Tag: Mbah

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has decorated the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, as a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) champion, describing his leadership as the model that Nigeria, the UN, and Africa need.

Fall said Africa was tired of wars and other depressing stories, hence the need to celebrate and support leadership models anywhere on the continent that show the vision, drive, discipline, rigorous planning, and improved efficiency to change the narratives and inspire hope.

The UN chief, who was on a working visit to the Government House, Enugu, on Friday, where he met with the state’s Executive Council and had an interactive session with the media, acknowledged the difficulty faced by the international communities in meeting up with their commitments to the people, regretted that with only six years left to attain the SDGs by 2030, many nations, including Nigeria, still struggle with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

“We are fed up with having states (nations) that keep having problems in conflicts and fighting. That is why every success recorded here (in Enugu) will come to change the narrative about Nigeria and Africa, and we will all be proud of it.

“I think in these difficulties and a very gloomy backdrop, there are still leaders, who go out of their ways and try to bring wellbeing for their people. I think those should be showcased to create a kind of healthy competition, and create a blueprint for other leaders.

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“That is why this (Mbah’s) leadership galvanised me. I have found exactly what we need in the African Continent and in the United Nations,” he said.

He further expressed happiness that several of the present set of state governors give cause for hope and should be supported.

“We have governors that are younger. You have governors that are extremely committed. You have governors, who have their hands on the deck. You have governors, who have such a good appetite for improving the wellbeing of their people and I think Enugu is one of those examples.”

The UN chief commended in particular Governor Mbah’s strides in education, healthcare, water and other critical sectors, noting the governor’s ability to block leakages and waste to improve efficiency in a very short time. 

“We had a conversation around education, around health, around social protection and how to alleviate poverty, how to support women who spend their day struggling to earn a little to bring back to their families, how to support civil servants, whose salaries cannot cope with the price increase the country is facing.”

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, has approved N1.912 billion for the payment of four-year accumulated leave allowances owed teachers of public primary schools.

A statement by the governor’s media office said the approval was to fulfill Governor Mbah’s promise to ensure that teachers get all their entitlements in line with his administration’s determination to enhance teachers’ welfare and boost productivity.

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The statement also noted that the 260 smart green school policy thrust of the government to give children a quality head start could only succeed if teachers were well motivated to give their best. 

Mbah earlier approved the extension of full implementation of N30,000 minimum wage to primary school teachers and local government workers.

Governor of Enugu state, Peter Mbah, has approved the release of the sum of N1,912,187,753.82 for the payment of four-year accumulated leave allowances owed to teachers of public primary schools in the state.

According to a release by the governor’s media office, the approval was in fulfillment of Governor Mbah’s promise to ensure that teachers get all their entitlements in line with his administration’s determination to enhance teachers’ welfare and boost productivity.

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It noted that the 260 smart green school policy thrust of the current administration to give the children of the state a quality head start could only succeed if the teachers were well motivated to give their best. 

Recall that Mbah had earlier approved the extension of full implementation of N30,000 minimum wage to primary school teachers and local government workers.

• …as Bago vows to surpass Fed Ministry of Work’s roads construction record

The Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah, has announced his administration’s plan to embark on a state-wide roads construction programme. 

Governor Mbah announced the plan after receiving the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), which was in recognition of his roads development achievements, at the State House at the weekend. 

Speaking to newsmen after receiving the award, Mbah pledged to continue improving both rural and urban roads across the state, adding that the award would serve as a catalyst for intensified efforts.

He said: “First of all, we’re grateful to the organizers of this event, Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS). We’re also very grateful that our modest efforts in revamping our roads,… it’s gaining some recognition, so for us the award is a mark that we are doing the right thing. 

“As I did say earlier, success abhors complacency, and this is going to only spur us to do even more. So as we leave here today, we’re going to hit the road to ensure that all our roads in Enugu states are paved, both the rural roads and the urban roads. 

“Our work is far from done. This is just going to give us a kick we need to hit the road, running,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Niger state governor, Mohammed Bago, has announced his administration’s road infrastructure plan, which he said will surpass that of the Federal Ministry of Works. 

Governor Bago, who was one of the recipients of the NEAPS awards, for his strides in agriculture and food security, expressed confidence that upon completion, Niger State’s road network would surpass that of the federal government.

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He, however, described his government’s agricultural initiatives as “a complete revolution,” detailing plans to establish storage facilities with a capacity of nearly one million tons in every local government area. 

To combat post-harvest losses, he said the state is implementing renewable energy storage systems on farms.

The governor also highlighted a significant public-private partnership, announcing a collaboration with Dangote Group. 

