Features
Mbah’s socio-economic policies of eradicating poverty in Enugu State
By Ejeh Josh
In its recent report released on 13 of December, 2023, the World Bank presented a graphic image of a country receding deeper into the pit of poverty as a result of years of accumulated mismanagement, bad governance and poor system of leadership. The report shows an economy plummeting despite reforms by the present federal government to salvage the situation. This has sent, at least, 104 million Nigerians to the dungeon of extreme poverty, rapidly moving away from 79 million people living in poverty in 2018, according to the World Bank release. An attempt to understand the meaning of “extreme poverty” would have a recourse to the World Bank’s September 2022 adjustment to global poverty lines which benchmarks any person living below the sum of $2.15 per day as living below poverty line or held in extreme poverty.
The above figure is not new to Nigeria as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in its 2022 National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report, squared 133 million Nigerians as multi-dimensionally poor. The reports noted that the reasons for the increase in poverty were not unconnected with the sluggish growth and hyper-inflation the country is going through. This has implications to the overall well-being of the country. First, more Nigerians will face a scourge of hunger as their purchasing power falls. Second, there is pressure and stress on those outside the poverty line for maintenance, and this may probably drag them down the line of poverty. Third, crime rate will increase among the youth. Fourth, high incident of school dropouts are expected. Fifth, human capital flight, known otherwise, as the “Jappa syndrome” which is a brain drain to Nigeria and its economy, will be on the rise. The list goes on almost without end.
Appreciating the above terrific throes Nigeria is presently mired, the Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, threw down the gauntlet, first in his statement of purpose or manifesto which boldly has its vision statement as “making Enugu one of the 3 top states in Nigeria in terms of Gross Domestic Product, and to achieve a zero percent rate in the poverty headcount index.” This vision, although, sounds lofty, could only be achieved with focus, dedication, resilience, discipline, and “intentional” drive of disrupting the norm and its prevailing status quo. Like Mr. Mbah keeps reminding himself and his team, “we are in a hurry to achieve our humongous promises to the people of Enugu State”. A study of some of the policy and economic reforms being undertaken by the state government would reveal a government truly in a hurry to deliver on its mandate.
First has been the intention of the Mbah administration to peg a timeline to every project undertaken and enjoin the citizens to participate in the process of execution by holding the government to account. Matching up these timelines are the core internal policies in which one is called, key performance indicators (KPIs). KPIs are measurable and quantifiable metrics used to evaluate and assess the performance of an organisation as to the extent its objectives or goals have been achieved. This adopted term is basically used in the private sector and development space to rate performance and award credit or sanction. With this, each appointee is under pressure to deliver within time allotted. Mbah has shown that governance is no longer a space for merrymaking. Every dime is accounted for and must be judiciously put to use for the benefits of the people. Underperformance, inefficiency is shown the way out, and this has become a KPI dashboard for self-assemment before general assessment.
This little deviation is necessary to underscore the discreet action behind every success story that the people of the state are telling about this government. In most states, the past six months had been dedicated for euphoria excitement of clinching to office. However, this government has remarkably moved from policy formulation to policy and projects execution. This permeates both the tangible projects such as road execution, provision of potable water, payments of salaries and other emolument to workers, training of youths on digital skills for global competitiveness, upgrading and building of new hospitals, construction of primary and secondary school blocks including the state-of-the-art smart schools with centres for robotics, artificial intelligence, creative studios, modern science laboratories, and a shift in the curricula of tertiary institutions to meet today’s needs with a view to thinking about future technologies. This gives credence to the gale of accreditations and upgrade some of the state institutions have received. From schools of nursing to colleges of nursing and degree-awarding institutions.
On the intangible aspect of the feats, the administration is championing a leadership role in digitisation and automation of all the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) as a way of strengthening the state’s institutions, creating a viable social order that would allow citizens transact businesses in the state without necessarily having a physical interface with any of the MDAs. This is creating the much promised conducive environment for business and investment. A cursory look at the mission statement encapsulated by the administration will aid the better understanding of where the government is headed. In his mission statement, Mbah tersely captured it this way: “To deliver quality, people-focused governance by making Enugu the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living “. There is no magic that could make the state an investment hub without the deliberate reforms the administration is now undertaking. This could basically be seen as the process of derisking investment and guaranteeing that investors have flexible and friendly access to information needed for a start-up and other investment prospects.
