By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
A critical analysis of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership philosophy took centre stage during a public lecture on ethical leadership and development at the grassroots.
The lecture was organised by the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and the Ethics, AI, and Higher Education Strategy Team (EAISTRAP) at the nation’s premier university, over the weekend.
The critique came as Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) thumbed up the governor for what it said were his wonderful accomplishments in just two years in office.
At the UNN event, guest lecturer and Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA), Engr. Jude Asogwa, highlighted how Mbah’s development agenda and ethical leadership model have brought about a paradigm shift in the administration of Local Governments across the state.
Asogwa, who emphasized transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement as key governance imperatives, said Mbah’s ethical leadership model has helped rebuild public trust in government, promote community-centered development, reduce corruption, enhance fiscal responsibility, and institute inclusive governance, civic empowerment, and sustainable practices at both the State and Local Government levels in Enugu State.
He said: “So, what we have done in Nsukka Local Government Council is to cascade Mbah’s ethical leadership and inclusive governance models to the grassroots. The same thing is happening across the other 16 LGAs.
“When the governor came on board, he adopted the 260 wards of the state in the siting of projects in line with his inclusive governance model. In every ward, he is doing one Smart Green School, one Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centre, and one Farm Estate in addition to road and other development projects.
“So, as a Local Government Council, we have taken our own development down to the 52 communities of Nsukka LGA. We interacted with them to give us three projects they feel the Council should execute for them, starting with one, at least.
“We were able to get their requests; we compiled it and called it our Projects Bible. And with that, we are able to do one after the other, and for each of them, we do it in partnership with the communities. We try to engage the communities.”
The Council Chairman reminded the people that they have a role to play in entrenching ethical leadership and canvassed community-based monitoring systems to detect and report any corruption and mismanagement.
“It is not enough for leaders to act with integrity; citizens must also hold them to high standards,” Asogwa added.
Speaking, Governor Mbah, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Professor Sam Ugwu, commended the organisers of the lecture, led by Professor Casmir Ani, for promoting ethical leadership at the grassroots.
“Ethical values at the grassroots is very important because that is where the majority of the people live. Every government has a philosophy, and our philosophy is to ensure that the people get what they deserve.
“Communities should, however, take ownership of those projects. The contractors are also being closely monitored and assessed to ensure that what they are doing is in line with the government’s mandate. The days of cutting corners in project procurement and management are over,” he stated.
In his contribution, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Oguejiofor Ujam, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Romanus Ezeokonkwo, said that UNN was not only focused on academic excellence but also ethics and values that shape good leaders who can transform communities and the nation.
He commended Mbah for his numerous infrastructural projects and for prioritising human capital development in the state.
“A lot is happening. But I feel particularly happy when I remember that the Enugu-Opi-Nsukka Road is being dualised. As a person that has lived here for many decades, it means a lot to me. It will make movement faster, and criminality will reduce on that road.
“It will open up the zone. So, the university community thanks the governor for this, and we hope for speedy completion” he said.
EAISTRAP Team Leader Professor Ani, commended Engr. Asogwa for reflecting and replicating Mbah’s “Tomorrow is Here” philosophy through transparency and innovation.
Chairman of the event, Professor D.N. Eze, and the Dean of Social Sciences, UNN, Professor Thaddeus Nzeadibe, emphasised ethical leadership role in Nigeria’s development, hence the faculty’s commitment to grooming transformative and ethical leaders.
The event was attended by the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Pharm. Chika Ugwuoke; Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Michael Uche Ogalla, and his Udenu LGA counterpart, Hon. Aka Eze Aka, traditional rulers, party leaders, the clergy, academia, locals, among others.
In a related development, IPMAN
lauded Gov. Mbah for what it described as his innovative and impactful governance filled with infrastructural, human capital and economic development strides in the State.
Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot Unit, Mr Chinedu Anyaso, gave the commendation in a congratulatory message issued to newsmen in Enugu today to mark Mbah’s two years in office.
Anyaso said that it was gratifying that Mbah had lived out the excellent service delivery acumen, which IPMAN members and those with IPMAN background have.
Anyaso noted that the governor has effectively deployed this to record huge successes within his short period in office so far.
According to him, Gov. Mbah has achieved unprecedented development strides in two years “and made us (every member of IPMAN) proud and be able to speak interestingly on achievements of our life patron.”
The Chairman added: “Today, filling stations and other petroleum marketing platforms sell virtually round the clock and this conducive and flourishing business environment will never be possible if not for the huge security investment and technological innovation he put in place.
“Gov. Mbah has invested heavily in security by procuring 150 vehicles fitted with 360 degree surveillance cameras, fully equipped with communication gadgets; as well as placed survellince cameras and search lights in the whole Enugu and building a security monitoring control centre.
“Constructing and reconstruction of virtually all roads within Enugu metropolis and hundreds of new access roads outside the metropolis to make for ease of movement and opening up rural areas, local farming communities and local economic businesses.
“Today, Enugu is secured, motorable and livable; making it the first choice destination for leisure and tourism as well as international conferences and engagements attracting hundred of high networth individuals.”
On education and healthcare, the Chairman said that everyone can spot the ongoing 260 Smart Schools; 260 Smart School Farms; 260 Smart Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres springing up in the 260 political wards in the state.
He said that in agriculture, “we have the tractor assembly plant rolling out 1,000 farm tractors and will train youths on tractor repair and maintenance as well as establishment of 260 Smart Farm Estates and lots of farm inputs and improved seedlings distributed already to farmers.
“Thousands have enrolled and more thousands are waiting to be enrolled and join the ongoing technological soft skill and upscale skill training, which hold lots of promises of future engagements and livelihoods for the teeming youths.
“Gov. Mbah has virtually touched all sectors i.e.urban water supply and reticulation within Enugu; culture and tourism development; rural empowerment and welfare; and put in place digital-driven taxation system.
“Through people-oriented laws and Executive Orders opened up the state for electricity market, farm produce and aviation space among others.”
The Chairman, however, called on Mbah to sustain the giant and enviable strides which had scaled up the state’s ranking in the human and capital development indexes.
“On behalf of the entire members of the IPMAN, Enugu Depot Unit, we wish you well. We will continue to pray for your sound health and wisdom as well as progress of Enugu State.
“May God’s Light always illuminate your path as you continue to move Enugu State in the path of fast progress,” he stated.
