
News
Gov. Mbah, Roads Flag-Off Galore And Audacity Of Leadership
By Samson Ezea
When Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah declared interest to run for the governorship seat of Enugu State ahead of the 2023 general elections, I was privileged to be among those that interacted with him. His intentions were clear, and his plans were ambitious, humongous, and strategic. His antecedents and breakthroughs speak the volume of his personality. He came prepared and focused.
His disruptive innovations and business unusual mantra caught my attention because we can not continue doing things the same way and expect different results. His analysis of his vision and mission in the state was excellent, unprecedented, and stunning.
He was very audacious and extremely developmental, consistent, committed, and pragmatic in thoughts and perceptions. To him, nothing is impossible except raising the dead. Every other challenge is surmountable.
When some forces and conspirators out of emotions, propaganda, social media mudslingings and envy tried to stop him by all means in the election, God of Ndi Enugu miraculously gave him victory, knowing that he is the man that Enugu people desired at this point. Yes, he was and is. A rare breed, who has distinguished and carved a niche for himself both in public and private service before becoming governor.
When he said that he would construct 10,000 kilometres roads and dualise Ugwuogo- Nike- Opi-Nsukka road, some naysayers and armchair critics doubted and taunted him on social media platforms. When he said he would give Ndi Enugu water the first six months of his administration, doubting Thomases were sceptical and cynical of his promises.

Since the assumption of office, Governor Mbah has confidently walked his talk and ensured that his words are his bond. He has not only tackled and still addressing the challenges of perennial water problem in the state by increasing the volume of water, he has ensured through proper reticulation that water got to places in the state that have not seen or drank pipe borne water for decades now.
In order to achieve his promised and targeted 10,000 kilometres roads, Mbah has built and commissioned state owned mega asphalt production plant designed to produce 160 tons of asphalt per hour. Underway in the state also is a stone mining and crushing plant, courtesy of Mbah’s administration.
Apart from reactivating and re-engineering every moribund sector of the economy and ensuring that they are integrated and complementary of each other for the exponential growth of the state economy, Governor Mbah has also turned Enugu State to construction site of monumental and unimaginable proportion with prudent management of state resources and equitable distribution of infrastructural projects and wealth across the length and breath of the state, without minding whose ox is gored.
From the nearing completion of the abandoned International Conference Centre, rehabilitation of the prestigious and iconic Presidential hotel Enugu, completion of the reconstruction of the 71 roads awarded last year, awarding of 260 smart schools and healthcentres in the 260 wards in the state to establishment and accreditation of Nursing Schools and many other capital intensive infrastructural projects, Governor Mbah has not shown that he is resting on his oars soon and has displayed auduacity of leadership and demystified the challenges of leadership by recently embarking on roads flag-off galore across the state in an unprecedented manner that has proved the bookmakers, critics and doubting Thomases wrong and made them see genuine reasons to start supporting Mbah’s administration.
In a quick succession and simultaneously which is historic and novel in the leadership of the state, awarding and executing of capital intensive infrastructural projects, Governor Mbah had to the commendations and surprise of many within and outside the state flagged off the dualisation as promised of the 43.7km Penoks-Abakpa- Nike- Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road. Also flagged off for reconstruction is the 44km Amah-Eke-Oghe-Iwolo-Olo-Umulokpa road, 9.3 kilometres Amodu-Akpugo road, 5km Amagu- Attakwu- Akegbe ugwu-Akpasha road and 3.12km Obuofia-Obeagu-Akegbe Ugwu road, 12.96 km Nomeh-Mburubu- Nara road, 7km Nomeh-Oduma road, 7.20km Mburubu-Nkerefi road, 9km Nara-Nkerefi road, 9.7km Amagunze- Ihuokpara-Ugbakwa road, 8.67 km Akpawfu- Akpugo- Amagunze road with a spur to Umuoma Onicha and 61.43km Isiogbo- Nara- Isu road all in Nkanu West and Nkanu East LGAs. Wawoo !!! What an audacious actions by Governor Mbah.
Within three days, Governor Mbah has flagged off the construction and reconstruction of almost 200 kilometres roads across the state.
This is apart from the 40km Owo-Ubahu- Amankanu- Neke- Ikem dual carriageway, which he awarded last year alongside other internal roads in Enugu metropolis and suburbs which many of them had been completed and put to use noiselessly.
Of note in the flag-off of these projects are specifications of execution and timeline for their completion. This simply means that the contractors have been properly and fully mobilized for the contracts, and there may be no room or need for variation, which may cause delay of execution.
Also of surprise is how Governor Mbah was flagging off the construction of these road projects as if money is water. This is coming not too long after his government approved 80,000 minimum wage for all workers in the state, including local government workers and primary school teachers. Expectedly, the approved minimum wage will increase the state wage bill, but Governor Mbah appeared not perturbed or worried.
