“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” —Douglas MacArthur
The immediate past Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Rt. Hon Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was born on March 20, 1964, to parents who hailed from Orba in the present Udenu local government area of the state.
He attended the prestigious St. Theresa’s College, Nsukka, from where he gained admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). He obtained a B.Sc. Degree in Finance and M.Sc. Degree in Marketing (Public Relations) at UNN.
IfeanyiChukwu equally holds an MBA Degree in Finance and another MBA Degree in Accountancy from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
A humble man who rose through the business and political circles to attain lofty heights that today stand him out as one of the most peaceful and popular nationalist in the country.
IfeanyiChukwu was elected Governor of Enugu State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in April 2015. And was sworn in on May 29, 2015.
Following his unique cum uncommon leadership qualities that endeared him to his people, he was re-elected and sworn in as the Governor of Enugu State for a second tenure on May 29, 2019. He successfully completed his eight years as Executive Governor of Enugu State and handed over to his successor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah on May 29th, 2023.
Before becoming Governor, he was a three-term ranking member of the House of Representatives, he represented the good people of Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency. As a member of the House of Representatives, His Excellency. Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi chaired the House Committee on Maritime.
His administration championed an unprecedented rural development drive, concentrating development more in the rural communities than in the urban areas to strike a balance and give the rural dwellers, who are equally bonafide citizens of Enugu State but were hitherto neglected for a long time, a sense of belonging.
After Zik of Africa (Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe) who attracted the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) to Nsukka, Udulukenyi 1 N’Orba is the second person to bring a university to Nsukka zone, the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State.
He is the man behind the listing of Enugu as an oil producing state, a lifeline for the incoming administration and Ndi Enugu in particular.
A unique, humble and God-fearing leader who entrenched enduring peace in Enugu State and maintained a peaceful relationship with his predecessors and other leaders of political, religious and traditional institutions. During his administration, both the rich and poor has a voice and treated equally. What a humane leader of our time.
Briefly listed legacy projects of His Excellency, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi CON.
:Rehabilitated and remodeled the ancient, historic and undulating 11-kilometre Milliken Hill-Ngwo-9th Mile road.
:Constructed the first flyover bridge by Enugu State Government located at T-Junction, Nike Lake Road, Enugu;
:Constructed the 12-kilometre Opi-Nsukka dual carriageway with underground drainage system fitted with street and traffic lights up to University of Nigeria (UNN) gate;
:Constructed the Ebonyi River Bridge, Ikem, Isi-Uzo LGA;
:Constructed the 31-kilometre Udenu Ring road with two high-tech bridges, Udenu LGA;
:Rehabilitated the Iva Valley roads in Enugu North LGA;
:Constructed the 8.8-kilometre Nkalagu-Eha Amufu road in Isi-Uzo LGA, neglected for over 35 years.
:Constructed the 26.66-kilometre Ukpabi-Nimbo-Ugbene -Ajima-Eziani road in Uzo-Uwani LGA (RAMP-2);
:Constructed the 22.443-kilometre Neke-Mbu-Ogbodu Aba-Obollo Etiti inter-community road linking Isi-Uzo and Udenu LGAs (RAMP-2);
:Constructed (Earthwork) the 16km erosion ravaged Eha-Ulo/Eha-Etiti/Eha-Ndiagu-Mbu road and 24-kilometre Premier Junction-Umabor-Mbu road (RAMP-2), covering 40km, being constructed across thick forests and difficult terrains;
:Constructed (Earthwork) 8.580-kilometre road project linking Ihe with Ogbaku Town in Awgu Local Government Area (RAMP-2);
:Constructed the 13-kilometre Nike Lake junction-Harmony Estate-Amorji Nike-Adoration Pilgrimage Centre-Orie Emene road linking the ever-busy Abakpa Nike with Emene satellite town in Enugu East LGA;
:Reconstructed the Nike Lake Road and Abakpa Nike Road in Enugu East LGA;
:Constructed the Amaeke-Ngwo-Nsude-9th Mile and Amankwo-Amaeke-Amah Brewery Junction-9th Mile bypasses in Udi LGA;
:Reconstructed the Airport Roundabout/Orie-Emene/ St. Patrick’s College/Eke-Obinagu Road in Enugu East LGA;
:Reconstructed the Enugu Road (Nsukka) Junction-Umuezebi-Nru Junction-University Gate road in Nsukka town;
:Reconstructed the Post Office Roundabout-Odenigbo Roundabout -Ogurugu Road-Ikenga road in Nsukka town;
:Reconstructed the Obechara Road Junction-Umunkashi- Mechanic Village-Ikenga Hotels Junction road in Nsukka town;
:Constructed the 8.2-kilometre Inyi-Akpugoeze road in Oji River LGA;
:Constructed the Ituku Road in Awgu LGA and the Amurri road in Nkanu West LGA;
:Simultaneously executed 35 grassroots development projects across the 17 LGAs;
:Rehabilitated urban and rural roads in Emene, Abakpa-Nike, 9th Mile Corner and the University town of Nsukka;
:Rehabilitated more internal roads in the University town of Nsukka, covering over 11km, namely Aku Road, Echara Road, Beach Junction-Umanu Road, New Anglican Road, Amaobi Road, New Market- Aludele – Eruchara Road, Sen. Fide Okoro-Amaeze- Saint Theresa’s- Anglican Road, Justina Eze Street, etc.
