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In a major boost to President Bola Tinubu’s digital economy agenda, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Enugu State Government, on Tuesday, sealed a strategic 15-year lease of the agency’s Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre to the Enugu State Government.

The move would see the Enugu State Government take over and optimise the facilities located in the state capital as the Enugu Talent City and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute in line with the digital economy drive of the Governor Peter Mbah Administration.

Speaking during the lease agreement signing ceremony at Government House, Enugu, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the arrangement fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu Administration, and its ambition to grow Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy driven by productivity, innovation and private sector growth.

Maida stressed that Mbah had shown a clear agenda to build Enugu State into a digital economic powerhouse through deliberate investment in education, infrastructure, innovation and digital capacity, maintaining that the Mbah Administration was well positioned to advance the objectives for which these facilities were established.

“Our expectation is that this partnership will support Enugu’s ambition to become a leading destination for digital services, artificial intelligence, startup incubation, outsourcing, research and technology-enabled enterprise.

“We also expect these facilities to become spaces where young people acquire relevant skills, entrepreneurs transform ideas into viable businesses and local enterprises connect to opportunities beyond Enugu and Nigeria.

“These facilities were conceived as platforms for innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development. They were designed to deepen digital skills, support startups, attract investment, create jobs and position Nigeria as a competitive destination for business process outsourcing, knowledge process outsourcing and other technology-enabled services.

“In essence, they were built not merely as physical assets, but as platforms for developing the people and enterprises that will power Nigeria’s digital economy.

“So, for us at the NCC, completing physical infrastructure is only the beginning. Buildings alone do not create innovation. People do. Ideas do. Entrepreneurs do. And partnerships bring all these elements together,” he said.

The NCC boss also commended Governor Mbah’s investment in Smart Green Schools, saying he was building an economy prepared for the future.

“Physical infrastructure is essential to development, but infrastructure alone cannot deliver lasting prosperity. This is what makes the Smart Green Schools initiative significant. It recognises that preparing our children for tomorrow must begin today. Technology-enabled schools, digital learning facilities, robotics and artificial intelligence laboratories demonstrate an understanding that education must evolve alongside technology. That is leadership with the future in mind.

“Investment in education and skills raises productivity, expands economic opportunity and strengthens the ability of individuals and businesses to create value.

“This is even more important today. Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries. Automation is changing the nature of work. Digital technologies are transforming how governments serve citizens and how businesses operate,” he concluded.

Speaking, Governor Peter Mbah commended President Tinubu for recognising the centrality of the digital economy to the $1 trillion economy he seeks to build, as well as for understanding that much of that growth would come from the states.

He noted that AI would contribute about $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030, saying, “It is not a space you want your young ones to be missing.”

“We also believe that our talents, our brightest talents, should not be exported in person. We believe that they should export their talents outside the country from here, and that is why we see huge benefits in these assets in terms of job creation and opportunities for our young people.

“We are also looking at transforming the Digital Bridge Institute into a world-class AI institute. We will also transform the Digital Industrial Park. If you have followed the news, we have already taken steps, working with some teams from Qatar, to make sure that it becomes a certification centre for AI on the continent.

He said the NCC would not regret its decision to temporarily hand over the facilities to Enugu State.

“I am sure that a few years down the line, we can come back here and be very proud of the decision we made today to activate these assets and to make sure that they are productive,” he concluded.

Earlier in his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Digital Economy and Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), Arinze Chilo-Ofia, thanked the FG and NCC for the confidence reposed in Enugu State to activate and optimise the two strategic assets and ensure the realisation of the objectives for which they were conceived and built.

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has commended Governor Peter Mbah following the donation of 400 modern desktop computers by the Enugu State Government to strengthen experiential and digital learning, research and technology-driven education in the institution.

The computers, delivered on Wednesday, form part of the state government’s commitment to advancing experiential learning and equipping tertiary institutions with modern technological infrastructure capable of producing globally competitive graduates.

Receiving the computers on behalf of the university management, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, described the intervention as another demonstration of Governor Mbah’s unwavering commitment to repositioning ESUT as a leading institution of innovation, digital education and academic excellence.

Prof. Okolie disclosed that 200 of the computers would be deployed to the ESUT College of Medicine, while the remaining units would be installed at the University’s 500-capacity ICT Centre located at the Main Campus, Ebeano City, Enugu.

According to him, the fully equipped ICT Centre would be activated ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session and would serve both academic and public purposes, including hosting computer-based examinations such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the National Examinations Council (NECO), the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB), as well as other digital assessment platforms.

“We sincerely thank His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, for this generous intervention, which will significantly enhance scholarship, research and digital learning in ESUT. Our students will maximally utilise these facilities as we fully implement experiential learning across the university,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

He revealed that ESUT had already commenced far-reaching curriculum reforms in preparation for the 2026/2027 academic session, with a directive to the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Chike Anibeze, to constitute committees to review the 30 per cent practical component of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).

The review, he explained, would integrate emerging disciplines and digital competencies, including Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Data Science and other newly approved programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC), ensuring that graduates acquire practical skills that make them globally competitive and industry-ready.

The Vice Chancellor further stated that ESUT would play a strategic role in supporting the Enugu State Government’s Smart Green Schools initiative by producing technologically competent teachers capable of driving the state’s education reforms.

He expressed confidence that the university would become a national model for technology-driven education and innovative learning capable of providing solutions to contemporary societal challenges.

Also speaking, the Provost of the ESUT College of Medicine, Prof. Uchenna Ekwochi, described the donation as “a game changer” that would significantly improve teaching, learning and research, particularly through the College’s electronic library.

He disclosed that the College had specifically requested the computers and assured that they would be judiciously utilised and professionally maintained.

“Our excitement is overwhelming because this intervention came at the right time. The computers will be deployed to our e-library, where students will maximise their use, especially with the internet infrastructure already in place. Some units will also support administrative offices that require modern digital facilities,” he said.

Prof. Ekwochi expressed profound appreciation to Governor Mbah for his consistent support to the College of Medicine, assuring that the equipment would be effectively protected, maintained and deployed for the school

Enugu State has been ranked as Nigeria’s fastest-improving state in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Momentum Index, outperforming 32 other states in the latest assessment of governance and development across the country.

The report assigned Enugu under Governor Peter Mbah a Momentum Score of +1.15, the highest among the 33 states assessed, placing it ahead of Jigawa, which scored +0.77, and Abia with +0.67 to complete the top three.

According to Phillips Consulting, the Momentum Index measures the rate at which states improved relative to the national average during the review period. Positive scores indicate above-average progress, while negative scores reflect slower-than-average improvement.

The report said Enugu’s emergence as the national leader reflected deliberate governance, strong fiscal discipline, and sustained implementation of reforms, while the South-east recorded the strongest overall regional performance among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, and Enugu State Caucus of the National Assembly congratulated Mbah on Enugu’s emergence as Nigeria’s fastest-improving. They said Enugu, under Mbah’s leadership, had witnessed unprecedented transformation, thus, making him the poster boy for good subnational governance in Nigeria.

The index is one of the major additions to the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index (pSPI), a data-driven framework that evaluates governance and development outcomes across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Unlike traditional rankings that focus solely on current performance, the Momentum Index tracks the pace of change over time by combining objective development indicators with citizen perception to provide a broader assessment of each state’s progress.

Beyond the top three states, Osun (+0.65), Kano (+0.46), Gombe (+0.39), Akwa Ibom (+0.33), Sokoto (+0.27), Borno (+0.26), Ogun (+0.24), Ekiti (+0.19), Kogi (+0.15), Kwara (+0.08), Kaduna (+0.01) and Adamawa (+0.01) also posted positive momentum scores, signalling improvements above or broadly in line with the national average.

On the other hand, Niger (-0.03), Bauchi (-0.05), Plateau (-0.07), Lagos (-0.08), Cross River (-0.09), Bayelsa (-0.10), Taraba (-0.14), Nasarawa (-0.17), Anambra (-0.19), Delta (-0.24), Kebbi (-0.25), Oyo (-0.26), Ebonyi (-0.32), Ondo (-0.43), Benue (-0.49), Katsina (-0.66), Imo (-0.72) and Edo (-0.79) recorded below-average momentum, with Edo ranking as the least-improved state during the assessment period.

The report stated, “The highest-performing states demonstrate different pathways to improvement. Although several common themes emerge, stronger fiscal management, improvements in internally generated revenue, investments in service delivery, and prudent debt management are prominent across many leading states.

"Enugu recorded the highest Momentum Index score, supported by substantial growth in internally generated revenue through revenue administration reforms. The state now earns more than twice its federal allocation alongside notable investments in water infrastructure and sustained capital spending.”

