The government stated that such a move contradicts the Mbah Administration’s determined effort to boost investment, business and productivity in the state, and therefore does not have the government’s blessing.

The government made its position known in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, on Friday.

It said that people should feel free to go about their businesses, a predisposition it said prompted the decision of Mbah Administration to end illegal Monday sit-at-home effective June 5, 2023.

The statement equally maintained that political association remains an individual right and choice, saying participation in the Saturday rally and subsequent rallies by any group should never truncate businesses or involve any form of compulsion.

“The attention of the Enugu State Government has been drawn to an alleged plan to shut markets in the state capital as a demonstration of solidarity with the Enugu East zonal rally to drum up support for His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, ahead of the 2027 general election.

“While the government appreciates the enormous demonstration of goodwill by traders across the state, it frowns, however, at any attempt by any market leader to shut down major markets in the Enugu East Senatorial District on account of the planned rally.

“This is not only contrary to the administration’s vision and drive to grow Enugu State’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, and also to position the state as the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living, but also the decision of the administration to ban illegal sit-at-home effective June 5, 2023.

“Furthermore, the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of association and assembly. Thus, nothing should be seen to detract from these rights in this or future rallies by any group whatsoever.

“For emphasis, political participation should be voluntary and without any attempt to deny the people access to markets or other public spaces where they earn their daily living.

“Therefore, members of the public, particularly leaderships of various markets in the state should take note, please, as government will not hesitate to impose sanctions on any action to the contrary,” the statement read.

If you wanted to verify a property, pay a housing fee, or secure a Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O), you had to brace yourself for a labyrinth of manual paperwork, missing files, unexpected delays, and the inevitable “come back tomorrow.”

But in Enugu State, that script is being aggressively rewritten.

The Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC), historically a traditional state agency, is undergoing a quiet digital transformation.

It is fast becoming a case study in how state-level bureaucracy can swap legacy inefficiencies for modern GovTech systems.

At the center of this transformation is a newly launched digital land transaction and documentation system.

Introduced under Governor Dr. Peter Mbah’s broader governance modernization agenda, the platform is designed to take the friction out of the housing sector.

Property verification, workflow coordination, digital payments, and C-of-O issuance are all migrating from dusty filing cabinets to the cloud.

Enugu Housing Corporation Digitises Land Transactions

But ask anyone in the tech ecosystem, and they will tell you that software is only half the battle. Digital transformation in the public sector rarely fails because the code is bad; it fails because institutional culture rejects it. Tools are only as good as the systems, and people, built around them.

Enter Adenike Okebu.

Injecting Corporate Rigor into Public Service

Okebu’s profile reads less like a career civil servant and more like a high-flying corporate strategist.

With a professional background that spans EY Nigeria, Deloitte, BUA Group, Platform Capital, and Pinnacle Oil and Gas, she brings a formidable mix of Big Four audit rigor, venture ecosystem understanding, and corporate financial governance to the table.

In the world of governance reform, this kind of talent crossover matters. When governments try to deploy technology without first restructuring their operations, they simply end up digitizing chaos.

Industry observers note that Okebu’s work behind the scenes at ESHDC, focusing on audit-driven reforms, plugging revenue leakages, and introducing corporate-grade accountability structures, is what actually paved the way for the corporation’s digital migration. By auditing the operational frameworks first, the corporation built a transparent foundation capable of supporting a modern digital infrastructure.

The Bigger Picture: Investor Confidence

For Enugu State, this isn’t just an internal IT project; it’s an economic strategy. By cleaning up records management, tightening revenue collection, and eliminating manual bottlenecks, ESHDC is attempting to solve a major pain point for the private sector: trust.

For domestic real estate developers and international investors alike, a transparent, predictable digital registry is the ultimate green flag.

The early results are already showing up in improved internal workflows, better data coordination, and a noticeable shift in public trust. ESHDC is transitioning from a traditional housing agency into a model of institutional modernization.

