US extols Gov. Chime on good governance (3rd February 2012)

The United States of America has commended Governor Sullivan Chime for providing quality leadership that has led to the rapid infrastructural development in Enugu State and brought tremendous transformation in the socio-economic life of its people.
The commended came through Consul General, of the US Consulate in Lagos, Mr. Joseph Stafford when he led some staff of the consulate on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu to round off his tour of some states of the South-East zone.

The US Consul General noted with delight the importance of Enugu and her role in the socio-economic and political development of the country.
He told the Governor that he had visited Imo and Anambra States , adding that the visit to Enugu State and the Museum of National Unity had afforded him the opportunity to see the rich cultural heritage of the people.
The Consul General also stated that the visit was to explore ways of strengthening the bilateral relationship between his country and Enugu State , adding that his country government was committed to partnering with the state in her development programme.
Responding, the State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime, traced the age long relationship between the State and the American Government but noted with dismay that the relationship had experienced a lull in the recent past.
Governor Chime specifically mentioned the Community Computer Resource Centre, Enugu and the Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO) Emene, Enugu among others and expressed the hope that the visit of the Consul General would help reopen talks on how to restore and improve on the relationship between America and the state.

He disclosed that the state and the management of General Motors (GM) have started talks on how to get the company back in the state and called for the establishment of more US based manufacturing companies in the state.
The State Chief Executive told the visiting US Consul General that Enugu was one of the safest states in Nigeria and assured that government will spare no efforts in ensuring investment friendly climate and safety of investors and residents of the state.
He recalled that on assumption of office, his administration met very dilapidated infrastructure, adding that all the past years, government had been battling to improve on what it met on ground to make life better of the masses and restore Enugu to its past glory as the Regional Capital in Nigeria.

Industrialists hail Gov. Chime on investment opportunities (3rd February 2012)
Enugu State Governor Sullivan I. Chime has earned plaudits from
industrialists in the country over his continued efforts to turn the
State into an industrial and commercial haven saying that his efforts
were yielding “amazing results”.
The views of the Industrialists were made known in Enugu by leading
Estate Developer and industrialist Chief Tayo Amusan at the
Commissioning Thursday, of a branch of Max – the world’s largest
fashion brand, at the Enugu Shopping Mall.
Chief Amusan said that the Governor’s commitment to the creation of a
conducive environment for business as evidenced by the massive
infrastructural development and highly improved security, has helped
turn the state into a popular destination for both foreign and local
investors.
He described the arrival of Max shortly after fellow international
giants Shoprite, Game and Nigerian Engineering Works in Enugu, as an
ample proof of the state’s rising profile as a commercial and
industrial hub adding that many more investors have indicated their
interests in taking their businesses there.
Chief Amusan who is also the Developer of the Enugu Shopping Mall
urged the Governor not to relent in his quest stressing that at the
current rate, the inflow of investments in the state would in a short
while, lead to a radical transformation in the economic and social
fortunes of the people through greater employment opportunities,
reduction of poverty and affordability of most goods and services.

Chime consoles IG over wife’s death (3rd February 2012)

Governor Sullivan Chime has commiserated with Acting Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar over the sudden death of his wife Maryam last Monday describing it as sad and shocking.

The Governor who stated this in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary Chukwudi Achife said the sad development had come at a most inopportune time especially when the new IG was just settling down to tackle the enormous responsibilities and challenges that he had recently been charged with.
He particularly regretted that Maryam’s death came at a time when her husband needed her moral and spiritual support in his onerous task of tackling the current security challenges confronting the country.

While expressing his profound sympathy to the Inspector General’s family and praying for the soul of the deceased, Governor Chime urged him to bear the loss with fortitude and to turn the adversity into a source of inspiration that will spur him onto greater heights in the service of Nigeria and of humanity at large.

Nigeria Engineering Works gets nod for giant factory in Enugu (25rd January 2012)

Manufacturing conglomorate, the Nigeria Engineering Works Limited has entered into partnership agreement with the Enugu State Government for the establishment of a factory in the state.