Overall, the findings suggested that favourable economic conditions alone were not sufficient to improve momentum, stressing that states that complemented increased fiscal resources with effective governance, sound financial management, and improvements in public service delivery generally recorded stronger performance than those where these gains were not realised.

Since his assumption of office, the Enugu State governor said he had prioritised infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and economic growth as part of an ambitious agenda to transform the state into a leading investment destination. Teaching& Classroom Resources

The government said it had embarked on the construction and rehabilitation of hundreds of kilometres of roads and bridges, launched an extensive urban renewal programme, expanded water supply projects, and invested in transport infrastructure.

In education, the government said it had begun the rollout of Smart Green Schools across the state’s wards, while the healthcare sector had seen the development of Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres and the upgrade of existing medical facilities to improve access to quality healthcare.

The administration has also pursued reforms aimed at boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), improving the ease of doing business, and strengthening digital governance.

Investments in agriculture, technology and youth empowerment have been complemented by enhanced security initiatives, including the deployment of surveillance technology, and the establishment of a modern command-and-control system to support law enforcement.

Phillips Consulting explained that the Momentum Index evaluated the extent of change recorded by each state during the review period, rather than measuring absolute performance.

The report stated that Enugu’s performance demonstrated how purposeful leadership and disciplined execution of public policies could translate into measurable development outcomes within a relatively short period.

It further highlighted the state’s progress in governance effectiveness, institutional reforms, and implementation capacity, describing Enugu as one of Nigeria’s leading examples of transformational governance.

Phillips Consulting ranking provides independent validation of Enugu’s reform agenda and reinforces its position as one of Nigeria’s emerging models for sustainable development and effective governance.

Earlier, at the launch of the 2026 pSPI, Chairman of Phillips Consulting, Folusho Phillips, described the report as “a strategic national asset” capable of strengthening governance and accelerating sustainable development across Nigeria.

Phillips stated, “As Nigeria continues its journey toward sustainable economic growth and stronger institutions, access to credible evidence has never been more important. History

“The 2026 pSPI is designed to move conversations beyond assumptions and political narratives by providing a trusted framework for measuring progress, identifying opportunities, and driving accountability.

“We believe every state should see this report not merely as an assessment, but as a practical tool for improving governance, strengthening institutions, and creating better outcomes for citizens.”

Chief Operating Officer of Phillips Consulting, Olawanle Moronkeji, said the report went beyond performance measurement, describing it as “an intelligence resource” that supports policy formulation, resource allocation, investment decisions, and development planning.

Moronkeji explained, “The value of the 2026 pSPI extends far beyond performance measurement. It is an intelligence resource that supports better policy formulation, smarter resource allocation, stronger investment decisions, and more effective development interventions.

“Governments can identify where reforms are yielding results and where additional effort is required.

"Investors can better understand the operating environment across states, while development partners gain valuable insights for programme design and impact measurement.

“This is precisely the type of evidence required to support long-term national development.”

Providing further insight into the methodology, Head of the Abuja Office of Phillips Consulting, Victor Mba, explained that the 2026 edition represented a significant evolution in the assessment of state performance.

Mba said, “This year’s report represents a major advancement in our methodology. Rather than focusing solely on comparative rankings, we developed the Momentum Index better to capture the trajectory of progress within each state.

“By combining objective data with citizen perspectives, we provide a richer understanding of governance performance and development outcomes.

“The result is a report that not only tells us where states stand today but also offers practical recommendations and implementation roadmaps that leaders can use to improve performance over time.”

The report draws on the 2026 pSPI dataset, FY2024 audited state accounts, population and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) baselines, and the 2026 citizen perception survey, while the overall index combines 70 per cent objective data with 30 per cent citizen perception across seven pillars: security, education, health, basic infrastructure, governance, economic development, and fiscal performance.

The 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Momentum Index assessed 33 states and ranked them based on how far they advanced during the review period relative to the national average.

On why some states were not assessed, Phillips Consulting stated, “Two states, the FCT and Rivers, had not published their FY2024 audited financial statements by the Index cut-off date (June 2026) and are therefore not included in the 2026 Momentum Index.

“Two more states, Yobe and Zamfara, did publish accounts and are fully assessed on the objective measures, but returned too few survey responses for their citizen verdict to be reliable.”

Nnamani and the Enugu State caucus at the National Assembly congratulated Mbah on the state’s emergence as Nigeria’s fastest-improving state. They said Mbah’s leadership had brought unprecedented transformation to Enugu State, making the governor the poster boy for good subnational governance in Nigeria. History

In a statement he released at his Amechi Uwani country home, Enugu South Local Government Area, Enugu State, yesterday, Nnamani said the rating did not come to the country as a surprise. He said any discussion about good governance in Nigeria today without a mention of Enugu State and Mbah in the lead would be viewed as a mistake.

The former senate president stated, “This is good news for the people of Enugu State and I join other well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of democracy and good governance in congratulating Governor Peter Mbah on this achievement.

“The truth, however, is that it did not come as a surprise to us, the people of Enugu State and those who have followed development in the state since the governor assumed office in May 2023. Indeed, any discussion about good governance and transformative leadership without the mention of Enugu State under Governor Mbah’s leadership could only be a mistake.

“From the security sector to the health, education, agriculture, transport, tourism sectors and infrastructure, he has turned the state around in just three years and achieved what many could not achieve in eight years.

“The Philips Report justifies his endorsement for a second term by each of the three senatorial districts of the state because he is not presenting a promissory note. We will all be enthusiastically campaigning for him on the strength of his outstanding performance.

“Like him or hate him, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is no doubt the poster boy for good sub-national governance in Nigeria today and we are very proud of him.”

Similarly, in a statement signed on its behalf by former Minority Whip of the Senate, Senator Osita Ngwu, the Enugu State Caucus of the National Assembly commended Mbah for making the state proud.

The caucus stated, “On behalf of our constituents, the entire good people of Enugu State, we congratulate our dear governor for putting Enugu State on the map yet again.

“The Philips Consulting 2026 Momentum Index ranking fully reflects the scale of good governance and uncommon development across all sectors in the state.

“Under Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership, Enugu State has no doubt reclaimed its pre-eminence as a destination of choice for business, investment, tourism, and for living, thanks to his visionary leadership and heavy investment in socioeconomic infrastructure.

“The report is another testimony that the administration’s vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion is very much on course.

“We, therefore, pledge our continued support to ensure that this momentum is not only sustained, but also continues on the upward trajectory.”

The Enugu State Government has strongly condemned and rebutted a malicious allegation of land grabbing against its officials by Sahara Reporters, an online platform.

The July 14, 2026, report relates to the New Enugu Smart City and Coal City Eastern Alliance Estate and the government maintained that a diligent inquiry could have laid the facts of the matter bare.

It is recalled that the contentious report had named the current Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; former Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Martins Chukwunweike; former General Manager of Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, Mr. Gerald Asogwa; and a former Legal Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Osinachi Nnajieze, as beneficial shareholders in the Coal City Eastern Alliance Limited, alleging that the state government acquired community and individuals’ lands and transferred the same to the company, which it described as a private firm.

However, a rebuttal issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, on Wednesday, absolved the government and its officials of any wrongdoings, noting that the named entities were Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), which are international best practices for floating corporate entities to protect government's interests.

It said both the former and present government officials named were nominal shareholders and directors, who are on the boards of the said Enugu State-owned companies solely as trustees of the people's interests in the special projects, in line with the law.

“The motive of the story is betrayed by the writer’s intentional avoidance of evidence and facts, which would have cast doubt on the headlines and negated the conclusions reached by the report.

"For example, while the story pretends that Enugu State government officials who were on the board of these SPVs were land grabbers and beneficiaries of the assets of the company, the report turns a blind eye to the fact that the board members did not benefit a kobo from the company.

“Not even a sitting allowance was paid to any of the board members during their time on the board of these SPVs.

“Also, while the story pretends that the government officials on the boards of these SPVs were beneficial owners planted by the Governor to siphon the resources of the company on his behalf, the authors wilfully turned a blind eye to the fact that those same state-owned companies were administered by officials of previous administrations, whose positions in the company terminated at the end of the administration that appointed them to the Board of the company.

“For example, the story falsely alleges that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) owns 30 per cent of the government company.

“But common sense tells us that since the SSG and other officials mentioned in the malicious report occupy exactly the same positions in the state-owned entities as their predecessors, there would have been no assets or shares left to be transferred to them when they were appointed by the present administration to take over the running of the SPVs if the assets or shares eligible to them personally.

“So, for emphasis, the current Board members of these state-owned SPVs are nominal shareholders and directors, who are on the Board for the sole purpose of representing state interests in the SPV,” the statement read in part.

The government also picked other holes in the report that portray the publication as wilfully pernicious or ignorant of how SPVs are utilised by state and private entities in floating, delivering, vesting, and protecting government interests and assets in public and private ventures, businesses, or investments.

