The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Peter Mbah

  • Mbah urges MDAs to meet N870b IGR target

    Mbah urges MDAs to meet N870b IGR target

    Enugu State Governor  Peter Mbah, has urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to meet projected N870 billion revenue target for the year.

    He drew attention to the unpredictability of external revenue sources like the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation, given the prevailing geo-political tension in the world.

    Mbah gave the charge yesterday during a Holy Mass at the Government House Chapel to signal the start of work in the new year.

    He said given global developments, the state should not allow itself to be taken unawares.

    Recall that Mbah recently signed a record N1.62 trillion 2026 budget, which he explained would be funded through an anticipated N870 billion IGR, N387 billion FAAC allocation, and N329 billion capital receipts.

    Speaking at the Holy Mass attended by the heads and members of the three arms of government, political office holders, captains of industry, traditional rulers and critical stakeholders, he called on all political appointees and civil servants to redouble their efforts, noting that the projected IGR could come from the quality of service they render to businesses and the people.

    “Given all the geo-political tensions across the globe, it is not going to be easy, particularly with our revenue projections. We just do not have clarity as to the direction things would go. It is extremely important we ensure that we realise the domestic revenue projection we set for ourselves this year so that we are then able to absorb the shock coming from all these geo-political tensions across the globe.

    Read Also: Mbah promises accelerated consolidation in 2026

    “To realise that projection comes from doing your own bit. We have ambitious revenue targets across the different MDAs. Our revenue comes based on the speed and quality of services you render. Let us have a renewed vigour to do our own bit and play our own roles,” he stated.

    He stressed the need for dedication and team spirit among the state’s civil servants in 2026, describing them as the anvil of whatever the administration achieves or fails to achieve in the new year.

    “Importantly, to our workers, we are still going to be counting on your support as civil servants and Permanent Secretaries. We have always said that you are the engine room of whatever success we achieve. We have to double down this year. Those little things we do, getting to work on time, treating documents expeditiously, and making sure that we play our own part in the scheme of things, matter a lot.

    “We also have to continue to be champions of teamwork. We have to essentially understand that we are only as good as our weakest link. We need to support one another, knowing that we are working for one common objective; to serve the people,” he said.

    While thanking the people of the state and the church for their continued prayers, good counsel, and support, he stressed the need for undiluted and unfettered feedback.

    “We do not lay claim to being perfect. What we lay claim to is our resolve to serve the people optimally. That is why undiluted feedback and holding us to account become very important,” he concluded.

    In his homily, the Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Rev. Fr. Anthony Udeh, described Governor Mbah as a servant leader earnestly dedicated to the wellbeing of his people.

    He cited the thousands of both completed and ongoing projects as well as reforms initiated by the Mbah Administration, saying that such could only come from a leader with a burning passion to serve his people and build a better future for the children of the state and posterity.

    The Holy Mass was attended by high-profile government functionaries, including the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Afojulu Ozoemena; and the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, among a host of others.

  • Mbah promises accelerated consolidation

    Mbah promises accelerated consolidation

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has said there will be no room for complacency by officials of his government.

    He promised accelerated consolidation of the gains made in the past two and a half years.

    Mbah also described 2026 as a year of quantum leap for the people of Enugu State, maintaining that “our optimism is not abstract, but grounded in the concrete work we have done.”

    The governor gave the assurances in his New Year message.

    He urged optimism and unity on the part of the people and the nation.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: NFF begs Tinubu, Nigerians over  Super Eagles’ setback

    While recalling his administration’s successes in the revival of moribund assets, transformation of the transport system as well as the water sector, security, road and tourism infrastructure, educational and agricultural sectors, and the surge of investment and visitors to Enugu, Mbah acknowledged that “it is far easier to rise than it is to remain standing.”

    “That is why this year demands more of us than the years before. 2026 is not a victory lap. It is a humble continuation of a journey that is nowhere near finished.

    “What we have begun is not fleeting – it must now be secured for generations. We have to build well, not quickly for applause, but carefully for posterity.

    “And above all, we must resist complacency. Success can seduce us into comfort. Comfort slows our steps. And when steps slow, progress slips away,” he emphasised.

  • Mbah promises accelerated consolidation in 2026

    Mbah promises accelerated consolidation in 2026

    As the nation welcomes the year 2026, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, said there will be no room for complacency on the part of his administration, promising accelerated consolidation of the gains made in the past two and a half years.

    Mbah also described 2026 as a year of quantum leap for the people of Enugu State, maintaining that “our optimism is not abstract, but grounded in the concrete work we have done.”

    The governor gave the assurances in his New Year broadcast to the people of Enugu State, urging optimism and unity on the part of the people of the state and the nation as a whole.

