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Peter Mbah At 53: The Man And The Public Servant Living True To The Mantra The Future Is Here
He was born some 53 years ago precisely the 17th day of March, 1972. Like most great leaders in this clime he shares a common Zodiac space with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, with Prof Yemi Osinbajo, with yours sincerely, and with several other leaders and molders of thought whose Zodiac call is Pieces.
Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is a Lawyer with great interest in the Maritime sector, he is a Financial Analyst, and was the Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited which is one of the most successful players in the Oil and Gas sector. He got to the pinnacle in his private business, BUT understanding however that one of the greatest vehicles of positive impact is political power geared at the common good. He chose to impact Enugu State like no one before him. Yes, he ran for political office and was elected Governor of Enugu in 2023.
Since he was sworn in as the Governor of Enugu State on the 29th day of May 2023, Enugu State has become a huge construction site. Peter Mbah has lived true to the promises he made Ndi’Enugu. He has redefined governance with his ‘can-do’ disposition. To him the FUTURE IS HERE, and indeed Peter Mbah is a leader like no other.
One State has become the lead example of how the support for good Governance and profound leadership can be bi-partisan. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is the Leader of the All Progressive Congress APC whilst commissioning some of the wonderful projects of Governor Peter Mbah was emphatic about the commitment of Governor Peter Mbah to Making A Difference and revolutionising leadership. The Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima was at a forum in Enugu State not too long ago, and praised the Action Governor of Enugu State for showing how good leadership can transform a State. Take note Folks that Governor Peter Mbah belongs to a rival Party the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, but his strides in leadership defines a people’s predilection to Bi-partisan applaud for remarkable leadership. Yes, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is a shining light, and he is unarguably the Star-Boy of the Fourth Republic.
The young man who is 53 years today maintains that his calling in leadership is to MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ENUGU STATE (MAD IN ENUGU STATE), and he is remarkably MAD (Making A Difference) in just about everything that defines good governance. Yes, in the league of performing Governors, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is a homo sequentum.
Peter Mbah is MAD about Infrastructural Development with the spread of Good Roads, ultra-modern infrastructure and Pipe-borne Water across the State. He is MAD about Healthcare with modern medical facilities springing up in the Wards and Local Government Areas of the State. His unalterable commitment is to make life better for Ndi’Enugu, and his creed is THE FUTURE IS HERE.
Peter Mbah is MAD about Education with Smart Schools and Improved learning infrastructure becoming the new norm in Enugu State. He is MAD about Urban and Rural Development. He is MAD about Wealth Creation, Skill Development, Agriculture, and Foreign Direct Investment for which an International Conference Centre, A complimenting Five Star Hotel, the Cargo Section of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, the repositioning of the Nike Lake Resort and many other world-class touristic and business enabling facilities are feats of the Enugu State government under the watch of Governor Peter Mbah.
Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is MAD about the Security of Lives and Property, for which he set up the ultra-modern and sophisticated Enugu State Crime Control Centre from where premium time intervention in Crime Control is prime. From the Control Centre all the flashpoints of crime and violence are monitored, and within 5 minutes of any untoward action the Law Enforcement Agencies in the State are triggered to attend and put any untoward situation under control.
The Peter Mbah Government in pursuing a better secured State has supported the Security Agencies with Vehicles and several crime prevention facilities. The Government has also set up a Security Fund to augment State funding for improved security and expertise. To Governor Peter Mbah the task of securing and protecting Ndi’Enugu is the chief responsibility of his government.
I was opportuned to share a moment with Governor Peter Mbah 3 days after he was sworn in as the Governor of Enugu State, and when I enjoined him to make sure that he leaves his footprint on the sands of time, he retorted ‘Prof I am not just going to do that, I’m here to MAKE A DIFFERENCE’. And the difference is lucid as Enugu State is scoring remarkable firsts in several aspects of leadership in the Country.
Peter Mbah has done great in so many ways, and there are several mind-blowing and eye popping infrastructure in today’s Enugu State thanks to the enterprising commitment of the Governor and his Team.
The media is awash with the verifiable feats of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Partisans and non-partisans alike are awe-struck by the awe-inspiring strides of Enugu State under the watch of Governor Peter Mbah. Just a few weeks ago he was named the Governor of the Year 2024 by the Thisday and Arise TV Group. To the ebullient Governor of Enugu State the reward for good work, is more work, and such is the spirit and the commitment of the Peter Mbah led government.
Need I inform naysayers that no State in today’s Nigeria has the level of Pipe Borne Water Projects ongoing in today’s Enugu State. No State in Nigeria has the type of Smart Schools that Governor Peter Mbah is building across the State. And no State in Nigeria has the kind of Medical Centres and Facilities that Governor Peter Mbah is building across Enugu State. Indeed under the watch of Governor Peter Mbah the FUTURE IS HERE.
I celebrate Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as he turns 53 years today, and urge him to continue to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in Enugu State. I commend his commitment to servant leadership. And challenge him to continue to redefine governance in Enugu State, for clearly Enugu State is unarguably one of the best governed States in today’s Nigeria, if not the very best.