As the tech ecosystem watches states like Lagos and Kaduna lead the GovTech charge, Enugu’s structured, audit-first approach to digital transformation offers a compelling new blueprint: sustainable governance isn’t just about launching apps, it’s about building institutional accountability, one audited process at a time.

Mbah, however, stressed that the onus was on governments at all levels to build the requisite ecosystems that would enable youths to discover and actualise their potentials.

The governor gave the exhortations in his keynote address during the opening of the Joshua Generation International Youth Conference 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event themed “Rooted in Christ,” and orgnaised by the Anglican Communion (Church of Nigeria), he urged the youths to hold on to their dreams and stretch their imagination.

He reminded them that their imagination should no longer be only about personal ambition, but also should serve as a tool for transformation, ensuring that their potentials were guided by purpose and not scattered by circumstances.

“Yet, we have to admit: There will be moments when the path is unclear; moments when the effort feels heavy; moments when doubt sets in.

“It is easy to look at the world and lose hope – the wars, the instability, the sense that things are breaking up faster than they are being built.

“But losing hope is not an option. As the Canadian singer, Leonard Cohen, puts it, it is through the cracks that the light gets in,” he admonished.

The governor further urged the youths to follow the path of integrity, service and humility as critical virtues for a successful life.

“Success is measured not only by what you gain – but by what you give. We must raise leaders who are guided not only by ambition, but also by values; not only by intelligence but also by integrity and courage.

“The raw material of greatness is humility and service. If we don’t have these traits, we’re not likely to end well,” he said.

He charged them to face life with courage in the face of changing global environment and challenging circumstances.

“The story of Joshua in the scripture is one of courage, vision, and unwavering faith in the face of daunting challenges. That is the spirit we must cultivate in our young people today – a spirit that says, ‘We are well able to overcome,’” he added.

Mbah said his government was building the needed ecosystem for Enugu youths to thrive, warning that the nation’s and Africa’s enormous youth population and energy could be destructive if not well equipped.

“For too long, the journey of a young person has been limited. You pass through education, and then step into a world that does not know what to do with your passion and talent. It is our duty to change that.

“Across Enugu State, Smart Green Schools are being built in every ward -technology-enablefuture-focused environments designed not just to teach, but to prepare you. Designed to build problem-solvers; to develop minds that can engage the world as it is – and reshape it.

“Beyond that, we are building pathways into real opportunity – through technology, enterprise, and innovation – so that what you learn connects directly to how you live and who you help,” Mbah stated.

In his opening charge, the Anglican Primate, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, described the Joshua Generation as “an unstoppable movement, a strategic discipleship intervention of the Church of Nigeria – targeted at young people in their formative and productive years.

“In a time when many are discouraged by unemployment, insecurity, hardship, secularism, resurgence of idolatrous and obnoxious practices, moral decline, and social instability, you must stand strong for the Lord and this Faith,” he charged the youths.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of an award to Dr. Mbah in recognition of his exemplary leadership and support to the youths to actualise their potentials.

Mbah insisted that his administration had grown the states Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, by widening the tax net to bring in more taxable persons, blocked revenue leakages, and tackled sharp practices that hitherto drained public revenues by introducing Consolidated Demand Notice, e-ticketing as well as recovery, optimisation, and monetisation of the state’s assets.

He stressed that the Enugu State Government did not have power to increase or reduce taxes under the 1999 Constitution, as it was the exclusive preserve of the federal government.

The governor provided the clarifications in an exclusive interview aired by Afia Television, Wednesday evening.

“First, as a state, we are not able to legislate on taxation. It is in the exclusive legislative list, which can only be legislated on by the National Assembly. Whether it is your Personal Income Tax, your Company Income Tax, your Value Added Tax or your Withholding Tax, those taxes can only be legislated on by the National Assembly,” he clarified.

