Enugu Government Vows To Reach, Surpass ₦600bn IGR Target For 2025

Enugu government vows to reach, surpass ₦600bn IGR target for 2025. The governor noted that his administration’s development strategy ensured inclusive growth.

Mr Mbah gave the assurance on Saturday in Enugu during his investiture as president of the Enugu Sports Club.

Mr Mbah inaugurated the newly remodelled clubhouse, as well as the installation of new club patrons by the Chairman of Enugu Sports Club, Nnanna Atuonwu. Mr Mbah recalled that when his administration set a goal to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, many doubted its feasibility.

“At the time, the trending analysis did not support such a growth level. Achieving this target requires a 27 per cent compounded annual growth rate, and some questioned how it could be realised,” he said.

He emphasised that in spite of the skepticism, his government recognised the need to shift focus away from federal allocations and instead mobilise domestic revenue.

“When we took over, the state’s IGR was about ₦25 billion. This year, our projected IGR is ₦600 billion, and based on the numbers we are seeing, we are not only going to meet this target but surpass it.

“This revenue growth is what enables us to make significant interventions across all sectors, from education to healthcare and beyond,” he stated.

The governor reiterated that his administration’s development strategy ensured inclusive growth, integrating all parts of the state into a unified economic plan.

As part of Enugu State’s preparations to host the 2026 National Sports Festival, Mr Mbah pledged to renovate the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Sports Village. “We are going to build a brand-new stadium, which will include facilities for aquatic sports.

“In addition, Awgu Sports Village will be revamped to ensure it is ready for the festival,” he said.

Commending Nnanna Atuonwu and his executive team for remodelling the clubhouse, Mr Mbah highlighted the importance of sports clubs in fostering recreation, social cohesion, and community well-being. He stated, “The true value of a great sports club lies in its ability to reinvent itself across generations and remain relevant in contemporary times.

Enugu Sports Club has done exceedingly well in this regard.” The governor pledged to asphalt its entrance road and address other pressing needs of the club.

Earlier, Mr Atuonwu noted that Enugu Sports Club had faced challenges in infrastructure and environmental vibrancy compared to its peers across the country.
He, however, commended Mr Mbah, whose support ensured the main clubhouse was successfully remodelled.

“Before the renovation, the main hall was in a state of disrepair, with a leaky roof, rotten wood, and corroded iron structures. When we turned to the governor for assistance, he did not hesitate. Beyond financial and logistical support, he laid a solid foundation for the club’s long-term financial independence and sustainability.

“This is why I am advocating for the establishment of a trust fund to ensure the club’s continued growth,” Mr Atuonwu said.

Enugu Government

During the event, new patrons of the club were installed and included Edna Erinne, Kingsley Eze, David Ogbodo, and Festus Onu.
Mr Atuonwu, whose tenure as chairman had ended, also announced that Ifeanyi Nweke would soon take over as the new chairman.

The chairman of the occasion, Onyemuche Nnamani, praised Mr Atuonwu for the remarkable transformation of the clubhouse since its establishment in 1929.

Mr Nnamani, who also serves as Secretary of the Police Service Commission, also expressed gratitude to the governor for his contributions to the club’s development.

The club trustee, Nnia Nwobodo, suggested the creation of a cinema or film hall within the club to promote education, particularly for the children and families of members.

SERAP Sues Tinubu Over Suspension Of Rivers’s Governor, Deputy, Lawmakers

SERAP sues Tinubu over suspension of Rivers’s governor, Deputy, Lawmakers. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has sued President Bola over what it describes as the “unlawful suspension” of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly.

Last Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state and suspended the governor and other elected officials for an initial period of six months.

He cited as the basis for his action “the disturbing” violence in the state in the last 24 hours, including explosions and vandalisation of petroleum pipelines, linked to the political crises in the state.

The President had relied on Section 305 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution in his decision that has been greeted with criticism from several interest groups, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Nigerian Bar Association, opposition leaders and erudite lawyers.

In a statement on Sunday, SERAP argued that the decision violates constitutional provisions and undermines democratic governance.

The group said it filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday via three members of its Volunteers’ Lawyers Network (SVLN) in Rivers State—Yirabari Israel Nulog, Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal, and Gracious Eyoh-Sifumbukho.

“The rule of law would be a mere figure of speech if the people’s right to participation can be arbitrarily suspended or violated,” SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare said.

“Democracy is an inherent element of the rule of law. Nigeria’s democracy ought to have as its foundation respect for human rights and the rule of law,” the statement read.

SERAP Sues Tinubu

To the group, the suspension contradicts both the Nigerian Constitution and international legal obligations, citing the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.

“The combined provisions of Sections 1(2), 14(1)(c), 176(1)(2), and 305(1) of the Nigerian Constitution create a delicate balance of rights and responsibilities, ensuring that the exercise of presidential power does not override the people’s right to participate in their own governance,” it said.

Akpabio, Dep Speaker Kalu, Others Celebrates UniCal 50th Anniversary

Akpabio, Dep Speaker Kalu, others celebrates UniCal 50th Anniversary. It was indeed a moment of deep reflection and immense pride to return to my alma mater, the great University of Calabar, for its 50th Anniversary and 37th Convocation Lecture, alongside 70 of my esteemed coursemates—the Class of 1998, The Golden Ones.

Also in attendance at this great event was the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON a proud alumnus of this institution, Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, my dear colleagues from the National Assembly alongside other eminent men and women.

I had the distinct honour of delivering the convocation lecture at this epoch-making event, titled “Our Gown in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable and Human-Centered Education, The Mandate of Our Universities, 2025-2075.”

In my address, I highlighted the urgent need to align education with innovation, real-world application, and national development.
I also emphasized the necessity for our universities to move beyond theory and drive tangible, real-world impact.

Education is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is about applying it to shape the future. If our universities fail to adapt, we risk producing graduates unprepared for the world they will inherit.

I extend my sincere gratitude to my esteemed classmates who found it worthy to join me in this historic moment. Their constant support, love, and prayers have been deeply felt and appreciated.

The path forward is clear: education must be the engine of national transformation, innovation must serve society, and progress must uplift all. This is our generational mandate, to build a future where education is not just a ladder for individual success but the foundation for national prosperity.

Akpabio, Dep Speaker Kalu

I call on policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs, and alumni to rise to the challenge. Let us not wait for the future; let us summon it with bold action.

Expand industry partnerships, fund research that addresses Nigeria’s greatest challenges, and bridge the divide. Above all, let us never lose sight of the people behind the progress.

Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.