ENUGU …TAKE A SECOND LOOK

Friday, October 4, 2013

[size=14pt]Michael Nnebe[/size]

mnfargo@gmail.com




On Friday the second of August I sat alone in my living room watching the Tonight Show by Jay Leno. My phone rang, and I looked, it was my daughter Ashley calling from the United States.

"How are you daddy?" She asked excitedly.
"I'm alright darling."

"Surprise, you are still up this late."

"Yeah, I wanted to catch up on Jay's monologue on the Tonight Show before I go to bed."

In the middle of our conversation my daughter told me that she was planning to see "Great Gatsby" that evening, a movie that was just released a few days earlier. I told her that I remember the story, that I had read the novel by F. Scot Fitzgerald and seen a much earlier version of the movie in New York some twenty years ago. After the conversation I immediately checked on my phone the website of Genesis Deluxe Cinema operating at the Polo Park Shoprite mall here in Enugu. It turned out that the movie was a worldwide release, and also showing here in Enugu.

The next day I went to the mall, bought my ticket, popcorn and soda, and enjoyed the movie. When I left the cinema it was already late, about 9:45PM, and it was drizzling. As I drove out from Polo Park Mall through the well-lit dualized Abakaliki Road that led to Ogui junction, Chime Avenue junction, and ultimately into Bisala Road that leads to the Independence Layout section of town. I rarely go out at night, even when I go to the movies I try to catch an early showing in order to be home by nine o'clock. On that Saturday night, I noticed how clean and well-lit these vast networks of well-constructed roads in Enugu really are. I was so enchanted that I decided to drive around town that night and see more. I was astonished at how much this quiet sleepy Coal City has suddenly developed into a modern metropolis.

I drove through the GRA to Trans Ekulu, from Abakpa to New Heaven, then to Coal Camp. From there I drove to Achara Layout, then to Uwani, and Ogui and Asata before returning to Independence Layout. One thing I noticed is that most of the major roads were all dualized and well-lit. Even the bus stops were all ultra modern, with solar powered lights that glows through the night. On my way back, somewhere around Presidential Road, it was still drizzling, and I noticed a police car parked around the WAEC junction, its roof lights flickering in their many bright colors, and two police officers in their trench coats standing next to the car, examining a motorist's document. For a split second I thought I was somewhere in Amsterdam, or London. I had to remind myself that I was actually still here in Enugu.

It was not as if all these happened overnight, not quite, I had witnessed most of these transformations as they came, but this singular experience has made me to take stock in the city where I now call home. I must confess that I'm rather pleasantly surprised at how much Enugu has changed for the better. Though just one of the five state capitals in the Southeast, Enugu has for long been regarded as the headquarters of Igbo land. Perhaps this was as a result of its role as the former capital of the Eastern region. Whatever the reason, most Igbo heavyweights still make their homes here even if they are based in Abuja or Lagos. Nine out of ten of all Igbo big men, from Ekwueme to Ojukwu, from Iwuanyanwu to Arthur Eze, from Soludo to Ekweremadu and so forth all have a home here.

I have often wondered why they feel compelled to own a home here even when they are now practically spending most of their times in Abuja or Lagos. Some come down for occasional weekends, others keep their families here and visit every weekend. And there is yet another class of Igbos who make Enugu their permanent home, and only travel from here to Abuja for contracts and Lagos for business. Lately, there is a new awakening that seems to be making this otherwise quiet city home for many businesses. The Shoprite Mall, the largest of its kind in Nigeria, has now opened at Polo Park for more than two years. A monorail project that is supposed to link people from the airport, through town and beyond had since been awarded to a Canadian company. But I understand that sourcing funding for the project remains a handicap. And in the last month, the Enugu international airport is finally up and running with Ethiopian Airline as the first to start operations with Emirates and others to follow.

The city is very clean and the Inspector General of Police said that Enugu has the lowest crime rate in Nigeria according to their records. I don't want to give you any false impression; there are still some kidnappings around town though much smaller when compared to the neighboring Anambra State. Homes are very affordable; you can still rent a duplex (single family house) in an affluent part of town for less than a quarter of what it would cost you to rent a flat in a comparable neighborhood in Abuja or Lagos. Sometime ago, out of curiosity I put a high-end property in the market just to know what I could get. About eight thousand square meters in the best part of town and probably the best constructed home anywhere in the southeast. The best offer I got was half a billion naira. I quickly took it off the market. Similar properties in Ikoyi or Maitama would easily go for upwards of two billion naira. Ironically I know a few Igbo boys who would rather buy a luxury flat in Banana Island with more than half a billion naira than own a solid home in Enugu. The point I'm trying to make here is that properties are comparatively very cheap though they are now creeping up gradually.

