The convener of the CountryFirst Movement and a prominent advocate for good governance,
Professor Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, has extended warm birthday wishes to the governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as he marked his 53rd birthday anniversary.
In a press statement on Monday, Prof. Nwaokobia praised Governor Mbah’s leadership, describing him as a distinguished lawyer with a deep interest in the maritime sector, a financial analyst, and a former Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited—one of Nigeria’s leading players in the oil and gas sector.
He highlighted Mbah’s decision to transition from private enterprise to public service, emphasising his commitment to making a lasting impact on Enugu State.
“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,” Nwaokobia stated.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Mbah has embarked on an ambitious transformation of Enugu State. According to Nwaokobia, Mbah has stayed true to his campaign promises, turning Enugu into “a huge construction site” with infrastructural projects, urban development, and governance reforms.
“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,” he said.
Nwaokobia further underscored the bipartisan recognition Mbah has received, noting that despite being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his work has drawn praise from leaders across party lines, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while commissioning some of the wonderful projects of Governor Peter Mbah, was emphatic about his commitment to making a difference and revolutionizing leadership. The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, also praised the Action Governor of Enugu State for demonstrating how good leadership can transform a state,”Nwaokobia remarked.
Nwaokobia described Governor Mbah as a leader deeply committed to making a difference—an ethos he termed “MAD” (Making A Difference).
“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,” he said.
He went on to outline the governor’s key initiatives across various sectors where Mbah has made development; Construction of roads, ultra-modern infrastructure, and statewide pipe-borne water projects, establishment of modern medical facilities in wards and local government areas, development of smart schools and improved learning infrastructure, and expansion of social amenities across the state.
Others included the establishment of the Enugu State Crime Control Centre, which enables real-time monitoring of crime and rapid response by law enforcement agencies, and promotion of foreign direct investment through projects such as an international conference center, a five-star hotel, the cargo section of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, and the revitalization of Nike Lake Resort.
Nwaokobia recounted an interaction with Mbah just days after his inauguration, where the governor assured him of his resolve to leave an indelible mark on Enugu State.
“I was opportune to share a moment with Governor Peter Mbah three days after he was sworn in, and when I enjoined him to make sure 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.”
Governor Mbah’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recently, he was named ‘Governor of the Year 2024’ by ThisDay and Arise TV, a recognition of his progressive policies and developmental strides.
“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 his watch,” Nwaokobia wrote.
He also challenged other state governors to emulate Mbah’s commitment to governance, stating that leadership is only meaningful when it prioritise the welfare of the people.
“No state in today’s Nigeria has the level of pipe-borne water projects ongoing in Enugu State. No state 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 centers and facilities that he is constructing. Indeed, under the watch of Governor Peter Mbah, the FUTURE IS HERE,”he asserted.
Concluding his message, Nwaokobia hailed Governor Mbah as “The People’s Governor” and a “Servant Leader”, urging him to continue his transformative leadership.
“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,” he said.
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