The State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Jude Akubilo
announced this to Government House Correspondents after a meeting between the management team of the company and Governor Sullivan Chime and some senior government officials at the Government House, Enugu.

The state government according to Dr. Akubilo has already provided more than four hectares of land at the Emene Industrial Layout, Enugu, for the establishment of the factory adding that approval has been given for the commencement of work at the site in the next three months with illegal structures being cleared.

The Commissioner explained that the establishment of the company in
Enugu was due to the investor- friendly climate created in the state
by the Governor and in keeping with his determination to make Enugu,
the economic hub of South-East zone.

He used the occasion to inform the Press that work will soon start in
the development of the Free Trade zone at 9th Mile Corner Ngwo, Enugu.

In his contribution, the Corporate Head Legal Department of the
Company, Mr. Chidi Kalu said the decision to establish the factory in Enugu was informed by the developmental strides and remarkable achievements of the Governor in the state, in the past four years, especially in the areas of
infrastructure, security, health and education which the compnay had followed with keen interest.

He said the company will replicate what it has at Port Harcourt in Enugu and commended the State Governor, Mr. Sullivan I. Chime for the opportunity given them to contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.

He stated that apart from the fact that Enugu is one of the most
peaceful and secured state in Nigeria, other indices provided by
government left them with no other option than to invest in Enugu and
contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.

Mr. Kalu who was accompanied by the senior Operations Manager of the
company, Mr. Smarajit Sen and three others, promised to assist
government in youth empowerment and job creation when fully
operational in the state.

Kano bombings: Chime commiserates with Channels TV, victims’ families (25rd January 2012)

Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has commiserated with the families of the victims of the deadly bombings that rocked Kano last weekend in which about 250 innocent Nigerians were reported to have lost their lives.

Chime, in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary Chukwudi Achife, said that he shared the anguish and despair of the families of the victims as well as the sense of anxiety and apprehension that now prevails in the country due to the attacks and the others that preceded them.

He particularly condoled with Channels Television over the death during the attacks, of their Correspondent, Enenche Akogwu saying that he had died in the course of service to the nation as a professional who was going about his normal duties.

He added that the late Reporter and the other victims of the attacks would be remembered as martyrs in the struggle to forge national unity and integration as well as a sense of tolerance and brotherhood among all Nigerians.

He however advised Nigerians to support the government in its efforts to tackle the tragic turn of events and bring the perpetrators to book adding that they should remain vigilant and security -conscious at all times so as to help forestall such ugly incidents in future.

Enugu marketers agree to sell petrol at N97 (23rd January 2012)
-as task force swings into action
The Enugu State Government and Marketers of Petroleum Products in the State have agreed to plug all loopholes that would affect steady supply and availability of the product to consumers.

Speaking at the end of two separate meeting between representatives of government, major and independent marketers at the government House, the state government said the marketers have agreed to sell at the official government price of (N97.00) naira per liter.
They also agreed to ensure that consumers did not hoard or hawk petroleum with a view to causing artificial scarcity and that marketers would be free to load fuel at any depot in the country.
Already, a task force headed by the State Commissioner for Inter-Ministerial Matters Mr Chuka Utazi has swung into action to enforce compliance with the new price regime and eliminate hoarding of petroleum products by marketers.

Utazi who represented Governor Chime at the meeting cautioned against excessive purchases since many petrol trucks would be arriving the state within the week to ensure availability of the product.

Earlier in his address Mr. Utazi told the marketers that the meeting was scheduled on the instruction of the Governor for a heart to heart talk with them with a view to finding the cause or causes of the fuel scarcity and how best to tackle them.

The Commissioner explained that as very responsive administration while the state government would continue to encourage people to do their businesses without hindrance or harassment it will not tolerate exploitation of the consumers.

