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Enugu 2023: CEPP backs Peter Mbah, lists expectations of Enugu people
Conference of Enugu Progressive Professionals (CEPP), a global body of professionals of Enugu State stock, has made vital recommendations to the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Barrister Peter Mbah, whom they said possesses the wherewithal to give Enugu State high quality leadership, if elected in forthcoming election.
CEPP listed a number of critical infrastructures and programs which it advised the next administration in the state to regard as a priority after its global online conference held last weekend.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Okonkwo J. Igwe and Secretary General Jacobs Egbonwachi respectively, CEPP, while thanking Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Enugu citizens in general for choosing Mbah, stated that a cerebral character like Barr Mbah is what Enugu State needs at this critical stage of its development.
The group congratulated the candidate (Mbah), affirming their confidence that “he is bound to emerge governor.” It however, said the challenges before the business mogul are many, but expressed confidence that he will hit the ground running, when elected to office.
The two page statement reads:
The Conference of Enugu Progressive Professionals therefore, in congratulating you and your running mate sir, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, believe very strongly that as a man of impeccable character and sound upbringing, what you are bringing to the table is the kind our great state needs at this critical stage of our development in Africa and the world.
With the wide range of leadership needs of our people, as ndị Enugu, ndi Igbo, Nigerians and Black Africans, we believe that there is a lot you are going to be doing but do not doubt that you will hit the ground running. The following are suggestions of areas that we, in our different experiences are convinced need serious attention as firsts, among the projects your government would embark on-
1. Road development in the rural areas: Enugu people are majorly rural dwellers, with agriculture and trade as our mainstay. Unfortunately, most of the roads in our rural communities are destitute, decrepit and seriously needs attention. We at CEPP believe that a a massive delve into roads and bridges construction across the 17 local governments in the state will quickly launch our state into the future, and once again stand it out as the capital of Igbo land. No doubt, this will be a daunting task that will require lots of funds, but we must sacrifice every money we can to begin this massive construction site, and launch a state ‘akin to Dubai’, by the time your government is through with these projects.
2. Agricultural development: Being a farming people from ancestry, our people live agriculture by default and would usually succeed most as farmers, and traders of farm products.
It is therefore imperative that governments that desire the progress of the state and its people must focus on this field. We are asking that the incoming Administration takes a very critical look at this field given the advantages of water bodies in the State especially Idodo river.
Without any assistance at all, Enugu farmers, from Nkanu land to Nsukka, from Awgu to Agbaja, have excelled beyond expectations not only in farming and trading regular crops like rice, garri, yams etc, but we are adjudged to have the most diversity in food technology in Igbo land, (which happens to be number one in quality foods production). These special food types that need scientific development and investment could include varieties like akidi, agbugbu/fiofio, Ukwa, ugba/ukpaka, ji ona, ọkpa, ukpo okwuru, achịcha, anara and ewa vegetables, soup condiments like okobo, akparata, ọfọ, achị and so many others that have not been given any attention by governments.
We cannot continue to focus on regular foods like rice, cassava and others that the rest of the world are competing to develop, we need to make a difference, and escalate our income in the local and international markets.
3. Water Revolution in Enugu city and the state in general – Scarcity of water has become a very embarrassing situation in Enugu State. A few years back, Enugu State has been one of the few states in the country said to lack water, where its people have contacted water- related diseases. In Enugu East zone to be precise, a large number of people were hospitalised in Nkerefi in Nkanu East LGA and Ezza Nkwubo, Enugu East LGA due to guinea worm.
More worrisome is the fact that the Enugu Water Board that prided itself in the past as the supplier of water to the whole Eastern Nigeria, including Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States is today practically dead. Enugu dwellers have to buy water from tankers who exploit the citizens in order to drink, cook and wash. This is undesirable and an emergency which we trust that your government can handle in the first year of leadership. We are therefore appealing that you put this at the forefront of your projects.
4. Exploration of the Mining Potentials of Enugu State, including Coal and Petroleum deposits: We have read in the news reports with gladness in our hearts, that some of the critical areas in your programme is the mining sector, we therefore will not dwell much in this.
We will only briefly mention it that, like you have observed rightly in the past, our state is very rich in mineral deposits. Apart from coal in Enugu and petroleum in…, we are aware of other mineral deposits in places like Nkerefi, Nkwubor-Nike, Owo and many other communities.
A functional Ministry of Mining and Minerals will do our people a lot of good.
5. Modern, Tech-based leadership: Every leader of the modern world must run a tech-based government in order not just to succeed but also to make explosive impacts across the country and the globe.
We have got the technical knowhow, the manpower and a populace hungry and wiling to become like the rest of the world in the InfoTech industry. We therefore solicit an expanded Otigba Railway ICT centre to be domiciled hub with supportive facilities.
6. Amusement Park and Lifestyle Satellite Town: A multipurpose park with classified zoo is long overdue. Enugu State can be a reserve for some of the finest breeds of wildlife in this part of the world given our conducive geography. To achieve these and more we appeal for an administration defined by private-public partnerships driven by people oriented policies.
