrate – not necessarily as a result of her physical attributes but essentially because of her selflessness in founding the Missionaries of Charity reputed for great acts of charity; her life of sacrifice for the good of others, particularly the orphans and the less privileged.

Hon. Mrs. Jane Eneh is the Mother Theresa of our time as far as her acts in her world and sphere of contact is concerned. Within her sphere of contact and available time so far spent in office, she resonates with the beauty of the acts of charity she has bequeathed to human society in the manner of Mother Theresa.

The impact of her beauty on the society is indelible. She has invented a society where the less privileged have woken up to a new hope, a society where an orphan is offered opportunity for free education, a society where the poor rises up to food on the table served by an Angel he has never met, a society where the widow is beautified and her helpless son offered a hope of returning to school, a society where the youths are empowered to truly become future leaders and women receive enablement for greater impact.

These experiences derive from the unique and beautiful heart of Hon. Jane Eneh whose beautiful work and impact is celebrated even beyond her constituency (Awgu North State Constituency), where she shines forth like a star and glows like the morning sun.

She is a vessel in God’s hands, the undisputed choice of Ndi Awgu North Constituency for Enugu State House of Assembly come 2023.

The case of Hon. Jane Eneh has shown why the prolific writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “never loose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.”

*#Agudo ga – eje ozo 2023*
*#Janecares*

*THE SECRET OF HON. JANE ENEH’S UNMATCHED POPULARITY AND INIMITABLE INFLUENCE*

By *Christian Enebe*

One person who has been able to deal with the challenges and demands of her job, who has delivered on the mandate given to her and managed the acceptance and the overwhelming support of the people she is representing creditably, becoming unusually popular, extraordinarily influential and practically unstoppable in the process is the Chief Whip Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Jane C. Eneh, the Honourable Member Representing Awgu North State Constituency. Below are some of the secrets behind her unmatched popularity and inimitable influence:

*Her Philosophy of Life* – Hon. Mrs. Jane Eneh is an ardent advocate of social justice who believes that those lifted should lift others, those who have should share with those who have not, that everyone should lend a hand to a brother or neighbour in need. She is a firm believer in team work and obviously connects the essence of life with love, unity, peace and mutual happiness.

Hon. Eneh seems to have a knack for identifying the need of people around her and committing herself to helping them find answer, direction and happiness. To her, life is about sharing love and working together for the common good. She sees in leadership a rare opportunity to serve and a privilege to better the lives of others and the society at large and not an opportunity for self aggrandizement or to satisfy personal greed.This is the philosophy behind her rare altruistic undertakings and selfless service which she is known for.

*Unique Leadership Style* – Hon. Eneh has a unique nature of providing leadership and motivating the people. She believes in the people. She sees the people as the true custodians of power and always ensures that she unites with them. She believes that she can only draw power from them even though she is privileged to be in position of leadership. She is effective, efficient and has a remarkable team spirit.

Her leadership style is essentially democratic in form. She shares power with the people through practicing social equality and ensures that their interests are always promoted and protected. She offers everyone room to participate and make contributions, and works hard to give them a sense of belonging. This way, she is able to boost their morale and inspire mutual love and cooperation.

*Open Door Policy* – Nothing is as frustrating as dealing with an inaccessible representative or leader. Hon. Eneh unlike such leaders, maintains an open door and outstretched arms to receive people any day, anytime. In doing this, she has helped families pay rent, hospital bills and has supported different groups to mobilize fund for the sick and needy.

She has in many occasions helped to meet the needs of various sick people who have need for major sugeries and costly hospital procedures in Awgu LGA and beyond. She has assisted groups fight injustice against Awgu people, to recover things lost unjustly and has been involved in various advocacies for women and youth empowerment both in the country and beyond.

*Rating* – She is viewed as one of the most outstanding woman leaders of the moment. Despite being a woman, she is  rated among the very best and most of her constituents believe that she is the best for the job considering her achievements in the area of human capital development, empowerment, impact on women and youths, relationship with the people among others which is uncommon. She is tested and trusted.

*Capacity* –  She has been able to carry the entire Constituency along and even extends her impact to Awgu South Constituency. Her output is simply out of the ordinary. This is attributable to her unflagging capacity by which she has attained incredible milestones in the course of representing Awgu North Constituency.

*Performance* – Hon. Jane Eneh is very skilled as far as her job and delivering on her legislative responsibility is concerned. She has performed creditably well and her achievements speak volumes. She has remained top – rated on account of both performing the legislative business of the house where she has been involved in supporting critical bills to see the light of the day and sponsoring motions for the good of her constituency as well as the state.