    While recalling his administration’s successes in the revival of moribund assets, transformation of the transport system as well as the water sector, security, road and tourism infrastructure, educational and agricultural sectors, and the surge of investment and visitors to Enugu, Mbah acknowledged that “it is far easier to rise than it is to remain standing.”

    “That is why this year demands more of us than the years before. 2026 is not a victory lap. It is a humble continuation of a journey that is nowhere near finished.

    “What we have begun is not fleeting – it must now be secured for generations. We have to build well, not quickly for applause, but carefully for posterity.

    “And above all, we must resist complacency. Success can seduce us into comfort. Comfort slows our steps. And when steps slow, progress slips away,” he emphasised.

    On specific projects and programmes to expect in the New Year, Mbah said, “In 2026, life in Enugu will change in ever more visible and practical ways.

    “Every urban road across our cities will be paved and upgraded with proper drainage and walkways, with many also receiving new streetlights to improve safety.

    “Projects like the 9th Mile 24/7 water scheme, the planned Ajali Scheme revamp and Oji River will continue to push clean water directly into more homes across Enugu.

    “All 260 Smart Schools will open fully, offering digital learning, science labs, renewable power and a free daily meal to more than 300,000 children.

    “In every one of our 260 wards, a fully equipped Primary Healthcare Centre will open, staffed and powered to deliver real care when it is needed most.

    “Enugu’s airport operations will expand, with plans to grow Enugu Air’s fleet to 20 aircraft this year, accelerating trade, tourism and investment.

    “Strengthened security infrastructure, ongoing industrial revival efforts, growing support for small and medium enterprises, and expanded connectivity will ensure that more families feel economic opportunity through rising incomes, safer streets and a clearer path to a better life.”

    The governor promised hell to criminals who still had the appetite to test his administration’s resolve to keep the state safe and secure.

    “Let me be clear: no crime committed will go undetected and unresolved. We will track and prosecute everyone who has committed a crime. We will never drop our guard.

    “We must protect what we have built, finish what we have started, and refuse complacency in any form.”

    He reiterated his government’s commitment to inclusive development and called for the continued support of the citizenry, while also holding government accountable.

    “This year calls for focus and commitment. It calls for every one of us to stay engaged, to stay informed, to hold ourselves and our institutions to high standards.

    “Our promise remains firm: we are still determined to leave no one out in the cold. Public funds will continue to be channelled solely into projects that uplift lives,” he said.

    He wished Ndi Enugu and Nigerians a happy New Year, urging optimism and unity, insisting that “the strength of our state and nation comes from working together.”

  • Mbah presents N1.62tr 2026 Appropriation Bill to Enugu Assembly

    Mbah presents N1.62tr 2026 Appropriation Bill to Enugu Assembly

    • Governor unveils massive sector reforms, 1,200 roads, 20 aircraft for state
    • Kogi Speaker assures of speedy action on Ododo’s N820.5b Budget proposal

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and his Kogi State counterpart, Ahmed Ododo, yesterday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bills to the states’ Houses of Assembly for consideration and approval.

    Mbah presented N1.62 trillion budget proposal to the Enugu State House of Assembly, the highest in the history of the state, while Ododo presented N820.5 billion to the Kogi State House of Assembly. 

    Mbah said his administration was shifting “from laying foundations to scaling transformation” across all sectors.

    The 2026 budget proposal is 66.5 per cent higher than that of the outgoing year of N971 billion.

    Tagged the “Budget of Renewed Momentum,” the fiscal plan earmarks N1.296 trillion (80 per cent) for capital expenditure and N321.3 billion (20 per cent) for recurrent spending.

    Mbah said the budget comprises a Capital Expenditure of N1,296,092,465,000, representing 80 per cent of the total budget, and a Recurrent Component of N321,305,000,000, representing 20 per cent of the budget totalling N1,617,397,465,000.

    The governor said the proposed budget would be funded through a projected N870 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), N387 billion from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), while N329 billion is expected as Capital Receipts.

    A sectoral breakdown of the budget shows that the Economic Sector would get N825.9 billion, representing N51 per cent of the total budget, followed by the Social Sector (N644.7 billion), representing 40.1 per cent of the budget, while the Administration Sector, Justice Sector, and Regional Sector got N128 billion, N15.8 billion, and N2 billion, respectively.

    “Allocating N825.9 billion to the Economic Sector is strategic and deliberate. When we invest in agriculture, industry, and trade, we create jobs, reduce poverty, and generate revenue that strengthens the entire economy. The performance of this sector remains central to our vision of achieving a seven-fold GDP growth in Enugu State,” he said.

    Highlights of the Economic Sector include Roads/Infrastructure Sector, where the governor plans to construct 1,200 urban roads and a significant number of rural roads, while also completing the ongoing 40-kilometre Owo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Neke-Ikem dual carriageway, dualisation of the Abakpa Nike – Ugwogo Nike – Ekwegbe – Opi-Nsukka Road, and the 21.65-kilometre Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway.

