Governor Mbah
Enugu State is on the verge of a major transformation in its transportation and tourism sectors, with the launch of the Enugu Air, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mass Transit Programme, and a network of newly constructed transport terminals scheduled to commence before the Peter Mbah administration marks its second year in office.
The developments were disclosed following the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Enugu, over the weekend.
Commissioners who addressed the press include Dr. Obi Ozor (Transportation), Dame Ugochi Madueke (Culture and Tourism), Engr. Gerald Otiji (Works and Infrastructure), and Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu (Youth and Sports Development).
Providing updates, Dr. Ozor said “We are starting off with the initial three aircraft and two of the aircraft are already on ground.”
“The third one will be on ground by the end of this month. We are hoping to start the commercial operations before the second year anniversary of this administration.”
He also revealed that 50 buses for the state’s CNG mass transit system have already arrived and are stationed at Okpara Square, while another 50 are expected in the coming weeks.
According to him, “The 100 of them will be going into commercial operations before the end of this month, which is the second year anniversary.”
On infrastructure, he confirmed that “the bus terminals, two at Holy Ghost, one each at Gariki, Abakpa and Nsukka, will also be commissioned and go into commercial operations before the 29th of May, this year.”
Dr. Ozor further announced plans to establish an electric and CNG vehicle manufacturing facility in Enugu and launch the Enugu Smart Transport Programme in the next 150 days, which will introduce over 2,000 electric vehicles into the system.
Speaking on tourism, Commissioner Madueke outlined a phased revitalization of key tourist attractions.
“We are going to have it in phases. For the first phase, we are having Awhum Waterfall, Nsude Pyramid where we are going to have the first canopy walkway in the South East,” she stated.
The Nsude canopy walkway, she noted, would be the longest in Nigeria at approximately 600 metres.
She also announced the development of the Ngwo Pine Forest, which will host the country’s first 300-metre zipline, along with two rotundas.
“We have the Cross of Hope to be located at Okpatu. The Cross of Hope will be sitting 580 metres above sea level and the cross itself will measure about 50 metres, making it a total of about 630 metres above sea level. The cross will have about 15 floors with a lift,” she added.
Madueke further highlighted ongoing plans for additional attractions: “At Awhum Waterfalls, we are going to have another canopy walkway and a boardwalk to preserve the ecosystem. We equally have the Akwuke/Atakkwu Waterpark and Ovu Lake Golf and Resort at Akpawfu.”
She assured that these sites would be equipped with experience centres, food courts, and powered by renewable energy.
Tour buses are also expected to arrive shortly to facilitate easy access for tourists.
In preparation for hosting the 2026 National Sports Festival, Barr. Ekweremadu announced that construction work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village will commence in June, as directed by the State Executive Council.
“We also briefed the council on the progress made in establishing a Lab for Animation for young people in Enugu State, which His Excellency will be commissioning soon. The lab is ready,” he said.
He concluded with plans for youth empowerment: “We are similarly working towards empowering over 2,100 young people across the state, who were trained around December last year. This empowerment will be coming up on the 12th of August, being the International Youth Day.”