A good example is the “Motion of Urgent Public Importance on the Need to Intensify Security in all Rural Areas and High-ways in Enugu State” which she co – sponsored and which helped to arrest the activities of kidnappers and other acts of insecurity in Awgu LGA and other parts of the state. As a matter of fact, she has dominated the media space since assuming office in 2019 and the  main reason for her dominating the news is her achievements which are outstanding.

*Lifestyle* – Her mode of living is exemplary. She maintains healthy attitudes and enviable moral standards at all times. Despite being in a position of authority, she prefers a low profile life rather than a luxury lifestyle. She prefers a quiet life of self denial and sacrifice associated with her Christian upbringing and way of life to an egocentric living style obsessed with materialism.
She is ever humble, down to earth, warm, friendly, respectful and caring.

*Competence* – she has attracted a lot of projects and government presence to Awgu North Constituency and has remained a loud and audible Voice for Awgu North Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly. Her loud and audacious voice at the Enugu State House of Assembly, has enabled her make strong impact in the state and contribute in influencing positive changes in her constituency in particular and the state in general.

*Focus* – She is focused on Awgu LGA and specifically Awgu North Constituency, her primary place of assignment. From the individual beneficiary of wheel chair, through the various beneficiaries of hospital bills, sewing machines and other equipment, employment and empowerment to the communities that benefited from the schools she attracted are all from Awgu LGA and her immediate constituency, Awgu North.

Although she focuses on Awgu North Constituency, it is noteworthy that her service to humanity is boundless and extends beyond her immediate environment. Besides, she is also focused on her legislative engagements and has made her constituents proud since assuming office as their representative.

*Result – Orientation* – Hon Jane Eneh is focused on result. Promotion is result – dependent. Her results are there for all to see. Her results are the school buildings constructed in Ihe, Ogbaku, Isu, Ituku, Agbudu, Amoli, Owelli, Ogugu, Ugbo and the ongoing ones in Owelli, Amoli and Agbogugu Communities, the over sixty Awgu people that she employed, the over hundred indigent children enjoying her scholarship, the over hundred widows under her care, the youths empowered with startups, motorcycles, sewing machines, the Okada people that she has been supporting, the retired teachers employed and paid monthly to teach in her adult education classes, the beneficiaries of her free adult education programme, the vehicle donated to neighborhood security operatives, the recovery of Awgu North from kidnappers and restoration of security in the Constituency and others so numerous to mention. It is noteworthy that these achievements have been made possible by the leverage provided by the responsive Government of His Excellency Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Governor of Enugu State.

The invaluable contributions of Hon. Mrs. Jane Eneh, Chief Whip Enugu State House of Assembly, can also be attributed to the reciprocity of palpable love and  unflinching support of the good people of Awgu North. As a matter of fact, the good people of Awgu North Constituency, following her people focused and dedicated service which is well acknowledged and appreciated, have responded with unyielding support mixed with courage, which has become her pillar of support.

It should be emphasized that there is no better time to have a leader of her type than this time, not only because the country is yearning for responsive leaders who will impact positively on the lives of citizens at this critical time, leaders who are strategic, decisive and honest; sensitive leaders who are touched by the concerns of citizens and who are prepared to pay the price to make a difference but also because Awgu North Constituency and indeed Awgu LGA will be better positioned for greater glory.

There is no gainsaying the fact that come 2023, Agudo as she is fondly called deserves the continued love and support of Ndi Awgu North and all Awgu people of good conscience who wish to see the constituency move to greater heights.

*#Agudo ga eje ozo 2023*
*#Janecares*

*By Christian Enebe*

*The incoming Senator of Enugu West Senatorial zone, Engr. Osita Ngwu (RG), the PDP Senatorial Candidate for Enugu West Senatorial District* is highly inspired, motivated and poised to set Enugu West on the path that will lead to new levels of progress, new dimensions of attainments, sustainable growth and improved development that will benefit the good people of the zone.

Engr. Ngwu, in preparing for the big task ahead, carefully developed a blue print which contains his campaign message to the good people of Enugu West Senatorial zone. The manifesto, which is considered to be up to speed with present time and which conforms with today’s trends and realities, is designed to accommodate every component of the zone, cover the interest of every constituent and serve as a roadmap in delivering quality service and worthwhile representation.