    Read Also: US Mission Nigeria unveils social media skit contest

    On Transportation, Mbah announced that the state would acquire 14 additional aircraft to bring Enugu Air’s fleet to 20, noting that three additional planes would arrive before the end of 2025.

    The governor said his administration plans to build five more transport terminals in Emene, Udi, Awgu, Four-Corners (Ozalla) and Oboloafor. It also set aside 15 per cent of the budget for providing 15,000 mass housing units, while ramping up infrastructural development at the New Enugu City.

    In the Agricultural sector, he said the administration would, among others, step up the construction of 20-hectare Farm Estates in the 260 wards of the state, with some already underway.

    In the Social Sector, education got the lion’s share of 32.27 per cent of the entire budget, following patterns of 2024 and 2024 budgets where it got over 30 per cent.

    Mbah explained that with the 260 Smart Green Schools already completed or nearing completion, the state would focus on the construction of Smart Secondary Schools and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Colleges across the state in 2026.

    “There are some, who might look at what we spend on education and cringe. But what we spend currently on education is largely insignificant, weighed against the future social cost of having a disproportionate population of out-of-school children,” he explained.

    He said his administration equally budgeted the sum of N20 billion to clear longstanding gratuities inherited by his administration, noting that “Our workers should not wait years to receive benefits they have earned.”

    N11 billion was budgeted to, among others, fund the second phase of the administration’s security surveillance system, Health is to get 10 per cent of the total budget.

    On the 2025 budget performance, Mbah said the administration spent about N806 billion.

    “This means that we utilized 97.5 per cent of all the money that came into the state and achieved 83 per cent of the total budget implementation as against the revised budget of N871 billion,” he said.

    In Kogi State, Governor Ododo presented a budget estimate of N820,490,585,443 for the House of Assembly to scrutinise and approve.

    The governor said the budget estimate is N215,961,592,725 or 35.7 per cent more than the N604,528,992,718 revised budget of 2025.

    He said the 2026 budget estimate has as its theme: Budget of Shared Prosperity: Driving Sustainable Growth For All.

    Ododo said the budget estimate aims to, among others, enhance revenue mobilisation; enforce expenditure discipline and deepen strategic investments in growth sectors.

    The governor said other aims include to aggressively repay Federal Government debts; strenghten the investment climate and block revenue leakages.

    He said the 2026 Budget estimate has a total Recurrent Revenue of N470,008,482,693, comprising the following sources: Internally Generated (IGR) of N43,985,216,392; Statutory Allocation: N70,000,000,000; Value Added Tax (VAT) N90,000,000,000; and the NLNG Dividend: N160,336,270,062.

    Ododo said: “The 2026 Draft Budget is more than a financial statement; it is a roadmap for inclusive growth, economic diversification and shared prosperity.”

    House of Assembly Speaker Umar Aliyu assured the governor of a speedy and careful review of the estimate with a view to coming up with an approved budget that will be beneficial to the state and residents.

  • Group seeks end to rights abuses in Enugu

    Group seeks end to rights abuses in Enugu

    A civil society organisation, the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), has petitioned Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State over what it described as widespread violations of citizens’ rights and systemic obstruction of justice at Magistrates’ Courts across the state.

    In a letter dated November 14, 2025, and signed by its President, Olu Omotayo, the group alleged that innocent citizens were being unduly remanded, case files deliberately withheld, and court orders abused, resulting in prolonged detentions and financial losses.

    The petition centred on two cases- those of Godwin Odey and Yusuf Omotara- which it said typified the “gross denial and frustration of justice” in the state’s lower courts.

    CRRAN said Odey, an OND graduate from Benue State, was arrested on September 20, 2025, in Obollo-Afor, Udenu LGA, during a routine police search for the killers of a Catholic priest in the area.

    According to the group, Odey had only travelled to Enugu for the traditional wedding of a friend and had never previously visited the state.

    Read Also: FG vows swift rescue of abducted Kebbi schoolgirls, reaffirms duty to protect citizens

    During the police stop-and-search, marijuana was allegedly found in the vehicle conveying Odey and his companions.

    Unable to pay for bail, he was charged alongside strangers for the murder of Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya and arraigned on September 24 at the Magistrate Court, Enugu, which remanded him in prison custody.

    CRRAN said it petitioned the Attorney-General, who formally requested the transfer of the case file for review.

    “Shockingly, the file has yet to be transmitted to the Attorney-General’s office,” the group wrote, adding that investigations revealed that several Magistrates’ Courts delay case file transfers for years, especially those outside Enugu metropolis.

    The practice, CRRAN said, hampers the Ministry of Justice from performing its statutory duties and results in prolonged detention of innocent persons.

