Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The National Vice Chairman South, All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Emma Eneukwu, has hailed the achievements of the Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uchenna Nnaji, since his assumption of office.
Eneukwu said this in his remarks after the minister received an award of “Icon of Democracy,” on Saturday in Enugu.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council bestowed the award on the minister in recognition of his fight for the return and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria since 1999.
He described Nnaji’s award by the NUJ as an honour well deserved, saying that the minister was someone, who does more and talks less.
According to him, an honour given to the minister is an honour given to all of us in the APC family in Enugu State.
“Before he came in, Science and Technology was regarded as a dead ministry but today he has brought lots of innovations to the ministry, such that, it has become the envy if everyone,” Eneukwu said.
He said that the minister has been able to re-jig the ministry to the admiration of all the stakeholders.
In his speech, Nnaji, expressed appreciation for the award, saying that the award by the NUJ would serve as a tonic for him to start talking.
“This award by the NUJ in Enugu State will surely embolden me to talk and do more,” he said.
The minister said that he has been making efforts to bring federal projects to Enugu State but regretted that these projects have not seen the light of the day.
He advised Journalists in the state to work harder especially in the area of indepth investigative journalism so as to unravel many wrongs going on in the state.
He expressed concern over the high taxation in Enugu State and the huge annual budgetary estimates by the state government.
“A state which does not have oil, gas and with low internally generated revenue is budgeting N971 billion more than states that have oil and gas.
“This will surely lead to high and possible double taxation,” he said.
Former National Vice President of NUJ, Mr Kenneth Ofoma, while speaking, said the council decided to give award to Nnaji having recognised his years of sacrifice for the sustenance democracy.
Ofoma, who is also a chieftain of the APC, said the award was a sign of the party’s gradual acceptance in the state.
The chairman of Enugu State Council of NUJ, Mr Sam Udekwe, represented by his vice, Mr Regis Anukwuoji, said the award was part of its 2024 Press Week celebration.