For the record, I am not from Enugu State in case you think I'm promoting my hometown. My home town of Awka, also a capital, has become more commercialized, rather like Onitsha or Nnewi. Governor Sullivan Chime has done an incredible job of transforming Enugu even though the man is not even from this town. I wish that Peter Obi and all his predecessors have made an attempt at developing Awka. Each time I visit my hometown I'm busy avoiding potholes and kidnappers, and can't wait to return to Enugu. My beautiful home in Awka is now largely abandoned as there is no expectation that tranquility or security let alone good roads will come anytime soon. It is sad indeed, especially given that Enugu state gets a whole lot less revenue than Anambra state. Enugu remains unique in its features and civilization, far greater than any other Igbo town, and in my opinion represents a little bit of sanity in an otherwise crazy world of Nigeria.


Michael Nnebe is a former Wall Street Investment Banker and the Author of several novels, including; Every Dream Has A Price, Riverside Park, Blood Covenant, Gloomy Shadows, Passing wishes, Prime Suspect, and others.

Where's the pictures this is fiction with out the pics darling.

Sorry am not the writer. just saw it, thought it would be nice to share.

good write-up

God bless Sulivan

I think this man raised a point about Awka in comparison to Enugu. For some reason, some Nigerians have this mind set that commercialization and development goes hand in hand. How in God's name is Awka that's supposed to be similar to Enugu in look and feel now becoming like Onitsha. Where then is someone going to rest in Anambra? Onitsha and Nnewi caters for commerce in the state. Let the state government allow Awka to remain tranquil and liveable.

Afam4eva: I think this man raised a point about Awka in comparison to Enugu. For some reason, some Nigerians have this mind set that commercialization and development goes hand in hand. How in God's name is Awka that's supposed to be similar to Enugu in look and feel now becoming like Onitsha. Where then is someone going to rest in Anambra? Onitsha and Nnewi caters for commerce in the state. Let the state government allow Awka to remain tranquil and liveable.

lagos is both commercial and residential..enugu tends to want to be like abuja...owerri used to be like that but in recent times i am hearing that it is tending towards commercial...kano is both commercial and residential...unless you want anambra state government to stop commercial activities in awka which to me is almost impossible...what is needed in awka is structural masterplan.

chime has reali tried for enugu infrastructure changin enugu into one of d most liveable cities in nig.kudos to him bt he has nt done much work in educational sector..sum of d public skuls ar ntin to write home abt especially in d rural areas.
I rep 042

cashkid is back: chime has reali tried for enugu infrastructure changin enugu into one of d most liveable cities in nig.kudos to him bt he has nt done much work in educational sector..sum of d public skuls ar ntin to write home abt especially in d rural areas.
I rep 042

ignoring the rural areas and schools therein is the opportunity cost of making enugu city good.

asha 80: ignoring the rural areas and schools therein is the opportunity cost of making enugu city good.

Enugu doesn't have much money and this is why governors always choose an area where they want to focus on. During Chimaroke's tenure, it was about the schools and hospitals.

asha 80: ignoring the rural areas and schools therein is the opportunity cost of making enugu city good.

yea,i quite agree wit u bt at least,d govt shud renovate sum of it in each of d senatorial zones

I was made to understand that the schools in the rural areas are the responsiblity of the LGAs not the state . The reason why some of the LGA chairmen were dropped in the november election.

they LGA Chairmen are just useless, my chairman cld nt even renovate the school in his his back yard..

Afam4eva:
Enugu doesn't have much money and this is why governors always choose an area where they want to focus on. During Chimaroke's tenure, it was about the schools and hospitals.

so i guess the next governor should concetrate on nsukka and its environs and leave other places since nsukka with its increasing population desperately needs it?first self a master plan for nsukka needs to be developed...moreover i keep harping on that the rural areas should not be neglected...most igbos that migrate to other places largely do so from their rural abode.

cashkid is back: yea,i quite agree wit u bt at least,d govt shud renovate sum of it in each of d senatorial zones

all money is needed to make enugu city look good.

kmariko: I was made to understand that the schools in the rural areas are the responsiblity of the LGAs not the state . The reason why some of the LGA chairmen were dropped in the november election.

ok...then that is the reason i do not get bothered about whether there is lga election or not.

joeluv: they LGA Chairmen are just useless, my chairman cld nt even renovate the school in his his back yard..

