…without mincing words, there is no better time to be prouder as an Enugu citizen than at a time as this, when the state is glowing and basking in the euphoria of the amazing accomplishments of the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who right from the day of his emergence as the candidate of our great party, never hid his commitment to putting Enugu State on the map of the three top states in Nigeria.
Here in Enugu, words are matched with action, promises are kept with the speed of light, and trust becomes rewarded with deeds. Party faithful now walk with heads held high, shoulder arched forward and lips lined with smiles.
While across many states it is about anger and discontent against promises unfulfilled, hopes dashed and glimmer of recovery betrayed, here in Enugu, the conversation is about the triumphs recorded, crisscrossing facets such as potable water supply, road construction, tourism development, transformation in the education sector, revolution in the health sector, enhancement of security, transport infrastructure provision and human capital development. What else and what more do people want from politicians if not “answers to ultimate questions about the meaning of life, then at least for answers to fundamental questions about the larger purposes of civilization. Yes, politics is far more than being concerned with mere acquisition of power. It is about deploying power to such ends so that the utilitarian concept of the greatest happiness of the greatest numbers is met.“
Governor Mbah is loudly answering those fundamental questions through his sterling and stellar achievements in so short a time.
We, therefore, hold these truths to be self-evident, and that is “Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is prayer answered.”
It is indeed Uhuru, and we shout Eureka. And fittingly so, the news on the lips of Enugu State indigenes and residents is no more about whether Dr Mbah is functionally qualified and strategically lead the state into a new era of all inclusive development, thereby giving verve to the dream of our founding father but that the Governor is maximizing every available opportunities to translate his visions into concrete realities. It is a fact is that even the harshest of his critics has come to its truism.
This is what we see when preparedness and opportunity meet and the man of preparedness begins early in the day to prove bookmakers wrong. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration marks an important turning point in Enugu State, heralding a new era of Progress and Prosperity even in the midst of excruciating economic challenges and leadership inertia bedeviling Nigeria. It can safely be said that a new dawn has risen with the emergence of His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as the Governor of Enugu State, a seasoned private sector investment magnet, an uncommon administrator and visionary leader.
We are all witnesses to how security of Lives and Properties ranks topped the chart in the administration’s dream for a new Enugu State. Governor Mbah’s primary commitment is to ensure the safety and security of the people of Enugu State. As a result his administration took major concrete steps to strengthen law enforcement agencies, enhance community policing, and invest in modern security technology to combat crime and safeguard the lives and properties of the citizens. Of great concern was the nightmarish activities of the outlawed ESN which brought economic and social activities to standstill across South East. With their implementation of an illegal sit at home order, every activity on Mondays come to halt. The economic loss and dislocation of social services as well as government businesses was just intolerable. Upon assumption of Office, the Governor took Enugu State citizens by storm when he announced the end to the illegal sit at home, assuring citizens that the government would leave no stone unturned in a bid to ensure that the state is secure, with economic and social activities bouncing back. There were understandable outcries and widespread apprehensions were understandable. No Governor in South East has dared to thread the lane. Bookmakers did not give him any chance of success. But the Governor was focused and prepared. Bringing innovative ideas into the equation, the Governor brought an end to the anomaly. A Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Governor Enugu State amply represents a 21st century leader with an overall functional ability and needed emotional balance to excite and galvanise the momentum of all round development.
With security in place and the illegal sit at home order consigned to the dustbin of history, he set the stage for immediate engagement of the development process. Strategic to the envisaged development is road infrastructure. The Governor was quick to access and enumerate the most troubling roads in the state and consequently awarded 71 road projects with a mandate to contractors to deliver within record time. This is the first time any Governor is awarding a total of 71 roads at a go. The administration has embarked on an ambitious road construction program aimed at improving connectivity and accessibility across the state. In this area is the much celebrated ongoing construction of 40kms of the Owo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Umuaro-Neke- Ikem road that links Enugu East zone with access to the Northern part of Nigeria. So far many of the awarded roads have been constructed while work is ongoing on others.
Understanding that access to clean and safe potable drinking water is a fundamental human right of every citizen, Dr Mbah’s administration declared a state emergency on that sector with a set timeline of 180 days from the day of assumption of office. Working round to clock, the administration revamped a hitherto comatose sector, delivering over 100 million cubic meters of water to the metropolis within the given timeline, The administration is currently making visible efforts to provide clean and safe drinking water to communities around the metropolis. Reticulation pipes are being massively laid to this effect, construction of water galleries are ongoing reflecting the governor’s dedication to improving the quality of life for all Enugu residents.
That health is wealth is a living fact that strike a cord with the thinking of Dr. Mbah. Determined to bring access to health facilities to the grassroot, administration has commenced the construction of Type 2 Health Centres across the 260 wards in the state. Contractors have mobilised to site to bring this visíon to concrete reality. This is laudable as it is heartwarming to our people who for long have been denied health amenities.
One of the key highlights of Governor Mbah’s vision for Enugu is the development of the Enugu Central Bus Terminal, a modern transportation hub that will streamline commuting within the city and enhance the overall urban infrastructure. Designed to house all commuter buses plying intra and interstate as well as Rail services under one location, the administration is set to create a state of order and comfort for travelers. A multi functional terminal, it has capacity to provide several thousands of employment opportunities to Enugu People. The Ogbete Enugu and Nsukka Urban bus terminals set for commissioning tell the story on clean slates and marks an important watershed on the depth of the Governor’s vision.
Further to these, the governor has initiated the Smart School Education program, integrating modern technology and innovative teaching methods to enhance the quality of education and equip the youths with the skills needed for the future. With construction designed for the 260 wards in the state, the government has engaged the process of mainstreaming functional education that will produce a new genre of critical thinkers, technocrats, fully skilled and smart generation of Enugu people who can compete with their contemporaries across the world. It is a fitting tribute to a man whose passion is enarmous that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria came around to commission over 60 of the completed schools along side other multiple projects.
On the economic front, the administration has prioritized economic prosperity by focusing on e-commerce, investment drive, and job creation. Through strategic partnerships and investment incentives, the administration aims to attract businesses and industries, fostering a vibrant economic environment that will create employment opportunities and drive sustainable growth. Only recently, several investment deals have been sealed. The Ceramic industry, asphalt plants etc come to mind.
Furthermore, the promotion of e-commerce initiatives demonstrates the governor’s forward-looking approach to leveraging technology for economic advancement.
So far, investment in the agricultural sector has seen to the acquisition of over 2000 hectares of arable area across Nkanu East, Aninri and Ụzọ Uwani for the Cassava to Bioethanol value chain. Through partnership with IFAD, Enugu youth farmers are taking delivery of farm equipments and implements for their farming activities. With the ongoing investments in the sector, Enugu State will readily regain its prime place as the agricultural destination in south east.
At the heart of Governor Mbah’s leadership is a commitment to good governance. Transparency, accountability, and inclusivity are fundamental principles guiding the administration’s decision-making processes. The governor has established mechanisms for citizen engagement and feedback, ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people it serves.
In conclusion, the emergence of His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as the Governor of Enugu State heralds a new era of progress and prosperity for the state. With a comprehensive agenda encompassing security, infrastructure, education, economic development, and governance, Governor Mbah’s leadership signifies a promising future for Enugu, laying the groundwork for a thriving and resilient society. As the governor’s initiatives take root and flourish, Enugu State stands poised to reach new heights of excellence and opportunity under his visionary stewardship.
By Onyekachi C Ugwu Jp
