– Prince Ekene Nwanjoku.
There are moments in history when the emergence of one leader becomes the turning point in the destiny of a people. For Enugu State, that defining moment arrived on May 29, 2023, when Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a private sector titan turned public steward, took the oath of office as the Executive Governor of Enugu State. Two years later, the verdict is inescapable: Tomorrow is not just here—it is building roads, powering hospitals, flowing through taps, echoing in classrooms, and pulsing through the spirit of Ndi Enugu.
In a nation where political promises often dissipate into rhetoric, Governor Mbah’s administration has defied the odds, governing not with theatrics but with results; not with fanfare, but with focus. This is a story of commitment meeting competence. This is Governor Peter Mbah’s two-year story of bringing transformation to the Coal City State.
One single issue that massively captures the scale of transformation in Enugu is the historic resolution of the state’s decades-long water scarcity.
In his inaugural address, Governor Mbah made a bold promise: potable water to Enugu residents within 180 days. Many scoffed. Fewer believed. But today, with the commissioning of the 9th Mile 24/7 Water Scheme capable of delivering over 70 million litres of water daily, scepticism has given way to stunned applause.
Enugu now experiences water, no longer as a political campaign chant, but as a daily reality flowing through homes and businesses. Governor Mbah’s handling of this monumental project—overhauling ageing infrastructure, laying modern pipelines, and installing efficient distribution systems—stands as an emblem of his Talk and Do leadership style.
Before Governor Mbah assumed office, the once-bustling state suffered under the stranglehold of an illegal sit-at-home order. Mondays became economic graveyards. Streets emptied. Fear reigned. But Governor Mbah, with calm resolve and firm political will, challenged the paralysis head-on. He rallied traditional leaders, engaged security agencies, and more importantly, led from the front—appearing in public on days others feared to step out.
Today, Enugu is free. The economy no longer bows to fear. Markets have returned to life. The ghost towns of Mondays are now a distant memory, replaced by the hum of commerce and the beat of renewed confidence.
ON INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS
Governor Mbah’s tenure has transformed Enugu into a massive construction site, indicative of his aggressive urban renewal programme spread across all zones of Enugu metropolis. His administration has launched and is speedily completing numerous road projects, a critical element in unlocking economic potential and improving the quality of life for citizens. This includes the flag-off of 141 urban roads across 13 zones in the state capital, with a commitment to timely completion within three months. Already, 96 urban roads, flyovers, and bridges have been completed. Beyond the urban centres, hundreds of new access roads are being constructed outside the metropolis to ease movement and open up rural areas, local farming communities, and economic businesses. Notable projects include the ongoing dualization of the Enugu-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road, a significant boost for the Enugu North Senatorial District.
The administration has also significantly invested in transport infrastructure, building bus terminals in various locations in Enugu capital and Nsukka. The completion of the long-abandoned International Conference Centre, now a multi-auditorium and multi-functional facility, capable of seating one of the largest capacities in Nigeria, further positions Enugu as a conferencing capital of Africa. These infrastructural advancements are not merely about aesthetics; they are designed to reduce transportation costs, boost local businesses, enhance disposable income, and ultimately alleviate poverty.
Governor Mbah’s administration has redefined what it means to prioritise infrastructure. In just two years, over 1000 kilometres of roads—urban, rural, intercity—have been constructed, rehabilitated, or are under active construction.
From the Annunciation-Emene Road to the Owo–Ubahu–Neke–Ikem Dual Carriageway, from the critical 9th Mile-Oji River corridors to sprawling city artery reconstructions like Okpara Avenue, Abakpa Junction, and Independence Layout, the governor has turned Enugu into a living construction site.
These aren’t just roads—they are channels of trade and platforms for development. What’s more impressive is the zero-tolerance approach to quality. With rigorous supervision and use of premium materials, these roads are being built to last.
Also undergoing complete renovation is the iconic Hotel Presidential, once the pride of the Southeast. Governor Mbah’s vision is to restore it to global five-star standards, ensuring it once again hosts diplomats, conferences, tourists, and dignitaries from across the world.
Simultaneously, the state is breathing new life into the Nike Lake Resort, transforming it into a luxury eco-destination with modern amenities and sustainable design.
