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  • Enugu State Partners with Landmark Africa Group to Revamp Nike Lake Resort

    Enugu State Partners with Landmark Africa Group to Revamp Nike Lake Resort

    The Enugu State Government has signed a landmark deal with the Landmark Africa Group to transform the iconic Nike Lake Resort into a premier destination for tourism, business, and hospitality.

    The agreement, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), grants Landmark the management and operational responsibilities for the resort. As part of the deal, the state government is contributing to the resort as an asset, while Landmark will invest ₦10 billion in the first phase of the project to restore the facility to its former glory.

    Governor Peter Mbah described the partnership as a significant step towards achieving his administration’s goal of growing Enugu’s economy to $30 billion within six years.

    “Landmark Group is a known name in the hospitality sub-sector. Your reputation and experience precede you. So, I was glad when I became aware that you indicated interest to come and manage and run the Nike Lake Resort,” Mbah said during the signing ceremony at the Government House in Enugu.

    He emphasized the importance of the Nike Lake Resort to the state’s tourism and economic development, describing it as “iconic” and integral to the administration’s vision of making Enugu a premier destination for investment and tourism.

    Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure to support the partnership.

    “This year alone, we have earmarked ₦800 billion to provide various forms of infrastructure – physical, social, and digital. We are spending hugely to ensure that this place becomes the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and living,” he said.

    He highlighted the ongoing dualisation of the Enugu-Opi-Nsukka Road, a project aimed at boosting ease of doing business and attracting more investors to the state.

    Paul Onwuanibe, Founder and CEO of Landmark Africa Group, expressed excitement about the partnership, praising the governor’s efforts in improving infrastructure and security in Enugu.

    “I know this is one of the states that not only has the position as a good governance state but also one that has made great progress in a short period under this administration. We want to be greatly part of it and part of that transition that takes Nike Lake to its past glory,” Onwuanibe said.

    He assured that the company’s investment would bring significant economic benefits to the state, including job creation, increased tax revenue, and a boost in tourism, with a target of bringing two million visitors annually to Enugu.

    “We intend to invest over ₦10 billion in the first phase of the partnership. From the employment perspective, supply chain and value chain improvements, tax contributions, and increased international visitors, this will be a big win for Enugu State,” Onwuanibe added.

  • EU, Enugu State launch N3.33bn ‘Solar for health project’ to power 25 Primary Healtchcare Centres

    EU, Enugu State launch N3.33bn ‘Solar for health project’ to power 25 Primary Healtchcare Centres

    he European Union (EU) and the Enugu State Government have initiated a N3.33-billion Solar for Health Project to electrify 25 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state.

    This initiative also saw the inauguration of the Enugu State Solar for Health Project Steering Committee, chaired by the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, to ensure the project’s sustainability.

    The launch was part of an EU project titled “Nigeria Solar for Health Programme (NISHP)” which aims to provide 24-hour electricity to over 100 healthcare facilities in five states—Enugu, Ogun, Plateau, Abia, and Akwa Ibom.

    The NISHP will run from 2024 to 2027, the program is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system by deploying sustainable solar power solutions.

    Enugu State, being the first to contribute a counterpart fund of N1 billion, is a priority state in the project’s implementation.

    EU commitment to Sustainable Development Goals
    Speaking at the launch held at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu, Mrs. Inga Stephanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy for EU Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the project was aimed at bringing electrification to communities, especially health facilities.

    Many primary health centres in the country lack basic amenities and are in need of electrification,” Stephanowicz said adding that five states in the country would benefit from it.

    Stephanowicz stated, “Enugu is one of the first states that volunteered and made the necessary commitment to become a priority state in the EU intervention.”

    She further explained, “Enugu state will get N3.33 billion from the EU support as the state government has paid counterpart fund of N1 billion and when you multiply this amount by the five states, that is the amount we are spending on the project.”

    She emphasized that the initiative is one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of providing basic health, community services and electrification needed for people to live, become healthy and raise families.

    “We are championing an all stakeholders-driven model where local businesses will be connected to as the solar project will be powering both health facilities and SMEs around it.”

    “This means that we are not electrifying only health facilities but businesses around it too. One of those businesses will be a telecom tower to improve telecommunication in that facility,” Stephanowicz added.

    Enugu Governor reaffirms vision for better healthcare
    Governor Peter Mbah, represented by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, in a keynote speech, emphasized the project is a step in the collective journey toward the attainment of SDGs and improved healthcare delivery for citizens.

    “It is a quick reminder that the challenges in the primary healthcare and energy access are interconnected and require innovative and collaborative solutions,” Mbah noted, disclosing that the State had long been committed to improving healthcare outcomes and addressing the energy deficit.

    He further explained, “We are taking a bold step toward ensuring that our primary healthcare facilities have reliable, sustainable and uninterrupted energy supply.”

    He emphasized that the initiative aligns perfectly with our administration’s vision to enhance people’s lives. “The deployment of solar energy in our healthcare facilities means that critical health services will no longer be disrupted due to outages.”

    Also speaking, the Programme Manager, Energy Access, EU Nigeria, Mr Godfrey Ogbemudia revealed that the EU has invested €20 million in Nigeria’s power sector both off-grid and renewable energy between 2008 to 2020 and an additional €37 million for new energy access programmes from 2021 to 2027.

    He assured that by 2030, more than 100 million Nigerians would have access to electricity through the project.

    Sustainability at the core of the project
    Mr Tinyan Ogiehor, the Senior Stakeholder, and Engagement Manager of NISHP, explained that NISHP was funded by the EU in collaboration with the Enugu State Government to particularly improve health outcomes in the state.

    He further mentioned that the project was designed with key elements of long-term sustainability, hence the need to electrify productive load sers, as well as have the government provide counterpart funds.

    “The EU is providing funds for solar PV, batteries, and inverters for a minimum of 25 health facilities in Enugu State, spread across 17 Council Areas,” he added.