● Ferdy Agu
The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged the newly elected councillors and council chairmen to take a proactive role in monitoring government development projects within their wards. He emphasized the need for accountability, urging local leaders to ensure that contractors adhere to quality and timelines in delivering key infrastructural projects.
Mbah delivered this charge during an onboarding programme on Wednesday, where the 260 Ward Councillors were inducted into the State Project Management Team for Smart Green Schools and Primary Healthcare Centres. He explained that the ongoing construction of 260 Smart Green Schools and 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres in all wards is crucial for advancing Enugu State’s economy by equipping the state with a skilled workforce and improving public health.
“The Smart Schools are about transformation. We are expecting that all the 260 structures will be standing latest by February 2025. By September 2025, every child in Enugu State should have access to Smart Green Schools.
L-R: Chairman of Isi-Uzo LG; John C. Ogbodo, Chairman, Nkanu West LG; Dr. Ibenaku Onoh, Chairman, Enugu North LG; Beloved-Dan Anike, Chairman, Enugu East LG; Chairman of Enugu South LG, and Enugu State ALGON Chairman and Council boss of Nkanu East LG, Sidney O. Ede at briefing on Tuesday
“So, you cannot know that these transformative projects are coming to your ward or LGA as a councillor, chairman, or deputy chairman and afford not to take ownership of them or hold the contractors to account. You all have a duty. We have to see ourselves as trustees holding our future in trust for our offspring and for the generations ahead,” he stated.
Mbah also underscored that local governments should drive economic growth, aligning with his administration’s goal to raise the state’s economy from ₦4.4 billion to ₦30 billion. He urged the council leaders to focus on attracting industries and initiating economic activities within their localities.
“We want to make Enugu State the premier destination for business, investment, tourism, and living. But it is not going to happen simply because we wish it to happen. And it will not happen by accident. We have to be intentional.
“So, we are expecting that you are going to attract industries in your various LGAs. We are expecting that you will come up with your own ideas in industrialising your LGAs. Those investments that you think you want to scale up to the state, we are ready and open for business,” Mbah added.
In response, several councillors expressed their appreciation for the initiative. Hon. Francis Nwankwo, representing Amafor Ugbawka Ward, praised the governor for enlightening the councillors on their roles.
Aka Eze Aka, Chairman of Udenu LG (in traditional red shirt and cap) and other LG Chairmen from Enugu North Senatorial District
“Honestly, onboarding of the councillors on the state project team is the right step in the right direction. As officers of our various wards, we will ensure that the good work of the governor is adequately protected. We will make sure we protect the projects that have come to change our story and the narratives,” Nwankwo said.
Similarly, Hon. Anene Nnaji of Mbu Ward 2 stated, “I learnt a lot of things, starting from the resource persons that spoke in regard to the Smart Schools. On our own side, as councillors, we will take ownership of the Smart Schools and numerous projects in our different wards.”
Hon. Theresa Ifeanyichukwu from Oji River Urban Ward 3 added, “Now that we have been authorised, my role is to supervise the contractors and monitor their work. I will not leave the work for the contractors alone.”
Reacting to the governor’s charge, Mr. Emeka Okeke, a public affairs analyst, commended the move. “This shows that Governor Mbah is serious about grassroots development. Making councillors responsible for monitoring these projects brings accountability to the doorstep of the people.”
Mrs. Stella Ibekwe, a local entrepreneur, remarked, “The idea of Smart Green Schools is a game-changer. This will help bridge the educational gap in rural areas and create a skilled workforce. I hope the councillors take their roles seriously.”
Uche Okolo, Chairman, Awgu LG (3rd from left (writing), and other Council Chairmen from Enugu West Senatorial District
In addition, Mr. Chinedu Udeh, a community leader in Enugu East, expressed optimism about the state’s economic potential. “If the council leaders truly engage in the industrialisation of their LGAs as the governor suggested, we are bound to see positive changes. This could create jobs and stimulate growth from the ground up.”
The onboarding programme featured presentations by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and other key officials who brought the councillors up to speed on the governor’s transformative projects and their role in their execution. GMTNewsng