This being at the verge of completion, the governor had thrice hosted economic and investment summits, outlining pipeline projects that would activate the interest of investors given their promising return on investment worth over $2.1 billion. The recent trips to Lagos State, United States, Indonesia, Egypt, Abuja, for investment summits, economic talks among others, the administration had optimally maximised the opportunities afforded to woo investors to Enugu with their clear outlays of what the state has got to offer. Enugu is an unmined territory of gold the administration has laid out for exploration. There is no more any excuse for willing investors to have their presence in the state and have their return.
Huge reforms had been carried out in the agro-allied space, with many now returning to agriculture in a modern way. With thousands of hectares of land earmarked for agriculture, and some already farmed, Enugu is poised to announce to the global market, its presence and products. Visits to different local government areas and their farmlands cultivated for rice, cassava, yam, special species of pepper, vegetables, and other staple food, the end of poverty is near in the state. Being passionate and committed about agriculture, the state seizing every opportunity to liaise with international agencies and donors by paying its counterpart funding boost the chain of food production. The target population includes women and youths. This accounts for the training and retraining of the population on the use of modern farming tools.
One of those issues usually raised as concern by investors is security. No business thrives in a swamp of insecurity. Mbah understood this immutable principle of a safe state for a thriving economy when he came in as governor. His series of security reforms alluded to it. First, he declared war against insecurity and the now forgotten illegal sit-at-home orders which had become a sub-culture of notoriety in the southern part of Nigeria, particularly the southeastern zone. Like the National Security Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, admitted last week, Governor Mbah was at the forefront of the battlefield against insecurity beyond Enugu State to the entire southeast region. With his resolute spirit, he dealt with the incidence of sit-at-home, eradicated the then looming unknown gunmen, flushed out kidnapping, and ensures that security and normalcy was returned to the state and the region by extension. The above was also corroborated by the Federal Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. David Umahi, when he gave testimony of how peace returned to the zone. The message is clear; Enugu State is ready for business!
Following all these efforts, investors have started scrambling for space, drilling down on the mission and vision of the administration. While the battle against a depressing economy continues at the national level, Enugu State has made some significant gains. First, some of the institutional mechanisms that would lead to a zero percent poverty headcount rate in the state are beginning to gain attention not withstanding that the state is also cushioning the effect of the “sluggish growth and high rise in inflation”. The 2023 to the second quarters of 2024 wage award the administration had outlined for workers in the state would increase the purchasing power of majority of the people in the state. Workers have received the first payment of such, boosting their capacity to invest from what they are earning. This welfarist policy has the tendency of impacting on the socio-economic status of workers leaping further upward the rung of the ladder of the economy.
These deliberate policies are geared towards upscaling the people’s economic welfare, insulating them from the national economic crunch. With the policies transforming into deliverables, and the economy rebounding from the shock of national economic crisis, eradicating poverty in the state could only happen sooner than projected.
Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year ahead!
e-mail: ejehjosh@gmail.com
By Petrus Obi
It was a remarkable demonstration of political loyalty, solidarity and appreciation as the university town of Nsukka came to a virtual standstill during the flag-off of the Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign, with thousands of enthusiastic supporters trooping out to identify with Governor Peter Mbah and his administration.
From the massive turnout to the palpable excitement that greeted the governor’s arrival, the event offered a compelling picture of the growing political momentum behind Mbah in Enugu North Senatorial District.
Economic and social activities were significantly disrupted as residents, party faithful, traditional and community leaders, youth groups, women organisations and other supporters converged on Nsukka to be part of the historic political gathering.
For many observers, the mammoth crowd was more than an ordinary party
mobilisation. It was an eloquent expression of appreciation by a people who believe that the Mbah administration has brought renewed attention to their zone and demonstrated a commitment to balanced development across Enugu State.
