By Onyeka Oha
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Friday inaugurated some of the landmark projects executed by his administration in keeping with promises in his inaugural address to equip and modernise the university town of Nsukka which is the second largest city in the state.
The projects inaugurated by Governor Ugwuanyi to mark the successful completion of his eight-year tenure were 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.
Shortly after inaugurating the State Secretariat Annex, Nsukka, the governor inaugurated the state-of-the-art Nsukka Conference Centre, adjacent to the Secretariat Annex also constructed by his administration.
The Conference Centre comprises multiple halls for conferencing as well as indoor sporting and recreational facilities including adult and children swimming pools, lawn tennis court, among others.
Governor Ugwuanyi urged the people to avail themselves of the benefits of the project as well as its complementary recreational facilities.
From the Conference Centre, Governor Ugwuanyi proceeded to the 5,000-seat Township Stadium located at GRA, Nsukka, where he inaugurated the first ever stadium in Enugu North Senatorial District of the state.
He 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 has been superbly completed for public use.
The governor said that “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 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 story is 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 Correspondence Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), Enugu State Chapter.
Recall that Governor Ugwuanyi in 2022 inaugurated a befitting Enugu Press Centre for the Nigerian Union of Journalist (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.”
