By Engr Chikwado Odoh
According to Warren Bennis’ school of thought on providing service to humanity, he believes that leadership is the ability to translate vision into reality, which is the replica of what the innovative Governor of Enugu State is practically demonstrating, as explicitly discussed here.
1) We have secured Enugu with sophisticated high-tech surveillance, significantly providing an enabling ground for indigenous and international investors to thrive at their best operational standard.
2) We are confident in informing ndi Enugu living within Enugu Metropolis that we have provided sufficient and clean water with supersonic pressure, capable of conveying water to the last floor of a skyscraper.
3) In the area of networks of road construction, we have awarded numerous roads within and outside Enugu Metropolis. Our studies, based on the priority of road infrastructure in the state with an even distribution of values, show that our predecessor did a lot on rural roads. That’s why we have reserved 71 roads for Enugu Metropolis out of the 81 roads, with a total value of 10,000 kilometers. Our plan is to make the streets of Enugu Metropolis wear a new look, something similar to what’s obtainable in the streets of London.
4) Recently, as you saw in our budget presented to the electorate through the state house of assembly, we have allocated 33% of the entire budget for education. Because we have the mental framework that the smartest way to catapult our intelligent youth to both the national and international scene is through education, with tech-related knowledge bound and exposure.
This idea molded our algorithm to build a first-class Smart School in each of the 260 Wards that make up our dear Enugu State, with one such Smart School already completed at Owo and ready for use.
Already, we have completed a Smart School at Owo in Nkanu East LG as a sample, with all preparations completed to commence the full academic journey in the next academic calendar of the State. With over 15 Smart Schools already awarded by ENSUBEB for immediate construction across the State.
5) We are in a hurry to deliver the dividends of democracy to ndi Enugu and fulfill the social contract we entered with our people. That’s why we flagged off the construction of the world’s first-class University at Owo in Nkanu East LG, with international standards, expected to be completed within our first term in office.
In synchronization with our inaugural speech, we are determined to end the unnecessary “Japa entitlement Syndrome” of our people by building a citadel of learning similar to what’s obtainable at Harvard.
6) We understand the values and the importance of the social welfare of ndi Enugu, and that’s why the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has taken the lead in reviving the social security and package for our people with the return of road shows featuring cultural fiestas and lots of fun to make our yuletide a fun-filled one. We are committed to providing ndi Enugu with core people-oriented projects and programs, weighing on a scale of preference.
7) In the area of Agriculture, we understand the power of our population index, and we have provided the smooth take-off in Mechanized Farming within the three Senatorial Zones of the State. With our ongoing work to revive Adani and Nara Rice, our vision is to lead in rice production in the country and increase our IGR through rice exportation.
Already, our idle hectares of land at different locations based on professional studies are being prepared for mechanized cassava cultivation and processing. Cashew plantation sites are also receiving timely attention. Ose Nsukka, with its unique taste, is another area of agriculture we have put in enough resources to ensure massive export of the product.
8) In the area of commerce, trade, and industry, with Enugu being the capital of Old Eastern States, we are focused on giving the state’s trade a facelift by leveraging on the establishment of the NAVAL Base Command at Ogurugu, Uzouwani, to build a functional Sea Port, which will allow direct shipping of containers from Lagos to Uzouwani and motivate our youth into international trade, leveraging on the SME loans available in the state to sponsor their business. Automatically making Enugu the economic interface between the North and South.
9) Sports and Entertainment are another focal point for talent haunt, with the immediate implementation of viable programs strictly for youth empowerment already ongoing.
10) For the Housing Development Corporation, we understand, based on studies, the accelerated demand for housing arising from the spontaneous increase in our population, especially with Enugu as the Safest State in the East. This formed our initiative to embark on the construction of 20,000 housing units for low-income earners for the good people of ndi Enugu.
Here I draw the curtain for the want of space. Thus, as the waves that usher in the yuletide unfold, let’s imbibe the spirit of gratitude, love, forgiveness, unity, rebirth, thanksgiving, and above all, almsgiving, for together we will build the new Enugu of our dream.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year ahead.
✍️ ENGR. CHIKWADO ODO. JP
(odojameschikwado@gmail.com)
