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

Published

5 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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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

4 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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