The Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Uchenna Joseph Okolo, has congratulated Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on his nomination in four categories at the Independent Newspapers Silver Jubilee Awards 2025.
Okolo, in a statement issued on April 14, 2026, through his Special Adviser on General Media and Publicity, Tochukwu Chukwu, described the nominations as a reflection of “purposeful leadership, innovation, and impactful governance.”
Governor Mbah is nominated in the Education Reformer Governor of the Year, Financial Architect Governor of the Year, Infrastructure Champion Governor of the Year, and the prestigious Outstanding Governor of the Year categories—making him the only governor shortlisted across four categories in this year’s awards.
Reacting to the development, Okolo said the recognition is a “well-deserved honour” and a clear validation of the governor’s reform-driven administration.
“This national recognition is not only a celebration of Governor Mbah’s exceptional leadership but also a validation of the progressive strides Enugu State has recorded under his administration,” he said.
“From unprecedented growth in Internally Generated Revenue to massive infrastructure expansion and revolutionary education reforms, the governor has indeed set a new benchmark for governance in Nigeria,” Okolo added.
The nominations were conveyed in a letter signed by Yemi Adebisi and Steve Omanufeme, highlighting Mbah’s achievements in fiscal discipline, transparency, and policy innovation.
Among the cited milestones are a reported 125 percent increase in Internally Generated Revenue, an expansive road infrastructure programme covering over 1,000 kilometres, and the rollout of 260 Smart Green Schools equipped with modern digital learning facilities.
Okolo further praised the administration’s investment in education, noting that allocating over 30 percent of the state budget to the sector underscores a commitment to human capital development.
“The people of Enugu State, especially at the grassroots, are direct beneficiaries of these impactful policies. As a local government chairman, I can confidently attest to the positive changes being felt across communities,” he said.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to hold this Saturday at Eko Hotel and Suites, where Mbah is expected to be honoured alongside other prominent Nigerians.
Okolo expressed confidence that the governor’s leadership will continue to attract both national and international recognition, urging residents to sustain their support for the administration’s development agenda.