The excitement surrounding the campaign flag-off was particularly significant given Nsukka’s strategic position in the state’s political
equation. As the headquarters of Enugu North Senatorial District and home to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the town occupies an important place in the political, educational, commercial and cultural life of the state.
The enthusiastic reception accorded Governor Mbah therefore carried considerable political significance.
It was also a moment for the people to publicly identify with a governor whose development agenda has continued to place infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and economic expansion at the centre of governance.
Beyond the party banners, colourful displays and political speeches, the gathering reflected something deeper: the desire of the people of Nsukka and the wider Enugu North Zone to be part of the development story unfolding in the state.
Governor Mbah’s administration has consistently projected a vision of a new Enugu built on modern infrastructure, improved public services, investment attraction and economic transformation. From the construction and rehabilitation of roads to the modernisation of schools, healthcare facilities and security architecture, the administration has pursued an ambitious development agenda.
For the people of Nsukka, the campaign flag-off provided an opportunity to demonstrate their support for that vision and signal their desire for its continuation.
The turnout also reinforced the importance of political inclusion and the governor’s engagement with communities across the three senatorial zones. In a state where political support is often shaped by perceptions of fairness, development distribution and accessibility to government, the reception in Nsukka was a strong statement of confidence.
The university town, which has historically played a major role in shaping intellectual and political discourse in the South-East, once again became a centre of political activity, with residents turning out in large numbers to welcome the APC campaign.
Indeed, the scale of the mobilisation suggested that the Mbah administration’s political appeal in Enugu North is not limited to party structures alone but is also being projected through community participation and the enthusiasm of ordinary residents.
For Governor Mbah, the Nsukka outing was an important opportunity to consolidate political support, strengthen the APC’s grassroots structures and take the administration’s message directly to the people.
For the people of Nsukka, it was equally an opportunity to make a statement of their own: that they appreciate the direction of governance in Enugu State and want to remain part of the journey towards a more prosperous future.
The message from the university town was unmistakable. Nsukka turned out in impressive numbers, and the enthusiasm surrounding the campaign flag-off offered a powerful reminder that political support is often expressed most convincingly through the people themselves.
As the APC campaign gathers momentum across Enugu State, the Nsukka reception will undoubtedly stand out as one of the defining moments of its engagement with the Enugu North political constituency.
Features
New Cement Factory: Is Ebonyi Governor Misleading the People Over Proposed Nkalagu Project?
By Okey Maduforo
From the boundaries of Awka and Enugu State across the Ezu River, through the swamp rice fields of Awba–Ofemili, and from the borders of Igbariam in Anambra East to Achalla, the headquarters of Awka North Local Government Area, the story was once the same: ten communities largely abandoned and resigned to fate.
Predominantly agrarian, Awka North for decades presented the picture of rustic settlements struggling for basic infrastructure. Before the creation of the old Anambra State, many communities could not boast of electricity, while pockets of development recorded in a few areas were largely due to their proximity to Awka, the state capital.
Successive administrations at the local government level made attempts to stimulate development, but the scale of neglect meant that critical projects continued to beg for attention.
The ThankGod Anagu Intervention
In just 14 months since the emergence of the Mayor of Awka North Local Government Area, Chief ThankGod Anagu, the narrative has begun to change. His administration has pursued what many describe as a coordinated and people-centred delivery of social infrastructure, repositioning the once-forgotten council area and highlighting its vast socioeconomic potential.
Under his watch, a total of 39 classroom blocks have been renovated and fully equipped, significantly improving the learning environment across communities. In addition, more than 12 roads have either been constructed or attracted through his administration, easing movement and boosting economic activities.
To address insecurity, the Anagu administration installed security surveillance cameras across strategic communities, a move that has strengthened crime prevention and enhanced public safety.
The Achalla Local Government Secretariat, previously a shadow of itself, has also received a comprehensive facelift. Renovation works covered the main administrative building, the conference hall, and the Rt. Hon. Justice P.K. Nwokedi Hall, restoring dignity and functionality to the council complex.
