APRIL RENDEZVOUS: The Unwavering Trajectory of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s Visionary Leadership in Enugu State

APRIL RENDEZVOUS: The Unwavering Trajectory of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s Visionary Leadership in Enugu State

– Prince Ekene Nwanjoku.

April 2025 in Enugu State has been a month characterised by decisive action, strategic partnerships, and a relentless pursuit of progress under the dynamic leadership of Governor Peter Mbah. From the hallowed chambers of international summits to the grassroots of local communities, Governor Mbah’s unwavering commitment to the people and his audacious vision for a transformed Enugu resonated across diverse platforms. This meticulously documented chronicle of his activities in April 2025 unveils a leader deeply engaged in fostering economic growth, strengthening national unity, and addressing the immediate needs of his constituents with equal measure.

The month commenced on a high note with Governor Mbah leading a pivotal State Governors Roundtable at the prestigious Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS) in London. Hosted by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), this high-profile event provided a global stage for Governor Mbah to articulate the burgeoning opportunities within Enugu State and the broader Nigerian landscape. His compelling presentation underscored the state’s readiness for investment, highlighting the proactive measures undertaken to create a conducive business environment. The presence of key financial institutions and international investors at the roundtable served as a revelation to the growing global interest in Enugu’s economic potential, a direct result of Governor Mbah’s strategic outreach and clear economic blueprint. This engagement in London was not merely a symbolic gesture; it was a calculated move to position Enugu as a prime investment destination on the world map, aligning with the Governor’s ambitious goal of exponentially growing the state’s GDP.

Governor Mbah’s commitment to fostering collaboration extended beyond international borders. Back home, he warmly received the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Dr. Aliyu S. Abdullahi, CON. This courtesy visit paved the way for productive discussions centred on enhancing agricultural productivity and bolstering food security within Enugu State. Recognising the critical role of agriculture in the state’s economy and the nation’s sustenance, Governor Mbah’s engagement with the federal ministry signals a proactive approach to leveraging national resources and expertise for the benefit of Enugu’s agricultural sector and its people. This collaboration holds the promise of innovative agricultural practices, improved yields, and ultimately, greater food sufficiency for the state.

The spirit of collaboration and national unity was further exemplified by Governor Mbah’s participation in the 4th meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum in Ibadan. Alongside his brother governors, he engaged in crucial deliberations concerning the growth of the party and the strengthening of democratic governance across Nigeria. Governor Mbah’s active involvement in these discussions underscores his commitment to the broader political landscape and his belief in a unified platform to address national challenges. His appreciation for the hospitality of Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State highlights the importance of inter-state cooperation and the fostering of strong relationships among leaders for the collective good of the nation.

April also witnessed a significant homecoming as Governor Mbah received Hon. Chijioke Edeoga back into the fold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a statement that resonated with the spirit of reconciliation and unity, Governor Mbah commended Hon. Edeoga for demonstrating that politics should be a platform for collective advancement rather than divisive conflict. This strategic return signifies a strengthening of the PDP in Enugu State and truly reveals Governor Mbah’s readiness to operate an inclusive governance model where the focus remains firmly on the well-being of the people. His assertion that the government prioritises development over division and collaboration over conflict sets a powerful tone for a unified approach to governance in the state.

Governor Mbah’s vision for a prosperous Enugu is intrinsically linked to the development of critical infrastructure. In a significant step towards realising this vision, he received the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, and his team in Enugu. This meeting served to deepen discussions on the revitalisation of the Eastern Rail Line, a project of paramount importance for the economic resurgence of the region. Dr. Opeifa’s visit reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the Port Harcourt–Aba–Enugu railway project, acknowledging Governor Mbah’s transformative efforts in the state. The discussions also explored leveraging Enugu’s ongoing transport terminal projects to enhance the NRC’s operations, highlighting a strategic alignment between the state’s infrastructure development and national transportation goals. Governor Mbah’s assurance of continued support and cooperation, including ensuring the safety of railway assets, underscores his commitment to this vital partnership and the potential it holds for boosting mobility, trade, and productivity in Enugu State. The historical significance of Enugu’s connection to the NRC, dating back to the early days of coal transport, adds a layer of profound importance to this renewed collaboration. Bringing back the comatose railway transport system in and through Enugu State is a project that Governor Mbah is fully committed to accomplishing with the partnership of the federal government.

Further solidifying his administration’s commitment to economic growth, Governor Mbah signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the management of Lion Business Park Limited. This landmark deal aims to develop a world-class industrial and commercial hub within the Enugu Industrial Park Free Trade Zone. Governor Mbah emphasized that this investment deal is a significant stride towards making Enugu the premier destination for business and investment in Nigeria. By guaranteeing the necessary infrastructure and an enabling environment, his administration is actively working to attract both domestic and foreign direct investment. The strategic location of the Lion Business Park, with its proximity to key transportation hubs like the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, further enhances its attractiveness to investors. Governor Mbah’s direct appeal to the diaspora, the business community, and global investors to capitalize on this opportunity underscores his proactive approach to attracting capital and fostering economic prosperity in Enugu State.