But it doesn’t end there. Governor Mbah is pioneering the development of brand-new tourism infrastructure:
At Awhum Waterfalls, construction is underway to harness the site’s breathtaking beauty with better access, facilities, and visitor experiences. At Nsude Pyramids, plans are in motion for Nigeria’s longest canopy walkway—spanning 600 meters—a thrilling adventure and a Southeast-first. And in the magnificent Ngwo Pine Forest, the state is set to install the first commercial zipline in Nigeria, turning Enugu into a destination for lovers of nature and tourism enthusiasts.
ON AGRICULTURE
Under Governor Peter Mbah, Enugu State is witnessing nothing short of an agricultural revolution—one that blends traditional agronomy with modern machinery and agro-digitisation.
We now have a tractor assembly plant in Enugu State—an industrial milestone poised to roll out over 1,000 tractors, drastically reducing the cost of mechanised farming while enhancing productivity across the state. This is a launchpad for rural industrialisation and food security.
But Governor Mbah’s ambition for agriculture doesn’t stop at machines. His administration is rolling out 260 Smart Farm Estates across the state—each designed to function as a hub for agribusiness, youth training, seed innovation, and climate-smart practices. The distribution of high-yield seedlings, farm inputs, and the empowerment of youths through tractor maintenance training signal an ecosystem approach to agriculture.
Perhaps most significantly, the governor has overseen the geo-coded digital registration of over 67,000 farmers across all 17 LGAs. With accurate farm sizes, locations, and specialisations now in the government’s database, Enugu is prepared to deploy tailored support, attract agri-tech investors, and integrate seamlessly into global agricultural value chains. In the hands of Governor Mbah, agriculture in Enugu has become a smart, scalable, and data-driven enterprise.
ON HEALTHCARE
Healthcare, under Governor Mbah, has shifted from tokenism to total reform.
The ongoing construction of 260 Type 2 General Hospitals, one in each ward, is revolutionising access to healthcare, especially for rural communities. These are fully equipped medical centres with modern facilities, telemedicine capabilities, and dedicated staff accommodation. Many of these centres are already completed and equipped, moving beyond mere buildings to ensure staffing, ancillary services, and 24/7 electricity.
Acknowledging the deficit in health personnel inherited by his administration, Governor Mbah promptly approved the recruitment of 2,500 health workers. Health infrastructure has received a major boost, with collaborations aimed at upgrading hospitals to provide world-class diagnostic and oncology services, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and brachytherapy.
At the centre of Governor Mbah’s bold vision for quality healthcare is the 300-bed Enugu International Hospital, a state-of-the-art, multi-speciality facility set to redefine medical tourism in Nigeria. With advanced diagnostic centres, surgical suites, research units, and teaching capabilities, the hospital is designed to reclaim a portion of the over $1 billion lost annually to outbound medical tourism. What truly sets this project apart is Governor Mbah’s global vision. Top-tier medical professionals in the diaspora are already in dialogue with the state government, eager to return, invest, and practice in a facility built to international standards.
This hospital is not a stand-alone marvel—it joins a growing league of tertiary health institutions such as the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) and the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences Teaching Hospital (SUMASTH). Together, these infrastructures form a robust healthcare ecosystem purposed for specialised care, training, and research.
ON EDUCATION
Governor Mbah sees education as the anchor of economic advancement.
His Smart Green School Initiative—constructing 260 technology-driven, solar-powered schools with digital learning infrastructure—represents the boldest education reform Enugu has witnessed in decades.
Each school is designed to foster creativity, STEM competence, and global competitiveness. No longer are Enugu’s children trapped in chalk-and-talk classrooms; now, they code, explore, and innovate in learning environments that match global standards.
Recruitment of special teachers, digitisation of curriculum, and emphasis on experiential learning position Enugu’s educational system as a national template for 21st-century learning.
Beyond infrastructure, the governor has emphasised the quality of education and the welfare of students. There are plans to feed over 300,000 Smart Green School children daily with quality nutrition by September 2025, ensuring a healthy learning environment. The administration’s budget allocation to education, at 33%, consistently surpasses UNESCO’s recommendation, highlighting a profound commitment to human capital development. Furthermore, the Enugu State College of Nursing Sciences has been upgraded, and students are now exposed to the best learning techniques, earning multiple certificates and enabling them to compete globally.
ON THE JUSTICE SECTOR
In just two years, the justice system in Enugu has undergone a quiet revolution.
It has witnessed a massive wave of reforms, ranging from the introduction of digital case management systems to alternative dispute resolution centres, specialised courts, and a Witness Support Unit that protects and empowers witnesses in criminal cases.