“As an example, while the story falsely and laughably alleges that the nominal shareholders and directors, who run the SPV on trust for the State, have taken real ownership of the assets of the company, Sahara Reporters could not reckon with the fact that many other Enugu State-owned companies also have other officials of the state, who are nominal shareholders and directors representing the state in the ventures. These include companies formed decades before the current administration in 2023.

“In each of those cases, the nominal shareholders and directors are succeeded by appointees of successive administrations in natural sequence until the emergence of the current administration.

“Additionally, other SPVs of the state also have several other state officials on the Boards of the companies. That is further evidence of the nominal and trusteeship nature of the roles of these state officials.

“As further proof of the nominal nature of the shareholding as trustees, the same state officials have similar roles in multiple state-owned companies.

"Therefore, if they were all beneficial owners of the shares held in these companies, there would be nothing left of the companies and the assets and interests they hold for the state,” the government explained.

The government dismissed Sahara Reporters’ claim that the report was a product of tenacious investigative journalism, saying a professional report could not have stopped at a mere “low threshold of searching and regurgitating the information on the portal of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and seeking to tarnish the Government of Barr. Peter Mbah and the innocent, credible, reputable individuals and world-class professionals serving in his government.”

“If[b] the writers and reporters made any real effort at investigation, they would have gone beyond the public information on the portal. That way, they would have found out quite easily that all assets and liabilities of the state-owned SPV known as Coal City Eastern Alliance Estate Ltd were transferred to the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, which has remained in total control of the projects of the company since 2024.
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“Similarly, they would have also found out that the New Enugu City Management Agency, as the name implies, is an agency of the government.

"Therefore, the presence of government officials on its Board is merely an administrative position, not in the same sense as the Board of Directors of a going business concern. Their roles are merely governmental oversight in the administration of a government agency.

"We believe that this basic knowledge should have guided Sahara Reporters and that a diligent investigation could have saved the medium the hurried correction of the story several times to cover up massive inaccuracies,” the statement concluded.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on Tuesday, flagged off the 2026 distribution of fertilisers and other farm inputs to 63,000 registered smallholder farmers in the state.

Mbah also said the move was in line with his administration's commitment to eradicating poverty and growing Enugu State into a $30 billion economy, noting that 40 per cent of the growth would come from agriculture.

Mbah said his administration had always seen agriculture as more than just a mere source of food, but as big business, hence the efforts to migrate Enugu farmers from subsistence to commercial farming.

"We have done this in the last three years, essentially providing fertilisers, agrochemicals, stems, seeds, and seedlings to improve our yields. Today, we have 63,000 bags of fertilisers. We have to train our farmers.

"We also have to migrate our smallholder farmers from subsistence farming to mechanised farming, which is why we also invested in machinery. And that means that we are going to start thinking about a full value chain.

"We are looking at exports, playing in all the value chains, being able to export fresh produce from here to other parts of the world, being able to process our produce, add value, package, and then export. This is also why the airport concession and cargo terminal are important to us," he said.

Mbah called on those saddled with the distribution to ensure that the inputs got to the farmers by sticking to the database and also warned the farmers against selling the inputs.

"We are working with our database. We are also going to implore all our stakeholders, the Local Government Chairmen, and the priests in the various communities to make sure that these inputs get to the end users, free of charge. Please, make sure that these inputs get to our farmers. We do not want middlemen.

"The fertilisers also have 'Not for Sale' boldly written on them. So, you must make sure that you use this to scale up our production so that we can have a bumper harvest and drive down the cost of food in Enugu," he stressed.

He said the Special Agro-Processing Zones, one of the agro-industrialisation initiatives of his administration, would soon come on board to scale up production and cut post-harvest losses.

"We want to make sure that we increase the earning capacity of our various communities where we actually have a lot of our poor people. We're building our farm roads so that it will be easy for us to evacuate what we have produced," he stated.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Dr. Patrick Ubru, announced a significant increase in the 2026 Agricultural Free Inputs Distribution Programme compared to 2024.

"In 2024, over 12,000 bags of fertiliser, improved seeds, and chemicals were distributed, rising to over 40,000 last year.

"Today, over 63,000 bags will be distributed, representing a 58 per cent increase from last year.

"Thousands of farmers across the 17 Local Government Areas will receive free improved rice, maize, tomato and pepper seeds, cassava stems, fertilisers, and agrochemicals to boost productivity and reduce costs," he said.

Beyond the support through inputs, Ubru said the Mbah administration had established a modern Seed Testing Laboratory and Seed Gallery, digitally profiled over 84,000 farmers, and integrated agricultural data into the state's Geographic Information System (GIS).

"Over 25,000 farmers have been trained in climate-smart agriculture, while we are also providing Seasonal Climate Prediction Information through our partnership with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

"The 260 Farm Estate Programme is underway in Enugu State, and a tractor assembly plant has been established through a partnership with Nortra Tractors, making mechanisation more accessible.

"Additionally, centre pivot irrigation systems are being rehabilitated to enable year-round cultivation of crops like rice," he added.

In his remarks, the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase One (ATASP-1) Coordinator, Romanus Egba, assured the governor of well-planned distribution channels, using clergy and community leaders to ensure that the various items reached the intended beneficiaries.

In addition to a bag of fertiliser, he said, "each farmer will get one bag of maize or rice, cassava cuttings, herbicide, and vegetable seeds such as tomatoes or pepper."

The representative of the Farmers Association of Nigeria (FAN), Enugu State Chapter, Sir Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Eneh, while thanking Governor Mbah for his consistent massive investment in agriculture, warned any farmer or anybody who colludes to sell any of the farm inputs to be ready to go to jail.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Monday received 13-year-old international STEM Olympiad gold medalist, Chimdiebube Onwubiko, at the Government House, Enugu, where he praised the young scholar for bringing honour to the state and rewarded him, his Mathematics teacher and Evergreen Schools with cash gifts.

Onwubiko, a JSS 3 student of Evergreen College, Enugu, won a gold medal in Mathematics and a silver medal in Science in the Grades 9–11 category at the International STEM Olympiad held in Rome, Italy, where participants from 54 countries competed.

Speaking during the reception at the Lion Building, Governor Mbah described the student's outstanding performance as a proud moment for Enugu State and commended both him and his teachers for their dedication, discipline and pursuit of excellence.

"We are so proud of you and your teachers," the governor said, as he encouraged the young champion to sustain his remarkable performance and continue striving for greater accomplishments.

Governor Mbah also reiterated his administration's commitment to expanding access to quality education through collaboration with educational institutions, noting that the state's Smart Green Schools initiative was designed to ensure that every child, irrespective of location, has access to world-class learning opportunities capable of unlocking their full potential.

In a lively interaction, Governor Mbah described Onwubiko as "a magician" in Mathematics and sought to know the secret behind his exceptional performance and future aspirations. The student explained that his passion for competition, willingness to make sacrifices and the inspiration he draws from his high-achieving classmates have continued to motivate him to excel.

Reflecting on his journey to international success, Onwubiko attributed his achievement to years of discipline, hard work and consistent preparation, stressing that while teachers play a critical role, students must also remain committed to excellence.

Speaking on behalf of the school, the Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Schools, Barrister Doris Chinedu-Okoro, described the Olympiad success as a product of the institution's culture of academic excellence and rigorous preparation, expressing confidence that its students would continue to distinguish themselves on the global stage.

Also speaking, Onwubiko's Mathematics teacher, Chisom Unachukwu, said the student's success was the culmination of years of deliberate preparation and determination, recalling the courage he displayed in competing against older participants at the international competition.

Governor Mbah capped the reception by announcing cash rewards of ₦2 million to Chimdiebube Onwubiko, ₦2 million to his Mathematics teacher, Chisom Unachukwu, and ₦1 million to Evergreen Schools in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

The young scholar was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Schools, Barrister Doris Chinedu-Okoro; his Mathematics teacher, Chisom Unachukwu; and the Vice Principal (Special Programmes), Chimbuchi Chinedu-Okoro.

Also present were the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ndubueze Mbah; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Delivery, Ozirumba Afigbo, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mainstream Media, Dan Nwomeh; the General Manager of Afia TV, Nnamdi Obanya; Afia TV Chief Correspondent, Nathalie Ukwu; and Afia Radio Manager, Orji Nwachukwu.

In another major push for infrastructural transformation, the Enugu State Government has approved the commencement of several projects cutting across roads, tourism, housing, and administrative infrastructure in various parts of the state.

The government gave the approval during the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the weekend.