    The second case involved Mr. Yusuf Omotara, a POS operator in Ogun State, who was allegedly arrested and detained for nearly a week, from June 26 to June 30, 2023, on the orders of a Senior Magistrate Court in Enugu.

    According to CRRAN, Omotara became a victim after some customers transferred N4,995,000 to his POS account and collected cash in return.

    Unknown to him, a third party in Enugu filed an ex parte application claiming the funds were mistakenly transferred.

    The organisation alleged that with the connivance of a court registrar and a lawyer, the court ordered Omotara’s arrest in Ogun State and authorised the withdrawal of the nearly N5 million from his account, despite him having no connection to the parties in the suit.

    CRRAN said petitions to judicial authorities to recover the funds or punish the indicted officials had not yielded results.

    The rights group urged Governor Mbah to order immediate reforms in the state’s Magistrates’ Courts, warning that the alleged irregularities undermine citizens’ trust in the justice system.

    “Magistrates’ Courts are the closest courts to the people. If abuses at this level go unchecked, the justice system collapses at its foundation,” the petition said.

    CRRAN called for urgent government intervention to ensure justice for Odey, Omotara and others who may be victims of similar systemic abuses.

    “We demand immediate action to ensure that no innocent citizen suffers for what he knows nothing about,” Omotayo wrote.

    The organisation acknowledged the state government’s efforts to strengthen the justice sector but insisted that decisive action was required to eliminate “illegalities and abnormalities” allegedly perpetrated by court officials.

    The Enugu State Government and the Ministry of Justice were yet to respond to the petition at the time of filing this report.

    Conflicting orders by coordinate courts raise concern

  • Why I became a believer: Inside Governor Peter Mbah’s no-excuse revolution 

    Why I became a believer: Inside Governor Peter Mbah’s no-excuse revolution 

    • By High Princess Adaku Ogbu-Aguocha

    I wasn’t always a believer. When I first encountered His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, I was skeptical. He was in the PDP then, and I had no reason to trust his vision. But one evening changed everything. I sat with him and listened — really listened. I saw the intensity in his voice, the focus in his eyes, the clarity in his thoughts.

    This wasn’t a politician putting on a show. It was the quiet force of someone who had seen tomorrow and was determined to bring it into today. That night, his words echoed in my mind. Through Governor Peter Mbah’s eyes, I glimpsed a future where the glory of my beloved Enugu would shine brighter than ever before.

    After the war and years of neglect, our industries had gone quiet. Our proud civil servants held the fort in an economy that moved slowly — dignified, peaceful, but asleep.

    Then came Governor Mbah, with private-sector precision. And with almost startling speed, the work began. Sit-at-home ended. Insecurity was tackled. Not one, not two, but six ultramodern bus terminals were commissioned in a single day — a bold signal that motion had returned to Enugu. Then came the Smart Schools Project.

    Two hundred and sixty world-class schools — one in every ward. Learning systems built for the 21st century: solar-powered classrooms, digital labs, AI-assisted platforms, robotics, coding, green design. Imagine each school graduating at least five hundred students a year — that’s 130,000 young minds annually. A pool of ready talent to position Enugu as the Silicon Valley of Africa. With Governor Peter Mbah’s Smart Schools, our children’s tomorrow is already taking shape.

    At the same time, he’s reimagining Enugu as a global destination — a vision that came alive when the city hosted the Nigerian Bar Association Conference. Enugu exhaled after years of dormancy. Over 20,000 delegates arrived. Hotels sold out. Private homes, student hostels, even old guesthouses were refurbished and rented out. That one week put more money into more hands than a year of bureaucratic salary disbursements. It was a true awakening.

    Read Also: NFF, Jalla bicker over planned workshop on  amendment of statues at Ibadan AGM

    The five-star ICC Hotel is nearing completion, right beside the state-of-the-art hospital designed to support medical tourism, now almost finished. The Akanu Ibiam International Airport has been concessioned, with its international wing set to open in early 2026. Enugu Air launched just months ago, with six more aircraft arriving before Christmas. By the end of next year, four new branded hotels will be completed. And across the state, dozens of other high-impact projects are rising. Governor Peter Mbah’s government has set a bold target: attract three million visitors annually and grow Enugu’s GDP from four to thirty billion dollars.

    To anchor that ambition, he’s building what will soon be the tallest landmark in the state — the Cross of Hope. A monument of faith, culture, and tourism. It will draw pilgrims as Jerusalem and Rome do, reminding the world that spirituality and modernity can coexist beautifully on the hilltop of Enugu. Governor Mbah’s transformation plan is holistic — from power to infrastructure to culture.