The Nigerian Governors killed the LGA system and made the Chairmen useless. No Governor is free from that.

The writer only reiterated d truth, Sullivan has transformed Enugu tremendously but sm rural areas still needs his attention. The Emene-Eke road is still in shambles and dia are many residential estates springing up there.

He should give Emene sm attention considering d fact that an international airport is already operational dia.

Very well-written article.
Last time I was in Enugu, I inferred there must be a scramble to own properties in the city. All ends of Enugu had new estates springing up.
Towards Nkanu, there's the Centenary City and Goshen Estate.
Towards Emene, there's Bethel estate.
Towards Nike, there's Lakeview, Elim estate Iand Vivian estates
Towards 9th Mile, there're at least 2 estates
I admire the plan to decongest the city center.

In all, Chime has done well.
The next governor should focus on Nsukka and Agbani, while advancing the facilities already in place in Enugu urban.

passion007: Very well-written article.
Last time I was in Enugu, I inferred there must be a scramble to own properties in the city. All ends of Enugu had new estates springing up.
Towards Nkanu, there's the Centenary City and Goshen Estate.
Towards Emene, there's Bethel estate.
Towards Nike, there's Lakeview, Elim estate Iand Vivian estates
Towards 9th Mile, there're at least 2 estates
I admire the plan to decongest the city center.

In all, Chime has done well.
The next governor should focus on Nsukka and [b]Agban[/b]i, while advancing the facilities already in place in Enugu urban.

Are you from Agbani? I hope you're aware that Agbani enjoyed a lot under Chimaroke Nnamani.

Afam4eva:
Are you from Agbani? I hope you're aware that Agbani enjoyed a lot under Chimaroke Nnamani.

No I'm not.
But Nsukka and Agbani are easily the next big towns after Enugu, and as such should enjoy an above-average government investment.

BTW I think this is good enough for front page.

passion007:

No I'm not.
But Nsukka and Agbani are easily the next big towns after Enugu, and as such should enjoy an above-average government investment.

BTW I think this is good enough for front page.

Nsukkka should be opened up cos it's at the other extreme end. But as for Agbani, it's in Nkanu and natural development will get there. It's even ahead of a lot of places in Enugu due to the fact that Nnamani sighted development there. I just think the rural parts of Enugu should be opened up through the building of roads and bridges.

The foundation..why u so skeptical..na wa o...

enugu is the most condusive state in Nigeria!... Hit *LIKE* if yhu like good thangs!...

Afam4eva:
Nsukkka should be opened up cos it's at the other extreme end. But as for Agbani, it's in Nkanu and natural development will get there. It's even ahead of a lot of places in Enugu due to the fact that Nnamani sighted development there. I just think the rural parts of Enugu should be opened up through the building of roads and bridges.

Agreed, Chimaroke sited a number of projects in Agbani, but there aren't enough facilities to encourage those working in Agbani to stay in Agbani. Most, even students, shuttle from Enugu to Agbani every day. Nsukka even has an advantage in that regard though more certainly needs to be done.
Regarding rural roads and bridges, I think Sullivan is doing well enough.
To access my village in Ikem, IsiUzo LGA, we used to travel to Nkalagu in Ebonyi state, then reroute back to Enugu via Eha-Amufu, taking about 2.5 hours. Whereas, an ongoing road project will reduce drive time to under 45minutes. The new route requires a lot of bridges, hence past administrations preferred to do simple, straightforward roads in other parts of the state instead. But, for the first time, Chime is actually working on that road although progress is at snail speed.

passion007:
Agreed, Chimaroke sited a number of projects in Agbani, but there aren't enough facilities to encourage those working in Agbani to stay in Agbani. Most, even students, shuttle from Enugu to Agbani every day. Nsukka even has an advantage in that regard though more certainly needs to be done.
Regarding rural roads and bridges, I think Sullivan is doing well enough.
To access my village in Ikem, IsiUzo LGA, we used to travel to Nkalagu in Ebonyi state, then reroute back to Enugu via Eha-Amufu, taking about 2.5 hours. Whereas, an ongoing road project will reduce drive time to under 45minutes. The new route requires a lot of bridges, hence past administrations preferred to do simple, straightforward roads in other parts of the state instead. But, for the first time, Chime is actually working on that road although progress is at snail speed.

I think rainy season could be the cause of delayed work on that road.

@@@

geeez: 8:25am

I've been to Enugu severally and I must admit some of the roads are good

But it's not a particularly big city and the good roads are limited to the GRAs and layouts

But is it that the author didn't realise that the roads were dualized when he drove by in the afternoons?

