The people of Idodo Zone, Governor Peter Mbah’s immediate zone in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, have hosted him to a grand civic reception, describing him as “a son in whom they are well pleased,” while also donating N50 million towards the governor’s reelection.
In a separate but equally significant development, the people of Ozalla Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area also converged on the governor’s country home in Owo to express gratitude for his administration’s developmental strides and unanimously endorse his re-election bid in 2027.
Idodo Zone: ‘A Historical Rarity’
Speaking through the Chairman of the organising committee, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, the people of Idodo Zone, comprising Owo, Amechi Idodo, Amankanu, Ubahu, Oruku, and Umuode, said it is “in line with Igbo culture to celebrate a son who distinguishes himself, more so a governor of Mbah’s calibre that had changed the narratives of the state in just three years.”
“We formally say to you, with one voice and one heart: welcome home! It is a historical rarity for a relegated place like ours to spring the surprise of producing a son of this calibre — a son whose leadership, in just three years, has become the envy of states across Nigeria and beyond,” the people declared.
“In three short years, Enugu’s profile as a subnational and regional capital has risen astronomically — and that rise is no accident. It is the fruit of carefully calibrated, deeply strategic thinking by our son, our brother, our kinsman, Governor Mbah.”
List of Achievements in Idodo Zone
Recalling some of Mbah’s accomplishments, Nnajieze asserted that true to his promise, the governor had translated the mantra, “Tomorrow is Here,” from a mere campaign slogan doubted by cynics to a reality that looms large across sectors.
“In just three years, Enugu people are witnessing: State-wide infrastructure and urban renewal. In Idodo zone, we have witnessed roads that set us free — the 14.5km Amechi Idodo–Oruku–Amagunze road, cutting our travel time to a few minutes and letting us reach our LGA headquarters at Amagunze without circling through four other LGAs; and the virgin 40km Owo–Ubahu–Amankanu–Umualor–Ikem dual carriageway, opening doors of commerce we never imagined.”
He also listed 267 Smart Green Schools, 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, five state-of-the-art bus terminals with five more rising, CNG buses, over 2,000 hybrid city taxis, an asphalt plant, Enugu Air, the revamped Hotel Presidential, Nigergas Limited, Enugu United Palm Products Limited, a tech-driven security architecture with a Command and Control Centre, and a 300-bed Enugu International Hospital.
“The list is endless,” Nnajieze added.
Mbah’s Response: ‘The Love Is Palpable’
Responding, a visibly elated Governor Mbah thanked the people for the overwhelming demonstration of love and support.
“The love is palpable. I can feel it. I can touch it. I have no doubt as to where this is flowing from. It is flowing from the depth of affection and the depth of love you have for me. What you have demonstrated here today is real. It is organic. It is not fabricated,” he stated.
The governor attributed his success in office to the values instilled in him by his people, also expressing happiness that this had greatly changed unlike 25 years ago when he had to abandon his vehicle and trek over 2km during campaigns.
“Today, we have not only built roads and bridges, but we have equally built confidence. We have demonstrated that your circumstances of birth does not restrict you,” he said.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of the revered Ofo symbol by traditional rulers of Idodo Zone, led by Igwe Godwin Arum, as a mark of satisfaction with the governor’s leadership and a symbolic endorsement of his continuation in office for another four years.
Ozalla Community Endorses Mbah
Meanwhile, the people of Ozalla Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area have also thrown their weight behind Governor Mbah’s re-election, with the President General of Ozalla Development Union (ODU), Chief Obiora Okwuibe, praising the governor for his visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and transformational interventions.
Okwuibe particularly appreciated the governor for facilitating the appointment of Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, SAN, as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, alongside the appointments of Dan Nwomeh, Prof. Uchenna Agu, and Francis Aninwike.
The community also commended the administration for key projects in Ozalla, including the functional Smart Green School, the ongoing Type II Primary Healthcare Centre, the renovation of the old Ozalla Health Centre, and the Ituku–Ishi Ozalla road project.
Okwuibe lamented that successive administrations had overlooked the internal roads linking the various parts of the community.
“Although Ozalla may appear adequately served by roads to anyone merely passing through, this impression is misleading. What is visible are largely federal highways that cut across our community. Beyond these major highways, the internal road network linking our autonomous communities, villages, and farmlands remains in a severely dilapidated condition,” he stated.
In a major political declaration, Okwuibe announced Ozalla’s unreserved endorsement of Mbah for a second term.
“We commit ourselves to full political mobilisation across our community, ensuring massive voter turnout and delivering overwhelming support for your re-election,” he stated.
He also reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying, “Accordingly, we pledge to support Your Excellency in 2027 and continue to align with the Federal Government in the spirit of cooperation, continuity, and national development.”
Nweke: ‘Opposition Are Like Flies’
Former Minister of Information, Chief Frank Nweke Jr., who spoke on behalf of the community, said Ozalla’s support for the governor was rooted in conviction and appreciation of his exceptional performance.
According to him, Mbah has demonstrated audacious vision, capacity for implementation, respect for public trust, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.
Throwing his weight behind Mbah’s re-election, Nweke dismissed opposition aspirants as politically insignificant.
“Come 2027, you have our full support. Yes, there could be a few skirmishes here and there, but they are like flies and nothing serious. They do not constitute any threat,” he declared, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Responding, Governor Mbah reiterated that his administration’s development philosophy is anchored on inclusivity, equity, and ensuring that no community is left behind.
“If Ozalla is strong, Enugu is strong; if Enugu is strong, the region is strong, and if the region is strong, the country is strong,” the governor stated.
Mbah assured the community that after the ongoing major investments in education and healthcare, his administration would embark on aggressive road infrastructure development across rural communities, with plans to construct about 1,250 kilometres of roads annually.
Other speakers at the Idodo event included former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, represented by Hon. Ejike Anih; Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Sydney Edeh; Chairman, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Banko Okibe; Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih; Executive Chairman, Enugu State Tourism Board, Dame Rita Mbah; former Council Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Pastor Sam Iyiogwe; and community leader, Dr. George Nwachi.
The Ozalla delegation included the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, SAN; former National Commissioner of INEC, Barr. Victor Chukwuani; and the traditional ruler of Ishi-Ozalla Autonomous Community, Igwe Sylvanus Okeke, among others.