...As Prof. Chidiebere Onyia Commends G-17 as Enugu’s Best Grassroots-Based Support Group, Signs Endorsement Register
Enugu’s grassroots mobilisation force, G-17 For Peter Mbah, has commenced a strategic stakeholders’ engagement programme following the successful conclusion of its statewide grassroots mobilisation tour across the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State, which culminated in a grand finale at Nkanu East Local Government Area in July.
The stakeholders’ engagement is aimed at strengthening collaboration with critical political and administrative stakeholders, reviewing findings from the statewide mobilisation exercise and harmonising grassroots strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the G-17 For Peter Mbah delegation, led by its Convener, Board of Trustees Chairman and Director-General, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah, paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, at the Government House, Enugu.
Addressing the SSG and his team, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah said the visit was designed to brief the Secretary to the State Government on the activities of G-17 across the 17 Local Government Areas, present key observations from the statewide tour and engage him on critical issues identified during the grassroots mobilisation exercise.
He described Prof. Onyia as an important member of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah's delivery team, commending his role in supporting the administration's development agenda across the state.
According to him, Prof. Onyia has distinguished himself through regular field monitoring, project follow-up and direct engagement with communities, noting that his activities have extended beyond the confines of his office as Secretary to the State Government.
Hon. Dr. Mbah particularly commended the SSG for what he described as his unprecedented street-to-street and community-level monitoring of key projects of the Mbah administration.
He cited the SSG's involvement in monitoring development interventions across rural communities, including efforts to improve access to water, the monitoring of Smart Green Schools and Type-C Primary Healthcare Centres, as well as his role in responding to emerging challenges affecting communities across the state.
He also referenced Prof. Onyia's interventions in security-related matters, including his engagement with the situation in Affa, Udi Local Government Area, describing such field-level interventions as evidence of a hands-on approach to governance.
"Prof. Onyia is not just an administrator sitting in the office. He goes to the field, interacts with the people and ensures that the projects of the Governor are moving in the right direction. He has continued to represent the Governor effectively and has shown that he is deeply committed to the development of Enugu State," Hon. Dr. Mbah stated.
He further described Prof. Onyia as a critical component of Governor Mbah's delivery team, stressing that his commitment, availability and direct involvement in monitoring government programmes had contributed significantly to the administration's achievements.
"Enugu State has never had it this good. Prof. Onyia is a gift to Ndi Enugu and an important part of the Governor's strong delivery team," he added.
Following the extensive interaction, G-17 For Peter Mbah formally appointed Prof. Chidiebere Onyia as Patron of G-17 For Peter Mbah for the Enugu East Senatorial Zone.
The organisation also honoured the SSG with an award recognising him as the Best Secretary to the State Government in Nigeria, describing the honour as a token of appreciation for his commitment to public service and his contribution to the development of Enugu State.
Presenting the honour, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah said the recognition was intended to appreciate the SSG's dedication and encourage him to continue giving his best in service to the state.
"Prof. Onyia has distinguished himself by serving Enugu State with his strength, time and commitment. This appointment and award are our own way of saying thank you. As the popular saying goes, appreciation is an application for more," he said.
Responding, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of G-17 For Peter Mbah for the recognition and appointment.
The SSG described G-17 as one of the most formidable grassroots-based support groups operating in Enugu State, noting that he had closely monitored the activities of the organisation and was convinced of its seriousness and organisational capacity.
"I am somebody who understands when people are serious. I have monitored G-17 and I know that this is a group organically made up of people who are ready to deliver," Prof. Onyia stated.
He noted that G-17's registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), coupled with its structured statewide operations, demonstrated that the organisation was established with seriousness and a clear institutional framework.
The SSG said he was particularly pleased to be recognised as a Patron of the movement, adding that he had known Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah as a member of the Governor's delivery team and was therefore familiar with his commitment to achieving results.
"I know the leadership of G-17, and I know how serious they are. I am happy to partner with this group and I appreciate the confidence you have reposed in me by appointing me as your Patron," he said.
Prof. Onyia urged G-17 to consolidate and protect its grassroots structure, stressing that the movement's organisational strength would be critical as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
He also challenged the group to target a convincing margin of victory for the APC, rather than merely seeking victory.
"The APC wants a big margin, but victory is already assured. The achievements of Governor Peter Mbah have made it much easier to market him to the people," the SSG said.
He urged G-17 to maintain accurate and reliable grassroots data, stressing that the organisation's mobilisation database would remain an important asset in future political engagements.
"Keep your structure strong and keep your data intact. With what Governor Peter Mbah has achieved, the opposition will have very little to tell the people after 2027," he added.
Prof. Onyia subsequently signed the G-17 For Peter Mbah Endorsement Register, formally identifying with the movement's grassroots mobilisation efforts.
The visit marked another significant phase in G-17 For Peter Mbah's statewide engagement programme, coming after the successful completion of its tour of all 17 Local Government Areas and 260 wards in Enugu State.
The organisation's leadership said the stakeholder engagement would continue as part of efforts to consolidate the gains of the grassroots mobilisation exercise, strengthen coordination with political stakeholders and translate the findings from the statewide tour into effective grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