He requested the marketers to assist government to ensure there was enough petroleum products in the state adding that if they supply enough quality to dealers there will be enough to be sold to consumers.

The Commissioner said that it would be unfair for any marketer to divert fuel meant for Enugu State to another State in the bid to make more money adding that any marketer caught in that act will be punished.

He stated that although, the law enforcement agents and state security operations will see to it that sales of fuel were on up to 6pm now filling station should be allowed to sell stipulated by law.

Mr. Utazi said that government will be making public filling stations where fuel is available and appealed to consumers to be patient and bear with government as efforts are being made to supply more products to the state.

The meeting was attended by both major and independent marketers as well as the NNPC deport Manager in the state.

Enugu pilgrims to Israel return, laud Gov. Chime (23rd January 2012)
The two hundred and eighty-seven Christian Pilgrims from Enugu State that performed the 2011 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land have completed the journey and came back home successfully.

The pilgrims who spent about two weeks in the Holy land visited so many places of interest like Mount Tabor, Mount Camel, the two thousand, two hundred and seventy eight meters high Mount Sinai and St. Catherine tomb

Addressing the pilgrims on arrival at the Government House, Enugu, the Chairman of the State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma described the 2011 pilgrims exercise as an eventful one.

Dr. Chukwuma who is also the Bishop of Enugu Diocese of the Anglican Communion thanked the State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime for his special interest and contribution, which made the exercise a huge success.

Bishop Chukwuma stated that while in the Holy land, the pilgrims
prayed for Nigeria, Southeast, Enugu State and Governor Chime and expressed confidence that their prayers would be answered for the peace and progress of Nigeria.

The Bishop requested for the sponsorship of more pilgrims next year and further commended local government chairmen, individuals and organizations that sponsored the pilgrim, this year.

In an interview, the Secretary to State Pilgrims Board, Mrs. Chinasa Nwaebiem and other pilgrims Nnamdi Nwankwo, Chiegeonu Aru, Chima Anioke, Franklin Nnaemeka,, Bishop John Nwaobodo described the pilgrim to be a wonderful experience.

They noted that the journey could lead to a change in the character of an individual and also make people in the society more morally conscious.

XMAS: ENSG BEGINS SALE OF KEROSENE AT N50 PER LITRE (22nd December 2011)
The Enugu State Government has begun the Sale of Kerosene at the
officially recommended price of N50 to members of the public as parts
of its efforts to alleviate poverty and reduce hardship the scarcity
of the product is causing the people in the state.
The State Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Reduction,
Mr. Godwin Ogenyi, flagged off the exercise on behalf of Governor
Chime at a ceremony in Enugu on Saturday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Ogenyi said the gesture, which was part
of government's arrangement to make the Christmas celebration very
memorable would benefit the people in all the seventeen local
govenm1ent areas of the state.
He disclosed that a total of two hundred and sixteen metric litres of
Kerosene was procured by government in collaboration with Nigeria
National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for distribution to the people
in the two hundred and sixty council wards in the state.

On the modality for the sale of the product, the Commissioner
explained that a trailer tanker load of kerosene would be involved for
distribution in each local government area to ensure that everybody
benefited from the kind gesture.
He however disclosed that only ten liters of kerosene would be sold to
each individual family at fifty naira per litre to make the product go
round, adding that re¬selling of the commodity, would not be tolerated
by government.

Commissioner Ogenyi further explained that goverment had put in place
adequate arrangements to ensure accountability, security and
orderliness during the sale of the product by constituting a State
Committee for this purpose.
He also said that Commercial Bank had been engaged to handle
fundsrealized from the sale of the product.
Meanwhile about ten trailer tankers loaded with kerosene, have moved
to the various local government areas in the state for the sales
shortly after the flag off exercise by Commissioner Ogenyi.

Some Enugu residents who bought the product shortly after the flag off
exercise, confirmed that they bought ten litres of the product at
fifty naira per litre and appealed to government to sustain the
distribution at regular periods.