Mbah shares progress report, says Enugu is on the rise

Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has given a report on his manifesto performance to the people of Enugu State. He said his government has made significant progress in making Enugu a place where people want to live, work, invest, and visit.

Mbah reminded everyone that he presented his manifesto at the same venue in October 2022 before the 2023 governorship election. He said the Manifesto Performance Update is part of the Citizens Charter (Executive Order 001), which he started after he took office on 29 May 2023.

Speaking at the event called “Our Commitment to Ndi Enugu: The Journey So Far,” held at the Peter Mbah Law Auditorium at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, on Thursday, Mbah looked back at the condition of the state when he became governor. He shared his government’s achievements, development goals, and plans for the economy.

“Think back to May 2023, when we first assumed office. Think about the condition of our state, the difficulties we faced, and the expectations we had.

“There was a time when Monday was no longer an ordinary working day in Enugu. Shops remained closed. Roads were deserted. Parents were afraid to send their children to school. People who depended on their daily earnings had to surrender an entire day’s income because others had decided they should remain indoors. That was the reality we inherited.

“Our roads were in poor condition. Public services had deteriorated. Many schools were struggling to provide the kind of education our children deserved. Our health facilities needed substantial investment. And Enugu, a city that had once been the natural centre of commercial, political and cultural life across the region, was gradually losing that position.

“Businesses were looking elsewhere. Major events were moving to other cities. Our airport had barely two incoming flights a day,” he stated.

But he said his administration has made significant progress, highlighting achievements in health, education, tourism, agriculture, transportation, and other areas. He linked these to his 2023 campaign promise to reduce poverty and grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

“Today, people are going about their business with a freedom that had been denied to them for far too long.

“A trader can plan a full working week. Children can attend school. Businesses can receive customers, move goods, and keep their employees working. That security gave us a foundation upon which other changes could begin,” he said.

“That is how economic development starts to reach into households and communities.

“The changes are visible, and the scale of our ambition is becoming clearer. We should take pride in what has been achieved while recognizing how much remains to be done,” he maintained.

He urged the people to take advantage of this moment by supporting him in building a better future for the state.

“This is one moment in the long history of Enugu. This is a moment of extraordinary possibility for our people. And I believe this is the moment we must seize. The work we have begun needs the commitment of all of us.

“I ask you to bring your ideas, your skills, your enterprise, and your experience into the life of our state. Take an interest in what is happening in your community. Help us identify problems and develop practical solutions.

“We have the opportunity to leave something of lasting value to those who come after us: a state with stronger institutions, a more productive economy, better opportunities for its children, and communities whose people can take pride in what they have achieved together. That is the Enugu I want us to build,” he concluded.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Professor Christian Anieke, noted that Mbah had presented his manifesto at the same venue in 2022, before he won the 2023 governorship election.

Anieke praised the governor for coming back to the university to share his progress nearly four years into his administration. He urged other political leaders to also return to the people to explain their performance and keep to their promises.

The vice-chancellor said the achievements of the Mbah administration are clear and can be seen, arguing that many projects and efforts are visible to the people.

The event had a mix of attendees, including academics, students, civil society groups, business owners, professionals, and the media.