Mbah said that those framing the false narratives could not come to terms that his administration could scale up the state’s IGR from N26.8bn the state recorded in 2022 to N37.4bn by the end of 2023, N180.5bn in 2024, and N406.7bn in 2025.

“I think for those framing this false narrative, it is beyond their imagination that we could optimise our dormant assets and grow our revenue exponentially.

“They fail or refuse to take note of the fact that in 2025, for instance, tax revenue accounted for for only N51.5bn or 12.6 per cent of the N406.7bn IGR, while non-tax revenue was N355.2bn or 87.4 per cent,” the governor added.

As for the areas within the states’ competence, such as rates and levies, Mbah explained that his administration had already taken steps to crash the payable amounts for certain services provided by Enugu State Government.

“For those rates and fees, we constituted a committee that also included market leaders, organised labour, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, among others, which went around to get what the other states within the South East were charging. It turned out that Enugu is the lowest in the South East. But that notwithstanding, we crashed that rates even further by 70 per cent especiallyin land sectors,” he stated.

He, however, acknowledged the activities of illegal  revenue collectors, saying the recently passed Enugu State Harmornised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2026, would finally eliminate road blocks and unauthorised collections that have burdened residents of the State.

He added that the government will up enforcement and public enlightenment to checkmate the activities of extortionists.

“Under our laws, we have consolidated all these services and you only just have one payment that you make and you are done with all the services that the government provides.

“Some people still go about extorting money from helpless citizens because this is a practice that has gone on over the years. But we have constituted a standing task force to track and bring them to book.  We also want the citizens to report them. We now have several toll-free lines where citizens can call freely. They do not have to have airtime to place such calls,” he concluded.

Governor Mbah received the honour at the 2025 edition of the Sun Awards, which took place in Lagos at the weekend.

Rendering Mbah’s citation, The Sun said he stood out, breaking barriers and effecting unimaginable transformation in virtually every sector through disruptive innovation and inclusive governance.

According to Neya Kalu, the chairman/publisher of Sun Publishing Limited, while Nigeria was “navigating a demanding era, we must not lose sight of the progress woven into our journey.”

Congratulating Mbah and other awardees for daring to stand out, she averred that the Sun Awards 2025 was special, not just because it was a celebration of excellence, “but because moments like this remind us that even in complex seasons, greatness still rises.”

Presenting the award, Founder and former Chairman/Publisher of Sun Publishing Limited, Senator Orji Uzo Kalu, described Governor Mbah as a man building a new Enugu State and delivering results across all sectors.

“He is a governor who is tilling the ground. I think that is a better way of describing this governor,” he said.

He added that The Sun was conceived as a public trust, hence its apolitical stance in both editorial and awards matters.

“It is owned by the Nigerian people. And that is why The Sun is apolitical,” he stated.

In his acceptance speech, Mbah, who dedicated the award to his team members, however, said he was far from done with building the future the people of Enugu State deserve.

“You know that one is nothing without a team. Therefore, I receive this award on behalf of my team, whose commitment, selfless work ethic, and dedication have continued to translate our bold ideas into visible progress.

“The Sun Awards is proof that leadership is still measured, not merely applauded. So, I want to thank The Sun for upholding the values of credible journalism.

“But our work is not done. So, we are not going to slow down. This award will rather challenge us to continue to do more. We will remain committed to raising the bar of governance, deepening reforms, and delivering the future that Ndi Enugu truly deserve,” he vowed.

Speaking, Chairman of the event, Dr. Allen Onyema, who is also the chairman and CEO of Air Peace, said Mbah’s emergence as Man of the Year 2025 further underscored the credibility of The Sun Awards, as no Nigerian would dispute that he had taken governance to great heights within a very short time.

“The Sun Awards is one of the most credible awards. And when you look at the array of people nominated for the awards, you would agree with me that they merit it.

“You look at my brother, the governor of Enugu State. Who will fault him as Man of the Year? Nobody. He merits what he is getting,” Onyema stated.