Under Governor Mbah’s leadership, over 15 major bills have been passed, including the Enugu State Electricity Law, the Properties Protection Law, and the Geographic Information System Law, forming the scaffolding of a modern state.
The Citizens’ Rights and Mediation Centres across 17 LGAs now offer low-cost, quick access to justice, especially for the rural poor. Through legal modernisation, Governor Mbah is building investor confidence and positioning Enugu as a trustworthy destination for enterprise.
ON TRANSPORTATION
In line with his disruptive vision, Governor Mbah is engineering a complete overhaul of Enugu’s transportation architecture—one that is sustainable, smart, and future-forward.
By the second anniversary of his administration, Enugu will witness the historic launch of Enugu Air—a state-owned airline, starting with three aircraft, two of which are already on ground. For a state once thought of as landlocked, this is a declaration that Enugu is airborne.
But the sky isn’t just the limit. On the ground, 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses will hit the roads across the state, marking a significant leap towards cleaner, more efficient, and affordable urban mobility. Already, 50 CNG buses are parked at Okpara Square, with another 50 inbound, and Governor Mbah is also launching the Enugu Smart Transport Programme, which will inject over 2,000 electric vehicles before the end of the year 2025.
Complementing this fleet are ultra-modern transport terminals—in Holy Ghost, Gariki, Abakpa, and Nsukka—designed for high-volume passenger processing and commercial integration. These are highly exceptional mobility ecosystems, built for safety, digital ticketing, and commercial synergy.
ON DIGITAL ECONOMY AND E-GOVERNANCE
Governor Mbah understands the future. And he is leading Enugu into it.
From digitised school systems to the development of Command-and-Control Centres for real-time security surveillance, his administration is championing the integration of technology into governance.
The governor’s partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications and international partners is fast-tracking broadband infrastructure, tech hubs, and youth digital skills training. Enugu is no longer just part of Nigeria’s southeast—it is becoming the Silicon Valley of the East.
In a bold move to pivot Enugu from its coal-dependent legacy, Governor Mbah has launched the Enugu Tech Festival, themed “Coal to Code,” positioning the state as Nigeria’s emerging technology hub. This festival, described as Nigeria’s largest tech conference, signifies the state’s heavy investment in digital infrastructure and innovation. The aim is to train 5,000 youths for tech-related jobs within the next 12 months, boosting tech-driven employment by 50% annually, and projected to generate over $25 million in economic impact within two years.
ON ECONOMIC REBIRTH AND INDUSTRIALISATION
Governor Mbah’s bold ambition to grow Enugu’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years is more than wishful thinking—it is anchored on economic engineering.
By signing a strategic MOU with Lion Business Park Limited, his administration is birthing a world-class Free Trade and Industrial Zone that will attract investors, create thousands of jobs, and energise the state’s revenue.
From the establishment of a UK visa centre in Enugu to hosting global investors at the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London, Mbah is building bridges between Enugu and the global economy.
Fiscal discipline, transparency, and a robust ease-of-doing-business environment continue to draw praise from NACCIMA and ECCIMA. Enugu is no longer a state waiting for federal allocation—it is becoming a net exporter of opportunity.
One of the foundational steps in this economic re-engineering is the inauguration of the Enugu State Ease-of-Doing-Business Council. Recognising that investors are drawn by returns, not charity, Governor Mbah has focused on creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. This includes simplifying access to land through the establishment of the Enugu State Geographic Information Systems (ENGIS) and creating a one-stop shop for permit processing. His administration has also reformed the state’s land administration system to be faster, more transparent, and investor-friendly, alongside introducing a predictable and business-friendly tax regime with a consolidated demand notice and electronic tax filing. These strategic interventions aim to attract substantial private and foreign direct investments, thereby stimulating economic activities and generating wealth for the populace.
ON HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Governor Peter Mbah’s exploits extend to the construction of new houses. He is architecting a new Enugu cityscape that reflects modernity.
The New Enugu City is a visionary project spanning 26 square kilometres. It is designed as a smart city, integrating residential zones, cutting-edge medical centres, sports arenas, and an innovation-driven industrial park. The city is structured around three distinct zones: Happy Island, Vitality Bay, and Innovation Park, each tailored to foster a unique blend of living, business, and technological advancement. With dedicated utilities like power, water, gas, and high-speed internet, the New Enugu City is poised to set a new standard for urban living in Nigeria.
