Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has been honoured with an Award of Good Governance at the 10th edition of the African Community Service Awards held in Virginia, United States of America.
The award, which was received on the Governor’s behalf by Dr. Madueke Ekoh, recognised Mbah’s administration’s development initiatives and what the organisers described as his commitment to repositioning Enugu State as a modern economic powerhouse.
The organisers said their decision to honour Mbah was based on the transformation witnessed across key sectors of the state since his assumption of office, particularly in education, healthcare, infrastructure, transportation and economic development.
According to the organisers, “Across Enugu state since assuming office governor Mbah has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to rebuilding and repositioning it as a modern economic powerhouse, the state has witnessed remarkable progress across education health care infrastructure transportation and economic development.”
They highlighted the construction of 260 Smart Green Schools across the state’s political wards as one of the administration’s landmark achievements, noting that the initiative was designed to equip children with digital knowledge and skills needed to compete in the global economy.
In healthcare, the organisers cited the administration’s initiative to construct 260 primary healthcare centres to improve access to quality medical services at the grassroots, alongside the development of the new international hospital aimed at promoting world-class healthcare and medical tourism.
They also commended the Governor for reviving major state assets, including the renovation of the iconic Presidential Hotel and reconstruction of the International Conference Centre, as well as the development of the new Enugu City project.
According to the organisers, the projects are helping to restore economic activity while laying the foundation for a smart and modern city capable of supporting business growth, technology, housing and sustainable urban living.
The organisers further pointed to improvements in transportation and connectivity through strategic road construction, modern bus terminals, CNG buses and taxis, as well as the establishment of Enugu Air to boost tourism, commerce and investment opportunities.
They said Mbah’s investment-friendly reforms had also significantly increased the state’s internally generated revenue and strengthened Enugu’s economic standing among leading states in Nigeria.
“His leadership reflects vision innovation resilience and an enduring commitment to human capital development and economic transformation,” the organisers said.
Ekoh: Why I Nominated Mbah
Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, Dr. Madueke Ekoh expressed appreciation to the organisers and said his decision to nominate Mbah was driven by his belief in the Governor’s commitment to the welfare, dignity and future of Enugu State.
“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
“I am deeply honored and humbled to accept this recognition on behalf of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State.
“When I nominated His Excellency for this award, I did so because I saw in him a leader who is genuinely passionate about the welfare, dignity, and future of our State, our people and those who may visit Enugu State.
“A few months ago, we had the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation. What struck me most was his humility, his deliberate approach to leadership, his clarity of thought, and his optimism about what Enugu State can become. As he spoke about his vision and plans for the state, it was clear that he was not simply thinking about the present; he was thinking about the Enugu of tomorrow.”
Ekoh described Mbah as a leader with an “extraordinary appetite for meaningful change and transformation”, saying the Governor’s vision had been demonstrated through concrete projects and policies since assuming office.
“He is a leader with an extraordinary appetite for meaningful change and transformation. His vision often seems to move in leaps and bounds beyond what we have traditionally considered possible. Since assuming office, His Excellency has demonstrated that vision through action,” he said.
Water, Infrastructure, Healthcare, Education
Ekoh said Mbah had initiated efforts to restore access to potable water for communities across the state capital while pursuing the completion of critical economic and infrastructure projects.
“He has initiated efforts to restore access to potable water for communities across the state capital. He has pursued the completion of critical economic and infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of iconic hospitality assets such as the Nike Lake Resort, Presidential Hotel, International Conference Hotel and the completion of the International Conference Center, with the broader goal of positioning Enugu as a destination for tourism, business, and investment.”
He also praised the administration’s investments in healthcare, particularly the focus on taking essential medical services closer to rural communities.
“His commitment to the health and wellbeing of our people is equally remarkable. His administration has invested in the construction and development of healthcare facilities, particularly in rural communities, bringing essential medical services closer to the people who need them most,” Ekoh said.
On education, he said the Governor had demonstrated a strong belief that the future of Enugu depended on the quality of education provided to its children.
“He has also demonstrated a strong belief that the future of Enugu rests on the quality of education we provide our children. This commitment is reflected in the development of Smart Schools initiative designed to prepare our young people for a rapidly changing world.”
Ekoh further highlighted Mbah’s economic agenda, including initiatives aimed at strengthening tourism, connectivity and investment, with Enugu Air cited as one of the key projects.
“Beyond this, His Excellency has pursued an ambitious economic agenda and taken bold steps to strengthen tourism, connectivity, and investment in the state, including the establishment of Enugu Air.”
‘Keep Building, Keep Believing’
According to Ekoh, the Enugu International Hospital represented one of the clearest expressions of Mbah’s ambition to transform healthcare delivery in the state.
“Perhaps one of the most compelling expressions of his vision is his investment in advanced healthcare infrastructure through the Enugu International Hospital. The ambition is clear: to build a healthcare system capable of providing world-class treatment at home, so that our people do not have to travel abroad simply because they seek quality medical care.”
Ekoh said the initiatives were among the reasons he was inspired to nominate the Governor for the recognition.
“These initiatives, among many others, are the reasons I was inspired to nominate His Excellency for this recognition.”
He, however, said the award should not only be seen as recognition of past achievements but also as encouragement for the Governor to sustain his development agenda despite political challenges and criticism.
“But tonight, this award is more than an acknowledgment of achievements. It is also an encouragement.
“It is a reminder that leadership is not always easy. Every leader faces political challenges, criticism, competing expectations, and sometimes unfair perceptions. Yet, despite these challenges, we must continue to encourage those who are willing to think boldly, work hard, and pursue meaningful progress for their people.
“This recognition is therefore our way of saying to His Excellency: keep going. Keep building. Keep believing in the possibility of a greater Enugu.”
Ekoh described himself as one of Mbah’s strongest admirers and supporters, expressing confidence in the Governor’s vision for the state.
“On a personal note, I am proud to say that I am one of Governor Peter Mbah’s strongest admirers and supporters. I believe deeply in the potential of Enugu State, and I believe that leaders who demonstrate courage, vision, and determination deserve our encouragement, not only when things are easy, but especially when the road becomes difficult.”
He concluded by dedicating the recognition to Mbah’s vision and service to the people of Enugu State.
“Your Excellency, this award is a celebration of your vision, your determination, and your service to the people of Enugu State. May it inspire you to do even more. May Enugu continue to rise. May our people continue to prosper. And may the vision of a stronger, more prosperous, healthier, and more globally competitive Enugu State become an enduring reality.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, I sincerely thank the organizers of The African Community Service Awards and everyone who made this recognition possible.”
The recognition adds to the growing profile of the Mbah administration’s development agenda, particularly its focus on infrastructure, human capital development, healthcare, education, transportation and economic transformation in Enugu State.
