The Enugu State Government has announced traffic restrictions ahead of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual Conference, billed to hold in the state from 22nd–29th August 2025.

In a notice on Wednesday, the Ministry of Transportation directed motorists, tricycle riders, and commercial buses to avoid certain roads, including Sullivan/Roban Junction, Rangers Avenue, Cubana Junction, IMT by SPAR, and Toscana Junction.

Alternative routes such as Presidential Road, Ogui Road, Zik Avenue, Agbani Road, and New Haven remain open to ease traffic.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command says it has deployed massive security ahead of the event. Commissioner of Police Kanayo Giwa assured participants and residents of a safe conference, urging vigilance and cooperation with security operatives.

Emergency hotlines have also been released: 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668, 09134448093.

The NBA Conference is expected to draw thousands of lawyers, dignitaries, and stakeholders from across Nigeria.

ENUGU – Former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, has called on the party’s newly elected National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to enforce a subsisting court order and remove Barr. Ugo Agballah from his position as the state chairman.

Nwoye, addressing journalists in Enugu on Thursday, said the move was necessary to uphold the rule of law, as a valid judgment from the Enugu State High Court had restrained Agballah from parading himself as chairman since August 9, 2024.

Justice C.V.C. Ezugwu, in Suit No: E/548/2024, had issued an injunction barring Agballah and nine others from claiming leadership positions in the party, following a suit filed by Acting State Chairman Nwafor Onyeachonam and other party executives.

Nwoye faulted former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, for failing to act on the matter, accusing Agballah of running the state chapter in violation of the APC constitution. He revealed that members of the State Working Committee (SWC) who removed Agballah had submitted a petition and a certified copy of the court order to the new national leadership in Abuja.

“So, we are calling on the National Chairman of our great party, Professor Yilwatda, to respect the law and address the APC Enugu crisis, which was ignored by the former chairman, with a view to restoring Mr. Alphonsus Okafor as the Acting State Chairman,” Nwoye stated.

He warned that disobedience to the court order could damage the party’s image and electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections. Nwoye also urged South East APC leaders, including Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji; Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Enukwu; and South East National Vice Chairman, Dr. Ijoma Arodiogbu, to uphold the party’s constitution, which recognises Okafor as acting chairman.

Citing precedent, Nwoye recalled how former APC National Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, stepped down after being removed by his ward in Edo State, questioning why Agballah had continued to defy the injunction for over a year.

“Appealing a judgment without securing a stay of execution does not nullify the court order,” Nwoye said, insisting that Agballah should vacate office until the appeal process is concluded.

He added that disobedience to a court ruling not only undermines party discipline but also risks bringing President Bola Tinubu’s administration into disrepute.

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Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday, rejigged his cabinet, swearing in a new Head of Service, six new Commissioners, and reassigning three others.

Mbah also assigned portfolios to the new appointees following the administration of Oath of Office on them by a representative of the Ministry of Justice, Chizoba Ogbodo, at the State Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Enugu.

The newly sworn-in appointees are: Dr. Godwin Anigbo, Head of Service; Engr. Benjamin Osita Okoh, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure; Prof. Benedett Ekwutosi Okoli, Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication; Enyinna Franklin Ogbonna, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources; and Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry.

Others are Prof. George Ugwu, Commissioner for Health and Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr., who was designated as the Commissioner for Water Resources.

Dr. Felix Nnamani was reassigned from the Ministry of Water Resources to the Ministry of Labour and Employment as Commissioner, Dr. Malachy Agbo was reassigned from the Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Eradication to the Ministry of Information, while the former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, is now the Commissioner for Housing.

Speaking on the occasion, Mbah charged the appointees to hit the ground running, stressing that there would be no honeymoon period for them.

He said the administration had in two years steered high expectations among the people of the state as well as Nigerians in general and could not to lower the its performance across sectors.

“You would soon notice that here in Enugu, we have steered such a high expectation among our people. And everyday it feels as though we are presenting a scorecard.

“Therefore, you have to hit the ground running, as there will be no honeymoon period for you, unfortunately.

mongous goals that we have outlined. And your various Ministries will play critical roles in accomplishing those goals.

“We set targets, we set goals, and we have key performance indicators, we have measurable indicators, hence, we have to measure and we have to constantly take analysis of where you are in respect to the set goals and what your results are. Those key performance indicators are key to us and we will measure you based on these outcomes and results,” the governor stated.

He further charged the appointees to work as a team, in line with the established cultures of the administration.

“We also recognise teamwork champions. We do not encourage working in silos. You have to work as a team, we believe that by working as a team, we are able to accomplish our collective goals. You should not see your colleagues as rivals. They should actually complement your efforts instead.

“Our modest accomplishment in the state so far is not done by a single champion. We like to recognise our successes as team efforts,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of other appointees, Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo thanked the governor for finding them worthy out of the many other highly qualified Enugu citizens and beyond, assuring that they would not let him down.

“Since you chose to entrust us with this sacred duty as you make history on a daily basis. We will keep faith with our Oath of Office. We will be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of our duties. We will strive to contribute to the nationally acknowledged success that your government has become,” he said.

The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, several commissioners and senior appointees of government as well as the spouses of the appointees.

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Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Monday launched a new state-owned airline, Enugu Air, describing it as a major milestone in the state’s developmental journey and a model of effective government-private sector collaboration.

