The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has praised Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his exemplary leadership, highlighting that the governor’s substantial investments in education, primary healthcare, and infrastructure mark a pivotal change for the state.
This commendation comes alongside the governor’s announcement of the state’s commitment to providing over 300,000 Smart Green School children with quality nutrition daily, starting in September 2025.
At the signing ceremony for the UNICEF/Enugu Government Multi-year 2025/2027 Workplan held at the Government House in Enugu on Tuesday, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, Chief of Field Office for UNICEF Enugu, expressed her admiration for the governor’s “exemplary leadership and advocacy for the welfare of children and women.” She noted that Mbah has made significant strides in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
“You are the pioneer of Smart Schools here. Enugu leads the way in implementing the WASH masterplan. Your investment in primary healthcare, particularly in upgrading the healthcare system to Level 2, is highly commendable, as is your commitment to establishing smart schools that enhance human development in the state.
“Having been in Enugu for the past three years, I have witnessed remarkable improvements in infrastructure, security, and the welfare of women and children.
“Your impact on the state’s infrastructure development and focused efforts to boost the local economy demonstrate your commitment to the long-term vision for Enugu. Your dedication to the issues affecting children and women is commendable and signifies the anticipated progress in working with UNICEF to enhance child welfare in the state,” she emphasised.
Chiluwe further explained that the signing of the multiyear plan signals UNICEF’s renewed commitment to collaborating with the state government to uphold the rights of children and women as part of the ongoing Country Programme of Cooperation, which began in 2023 and will conclude in 2027.
The UNICEF leader also called for intensified efforts from all stakeholders, including local government authorities, to ensure that the state achieves open defecation free (ODF) status and implements social protection policies to eradicate poverty.
In response, Mbah expressed his gratitude for the partnership and support provided by the UN agency to the people of Enugu State, reaffirming that his administration is dedicated to addressing pressing social challenges, as demonstrated in the previous two budget cycles.
Describing UNICEF as a reliable development partner, the governor highlighted the government’s continuous prioritisation of the social services sector, which accounts for the largest budget allocation.
“Education received 33 per cent of the budget, a commitment that has been consistent across the 2024 and 2025 budget cycles. The healthcare sector is similarly prioritised, and we plan to maintain these investments for at least the next five years to ensure that we are not starting from scratch in terms of infrastructure,” Mbah stated.
He further reiterated that the plan for 260 Type-2 primary healthcare centres in each electoral ward, many of which are completed and equipped, extends beyond mere construction. It includes staffing, ancillary services, and advanced medical facilities, including 24/7 electricity.
The governor also noted some challenges, such as the shortage of healthcare personnel faced by his administration upon taking office, and announced the immediate recruitment of 2,500 health workers.
Regarding the state’s basic education system, Mbah confirmed that the Smart Schools initiative is set to launch by September 2025, benefiting over 300,000 school children with access to healthcare facilities, including free daily balanced diets and healthy learning environments.
He added that his administration is committed to ensuring the comfort of state residents through the first phase of a 7,500 mass housing scheme aimed at relocating those living in urban slums and eliminating open defecation.
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