Briefing Government House Correspondents, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke; and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ben Osy Okoh; Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Dr. Patrick Ubru; Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah; and Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, said the approvals were in line with the administration’s vision to grow the state’s economy from $4bn to $30bn in eight years.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, announced SEC’s approval of the completion and upgrade of Wings C and D of the Enugu State Secretariat Complex in GRA, Enugu, as well as extensive rehabilitation works on Wings A and B already in use.

“Recall that the A and B wings of the State Secretariat Complex were completed and commissioned in May 2015. Since then, the C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, D1 and D2 wings have remained uncompleted and are currently in a deplorable state.

"It is going to be a total transformation and remodeling of the Secretariat with modern facilities. We also looked at the challenges we are experiencing at Wings A and B to correct them in Wings C and D.

“Further to that, the Exco also approved the commencement of repairs on Wings A and B of the Secretariat to address all the challenges that the building is facing.”

Following the completion of the 6.5km dual carriageway for the first phase of the development of the New Enugu City and the ongoing construction of the internal roads, the state government has also approved the construction of 1,000 fully detached terrace housing units made up of four- and five-bedroom units.

"In addition to the 1,000 housing units, the state government is also developing 18,000 mass housing units at Gateway Estate in Enugu to further address the housing deficit and housing costs in the state.

“It is a comprehensive housing development, including the road infrastructure and services such as water and electricity, among others,” Engr. Okoh said.

He also told newsmen that the SEC approved the immediate commencement of a 10.5km Igogoro-Amachara-Ikpamodo-Okpo-Amaada road project.

He said the administration further approved work on flashflood points on Nsukka major road and construction of five adjoining streets in quick response to flooding in parts of Nsukka.

“This also includes a comprehensive repair of all the damaged drainage systems and the evacuation of all blocked drainage systems on the major road to resolve the problem. This project has been given to a reputable company to handle,” he added.

Exco also approved the procurement of over 30 pieces of light equipment for the Ministry of Works for direct labour projects, intervention and maintenance works.

“It will go a long way in reducing the cost of interventions,” he concluded.

Also briefing, Dame Madueke announced that the Council approved the development of three landmark tourism projects: the Ovu Lake Golf Resort at Akpawfu in Nkanu East Local Government Area, the Akwuke and Attakwu Tourism Development Projects in Enugu South and Nkanu West Local Government Areas respectively, as well as the Okpatu–Awhum Cable Car Project.

According to the Commissioner, the Ovu Lake Golf Resort will feature an 18-hole championship

golf course, a luxury hotel with over 100 rooms, a 600-seat conference centre, boat regatta, beautifully landscaped gardens, club houses, children's playgrounds, lawn tennis and basketball courts, alongside other world-class recreational facilities.

Speaking on the Attakwu Tourism Project, Dame Madueke explained that the area is endowed with a pristine virgin forest and a natural lake, which will be developed into a major ecotourism destination featuring an animal sanctuary and other nature-based attractions.

She added that the Akwuke Tourism Project will transform the area into a premier leisure destination with a modern sand beach, theme park, water park, scenic boardwalk and a comprehensive recreational park designed for families and visitors of all ages.

The Commissioner further disclosed that the Executive Council approved the development of the Okpatu–Awhum Cable Car, describing it as one of the administration's flagship tourism projects.

"The cable car will commence from Okpatu Hill, home to the iconic Cross of Hope, and will traverse approximately 5.32 kilometres to the Awhum Waterfall," she said.

She explained that the cable car system will feature three stations; the departure point at the Cross of Hope on Okpatu Hill, an intermediate station at the Awhum Monastery, and the terminal station at the Awhum Waterfall, where visitors will also enjoy attractions including the Rotunda, Experience Centre and Food Court.

"Rather than climbing the hills on foot, visitors will be able to enjoy a safe, scenic and comfortable cable car ride from the Cross of Hope directly to the Awhum Waterfall, creating a truly unforgettable tourism experience," Dame Madueke added.

NEW: Mbah expands farmers' support programme, approves distribution of 63,000 bags of fertilisers, farm inputs

The Enugu State Government has significantly scaled up its annual agricultural support programme, approving the free distribution of over 63,000 bags of organic and… pic.twitter.com/gHBpYfgvbL

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) July 19, 2026

The Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC) has unveiled a demand-driven approach to affordable housing delivery, advocating practical solutions that align with the needs, preferences, and economic realities of Nigerians.

Speaking at the 20th anniversary edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) 2026 in Abuja, the Acting General Manager of ESHDC, Mrs. Adenike Okebu (@AdenikeOkebu), presented the Corporation's housing model as a practical strategy for tackling Nigeria's housing deficit through sustainable, people-centred development.

The six-day conference, held at the Transcorp Hilton, brought together participants from more than 30 countries, including government officials, policymakers, investors, developers, housing finance institutions, and construction experts to explore innovative policies, financing models, and partnerships for expanding access to affordable housing across Africa.

Addressing participants during a panel session on affordable housing, Mrs. Okebu, who is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Revenue, identified poor location planning as one of the major reasons many low-income housing schemes across Nigeria fail to achieve their objectives. She observed that several government-built estates are situated far from places of work, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services, making them unattractive to the very people they are intended to serve.

"Affordable housing is not just about building houses. It is about providing homes where people actually want to live, with access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and the basic infrastructure that supports everyday life," she said.

She stressed that affordable housing should not be measured merely by the cost of construction but also by its accessibility, convenience, and livability, noting that housing developments must reflect the aspirations and lifestyle preferences of their intended beneficiaries.

Mrs. Okebu explained that ESHDC is addressing this challenge by adopting a demand-driven model that provides affordable land in desirable locations, enabling individuals and families to build homes at their own pace and according to their financial capacity. According to her, the approach minimizes the risk of developing housing estates that ultimately remain unoccupied because they fail to meet the expectations of prospective homeowners.

The Acting General Manager also showcased "Tomorrow Is Here," ESHDC's flagship housing development in Owo, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, describing it as a model for modern, sustainable, and well-planned communities. She said the estate is being supported with critical infrastructure, including road networks, drainage systems, electricity, water supply, and other essential amenities required for a functional and attractive residential environment.

Speaking on the role of government and private investors, Mrs. Okebu emphasized that government alone cannot bridge Nigeria's huge housing deficit, calling for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.

"Government cannot solve the housing deficit alone. We must build strategic partnerships with the private sector that deliver reasonable returns for investors while making home ownership more accessible and affordable for ordinary Nigerians," she stated.

Her presentation generated robust discussions among housing experts, developers, and policymakers at the conference, reinforcing ESHDC's commitment to innovative, inclusive, and sustainable housing solutions.

Now in its 20th edition, the Africa International Housing Show has evolved into the continent's foremost housing and construction platform, providing a forum for policy dialogue, investment promotion, technology exchange, and collaboration aimed at expanding access to decent and affordable housing across Africa.

This is nothing short of a revolution!

Governor Mbah has built 267 Smart Green Schools across Enugu State. Yes, 267, and the number is still growing.

Don't just admire the buildings. Imagine the generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists, and global leaders these… pic.twitter.com/ED3QLJdxVE

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) July 15, 2026

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called for financial autonomy and investment in modern security infrastructure for state police services when created, stressing the need for any legal framework for state police to take into account the need for national standards, national support, local capability and local decision-making.

Mbah made his position known during the town hall themed, “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security,” organised by Arise News in Abuja on Thursday.

The governor emphasised that prioritising security through adequate funding for state police services and investment in technology would enable those responsible for security at the subnational level to deliver the expected outcomes.

“The importance of funding the state police system effectively cannot be overemphasised. And having a State Police Service Commission that has a first-line charge on the Consolidated Revenue Fund is in order.

“Many other institutions in the states - the judiciary and the legislature - have the first-line charge. The key thing is providing enough funding to be able to sustain the state policing system,” he said.

Sharing the Enugu State experience on the importance of prioritising security, he recalled that at the inception of his administration in 2023, the state was under siege, with nightlife gone, some areas even in the state capital barricaded, Mondays gone, while many students lost an entire academic year, as they could not sit important final-year examinations due to the illegal sit-at-home orders.

“If the Enugu experience is anything to go by, we came into office recognising that we had made commitments to eradicate poverty, to grow the economy exponentially, to make Enugu State the preferred destination for business, living, and investment.

“We immediately recognised that if we didn't address the security challenges, we could not achieve those objectives. Therefore, we had to invest hugely in technology, in building a Safe City Surveillance System with CCTV cameras that are AI-enabled, as well as having both static and mobile cameras. All these come with huge costs.

“But the human element is also important, which is essentially why we had to set up the Distress Response Squad (DRS). As a governor, you want immediate action because matters of security are measured in minutes. You must be in a position where you are able to act swiftly.

