The Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has restated his administration’s determination to accelerate development across Enugu State, pledging to sustain the ongoing transformation agenda and expand infrastructure delivery.
The Governor made the commitment during a weekend working visit to Nsukka, where he held strategic meetings with leaders and stakeholders from across Enugu North Senatorial District. The engagements brought together revered traditional rulers, political leaders, community representatives, professionals, and socio-cultural groups.
The meeting with the royal fathers was hosted by His Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, at Edem Ani, while a subsequent town hall meeting took place at the UBA Hall, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Stakeholders’ Requests Before 2023 Elections
Governor Mbah disclosed that the traditional rulers and stakeholders recalled three priority demands they had presented to him before the 2023 elections:
- Dualisation of the 44km Abakpa Nike–Opi–Nsukka Road
- Appointment of a son of Nsukka as Vice Chancellor of UNN
- Support for the creation of Adada State
According to him, it was gratifying to hear that significant progress had been made in all three areas.
“It was heartwarming to hear the joy in their voices as they noted that the road is already being dualised; that history has been made with the appointment of Professor Simon Ortuanya as the first Nsukka-born Vice Chancellor of UNN since 1960, thanks to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu; and that I have stood firmly with them in the push for Adada State,” Mbah said.
Visible Achievements Across the Zone
The Governor also enumerated ongoing developments in Enugu North Senatorial District under his administration. These include:
- 102 Smart Green Schools already operational across the zone, aimed at transforming the learning environment and integrating digital education.
- 102 new Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, which he said are bringing quality medical services closer to rural and urban communities.
- A modern Nsukka Transport Terminal, designed to facilitate efficient transport services, enhance mobility, and stimulate commerce in the region.
“These achievements are worth celebrating,” he said, “but they are only the beginning of what we plan to deliver.”
Statewide Targets and 2025 Agenda
Governor Mbah revealed that by 2025, all 260 Smart Green Schools and 260 Primary Healthcare Centres planned across Enugu State would be completed, providing equitable infrastructure coverage in every community.
He further pledged to “move even more aggressively on roads” once these projects are delivered, noting that road connectivity remains central to his government’s economic expansion plan.
High-Speed Rail Vision
One of the most ambitious initiatives unveiled during the visit is a proposed high-speed rail line between Enugu and Nsukka, which the Governor said could cut travel time to just 15 minutes.
“We have commenced feasibility studies, and we will make it happen,” he assured, describing the project as a game-changer for trade, tourism, and regional integration.
Commitment to Partnership with Nsukka People
Governor Mbah said the trust and commitment shown by Nsukka leaders during the meetings had further strengthened his resolve to deliver on his promises.
“I left Nsukka encouraged and inspired,” he stated. “Together, we will keep breaking new ground and building the modern, prosperous Enugu we all dream of.”
The Governor’s visit comes at a time when Nsukka is witnessing increased government attention, following recent milestones such as the historic appointment of Professor Simon Ortuanya as UNN’s first Vice Chancellor from Enugu North since the institution’s founding in 1960.
Political observers note that Governor Mbah’s emphasis on tangible results, coupled with his unveiling of forward-looking projects like the high-speed rail, may further solidify his rapport with the Nsukka people ahead of future political developments in the state.