The company has provided 500 40-foot containers to be placed in farm estates for product storage.

He said “This is a push to do more. This award was received in favour of Nigerlites, for our deliberate attempt to transform agriculture. 

“Niger state has provided itself as a pilot state and we are grateful that both the private sector and the public sector understand exactly what we’re doing. So let me thank Nigerlites for their unwavering support. 

“In terms of infrastructure, we have been able to start work on over a 1000 kilometers of road across the state, unprecedented, I can say maybe more than the Federal Ministry of Works. Yes, Governor Wike has been able to commission some roads, we’re not there yet, but once we’re done, we’ll overtake Wike.

“Speaking of storage of agricultural products, he said “definitely, it’s a complete revolution in agriculture and we’re putting up storage facility of almost a million tons in every local government. This is to keep…

“We’re providing renewable energy storage systems so that we can reduce our post harvest losses in some of our farms. 

“Again, we have a collaboration with Dangote, where he has given us five hundred 40Ft containers to put in our farm estates so that we can store these products. So a lot of efforts are coming in both private and public sector initiatives are there so don’t worry too much about that,” he added.

On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Borno State, Zuwaira Gambo, has called for increased representation of women in public service awards following her awards. 

Gambo, one of only four women among 48 recipients at the  awards ceremony, expressed both gratitude and concern about the gender imbalance in the selections.

“It’s uplifting and pleasing, but at the same time, I think there should have been more women,” Gambo stated. 

She appealed to the selection committee to be more gender-sensitive in future, highlighting the significant achievements of Nigerian women across various fields.

The commissioner dedicated her award to the people of Borno State, particularly Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and his wife. 

She credited the state’s leadership for creating an enabling environment that has facilitated significant progress in peace-building, resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs), and improving access to education and healthcare.

Gambo emphasised the challenges faced by women and children in conflict-affected areas, noting their vulnerability to insurgency. 

She sees the award as recognition of her efforts in addressing these issues and aligning with Governor Zulum’s vision for the state.

Similarly, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri, another award recipient, echoed Gambo’s sentiments on female representation. 

Dabiri expressed surprise at her nomination and hope for increased recognition of women’s hard work in future awards.

She said: “You work harder, it’s a public service award and knowing that you’re chosen based on your hard work and contributions in whatever field you find yourself and the public service. This will encourage public service officers to work harder.

“Your live is not about how much money you have in your account, but how many lives you’re able to touch and how much impact you can make wherever you find yourself, so I’m quite excited about that. I was surprised I only just got a letter, saying ‘you’ve been nominated’. 

“Then of course, I hope with the next set of awards there’ll be more women. There were only four women out of 48, so I hope that more women will be considered because a lot of women are working so hard, but I’m grateful for this and I thank the lady who started this in conjunction with the Presidency. So this kind of thing should be encouraged and I’m humbled,” she added. 

Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah, has approved bursaries totaling N44.1 million for 294 state indigenes currently enrolled across seven campuses of the Nigerian Law School nationwide.

Out of the beneficiaries from Enugu’s 17 local government areas, 284 individuals have already undergone verification and received N150,000 each. 

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to advancing human capital development in the state.

Mbah also granted a N12 million scholarship to Miss Chidiogo Igwebuike, a native of Ukana in Udi LGA, Enugu State, enabling her to pursue pilot training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Appreciating the governor, the beneficiaries under the umbrella of the National Association of Enugu State Law Students, described the gesture as an auspicious intervention, especially against the backdrop of the challenging economic realities of the country, and commended him for his vision and commitment to educational development in the state.

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In a letter signed by the national president of the association, Stephen Obiora; the National Secretary, Johnpaul Obisike; and the National Public Relations Officer, Uzoamaka Aguoma, they expressed their commitment to bringing honor to the state.

“This bursary has come at the right time to allivate the financial challenges the entire country is facing at this time, giving us room to focus on our court and chamber attachments without too much worry about the current state of the economy. 

“Your commitment to education and youth development is truly commendable. Your support is a testament to your administration’s dedication to empowering Enugu State indigenes and investing in our dear state’s future and progress. 

“We appreciate you for believing in us. We look forward to making Enugu state proud,” they stated.

In a related development, Governor Mbah has also paid the sum of N12m to see Miss Chidiogo Igwebuike, a 24-year old graduate of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Enugu, through a Standard Pilot Course at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. 

It is recalled that the governor had in May 2024 awarded scholarship in the sum of N23.3m to Master Israel Echezona, a 17-year old indigene of Mgbagbu-Owa, Enugu State, who emerged the overall best candidate in the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology entrance examination, to also enable him train as a pilot.

Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has expressed deep grief over the death of Ferdinand Agu, former director-general of the National Maritime Authority (NMA), now known as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

He described Agu’s passing as a significant loss to the state and Nigeria.

In a message he signed, the governor noted that the deceased was a boardroom guru and technocrat, who contributed significantly to the growth and development of Enugu State and Nigeria.

Mbah said: “I received with deep grief the sudden death of my brother, Ferdinand Agu, MFR, a development I have been struggling to come to terms with.

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“Agu was an illustrious son of Enugu State, a fine gentleman, brilliant mind, savvy administrator, political engineer, consummate technocrat, and a quiet achiever, who gave his best in service to Nigeria.

“As a former Director-General of the defunct National Maritime Authority, NMA, now NIMMASA, as well as former Senior Special Assistant to the President between 2011 and 2015, he contributed immensely to the development of our nation and state. Therefore, he will always remain in our thoughts.

“I send heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Enugu State, and indeed to his friends and associates across the country and beyond. May God grant him eternal repose.”

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has inaugurated the newly constituted chairman and members of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), charging it to ensure free, fair, and credible local government polls in the state.

The new ENSIEC leadership, which had earlier been confirmed by the Enugu State House of Assembly has Professor Christian Ngwu as Chairman, and Solomon Udeh, Chinenyenwa Ogbu, George Ani, Arthur Ede, Paully Eze, and Emeka Ukwuaba as members. Barr. Ifesinachi Umeobika is the Commission Secretary.

Performing the inauguration at the Government House Enugu, Mbah said the electoral body’s new board was highly qualified in capacity and character as testified to by the dispatch with which their nominations were ratified by the Enugu State House of Assembly.

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He said: “The presidential system of government we practice creates several tiers of government and your appointment and subsequent ratification has now put you in a position where you have to administer the conduct of election into the local government councils, the third and a critical tier of government.

“You are, therefore, charged with the responsibility to ensure that the rule and the procedures governing election into the local government councils are conducted in a free, fair and credible manner.

“As unbiased umpires, the people of Enugu State would be looking up to you to ensure that the rules are applied strictly without fear or favour. Therefore, we will be counting on you to discharge yourselves creditably in your new roles. Some of you are already in the system as you were reappointed and we expect you to bring your experience to bear.

“On that note, it is my honour and pleasure and by virtue of the Section 4 (1) of the ENSIEC Law, I hereby inaugurate you.”

The Chairman, Prof. Christian Ngwu, who spoke on behalf of new ENSIEC leadership, expressed profound gratitude to the governor for finding them worthy to serve the people of Enugu State in that capacity, assuring that they would reinvigorate ENSIEC and provide a level playing ground for all political parties.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has said that only radical thinking and a creative approach to governance, such as that adopted by his administration, could stimulate rapid economic development in the 36 states of Nigeria.

The governor stated this during a public lecture titled: ‘Enugu State, Nigeria: New Political Leadership; Bold Economic Vision – Spotlight on the Health and Education Strategies,’ which he delivered at the London School of Economics (LSE), Thursday evening.

Mbah maintained that the exigencies of the times in Nigeria required bold and unusual solutions that come from thinking outside the box, hence his administration’s ambitious economic vision and the radical policies and programmes being executed in health, education, security, water, and road infrastructure.

He said: “The single boldest projection that encapsulates what we intend to accomplish is our target to grow the economy of Enugu State seven-fold. Simply put, our vision is to grow the state’s GDP from $4.4bn – that we met – to at least $30bn in the next four to eight years.

“Another bold plan is the commitment to attain a zero per cent poverty headcount index in Enugu State.”

He, however, observed that realising the set targets would depend greatly on the wellness of the state’s workforce, hence his government’s numerous health projects and innovations, which were already yielding results in his short while in office.

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“We are seeing a decline, albeit marginal, in infant and maternal mortality rate in our state. We are constantly eliminating factors that ordinarily cause maternal and under-5 deaths, such as the absence of skilled birth attendants – including doctors, nurses and midwives – at health facilities. From a pre-election statistic of 39 per cent, we have grown the number of births attended to by skilled health personnel at our facilities to 42 per cent. Our target is to achieve a 100 per cent threshold by the end of 2025.

“In addition, we have significantly expanded immunization coverage for all childhood vaccine-preventable diseases for children on their first birthday. We have also increased the number of those attending Ante-Natal Care for the first time.

“We’re also building new Level 2 healthcare facilities across the 260 electoral wards in our state. Each centre has the necessary equipment, sanitation and hygiene facilities, water, living quarters for doctors and nurses, and an alternative power supply.”