- Safiu Kehinde
Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah, has assured the residents that there will be no slowing down in the speed of transformation witnessed by the state in 2024.
Mbah stated this in his New Year message on Tuesday, reiterating his commitment to inclusive development and all-embracing economic opportunities.
He pledged that the social and economic re-engineering of the state will continue in 2025 with inauguration of projects.
“The high expectations that have arisen as a result of the successes of 2024 are understandable. We cannot afford to temper your expectations with excuses, or by lowering our deliverables.
“So, as we begin 2025, we can rest assured that there will be no tapering down on the social and economic re-engineering we have set off across Enugu State.
“There will be no slowing down to catch our breath because our strong resolve to transform Enugu State has imbued us with the endurance of a marathon runner.
“In a few days, we will witness the inauguration of some projects, including completed Smart Green Schools to the breathtaking International Conference Centre; and Primary Healthcare Centres that expand quality medical care to the remotest locations in our state.
“Others are several kilometers of urban and rural roads and Bus Terminals designed to restore order and dignity to our public transport,” Mbah said.
He said these were significant projects but were just a minuscule representation of his administration’s larger vision for Enugu State.
According to him, the doors of the Smart Schools will open across the entire state, bringing a world of opportunities to the children’s classrooms.
“Through our fully functional Smart Schools, we have caught glimpses of the wholesome transformation that children will experience when exposed to a range of practical and impactful learning.
“We can only marvel at the likely impact, as more students are brought into the pool that guarantees an education that is fit-for-purpose and a skill set that sufficiently prepares them for the evolving global workplace,” he added.
The governor stressed that by September 2025, every child from age 3 to 15 in each of the Smart Schools would have access to world-class free education that would be complemented with a free nourishing meal daily.
Mbah added that his vision to transform Enugu State into a premier destination for living, business, investment, tourism, and grow its economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion remained uncompromisable.
Mbah, however, urged the people of Enugu State and Nigerians to embrace love and empathy as a key ingredient in nation-building.
“The year 2025 will witness the extension of the frontiers of development as we take it literally to the last mile, where the provision of basic amenities can be taken for granted by everyone.
“Let us not be so consumed by personal pursuits to such extent they render us insensitive to the needs of others.
“Let us resolve to never underestimate the power of a small kind deed. Love and empathy are crucial building blocks of every society.
“It is the reason we have carefully structured our development model in a way that is inclusive, and that ensures we’re not growing our economy at the expense of our common humanity.
“I can confidently assure you that we’re on track; we’re carrying everyone along, and will never veer off this track in this New Year.
“May this New Year kindle the fire of love, empathy and charity in our hearts; and banish the toxic air of hate, distrust and cynicism,” he stated.
The governor also thanked the people for their support and hitch-free New Year celebration.