“So, you must build the capability to first nip crime in the bud. But where there has been a breach, you must have the capacity to act swiftly. And if the Enugu experience is anything to go by, that essentially is what we did that enabled us to drive down violent crime by over 90 per cent.

“Therefore, when you talk about funding, you can see that the states are already carrying quite a huge burden in terms of funding, because you are investing in technology.

“We also ensured that there is a unified communication system between the agencies. Our Command and Control Centre houses all the security agencies in the state - the police, the army, and the Department of State Services. They all have a channel of communication,” he stated.

Governor Mbah also called for a constitutional provision that guarantees state police while preserving the details for an Act of the National Assembly to allow for amendments in the future without going through the rigours of constitutional amendment.

“So, in amending the Constitution, we must, by all means, make sure that it is not verbose. There should be a provision that allows us to reform the system in future, if needed, when we have tried it,” he said.

Mbah also stressed the need to focus on operational authority for state police rather than on watering down the powers of governors, who would be in office for a maximum of eight years only.

"By the way, there is this idea that governors are likely to abuse state police and that we should, therefore, do as much as we can to water down their powers.

“Nobody is a governor forever. We are also going to one day leave that office and become regular citizens. We just want to be sure that there is enough operational authority given to the governors so that you do not give someone a performance target without providing him or her with the control needed to achieve the required outcome,” he concluded.

GOVERNMENT OF ENUGU STATE

URGENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

STAY SAFE AS THE RAINS INTENSIFY

The Enugu State Government wishes to remind the good people and residents of the state that as the rainy season intensifies, the risk of flooding in many parts of the state also increases. We therefore urge everyone to take the necessary precautions to protect lives, property, and the environment.

You are strongly advised not to dump refuse into gutters, drainage channels, streams, or rivers. Such irresponsible practices obstruct the free flow of water, resulting in avoidable flooding that threatens homes, businesses, public infrastructure, and human lives.

We call on households, landlords, business owners, and community leaders to keep their surroundings clean and ensure that all drainage channels and waterways within their neighbourhoods remain free of refuse and other obstructions.

Those living in flood-prone communities should pay close attention to weather advisories and be prepared to relocate to safer locations whenever the need arises. Members of the public are also advised never to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, as their depth and strength may be difficult to determine and could pose grave danger.

Flood prevention is a collective responsibility. By keeping our environment clean and our drainage systems unobstructed, we can significantly reduce the risk of flooding and safeguard our communities.

The Enugu State Government counts on the cooperation of the general public as we work together to keep our state safe throughout this rainy season.

Tomorrow Is Here.

Signed:
Dr. Malachy Uchenna Agbo
Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication
Enugu State

Governor Mbah has virtually completed the 300-bed Enugu International Hospital, with only landscaping and finishing touches still ongoing. The quaternary hospital, which is already fitted with world-class medical and diagnostic equipment, is poised to provide advanced healthcare… pic.twitter.com/WvKknWsWo7

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) July 7, 2026

Tears of joy flowed freely in Emene as thousands of residents witnessed a moment many had long given up hope of seeing.

After more than 30 years without public water supply, taps that had remained dry for decades are flowing again.

Another demonstration that Governor Mbah has… pic.twitter.com/UCLjPGhyXU

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) July 6, 2026

Governor Peter Mbah has approved scholarships for over 760 beneficiaries under the 2025/2026 Local Scholarship Scheme, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and developing the state’s human capital.

The Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Scholarship and Education Loans Board, Chukwuemeka Mbah, disclosed this
in Enugu.

According to him, the beneficiaries, drawn from the 17 Local Government Areas and various academic disciplines, include over 500 undergraduate students, 100 postgraduate students, and 160 public sector teachers.

He said successful candidates who passed the Computer-Based Test (CBT) are already being contacted via text messages and email on an LGA-by-LGA basis for verification and documentation.

Mbah said the scheme reflects Governor Mbah’s commitment to investing in education, empowering young people, and equipping the workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to drive the state’s transformation agenda.

He urged successful applicants to respond promptly to facilitate the verification process.

According to him, the scholarship award is one of the administration’s key education initiatives aimed at ensuring financial constraints do not hinder academic excellence and human capital development in Enugu State.

“More beneficiaries will be captured in the next phase of the scholarship programme. It’s open to the people of Enugu State, and I urge our people to continue to apply. This is not the time to say you’re unable to get quality education because of funding. The governor has made it easy for our people to access free, quality education,” he added.

Governor Mbah today commissioned a newly built, fully equipped, 24-hour solar-powered Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centre in Ihe, Nsukka.

Ndi Enugu have continued to commend the administration's investment in improving access to quality healthcare in all the 260 electoral wards in… pic.twitter.com/pCilc7SZdj

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) June 30, 2026

The World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and community leaders have commended the Governor Peter Mbah administration for its huge investment and commitment to primary healthcare in Enugu State.

This was even as the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ENSPHDA), Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, revealed that the state had recorded an increase in visits to its Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) from 800,000 to 1.4 million, representing an 80 per cent increase, as well as an increase in Penta-3 immunisation coverage from 78.5 per cent to 88.9 per cent, surpassing the national target of 85 per cent.

They gave the commendations on the occasion of the combined 2026 Biannual Meeting and Supportive Supervisory Visit by Governor Mbah to Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centre, Ihe Ward, Nsukka Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.

Speaking, the South East Zonal Coordinator of WHO Nigeria, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igbonekwu, described the governor’s continued supervisory visits to the state’s PHC facilities as a powerful catalyst for accountability, motivation, assessment of challenges and progress, and continuous improvement in service delivery.

“Therefore, WHO highly commends the Government of Enugu State for prioritising health sector investments and fostering an enabling environment for implementing key public health programmes,” he said, pledging WHO’s continued support to the administration's efforts to build resilient health systems capable of addressing current and emerging health challenges.

On his part, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Enugu, Juliet Chiluwe, represented by the Health Logistics Consultant, Dr. Charles Abel, commended the governor for a “steadfast commitment to optimising primary healthcare service delivery across the state.”

“Routine field oversight of this nature is clear evidence of a leadership that prioritises the health, survival, and well-being of its citizens, particularly vulnerable women and children,” she stated, reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the government.

Meanwhile, Governor Mbah, who had held separate interactive meetings with traditional rulers and women leaders of Nsukka LGA, said his administration intentionally invested heavily in building 260 PHCs across the 260 wards of the state to ensure that nobody was left behind.

He expressed satisfaction that the investments in the PHCs had paid off by helping to drastically cut down maternal mortality, insisting that the state targets zero maternal mortality as “no woman should die giving birth in any part of Enugu State.”

The governor charged the traditional rulers, women leaders, and other grassroots leaders to use their influence to create awareness, champion immunisation, antenatal and postnatal care, encourage subscription to universal healthcare coverage, and monitor service delivery at their PHCs, escalating observed gaps to the authorities.

“I have also listened to our elders. We are going to have the MRI, the CT scan, and all the radiological services at the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) Teaching Hospital so that you do not have to travel to Enugu to get full healthcare services. This I guarantee you,” he assured.

The Executive Secretary of the ENSPHDA, Dr. Ani-Osheku, noted that primary healthcare had experienced an uncommon leap under the Mbah administration.

“We built 260 brand-new health centres, one in every ward of Enugu State. Not one community left behind.

“We added 3,380 hospital beds and 520 baby cots at the ward level, capacity this state had never seen in its primary health system.

“We recruited 2,250 health workers and placed doctors at the helm so that competence is no longer the privilege of the city alone.

“The share of our mothers delivering safely, in trained hands, leapt from 40.9 per cent to 59.3 per cent in just six months.

“When we came in, our people made 800,000 visits to our health centres in a year. Today they make over 1.4 million (80% increase) because we made the clinics worth walking into.

“We nearly tripled the malaria treatment reaching our people. We put our clinics on computers, cut the time our people wait for care by nearly 70 per cent, tripled the medicines on the shelves, and brought ultrasound scans to the wards,” she stated.

In their remarks, the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Engr. Jude Asogwa; Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Sunday Okafor; and the Commissioner for Health, Enugu State, Prof. George Ugwu, extolled Governor Mbah’s commitment to the health sector.

“So, as you are going back to Enugu, just have it at the back of your mind that you, our President, and all your lineup will be delivered in the 2027 general election,” Asogwa assured.

ceremony at the Government House, Enugu, on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, said the administration remained committed to building a robust agricultural economy capable of driving industrial growth and expanding the state's wealth base.

He said the government's vision of growing Enugu's economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion would be driven largely by strategic investments in agriculture, value addition, and agro-processing.

According to him, the state has deliberately created an enabling environment for investment through improved security, regulatory reforms, and investor-friendly policies.

Professor Onyia disclosed that over 52,000 hectares of land had already been earmarked for agricultural development, assuring prospective investors of government support while protecting the interests of host communities.

