James Eze
Governor Peter Ndubisi Mbah jogs my memory of Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara. As the Premier of the outdated Eastern Region, Okpara constructed what was thought-about the quickest rising economic system in elements of Africa from 1959 to 1966. The acuity of Okpara’s imaginative and prescient and administrative competence ensured that the outdated Eastern Region, break up into 9 states right now, had sturdy financial fundamentals that also serve the individuals to this present day. Today, a monument stands in his reminiscence. Right in the guts of Enugu, Okpara Square, named after him, glimmers in the oriental solar – a spot the place historical past whispers in muted tones and voices rise like drums at daybreak to invoke a proud heritage. The Square is a timeless stage for an never-ending dialog between legacy, management and id. The Okpara instance reminds us {that a} good chief can change the lot of his individuals in a handful of years. Perhaps, strolling in Okpara’s shadow, it took Governor Mbah lower than three years to re-imagine Enugu State. And this is not a hyperbole. There’s enough proof to undergird it.
Governor Peter Mbah’s affect is colossal. Nobody noticed him coming. His masterful dealing with of the safety nightmare that had overwhelmed the South-east when he took over energy deserves a particular point out. When he launched a classy command and management centre which provides a chook’s eye view of all of the flash factors in the state, Mbah signaled his intention to make Enugu a most popular vacation spot for enterprise and leisure. He understood the job at hand. Investors go the place there is peace. So, he prioritized safety. And right now, Enugu is an oasis in the roiling sea of insecurity; serene, clear and inexperienced!
Mbah’s prioritization of schooling in Enugu State is not a knee jerk determination. It got here from deep pondering. Enugu individuals are recognized for his or her brilliance. Mbah figured that one of the simplest ways to empower Enugu youngsters is to present them high quality schooling. His Smart Green School initiative completely bestraddle right now and tomorrow. And what’s extra? He made certain {that a} unit of the varsity is cited in every of the 260 electoral wards in the state. Unlike earlier administrations that arrange mannequin faculties in the senatorial zones, Mbah gave entry to each baby in Enugu State. Mbah’s Smart School blocks provide a psychological tonic to rural youngsters who wouldn’t solely be seeing such architectural wonders for the primary time however would relish the privilege of learning in them. This is a transparent marker of a pacesetter that has boldly accepted accountability for the longer term.
By the best way, the internet hosting of over 20,000 attorneys in Enugu on the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) final yr launched Enugu into a brand new orbit. For the primary time in dwelling reminiscence, Enugu rose to her toes to take pleasure in privileges hitherto reserved for Lagos and Abuja. Only just a few Nigerian cities has the capability to host such a lot of refined professionals for a time period. Enugu did it with out a single incident. Thanks to Mbah’s adroit management and knowledge in finishing the International Conference Centre which had been deserted for 16 years. Not solely did Mbah full the undertaking; he left a trademark seal of excellence on the advanced. No conferencing facility in Nigeria comes near Enugu International Conference Centre in class and aesthetics. Not surprisingly, he left the identical signature of refined style on different legacy initiatives like the long-lasting Hotel Presidential, Niger Gas Company, Enugu Palm Products Limited, ninth Mile Water Scheme, Sunrise Flour Mills (ongoing) and different moribund property hitherto left to rot away in neglect. In doing so, Mbah had carved his personal path diligently; shunning the well-worn Nigerian management sample of abandoning the initiatives of predecessors.
A most audacious demonstration of the continuity of presidency is the world-class 330-bed International Hospital which is nearing completion in the mean time.This avant-garde medical facility is the primary of its type in the area. A relic of a earlier administration which had rotted away for 16 years, ignored by two successive administrations, Mbah noticed it in a different way; and Enugu is the final word beneficiary of that broad imaginative and prescient.
To my thoughts, Governor Mbah’s most futuristic undertaking is the Haier Factory undertaking, which manufactures good telephones, laptops, tablets and good faculty boards in Enugu. The manufacturing facility is anticipated to provide 200,000 ICT models yearly. This formidable undertaking will lend roots to ICT in the state, ultimately resulting in a spread of made-in-Enugu digital units. With it, Enugu is staking a declare to sturdy digital aspirations beneath Mbah. What a dare! “Not failure, but low aim, is the crime,” says American poet, critic and editor, James Russell Lowell.
Indeed, Mbah’s private initiatives are all exceptional. They contact Ndi Enugu personally. Enugu Air is a breath of contemporary air in Nigerian aviation. The affect of the airline is revolutionary. Testimonies from frequent flyers affirm this whereas the rise in the fleet and enlargement to regional routes attest to its extensive acceptance. The improve of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport to host extra worldwide flights signifies a degree of strategic pondering that is uncommon in this a part of the world. The injection of 200 CNG buses enjoying completely different routes in the state have additionally turned out to be one of many people-centred initiatives of Mbah’s regime. Ultramodern bus stations have modified the faces of Enugu and Nsukka. The chaos and confusion that after reigned in motor parks now belong to the previous.
Truth be advised, no governor in current years has proven a greater understanding of the symbolism of the town of Enugu in the Southern Nigeria than Governor Mbah. His strong metropolis renewal marketing campaign confirms this. In three years, Mbah has modified the Enugu cityscape with over 300 city roads scattered throughout numerous arteries of Enugu. Locations like Thinkers Corner, Idaw River and Trans Ekulu that had suffered a long time of neglect have grow to be metropolis marvels with glowing roads.
Mbah tends Enugu like a gardener tends his flowers. Open areas are rigorously redesigned and imbued with dazzling aesthetics. Streets and alleyways are swept with clockwork precision. Roads will not be accomplished till they’re marked and painted. And when a governor has about 260 initiatives at completely different levels of completion throughout the state, he is not simply right here to guide, he has come to earn his place in historical past.
* Eze, a poet, journalist and Communications Strategist, writes from Enugu