Tackling Flooding and Erosion
Communities along river lines that had long suffered perennial flooding and erosion have not been left out. Erosion control projects executed in Ebenebe and neighbouring towns have helped protect over 36,000 buildings and vast farmlands, preserving livelihoods and preventing further environmental degradation.
Agricultural Outreach and Empowerment
As an agrarian society, Awka North has also benefited from targeted agricultural interventions. Through collaboration with the Anambra State Government, farmers have been empowered via outreach programmes such as the Farming to Feed initiative and the Palm Revolution, both of which have accelerated agricultural productivity and rural economic growth.
As Chief ThankGod Anagu continues to chart a new course for Awka North, many indigenes believe that with more time, the council area could fully consolidate its developmental gains and evolve into a modern, smart local government with agriculture, security, and infrastructure as its pillars.
On Sunday, the 4th of April, history stirred quietly beneath the ancient hills of Nike as we — alongside the CEO of Landmark Africa, Dr Paul Onwuanibe and others ; the custodians of the iconic Nike Lake Resort — stepped into a journey that promises to reshape the landscape of tourism in Enugu State.
Guided by the visionary momentum of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, we traced the green spine of the Nike-Ohum Tourism Corridor — a corridor not merely of geography, but of destiny. From the rhythmic whispers of the Nike caves to the majestic gaze of the Udi escarpment, the land told stories waiting to be heard by the world.
This wasn’t just a site visit. It was a pilgrimage into promise, a handshake between heritage and opportunity. It signaled that Mbuluoweje, once a hidden jewel in the hills, is now poised to become a beacon of eco-tourism, cultural revival, and sustainable prosperity.
We went, not just with eyes open — but with hearts aligned to a future already unfolding. For indeed, tomorrow is no longer a distant horizon. It has arrived, dressed in the colors of innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.
The Governor’s transformative tourism blueprint — forged with intentionality earlier this year — is no longer ink on paper. It is spirit on terrain. And in that spirit, we walked. We envisioned a world-class tourism ecosystem — resorts nestled in nature, trails that tell stories, and villages turned vibrant through the power of shared culture and commerce.
This visit will be remembered not just as a meeting of minds, but as a turning of keys — unlocking Mbuluoweje Zone to the world.
To the people of Nike, to the youth, to investors, and to dreamers across Nigeria: prepare for the unveiling. The world is coming to Enugu, and the hills are ready to sing.
Ozo Ossy Onuko the MD Awka Capital Territory Development Authority ACTDA writes from China where he is currently on a working visit and takes a look of ine the hospitalities and culture of the Asian Tiger.
As I sit calmly in my 26th-floor hotel room, overlooking the beautiful city of Changsha, glancing through my new book – Chimamanda’s masterpiece, “Dream Count,” I’m immersed with thoughts, kind thoughts I must say about the emerging new world order – CHINA. I’m reminded of China’s remarkable journey. Some 45 years ago, China opened itself to the rest of the world, ready to deal. After undergoing significant disruptive economic and administrative reforms, a new China emerged from the rubble of numerous wars including the 2nd World War and the Cold War that followed.
I was shocked to learn that in 1839 Britain/Europe brutalised China in a war for refusing the sale of opium to its citizens by the British government in a bid to balance China/Europe’s trade deficit… opium a hard drug with strong addiction tendencies impacted the youth population of China, in other words, Britain was pushing hard drugs to China – keep pondering on that as I continue.
The superior military advantages enjoyed by European forces led to several easy victories over the Chinese military, with the consequence that China was compelled to sign unequal treaties to grant favourable tariffs, trade concessions, reparations and territory to Western powers. One of which was ceding Hong Kong to Britain.
China a poor country, now with a 1.4 Billion population, almost negligible in global affairs then contributed less than 1% to global GDP and in 1978, the year China began to open and reform its economy its GDP increased to 149.5 billion dollars, accounting for 1.7% of the world economy.
Since then, GDP growth has averaged over 9 per cent a year, and almost 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty.
