Governor Peter Mbah has called on Enugu residents to embrace ownership of his administration's three-year accomplishments. He made the appeal during a thanksgiving mass at the Government House Chapel on Thursday.
Mbah noted that lasting change requires citizens to actively protect and consolidate progress. Without their commitment, achievements risk being lost, he warned.
The governor highlighted the "Tomorrow is Here" philosophy guiding his work since 2023. He stressed this isn't merely about individual projects scattered across the state.
"We're rebuilding the operating system," Mbah told the congregation. Economic, cultural, and institutional transformation happens layer by layer, he explained.
He painted a stark picture of what reverting to old conditions would mean. Broken roads, gridlock, sit-at-home orders—all would return if progress stalls.
Schools would fall further behind modern standards, he noted. Healthcare facilities would struggle again to meet basic patient needs.
Hotels like Presidential would decay once more, Mbah added. Rural communities would remain isolated by poor infrastructure and weak connectivity.
Technology hubs would vanish before the innovation sector matured. Investment would dry up as national and international attention shifted elsewhere.
"The state begins losing confidence in itself," Mbah warned. "Expectations shrink.
How would that feel?" he asked the congregation pointedly.
With 2027 elections approaching, the governor cautioned against voter complacency. Each choice citizens make will have far-reaching consequences for Enugu's future.
History shows many leaders grow comfortable after early wins, Mbah said. Success can soften discipline and create dangerous momentum.
"We cannot afford that mistake," he declared firmly. Forces threatening serious progress never disappear on their own.
Political brinkmanship, short-term thinking, and financial pressures persist constantly. Geopolitical instability and self-interested individuals pose ongoing threats to development.
The governor called on residents to actively protect what's been built. They must strengthen it, campaign for it, and recruit others to the vision.
"Help them understand why this moment matters," Mbah urged. Citizens should gather around this development effort carefully and deliberately.
Monsignor Obiora Ike, a Catholic priest, commended Mbah's leadership. He said Enugu residents are fortunate to have such an intentional governor.
"God has sent you to be our rescuer," Ike told him. The people see accomplishments but haven't witnessed everything yet.
Mbah doesn't use firefighting approaches to governance, the priest noted. Instead, he plans meticulously and listens to ideas for positive change.
Ike observed infrastructure improvements throughout Enugu during his travels. From the Amah junction to Ezeagu village, potholes have disappeared.
"This is happening everywhere in Enugu," he remarked. Roads that once troubled residents now function properly across the state.
