By Isaac Mission 

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has unveiled a record of more than 10,000 projects and policy milestones achieved by his administration, saying the state is steadily moving towards its goal of becoming a major economic destination.

The achievements, covering infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, water supply, urban development and institutional reforms, were contained in a compendium presented to the public in Enugu.

The document, titled “A Thousand and One Reasons Why Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Should be Re-elected as Governor of Enugu State,” was unveiled at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, with political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, professionals, business executives and other stakeholders in attendance.

Among the major accomplishments highlighted were more than 1,521 kilometres of roads, over 7,000 classrooms and 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres.

The administration also listed the Enugu Air project, New Enugu Smart City, the ultramodern Enugu Command and Control Centre, security infrastructure, water projects and the rehabilitation of previously abandoned government assets among its key interventions.

Mbah, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, said the publication was designed to demonstrate accountability and provide citizens with a record of the administration's activities since taking office in May 2023.

He said the compendium was consistent with the Citizens Charter, introduced through Executive Order 001, which he signed shortly after assuming office.

According to the governor, his administration's development strategy is built around disruptive innovation and large-scale infrastructure aimed at connecting communities and opening new opportunities for commerce, agriculture, investment and other economic activities.

Mbah, however, noted that the document did not contain every achievement recorded by his government because its preparation had a reporting cut-off that preceded September 9, 2026.

He said the administration's broader ambition was to place Enugu on what he described as an irreversible path of development and position the state as a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and residence.

The governor also acknowledged the sacrifices made by supporters and residents during the implementation of some of his administration's policies, appealing to those negatively affected by difficult decisions to remain patient with the government's long-term vision.

He reiterated his aspiration for Enugu to develop into a $30 billion economy, stressing that the objective was to build a state capable of standing out rather than merely competing within Nigeria.

Government outlines reforms

The Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the administration had pursued wide-ranging reforms alongside its physical development projects.

He listed the New Enugu Smart City, urban renewal, environmental initiatives and other urban development programmes as part of the government's broader transformation agenda.

On the financial side, Onyia said Enugu had strengthened its fiscal system through revenue automation, reforms at the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, improved financial management, the Treasury Single Account and enterprise resource planning.

He added that institutional restructuring and investments in youth empowerment, women's development, technology, skills acquisition, social protection, tourism and community development had also received attention.

Onyia said the central purpose of the government's programmes remained improving the quality of life of residents.

“Behind every project is a community; behind every policy is a citizen; and behind every statistic is a human being whose life the government seeks to improve,” he said.

Mbah receives honorary doctorate in UK

The governor's development record was also recognised at the University of East London, where he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree.

The honour was conferred during the university's graduation ceremony at its Docklands Campus in the United Kingdom.

Presenting the citation, the Vice-Provost (Business) and Executive Dean of the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, Prof. Fatima Ana-Diab, highlighted Mbah's activities as a student and his subsequent career in law, business and public administration.

She recalled that Mbah had served as President of the Students' Law Society and represented students on key university bodies. She also noted his success in the university's mooting competition and participation in an international negotiation competition.

Mbah obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from UEL in 2000 before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School and subsequently earning a master's degree in Maritime and Commercial Law from Lagos State University. His academic background also includes an MBA from IESE Business School in Spain, executive education at Lagos Business School and postgraduate studies in Strategy and Innovation at Oxford University.

The university also recognised his business career, including his role as founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas, as well as his previous government positions as Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Enugu State.

Ana-Diab particularly praised his administration's emphasis on education and skills development, describing education as a critical foundation for human and economic advancement.

Governor speaks on education and innovation

Accepting the honorary degree, Mbah said his approach to leadership had consistently been influenced by a willingness to challenge established limitations.

He described disruption, purpose and service as central elements of his philosophy, arguing that education provides people with the capacity to create meaningful change.

The governor disclosed that his administration allocates 33 per cent of the state budget to education, with investments directed towards schools, technology hubs and opportunities for young people.

He said the focus was to prepare residents, particularly younger people, for an economy increasingly shaped by knowledge, innovation and technology.

Mbah expressed gratitude to the University of East London for the recognition and acknowledged the institution's contribution to his personal and professional development.