This is considering that Enugu State is not an oil producing state and is almost at the bottom of monthly federation revenue allocation to the states in the country.
Looking at all the recently awarded road projects by Governor Mbah’s administration, their importance and economic benefits to the people of the state and the Enugu State government in terms of revenue can not be overemphasized or underestimated They are numerous, overwhelming, enduring, and developmental. They dualisation of Ugwogo-Nike-Opi Road will not only open up the state, it will reduce drastically the rate of rural-urban migration, the rising cost of accommodation in Enugu metropolis and ease of transportation around the axis.
All property owners and estate investors along the road will have the values of their properties appreciated astronomically. The situation will not be different at the completion of the other awarded roads across the length and breath of the state, because of their strategic importance to the government and people of the state.
Completion of these roads together with yet- to-be- awarded and promised 10 kilometres per a ward by Governor Mbah will bring rapid development across the state and facilitate the setting of the New Enugu City Development Authority which Governor Mbah signed its bill into law late last year to oversee and regulate development activities in the new emerging cities outside Enugu metropolis.
One thing that is very obvious is that with the way and pace, Governor Mbah’s administration is executing infrastructural projects and tackling the dilapidated ones across the state, there may no rural areas in the state at the end of his second term in office. Most rural areas would have transitioned to urban areas and the challenge of increasing rural- urban migration in the state will be a thing of the past.
With the turns of events in Enugu state today, especially in the area of road construction and other infrastructural development, it is dawned on everyone, especially the doubting Thomases, social media alarmists, traducers and scaremongers that Governor Mbah’s promised 10,000 kilometres roads is achievable in the state before the completion of his second term in office. It is crystal clear that Governor Mbah is not only an intentional and focused leader. He is a role model in governance and case study in political leadership in Nigeria.
News
Butcher Stabs Colleague To Death Over Disagreement On Market Sanitation In Ogun
A 21-year-old butcher, identified as Selim Ayodele, has allegedly stabbed his 26-year-old colleague, Ibrahim Wasiu, to death following a disagreement over sweeping their workplace in Ogun State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, October 18, at a cow meat-selling outlet in the Alagbole area of the Akute/Ajuwon satellite towns in Ifo Local Government Area of the state.
According to reports, trouble started after the day’s business activities when the two colleagues disagreed over the cleaning of their sales outlet, with the argument allegedly escalating into a fatal confrontation.
The Ogun State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the incident to journalists in Abeokuta on Friday, disclosing that the suspect had been arrested.
Babaseyi said the incident was reported at the Ajuwon Police Divisional Headquarters on Sunday night, prompting police operatives to commence an investigation.

He explained that preliminary findings indicated that the disagreement began after the two men had concluded their day’s work at the meat-selling outlet.
During the altercation, Ayodele allegedly picked up a knife and stabbed Wasiu in the left side of his chest before twisting the weapon.
The victim was reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The police spokesperson added that the suspect remained in custody as investigations continued ahead of his prosecution.
He further disclosed that the deceased’s body had been deposited in the morgue of a private hospital for an autopsy.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to prompt response to criminal incidents, thorough investigations and the prosecution of offenders in accordance with the law.
The police commissioner also urged residents to exercise restraint, resolve disagreements peacefully and promptly report criminal incidents to the appropriate authorities.
News
Why Pete Edochie wept in Ghana
FRED IWENJORA reports that very brave Okonkwo of “Things Fall Apart”, Ebubedike, the Ononenyi of Nteje, Anambra State, and Ibobo Oyi na Omambala shed tears uncontrollably during this tour especially when students and pupils of Knutsford University used his name for different forms of recitations and poetry.
One may ask why Pete Edochie traveled to Ghana?
This visit was for the launching of the Pete Edochie Legacy project, themed “Celebrating the Africa legend; The lion that needs not to roar”.
It is “a cultural initiative created to honor and celebrate one of Africa’s most revered figures” according to the Ghanaian project organisers.
The Legacy project includes a biographical book, a documentary series and international tour with Ghana serving as the launch pad.

The publishers, KPL publishers had noted that the contributions of the 79-year-old screen star to Africa cinema are very noteworthy.
At the end of it all, the star actor had, aside unveiling his autobiography in a gala event, paid courtesy calls to industry and policy makers in Ghana including the visit to Ghana’s Goldbod, the body regulating everything gold in Ghana. Organisers saw the visit as an important segment of the tour because a visit to Ghana may have been incomplete without seeing first hand the reason the country was called Gold Coast.
He had also met and greeted select fans and featured in a public lecture and colloquium in his honor before returning to Nigeria.
From when he landed at Kotoka International Airport Tuesday 29th September, 2026 till his departure from Ghana on Wednesday 7, October 2026, there was no dull moment.
Reception was top notch and indeed out of this world.
