On Tuesday, Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah joined the people of the state to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of its creation. In his remarks, Mbah also announced preparations to celebrate the 115th anniversary of Enugu City, which has long been a key center of history, commerce, and administration.
The event, organized by the Enugu State Development Association (ESDA), took place in the state capital, Akwa. Since Dr. Mbah could not attend personally, his Deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai delivered the governor’s speech. During the ceremony, Mbah praised the state’s founding fathers and reiterated his administration’s commitment to advancing their vision for Enugu.
“As we mark the 33rd anniversary of Enugu State’s creation, I want to congratulate every resident of Enugu,” Mbah stated. “Although Enugu State is officially 33 years old, its history extends well beyond this milestone.”
The Governor reflected on the significant role Enugu has played in Nigeria’s development, starting with the discovery of coal in 1909. This discovery was a turning point that contributed significantly to the economic and administrative growth of the Southern and Northern Protectorates. Mbah emphasized that the state’s founders made great sacrifices to create Enugu, and his administration is dedicated to continuing their work through bold actions that align with their dreams.
Looking ahead, Mbah highlighted the upcoming 115th anniversary of Enugu City, which will be celebrated in November. He emphasized that Enugu’s pride should be a source of motivation and that the state’s rich history must inspire current and future efforts toward continued progress. He assured that his administration is focused on delivering a state marked by unprecedented development, social justice, and equal opportunity.
The Governor outlined several key areas of development, including improvements in public water supply, quality education, and the expansion of primary healthcare services. “Our goal is to make Enugu State a premier destination for investment, business, and tourism,” he said. “We want our residents to enjoy reliable basic services and to take pride in their community.”
During the event, HRH Igwe Ezeudo Abel Nwobodo, President-General of ESDA, honored the state’s leaders and the founding fathers for their contributions. He praised Governor Mbah for his commitment to realizing the dreams of the state’s founders, calling his leadership both visionary and effective.
HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, also spoke, describing Governor Mbah as a leader prepared and destined to guide Enugu towards long-awaited development and prosperity. He stressed the importance of educating the younger generation about Enugu’s history and the sacrifices that have shaped the state, ensuring they understand and appreciate the foundation laid for its continued success.
Mbah concluded by urging residents to remain optimistic and engaged. “The dreams of Enugu’s founding fathers are not betrayed. We remain devoted to achieving their vision and building a society that future generations will be proud of,” he said. “Let us embrace this opportunity to advance and make Enugu a beacon of progress.”
