The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has praised Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his exemplary leadership, highlighting that the governor’s significant investments in education, primary healthcare, and infrastructure represent a pivotal advancement for the state. Also, the governor reaffirmed the state’s dedication to providing quality nutrition daily to over 300,000 children enrolled in Smart Green Schools by September 2025.
This commendation was expressed by Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, Chief of Field Office for UNICEF Enugu, during the signing ceremony of the UNICEF/Enugu Government Multiyear Workplan for 2025/2027, held at the Government House in Enugu on Tuesday.
Chiluwe expressed his admiration for the governor’s exceptional leadership and strong advocacy for the well-being of children and women, noting that Mbah has effectively addressed issues related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
“You are a trailblazer in establishing smart schools in this region. Enugu stands out as a leader in the implementation of the WASH master plan. Your dedication to enhancing primary health care by elevating it to Level 2 is truly praiseworthy, as is your commitment to smart schools, which reflects your focus on improving human development indicators in the state. “Having spent the past three years in Enugu, I have witnessed remarkable progress in infrastructure, security, and the overall welfare of women and children.”
In his response, Mbah conveyed his appreciation for the partnership and support provided by the UN agency to the state’s residents. He emphasized the administration’s strong commitment to tackling pressing social issues, as demonstrated in the last two budget cycles. Referring to UNICEF as a dependable development ally, the governor revealed that the government has consistently prioritized the social services sector, which is reflected in the significant budget allocation for this area. “Education received 33 percent of the budget, a figure that has remained steady throughout the 2024 and 2025 budget cycles. The healthcare sector is also included in this focus. We have plans to maintain this commitment for at least the next five years, ensuring that we establish a solid foundation before we consider starting from scratch, particularly regarding infrastructure,” Mbah stated.
He stated that the goal of having 260 Type-2 basic healthcare facilities in each electoral ward is more than merely building construction. Many of these centers are fully completed, equipped, and furnished, with an emphasis on personnel, support services, and cutting-edge medical amenities, such as 24-hour power. The governor pointed out some challenges, such as a shortage of healthcare personnel, that the administration encountered upon taking office. In response, he promptly approved the hiring of 2,500 health workers. Regarding the state’s basic education system, Mbah announced that smart schools would be operational by September 2025, benefiting over 300,000 students with healthcare services at each school, which will include free daily nutritious meals and a healthy learning environment.
He further highlighted the administration’s proactive approach in ensuring that state residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle through the initial phase of the 7,500 mass housing initiative, aimed at relocating individuals from urban slums and eliminating open defecation.
On Tuesday, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, inaugurated the construction of 141 urban roads spanning 13 zones within the state capital, asserting that the citizens of both the city and Enugu State are entitled to the highest standards of living.
The zones benefiting from this project include Abakpa, Achara Layout, Asata, Awkunanaw, Coal Camp, Independence Layout, New Haven, Old GRA, Thinkers Corner, Trans-Ekulu, and Uwani. During the ceremonial flag-off at Ologo in the Coal Camp Zone of Enugu North LGA and Monaque Avenue in the Awkunanaw Zone of Enugu South LGA, Mbah elaborated that these road developments are integral to his administration’s goal of eradicating poverty, boosting Enugu State’s economy to $30 billion, and establishing the state as a leading hub for investment, business, tourism, and quality living.
This initiative goes beyond simply paving our roads; it focuses on empowering women and establishing a platform for them to build wealth. We must remember our commitment to eliminating poverty, which cannot be achieved through mere wishes. It requires proactive measures from the government to ensure we achieve zero hunger. The importance of critical infrastructure, such as roads, for our communities is well understood. Improved roads will boost business patronage and reduce transportation costs for residents. For instance, if a commercial tricycle driver knows he will be driving on a well-maintained road, he will likely charge less. This reduction in transportation costs increases disposable income, helping to alleviate poverty in our community, he emphasized. The governor further detailed that the 141 roads have been divided into 17 segments to ensure they are completed within three months. He assured that funding is secured and that thorough vetting of contractors has been conducted to guarantee that the projects are entrusted to qualified individuals.
In the meantime, Chief Chris Okaka, a resident of Ologo, along with Chief Ifeanyi Nnaji, the President-General of Amechi-Uwani, expressed their gratitude to Mbah for acknowledging the Ologo and Monaque Avenue communities after more than forty years of neglect by previous administrations. “For the last four decades, no one has attended to this road. We went door to door to raise funds for one side of the drainage. After completing that side, we were unable to continue with the other due to widespread complaints about financial difficulties. “However, I assured them that Peter Mbah would come and address the issue. Your Excellency, you are here today to improve the road. We have declared that by 2027, any other campaign poster we see in this area will be removed. You are going for your second term.”
A statement by Hon. Ibenaku Onoh, the chairman of the Enugu North Council, and Hon. Caleb Ani, his colleague from Enugu South, the governor’s focus on ward-level development has also significantly enhanced the operation of the 17 local government councils.
“As a result, we are committed to strengthening grassroots politics by emulating your commitment to prioritizing the needs of the people. In due time, the citizens of Enugu State will show their appreciation with increased support,” Onoh remarked. Engr. Gerald Otiji, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, along with the Governor’s Special Adviser on Project Development and Implementation, pledged to provide thorough oversight and take all necessary measures during project planning to guarantee the delivery of high-quality work. The contractors also reassured the governor of their commitment to delivering projects on time and to a high standard, having successfully navigated the rigorous procurement processes and requirements established by his administration.