Beyond this flagship project, Governor Mbah’s administration is addressing the housing deficit through strategic partnerships. The groundbreaking of the Graceland Estate in the Coal City Eastern Extension marks the commencement of a 10,000-unit housing project. Developed in collaboration with Copen Services and the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, this initiative is aimed at providing affordable housing across various income levels in the state.
To streamline land administration and attract investment, Governor Mbah has equally established the New Enugu City Development Agency and the Enugu State Geographical Information System Service (ESGISS). As earlier stated, agencies are tasked with ensuring the efficient processing of land titles and fostering a conducive environment for urban development.
It is clear to all that Governor Mbah’s vision is a housing and urban development that creates inclusive communities and reflects the aspirations of the people of Enugu.
ON SECURITY
From the dismantling of the sit-at-home to the establishment of the Distress Response Squad (DRS), Governor Mbah has turned insecurity into history.
Understanding that security is the bedrock of economic development and social stability, Governor Mbah made combating insecurity a top priority from his early days in office. His decisive actions against the unlawful sit-at-home order quickly signalled a departure from the status quo, restoring normalcy and confidence in the state’s commercial life. With strategic CCTV installations, patrol vehicles, neighbourhood watch reforms, and plans to establish an Army Barracks in Isi Uzo, security is no longer reactive—it is proactive, predictive, and professional.
The administration has invested massively in security infrastructure, procuring 150 patrol vehicles equipped with 360-degree surveillance cameras and communication gadgets. Furthermore, the establishment of a sophisticated Command and Control Centre within the Government House, integrated with AI-enabled surveillance and digital cameras capable of facial and number plate recognition, has significantly enhanced the state’s security architecture. This proactive approach to public safety has made Enugu secure, motorable, and livable, positioning it as a first-choice destination for leisure, tourism, and international engagements.
Governor Mbah’s partnership with the EFCC and federal security agencies has also elevated Enugu’s standing in national security collaborations. For the first time in a long while, investors and citizens now move through the state with assurance.
ON URBAN RENEWAL AND SANITATION
Governor Mbah’s goal to make Enugu the cleanest city in Nigeria is well underway.
Revamping ESWAMA, investing in high-grade waste trucks and smart bins, and enforcing sanitation policies have brought a visible cleanliness to Enugu streets.
Modern traffic lights, solar-powered walkways, and the ongoing beautification of city corridors are transforming the visual identity of the Coal City.
The relocation of markets like Coal Camp Spare Parts to modern parks reflects a commitment to organised commerce, safety, and environmental stewardship.
ON CIVIL SERVICE MOBILIZATION AND MERITOCRACY
Recognising the civil service as the engine of governance, Governor Mbah has breathed new life into public administration.
Approvals for 2,061 staff promotions, recruitment of essential personnel, consistent salary and pension payments, and ₦25,000 Christmas bonuses have restored some form of dignity to public servants.
More importantly, his merit-driven appointments and digital governance systems are fostering efficiency, accountability, and pride in public service. Enugu, arguably, has the most round pegs in round holes in Nigeria.
ON SPORTS, CULTURE, AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Governor Mbah’s renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and the Games Village in Awgu ahead of the 2026 National Sports Festival signals a commitment to youth development and tourism.
The Enugu Cultural Festival, promotion of local arts, and support for youth-led entertainment projects are breathing new life into the creative economy.
Meanwhile, road infrastructure has opened up rural communities to greater economic and cultural participation. As Governor Mbah keeps building, Enugu keeps changing almost to the point of “irrecognizability” by those who knew the Coal City and what it looked like before the inauguration of Governor Mbah’s administration.
CONCLUSION
Two years may seem short in the lifetime of a state. But in Enugu, under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, two years have felt like two decades of dormant dreams awakened, promises delivered, and a people empowered.
In his humility, he will say he is merely doing his job. But history knows better. It will record that at a time when despair was served to people and mediocrity lingered in politics, one man stood up, spoke less, did more, and changed the destiny of a state.
To the sceptics, the indifferent, and even the silent doubters—look around. Enugu is rising. Enugu is building. Enugu is winning. Indeed, Ndi Enugu… Tomorrow is not coming. It is already here.
Congratulations, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on the successful completion of your second year in office.
Prince Ekendilichukwu Nwanjoku writes from the Coal City State.
Ndi-Enugu,
Tomorrow is Here!