One of the critical areas of his focus is youth empowerment. Considering Nigeria’s dwindling economy with attendant financial difficulties confronting majority of the population, particularly the youths and puting into consideration the need to meet global trends and tackle present and emerging global concerns to offer the requisite abilities needed by today’s youth not only to survive but to excel in a fast changing and competitive world, Engr. Ngwu thinks it expedient at this time to prioritize youth empowerment and take it to an enviable level.

Engr. Osita Ngwu, dutifully worked out this programme of action towards improving the socioeconomic situation and circumstances of the Nigerian youths viz Enugu West youths who are also battling with the challenges of unemployment, underemployment and the so called unemployability.

In developing this blueprint, Engr. Ngwu, considered trends in ICT technologies, current directions of IT technology development, solutions that are appropriate for meeting the requirements of 21st century, global development best practices, lastest skills in demand, expertise and competence in various fields of human endeavour, professional and vocational competence variables and  potentialities for growth.

He also reviewed business development concepts, Agriculture loans and grants, Community development indices, budding opportunities in sports, investment opportunities, research and education support, small and medium Agri -business support, scholarships, provision of science equipment and learning tools, etc., vis a vis the state of the nation and the peculiarities of Enugu West Senatorial zone.

Drawing inference from his findings,  he targets among other things critical areas of human capital investment and core youth empowerment undertakings that are considered critical. His blue print which is both extensive and audacious seeks to
help the youth gain vital skills, competence, expertise, and confidence necessary to become resourceful and productive.

As a youth touched by the predicament of fellow youths and the challenges of youth welfare and development, he undertakes to initiate a vast range of activities including pursuing and supporting policy development initiatives and advocacy work to ensure that an average youth in Enugu West and indeed every Nigerian youth receives adequate attention and deserved protection that will guarantee quality, affordable and uninterrupted education, empowerment, job creation, and equal job opportunities. His aim is to make the average youth resourceful, improve their living condition, build the youth into an enviable asset and responsive change – agents in the society, all in a bid to make new and lasting impact in the life of the youths.

He is given to striving to develop policy thrusts and to provide proactive leadership that will promote and bequeath skills on the youths. He is inspired to vigourously purse the creation of skill acquisition centres at strategic locations in Enugu West Senatorial zone towards ensuring that no youth is either jobless, helpless or hopeless.This is in response to social and political agendas relating to the youths that he has painstakingly initiated in the course of his bid to represent the good people of Enugu West Senatorial zone as their senator.

He believes that such empowerment will reposition the youths, prepare them for employment opportunities, enhance the capacity of the youth to provide high quality services when employed and infuse in the youth self confidence and ability to purse chosen interest and independent engagements profitably. The empowerment on the other hand, as he sees it, will equally help young people to build capacity to take up leadership roles and be in the position to take action on issues that affect them and partake in promoting their welfare and the overall welfare of the society.

His proposed programme of action is people oriented and proactive with significant consideration given to carrying the youths along, shaping the agenda on issues affecting young people and bettering their lots. In this regard, he has made thorough plans to empower the youths and accommodate them in the scheme of things. He has started by giving them roles in his proposed Campaign activities and has started working towards preparing a good number of them for inclusion in the mainstream activities when the time comes.

This is what inspired the springing up of some Youth – based support
groups such as the Youth 0’clock 4 RG Movement and others who have bought into his youth-friendly initiatives and are now coming together, building momentum and drumming the support of other youths towards delivering their fellow youth, Engr. Osita Ngwu (RG) who they have come to appreciate his genuine and sublime intention to promote the cause of his fellow youths.

Engr. Ngwu believes that the task of taking Enugu West to the next level is an onerous one and a collective responsibility requiring the collaboration of every Constituent. He believes that every integral part of the Constituency should be critically involved and should participate actively in developing the zone and that no group or part should be relegated or excluded.

According to him, “the time when the youths are ignored, relegated, subjugated, neglected and totally excluded is over. It is Youth O’clock and I will ensure that our youths are critically involved, strategically relevant and intentionally included in the scheme of things. This is a major agenda of my candidacy.”

His burning passion to contribute meaningfully towards changing the fortunes of todays youths, stems from the fact that he is a youth himself who practically shares in their present day existential realities and experiences. Besides, he sees an average youth in the light of a peer he should identify with and support to attain his dreams knowing their challenges which he sees as common.

Moreso, he associates freely with his co – youths and sees himself as one of them and as a privileged youth who should lend a hand to others and a voice towards their survival. This is the fulcrum on which anchors his youth-based and  people oriented political dogma.

