Senator Shehu Sani, a former federal lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his exceptional leadership in promoting good governance, peace, justice, and national unity. He disclosed that the governor has touched the lives of many people not only in the state but also beyond.
During the second edition of “Handshake Across Nigeria” in Enugu, organised by Nzuko Umunna, Senator Sani delivered his goodwill message to Governor Ugwuanyi, expressing his admiration for the governor’s work in providing quality leadership and a peaceful atmosphere in Enugu State. Despite numerous challenges in the country, Governor Ugwuanyi has made the state a safe place for both indigenes and non-indigenes.
Senator Sani stated that Governor Ugwuanyi is “a friend for which Enugu State has become a home not only for the people of South East zone but also for the people of Nigeria.” He also thanked the Nzuko Umunna organisation for providing him with the opportunity to speak at the event and commended them for their efforts in building bridges across Nigeria.
The event, themed “Building Bridges for a New Nigeria,” was the brainchild of “disruptive Igbo global Think Tank and Professionals” committed to expanding friendships and cementing bonds between Ndigbo and other nationalities of Nigeria to raise the bar of profiling the country’s diversities as a source of strength rather than weakness. The occasion witnessed the formal presentation of a book, “Nzuko Umunna Chronicles,” as well as the inauguration of new executives of the non-partisan body of committed optimists, under the leadership of Prof. Chinedu Nebo.
Governor Ugwuanyi was also eulogised by the Tor Tiv, Prof. Ayatse, Ozekhome, and Prof. Nebo for his bridge-building initiative, hospitality, commitment to peace, justice, and national unity, as well as his administration’s unprecedented rural development trajectory in the state. The Tor Tiv, Prof. Ayatse, appreciated Governor Ugwuanyi for being “a good neighbour of the Tiv nation” and thanked the governor for the warm hospitality he accorded him and other visitors to the historic event in Enugu “from yesterday till today.”
Expressing the unreserved appreciation of the organisation, the newly inaugurated President, Prof. Nebo, applauded Governor Ugwuanyi “for the unmatched level of hospitality and benevolence extended to Nzuko Umunna,” saying: “We are grateful to you Sir. This has been wonderful; we could not have done this without you. We are also very grateful to South East governors who were glad to support us and are part of this event.”
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Imo State Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, who represented Governor Hope Uzodimma; the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; the Enugu State Governor-elect, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah; former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; vocal lawyer and human rights activist, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, the Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, Chief Kenneth Igwe Ugbala who represented Governor David Umahi, among others.
The occasion was an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s diversity and showcase its strengths. It was a call to all Nigerians to join hands in building a more united, prosperous, and peaceful nation. The speakers emphasised the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups and the need to work together towards a common goal.