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Managing Director of Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, said the awardees were described as uncommon achievers because “in a world where conformity often seems like the easiest option, these individuals have chosen to stand out.

“They have taken risks, confronted challenges head-on, and emerged victorious. Their stories are a testament to the power of human potential, determination, and resilience.

“We proudly call them the ‘Uncommon Achievers’ because they have refused to be defined by the limitations inherent in a developing country like ours, but instead chose to create their own paths to success,” he concluded.

All licensed gaming operators, casinos, and lottery services will now be required to plug their systems directly into a state-run central monitoring hub via API integration.

Gone are the days of manual, end-of-month spreadsheet submissions. The law, which came into force after Governor Peter Mbah‘s assent, establishes a regime of real-time, automated financial transparency that regulators say will eliminate billions in potential lost state revenue.

The “Central Monitoring System”: A Digital Watchdog

Buried within the legal text is a clear directive in the newly passed law, Section 19(g) empowers the Commission to monitor sales and conduct audits by “using information technology, a central monitoring system, standard-based solutions, comprehensive and automated processing.”

Industry insiders and legal analysts confirm this language is a direct order for operators to establish a live Application Programming Interface (API) connection with the Commission.

“What this does is create a direct pipeline from the operator’s server to the regulator’s dashboard,” explained Ejiofor Agada, a Gaming industry consultant based in Abuja specializing in gaming regulations. “Every bet placed, every spin made, every ticket sold, the state will see it simultaneously. It turns the regulator from an auditor into a live observer.”

Why This is a Game-Changer

Historically, a major pain point for gaming regulators globally has been the “black box” of operator data. Calculating Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), the core figure used for taxation, often relied on self-reported numbers submitted long after the fact, leading to disputes, lengthy audits, and potential leakage.

“Poor GGR calculation has been the Achilles’ heel of gaming regulation in many regions,” said Mr. Agada. “Enugu’s law tackles this head-on by making the data stream mandatory and instantaneous. It’s one of the most technologically aggressive regulatory moves we’ve seen in Nigeria.”

The law’s supporting regulations, particularly for casinos and sports betting operators, reinforce this. These cathegory of operators “must have a central computer or such other approved monitoring system, connected to all gaming machines.” This principle of a mandatory “connection” is being interpreted across all gaming verticals.

What Happens if Operators Don’t Comply? The Stakes Are High

The Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission is not asking politely. The law arms it with a formidable arsenal of penalties for non-compliance:

Heavy Fines & Penalties: Beyond standard fines, operators who fail to integrate could face penalties of 15% on top of their full tax bill if their manually submitted numbers are later found lacking.

“Guilty Until Proven Innocent” on Revenue: Without a live feed, the Commission is empowered to treat an operator’s revenue declarations with suspicion and appoint an independent auditor, at the operator’s own expense—to verify the numbers.

License Suspension or Revocation: Most critically, persistent failure to establish the API link is grounds for the Commission to suspend operations or revoke the gaming license entirely. Section 47 allows for revocation if a licensee contravenes any condition of their permit.

“Treat this as a core condition of your license, not a secondary IT project,” advised Agada. “The law frames transparency through integration as fundamental to the privilege of operating.”

Industry Reaction: A Mix of Apprehension and Opportunity

Early reactions from the gaming industry are mixed. Major international operators with experience in European markets, where such systems are common, are likely better prepared.

“We have always advocated for clear, technology-driven regulation,” said a spokesperson for a major international sports betting company operating in Nigeria. “This brings Enugu in line with global best practices for market integrity.”

However, smaller local operators and startups may face a significant technical and financial hurdle. Developing a secure, stable API that meets the Commission’s yet-to-be-published technical standards will require investment.

“Some operators see this as a costly burden,” our consultancy source added. “But the savvy ones see it as an investment in credibility. It eliminates future disputes and builds trust with the regulator, which is invaluable.”