Representing the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission, the Commission's Executive Director of Projects, Mr. Toby Okechukwu, described the agreement as a landmark initiative that would unlock the region's vast agricultural potential.

He said the partnership would attract critical investments into agriculture, strengthen food security, and accelerate sustainable agro-industrial development across the South-East.

Okechukwu also commended the Enugu State Government for improving security and creating an investment-friendly environment that continues to inspire investor confidence.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Dr. Patrick Uburu, said the collaboration would fast-track the state's agricultural transformation through the development of about 52,000 hectares of farmland across designated farm estates, boosting food production and agro-industrial activities.

Also speaking, the Enugu State Liaison Officer to the South East Development Commission, Mr. Edeani M. Edeani, described the MoU as a significant milestone in the quest for regional economic integration.

He said the partnership underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to harness the state's agricultural resources for the benefit of farmers, investors, and local communities.

According to him, the initiative would create employment opportunities for youths, promote inclusive economic growth, and further position Enugu as a leading agro-industrial hub in the South-East.

The Federal Government has officially handed over the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu, to the concessionaires, Aero Alliance Limited, under a public-private partnership arrangement.

Following the execution of the handover certificates, assets register, and other relevant documentation, Aero Alliance will now undertake the financing, rehabilitation, expansion, operation, and management of the airport, ensuring that it meets and sustains internationally recognised standards of safety, efficiency, and passenger experience.

This was even as Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State described the successful concession of the airport as a major breakthrough and opener of new economic opportunities for the South East, while Aero Alliance vowed to transform AIIA into one of Africa’s leading regional aviation, logistics, and commercial hubs.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the international terminal of AIIA, Enugu, on Thursday, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, extolled President Bola Tinubu’s and Mbah’s roles in the realisation of the long-stalled concession plan.

“For 20 years, various governments have tried to concession some of our airports because of the belief that the private sector would run them more professionally and in a more commercially driven way.

“During the time of the previous administration when almost all the airports were advertised for concession, all the bidders avoided Enugu and Port Harcourt airports. There was not one bidder for Enugu and Port Harcourt. Everybody was rushing Lagos, Kano, and Abuja because many people want food that is ready.

“However, under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and under the visionary leadership of people like Dr. Peter Mbah, the reverse is the case.

“Guess what? We have no bidder presently for Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. But Enugu and Port Harcourt are gone.

“Dr. Mbah went straight to Mr. President a few weeks after his inauguration and said, ‘This is my plan for the airport.’ The President minuted and said that we should give him all the assistance he needs to turn Enugu into an aviation and investment hub.

“Mbah started with Enugu Air, and now he has brought in capital, brought in investors for the airport.

“So, I just want to say that Dr. Peter Mbah came with a plan for Enugu. He did not come and begin to assess the situation. He is a governor who came into office with a plan. And today, we are glad that we have found in him the perfect partnership we need between the federal and the state governments,” Keyamo said.

On what is expected of Aero Alliance, he said, “We expect Aero Alliance Limited to discharge its responsibilities with the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, operational excellence, and commitment to safety.”

He also allayed fears over job losses, noting that the terms of agreement reached by Aero Alliance were such that they would create new jobs rather than trigger job losses.

In his remark, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr. Jobson Ewalefor, thanked President Tinubu for making the concession happen, describing it as historic and special for Nigeria.

He commended Mbah’s commitment to building infrastructure, extolling his international credibility and tenacity.

“That we are here today is because of the reputation of the governor. His reputation attracted the capital. Governor Peter Mbah is a miraculous governor. He has been coming to Abuja all the time for this. You can see when someone is prepared. You can see that he is very strategic and methodical in what he is doing.

“The Enugu Air and an agreement being signed from Guangzhou to Enugu are enough traffic to create viability,” Ewelefoh noted.

Meanwhile, Governor Mbah lauded the Tinubu Administration for the successful concession, saying that it marked the beginning of a new chapter in the journey to unlock the immense economic potential of the South East region.

“It opens a new chapter of economic possibilities because businesses across our region have for long grappled with logistics constraints that increased costs, lengthened delivery timelines, and limited competitiveness.

“We hope that future generations will look back to this day as the moment when Akanu Ibiam International Airport began its transformation into a truly world-class gateway serving the South East, connecting Nigeria to the world and opening new pathways to prosperity for millions of our people.

“So, today is a dream come true as we herald the promise of a South East that will be more connected, more competitive, more prosperous, and more visible on the global stage,” he emphasised.

While appreciating the Aero Alliance consortium for believing in the promise and potential of the Enugu airport, he urged undecided investors to come and invest in Enugu State.

The Managing Director of Aero Alliance, Saleem Hussain, assured that the consortium would put its over three decades’ experience in the aviation sector to work, focusing on connectivity, cargo and logistics, passenger experience, commercial development, and technology and operational excellence to transform AIIA into one of Africa’s leading aviation hubs.

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, represented by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire; Commissioner for Transport, Enugu State, Dr. Obi Ozor; and the Regional General Manager, FAAN, Hillary Umunna, all committed to making the concession work for the socioeconomic benefits of the region and the nation as a whole.

Happening Now: Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu arrivving at the Enugu Government House for the commissioning of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI) at Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu Nike.

The groundbreaking facility, established… pic.twitter.com/ExDJfatVUB

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) June 24, 2026

JUST NOW: Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigations ready at Godfrey Okoye University, Governor Mbah and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu arrive for formal commissioning ceremony pic.twitter.com/Ml2qwKjfBL

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) June 24, 2026

Happening Now: Governor Mbah and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu are now at the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigations at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu. pic.twitter.com/Cus96wyO7Q

— Dan Nwomeh (@DanNwomeh) June 24, 2026

Governor Peter Mbah says there is no more hiding place for criminals in the state, as his administration has built the capacity to preempt, track down, and bring them to book.

Mbah sounded the warning on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI), a strategic partnership between the Enugu State Government, the Godfrey Okoye University, and the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre, at the university’s complex, Ugwuomu, Nike, Enugu.

This was even as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu; and the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Nike, Enugu, Prof. Christian Anieke, lauded Governor Mbah’s strides in the security sector, describing the Centre as a major contribution to national security and the justice system.

Mbah described the Centre as one of the most important investments by his administration in the state’s security architecture in line with the Citizens' Charter, noting that none of those ambitions would be possible without security.

He maintained that while his administration had significantly reduced crime, more work needed to be done.

“That is why we continue to invest, continue to innovate, and continue to strengthen the systems that keep our people safe. That brings us to why we are here today.

“The Centre strengthens our ability to investigate crime, track criminals, support the work of law enforcement, and ensure that those who threaten the peace of our communities have fewer and fewer places to hide.

"So, to the criminals, I say this: every crime scene leaves a trace. And we can now track that trace and use it as evidence against you.

“For too long, many crimes have gone unresolved because the tools did not exist to capture and prosecute you. Now they do.

“Therefore, if you intend to harm our people, if you intend to prey on our children, if you intend to threaten our communities, understand that the state now possesses capabilities that did not previously exist.

“This Centre changes what is possible. It strengthens our ability to follow the evidence, identify those responsible, and support the work of law enforcement with world-class forensic science.

“So, Enugu is open to investors. Enugu is open to innovators. Enugu is open to people who want to build, create, and contribute.

“But for those who seek to undermine the peace and security of our people, the message is very simple: you can run, but you cannot hide,” he said.

Mbah, however, noted that the emergence of the Centre also comes with responsibilities and new ways of doing things for Enugu residents.

“Henceforth, when crimes occur, keep a safe distance, promptly alert the authorities, and allow trained professionals to carry out their work.

“Every footprint, fingerprint, strand of hair, blood sample, or biological trace may contain crucial evidence. Once contaminated, such evidence may be lost,” he explained.

He said the Centre, though located in Enugu State, remains open for use by relevant agencies, organisations, professionals, and governments beyond its borders.

“This facility may be located here, but its significance extends far beyond our borders. It is our contribution to the quest for a justice system that is guided not by conjecture, but by evidence; not by suspicion, but by science,” he stated.

He lauded President Bola Tinubu’s courageous policies, noting that “these reforms have allowed more funds to flow to states, enabling us to develop infrastructure at scale, including strengthening our security.”

“Again, through his recent transmission of the State Police Bill to the National Assembly, Mr President boldly demonstrates his support for the devolution of policing responsibilities to states, and a clear appreciation of the realities of modern security management,” he added.

He said the partnership with Godfrey Okoye University was consistent with his administration’s broader vision to create an ecosystem where learning institutions are not isolated from society's challenges but are active participants in solving them.

“I commend the Vice Chancellor for nurturing an environment that is wholly conducive to learning and Prof. George Ude, Founding Director of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation, for his commitment to excellence and for lending his expertise to this project,” he concluded.

