BREAKING: Gov Mbah Unveils Robust Plans for Education, Tourism, Security, and Infrastructure, In Town Hall With Ndi Enugu

The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, today, Saturday, 14th of December 2024, hosted a pivotal Town Hall Meeting with key stakeholders from across the state at the Banquet Hall of the Old Government Lodge in Enugu. The event, which was attended by representatives from diverse sectors, provided an opportunity for the governor to address pressing issues and share his administration’s robust plans for the state’s future.

The meeting brought together an impressive array of stakeholders, including religious and traditional leaders, political figures, youth groups, students’ organizations, women’s groups, representatives from people living with disabilities, and officials from various unions and civil society organizations and Labour Unions.

One of the key issues raised during the meeting was the significant 33% allocation of the 2025 state budget to education, the largest since the state’s creation. The question was directed at the governor regarding how this large allocation would translate into tangible outcomes for the people of Enugu. Governor Mbah emphasized the importance of investing in the education sector, stating, “At this administration, we have imbibed the mantra of ‘If it doesn’t work, we perish.’ This mantra is guiding every step we take to ensure that Enugu becomes a hub for quality education. We are not just investing in schools; we are investing in the future of our children.”

Governor Mbah went on to discuss the flagship Smart Green School Project, which aims to build modern, technology-driven schools in all of the state's 277 wards. The governor explained that these schools would be a significant departure from traditional methods of learning, focusing instead on experiential learning. “The Smart School initiative is designed to equip our students with the skills they need to compete globally. We are incorporating state-of-the-art facilities like AI labs, tech labs, science labs, and e-libraries. This is a capital-intensive project, but we are determined to see it through,” he added.

Another major topic discussed was the proposed Enugu Airline, which the governor described as a key element of the state’s tourism development strategy. When asked how the airline would benefit the state, Governor Mbah explained, “This airline is not driven by profit. It’s part of a broader vision to make Enugu a center for tourism in West Africa. We aim to attract 3 million visitors annually, which translates to about 80 visitors per day.” The governor emphasized that the airline would also play a role in providing easy access for tourists coming into Enugu, ultimately generating revenue and boosting the local economy. “Once Enugu becomes a recognized tourism destination, providing seamless transportation for visitors will only help the state to grow and create more opportunities for its people,” he said.

On the issue of energy, the governor addressed concerns about the state’s power supply and plans for sustainable energy solutions. He assured the audience that his administration was actively working with foreign investors to secure partnerships for power generation and transmission. “By 2026, we plan to have uninterrupted power supply across Enugu State. We are in discussions with several investors, and all things being equal, this will become a reality for our people,” Governor Mbah stated.

When asked about the persistent challenges surrounding water supply in Enugu, the governor provided insight into the ongoing efforts to resolve the issue. He acknowledged the progress made in improving the state’s water production capacity from 2 million liters per day to 120 million liters per day but highlighted the persistent problems caused by faulty water channels. “This challenge did not come to our attention until we took over. Our administration has put plans in place to resolve these issues once and for all. We are partnering with a foreign investor who will manage the distribution of water to ensure that the people of Enugu pay no more than 20% of the current rates,” he explained.

Security was another major topic of discussion, with many participants asking the governor to address ongoing concerns about safety in the state. Governor Mbah took a moment to commend the efforts of Enugu’s security agencies for their hard work in ensuring the safety of citizens and businesses. “I want to thank the security agencies for their tireless work in making Enugu one of the safest states to do business in Nigeria,” he said, drawing applause from the audience. “Our government is committed to maintaining this status, and as part of our efforts, we are in the process of procuring over 100 vehicles to further enhance the security infrastructure of the state.”

The Town Hall meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to ask questions and seek clarification on various issues affecting their communities. Representatives from youth organizations, market unions, town unions, and women’s groups were all given the opportunity to present their concerns, with Governor Mbah addressing each one in detail. In response to questions about youth employment, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating job opportunities, particularly through investments in education, technology, and infrastructure. “We are determined to create an enabling environment for our youth to thrive,” he stated. “Our investments in education, tourism, and technology will create long-term job opportunities for our young people.”

Women’s groups raised concerns about gender equality and empowerment, to which the governor responded, “We are committed to ensuring that women are not left behind in the development process. We will continue to invest in vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and other initiatives aimed at empowering women in Enugu.”

Governor Mbah thanked the stakeholders for their active participation and emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving the state’s development goals. “This Town Hall is just the beginning,” he said. “The road ahead will require all of us to work together, but I am confident that we will achieve the Enugu State of our dreams a prosperous, safe, and inclusive state for everyone.”

Governor Mbah’s commitment to transforming Enugu into a center of excellence in education, tourism, security, and infrastructure resonated with the stakeholders, leaving them with a sense of optimism for the future.

The Town Hall meeting marked a significant milestone in the governor’s engagement with the people of Enugu State. By addressing critical issues across various sectors and outlining a clear vision for the state’s future, Governor Mbah has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the lives of Enugu residents and building a prosperous future for the state.