- Prince Ekene Nwanjoku.
January often arrives quietly in governance circles. But in Enugu State, the month announced itself differently. Leadership did not retreat into routine; it deliberately stepped into culture, politics, security, education, regional strategy, and human connection. Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s January engagements were not isolated events stitched together by coincidence. Rather, they formed a coherent narrative of a government consciously consolidating power responsibly, strengthening institutions, and positioning Enugu decisively within Nigeria’s evolving political and economic architecture.
The month opened with a powerful reaffirmation of the place of traditional institutions in modern leadership. Governor Mbah’s presence at the Ofala Festival of the Aji-Essodo Ancient Kingdom in Igbo-Eze North was symbolic, yet deeply strategic.
Igwe Simeon Osisi Itodo is one of Enugu’s longest-reigning monarchs and Grand Patron of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council. While celebrating His Royal Majesty, the Governor acknowledged his institution as one that has survived centuries because it remains rooted in service, moral authority, and communal cohesion.
The public presentation of “Okosisi”, a book of essays written in honour of the monarch, elevated the moment beyond festivity into reflection. It was a beautiful reminder that leadership worthy of documentation is leadership that transcends its immediate environment and contributes to collective memory. Such leadership is also one that will be remembered by future generations.
The Governor’s message at that event was that ‘culture is not peripheral to development; it is foundational. Traditional rulers preserve identity, transmit values, resolve conflicts, and promote peace. In a modern economy, they also unlock tourism, creative enterprise, and local economic vitality.’ In aligning cultural heritage with economic vision, the administration reaffirmed its commitment to building a New Enugu that is secure, prosperous, and culturally confident.
From the palace grounds of Aji-Essodo, the Governor’s January journey continued into the realm of remembering national service and disciplined leadership. His courtesy visit to Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (Rtd.), former Chief of the Naval Staff, at his country home in Umuopu was both personal and equally symbolic. Vice Admiral Ogalla represents a generation of Nigerians whose careers were forged in discipline, sacrifice, and devotion to country. It was such an admirable thing for Governor Mbah to take the time to celebrate such a figure as the Vice Admiral. This recognition of merit was part of the broader philosophy of the governor that seeks to inspire younger generations by lifting role models whose lives reflect integrity, patriotism, and institutional loyalty.
In Awkunanaw, Nkanu West LGA, Governor Mbah also paid a condolence visit to His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Dr.) Greg Ugwu, following the passing of his mother, Late Chief (Mrs.) Mary Mgbeke Ugwu. In acknowledging the life of Mama Ugwu, a woman remembered for dignity, strength of character, and devotion to family, the Governor linked personal legacy to public service.
Another deeply symbolic moment came with the Governor’s visit to Chief Jim Nwobodo, elder statesman and one of the most influential figures in Enugu’s political history, during the commissioning of a new Obi at his country home in Amechi Awkunanaw. This was a memorable cultural event. It was a statement on continuity. Chief Nwobodo’s life of service, spanning executive leadership, legislative leadership, and national assignments, represents a bridge between generations.
Governor Mbah’s presence and solidarity with the elder statesman affirmed a governing philosophy that respects legacy without being imprisoned by it. Of course, it has always been in the character of the Governor to honour elders, institutions, and the historical scaffolding upon which modern governance is built.
Perhaps the most defining political moments of January occurred in Nkanu East and Enugu metropolis, where the Governor articulated a bold and unapologetic political direction for the state.
At Owo, the flag-off of the APC e-registration exercise was framed as a strategic repositioning. Enugu has suffered decades of political ambivalence. But Governor Mbah has chosen at this time to move the state to the centre. Rejecting fragmented politics, the Governor emphasised partnership over protest. Enugu cannot keep isolating itself from the rest of Nigeria and expect to move forward. And the ambitious target of registering two million party members was not about numbers alone. It was about entrenching political clarity at the grassroots.
Programmes like the “Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme” were presented as tangible evidence that political alignment delivers real dividends, including poverty reduction, grassroots development, and inclusive growth. This political philosophy found broader regional expression at the South-East APC Stakeholders’ Meeting held at Hotel Presidential, Enugu.
Here, Governor Mbah challenged leaders to see beyond short-term calculations and embrace historical responsibility. Aligning with the centre, he argued, is not an emotional decision but a strategic one, rooted in vision, discipline, realism, and delivery of good governance. One of the most culturally profound moments of the month unfolded in Ihuokpara, Nkanu East, where Governor Mbah received the ọfọ staff of authority from the royal fathers of Nkanu land during the 50th Coronation Anniversary of Igwe Fidelis Ogbu Nwatu, Eze Agabi II.
In Igbo cosmology, the ọfọ is not an ornament. It is authority, truth, and responsibility combined. By accepting it, the Governor publicly acknowledged the trust of his people and the burden that comes with it. He further pledged to serve Ndi Enugu with humility, energy, and unwavering commitment.
The administration’s renewed emphasis on the welfare of traditional rulers, reflected as a budgetary priority, reinforced the understanding that custodians of culture deserve to be treated as custodians indeed.
Another interesting aspect of January was the reception of the Enugu State Children’s Parliament at Government House. While in audience with the Children’s Parliament, Governor Mbah reiterated why education remains at the heart of his administration. With over 30% of the state budget invested in education for three consecutive years, the rollout of 260 Smart Green Schools, and 12 years of completely free education, Enugu is redefining public education as a right backed by policy, infrastructure, and funding. The zero-tolerance stance on child abuse in Enugu State further underscores a commitment to dignity, safety, and opportunity.
At the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Governor spoke with depth and empathy about sacrifice, unity, and the enduring cost of conflict. His message was centred on the fact that remembrance must go beyond ceremony into sustained care for families left behind.
Further engagements with the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, the South East Development Commission, the University of East London, NIMC, and the Nigerian Army leadership revealed an administration focused on collaboration, planning, human capital development, identity management, and security.
Each meeting, though modest in optics, strengthened the institutional spine of the state.
The month came to an amazing end with the groundbreaking Sun Man of the year award given to His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah by the leadership of Sun newspapers.
January 2026 was not a month of scattered engagements. Governor Peter Mbah’s January Rendezvous shows a leadership that is deliberate, grounded, empathetic, and strategic. It shows one who understands that development is built simultaneously in bold leadership engagements in all parts of the state and beyond. This is what Governor Mbah has been doing, almost perfectly.
Ndi Enugu,
*Tomorrow is Here!*