In a demonstration of compassionate leadership and solidarity, Governor Mbah received a delegation from the Enugu State Caucus of the House of Representatives, led by Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji. The delegation presented a cheque of N18 million on behalf of the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, as support for the victims of the tragic tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama. Governor Mbah expressed his profound gratitude for this generous donation, highlighting the Speaker’s compassionate leadership and the solidarity shown by the House of Representatives. He assured that the funds would be disbursed transparently and justly to the affected families, underscoring his administration’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens in times of crisis. This act of empathy and support from the national legislature tells of the importance of intergovernmental cooperation in addressing the needs of the people.

Governor Mbah also took time to connect with his constituents on a personal level. He celebrated Easter Mass with the faithful in his hometown of Owo, reflecting on the significance of the occasion and engaging with his people. This direct interaction provided an opportunity for him to listen to their concerns and reaffirm his administration’s shared commitment to building a better future for Enugu State. Governor Mbah has an amazingly deep connection to his roots, and he perfectly understands the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with the people he serves.

The month of April also brought news of profound global significance with the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. Governor Mbah, in a heartfelt statement, mourned the loss of a leader he described as an epitome of humility and compassion. He lauded Pope Francis’s championing of liberal reforms and his tireless promotion of global peace, particularly highlighting the ‘Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.’ Governor Mbah’s recognition of Pope Francis’s legacy and his call for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts reflect his awareness of global issues and his commitment to universal values of peace and fraternity.

Further reinforcing his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, Governor Mbah, represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, declared open the 36th edition of the Enugu International Trade Fair. The Governor reiterated his administration’s dedication to continuously improving the Ease of Doing Business in the state and providing unwavering support to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), recognizing their vital role in economic advancement. His pledge to provide access to credit and address business challenges shows a proactive approach to fostering a thriving business ecosystem in Enugu State. The commendations received from the President of NACCIMA and the President of ECCIMA further validate the positive impact of Governor Mbah’s policies on the state’s business environment.

The visit of the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, also yielded a strong endorsement of Governor Mbah’s transformational initiatives. Dr. Opeifa commended the Governor’s investment in infrastructure, noting its positive impact on the standard of living of the people. His assurance that the Enugu-Port Harcourt railway project is a top priority for the federal government further underscores the alignment of national and state objectives in this critical infrastructure endeavour. Dr. Opeifa’s positive assessment of the changes he has witnessed in Enugu under Governor Mbah’s leadership serves as a powerful testament to the tangible progress being made by the Governor.

Adding further weight to his administration’s focus on human capital development, Governor Mbah recently articulated his profound and purposeful commitment to education. Speaking at the inauguration of the University of East London (UEL) Alumni Network Nigeria, of which he is a distinguished alumnus, Governor Mbah emphasized that his “special interest in education is driven by a deep purpose, not politics.” He highlighted the consistent allocation of a substantial portion of the state’s annual budget to education, underscoring his firm belief in its transformative power. Sharing a personal anecdote of his own determined pursuit of education despite humble beginnings, Governor Mbah passionately advocated for open access to learning for every child. He challenged the UEL Alumni Network Nigeria to actively contribute to reshaping the nation’s educational system and called for increased alumni support for universities. The President of the UEL Alumni Network Nigeria lauded Governor Mbah’s “trailblazing performance” and pledged collaboration towards his ambitious Smart Green Schools initiative, a technologically driven project aligned with the Alumni’s vision. This engagement underscores Governor Mbah’s deep-seated conviction that education is the cornerstone of societal progress and his administration’s commitment to investing significantly in this crucial sector.

The month of April culminated with a significant endorsement of Governor Mbah’s leadership from a highly respected elder statesman, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations. At the 14th Chief Emeka Anyaoku Lecture Series on Good Governance, Chief Anyaoku lauded Governor Mbah as “a truly performing governor” who is “genuinely and quietly transforming Enugu State.” He highlighted tangible projects such as the International Conference Centre, the CNG buses, the ambitious Smart Green Schools initiative, and the state-of-the-art Holy Ghost Terminal as evidence of this transformation. Chief Anyaoku noted the surprising lack of excessive publicity surrounding these achievements, characterising Governor Mbah as a “quiet and noiseless performing governor.” While commending the progress in Enugu, Chief Anyaoku reiterated his long-standing call for a genuine federal constitution for Nigeria to facilitate faster and more widespread development across the nation. The Guest Speaker at the event, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, echoed the need for good governance and called for a radical restructuring of Nigeria’s federal arrangement. Governor Mbah, in his remarks, emphasised that “good governance – or lack of it – is often the fine margins between an ascendant state and one on a downward trajectory. The Chairman of the event, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.), further stressed the need for transformative leadership within a restructured Nigeria. This powerful endorsement from a figure of Chief Anyaoku’s stature is a loud attestation of the significant impact of Governor Mbah’s focused and effective leadership in driving positive change in Enugu State.

In conclusion, Governor Peter Mbah is a leader who is deeply committed to his vision for Enugu State. His engagements in April are all unified by a common thread of progress, partnership, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of the people. From attracting international investment and fostering crucial infrastructure development to demonstrating compassionate leadership and promoting national unity, Governor Mbah has consistently exemplified a dynamic and purposeful approach to governance. The trajectory is clear: under Governor Mbah’s leadership, Enugu State is resolutely marching towards a brighter future.

Ndi Enugu,
Tomorrow is Here!