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.
…As Nsukka LG boss, Asogwa bags Best Council Chairman Award
Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s transformational leadership and developmental strides took centre stage, yet again, as Enugu Media Village honoured him with an Award of Excellence for dedication to transformational leadership and outstanding governance.
This was even as the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Engr. Jude Asogwa, emerged winner of the 2025/2026 Enugu State Best Performing Local Government Chairman Award, while Isi-Uzo Council Chairman, Barr. Obiora Obeagu came second in the poll.
The awards were presented during the organisation’s 2025/2026 Best Performing Local Government Chairman Poll and Leadership Recognition Ceremony, which took place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
Presenting the awards on behalf of the organisation, the Board of Trustees Chairman of Enugu Media Village and former Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Nnanna Nze, commended Governor Mbah for what he described as his remarkable transformation of the state in just three years.
Nze noted that the governor’s developmental strides in critical sectors of the economy had continued to attract commendation from residents and stakeholders.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Founder and Director General of Enugu Media Village, Mr. Kelvin Uche Edeh, described the organisation as a media platform established to promote developmental governance and ensure that information about government projects reaches the grassroots.
He noted that Governor Mbah had demonstrated that governance was a powerful tool for transforming communities and improving lives.
“Governor Peter Mbah has shown us that governance is about changing communities and transforming systems.
“We are committed to supporting developmental governance by ensuring that information reaches the grassroots across all local government areas,” Edeh stated.
Receiving the award, Governor Mbah said the honour belonged to members of his team and the entire people of Enugu State for entrusting their mandate to him.
He, however, said that the people of Enugu State had only seen a tip of the iceberg, as he remained committed to exceeding expectations in delivering more dividends of democracy to the people.
Mbah, who was represented by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, said the people of Enugu State deserved only the very best, hence his insistence on excellence, innovation and high performance from members of his administration.
Another major highlight of the event was the emergence of Engr. Jude Asogwa, as winner of the 2025/2026 Enugu State Best Performing Local Government Chairman Award.
The poll, which featured all 17 local government areas of the state, recorded Nsukka Local Government Area as the overall winner with 110,447 votes, ahead of Isi Uzo, Uzo Uwani, Igbo Eze North and Enugu South LGAs, in that order.
In his acceptance speech, Engr. Asogwa, who dedicated the award to God, Governor Mbah, his family and the people of Nsukka, said the recognition reflected his Council’s commitment to delivering development to all 52 communities in the LGA.
He further reaffirmed Nsukka’s support for Governor Mbah’s re-election, citing the administration’s investments in the area such as 20 Smart Green Schools, 21 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, dualization of the over 44.1-kilometre Enugu – Opi – Nsukka Road, the 52.2km Nguru – Lejja – Aku – Akpakume Nze – Egede – Affa – Eke road, and N1 billion oxygen plant, among other development projects designed to improve lives and grow Nsukka and Enugu North Zone’s economy.
“Let me just tell us that the secret of our performance is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. He is a leader that supports the local government council chairmen. He is a governor who does not tamper with the allocations of the LGAs. That is the secret of the results you are seeing. In addition, he has delivered 267 Smart Schools and 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres in the 260 wards.
“So, Nsukka is for Governor Peter Mbah. Also, we had earlier decided as a zone that come 2027, we will support and deliver not only the governor but also President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has contributed to the growth and development of our people, including the appointment of the first indigenous Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,” he said.
The event also featured the presentation of Awards of Excellence to distinguished public office holders and leaders in recognition of their contributions to governance, leadership and public service.
Among the awardees were Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District; Senator Ikeje Asogwa, representing Enugu North Senatorial District; Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency; Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; and Chie Chukwudi Nnaji.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress( NDC) in the 2027 elections, Mr Peter Obi, yesterday visited the Faith Foundation College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka, where he expressed delight at the progress of projects underway at the institution.
Obi, who inspected some of the ongoing projects, was received by the Proprietor of the College, Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Agbo, who expressed appreciation for Obi’s longstanding support for the institution.
Agbo disclosed that Obi’s earlier financial contributions had played a significant role in giving the institution the confidence to embark on many of the projects currently under construction.
The Proprietor said the support had encouraged the management to continue investing in the development of the institution and its facilities.
In continuation of his support for the institution, Obi presented a cheque of ₦10 million towards the ongoing projects.
He also assured the management that he would continue to partner with the institution until it realises its objective of producing its first set of nurses.
Obi said his intervention was part of his broader commitment to supporting education and healthcare, particularly the training of quality healthcare professionals who would contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He thereafter proceeded to St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Nsukka, where he participated in the 68th Annual Conference of Anglican Youths.
Addressing the youths, Obi urged them to recognise their responsibility in building a new Nigeria, stressing that the country they desire cannot emerge without their active participation in shaping its future.
He urged them to reject politics based on tribe, religion or language and instead insist on electing leaders with proven character, competence, capacity, integrity and strong ethical values.
According to him, the future of Nigeria depends not only on the leaders the country produces but also on the standards citizens demand from those who seek public office.
“Our future depends not only on the leaders we produce but also on the standards we demand. Together, we can build the New Nigeria that is possible,” he said.
Several people were feared killed on Thursday when armed men reportedly attacked three communities in Kupa Kingdom — Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi — in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State in an alleged reprisal attack.
Residents said the incident began around 8am when a herder, suspected of being a cattle rustler, was shot and killed during a heated altercation with local vigilantes at a checkpoint in the community.
“Few hours after the checkpoint incident between a herder and vigilantes, armed hoodlums invaded the town, shooting sporadically from different directions.
“In the process, several residents were killed, with many others sustaining injuries, as the armed hoodlums attacked streets, markets and even the palace of our paramount traditional ruler in the town.
“As of yesterday night, seven people were confirmed dead. The death toll may rise in the days ahead as the search for and confirmation of victims is still in progress.
“Moreover, the situation will become clearer when families who sought refuge in safer communities start returning from their various hiding places,” Ahmed, a resident of Abugi, said.
A son of the Mayaki of Kupa, Prince Aliyu Isah Kabir, who is the APC Youth Leader of Kupa South Ward, was confirmed to be among the victims of the attack.
The Lokoja Local Government Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu, confirmed the incident, saying the attack on the Kupa communities had led to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Adamu said: “We have charged the relevant security agencies to swing into action and arrest anyone who has a hand, directly or remotely, in the attack and bring them to face the law.
“The government is saddened by this devilish act and will leave no stone unturned in getting justice for the deceased. I want to appeal for calm while the relevant security agencies take action.”
The Kogi State Government also condemned the attack, describing it as tragic, senseless and unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Friday, the state government described the incident as a reprisal attack and vowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding it, identify those responsible and prosecute them as a deterrent to others.
In the statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the government said: “The Kogi State Government condemns in the strongest terms both the killing of the unarmed herder and the subsequent reprisal attack.
“These are criminal acts that have no place in our society. Anyone found to have participated in either incident, regardless of status or ethnic affiliation, will face the full weight of the law.
“We appeal to all residents to remain calm and resist the temptation of reprisals. We also urge members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that will aid ongoing investigations and the arrest of all those responsible.”
According to the statement, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo sympathised with the families of the deceased and directed “security agencies to immediately restore calm, take control of the situation and apprehend those responsible for the killings.”
The government also appealed for calm, urging residents to avoid further retaliation and provide security agencies with credible information as investigations into the incident continue.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police Command was contacted over the development, but its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, did not respond to calls and a text message as of the time of filing this report. (Daily Trust)
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