The Road Ahead: Awaiting Technical Specifications

The law has set the stage, but the playbook is still being written. The Enugu State Gaming Commission will now develop and publish the detailed technical specifications, data security protocols, and certification processes for the API integrations.

Operators are advised to proactively engage with the Commission to understand the requirements. The clock is ticking; with licenses valid for only one year (Section 41), integration will undoubtedly be a key factor in the renewal process.

One thing is clear: The landscape of gaming regulation in Enugu State has entered the digital age. The message to operators is unambiguous: connect transparently, or risk being disconnected for good.

The meeting, which was at the instance of my good friend, brother and perhaps one of Nigeria’s best media relations guru, Uche Anichukwu, held at the Abuja Transcorp Hilton.

Present at the meeting was also my good friend Ifeanyi Ossai, then deputy governor-elect of Enugu state. For many years,

I have been deeply connected to the political leadership of Enugu state to the extent that the state has become my second ‘’state of origin’’. And in these years, I have come to appreciate a leadership value system that is firmly hinged on a deep connection between the political leaders and the people of Enugu state.

In my close interaction with leading lights of Enugu state such as former Governor Ifeanyi Uguwanyi, former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekwerenmadu, former house of representative members Patrick Asadu and Toby Okechukwu among many others, I have come to the realization that if there is one state in Nigeria where democracy is truly work in progress then it is my second home state.

But throughout my years of involvement in Enugu affairs, I never met Peter Mbah, who by then was busy carving a niche in the ecosystem of Nigeria’s organized private as a leading player in the oil and gas industry as the chairman of Pinnacle until the Abuja meeting.

At the meeting, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a lawyer, business man and politician who previously served as chief of staff in the administration of former governor Chimaroke Nnamani, in a very calm, composed and stoic mien, took us through his vision for the state.

In fact, he reiterated his campaign promises including the creation of a 30billion dollar economy, resuscitation of urban water supply, ending sit at home, upgrading of health facilities and most importantly the building of smart schools to usher Enugu children into a future that is today.

Listening keenly to this gentleman, I saw a serous minded man who means the business of governance.

Satisfied that Peter Mbah knew exactly what he wanted to do as governor, I decided to quip in a little suggestion on the need for him to run a government that should be inclusive of all Nigerians resident in the state irrespective of ethnicity and religion, especially given the fact that Enugu was the former regional capital of the old Eastern Region.

I specifically made this suggestion to the incoming governor, because of the widespread perception that the Igbo people of Nigeria are not accommodating of other groups as they are accommodated outside their eastern heartland home region and this issue is often weaponized against individual politicians seeking the highest office in the land from one of Nigeria’s most important sections.

As I made this appeal, Governor Peter Mbah, an otherwise straight-faced man with an expressionless mien, let out a smile of appreciation without saying a word. Little did I know that I was preaching Catholicism to the Bishop of Rome.

The recent controversy surrounding the abandonment of a multi-billion naira contract for the construction of Governor Mbah’s smart schools across the state, which was awarded to Olasijibomi Ogundele, a Lagos based Yoruba property developer has clearly revealed Peter Mbah as a detribalized pan Nigerian nationalist who is leading and living out the vision of the Great Zik of Africa of one united Nigerian nation of citizens away from a fractured country of disunited tribesmen.

After all it all began in 1952, when Nnamdi Azikiwe’s NCNC party threw up Mallam Umaru Altine, a Hausa speaking Muslim from northern Nigeria, who was resident in Enugu city as the Mayor of the regional capital of the Nigeria’s Igbo homeland; a feat in national integration that has remained a reference point in national unity for more than half a century.

This commentary is not about the business dispute between Brethren Olasijibomi Ogundele and Enugu state government but more about the fact that Governor Peter Mbah has shattered the myth or if you like the fallacy and falsehood about Ndigbo not being accommodating of others as they want others to accommodate them.

