Peter Mbah, Kingsley Udeh and stakeholders call for investment in research, innovation, education and human capital development in Enugu.
ENUGU, Oct. 24, 2026 — Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, and other stakeholders have called for increased investment in research and innovation to promote sustainable communities and address Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
They made the call at the Public Symposium and 20th Anniversary Celebration of Pleasant Gathering, held on Friday at Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu, with the theme, “Building Sustainable Communities Through Leadership, Service and Innovation.”
The stakeholders said investment in research, human capital development and technological advancement would help Nigeria develop homegrown solutions, strengthen its economy and build sustainable communities.
Pleasant Gathering is a non-profit organisation founded by Prof. Joy Ogbonnaya to equip and empower young people, students, vulnerable women and the girl-child to fulfil their potential.
Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Lloyd Ekweremmadu, said sustainable communities could only be achieved through purposeful leadership, quality education, innovation and collective responsibility.
He described education as a critical component of his administration’s development agenda, noting that the state government was investing in schools, teachers, technology and experiential learning.
The governor said his administration was committed to raising a generation of young people capable of developing solutions to societal challenges rather than depending on innovations from other countries.
“Government has the responsibility to provide an enabling environment through education, infrastructure, security, technology and skills development,” he said.
Udeh, represented by the Director-General of the Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, Prof. Okwudilichukwu Ogbobe, said science, technology and innovation had become indispensable tools for economic transformation, industrial competitiveness and sustainable development.
The minister, a former Enugu Attorney-General, said advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy and digital technology were creating new opportunities for global economic growth.
“Nigeria must not be left behind in this global transformation. We must strengthen our capacity to develop, adapt and commercialise indigenous technologies.
“Our development priorities must extend beyond physical infrastructure to include investment in research, human capital, technical skills and innovation systems capable of addressing our national challenges,” he said.
Udeh stressed that increased investment in research must be accompanied by efforts to bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and practical applications.
He urged research institutions to develop solutions to challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education and industry, adding that universities, industries and development partners should strengthen collaboration to ensure that scientific discoveries translated into marketable products.
The minister commended Pleasant Gathering for its 20 years of service and urged the organisation to expand its activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, digital skills development and community-based innovation.
Speaking on “Harnessing Engineering Innovation for Sustainable Communities,” the Chief Executive Officer of NBU Engineering Company Ltd., Mr Abel Nwobodo, emphasised the importance of engineering solutions in community development.
Nwobodo, represented by a lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, Mr Chukwudi Enebe, said thriving communities required good roads, reliable energy and other critical infrastructure.
He noted that sustainable communities could only be built when engineering innovation was guided by responsible leadership and directed towards addressing people’s needs.
Earlier, the International President and Founder of Pleasant Gathering, Prof. Joy Ogbonnaya, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to empowering the next generation through education, mentorship, Christian discipleship and compassionate service.
She said that over the past two decades, the organisation had focused on nurturing integrity, strengthening leadership, developing useful skills and supporting vulnerable members of society.
“Our vision remains to equip and empower the next generation to fulfil their destiny.
“Our mission gives practical expression to that vision through Christian discipleship, education, mentorship and compassionate service, with particular concern for young people, the girl-child and vulnerable women,” she said.
Ogbonnaya recalled that Pleasant Gathering began in 2006 at her family residence in the Doctors’ Quarters of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, out of concern for young people in the neighbourhood.
She also announced plans to launch public fundraising for two major anniversary projects: the Pleasant Gathering Rehabilitation Project and the Pleasant Gathering Education Fund.
According to her, the initiatives are designed to support people rebuilding their lives and provide educational opportunities for disadvantaged young people.
Ogbonnaya said the projects would complement broader efforts to promote education, empower vulnerable groups and create opportunities for sustainable community development, where investment in research, innovation and human capital development can contribute to long-term progress.
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