By Odo Chukwuemeka Andrew (ACA)
Dr. Peter Mbah, the current governor of Enugu State, stands out as one of the most visionary and action-oriented leaders in recent Nigerian political history. Emerging victorious in a highly contested gubernatorial election, Dr. Mbah did not assume office unprepared. On the contrary, he came with a clear strategic vision and a well-articulated roadmap for transforming Enugu State.
His leadership blueprint is grounded on four key pillars: people, priorities, processes, and partnership. While he has initiated many transformative projects since assuming office, his biggest achievement lies in his holistic approach to governance; a model that has begun to redefine Enugu State’s development trajectory in just under two years.
People-Centered Leadership:
Dr. Peter Mbah’s leadership is fundamentally people centric. Recognizing that government exists to serve the people, he made inclusive governance the cornerstone of his administration. One of his earliest actions in office was to recruit competent professionals from the private sector and academia to join his team.
He understood that to execute his ambitious development plans effectively, he needed a team of technocrats who could bring efficiency, innovation, and global best practices to the public sector. These appointments were not political rewards but merit-based selections, reflecting his commitment to service delivery over patronage.
This deliberate recruitment strategy created a ripple effect across ministries and agencies in the state. With experts at the helm of key institutions, decision-making has become more data-driven and results-oriented. More importantly, this move has inspired confidence among the citizens of Enugu State, who now see their government as credible and capable of delivering on its promises.
Prioritizing Critical Needs: Economic growth and development,infrastructurel development, and social development and empowerment:
Among the first critical issues identified by Dr. Mbah upon assuming office was the acute water scarcity in Enugu.
For decades, access to clean and reliable water has remained a major challenge. Dr. Mbah, however, did not treat this as a long-term goal alone; he immediately rolled out both short-term and long-term strategies to address the crisis. A clearly defined timeline was established to ensure measurable progress.
Today, thanks to his swift action and accountability framework, many neighborhoods that once struggled for water now have improved access, and long-term infrastructure projects are ongoing to ensure sustainable supply across all zones of the state.
Education is another sector where Dr. Mbah has demonstrated extraordinary vision and commitment.
He recognized that Enugu State cannot meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without investing in its human capital. To this end, he launched the ambitious “Smart Schools” initiative aimed at building ultra-modern, tech-enabled schools in every ward of the local government in Enugu state. This initiative, originally considered too ambitious for even an 8-year tenure, is already nearing completion in less than two years.
Some smart schools are already completed and operational, while others are at various stages of construction. What sets this initiative apart is not just the scale, but the speed, precision, and attention to quality.
He has also reformed the agricultural creating opportunities for public-Private partnership and enabling youth participation in agricultural sector.
Process Reengineering and Digitization :
Dr. Mbah’s understanding of governance goes beyond policy; he has focused on the systems that support effective delivery. One of his most impactful interventions has been the digitization of government services. By implementing a robust digital governance framework, he has drastically improved transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
This transformation is most evident in internally generated revenue (IGR). For instance, the revenue from tricycle (Keke) operations in the state, which previously hovered around ₦3 million monthly, has skyrocketed to over ₦800 million, thanks to the elimination of leakages and middlemen.
These increased revenues have been reinvested into infrastructure projects that boost economic activity and improve the quality of life. The state has witnessed the renovation of public facilities such as Presidential hotels, the completion of an international conference center, and the construction of five modern bus terminals.
These projects not only improve the functionality and aesthetics of the state but also position Enugu as a growing destination for tourism, business, and international events. A clear testament to this is the recent hosting of the Nigerian Bar Association conference in Enugu, with plans underway to host the national sports festival; a first in the state’s history.
Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Development:
A distinguishing feature of Dr. Mbah’s administration is his acknowledgement that the government can not do it alone. He has actively pursued strategic partnerships with both local and international development organizations, securing multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) across key sectors; agriculture, education, health, and technology.
These partnerships are not just symbolic; they come with clear deliverables, timelines, and accountability mechanisms.
Dr. Mbah has also worked to improve the ease of doing business in Enugu, attracting investors by creating a secure, transparent, and investor-friendly environment. His policies have rekindled hope among citizens and private sector players alike, with new investments flowing into the state and jobs being created.
Dr. Peter Mbah’s biggest achievement lies not in any single project or program, but in his transformational approach to leadership; one that places the people at the center, sets clear priorities, enforces structured processes, and builds meaningful partnerships. In less than two years, he has set Enugu State on a new path of sustainable development, accountability, and prosperity. If his current momentum continues, Dr. Mbah will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most effective governors in the history of Enugu State and a model for governance in Nigeria.