By entrusting some of his most important project in the hands of ‘’others’’ Governor Mbah’s action has clearly vindicated the Igbo people of Nigeria and rebranded their image as a people who truly believe in the philosophy of ‘’Nwanne di na Mbah’’ [a brethren can be found in foreign land].

Interestingly, Olasijibomi Ogundele is not the first and only beneficiary of Enugu state government patronage within the context of this commentary.

Recently, the Governor commissioned five ultra-modern bus terminals in Enugu state as part of his administration’s transportation master plan to provide affordable and seamless interconnectivity across the state’s major towns and city centre. Four of those terminals were constructed by Planets Projects; a Lagos based construction whose major promoter is Eng Biodun Otunola.

The modern Oshodi Bus terminal in Lagos was constructed by this firm. Similarly, the multi-billion naira Enugu state Command and Control Centre, which is reported to be the biggest in Nigeria with AI-enabled surveillance cameras across the state vide fibre optic cables, was built by Hajaraisan Nig LTD.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company is Aminu Uba Miko, an indigene of Kano state, while Ibrahim Shehu from Jigawa state was engaged to develop the Enugu State Vehicles’ Identification System Software.

And XEJET, the operator of the recently launched Enugu Enugu Air; an Enugu state owned airline was founded by Emmanuel Izah from Kogi state.

The good thing about these engagements is that they were competitively bided for but the Yoruba or Hausa ethnicities of Enugu state government’s preferred bidders did not limit or diminish their chances of winning the contract in Peter Mbah’s Enugu.

Just as Planets Project has a track record in transport infrastructure construction and management, so does Olasijibomi’s Sujimoto Property construction firm have a solid track record as pioneers of smart buildings in Africa.

That the Enugu state government has taking steps to sanction Olasijibomi Ogundele clearly shows that Governor Mbah has no incestuous relationship with the young man and that his engagement was purely based on the belief that he can deliver on the job.

Away from these few cases amongst many others, Governor Mbah in making strategic appointments in Enugu state has demonstrated the oneness of Nigeria, where the principles of inclusion, equity and justice reigns supreme.

The Managing Director of Enugu state Broadcasting Service is Ladi Akeredolu-Ale, a veteran broadcaster from Ondo state, while the man helping Governor Peter Mbah to drive his vision for available, accessible and affordable healthcare is Dr Yomi Jaye, his Special Adviser on Health Matters.

To boost the IGR of the state, Governor Mbah hired Adenike Okebu as his Senior Special Assistant on Revenue. While Alh Abubakar Yusuf Sambo serves as the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, the Commander of Enugu Forest Guard is Olamitisoji Akinbamilayo, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police who served in the Enugu state Command.

The retired DCP was in charge of operations when Governor Mbah directed the full implementation of the ban on sit-at-home and other violent activities by miscreants. For his meritorious service to the state, DCP Akinbamilayo was retained by the state as part of its security management team.

Peter Mbah’s Enugu state is the Nigeria of our dreams. And when the Igbo people of Nigeria are accused wrongly, they should point in the direction of Peter Mbah’s Enugu State.

Like I have consistently maintained, Nigerians are essentially one people and the various ethnic groupings are simply members of the same family that are living in different parts of the family compound.

A movement from one part of the family compound to another should not render a member of the family an outsider inside his/her family compound.

This is called citizenship. And as citizens of Nigeria, we should be free to reside in any part of the federation without the dichotomy of ‘’indigene and settler’’ wherein one’s ethnicity can enhance or diminish access to state provision and protection.

The fundamental condition preceding national development and security of any sovereign entity is the social cohesion, national integration and unity of the constituent peoples. Now we know why Peter Mbah’s Enugu State is working progressively.

*Dahiru is an Abuja-based public affairs analyst

Historic Launch by Governor Peter Mbah

The airline was formally launched on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, in a ceremony led by Governor Peter Mbah, alongside Festus Keyamo, the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Governor Mbah hailed the launch as “a giant leap for the state” and a “gold standard for public-private sector partnership,” noting that “Enugu Air has given more wings to our dreams, and today we take that first flight together”.