Finally, I must challenge other State Governors to deeper commitment to the common good, for leadership is only true and right where the greatest number are catered to.
Happy Birthday to The People’s Governor. Happy 53rd Birthday to the Servant Leader whose resolve is THE FUTURE IS HERE. Enjoy Your Day, My Dear Brother.
Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVEMENT. A Good Governance Advocacy Group.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has announced that more than 4,000 women have benefited from the Federal Government’s free Cesarean section (C-section) initiative since its inauguration.
Pate disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a media conference marking the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Innovating for Safer Birth: A Collective Responsibility to Crash Maternal Mortality,” with the slogan “Care for Moms, Hope for the Babies.”
Celebrated annually on April 11, Safe Motherhood Day aims to raise awareness about maternal health.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in November 2024, Pate revealed that the Federal Government would offer free C-sections for all women in need, as part of efforts to reduce maternal mortality.
This initiative is part of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project, which aims to improve access to quality healthcare and reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates.
Pate emphasized that the government was committed to ensuring no woman dies during childbirth and that every newborn receives the care and dignity they deserve.
He outlined several ongoing government efforts to ensure safe deliveries, including the Health Sector Renewal Investment initiative, which addressed long-standing challenges in the health system.
“Under this initiative, we have strengthened the Primary Health Care system to ensure better access to quality maternal, newborn, and child health services.
“We are scaling up Comprehensive Emergency Maternal, Obstetric, and Newborn Care, especially for indigent and vulnerable populations.
“More than 4,000 women have already received cesarean sections, treated, and reimbursed through the National Health Insurance Authority’s emergency obstetric care programme,” Pate explained.
He said that the government had also expanded coverage of skilled birth attendants in underserved areas and broadened health insurance coverage.
“The National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System has been strengthened, with 23 states empaneled.
“Additionally, the Free Fistula Programme, offering free repair, care, and transportation, is currently active in 15 facilities.”
Pate noted that these reforms were already showing positive results, with improved health indicators in several states.
Addressing the theme of Safe Motherhood Day, Pate called on all Nigerians to take responsibility for ensuring safer childbirth for every woman, regardless of her background or location.
Country Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Walter Mulombo, also spoke on behalf of development partners.
He emphasised that safe motherhood started with comprehensive health security and called for continued investment in maternal and newborn health services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
He urged the government to enact and uphold laws that would protect women’s and children’s health rights, including maternity protection and access to sexual and reproductive health services.
The event culminated in the launch of key policy and guideline documents aimed at advancing safe motherhood.
These included the Safe Motherhood Strategy (2024-2028), Guidelines for Managing Postpartum Hemorrhage, Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Guidelines, Essential Gynaecological Skills Manuals, and the National Training Manual for Obstetric Fistula Management.
NAN also reports that these documents underscore the government’s commitment to building a resilient, people-centered health system that proactively addresses maternal health challenges.(NAN)
Zamfara State Elders Forum has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal Dare for attempting to take credit for recent security improvements in the region, accusing him of political opportunism and failing to deliver on campaign promises.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Zamfara Elders Forum, through its secretary Dr Alhaji Umaru Yusuf Tsafe, described the governor’s actions as “misleading” and a display of “inconsistency and opportunism.”
The group alleged that Lawal had reneged on his 2023 election pledge to end insecurity in Zamfara within a month, instead shifting blame to the federal government when the situation worsened under his leadership.
“Governor Lawal rode into office on the back of promises he has completely failed to deliver,” Tsafe said, noting that the governor had previously campaigned by blaming his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, for the state’s insecurity.
“Once in office, he claimed he lacked the resources to act, exposing his lack of foresight and leadership.”
The elders further accused Lawal of attempting to claim credit for recent security breakthroughs, which they attributed to the efforts, of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu,
National Security Adviser malam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, and CDS musa
“Governor Lawal neither provided meaningful support nor initiated these operations,” the statement read, labelling his actions as “political desperation.”
The forum urged the people of Zamfara to demand accountability from their leaders, stressing that the state deserves “a governor who is honest, consistent, and genuinely committed to their safety.”
They condemned Lawal’s approach as exploitative, accusing him of seeking to benefit politically from the achievements of others.
Suspected Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) on Mandafuma bridge, along Biu-Damboa road in Borno state.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said the incident occurred at about 2 am on Tuesday.
Makama said the explosion was aimed at hindering military reinforcements traveling through the area, and to disrupt the movement of motorists and passengers along the route.
Some images released by the publication show severe damage to the bridge which links Mandafuma village and Biu town.
On April 12, eight travelers were killed following an IED explosion on the Maiduguri-Damboa road in Borno state.
The incident which involved a commercial bus heading to Maiduguri from Damboa left 11 other persons severely injured.
Similarly, on March 21, four passengers were killed and four others injured after an IED exploded under a commercial vehicle in Biu LGA of the state.
The vehicle was said to have stepped on the IED upon reaching Sabon Garin, Kimba junction, leading to a massive explosion that killed on the spot four passengers, including three females and a male.