“Over the years, the contacts he built from his days as a student running a small-scale business have endured…” —Ebuka Onyekwelu Throughout Chief Willie Obiano’s two terms of eight years as Anambra State governor, the most consistent name associated with getting things done in that administration is Uzuegbuna Okagbue. As the Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to the then Governor, Uzu’s reputation and style were distinct. Yet, he was rarely seen and...

“Even Ifeanyi Ubah, like many others who have risen to unusual prominence, did not arrive there by following any particular path” —Ebuka Onyekwelu One major fact of life that I have come to personally acknowledge is that breaking even is not an easy thing. Moving from a less desirable economic or social status to a more desirable one, is not by any means an easy journey, more so in a largely badly governed society like...

“One of the major roadblocks to a government’s projects or proposed programmes is lack of sufficient funds…” —Ebuka Onyekwelu One of the major arguments in support of democratization and an open government system is because decentralization of power. Just as surely, the major criticism against the concentration of power is the likelihood of abuse. However, systems grow and mature gradually, moving from a closed structure and management to an open and accountable one. This growth,...

“The government of Anambra State must now go beyond this pronouncement “ —Ebuka Onyekwelu Last week, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo pronounced free education to students across government-owned schools from primary school to Junior Secondary School – JSS 3. This pronouncement has triggered reactions, with many interrogating the governor’s intentions. Looking at this pronouncement by Governor Soludo, one can say that it was rather a spontaneous announcement, than a detailed policy statement. This then...

“It is hard for the international community to ignore such a fine blend of talent, competence, and influential individuals…” —Ebuka Onyekwelu The Governor of Enugu State has pulled the most unexpected strings since their assumption to office, about three months ago. Without any doubt, Enugu has been restored as the melting pot of the best of the Southeast geo-political zone.  It is even more or less magical when one observes the state governor’s demeanor and...