The airline’s inaugural flight marked what the governor called a historic moment for the people of Enugu State, or Ndi Enugu, and signaled a bold step toward economic transformation.

“It is an honour to stand before you today, not only as a governor but as a fellow believer in the power of vision,” Mbah declared during the unveiling ceremony.

According to him, Enugu Air aligns with his administration’s vision of transforming the state into a premier destination for investment, living, and tourism in Nigeria. While the launch came just weeks after the second anniversary of his administration, Mbah called it “a fitting gift to Ndi Enugu.”

The governor emphasized that the airline is more than a transportation initiative. “We began this journey with no empty promises. Among the key objectives we outlined upon assuming office was the pledge to make Enugu the premier destination for investments, living, and tourism in Nigeria. Today, we are witnessing a clear pathway to that goal,” he stated.

Mbah further described the airline as proof of what is possible through strategic public-private partnerships. “With our airline, we are opening doors to a sector that once felt out of reach. Enugu Air has given more wings to our dreams, and today we take that first flight together,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, addressed concerns surrounding the status of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. He clarified that the airport was not being sold, but concessioned to private investors as part of a government-approved process.

“I have seen some comments saying, ‘No, we are selling Enugu airport out.’ We are concessioning it. The process is supported by Mr. President, by FAAN, by the Ministry of Aviation, and by the National Assembly committees,” Keyamo explained.

He added that the airport’s cargo terminal would be a significant economic driver for the region. “You can now process exports directly from Enugu here—for the good and employment of Enugu people. I thought it was necessary to mention it here today,” the minister said.

Keyamo commended Governor Mbah for his proactive role in attracting private investments and moving beyond bureaucratic bottlenecks to deliver tangible progress.

The launch of Enugu Air is expected to enhance regional connectivity, promote tourism, and open new avenues for trade and investment in the Southeast.

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Legendary Nigerian highlife musician Mike Ejeagha, best known for his storytelling musical style and the iconic song “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”, has passed away at the age of 95.

The revered artist reportedly died on Friday evening around 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a prolonged illness. His death was confirmed by his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, in a phone conversation with journalists.

Mike Ejeagha, born on April 4, 1930, leaves behind a musical legacy spanning more than six decades. He rose to prominence in the 1970s and became a household name through his unique blend of highlife melodies, traditional Igbo proverbs, and moral storytelling. His music resonated deeply with audiences across generations, especially in Southeastern Nigeria.

His song “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”, which once dominated the highlife scene, found renewed fame in 2024 after a viral remix by comedian and skit maker Brain Jotter introduced it to a younger audience on social media.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ejeagha remained committed to using music as a vehicle for cultural education. He was widely celebrated for his appearances on the Nigerian Television Authority’s (NTA) “Akuko N’Egwu” (Stories in Music), where he fused narrative tradition with music in a way that earned him critical and cultural acclaim.

Ejeagha is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. The family has requested privacy at this time and is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.

His passing marks the end of an era for highlife music, but his influence will undoubtedly continue to echo through Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

What Atiku said

It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn. Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha 🙏. -AA

What Peter Obi said

Rest Well, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha

I just read the sad news of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha. His transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice – his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth.

For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha, popularly known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people. His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old. Through his work, he immortalised the essence of life – its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience. Recently, one of his old tracks, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo), took social media by storm, popularised by Brain jotter, a young content creator.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, to the government and good people of Enugu State, his home and cultural base, and particularly to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, as he leads the state in honouring one of its finest sons.

May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy never fade. -PO

What Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah said

I’m profoundly saddened by the death of the music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.

Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State. He was one of the finest musicians of his generation, with an easygoing personality and a humility that belied his towering celebrity status. His fan-base transcended boundaries, and he was easily one of the most recognizable voices in music.

Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures.

I will always cherish fond memories of the time spent in his company – the warmth and wisdom he radiated; the joy he found in the ordinary.

His death leaves a huge void that will be difficult to fill. But the legacies he has left behind will last a lifetime. This is a loss not only for his immediate family; it is a profound loss for Enugu State, the entire music community, and the nation as a whole.

On behalf of the Enugu State Government, I offer heartfelt condolences to the Ejeagha family and assure them of our support. As a government, we will ensure that his memory is duly immortalized. Above all, I pray that his family experiences the comforting grace of God’s love, and the fortitude to bear the loss.

Rest in peace, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.

Benjamin Kalu. Deputy Speaker, 10th House of Representatives.

I am truly saddened by the passing of the legendary Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, a cultural icon and musical genius who passed away in the early hours of this morning.

Gentleman Mike was more than an entertainer, he was a storyteller, a custodian of our heritage, and a figure whose voice carried the soul of our people. With creativity and warmth, he transformed indigenous folktales into timeless melodies that transcended generations and borders.

His loss is a monumental one, not just for Ndi Igbo but the entire nation. His legacy in the Nigerian music scene and love for our culture will surely be remembered by generations to come.

I extend my deepest condolences to the Ejeagha family. May God grant them strength and comfort as they navigate this difficult time of grief.

Rest well, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha. Your voice will echo forever in our hearts. May your soul rest in perfect peace.

PRESIDENT BOLA TINIBU

“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” said Tinubu.

The President commended the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, for honouring the music icon while still alive.

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