We, at CEPP believe that Enugu State can become self-sustaining with an idea-driven leader like you, and we are convinced that if you take steps in the fields we enumerated, a lot can be achieved.
We look forward to a wonderful outing with you at the helm, steering the affairs of our dear state to prosperity and happiness.
Congratulations in advance.
Long live Enugu State!
Signed,
Okonkwo J Igwe, President
Jacobs Egbonwachi, Secretary – General.
The Enugu State Police Command has launched an investigation into the deaths of four persons reportedly identified as students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), following an alleged academic sign-out celebration at Hilltop Hostel, Nsukka.
The development comes amid reports of the mysterious deaths of fresh UNN graduates shortly after their graduation celebrations, throwing the university community into mourning.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the victims, comprising two males and two females, reportedly took ill after allegedly consuming alcoholic beverages during the gathering on Wednesday, November 11.
According to the police, six other students were also rushed to the hospital for medical attention, while the four victims were confirmed dead on arrival.
The Command disclosed that alcoholic beverages were recovered from the scene, while the remains of the deceased had been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.
It said investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the actual cause of the deaths.
“The Command is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish the cause of the deaths. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” the statement said.
The police urged the public to await the outcome of the investigation as efforts continue to unravel what led to the deaths.
The statement was signed by SP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, and dated November 12, 2026.
The Enugu State Tourism Board has denied allegations that Governor Peter Mbah directed it to deny former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) the use of Michael Okpara Square for a political rally.
The Executive Chairman of the board, Dame Rita Mbah, said the governor had no involvement in the decision, insisting that the facility was already fully booked for government and other activities during the Christmas and New Year period.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Mbah described reports alleging that the governor ordered the rejection of Obi and the NDC’s request as false and misleading.
She explained that a representative of the group approached the manager of Michael Okpara Square, in her presence, to request the use of the facility but was informed that all available dates had already been booked weeks earlier.
According to her, the representative was subsequently informed of the booking situation but insisted on submitting the request letter.
She alleged that the individual practically forced the receipt of the letter on her and resorted to verbal abuse, which continued even after she disengaged from the conversation.
The Tourism Board chairman added that more than five persons witnessed the incident.
Mbah further explained that other applicants, including religious organisations, had also been unable to secure the facility because their applications were submitted after the available dates had been booked.
She maintained that the decision was strictly based on the existing booking schedule and had nothing to do with the political affiliation of the applicants.
“I received no instruction or communication from Governor Mbah concerning the request. The matter was handled strictly in accordance with the facility’s existing booking schedule,” she stated.
The chairman described the allegation that Governor Mbah personally directed the rejection of the request as an attempt to manufacture a political controversy.
“It is unacceptable to manufacture a story, attribute it to the Governor and present it as fact without a single documentary evidence to substantiate the claim. The public deserves facts, not fabricated narratives designed to whip up political sentiments,” she added.
She expressed confidence that her clarification would put the circumstances surrounding the request in their proper perspective.
The statement was signed by Dame Rita Mbah, Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Tourism Board, and dated November 12, 2026.U
The Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) has honoured Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, in recognition of his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and transforming the state’s health sector.
The prestigious award was presented to Mbah during the Guild’s 28th Annual General Meeting and Conference, held in Enugu on Thursday. The event brought together medical professionals and other stakeholders to deliberate on emerging issues and challenges in the healthcare industry.
The conference was themed, “The Business of Medicine in the Present Economic and Security Challenges in Nigeria,” with the sub-theme, “Digital Health, Telemedicine, Integrating Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and AI Tools Without Breaking the Bank.”
Receiving the award, Mbah expressed appreciation to the association for choosing Enugu State as the host of its annual gathering.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning the state’s health sector through strategic investments, modern infrastructure and improved access to quality healthcare services.
He particularly highlighted the state-of-the-art 300-bed Enugu International Hospital, which is expected to commence operations soon.
According to him, the hospital represents one of his administration’s landmark investments aimed at expanding the state’s capacity to provide world-class medical services.
“The 300-bed Enugu International Hospital will definitely reduce the need for residents to travel outside the country for specialised healthcare,” he said.
Earlier, the National President of the Guild of Medical Directors, Dr Raymond Kuti, commended Governor Mbah for his visionary leadership and the strides recorded in the state’s health sector.
Kuti emphasised the importance of sustained government commitment to building a stronger, more efficient and accessible healthcare system.
The keynote address was delivered by Emeritus Prof. Sam Ohaegbulam, Medical Director of Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu.
Similarly, Prof. Emmanuel Chino Iyidobi, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, delivered the sub-theme presentation, focusing on the opportunities and practical applications of digital technologies in modern medical practice.
The recognition of Governor Mbah by the Guild further underscores the association’s acknowledgement of his administration’s efforts to transform Enugu State’s healthcare landscape through innovation, infrastructure development and strategic partnerships.
The 28th Annual General Meeting and Conference also reinforced the importance of collaboration between government and private medical practitioners in addressing prevailing economic and security challenges while embracing digital solutions to make healthcare more accessible, affordable and sustainable for Nigerians.
The gathering provided a platform for critical discussions on the sustainability, innovation and future of medical practice in Nigeria.
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