Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has presented his administration’s manifesto performance scorecard, highlighting progress in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic development while declaring that the state has regained public confidence as a destination for living, working, investment and tourism.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has rendered an account of his administration’s performance against its 2023 electoral manifesto, outlining achievements recorded across key sectors and reaffirming his commitment to building a prosperous and economically competitive state.
The governor said his administration had made substantial progress in restoring Enugu’s position as a destination where people want to live, work, invest and visit.
Mbah spoke on Thursday during the presentation of his Manifesto Performance Update, themed “Our Commitment to Ndi Enugu: The Journey So Far,” held at the Peter Mbah Law Auditorium, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.
He recalled that he presented his governorship manifesto at the same venue in October 2022 ahead of the 2023 election, describing the latest engagement as part of his administration’s commitment to accountability under the Citizens Charter, established through Executive Order 001, which he signed on May 29, 2023.
Reflecting on the condition of the state when he assumed office in May 2023, Mbah highlighted challenges in security, infrastructure, public services, education and healthcare.
He recalled a period when economic activities were disrupted by sit-at-home orders, leaving businesses closed, roads deserted and parents afraid to send their children to school.
“There was a time when Monday was no longer an ordinary working day in Enugu. Shops remained closed. Roads were deserted. Parents were afraid to send their children to school. People who depended on their daily earnings had to surrender an entire day’s income because others had decided they should remain indoors. That was the reality we inherited,” he said.
The governor also identified deteriorating road infrastructure, struggling public schools, inadequate investment in health facilities and declining commercial activities as some of the challenges confronting the state at the time.
He further noted that Enugu had gradually lost its position as a major commercial, political and cultural centre in the South-East, with businesses and major events moving to other cities.
According to him, the state’s airport had barely two incoming flights daily at the time.
However, Mbah said his administration had recorded progress in restoring security and creating an environment that supports economic and social activities.
“Today, people are going about their business with a freedom that had been denied to them for far too long.
“A trader can plan a full working week. Children can attend school. Businesses can receive customers, move goods and keep their employees working. That security gave us a foundation upon which other changes could begin,” he stated.
The governor explained that improved security had provided the foundation for broader economic development, allowing businesses to operate more freely and residents to pursue their livelihoods.
He also highlighted interventions across healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, transportation and other critical sectors, linking the administration’s development agenda to its 2023 campaign commitment to eradicate poverty and grow Enugu State’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
Mbah acknowledged that significant work remained, despite the progress recorded, urging residents to recognise the achievements while supporting efforts to address outstanding development challenges.
“The changes are visible, and the scale of our ambition is becoming clearer. We should take pride in what has been achieved, while recognising how much remains to be done,” he said.
He called on residents, businesses, professionals and other stakeholders to contribute their ideas, skills and resources towards building a stronger economy and improving communities across the state.
The governor urged citizens to take an active interest in developments within their communities, identify challenges and work with the government to develop practical solutions.
He said the administration was committed to building stronger institutions, expanding economic opportunities, improving education and creating a more productive economy for future generations.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Prof. Christian Anieke, recalled that Mbah had presented his manifesto at the university in 2022 before going on to win the 2023 governorship election.
Anieke commended the governor for returning to the institution to account for his administration’s performance, describing the exercise as an important demonstration of public accountability.
He urged other political leaders entrusted with public office to adopt the practice of returning to citizens to explain their performance and provide updates on campaign promises.
The vice-chancellor also described the achievements of the Mbah administration as evident and verifiable, noting that several government projects and interventions could be seen across the state.
The event attracted participants from different sectors of society, including academics, students, civil society organisations, business owners, professional associations and members of the media.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