Fleet & Initial Routes

Enugu Air commenced operations with a fleet of three Embraer E170 and E190 series aircraft, chosen for their comfort, efficiency, and suitability to regional markets.

The airline initially established a “golden triangle” of connectivity, linking Enugu to Abuja and Lagos, with early expansion plans to include Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and other strategic Nigerian cities.

Our correspondent sighted a commercial which reads:

“A very welcome to you, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, from the flight deck. This is your captain.

“On behalf of the entire management staff of Enugu Air, operated by XEJET, we warmly welcome you on board our Ejet aircraft, precisely and by E190 and E170.

“This is to inform you all that will be commencing flight operations into the beautiful city of Owerri. We’re looking forward to having you all on board. Do look out for seamless flight operations. Thanks for your time”.

Although, the TVC didn’t indicate the exact date and flight schedules from Enugu to Owerri, however, an insider source confirmed to Techeconomy that all has been put in place for the swift commencement of flight to the Heartland City.

Economic Impact: Boosting Enugu’s GDP

Governor Mbah’s administration positioned Enugu Air as a cornerstone of its integrated transport strategy, aimed at transforming Enugu into a regional aviation hub.

The operation is expected to:

• Enhance connectivity between major cities, facilitating business travel and tourism.
• Stimulate trade and mobility, particularly benefiting southeast Nigeria’s economic integration.
• Create jobs across aviation, logistics, tourism, and airport services.
• Attract investment by positioning Enugu as a premier destination for commerce and enterprise.

Festus Keyamo urged that Enugu Air should avoid the fate of the old Nigerian Airways, encouraging professional management, punctuality, and operational discipline, a vital prescription for sustaining economic gains.

Back Page:

Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, born on March 17, 1972, has been serving as the Governor of Enugu State since May 29, 2023. A maritime lawyer and financial analyst by background, he has emphasized innovation, infrastructure, and public-private partnership throughout his tenure.

On Monday, Enugu Air officially took to the skies. But its story began long before the ribbon-cutting, inside boardrooms, across tarmacs, and through countless shuttles between Enugu and Abuja.

At the center of it all: Governor Peter Mbah, a man determined to turn his state into Nigeria’s next aviation hub.

From the moment he took office, Mbah had made one thing clear, business as usual wouldn’t cut it. Even before Mr. Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, could settle into his new role, the governor was already knocking.

“He was relentless,” Keyamo recalled during the grand launch. “Every week, he was in Abuja, pushing, pressing, determined. At one point, I asked, ‘Do you want Enugu to explode with progress?’”

Mbah’s unyielding pursuit paid off. With three Embraer jets, Enugu Air now connects the state to Lagos, Abuja, and soon, Port Harcourt, Kano, Owerri, Benin, and other major cities. And this is only phase one. Phase two? Africa. China. Europe. The U.S.

In Mbah’s own words:

“We are not stopping.”

Keyamo, who cut the ribbon beside the governor, didn’t mince words.

“Dr. Peter Mbah is an incredible, performing governor,” he said. “Though he’s PDP and I’m APC, we must speak the truth. If he continues like this, he’ll be very difficult to defeat in 2027. We’re already afraid.”

But the fanfare wasn’t just about politics, it was about purpose. For Governor Mbah, Enugu Air is a symbol of more than state pride.

It is a tool for development, job creation, connectivity, and investment.

“This airline isn’t just about flying,” he said. “It’s about opening Enugu to the world, creating faster, more reliable access to markets, clients, and capital. It’s a gateway to opportunity.”

The airline will be run by XEJet, a fully Nigerian-owned aviation company that already manages the national carrier for Sierra Leone. Their partnership, praised by the Minister as “a model for the Renewed Hope Agenda,” represents what Mbah calls “private-sector energy for public good.”