Every youth in Enugu West should therefore reciprocate this humble and kind gesture of Engr. Osita Ngwu (RG) by coming out to join the movement and contribute his/her quota towards making sure that he emerges victorious come February 2023. A vote for RG is a vote for young Nigerians who are demanding inclusion and empowerment.

*By Christian Enebe*

*”Abia Ike na – eti”* – A great and powerful drum is beating in Enugu West Senatorial District. Anyone who cares to listen, will definitely hear the thundering sound of the great drum and the rhythmic message it utters with piercing eloquence.

The drum resoundingly announces the emergence of the youthful and dynamic leader poised to take Enugu West to the next level – a leader driven with a passion to deliver; a leader imbued with strong faith, a sense of duty, clear direction, focus, capacity, credibility and courage – a man of the people, most noble in character and highly esteemed – *the PDP Senatorial Candidate for Enugu West Senatorial District, Engr. Osita Ngwu, popularly known as RG,* the embodiment of “Abia Ike”, a great iroko of a man, a young man who washed his hands clean at a very young age, now dinning among Kings and bears upon his shoulders the burden of leadership.

Engr. Osita Ngwu is well known throughout the state and even beyond. He represents the historic and heroic drumbeat reverberating across Enugu West Senatorial zone of Enugu State. His fame rests on solid personal achievements, remarkable contributions to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the society at large. As a young man, he has earned so much respect and brought honour to himself by his outstanding achievements which has written his name in gold and responsible for the piercing sound he stimulates, the excitement and hope that trails his candidature.

This great drum that is beating,  reminds me of Chinua Achebe’s immortal quote  –  “the drums were still beating, persistent and unchanging. Their sound was no longer a separate thing from the living village. It was like the pulsation of its heart. It throbbed in the air, in the sunshine, and even in the trees, and filled the village with excitement.”

Like the drum in Chinua Achebe’s verse, a big drum is beating in Enugu West Senatorial District – “Abia Ike”, a drum that is persistent and unchanging with a rhythmic message, a drumbeat that resonates with excitement, a drumbeat that resounds throughout Enugu West, throbbing in the air and practically rending it with its message of hope.

A drum awakening the consciousness of our people, a drum inviting out our people to the making of their next Senator and hero out of a deserving personality. It is indeed a spectacle which everyone needs to see, an occasion for all to partake in given the nature and nurture of the candidate which has prepared him for dedicated service to his people and ingenuous leadership.

The development is akin to a scenario in Things Fall Apart: “the opening ceremony for Umuofia’s great annual wrestling match has begun, and the drums resound throughout the village. The persistent drums signal the initiation of the event. But the drumbeat also builds anticipation, and everyone in Okonkwo’s family feels anxious to get to the village ilo and watch the spectacle.”

As expressed by an analyst, “in this quotation, Achebe captures the pervasive sense of excitement by characterizing the drumbeat as a language that speaks not in words but in the community’s lifeblood.”

It goes to say that the message of “Abia Ike”, like the awakening sound of the drum that pulsates the heart of the people and which has become their lifeblood is readily understandable by our people, who become fluent in drum language early in life. The message is clear and well understood.

The  rhythmic message of Abia Ike encapsulates a new dimension of quality representation which the candidacy of Engr. Osita Ngwu promises, a representation which offers an opportunity to the youths to be critically involved in how their affairs will be managed and which in the person of Engr. Osita Ngwu, whose aspect of his macrocosmic constituency is common with theirs, gives them a voice to speak for themselves.

The message captures a new dimension of transformation that the entire Enugu West is about to experience as a direct consequence of their choice of a vibrant and competent achiever with a knack for solving problems and turning things around.

The message announces the triumphant and impending entry of Engr. Osita Ngwu into our communities and the inevitable interphase with our people that will reflect his agenda to reach out to those he represents with a view to carrying them along and making a mark in line with his decision to emblazone his foot prints on the soil of every Community in Enugu West when they graciously give him their mandate.

The message graphically expresses the hope of new levels of attainments and accomplishments that Engr. Osita Ngwu’s entry inspires and which he will deploy his tested leadership prowess to engender.

In African methology, drums, ‘Abia’ or ‘Igba’ in Igbo music parlance, speaks a language that the people understand – warriors are praised and awakened by the language of the drums. Kings and great men may be acknowledged and even honoured with drumbeats.