    With the urbanization of Nkanu East fully underway, I know fresh investment and fresh purpose will soon pour into my hometown, Nara Unateze. So yes, I’m a believer. And a disciple. Politics must meet truth, and the truth is that Governor Peter Mbah is working — without excuses — for all of us. If you have a dream for Enugu, or children, or even business interests, take a moment to reflect on this. Verify if you must. And join me in defending, protecting, and championing Governor Mbah’s vision.

    I’m confident we’ll all witness the full sunrise of the tomorrow he’s building today. Because even if he reaches only halfway to the skies, Enugu will already be flying higher than it has in decades.

    But I believe he’ll reach them. And when he does, we’ll all say that a governor came who refused to dream small. Ndi Enugu, brace yourselves. The sleeping giant is wide awake. The hill is alive again — with the sound of music and a loud drum.

    Tomorrow is here indeed, and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is leading the charge.

  • Mbah seeks reforms for SMEs to have easier access to finance

    Mbah seeks reforms for SMEs to have easier access to finance

    •Odumegwu-Ojukwu: ETLS is strategic pillar of West Africa’s integration agenda

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has called for reforms to strengthen access to finance for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and ensure Nigeria benefits from the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

    The governor described the ETLS as a major opportunity to expand trade across the West African region.

    Mbah, who was represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, spoke at a one-day sensitisation workshop on the ETLS, with the theme: Increasing Intra-Regional Trade through ETLS, held on Monday at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Enugu.

    He hailed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ECOWAS National Unit for choosing Enugu as the venue of the workshop.

    Mbah noted that the Southeast, known for its strong trading culture and entrepreneurial drive, stood to gain immensely from the scheme.

    “You know we’re traders. When you talk about SMEs in Nigeria, you can’t discount the Southeast because that’s what we’re known for,” Mbah said.

    “The ETLS presents an opportunity to expand trade not just for us but for other countries within our region.”

    The governor cautioned that while regional integration offers new trade opportunities, the lessons from the past must not be ignored.

    “There are critics who view globalisation as suffocating local production. They’re not entirely wrong. We once had Peugeot in Kaduna, Michelin in Port Harcourt and Lagos, and Aba was known for some of the best shoes. Sadly, all those have disappeared,” he said.

    Mbah urged the Federal Government to establish frameworks that would protect local manufacturers while implementing regional and global trade agreements.

    Read Also: Rite foods rises to 22nd place in 2025 top 50 brands Nigeria ranking

    The governor also called for the decentralisation of approval powers in development finance institutions, such as the Bank of Industry (BoI), the Bank of Agriculture, and NEXIM Bank, to ensure quicker access to funding for entrepreneurs.

    “For an SME trader in Ogbete Market or Coal Camp seeking finance, applications shouldn’t have to wait for approval from Abuja,” he said. “The government must restructure policies to empower regional offices to approve facilities for viable businesses. Development finance should be based on business potential, not collateral.”

    Mbah also proposed the creation of an ECOWAS Commercial Bank to support regional infrastructure and SMEs.

    “Manufacturing and production cannot thrive without robust infrastructure. ECOWAS must begin to tinker with a commercial bank that finances governments and supports SMEs,” he added.

    The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the workshop as a vital step towards deepening regional integration and empowering small businesses to take advantage of West Africa’s growing market.

    “The ETLS is not just a technical instrument but a strategic pillar of West Africa’s integration agenda,” she said.

  • NEC appoints Mbah to lead committee on overhaul of security training institutions

    NEC appoints Mbah to lead committee on overhaul of security training institutions

    The National Economic Council (NEC) has appointed Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, as Chairman of a new committee tasked with overhauling training institutions of security agencies across Nigeria.

     The decision followed NEC’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposal for a comprehensive reform of security training facilities nationwide.

     The proposal was presented during the 152nd NEC meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

     The committee, which has one month to submit a detailed blueprint for the renovation and modernisation of police and other security training institutions, is expected to develop practical strategies in line with President Tinubu’s vision for a transformed and professional security sector.

    Read Also: EU’s €100bn research initiative opens to Nigerian researchers, says ambassador

     Other members of the committee include Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Umoh Eno (Akwa Ibom), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), while former Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, will serve as Secretary.

     Addressing the Council, President Tinubu stressed the urgency of the assignment, saying: “We have to make the conditions of the training facilities more conducive for both the trainers and trainees.”

    Governor Mbah’s appointment positions him at the heart of the federal government’s renewed effort to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture through institutional reform, improved training conditions, and enhanced capacity development for security personnel.

     His leadership, according to NEC sources, is expected to translate the President’s vision into actionable reforms that will restore professionalism, discipline, and modern standards across the country’s security training infrastructure.

  • Enugu govt: invest at home

    Enugu govt: invest at home

    The Enugu State Government has renewed its call for indigenes living outside the state, particularly in Lagos, to bring their investments, resources, and political strength back home to support development and governance.

