Three Years of Mbah’s Governance Redefining Enugu’s Future, Says Igwe Oyigbo
The Traditional Ruler of Egede Community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Polycarp Oyigbo, has described the administration of Governor Peter Mbah as one that is steadily translating the age-long aspirations of the people into tangible realities, saying the governor’s developmental strides have fundamentally altered the trajectory of governance in the state.
Speaking while assessing the governor’s three years in office, Igwe Oyigbo said the scale, speed and strategic nature of projects executed across various sectors have distinguished the present administration from previous governments and inspired renewed confidence among the citizenry.
The monarch noted that the Mbah administration has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to infrastructure renewal, economic revitalisation, healthcare transformation, educational advancement and transportation reform, stressing that the achievements recorded within three years have laid a solid foundation for sustainable development.
According to him, the administration has not only raised the bar of governance in Enugu State but has also shown what visionary leadership can achieve when backed by political will and prudent execution.
“What we are witnessing today in Enugu State is the gradual realisation of dreams that generations of our people had hoped for but never experienced. Governor Peter Mbah has brought a new governance culture anchored on measurable results, innovation and accountability.”
He stated that the extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects spanning urban centres and rural communities have improved connectivity, enhanced economic activities and opened up previously neglected areas for development.
“For decades, many communities yearned for quality road infrastructure that would connect them to economic opportunities. Today, those dreams are becoming realities. The governor has ensured that development is not restricted to the capital city but reaches rural communities where the majority of our people reside.”
Igwe Oyigbo particularly commended the establishment of Smart Green Schools across the state’s political wards, describing the initiative as a revolutionary intervention capable of preparing future generations for a technology-driven global economy.
“The Smart Green School initiative is one of the most visionary educational policies in contemporary Nigeria. It demonstrates a deliberate effort to equip our children with the knowledge and digital skills required to compete favourably in the modern world.”
The traditional ruler also lauded the ongoing construction and equipping of Smart Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres across the 260 political wards in the state, noting that the initiative would significantly improve access to quality healthcare services, especially in rural areas.
According to him, healthcare delivery remains one of the most critical responsibilities of government, and the present administration deserves commendation for prioritising the wellbeing of the people.
“The establishment of modern healthcare facilities in every ward reflects a government that understands the importance of human capital development. Access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for urban dwellers, and Governor Mbah is addressing that challenge decisively.”
On economic development, the monarch praised efforts aimed at reviving dormant state-owned assets and industries, including the Presidential Hotel, Niger Gas and the Ohebe-Dim Aluminium Company, among others.
He observed that revitalising moribund industries would stimulate economic growth, attract investments, create employment opportunities and boost internally generated revenue.
“A government that focuses solely on consumption cannot drive sustainable development. What we are seeing is a deliberate attempt to rebuild productive sectors of the economy and position Enugu as a destination for investment and enterprise.”
Igwe Oyigbo further commended the administration’s transformation of the transportation sector through the development of modern transport terminals, acquisition of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and the launch of Enugu Air.
According to him, the initiatives have projected Enugu as an emerging hub for commerce, tourism and regional integration.
“The transportation reforms are strategic and futuristic. The modern terminals, the adoption of cleaner energy buses and the introduction of Enugu Air reflect a government that is planning beyond the present and positioning the state for the future.”
The monarch also highlighted improvements in security architecture, digital governance, urban renewal programmes, investment promotion initiatives and efforts to transform Enugu into a premier destination for business and tourism.
He noted that the administration’s vision of growing the state’s economy through private sector participation has continued to attract local and international investors.
“One of the most remarkable aspects of this administration is its emphasis on creating an enabling environment for businesses. Investors are increasingly paying attention to Enugu because they can see a clear roadmap, policy consistency and a leadership that understands economic development.”
Igwe Oyigbo further observed that the governor’s governance philosophy has instilled renewed optimism among residents, many of whom now believe that the state is on course to attaining a level of development comparable to sub-national entities in advanced federations.
“If the current pace is sustained over the next five years, Enugu State will stand as a model of what a federating unit should look like in an ideal society. Even though Nigeria is yet to attain the desired level of restructuring, Enugu is already demonstrating what purposeful governance can achieve at the sub-national level.”
The royal father maintained that the past three years have been characterised by what he described as “administrative surprises,” noting that many residents who initially doubted the ambitious targets of the administration have become convinced by the visible outcomes.
He therefore urged the people of the state to continue supporting government policies and programmes aimed at accelerating development and improving living standards.
“The people can see the evidence for themselves. From roads to schools, healthcare, transportation and economic infrastructure, there is a clear departure from the old order. The administration has earned the goodwill of many citizens because its promises are increasingly matching its performance.”
Igwe Oyigbo concluded by expressing confidence that Governor Mbah’s developmental agenda would leave a lasting legacy in Enugu State, describing the governor’s first three years in office as a defining period in the state’s contemporary history.
“History will remember this era as a period when governance became more intentional, development became more visible and the future of Enugu began to take a more promising shape.”
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