Ghanaians as well as Nigerians left businesses and trouped out to see “the president of African screen” according to Elizabeth Ama Tetteh, one of his numerous Ghanaian fans who noted that she had been resident in Enugu, Nigeria. It was indeed heartwarming to see Ghanaian as well as Igbo cultural groups on hand to welcome him to the old Gold Coast. Dispatch riders led his motorcade out of the airport.
On arrival, he first paid a courtesy visit to Eze Dr. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, Onyendu Ndi igbo, Ghana and sued for peace between Nigeria and Ghana. The respected Eze Ihenetu had organised a congregation of Igbo and Ghanaian leaders for a traditional cocktail reception.
According to the major propeller of the project Kelvin King Dawie of King Dawie Publishing Ltd (KPL) “When people ask why Pete Edochie, I tell them that no honor for Pete Edochie is too big. He has very much distinguished himself on the continent of Africa and beyond as a custodian of the cultural heritage of Africa and has been consistent in it for decades since mounting the stage at the tender age of 15. He is well known and received a lot of honors and awards globally including Nigeria’s national honor of merit; MON.
“We also looked at the way he has distinguished himself on stage and in communication which has warranted him receiving Honorary Doctorate in Literature and creative arts.
On this continent, Pete Edochie is one of a kind and he needs to be projected and celebrated as that icon of Africa who has held high the heritage of Africa for over six decades of his acting life.
King Dawie, an accountant, business strategist and social impact leader also hinted that “the project is in four phases, the autobiography, a 16-episode documentary to properly chronicle his life’s journey and then also the African youth mentorship initiative to help him pass on information to the next generation and an international tour. It took a lot of several efforts from several people too numerous to mention to set this ball rolling and hopefully achieving. We also remain very grateful to our star guest for accepting our proposal. ” However, there are major take-aways from these nine days Pete Edochie “Presidential visit” to Ghana.
Cultural diplomacy at its highest African peak
Years back, Africa viewers had voted Pete Edochie as their main choice in (AMVCA).
However, this Ghana visit is International cultural diplomacy at its highest African peak.
It seems first in history that a film star would make so much impression in another country that a book would be written and unveiled on him in that country.
It also reveals that Nigeria and Ghana have co-existed as West Africa’s beloved Anglophone countries despite hiccups occasioned by various ‘Ghana must go’ or ‘Nigeria must go’ agitations.
And to see both Nigerians and Ghanaians under one roof because of Pete Edochie, animosities may have been doused even if for a moment.
The unveiling of the autobiographical book; Titan of Africa, the story of Pete Edochie, published by KPL Publishers was a big attraction on its own and first of its kind for a Nigerian actor. The event which held at Kempiski Accra drew together distinguished Ghanaians with highlights including his meeting with Ghanaian legendary actress, broadcaster and musician Grace Omaboe, known to many as Maame Dokono. He also met with 102 years old Warrant Officer 1 and WW2 veteran, Pa Joseph Ashitey Hammond. Their tight hug meant that this meeting for the WW2 veteran was highly anticipated like the story of the nunc dimitis contained in the synoptics.
There are pointers to the huge respect that he commands in the so called Gold Coast and that Africa is so culturally connected in many ways.
Another take away from the tour was that the man Pete Edochie is very well blessed and his star never seems to dim as years roll by.
Despite that he is bound to the wheelchair and could barely walk or sits on the chair in his current films, fans continue to adore him from far and near. (Saturday Vanguard)
News
Four Shot as NDC Convoy Attacked in Ebonyi, Campaign Vehicle Burnt
Four people were reportedly shot when a convoy of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) came under attack in Ebonyi State, with one of the campaign vehicles set ablaze.
The incident occurred during a campaign movement in the state, according to sources familiar with the development.
The identities and conditions of those injured were not immediately available at the time of filing this report.
The motive for the attack remained unclear, while the attackers had yet to be identified.
Security agencies were expected to investigate the incident and determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and burning of the campaign vehicle.

Further details were awaited from the NDC, the Ebonyi State Government and the relevant security authorities.
-
Features2 days agoKogi’s Kidnapping Crisis: Why Do Forests Remain Safe Havens for Criminals Under Ododo’s Watch?
-
News2 days agoKidnappers kill seven-year-old boy after ransom demand
-
News1 day agoMacron Postpones Planned Visit to Nigeria Until 2027
-
News1 day agoUBA Commences Contempt Proceedings Against WEMPCO Directors over Alleged Disobidence of Court Order
-
News1 day agoEnugu CP Orders Probe into Death of Izuchukwu During Police Raid
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Atiku, Obi, Duke, Others in Talks on Single Opposition Candidate – Coalition
-
News21 hours agoMbah: Why We Built 268 Smart Green Schools Across Enugu State
-
News1 day ago$242m Petroleum Products Diversion Claim: UBA Secures Court Order Against Vitol, Four Others




