…Says Enugu is now a model for safety and nightlife resurgence
…First Choice Afro Villa Ltd, Mburubu Construction Company fully backing Mbah’s rescue mission
The Chief Executive Officer of First Choice Afro Villa Ltd and Mburubu Construction Company, and Igwe-elect of Mburubu Ancient Kingdom in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, has described Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s security reforms as a benchmark for other states to emulate.
Speaking with newsmen in Enugu on Thursday, Onuokaibe, a prominent business mogul, noted that Enugu was previously gripped by fear due to rampant criminal activities, kidnappings, and widespread insecurity, but has now been transformed under Governor Mbah’s leadership into a hub of peace and tourism.
According to him, “People were afraid to step outside once it got dark. Businesses closed early. There was no life in the city after 7 PM. But Governor Mbah came on board and changed the story by going straight to the root of the insecurity. He brought in modern technology and increased the presence of security officers across the state. Today, Enugu is different. We now see patrol vans with smart cameras, drones in the air, and officers responding quickly. It’s not magic—it’s planning.”
He pointed to the once-feared Nike-Ugwogo-Opi Road as an example of the turnaround, noting that it is now safe for residents and commuters alike.
“Before now, that road was a death trap. Now, people drive through without fear, thanks to the Governor’s bold steps. The sit-at-home orders that used to cripple Enugu’s economy every Monday were also addressed with firm action. Governor Mbah did not just make speeches; he ensured those threatening peace were removed. The Monday shutdown almost killed the city. But today, markets open, schools resume, and people go about their business without hiding.”
Dr. Onuokaibe added that the improved security climate has led to a revival of nightlife and general economic activity, revealing that his decision to return his real estate business to Enugu was inspired by the Governor’s achievements in the security sector.
“Go to Ogui Road or Independence Layout now, you’ll see young people hanging out again. Restaurants are back in business. That’s what peace does. Enugu now enjoys security more than any other state in the South East. It is on record that our weekends are now one of the best because people all over the country visit our state to catch fun and go back because they are sure of their safety. On a personal note, I brought my business down to Enugu because of what Governor Mbah did in the security sector.”
He further praised Governor Mbah as a courageous leader who has refused to allow insecurity to dominate the state, saying the administration is committed to protecting lives and restoring confidence.
“Mbah is not just sitting in office. He is fighting for the safety of our lives and future. He’s not afraid to take action where it matters. Enugu’s growing revenue shows that investors are regaining confidence. Nobody wants to invest where there’s no security. But today, with over ₦144 billion generated in revenue by late 2024, we can see that safety is bringing in money and development,” he said.
Dr. Onuokaibe also commended the Governor for transforming Enugu into a massive construction zone, adding that none of the ongoing infrastructure projects would be possible without a secure environment.
He called on residents to support the administration’s efforts by being vigilant and contributing to the preservation of peace and stability in the state, while assuring that his companies remain fully committed to the Governor’s mission.
“This progress is for all of us. The least we can do is to help keep it going. Enugu has been rescued—we must not allow it to fall back. We at First Choice Afro Villa Ltd and Mburubu Construction Company are solidly behind him, and we will do our best to support and promote his administration.”
