Former Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Engr. Ejike Itodo, has commended Governor Peter Mbah’s Smart School initiative, describing it as a groundbreaking and forward-thinking educational project that should not be left to government alone.
Engr. Itodo made the remarks while speaking with EverydayNewsNGR shortly after the 2026 Festival of a first-class traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Dr.) Simeon Osisi Itodo, JP, of Aji-Essodo Ancient Kingdom.
He praised Governor Mbah for personally attending the cultural event and lauded the Smart School project, which is being developed across Enugu State’s 260 wards, as a major step toward experiential learning, innovation, and educational transformation.
According to him, the project represents one of the most innovative education initiatives in the country and sets a new benchmark for learning infrastructure.
Engr. Itodo called on host communities, private individuals, and stakeholders to take ownership of their respective Smart Schools by providing security, moral, and material support to ensure the success and sustainability of the initiative.
He also urged community leaders and stakeholders to help spread awareness of the Mbah administration’s development programmes at the grassroots, noting that visible performance would reduce the need for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, the Igbo-Eze United Forum for Development (IUFD), led by High Chief Festus Oshaba Onuh (Ikenga Ezikeoba), High Chief Rowland Ayogu (Ibobo Ezikeoba), and Chief Chirote Odo (Odoziobodo) commended Governor Mbah for honouring the occasion reassuring him of their total support.
The forum appreciated the governor for ongoing development projects across Enugu State and appealed to him to consider upgrading Ogurute Stadium to a standard sports facility in his second term to promote sports development and talent discovery.
During the event, Governor Mbah unveiled Okosis, a book written in honour of the traditional ruler. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to traditional institutions and cultural heritage, describing such support as deliberate and strategic.
“Traditional institutions preserve identity, transmit values, promote peace, and unlock opportunities in tourism, creative enterprise, and local economies,” the governor said.
“As we build a new Enugu that is secure, prosperous, and culturally confident, we will continue to honour our custodians of tradition and invest in platforms that celebrate who we are and where we are going.”