Speaking, the Attorney General of the Federation said, “The establishment of CeDFoCI places Enugu and Nigeria on the path of advanced jurisdictions that have integrated forensic science into the core of their security and justice architecture.

“This facility will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s forensic science capacity. It will equip law enforcement agencies with modern tools for criminal investigation, provide prosecutors with credible scientific evidence, assist the courts in reaching just outcomes, and improve the overall administration of criminal justice.

“Again, in an era when criminal enterprises are becoming increasingly sophisticated, security agencies must be equipped with equally sophisticated investigative capabilities,” he asserted.

The IGP, while commending the state and university’s collaboration, said CeDFoCI would strengthen the capacity and work of the police and build citizens' confidence in the system.

“For the Nigeria Police Force, this Centre represents enormous opportunities to strengthen investigations into homicide, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, sexual offences, human trafficking, missing persons, and other grave crimes.

“This Centre will equally provide opportunities for specialised training, scientific research, professional development, and knowledge exchange that will continue to improve investigative standards across our police formations.

“Citizens are more likely to trust the criminal justice system when investigations are transparent, impartial, and supported by credible evidence,” he stated.

The Founding Director and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the DNA Learning Centre, DNALA, Prof. George Ude, said the institutions were established to, among others, ensure that criminal investigations in Nigeria are guided by scientific truth; support courts with reliable, defensible forensic findings; anchor justice in evidence rather than uncertainty; train law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, medical professionals, students, and early-career researchers; and advance research in forensic genetics, informatics, and molecular biology.

In his goodwill message, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, represented by Rev. Fr. Victor Eze, commended the collaboration between Godfrey Okoye University and the Enugu State Government, noting that the task of nation-building could not be left to government alone.

“While the Church forms conscience and provides moral values, the state provides the structure for justice and security,” he maintained.

The senator-elect for Enugu North Senatorial District, Ikeje Asogwa, on Tuesday received a Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would clear the 2027 polls in Enugu State.

Asogwa hinged his confidence on the growing support for the APC in Enugu State owing to massive ongoing federal and state government development projects in the state under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Peter Mbah’s Tomorrow is Here philosophy.

The APC lawmaker-elect attributed his victory to the visible transformation taking place in Enugu State.

He insisted that the development strides being recorded under the APC would further strengthen the party’s fortunes and ensure it clears the presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Assembly elections come 2027.

“The reason the APC won is because of what is going on in our state right now. The transformation and development strides by our governor are tremendous and commendable.

“For President Bola Tinubu in Enugu, he is going to win. Do you know why? When you come, you see what the APC government is doing and you will be impressed.

“These are projects that are not just being planned; they are already being executed and completed. Also, in other aspects of governance such as health, education and infrastructure, there are visible achievements. These are made possible by increased inflows to the state due to the removal of fuel subsidy,” he said.

Asogwa, who is set for his inauguration, pledged to prioritise infrastructure development, education, healthcare and youth empowerment when he assumes office in the Senate.

“We are going to get things done, starting from infrastructural development, improving the education and health sectors and then empowerment, especially for the youth,” he added.

INEC on the same day also presented Certificates of Return to winners of the by-elections conducted in Rivers, Nasarawa, and Kano states on Saturday, June 20.

Presenting the certificates on behalf of the INEC Chairman, the Supervising National Commissioner for Rivers State, May Agbamuche-Mbu, congratulated the winners and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by their constituents.

A coalition of civil society organisations, Network of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, has thumbed up the conduct of the Saturday Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, describing the exercise as peaceful and transparent.

The coalition, however, noted glitches recorded with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and delays in election logistics.

It is recalled that the election was won by Chief Ikeje Asogwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled a total of 162,360 votes to defeat with a wide margin his closest rival, Nestor Ezeme, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 9,299 votes.

Making its observations on the election known to newsmen in Enugu on Monday, the Network's spokesperson, Abubakar Musa, flanked by members of the observer groups, said the bye-election represented "a vital step towards transparent election."

According to Musa, the observer groups participated in various stages of the electoral process, including the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials and the deployment of electoral officers, noting that the election was conducted as scheduled.

The coalition disclosed that seven political parties – All Progressives Congress (APC), Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) - participated in the exercise across the six Local Government Areas, covering 102 electoral wards with 727,340 registered voters and 184,094 accredited voters.

"The election was conducted in accordance with INEC guidelines and all relevant laws," he stated, adding that election materials were adequately distributed across polling units.

The coalition lauded the security agencies for maintaining order throughout the exercise, stressing that vote counting and collation were conducted in the presence of party agents and security personnel.

The observers, however, noted that some polling units experienced delays due to technical glitches and late arrival of election materials and personnel.

"There was in some few areas report of malfunction of Biomodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in some polling units, which caused the delay of accreditation and voting in such polling units.

"None of our observers reported any shortage of voting materials in the polling units visited," the communiqué added.

The civil society groups recommended that the Independent National Electoral Commission perfect the performance of BVAS machines ahead of the 2027 general elections and strengthen its logistics framework to guarantee the timely commencement of voting in all polling units.

The coalition also urged security agencies to ensure more strategic deployment of personnel, observing that there was greater concentration of officers in urban centres than in remote communities.

While applauding INEC for conducting what it described as a peaceful and transparent election, the Network hailed the Enugu State Government for providing a conducive environment for the exercise.

The coalition concluded by appealing to all candidates and their supporters to accept the outcome of the bye-election, insisting that it reflected the will of the people.

"Finally, we appeal to all the candidates and their supporters to accept the outcome of the election as it reflects the will of the people," Musa said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of accredited civil society organisations to promoting credible democratic processes.

The Federal Government and Enugu State Government are in talks to ensure the commencement of direct cargo flight operations between Enugu and Guangzhou, China, before the end of the year.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr Festus Keyamo, disclosed this in Lagos during the launch of the United Air’s newly acquired airplanes on Thursday.

The Minister added said the FG had affected a structural management overhaul at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, also bringing the airport under a privately run operational framework.

"One of our prides in the South is the Enugu International Airport. The Enugu governor approached Mr. President, noting that the airport was not maximising its economic potential under standard bureaucratic structures, and requested to bring in private investors to run it. Mr. President gave the green light.

"As I speak with you, Enugu is now fully privately owned and fully supported by state government, with the clear objective of also turning it into a dedicated cargo hub for the entire Southeast."

To this effect, therefore, Keyamo said that a high-level bilateral trade negotiations were ongoing with a view to securing direct logistics flights between China and the Southeast by the end of 2026.

"Just two days ago, the Enugu governor and I were actively negotiating the first direct cargo flight from Guangzhou, China, straight into Enugu.

“We are targeting December for the maiden flight. This will allow our Southeast merchants and traders in China to consolidate their goods into unified cargo accounts twice a week, flying straight into Enugu for seamless delivery to hubs like Onitsha and Aba," he concluded.

It is recalled that Governor Mbah had in July 2025 launched Enugu Air, a state-owned airline, as part of the administration’s integrated blueprint for a modern, multimodal transport ecosystem and the vision to make Enugu a major aviation and logistics hub.

Since then, Enugu Air has grown its fleet from three at inception to six planes with plans to further increase it as it prepares to commence operations to regional destinations like Accra, Libreville, Abidjan in next few months and long haul flight operations to various destinations around the world by the end of the year.

Governor Peter Mbah, has boosted the senatorial bid of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the June 20, 2026 by-election for Enugu North Senatorial District, listing reasons the zone would overwhelming vote for the party.

The seat, if won, would be APC’s first-ever electoral victory in the state.

He described Asogwa as the best candidate, given his track record.

The governor spoke on Wednesday at the grand finale of the party’s campaign as the zone prepares to elect a replacement for its deceased lawmaker, the late Senator Okey Ezea, who died in November 2025.

“Go and thumbprint the ballots. And when they want to know what APC has done for you, tell them that this administration, this party has broken the 65-year jinx and has brought your son to head the University of Nigeria Nsukka as the Vice Chancellor. Tell them that as a result of that, hundreds of your sons and daughters have been employed in UNN.

“Also tell them that this party is building 102 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres in your senatorial district.

“Tell them that the over 40km Abakpa/Penoks-Ugwogo Nike- Opi- Nsukka road is being dualised with a major investment to cut through the hills and fill the valleys to make it straighter and safer at huge costs.

“You need to tell them that the Ohebedim Aluminium Factory will be commissioned in October.

“Just tell them, just in case they have forgotten, that just a few weeks ago, I flagged off the construction of 52.2km that will traverse Nguru, Lejja, Aku, Akpakume Nze, Egede, Affa, and Eke.

