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Beautification Of Enugu And Mechanization Of Median Strips/Road Verge Maintenance

Published

4 years ago

October 7, 2020

By Jeff Ejiofor

The saying that cleanliness is the next to godliness perfectly fits into the situation in Enugu State where a mechanized approach has been employed by the state government in maintaining median strips, road sidewalks, and central reservations across the state. Residents of the coal city will not forget in a hurry the manual method of median strips and road verge maintenance before 2015 when Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi took over the reign of leadership. In line with its technological approach to issues, the administration adopted a mechanized system of maintenance which has clearly given Enugu a scenic outlook befitting of a ranking state capital known for serene outlook.

Roundabouts, footways, road verges, and all other beautiful green areas in the city now wear the looks of a neat and clean environment. This is a sharp departure from their half hazard and unkempt condition in the past. A quick glance at this method where machines do the work will reveal a conspicuous difference from their previous rough looks and current carpet level. The introduction of this mechanized approach by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi also explains his meticulous disposition to leave no stone unturned in his quest to making Enugu a modern and beautiful city.

Ironically, people tend to have a short memory in this part of the world to the extent of forgetting their previous experiences whenever succor comes their way. It is appalling that some people do not realize the tourist potentials of a serene environment and its economic benefits. Enugu is a city with natural and fascinating features, hence, the policy of economic reinvigoration through harnessing of its existing tourist potentials by the current administration. It is a well-known fact that the tourist attraction of such an organized environment cannot be overstressed.

Unarguably, in the past, precisely before 2015, the state government, through the ministry of environment engaged the services of labourers, mostly women to clear these sidewalks manually. This method often left the surfaces haggard and rough, such that it made nonsense of the beautiful looks conferred on Enugu city by those consciously designed green areas and median strips.

Apparently, areas such as New Haven, Abakiliki Road, Okpara Avenue, GRA, Okpara Square, and Independence Layout now look more dignifying with this mechanized cutting and trimming process of the sidewalks/road verges. I know some ingrates and cynics may want to question the relevance or significance of this observation, forgetting to acknowledge its immense contributions to the beauty and tourism potentials of the city as stated earlier. Nobody will deny the fact that the machines used in carrying out this duty and their professional operators provide the best result on the environment which represents Enugu’s natural serenity.

Another interesting and commendable aspect is the sustained urgency with which the government always responds each time there is a need to carry out the maintenance, unlike in the past when weeds usually overgrew the streets in utter neglect. Of course, before assembling labourers for manual approach, the places will be taken over by bushes, making Enugu lose its glamour.

In addition, the governor also recruited over one thousand youths to open up all blocked water channels in the streets of Enugu. A policy that has served dual purposes, providing employment and sanitizing the city. We all know what the situation was before and its devastating effect on the health of the residents. The problem no doubt had far-reaching implications to the wellbeing of the citizens who had to spend money on hospital bills at times as a result of sicknesses arising from a dirty environment. All that is now history because Enugu has regained its original glory as a clean and organized city.

Finally, I implore lovers of tourism all over the world to avail themselves of this opportunity presented by the beautiful serenity of Enugu and visit the state. Apart from ensuring the preservation of the city’s natural features, the state government has equally enhanced the environment by beautifying strategic locations of the city with meaningful artworks and sculptors to tell the story of the people. New recreational outlets have also been created and old ones are given a facelift. Unity Fountain Park located behind the famous Okpara Square at Independence Layout is one of such outlets that will attend to the recreational needs of Enugu residents and promote tourism in the state.

The popular 3-star hotel, Nike Lake Resort, on the outskirt of the city is receiving proactive attention to play a pivotal role in the current tourist revolution of the city. These and many other measures that guarantee adequate security of lives and property have made Enugu State a place to be. Gburugburu is a gift to the Igbo nation at large and Enugu in particular.

Enugu is obviously in the safe hands of God with Gburus at the helms

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2 years After :The Impacts of Ibrahim Gusau’s Administration on the Nigerian Football

Published

1 day ago

September 28, 2024

The Gleamer

By Abimbola Olawale

Ibrahim Musa Gusau’s administration of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) marks a significant chapter in Nigerian football history. Upon his election as NFF president on 30 September 2022, Gusau inherited a federation rife with controversies, financial challenges, and underperformance in international competitions.

His leadership brought with it fresh perspectives, strategic thinking, and a people-oriented approach to governance. Over time, the positive impacts of his administration began to manifest, transforming various aspects of Nigerian football and the administrative structure of the NFF.

His two years in office is fostering development at the grassroots level to improving transparency, accountability, and the performance of Nigerian football teams on the global stage.

One of the cornerstones of Ibrahim Gusau’s administration has been the prioritization of grassroots football development. He recognized that the future of Nigerian football depends on a robust foundation, which can only be achieved by nurturing young talents from an early age. Gusau’s administration made deliberate efforts to revive and promote youth football across the country, ensuring that promising players receive the right training and exposure. For the first time ever, Nigeria participated in the CAF secondary school football tournament for both boys and girls, they also collaborated with the Universal Secondary Education Board in order to discover these youths in the schools.

Through partnerships with state football associations, Gusau’s administration gave an enabling environment for the thriving of several youth leagues and academy programs at the local level. This initiative has enabled thousands of young footballers to showcase their talents, with a structured pathway for advancement into the professional ranks. The promotion of school football competitions at both primary and secondary levels has also been instrumental in identifying and nurturing young players.

These grassroots efforts have begun to pay off, with several young talents emerging and being scouted by local and international clubs. Gusau’s administration facilitated better access to football scholarships and international trials for young Nigerian players, ensuring that the country’s football future remains bright.