According to a study, “Talking drums which are quite popular, are so named because they imitate human voices while some others are just melody borne. The talking drums can be traced back to the Old Oyo Empire in South-West, Nigeria where it was introduced as a means of communication during the coronation of the Alaafin of Oyo. The language of the talking drum depends on what the message or chant is intended to be. Its pitch can be adjusted using the cords and strings around the drum.” This is common with other types of drums of varying origin – they have a language and they are deployed to deliver the message of the moment.

In some cultures, a person cannot be crowned king without the playing of some sets of drums. Drums are used in different functions including festivals, carnivals and coronations. Some convey messages of praise, meriment and war but “Abia Ike” bears a message of hope for new attainments and accomplishments that will further benefit the good people of Enugu West Senatorial District.

Drums’ debut often is significant. Every time a communal event occurs or about to occur in a typical Igbo society and indeed in other cultures, drums are rolled out to communicate the situation in a bid to reflect and stimulate a powerful tribe or group mood.

Hence, the drumbeat is used as a symbol of unity among people. Drums give musical notes that stimulate group cohesion, good mood, relaxation, excitement. Drums create a rhythm that can inspire and boost the spirit. Hence, it is used to awaken a people. It tends to awaken quicker and to excite the most when it vibrates more with high pitch rhythms that are coherent, melodious and piercing. These features literally characterize the “Abia Ike.”

Beyond its literal connotation, “Abia Ike” has an allegorical narrative. It announces a quintessential personality with a mission. It symbolizes a new dimension of representation that is in the offing, it is analogous to an eventful time that offers hope, anticipation and excitement. “Abia Ike” invites us to unite for a common cause towards our collective progress and development that is all inclusive. “Abia Ike” invites everyone without exclusion to join hands in the making of *the next distinguished Senator of Enugu West Senatorial zone, in the person of Engr. Osita Ngwu (RG)*

HRH IGWE E.C. ANIAGU COMMENDS THE HON. CHIEF WHIP ENHA, HON. MRS. JANE CHINWENDU ENEH, DESCRIBES HER AS AN OUTSTANDING REPRESENTATIVE

By Christian Enebe

The Traditional Ruler of Enugunato Autonomous Community, Ihe, Awgu LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria, HRH IGWE E. C. ANIAGU (Ezedioramma), has commended the Hon. Chief Whip Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Jane Chinwendu Eneh, who he described as an outstanding Representative with so many achievements to her name.

The Royal father gave the commendation when the Hon. Chief Whip visited him at his Enugu Palace, at the instance of the respected Royal father, who had invited her to thank her for the positive impact of her representation in Awgu North Constituency in general and in Ihe in particular.

Igwe Aniagu expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the Chief Whip so far, which he said, has touched practically all facets of life with a positive impact in the lives of members of the constituency which include his (Igwe’s) subjects.

His Royal Highness, who described Hon. Jane Eneh as an outstanding Representative, commended her for the employment offered to sixty Awgu people which he said included his immediate subjects and even a member of his cabinet. He acknowledged the hospital bill she paid for Chiagozie Ekoh, empowerment extended to Emeka Nweke, a physically challenged and assistance rendered to other Ihe people.

HRH used the opportunity to thank His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for siting the Enugu State University of Education in Ihe, for new classroom blocks and other achievements in Ihe and asked Hon. Eneh to help pass the message of appreciation to His Excellency.

Responding, the Chief Whip, who attributed the success so far achieved to the inspiring leadership of Governor Ugwuanyi, who she said is responsive and people oriented, assured the Royal father of mutual cooperation and continued selfless representation.

On hand to receive the Chief Whip with Igwe Aniagu, were the esteemed wife of the traditional ruler, Lolo Comfort Aniagu, Igwe’s daughter, Princess Jennifer Chinyere Aniagu, Igwe’s brother inlaw, a businessman, Chief Frank Aneke, Barr. Anthony Okwudili Nwafor among others.

The Hon. Chief Whip was accompanied by Lolo Mrs. Pat. Anako, a long standing friend and Proprietress of Citadel International Schools, Hon. Christian Enebe, a lecturer, Hon. Solomon Egbo, Administrator Mbanabo North Dev. Area and Ugochukwu Okonkwo, Youth Coordinator, Janecares Support Group.

HRH received Hon. Eneh with big tubers of yam, a carton of wine, a big goat and bambara seed powder. Igwe’s daughter in turn, gave Hon. Eneh a special hand-made jewery to welcome her.

Ends.