“When you thumbprint the broom, tell them that just a few days ago, we flagged off the construction of Igogoro, Amachara, Ikpamodo, Ipa, Amaja road. Tell them also that the road is going on as I speak.

“Do not also forget to remind them that we are investing in the future of your children. We built 102 Smart Green Schools where we are investing over N1bn on each school so that these kids can fit in and be ready for the future. They will be first-class brains.

“What you see in terms of the brick and mortar is only a fraction of the story. Here, they will be taught Artificial Intelligence, which will have the same effect on the world economy as electricity. So, tell them that is why we are investing insanely in education,” he stated.

Mbah, however, urged the party’s supporters not to rest on their oars, declaring that nothing but an overwhelming victory was acceptable, reminding them that the by-election would be the first test of the party’s popularity in the northern part of the state.

“I can sense victory already in the air. With the crowd I see here today, with the who-is-who in Enugu North Zone here, it means we can almost fall into the temptation that this election is a fate accompli.

"But I warn you, what we are witnessing here today is good. Our candidate is also the champion of the interests of the masses. You know that. But the work is not done yet. So, do not go back home and sleep.

“As you leave here, you have to go door-to-door, go to all the families, the communities, the homes, kindreds and tell them where to vote,” he charged them.

The Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, said that the governor had already given the party’s candidate a to-do list once elected into the Senate to ensure that the interest of the zone is well represented.

“In my presence, he told him to ensure that all roads in Enugu North are captured in the federal budget. He told him that there is need to elevate UNN’s budget and that of the Federal Polytechnic Ohodo so that the institutions in our land will be viable. These are just a few,” Ossai said.

He equally dismissed the propaganda that former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was supporting another party’s candidate, saying “This is not true because we all heard him debunk it.”

Ugwuanyi, in his remark, reiterated that nothing other than voting massively for APC and Asogwa could guarantee quality representation for Enugu North.

Speaking, Asogwa, who conducted a minute of silence in honour of the late Senator Ezea, thanked the APC and the people of Enugu North for upholding equity and justice by ensuring that the senatorial seat remained in Igboeze South, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.

“I have promised my people that I can never disappoint. There is hardly a person that has not known what I have done towards the progress of Enugu North Zone and Enugu State in general. But what they saw before now is just the beginning. Our business is human empowerment,” he stressed.

Other speakers at the well-attended rally, which enjoyed the presence of Minister Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh (SAN) and the Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, include the Council Chairman of Igboeze South, Barr. Ferdinand Ukwueze; Chairman of the Campaign Organisation, Barr. Chigozie Okonkwo; House of Representatives Members, Hon. Mark Obetta and Hon. Denis Agbo as well as Senator Chukwuka Utazi, Ejike Amaedu, Dominic Ezema, Amb. Favour Asogwa, Commissioner Sunday Ajogwu, and Chief Charly Arthur.

They described Asogwa as the right man for the job, noting that Governor Mbah’s work had endeared the APC to the people of the state and promised massive votes for the party on Saturday and in the 2027 elections.

The Enugu State Government wishes to inform all indigenes and residents of the State who applied for the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 78 Regular Course that the Screening Test for admission into the Course will hold in Enugu as follows:

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026

Time: Applicants are to arrive at 7:00 am

Venue: Bishop Otubelu Juniorate CBT Centre, No. 3 Emelugo Drive, Hillview, Trans Ekulu, Enugu.

Applicants can access the NDA Application Portal and print their allocated examination centre.

Applicants are to note in particular that it is mandatory to come to the examination centre with their Acknowledgment Card, Form, Screening Test Admission Card, JAMB Result Slip and two (2) postcard-sized (3.5 x 5 inches) photographs. The photographs should show the chest upwards and should contain the applicant’s Name, Examination Number, Examination Centre, Course of Study, and the applicant’s signature at the back. All applicants are to comply strictly with these instructions.

For further inquiries on the Nigerian Defence Academy Screening Test (NDAST), applicants can reach out to Lt. Col. MM Bako on 08063240100 or send an email to academyregistrar@nda.edu.ng.

The Enugu State Government wishes all applicants success in the exercise.

Signed:
Prof. Chidiebere Onyia
Secretary to the State Government
Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Former Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that he is supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Barr. Nestor Ezeme, in the forthcoming Enugu North Senatorial District bye-election.

In a statement personally signed by him, Ugwuanyi described the claim as fake news orchestrated by political mischief makers seeking to gain undue advantage ahead of the poll scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

The former governor, who is now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that he has no reason to support a candidate from another political party, stressing that his loyalty remains with the APC and all its candidates.

“As a committed member of the APC, I have no business supporting the candidate of another party. My support is firmly and unequivocally for all APC candidates, from the President down to the Councillor,” Ugwuanyi stated.

He specifically reaffirmed his support for the APC candidate in the Enugu North Senatorial bye-election, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, noting that his position on the contest has never been in doubt.

“I stand by Chief Ikeje Asogwa and my party, the APC. Any claim to the contrary is fake news and should be dismissed and disregarded by the public,” he said.

Ugwuanyi further alleged that the rumours were being spread by individuals bent on deceiving the electorate through name-dropping and misinformation.

“These false reports are the handiwork of mischief makers who have resorted to propaganda and deception in pursuit of electoral gains. The people should not be misled,” he added.

The former governor therefore urged members of the public and supporters across the Enugu North Senatorial District to disregard the reports and remain focused on the issues ahead of the election.

major joint operations, security agencies in Enugu State have captured six notorious criminals on a security watch list in the state, also hauling in large caches of arms and ammunition in the process.

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, while inspecting caches of arms at the Enugu State head office of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday, said the suspects now in the security net included those involved in various deadly security breaches in the state.

The arms and ammunition recovered include 17 AK-47 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one rocket-propelled rifle, one tear-gas gun, 12 AK-47 magazines, two hand-held grenades, and three tear-gas canisters, and 1,071 rounds of ammunition (323 special ammunition, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 478 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition). Others include different quantities of various uniforms and four lanyards.

Mbah, who was received by the State Director of the DSS, Mr. Humphery Ohikhuare; the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa; the Garrison Commander, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Brigadier General Garba Suru, and other senior security personnel, said the state’s investment in modern security infrastructure was paying off.

“First of all, I would like to acknowledge and salute the gallantry of our security agents. What we are witnessing here today is the triumph of vigilance, the triumph of hard work, and the triumph of dedication to duty.

“Recall that sometime in December last year, we had an incident that took the lives of some of our officers. If you also cast your mind back at that time, the state government actually placed bounties on the heads of the criminals. We have before now been able to apprehend some of the criminals who participated in that heinous act. The people we have here today are those who have been on the run.

“But we have always said in Enugu State that we have no room for criminals. And if you commit crime here, no matter how long it takes, we must identify you, we must get you, and we must ensure that you are brought to justice.

“We are happy that officers who paid the ultimate price, their sacrifices have not been in vain because we are bringing to a close that chapter, where we now believe that these people will face justice,” he declared.

He also expressed happiness that his administration’s huge investment in modern security infrastructure had continued to pay off.

“It is also heartwarming for me and the people of Enugu State that the investment we have made in the security sector, and the cooperation and dedication of our security agencies in the state, is paying off.

“We can see results with this tracking of criminal elements and cracking of criminal gangs. I am sure the people of Enugu State can now sleep knowing that we have their backs covered.

“That is why we believe that there is no amount you invest in security that is too much.

“However, while we pride ourselves as major investors in technology, we must not forget that technology is also operated by humans. You will need a dedicated workforce. In most cases, you do not hear a lot in terms of the achievements we have recorded because the crimes are nipped in the bud, and it is to the credit of both our technology and vigilant officers,” he explained.

He gave a marching order to every criminal element still within Enugu State’s territory.

“To the criminals out there, we do not have room for you. I can also assure you that if you come in here

and commit crime, no matter how long it takes, we must identify you, we must get you, and we must ensure that you are brought to justice,” the governor declared.

The governor charged property owners to conduct background checks on their prospective tenants, maintaining that the government would continue to prosecute erring property owners and demolish properties linked to violent crimes.

“You cannot be exculpated on the ground that you said that you did not know. The law has placed the duty on you. You must ensure that you know who you are giving your house to as a landlord,” he emphasised.

Mbah, who chairs the Presidential Committee on the Revamp of Security Training Institutions, also hailed President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to security, manifesting in the President’s support for the creation of state police and the revamp of security training facilities in Nigeria.

“We have received the funds to ensure that all the training institutions for our security agencies are rehabilitated and reconstructed. What that means is that we are going to also have standardisation of training across the country.

“Again, as you may know, the House of Representatives just passed the State Police Bill. I commend them. This will essentially help us to eliminate the tragedy of the commons. And I believe as a state, we must take full responsibility to ensure that we provide effective security within our borders,” he concluded.