Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Peter Mbah, says his administration has upgraded the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences ( SUMAS) Igbo-Ano ,Udenu Local Government Area of the state to a Teaching hospital status, to enable medical students of the University go for Clinicals.in the teaching hospital without having to go elsewhere for it.
He made this known,Monday,17November, while presenting a Keynote address at the Fourth Diocesan Synod of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu held at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu.
Presenting the Keynote address on the topic , “Promoting a Productive Economy in Enugu State., ” Governor Mbah highlighted his achievements so far , noting that all his administration has achieved would not have been possible if insecurity was not tackled.
He said on assumption of office two years ago, his administration confronted the illegal sit-at-home order, . deployed advanced surveillance technology through the Command and Control Centre, and reduced crime by more than 80 percent.
He said Five local Government areas in the state and 23 camps where criminals were using as hideouts were identified and insecurity in the identified areas tackled. Governor Mbah added that the fight against insecurity would be intensified and taken to the rural areas. He disclosed that additional local government areas will be identified for deployment of advanced surveillance technology..
The Governor said 260 farm estates were being established in the 260 political wards to flush out criminals in the areas and boost agriculture.
He announced partnership with other states, disclosing that they were establishing a joint command and control center for intelligence sharing.
Mbah also said his administration fought the illegal sit-at- home and “Mondays are fully active and investors are returning “.
Highlighting other achievements, Governor Mbah said his administration constructed over 1,300 kilometres roads, constructed five modern bus terminals, purchased 200 CNG buses with digital ticketing, to save coat, launched the Enugu Air Lines, built 260 Smart Green schools and 260 Type two Primary Health Care Centers in 260 political wards..He allocated 33% of the state annual budget to Education
According to Governor Mbah, his administration invested hugely in health sector and has reduced maternal and under-5 mortality by over 80 percent.
He also told the gathering that moribund industries were revitalised and his administration also embarked on massive housing programme. He announced that 15,000 units houses will be delivered in 2026.
Priests at the Synod.
Governor Mbah added that the state government established tractor assembly plant in Enugu to support mechanised agriculture.
Dwelling on the topic ,”Promoting a Productive Economy in Enugu State,” he said on assumption of office he set a target of growing the GDP of Enugu state from $4.4bn to $30bn, to place the state among the Nigeria’s top three economies, and drastically reduce poverty, which was necessary for sustainable development.
According to the Governor, Enugu’s internally generated revenue has grown by over 450 percent within two years, He said it was achieved by plugging leakages and reviving long-abandoned state-owned moribund industries. He explained that the resuscitated assets and other newly founded businesses are now contributing to the state’s economic expansion and job creation.
His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan praying for Gov Mbah and his workers
Governor Mbah added that the recent economic statistics already placed Enugu among Nigeria’s top-tier states, while the benefits of the reforms are visible across sectors.
He announced the building of a new Enugu city, noting that rebuilding Enugu into a modern, competitive, and crime-free state, anchored on security, productivity, transparency, good governance, and strong partnership with the Church.
Mbah described Synod as a sacred moment for introspection, particularly as his administration approaches its third anniversary, He said leadership to him is stewardship and that government and the Church share a common mission such as building a just, humane, and thriving society for the progress of humanity.
Calling for more support from the church, Governor Mbah thanked the Catholic Church for being an indispensable partner in education, health, morality, and youth development. He called for a closer collaboration, stressing that a productive economy requires ethical leaders and honest citizens whose values the Church continually nurtures.
Fielding question from Emeritus Archbishop Valentine Obinna of Owerri Diocese on abolition of caste system( Osu, and Oru) in Enugu state, Governor Mbah assured that partnering with the church, traditional rulers , caste system will be abolished in Enugu state
Dignitaries present at the Synod were the Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Abuja, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; the Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Owerri, Archbishop Anthony John Valentine Obinna; the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev( Dr ). Callistus Onaga; the Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo; ,Priests, the Religious , the laity among others.