Before Gusau’s tenure, the NFF had faced accusations of financial mismanagement and lack of transparency, which led to distrust among stakeholders and strained relationships with sponsors. Gusau made it a priority to restore public confidence by introducing transparent financial management practices and auditing processes. His administration established mechanisms to ensure that funds allocated to the NFF were properly utilized for their intended purposes, especially in football development and team support.

One of the key initiatives was the adoption of an open accounting system where financial transactions were made public, allowing stakeholders, including fans and media, to monitor how funds were being spent. This move not only boosted confidence among sponsors and partners but also reduced corruption and mismanagement within the federation. Furthermore, Gusau’s administration implemented cost-saving measures, ensuring that funds were redirected to critical areas, such as player welfare, and training facilities.

With improved financial accountability, the NFF under Gusau secured more corporate sponsorships, partnerships, and funding from international football bodies like FIFA and CAF. These resources have significantly contributed to the federation’s activities, providing much-needed support for the various national teams

Under Gusau’s leadership, women’s football in Nigeria has witnessed a significant resurgence. Recognizing the importance of gender equality in sports, Gusau has actively worked to elevate the status of women’s football, ensuring that female players receive the same attention, resources, and support as their male counterparts.

One of the standout achievements was the revitalization of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL). Gusau’s administration, in collaboration with stakeholders in women’s football, introduced reforms that improved the organization and professionalism of the league. These changes attracted effective media coverage of women’s football increased, giving female footballers more visibility and opportunities.

Gusau’s administration also ensured that the women’s national team, the Super Falcons, received adequate preparation for international competitions. In 2023, the Super Falcons delivered an outstanding performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, reaching the knockout stages and cementing Nigeria’s place as a powerhouse in African and global women’s football. The team’s success is a direct result of improved training facilities, better remuneration for players, and the hiring of experienced technical staff, all spearheaded by Gusau’s administration.

Another critical area where Ibrahim Gusau’s administration has made a significant impact is in player and coach welfare. For years, Nigerian footballers had struggled with issues such as unpaid wages, inadequate accommodation, and substandard travel arrangements. These challenges had a demotivating effect on players, often resulting in subpar performances in international competitions.

Gusau tackled these issues head-on by prioritizing the welfare of players and technical staff. His administration ensured that players’ allowances, bonuses, and salaries were paid on time, eliminating the frequent protests that had plagued previous NFF administrations. Gusau also worked with the Nigerian government and private sponsors to improve accommodation, travel arrangements, and medical care for national team players and coaching staff.

Moreover, Gusau’s administration took steps to incentivize players and coaches by introducing performance-based bonuses and awards. This move has motivated players to give their best in every game, resulting in improved performances from both the men’s and women’s national teams. Coaches have also benefited from these reforms, with many receiving specialized training courses and international exposure to stay updated with modern coaching techniques.

The improved infrastructure has not only enhanced the quality of football in Nigeria but also increased the country’s chances of hosting international tournaments. Under Gusau’s leadership, Nigeria has expressed interest in hosting major continental and global football events, which could further boost the nation’s football profile.

One of the most visible areas where Ibrahim Gusau’s administration has made a positive impact is the performance of Nigeria’s national teams in international competitions. When he took over as NFF president, Nigeria’s football teams had been struggling to perform at the highest levels, with disappointing results in tournaments such as the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup qualifiers.

Gusau’s leadership brought a renewed sense of focus and discipline to the national teams. He appointed experienced coaches and technical staff, ensuring that the teams were well-prepared for competitions. Additionally, his administration worked to resolve internal conflicts within the teams, fostering unity and a winning mentality among the players.

As a result, Nigeria’s national teams have seen a resurgence in form. The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s men’s national team, have improved their performances in AFCON qualifiers and friendly matches, regaining their status as one of Africa’s top football teams. Similarly, the women’s national team, the Super Falcons, impressed at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as mentioned earlier, reaching the knockout stages and earning praise for their determination and skill.

Gusau’s administration also focused on building strong relationships with international football governing bodies such as FIFA, CAF (Confederation of African Football), and other national football associations. These partnerships have been instrumental in securing funding, technical assistance, and capacity-building opportunities for the NFF and Nigerian football as a whole.

One of the significant achievements in this area was Nigeria’s increased participation in FIFA and CAF programs, including those aimed at developing football infrastructure, women’s football, and youth football. Gusau’s administration ensured that Nigeria remained active in these global and continental initiatives, which brought various benefits, including access to international grants and expertise.

Additionally, Gusau’s administration played a key role in advocating for Nigerian referees and officials to be recognized and included in international tournaments. This has helped raise the profile of Nigerian football officials, with more of them being appointed to officiate at CAF and FIFA qualifying matches. They efforts are been intensified to ensure that they are at the FIFA World Cup and AFCON.

Corporate sponsorship has long been a challenge for the NFF, with inconsistent support from private sector partners in previous administrations. Gusau’s administration tackled this issue by fostering a business-friendly environment and engaging potential sponsors through strategic partnerships.

Through effective media engagement and public relations campaigns, the NFF under Gusau succeeded in attracting major corporate sponsors for the national teams and the domestic leagues. These sponsorships provided much-needed financial support for player development, team preparation, and general football administration. The partnerships have also extended to broadcasting rights, with more Nigerian football matches being televised, increasing the visibility and commercial appeal of the sport.

Ibrahim Gusau’s administration has undoubtedly made a lasting positive impact on the Nigerian Football Federation and the nation’s football landscape as a whole. His focus on grassroots development, transparency, player

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