Enugu State was carved out from the former East Central State of Nigeria during a period of military rule.
In the First Republic, Nigeria functioned under a parliamentary system of government, with M.I. Okpara serving as the Premier of the Eastern Region, from which Enugu State later evolved.
Under Okpara’s leadership, the Eastern Region was recognised as the fastest-growing economy in West Africa; this agro-based economy spurred remarkable infrastructure development throughout the region.
Today, the Enugu State government, led by Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, appears to be revisiting this historical legacy, aiming to revive the ambitious vision of Okpara by not only stimulating the economy but also enhancing the state’s infrastructure.
Inspired by Okpara’s model of governance, Mbah believes that the administrative practices previously abandoned by past administrations can be revitalised, aligning them with global best practices to forge an outstanding and flourishing economy for the benefit of both residents and visitors.
Mbah has demonstrated swift action in addressing pressing security issues that have significantly hindered economic activity in Enugu State, recognising that protecting lives and property is a fundamental responsibility of the government. While security is a national challenge, Mbah has managed to establish relative peace in Enugu shortly after taking office. Notably, the creation of a situation monitoring room equipped with security cameras to visually track incidents exemplifies his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
In pursuit of making agriculture the backbone of Enugu’s economy, Mbah has initiated significant partnerships and investments in this sector. Initiatives include a ₦100 billion partnership project for palm production and a similar investment for cassava, rice, and other cash crops in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, alongside support for farmers through the provision of land, seedlings, and fertilisers to foster growth.
Historically, no administration in Nigeria has allocated and implemented a budget for education to the extent of Mbah’s governance. His staggering ₦158 billion investment in education far exceeds UN recommendations, as he firmly believes education is the foundation of development. His ambitious educational goals include establishing 262 smart schools in every ward across Enugu State, fully equipped with modern learning resources, upgrading the Igboano Health Institute to a university, and rehabilitating nursing schools with cutting-edge facilities.
One might think Mbah is a visionary from another world; however, he is simply an individual determined to enhance Nigeria to the standards of Western nations. Understanding that government is a continuum, he has embarked on the construction, reconstruction, and completion of abandoned projects and deteriorating infrastructure. The International Conference Centre, long neglected by previous administrations, is now nearing completion, along with a five-star hospitality centre that will position Enugu State as a tourism hub in the Southeast.
Seemingly eager to fulfil his promises to the people of Enugu, Mbah declared an emergency in water production and distribution within the state. Although the project is still ongoing, he has delivered on his commitment to provide water within 180 days.
The multitude of ongoing projects in Enugu State is impressive. In the health sector, ultra-modern health centres are being constructed in various wards to alleviate primary healthcare challenges in rural areas.
The dualisation of Abakpa Nike Road and the Nowas-T-Junction-Ibeagwa-Ogbeke-Ugwogo Nike-Opi Nsukka Road, officially launched on October 28, 2024, is just one of many road projects initiated under Mbah’s administration, highlighting a remarkable focus on infrastructure development.
Furthermore, harmonising the tax burden has successfully eliminated the issue of multiple taxation for citizens, fostering a more business-friendly environment. Recent actions against land grabbing and the promotion of a modern transportation system, especially through state-of-the-art motor parks under construction in Old Park, Garki, Nsukka, and elsewhere, represent unprecedented advancements under Governor Mbah’s tenure.
In sports, Mbah’s administration has revitalised Enugu Rangers International by appointing a new management team and providing substantial funding, leading the club to clinch the national league trophy.
As one who has excelled in both the public and private sectors, Governor Mbah has demonstrated the vision and determination needed to elevate Enugu to remarkable heights. This is evident in the numerous reforms within the civil service, where activities have now been digitised to enhance efficiency. All ministries and parastatals are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to support their staff effectively. The welfare of the workers is exceptional, with a newly approved minimum wage of 80,000 naira.
The once-dilapidated Hotel Presidential Enugu is currently undergoing reconstruction, alongside the revitalisation of Nigergas, the flour mill, and other infrastructure aimed at creating employment, which had long been dormant, all thanks to the highly focused Mbah administration.
I am not here to enumerate Mbah’s achievements during his time in office; rather, I aim to highlight a few of the notable successes achieved by this individual, who has displayed remarkable administrative skills. Is Governor Peter Mbah ambitious? Undoubtedly so. How else could he manage such monumental projects in a short time, especially in a climate of scarce resources? Is Mbah a magician? Not a magician, but truly a man wielding a magical touch in the management of people and resources.
True to form, Mbah is fulfilling the mandate entrusted to him by the people of Enugu, swiftly bringing about unprecedented changes in human development, infrastructure, and peace within the state.
Furthermore, the Chief Servant of Enugu has garnered an unparalleled following due to the remarkable successes achieved during his brief tenure. His Nkanu people, and indeed all of Enugu, take pride in having a brave, meticulous, diligent, and visionary leader in him.
Engr Prince Wilfred Edeoga writes from Enugu
