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Enugu Government, An Embodiment Of Good Governance

Published

5 years ago

August 12, 2020

By Jeff Ejiofor

The current Enugu state government possesses all the features of good governance by virture of its unequalled democratic credentials as evidenced in its policies and mode of operation. Undoubtedly, considering the standard definition of good governance, the administration of Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is a complete epitome of what it represents. The governor has been able to embody quality governance through his style of leadership when properly weighed side by side with his contemporaries in Nigeria.

Accordingly, governance is the process of decision making and the process by which decisions are implemented or not. Particularly, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, defines good governance as an essential complement to sound economic policies central to creating and sustaining an environment which fosters strong and equitable development. It is also defined as a way of measuring how public institutions conduct and manage public affairs and resources respectively.

Good governance thus has eight major principles and characteristics. It is participatory, transparent, consensus oriented, accountable, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law.

Sequel to the above insights on what good governance represents, the current administration of Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state apparently epitomises it in all ramiffications and unequivocally qualifies to be ascribed as such. In order of sequence, may I intrinsically highlight the major principles of good governance as they relate to his government as follows for Nigerians to judge.

1, Partispatory governance is a major characteristics of Ugwuanyi’s administration which involves stakeholders in all major decisions of his government. He is the only governor that seeks the consent of local government stakeholders before appointing commissioners. He consults widely and allows the people to choose who to appoint into his cabinet and even his enemies cannot deny that.

2, Transparency is the hallmark of Ugwuanyi’s government through his consultative democracy where policy implementation is subjected to public debate and scrutiny. For example, he graciously sought the consent and opinion of community leaders before releasing money to them for the implementation of the 10 million naira one community one project policy in all the 471 autonomous communities of Enugu state. Enugu people in all honesty cannot deny this.

3, Consensus oriented governance is indeed the strength of Enugu government under Gov. Ugwuanyi and nobody will accuse him of anything like unilateral decision making. His quest for consensus in all his actions has made some undemocratic elements raise eyebrows about his leadership style. It is a well known fact that imposition of candidates seen in other places is alien to Enugu state. Even local government charmanship candidates usually emerge at the instance of the people through consensus without government interference.

4, Accountability is a direct product of transparent and participatory leadership which Ugwuanyi’s administration is undisputably known for. People’s opinions have always determined the direction of most of his policies. For example, he instituted a policy of one local government two projects worth 250 million naira in each of the 17 LGAs of the state and transparently allowed the citizens to make choice of preferred projects according to their comparative advantages. He also instructed the LG chairmen to ensure accountability in its implementation.

5, Rensponsiveness is a major aspect of Ugwuanyi’s government. His decision to end the unwarranted molestation of innocent motorists and Enugu citizens by agencies of government such as MOT and ESWAMA in his first two years in office is a clear evidence. He responded to the cries of the people and put a stop to that era of terror. He also promptly implemented the national minimum wage in response to the yearnings of Enugu workers.

6, Effective and effecient discharge of duties has become the strength of Ugwuanyi’s government leading to several feats as rated by many independent bodies. Good examples were the rating of Enugu state as second most condusive state in the ease of doing business in Nigeria and as well, one of the 10 most solvent states in the country by both local and international rating agencies. The records are obvious and clear for all to see.

7, Equitability and inclusiveness by the current Enugu government is not in doubt. As a matter of fact, no administration in the history of Enugu state has pursued policy of even distribution of projects and resources like Ugwuanyi’s government. He has been able to live above premodial sentiment in his choice of appointments and project distribution. This quality made him to be the first modern Enugu governor to appoint both chief of staff and secretary to the state government from zones other than his own. Siting of a critical infrastructure like Enugu State University of Education in Ihe, Awgu, another zone is a reflection of his detribalized nature. Ugwuanyi has also balanced his approach to governance by running an all inclusive policy. He never concentrated his policies on one sector of the economy unlike those who for instance face only infrastructure to the exclusion of other critical areas. Gburugburu’s regime is clearly all encompassing and it touches all aspects of governance which ranges from infrastructural provision, human capital development, welfare and wellbeing of citizens through good pay packages and empowernment programmes, security of lives and property to economic reinvigoration of the state.

8, Adherence to the rule of law is the hallmark of Ugwuanyi’s government. This is the only democratic governor east of the niger that accommodates all shades of opinion including the ones detrimental to his image. His government appears to be the only one that guarantees absolute press freedom and separation of power. Ugwuanyi has never been in conflict with either of the two other organs of government, legislature or judiciary. He has always given them free hand to operate within the ambit of the rule of law.

In conclusion, no discerning mind will be left in doubt as for the reason the policy actions of Enugu state government under the able leadership of Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi can be best described as good governance. Arguably, no governor in contemprary Nigeria possesses equal leadership qualities as espoused herein.

Enugu is indeed in the hands of God!

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

Published

3 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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