…“We’re emulating Mbah, taking development to the grassroots” – Asogwa, Council Chairman
Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s leadership philosophy took centre stage during a public lecture on ethical leadership and grassroots development, organised over the weekend by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in collaboration with the Ethics, AI, and Higher Education Strategy Team (EAISTRAP).
Delivering the guest lecture, the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Engr. Jude Asogwa, praised Governor Mbah’s ethical governance model, noting its transformative impact on local government administration across Enugu State.
Asogwa, who underscored transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement as the pillars of effective governance, said Mbah’s style of leadership has restored public trust, encouraged community-led development, curtailed corruption, enhanced fiscal responsibility, and promoted inclusive governance and sustainability at both state and local levels.
“So, what we have done in Nsukka Local Government Council is to cascade Mbah’s ethical leadership and inclusive governance models to the grassroots. The same thing is happening across the other 16 LGAs.
“When the governor came on board, he adopted the 260 wards of the state in the siting of projects in line with his inclusive governance model. In every ward, he is doing one Smart Green School, one Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centre, and one Farm Estate in addition to road and other development projects.
“So, as a Local Government Council, we have taken our own development down to the 52 communities of Nsukka LGA. We interacted with them to give us three projects they feel the Council should execute for them, starting with one at least.
“We were able to get their requests, we compiled it and called it our Projects Bible. And with that, we are able to do one after the other, and for each of them, we do it in partnership with the communities. We try to engage the communities,” he said.
The Council Chairman also urged citizens to take an active role in fostering ethical governance through community-based monitoring to detect and report corruption and mismanagement.
“It is not enough for leaders to act with integrity; citizens must also hold them to high standards,” Asogwa added.
Governor Mbah, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, applauded the organisers for promoting ethical values and leadership at the grassroots, stressing the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
“Ethical values at the grassroots is very important because that is where the majority of the people live. Every government has a philosophy, and our philosophy is to ensure that the people get what they deserve.
“Communities should, however, take ownership of those projects. The contractors are also being closely monitored and assessed to ensure that what they are doing is in line with the government’s mandate. The days of cutting corners in project procurement and management are over,” he stated.
In his remarks, Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Oguejiofor Ujam, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, reiterated UNN’s dedication to not only academic excellence but also to instilling values and ethics in future leaders.
He praised Governor Mbah for his commitment to infrastructure and human capital development.
“A lot is happening. But I feel particularly happy when I remember that the Enugu-Opi-Nsukka Road is being dualised. As a person that has lived here for many decades, it means a lot to me. It will make movement faster, and criminality will reduce on that road. It will open up the zone. So, the university community thanks the governor for this, and we hope for speedy completion,” he said.
EAISTRAP Team Leader, Prof. Casmir Ani, commended Engr. Asogwa for effectively reflecting and replicating Mbah’s “Tomorrow is Here” vision through transparency, community engagement, and innovation.
Chairman of the event, Professor D.N. Eze, and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Thaddeus Nzeadibe, emphasized the crucial role of ethical leadership in Nigeria’s development and reaffirmed the faculty’s resolve to nurture leaders who embody integrity and transformative values.
The lecture drew a diverse audience including the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Pharm. Chika Ugwuoke; Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Michael Uche Ogalla; Udenu LGA Chairman, Hon. Aka Eze Aka; traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures, academics, and members of the public.
