Mbah Presents Manifesto Scorecard as Hon. Ukwueze, 16 Other LG Chairmen Pledge Support for Grassroots Development

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ENUGU — Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has presented a mid-term performance update on his administration’s manifesto and social contract, with the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hon. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, highlighting projects and policy initiatives across education, healthcare, agriculture, aviation, tourism and energy.

Ukwueze, who is also the Executive Chairman of Igboeze South Local Government Area, disclosed that the 17 local government chairmen in the state had unanimously adopted the governor’s manifesto as a shared social contract, pledging to work with the state government to deepen development at the grassroots.

The presentation brought together political leaders, members of the clergy, traditional rulers, organised private sector representatives and other stakeholders from the 17 local government areas to review the administration’s progress and development priorities.

In his remarks, Ukwueze commended the administration’s initiatives, particularly in education, where he highlighted the construction of 268 Smart Green Schools across the state’s 312 wards, alongside investments in technical education and software development to equip young people with relevant skills.

He also cited the development of Enugu’s aviation ecosystem, the establishment of compressed natural gas (CNG) bus terminals to improve urban transportation, and renewed investments in agriculture and agro-industrial production as key components of the state’s economic development agenda.

According to him, the revitalisation of United Palm Products Limited, backed by an investment of more than N100 billion in the palm plantation ecosystem, represents a major component of the state’s efforts to revive economic activities and expand productive capacity.

He further highlighted the return of Sunrise Flour Mills to full operation through a public-private partnership and backward integration model, as well as the development of an abattoir and ranch for animal husbandry and protein processing for domestic consumption and export.

The ongoing cargo terminal project, he said, would complement the state’s aviation infrastructure and strengthen its economic connectivity.

On energy and solid minerals, Ukwueze said the administration’s partnership with the Bureau of Public Enterprises had opened a pathway towards developing Enugu’s coal resources, noting that the state was preparing to unveil a new energy economy at Amansiodo following the securing of an investor.

He said the administration’s healthcare programme was equally significant, citing the construction and equipping of 260 Type Two Primary Healthcare Centres across the state’s wards and the recruitment of 2,250 health personnel to address manpower shortages and improve round-the-clock service delivery.

Ukwueze also pointed to the establishment of advanced diagnostic services, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiology, computed tomography (CT) scans and mammography, as part of efforts to strengthen specialised healthcare and reduce the need for residents to seek treatment outside the state.

The ALGON chairman said the government’s tourism development plans included six tourism sites, the repositioning of the historic Nsude Pyramid, the proposed Cross of Hope project linking Ahum Monastery to Okpatu Hill, and the development of Ovu Lake Resort, Akpofu lakeside and Akwuke Beach Resort.

He also referenced plans for a cable car, observatory, golf facilities, residential units and other tourism infrastructure, describing the initiatives as part of a broader investment drive aimed at positioning Enugu as a destination for tourism, business and cultural engagement.

The administration’s efforts to attract hospitality investments, including the Marriott brand and four branded hotels in Enugu, were also highlighted as part of the state’s ongoing infrastructure and economic expansion.

During the event, attendees reportedly broke into chants of “More four years” and sang the solidarity anthem, “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand,” following the presentation. The response, according to the statement, reflected the enthusiasm of participants, although the gathering’s reactions do not by themselves establish wider public opinion across the state.

Ukwueze also acknowledged the role of religious institutions in the state, stating that 66 dioceses had honoured Mbah in recognition of his leadership and relationship with the faith community.

Ukwueze clarifies taxation concerns

On taxation, the ALGON chairman defended the administration’s ongoing reforms, explaining that the charges under discussion largely involved statutory fees relating to utilities, land use, tenement rates and service charges, rather than newly introduced taxes.

He said the government had pledged to publish harmonised charges for public scrutiny and urged residents to examine the proposed framework as part of efforts to address concerns over taxation.

Ukwueze further stated that, under legislative measures by the Enugu State House of Assembly aimed at curbing multiple taxation, the presumptive tax for small businesses had been pegged at N36,000 annually, with no additional fee under the arrangement he described.

He maintained that the reforms were intended to simplify the tax system, improve transparency and provide a more predictable operating environment for small businesses.

The ALGON chairman also cited an increase in the state’s internally generated revenue from N25 billion to N400 billion, describing the reported growth as evidence of the administration’s revenue mobilisation efforts.

The figures were presented in the statement as part of the administration’s performance claims.

17 council chairmen adopt manifesto

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Ukwueze said all 17 local government chairmen had adopted the governor’s manifesto as a common framework for delivering measurable development outcomes.

He said the agreement would require the councils to align their programmes with the state government’s development priorities while retaining their responsibilities under the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

According to him, the local governments must play an active role in translating the state’s development agenda into practical benefits for communities through improved service delivery, infrastructure and economic opportunities.

He stressed that the manifesto should be treated as a shared responsibility involving both the state and local governments, with measurable key performance indicators serving as a basis for tracking progress.

Ukwueze called on residents to support the administration’s development programmes, arguing that sustained collaboration between the state government and local councils would be necessary to consolidate ongoing projects and expand their impact.

He said the collective commitment of the 17 council chairmen was aimed at institutionalising development and strengthening Enugu’s attractiveness to investors.

“Enugu is growing, Enugu is rising,” Ukwueze declared, reaffirming the local government chairmen’s commitment to working with the state government to advance development across the state.

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