    Speaking at the Association of Enugu State Development Unions (AESDU), Lagos Women Wing August Meeting and Continuation of Women Empowerment Programme 2025, in Lagos, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, who represented the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, emphasised the importance of indigenes participating fully in the state’s growth.

    She said: “It’s time to go home; it’s time to invest at home. It’s time for the wealth to come home.

    “Charity begins at home. We thank you for all you are doing, but we need you in Enugu—especially your voting strength. Imagine the impact if every Enugu woman and indigene in Lagos returned during elections to decide who becomes their governor, senator, or representative, that is very important.”

    The August Meeting is a platform that brings together women from all local government areas of Enugu State. It provides a space for meaningful interaction, cultural exchange, and the strengthening of bonds among the diverse communities.

    Distinguished individuals—men and women of integrity—who have exemplified love, selfless service, dedication, and uprightness in their contributions to humanity were honoured at the occasion.

    READ ALSO: A new leaf?

    Madueke assured the women that the government was ready to facilitate the process, including transportation for those willing to transfer their voter registration and participate during elections.

    On development, she noted that Enugu women remained the first beneficiaries of state programmes, empowerment initiatives, and social support.

    Similarly, the PDP State Woman Leader in Enugu, Ambassador Peace Patrick, urged the women to redirect their investments to Enugu, stressing that Governor Mbah’s administration was delivering social amenities, housing estates, and infrastructure to encourage returnees.

    “We are here to celebrate culture, but also to remind you of the importance of bringing your investments home,” she said.

    “Why build houses in Lagos only to see them demolished in the name of development projects, when Enugu has vast land, low-cost housing schemes, and industrial opportunities? Our governor is laying the foundation—you need to come and be part of it.”

    The gathering was marked by cultural displays, empowerment initiatives, and awards, but the key message remained clear: indigenes of Enugu living in Lagos should unite, celebrate their heritage, and channel their wealth and influence back to their home state.

    The President of AESDU, Evangelist (Mrs) Uche Nwankwo, explained the essence of the annual Women’s August Meeting and the group’s mission of empowerment.

    Speaking at the 2025 edition of the event in Lagos, she said: “The August Meeting is a unique time when women from different town unions come together once a year. Each town union in Lagos is represented by two members, and after the meeting, they return to their communities to share ideas, mobilise support, and encourage others. This occasion helps us to know one another, exchange skills, and empower our members.”

    On empowerment, she stressed that the focus was on widows, women who lost businesses, and other less privileged members:

    “We can’t reach everyone, but we do what we can with the little we have. In the last two years, we empowered 18 people, last year 23, and this year 17. Though small, it goes a long way because we teach them practical skills—tie and dye, soap making, pastries, and more. We also provide financial support within our capacity.”

    The AESDU President noted that although the initiative has reached beyond Igbo women—sometimes attracting Yoruba participants during training and outreach programmes—the major limitation is funding.

    “Our biggest challenge is finance. We tax ourselves to raise funds, but we would do far more if government support comes. We’ve written to the Lagos State government severally. Other states get sponsorships, but here we are often ignored because of how they look down on Igbos. Still, we won’t relent. One day, God will touch their hearts.”

    Looking ahead, she revealed the association’s broader vision: “In the next few years, we want to establish a permanent entrepreneurship centre in Lagos and replicate it back home. Our target is to empower not just dozens, but thousands—if we get the resources.”

    In a message of perseverance Nwankwo siad “Our watchword is continuity. We are starting small, but with God on our side, we will grow big, we are not relenting.” She said currently, AESDU has representatives from about 136 town unions across the three senatorial zones of Enugu state; all united under one umbrella in Lagos.

    One of the recipients of the meritorious award, Lady Ada Chidozie Ofoegbu, described the recognition as a celebration of collective service, women’s empowerment, and the enduring spirit of humanity, rather than a personal honour.

    A distinguished civil servant, visionary leader, and humanitarian, Ofoegbu has dedicated her life to empowering women, advancing education, promoting community development, and strengthening faith-based initiatives—earning both national and international acclaim. Currently a Director in the Civil Service, she has made immense contributions to governance and public administration.

    In her remarks, Ofoegbu dedicated the award to God Almighty, her family, colleagues, and the communities she has had the privilege to serve. She expressed gratitude to the association for the honour and pledged to continue serving with integrity, dedication, and love for humanity.

    Adding her voice, Violet Uchenna Obiora, immediate past Woman Leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Lagos State, and the current Publicity Secretary, spoke glowingly of Ofoegbu’s leadership style.

    “She taught me how to carry out my duties with excellence and commitment. Because of that, I was drawn to her leadership, and over time we bonded—not just as colleagues but as sisters and friends. When I got the invitation to today’s event and saw that she would be honoured, I felt it was well-deserved. She truly earned it.”