Beyond the airline, Mbah has plans for the airport itself. Even before Enugu Air took off, he approached the federal government about involving private investment in the management of Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

“He wasn’t content to wait for bureaucracy,” Keyamo said. “He wants Enugu’s airport to match global standards, and he’s making it happen.”

The event drew a wave of dignitaries, stakeholders, and citizens, each drawn by the rare blend of vision and velocity that has become the Mbah signature.

Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD of Fidelity Bank, and Engr. Ayuba Emmanuel, CEO of XEJet, called the governor “a courageous, visionary leader,” pledging their continued support.

In a final flourish, the skies above Enugu filled with the roar of engines and the cheers of hopeful citizens. For many, it was a spectacle. For the governor, it was the start of something far more enduring.

“This is not the end,” Mbah said with a confident smile. “This is just the takeoff.”

The donations were made both physically and online during the fundraising dinner organised by the State Trust Fund at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu.

More than N3 billion was realized from individuals and corporate bodies.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ike Chioke, the chairman, board of Trustees of the Fund and group managing director of Afrinvest West Africa Ltd., while commending the Dr. Peter Mbah administration for the huge impact and investments made in the area of security, including the constitution and inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Enugu State Security Trust Fund a year ago, stressed that security was everybody’s business.

He said the only way to achieve the $30 billion GDP mark set by the governor was by sustaining and consolidating the successes made in securing lives and property through contributions by citizens, corporate bodies and all levels of government.

“So, our target is N20 billion. Our population as a state is well over 5 million people. We think that 2 million working adults in the state, assuming each person contributing N1,000 every month, that is N2 billion a month already. If you get N2 billion naira a month for 12 months, it means that the citizens alone can raise N24 billion. That is for individuals alone before adding the government. That tells you our capacity,” he asserted.

Governor Mbah, on his path, recalled the grave security situation at the time his administration came on board, noting that there was no room for complacency despite the massive successes.

“Back then, criminals gleefully posted bodies of security personnel and the arms they had stolen through their brazenly regular attacks.

“But what difference 20 months make! Such wanton attacks have been pushed to the darkest recess of history. We have gained control of our streets. The outlaws who once held our people hostage have either been neutralized or fled.

“The pleasant experience arising from the vastly improved security is widespread: The businessman who could not open his shop and incurred losses as a result has found the confidence to do so; the child, who could not go to school every Monday in the past can now confidently do so without any fear; our security men and women can now carry on their law-enforcement duties without any brazen attack.

“But our job is not done yet; it needs to be sustained,” he said.

Highlighting the massive investments of his administration in security, Mbah said there was much more to be done through concerted effort.

“We have invested substantially in securing our state, and continue to do so, because there are no half measures in the fight against insecurity.

“The Enugu State Command and Control Centre is a logistical novelty built via cutting-edge innovation comparable to what exists in more advanced countries.

“It was a moment of pride for us when it was commissioned in January to national acclaim, by the President.

“Even when no security official is in sight, our round-the-clock surveillance system that covers our streets and neighbourhoods still ensures strict vigilance. The ultimate goal is to nip crime in the bud.

“This crime-fighting device is complemented by the Distress Response Squad, designed to react swiftly to any security breach or threat of it.

“It is also further boosted by a large fleet of 150 security vehicles embedded with AI-enhanced cameras deployed across the state.

“But enthroning a water-tight security, such as we are implementing in Enugu State, requires a humongous amount of funds to sustain,” Mbah explained.

Critical stakeholders at the event, including the business mogul and philanthropist, Prince  Arthur Ezeh, commended Mbah for his strides in security and infrastructural development.

“Enugu is the capital of Igboland. The governor has character like Mbakwe, like M.I Okpara, who I knew from childhood. This man – Governor Mbah – in less than one year transformed Enugu State. And because of what he has done in Enugu State, I became very happy as an Igboman and happy that we have people who are very intelligent,” Prince Ezeh said.