Governor of Enugu state, Dr Peter Mbah has advised the people of the State to protect the gains so far achieved in the state, warning that years of progress in infrastructure, security, transportation, healthcare and investment could easily be reversed if residents fail to defend the gains already achieved.
He gave the advice on Friday in his speech during his administration ‘s three years in office thanksgiving mass organised by the Enugu state Government at the Government House chapel,Enugu.
The governor, who reflected on his journey since assuming office in 2023, said the signing of the Citizens’ Charter symbolised a commitment to restore public confidence in governance, adding that his administration came into office at a time when many citizens had lost faith in public institutions due to years of unfulfilled promises.
His words,”the Charter was about trust, about rebuilding faith in public office and creating a service-centred mindset.
“Three years ago, much of this journey depended on vision, thought, and the willingness of people to take a chance on a new direction. Today, people can now see the change around them in daily life.”
Mbah highlighted achievements of his administration in education, technology, transportation, healthcare, security, and infrastructure, noting that the state was gradually positioning itself as a hub for the new energy economy.
According to him, schools in the state were introducing technology-driven learning, exposing young people to robotics, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and science.
The governor added the improvements in transportation and connectivity, road projects, transport terminals, and air links connecting Enugu to major cities, stressing that sustainable development would depend on citizens protecting and sustaining the progress already achieved.
“The future of this state cannot depend on one administration or one political movement alone. It must be rooted in public culture and in the way communities protect what has been built,” he said.
He urged residents to remain united and focused on long-term development, warning against political distractions and selfish interests capable of undermining the state’s progress.
“Education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, technology, investment, and public trust are the foundations that will sustain us,” he said.
Highlighting some of his achievements and the reasons why the transformation in the state should be protected and sustained, , Governor Mbah declared that “Tomorrow Is Here” must no longer remain a government slogan but a collective mission owned by Ndi Enugu.
The Holy mass
He added that his administration was rebuilding “the operating system” of Enugu through reforms that were changing both the physical outlook of the state and the mindset of the people after years of broken promises and declining public confidence.
According to him, children are now learning robotics, coding and artificial intelligence in smart schools, healthcare services are becoming more accessible, rural roads are opening up communities, while residents commute in air-conditioned CNG buses equipped with Wi-Fi.
He added that projects such as the revival of the International Conference Centre and Hotel Presidential, alongside the launch of Enugu Air and the expansion of technology and innovation ecosystems, were positioning Enugu as a modern economic hub attractive to both local and foreign investors
“We are rebuilding the operating system of this state. A different future is being constructed layer by layer — economically, culturally and institutionally,” he stated.
The governor warned residents against returning to what he called the “dark days” of failed roads, insecurity, economic stagnation, sit-at-home paralysis, collapsing infrastructure and disappearing investments.
“What would you fight to keep? What would you protect for your children and for the generations coming after us?” the governor asked.
Mbah said visible achievements across the state were products of years of planning, negotiations, legal battles and difficult policy decisions that often remained unseen by the public.
The governor, however, cautioned supporters against complacency ahead of future political contests, saying history was full of societies that abandoned progress by “relaxing too early.”
In his homily, Monsignor Professor Obiora Ike, who represented the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus Onaga, commended Governor Mbah for the good works he was doing in Enugu State . He in a special way , commended the Governor for the cordial relationship that exists between him and his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who was present at the Holy mass.
Monsignor Ike described their relationship as a symbol of political maturity and unity needed for sustainable development. He emphasised the importance of unity, humility, and surrounding leadership with sincere and competent advisers. He noted that governance succeeded when leaders work with people committed to the common good.
The Cleric commended the transformation drive of the government and urged Nigerians to become agents of positive change. He added that the society could not continue to complain about darkness without making efforts to create light through responsible leadership and service “We cannot continue to curse darkness. We must light a candle,” he declared.
The cleric added that true development was driven not merely by wealth or natural resources, but by leaders and citizens guided by faith, humility, common sense and a commitment to transforming society positively.
He observed that in Enugu State, many projects now visible across the state once appeared impossible to residents after years of disappointment and failed promises.
“This is a government we can say is intentional in the things it does,” he said while praying for peace, unity and continued renewal in the state and the country.
The thanksgiving mass was attended by the i Clergymen, Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical province and Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Reverend Sostenance Eze, Methodist Bishop of Enugu, Most Reverend Christopher Edeh, members of Christian Association of Nigeria,CAN, immediate past governor of Enugu state,Rt. Hon. Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, the Chief of staff, Victor Udeh, top government officials, workers, and the political class.