    Obiora also used the occasion to send a message to women: “Women should respect one another’s dignity and interests. We must learn from the achievements of our predecessors and preserve a legacy worth passing on. There should be love, respect, and friendliness among women. That is the only way we can unite for a brighter future, for our blessings, and for every good thing that comes to women.”

  • Enugu’s return to mainstream politics

    Enugu’s return to mainstream politics

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the implication of the political shift for the state and the Southeast.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost a stronghold in the Southeast to protracted crisis, acrimony and rivalry among top leaders of the distressed opposition party.

    Peter Mbah, loyal, reticent and promising governor of Enugu State, has dumped what his vast supporters described as a sinking ship, after months of warning.

    No authentic member of his political family is left behind. Other prominent leaders of the drowning PDP chapter, commissioners, special advisers, lawmakers and the entire grassroots leaders left with him.

    Former Governors Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Senate President Ken Nnamani,and other leading lights have earlier called it quits with the platform that become fragile due to internal contradictions.

    His departure marked the end of an era for the major opposition in Enugu and indeed, the entire Southeast.

    For 26 years, PDP bestrode the state and made it a no-go area for other competing political parties. But due to its inability to manage its achievements, it has lost political control, influence and relevance. Its loss became the gain of the ruling party.

    Mbah is not a baby politician in Enugu and the region, although he is not boisterous. Calm and calculating, the lawyer is a deep thinker, resourceful administrator, effective planner and result-driven personality, who has no time for frivolities. These qualties have made him a resounding success in the world of business where he had made a great impact.

    His warning that the region was been sidelined or excluded by the PDP was ignored without justification. Pretending to be its old self, party gerontocrats proposed a slow-motion problem-solving approach in a jet age, oblivious of the fact that the clamour for inclusion is the anthem of the millenium.

    The bone of contention is the position of the PDP National Secretary that had fuelled regional division and acrimony. While the legal option provided a solution, it was not complemented with political solution through dialogue and peace building.

    Reality dawned on the distant PDP leaders who encamped in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as the entire Enugu structures collapsed into the APC. The transformation was instant as the governor became the state APC leader, and without any problem of harmonisation of old and new structures.

    Today, PDP has no footing again in the Southeast. Governors of Enugu, Imo and Ebonyi are in APC. Governor Alex Otti of Imo belongs to the the Labour Party and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra is in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). In 2027, none of them would have anything to do with the PDP and African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The crowd was huge. It was not a rented gatherning mobilised by pecks or any financial inducement. The first ceremony was the announcement of the political transition by the soft-spoken governor. With him at the press conference were prominent members of the APC  National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, including Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, his Southern counterpart, Emma Eneukwu, National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, and Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Argungu.

    The second was the grand rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, the state capital, where he was received to the ruling party by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Secretary Dr. Ajibola Basiru,Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Orji Kalu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Ogun, Imo and Ekiti counterparts – Dapo Abiodun, Hope Uzodimma and Biodun Oyebanji.

    None could arguably fault his decision for jumping ship. He said it was a collective resolve of dedicated party faithful who are driven by the desire to protect the interest of the state. The governor said the decision was taken after a long and deep reflection.

    He said: “This is no whimsical decision. It is a collective move by the political family in Enugu State, comprising members of the National Assembly, members of the State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, all the local government chairmen, all councillors, all political appointees, and over 80 percent of party executives.

    “We have no axe to grind, no personal point to make. But fairness, respect and integrity must guide our choices for that future to be ours. Today, in joining the APC, we are embracing a visionary partnership. I have found in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not just a leader of our nation, but a partner in purpose, a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow.”

    The governor said their decision to join the APC would bring about a new era of development and progress to Enugu State.

    Mbah reflected on the atmosphere of suffocation in the PDP which could no more be endured. He said the party tried to take the state and the region for a ride.

    He said: “For nearly three decades, the PDP and the people of Enugu walked side by side, united by shared purpose. Together, we built relationships that will always matter to me personally and to this state.

    “Yet, leadership sometimes demands difficult – even painful – decisions in the service of higher principles and goals. And there always comes a time when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny.

    “Over the past months, I have thought carefully about the path forward. In the end, after much soul searching and discussion, I have concluded that we must stand for the principles and institutions that honour transparency, trust, and above all – the people we serve.”

    Mbah added: “For decades, the South East – especially Enugu – has stood firmly behind the PDP, showing loyalty that shaped the party’s success. Yet despite this history, our voices were too often disregarded when it mattered most. It has therefore, become necessary to seek affiliation where our interests as a region are represented in the form of fair partnership,” he said, adding that going forward “the voice of Enugu people and indeed, that of the Southeast people would now be heard in Abuja.”

    The governor thanked the PDP, “which provided us the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend deep gratitude.”

    He said “the PDP supported us through a demanding campaign and joined us in celebrating the victory.”