:Rehabilitated the old UNTH-Bunker road, Enugu; constructed the Holy Trinity Street-Bishop Michael Eneja Street, Independence Layout; Mount Crescent, GRA; Orofia Street, off Nza Street, Independence Layout; Dental School-Tipper Garage road Trans Ekulu, Enugu; Ugwuaji-Loma Linda-Timber Shed road, Maryland, Enugu; Nwafia Street, Independence Layout; Mbanefo Street, New Haven; The Secretariat Road, G.R.A; Court Avenue by new State Secretariat; Ibuza Street at Independence Layout; Isi Uzo Street at Independence Layout; Owerri Road; Poly Clinic Road, Asata; Carter Street, off Ogui Road; IMT Boulevard, Phase II; Prof. Ofili Ugwudioha Street, Independence Layout, Enugu etc.
:Construction of a network of roads with drainage system at GRA, Enugu (Justice Nwazota-Ilogu Close Road with a spur to Works Road Layout, GRA, Enugu).
:Reconstructed the 5-kilometre University of Nigeria Nsukka (New Gate) by Nru Junction – 9th Mile-Makurdi expressway.
:Constructed the 2.35-kilometre access road to Legacy Estate, Trans Ekulu, Enugu.
:Reconstructed the Agbani Road (from Police Detective College – Garki Flyover by Enugu Port Harcourt Expressway.
:Ugbaike, Enugu Ezike – Obollo Afor link road with smart solar streetlight.
:Eke Amala – Otukpo Old Road; Amadi – Agbougwu-Amajioke road.
:Umuokere – Igugu Road, Phase 1, Udenu LGA.
:Construction of Eke Likke – Iheaka Junction – Amagu Uwani – Ekoyi Iheaka -Uhunuowerre – Iheakpu Awka road in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area (ongoing);
:Reconstruction of Ibagwa Junction-Itchi in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area (ongoing);
:Construction of road network in the Crystal Court estate beside NTA premises, Independence Layout, Enugu (ongoing);
:Constructed access road and internal road network in the House of Assembly Layout behind ENHA, Independence Layout, Enugu;
:Asphaltic concrete road and drainage system on the road to Udenu LGA;
:Spot improvements of urban roads within the Enugu Metropolis;
:Emergency erosion control and protective works at Atavu Stream, Amaechi – Amodu – Umueze Road, Nkanu West LGA. Neke/Mbu – Ogbodu Abba/Obollo Road in Isiuzo LGA.
Asata River, Lagos Street, Enugu North LGA. Agu Orba and Imiliki Etiti in Udenu LGA. Ogui River at Works Road, GRA; University Road, Nsukka; Works Road at Works Layout, GRA amongst others;
:Constructed the Mission Junction – Owolloti – Ogoma Ring Road (Phase II), Iwollo Oghe, Ezeagu LGA amongst others;
:Swamp reclamation at Works Road layout, GRA, Enugu.
:Renovated the House of Assembly Complex Enugu.
:Rehabilitated and re-asphalted the popular Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.
:Completed the new Lion Building, Government House, Enugu, with additional works such as landscaping and installation of floodlights and security lights.
:Renovated the Deputy Governor’s office, Abuja Building, parking lots, among others, within the premises of the Government House, Enugu, among others.
:Constructed the first phase of the Enugu State Secretariat Annex in Nsukka satellite town.
:Remodelled the old Premier Lodge into Zik Centre (an ultra-modern tourist centre today) in honour of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, first Premier of Eastern Region.
:Constructed a befitting conference centre at Nsukka adjacent to the State Secretariat Annex comprising multiple halls, other indoor activity hubs and recreation facilities such as adult and children swimming pools and Lawn Tennis Court.
:Constructed ultra-modern 5,000-seat Township Stadium, Nsukka.
:Constructed and inaugurated the massive Unity Park, formerly known as Forest Reserve, Enugu, to serve as a tourist attraction and a place for relaxation and recreation.
:Constructed 10 units of Executive Guest House at the Old Government Lodge, G.R.A, Enugu, for routine guests of the state Government.
:Constructed the first Christian Chapel of Worship at the Government House, Enugu.
:Remodelled the Old Government Lodge, GRA, Enugu and constructed an Annex.
:Constructed a befitting Banquet Hall at the remodelled Old Government Lodge, GRA, Enugu.
:Constructed 24 units of Guest Flats at remodelled Old Government Lodge, GRA, Enugu.
:Reconstructed and rehabilitated the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Building, Enugu.
:Construction of Nsukka Press Centre at Nsukka Local Government Area.
:Construction of Enugu State Fire Service Headquarters as the first Headquarters for the Service at Ogui Road Fire Station by Otigba Junction to enhance the fire response capacity of the Service.
:Renovation of buildings (blocks A and B) at the Enugu State Marketing Company Limited.
:Constructed/reconstructed INEC Office Buildings at Awgu, Udenu, and Independence Layout.
More so, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration also built and furnished the first Tech Hubs in the South East region ; with one at Enugu while the other is located at Obollo-Afor. All are currently, working perfectly.
Nevertheless, his projects cut across all sectors, kindly digest above listed and anticipate for more.
The other side of Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi CON, you need to know.
“He might not be perfect “as all of us are not perfect either before God. However, a good man is known from his actions. Udulukenyi is a good man with a heart of gold, a humble man that has a large heart. A peaceful man that has affected the lives of severals regardless of region or class”.
Behold:
UDULUKENYI 1 N’ORBA, a noiseless achiever & builder of men.
A son of nobody became somebody under his watch. Posterity will definitely be kind to you Sir!
Egbe Anagba Anyanwu writes from Independence Layout.