Enugu is a low density city and there isn't as much pressure on the roads as you will get in a sparsely populated area by Lagos, Ibadan or Onitsha standards

I like the architecture of the Polo Park Mall too but every time I visit, I rarely see people even on Saturdays and patronage isn't fantastic.

Enugu is unlike the typical SE cities and doesn't have so much pressure on its infrastructure which makes it easy to manage

In all, I have to give it to Chime. He's tried
(Quote) (Report) (Like)

do they ever give! pathetic

Enugu state pride of igbo land. No matter where I am, once there is money , I most have a house in enugu state.

centje: I think rainy season could be the cause of delayed work on that road.

I hope so oh.
Can't wait to hear that road has been completed.

passion007: Very well-written article.
Last time I was in Enugu, I inferred there must be a scramble to own properties in the city. All ends of Enugu had new estates springing up.
Towards Nkanu, there's the Centenary City and Goshen Estate.
Towards Emene, there's Bethel estate.
Towards Nike, there's Lakeview, Elim estate Iand Vivian estates
Towards 9th Mile, there're at least 2 estates
I admire the plan to decongest the city center.

In all, Chime has done well.
The next governor should focus on Nsukka and Agbani, while advancing the facilities already in place in Enugu urban.

except for the centenary city, other estates are privates. I must say that chime made a good use of the limited federal allocation and resources, channeling them to sectors that will attract investors. those estates arent springing up without foesight. emene industrial layout is rapidly taking shape. I just wish the stakeholders in enugu will come out with a blueprint on modern planning and developent of our satellite towns...nsukka, 9th mile, agbani, obollo, oji, emene, isi uzo as a whole, awgu. its not just constructing roads, but a well planned towns, medium scale ventures to encourage people to work in those towns rather than migrate to capital and add unnecessary pressure to facilities. large farms can be sited in places like adani and isi uzo. produce supplied to a large market in capital (ogbete could be moved to new market, expanded and well built to modern standard) remaining produce moved to other southeast state or transported out via rail (which will soon be completed) to south and north, a large amusement park could be built on the hills of nkwo, farm and facility for food storage could be built in nsukka, by this seasonal fruits can always be available. oji thermal station could be expanded, with current privatisation policy, at least lets give back value to our coal.

theres more to be done...hoping to see chime's successor do more than he has already done.

Abagworo:

The Nigerian Governors killed the LGA system and made the Chairmen useless. No Governor is free from that.

Nigeria does not need an LGA system. It is part of the disastrous copy cat attitude of our past leaders to import everything American wholesale, without adapting it to the Nigerian situation. The way we do monthly sanitation and cleaning out of gutters and dump the same smelly unsightly rubbish by the roadside. The next minute rain disperses the rubbish around the entire roads and city making it more dirty than it was before the sanitation day clearing of the gutters.

It will be better to reconstitute the Mayor sytem to administer cities and modernize the traditional rulers system to include town planners etc to rule ruleral areas, and fund these units to build projects in their communities than have the unmitigated looting of Nigeria through the LGA system. I need to know any LGA in Nigeria that contruct the local roads as they should,nor build new class room blocks for school children as they should. There is absolutely NONE!

Anyhow, my comment here was to praise the writer for his vivid comments on Chime's quiet transformation of Enugu. Indeed, the other SE cities should take a cue from Chime's transformation and build liveable cities. Fashola recently insulted Igbos feigning an apology when he stated that "He does not know why Igbos must come to Lagos" Fashola believes and rightly so that if Lagos can be transformed from also a cesspool of uncountable mal-odorous mini slums such as Makoko,Mushin,Ajejunle,ketu etc into a green garden state which he is creating now, there is no way the South-East states should not stem the decay and begin a deliberate drive to reclaim their cities and make them liveable again.I must commend Rochas for doing something similar in Owerri and Orlu, even though he makes more noise than his actual accomplishments.At least he knows flowers and trees need to be planted to beautify the environment after road construction.As simple and elementary as this sounds, many of our Governors sadly do not know this.

Anambra and Abia are SE most commercialized states. But commercialization does not mean a deliberate man made environmental degradation and devastation of the area as we have witnessed. We are human beings and therefore must strive to make our environment conducive for our good health and positive mental development of our children. These two Igbo States have the potential to become giants if only a small attention is paid to making the environment not just solely commercial but also more appealing and friendly especially in the key cities of Aba,Umuahia,Onitsha,Nnewi and Awka.