    Mbah  hailed Bola Ahmed Tinubu for exhibiting courage and decisiveness. He said: “Some choices demand sacrifice. Removing subsidies, unifying our foreign exchange markets, confronting crippling inefficiency – these are not easy decisions. But these are the smart choices that free resources for investment in our people.

    “His Excellency, the President has shown he is not afraid to make the tough decisions for a fair and stable nation. And here in Enugu, we have been just as audacious.

    “This move is bigger than politics – it is about alignment at scale. It is about connecting Enugu’s destiny with the central hub of broader reforms shaping our nation.”

    The governor raised some puzzles: Will the voice of Enugu be heard now in Abuja?

    How will the change affect our progress at home? How will your lives be touched by this decision?

    He said: “Let me be clear, I will represent our state and our region with the same strength of purpose as I have always done. Our Igbo DNA does not change; our destiny does not change. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the federal level.

    “The progress you see today will not slow, and the projects we have begun will be completed. Yes, there have been challenges and delays along the way, but make no mistake – schools, hospitals, roads, and our services will be finished as promised.

    “To the political elite across the South East, I say this: our people are watching. What they care about most are results. True leadership is about service to the people, not service to self. Principles, not personalities, must guide us.”

    Shettima, who represented Tinubu at tge rally, described Mbah’s defection as a defining moment for Ndigbo and the nation.

    He said: “Today is a great day in our great nation; indeed, a great day in Ndigbo. Ali Mazrui, the great Kenyan writer, once described the Igbo as the Nigerian Jews—geographically mobile, economically enterprising and educationally ambitious. Sadly, in the last 10 to 12 years, Ndigbo, one of the most vibrant tribes in Africa, have been at the margins of Nigerian politics.

    “Now with the coming of Governor Peter Mbah, with the continuous energy of Governor Hope Uzodimma and Governor Francis Nwifuru, I believe the Ndigbo have come back to the mainstream of Nigerian politics.”

    Shettima described President Tinubu as a leader with a “sense of inclusion” who rewards merit over sentiment. He said under his leadership,  APC has become “the most formidable political party in Africa.”

    Turning to Mbah on the podium, he said: “You are already one of us. You are a progressive through and through. I believe you had a broom hidden in your umbrella for all these years, waiting for the right moment to bring it out.

    “From our convention and constitution, the governor is the leader of the party in his state. Your Excellency, you are now the leader of the APC family in Enugu State. We are one big family tied in common destiny. Be rest assured that you will be treated justly and fairly.”

    To the APC governors, Mbah is a big catch. Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), hailed him for joining the party, saying that it is a major step toward regional integration.

    He added: “Earlier this morning, the governor addressed the world and informed us of his decision to join the All Progressives Congress. We, in the South -East, are very excited and very happy.

    “On behalf of the Progressives Governors Forum, I welcome everyone to Enugu and congratulate our dear brother and friend, Peter Mbah, for taking the wise decision to join the APC to strengthen the excellent work our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is doing in Nigeria. This decision has once again strengthened our integration into national politics.”

    To Akpabio,  Mbah’s defection is the beginning of “a journey that will bring more development and progress to Enugu State.”

    He stressed: This is a journey that will bring more development. This is a journey that will bring more progress. I am a man who believes in progress.

    Read Also: Public-private partnerships key to reviving Nigeria’s hospitality industry, says Ogbeh

    “The entire Senate is here. Your principal officer, Osita Ngwu, was the only PDP senator in the whole of the South -East. He told me he was going with the governor wherever he was going because he is performing.

    “We are all here because we are very happy. My wife is from Enugu, and my children are relocating to Enugu. What I am seeing here — this state is even more beautiful than Abuja. I think the only place that compares to it is Akwa Ibom when I was governor.”

    Kalu, former governor of Abia State, spoke in Igbo. He spoke in Igbo commended Mbah for joining the train of progress.

    Kalu said: “The Vice President is here to welcome your governor to the APC in the name of the President. Since tomorrow is here, it is good for tomorrow to join APC.

    “The Vice President has come to welcome him to a place where there is progress. You know that the whole South -East has agreed to move to APC. We are all here to honour your governor.”

     Yilwatda described Mbah as “a progressive mind who could no longer be contained in the PDP.

    He said: Enugu State is welcome to APC. Governor Peter Mbah, thank you for taking this right decision. You took your people from Egypt to the Promised Land, from depression to progress.

    “Today we are seeing the new Enugu State. The PDP cannot house the kind of progressive mind that you have. As I was coming, I saw the roads, the water, the electricity, the schools — you have touched virtually all sectors. The APC is proud to welcome you and your team, as we see this defection as a return home to progress and success.

    “On behalf of the National Working Committee and millions of APC members, I welcome you to this family. I welcome you to progress. I welcome you to success.”