By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
There was rejoicing in Enugu state, South-East Nigeria, as traders in the popular Ogige Market and the Nsukka business community clapped, hugged, patted one another on the back when the state Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, completed the vital Nsukka bus terminal station on time.
The station, one of the landmark projects initiated and executed by the State Government, is set to give massive boost to business activities in Nsukka area.
This was even as the President of Nsukka Zonal Amalgamated Traders Association (NZATA), Dr. Ezema Dominic, described the governor as a gift to the people of Nsukka, stressing that Mbah was already reviving the economy of the zone through his committed efforts in infrastructural transformation.
The traders and business leaders, who gathered at the station to thank the governor, who was on an unscheduled visit to inspect the terminal, expressed gratitude to him for his commitment to delivering the project.
Reacting to the speedy completion of the project, the President of NZATA praised Gov. Mbah’s administration for prioritizing and focusing on delivery of the project in the zone, saying it would enhance Ogige Market’s competitiveness and attract more development in the zone.
“We are indeed grateful to Governor Mbah for this, and many other magnificent projects in Nsukka. The Nsukka Terminal Station will not only improve the aesthetic value of our market, but also increase our sales and revenue. It will solve the challenges of transportation and bolster our economy,” he said.
Dr Dominic added that Mbah was transforming the ancient Nsukka zone from what it used to be to an area replete with modern cities and towns –a development, he noted, had given sense of pride to every Nsukka indigene.
“We are glad that these projects are happening in our lifetime. Governance requires courage and the governor has shown that courage in leadership. In fact, if you take a look at what is happening in Igbo Nsukka today, you will have a conclusive view that Governor Mbah is a gift to us because what Nsukka is witnessing today is a total turnaround.
“This terminal station, and, of course, the roads being constructed, will not only affect the economic sector, but also have positive impact on the entire sectors in Nsukka. People from different places can now come to Nsukka and do business. We have not had it better than now,” he enthused.
A shop owner close to the terminal station who identified himself as Mr. Donald Ugwu also commended the governor for his vision and leadership, maintaining that the project would stimulate economic growth and development in the area.
“The completion of the Nsukka Terminal Station is a testament to Governor Mbah’s commitment to transforming Enugu State. We are confident that this project will have a positive impact on our businesses and the local economy. It will also create additional employment and engage some of these youths roaming about,” Ugwu noted.
Expressing delight that the project was completed under his supervision, the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA), Engr. Jude Asogwa, observed that the huge number of people that came out to receive and appreciate the governor was a testament that he had delivered good governance beyond their expectation within a short period.
“This crowd is organic. Nobody invited them. We didn’t even know that the governor was coming here. I came here and saw thousands of people cheering the governor for the good job. This shows that the governor is loved by our people. But I wasn’t surprised that our people would give him that resounding cheers because his works have endeared him to the hearts of everyone,” Asogwa said.
The Nsukka Terminal Station, which was completed in record time, is being equipped with modern facilities such as a smart hotel, waiting lounges, shops, gas and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, parking spaces, among others.