Today, China’s GDP stands at 18.5 trillion US dollars accounting for 19.6% of the global economy. Generally far higher than the contribution of the entire European countries and particularly a far cry from the UK’s 2.0% contribution to global GDP.
China is projected to contribute 22.5% of the global GDP by 2030 and “economic marabouts” prophesy that China will surpass the United States in ten years to become the world’s largest economy and that if that happens, it will be impossible for the US to catch up given the speed of their growth.
Now one wonders less why Donald Trump shouts America First at the top of his voice…it could be that the marabouts have also leaked these things to him. His man Friday, Elon Musk was once amazed at China’s growth, so astonished that he tweeted thus, “China’s progress in advanced infrastructure is more than 100 times faster than the US” – Elon Musk, 27th Feb 2018.
The US is the world’s economic powerhouse, with a GDP of 29 trillion US dollars, contributing approximately 26.3% of the global GDP, its continued economic dominance is threatened by this emerging new world order…the future of the United States lies solely on the ongoing economic reforms under President Trump. While various opinions continue to trial Trump’s reforms, the global magazine The Economist published an article on April 10th, 2025, with the topic “Trump’s incoherent trade policy will do lasting damage”. Whichever way it goes, the jury is out.
Still savouring the bliss of Changsha – the Capital City of Hunan Province of China. Changsha has a population of 10 million people and occupies 11,819 km² space, which is more than five times the size of New York.
This morning, I flew for two hours from Beijing to Changsha, my guide, the delightful and ever-smiling Vivi ( not her real name, you know Chinese names rumple tongues), told me a lot about the history and development of Changsha especially the fact that it is the shoppers delight, as it’s notable amongst many guides they emphasize on shopping areas believing that foreigners have a lot of shopping appetite.
If she had not told me the City was more than 3,000 years old, I would have passed it as a newly emerging green city of China, I was thrilled by the urban regeneration that has transformed a 3000-year-old city into a modern infrastructural masterpiece, the type I have not seen anywhere else.
Can one ever overemphasize the friendly nature of the Chinese, especially those not familiar with blacks? When we walk the streets of urban areas of China, we can be called celebrities. Chinese – couples, students, old and young grapple to either say a cheering and sincere “Ni hao” (hello or hi China), or a selfie photo with you.
We don’t often get that treatment in the West where there’s an overbearing sense of dominance of whites over blacks. Permit me to posit a hypothesis and let our scholars put it to the rigourous test…” blacks are tolerated in the West but celebrated in China”.
As I retire to sleep tonight, it will be unfair not to mention a young Chinese I met at one of the Macdonalds in Chengsha.
When I rushed to grab lunch today, I was greeted with so much warmth and given endearing attention by this McDonald’s staff in a manner I have not experienced anywhere else, regardless of the language barrier between us, we related seamlessly. He would bring out his translator to interpret every word I speak or translate his. But mentioning him here is simply to highlight the National Culture Consciousness I observed in China amongst its teaming youth population.
Because of how cordial the young man was with me, I mistook him for an adult and asked him for a pub where I could ease off. The young man cheerful replied to me and said he’s a minor and by law, he’s not allowed to have such discussions with me…I froze, I just had to.
To make my new foreign friend happy, I would in his shoes simply point at the bars around, but that was not him, he knew the law and didn’t want to flout it. Then again I offered him a tip after my meal, tips elsewhere are a ritual almost like a compulsory part of a bill, he also declined and told me in clear terms that in China, my satisfaction mattered more to him than my tip, that it is their culture.
While I cannot generalise with this isolated case in McDonald in Changsha, it is a strong indication of a strong national orientation anchored on shared values and rooted in excellence where hard work and diligence take priority over rent-seeking and frivolity, a similar social orientation promoted in Nigeria by Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, Executive Governor of Anambra State.
Did I mention that there’s an emerging zinger in China now? Your guess is as good as mine…”America second!”
Ozo Ossy Onuko the MD Awka Capital Territory Development Authority ACTDA, wrote from China.
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