By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Enugu State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of six Commissioner-nominees for the state.
The confirmation followed their screening by the lawmakers today, July 21, in Enugu.
It will be recalled that the State Governor, Barrister Peter Mbah, sent a list of the nominees to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
The nominees are Engr. Benjamin Okoh, Professor Benedeth Okoli, Mr. Eyinna Franklin Ogbonna, Dr Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, Professor George Ugwu and Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr.
Speaking during the screening, one of them, Okoh, vowed to conduct structural audit on the 260 Smart Schools and other infrastructural projects.
According to him, such audit is to assess their integrity and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include demolition and reconstruction.
Okoh emphasised the importance of involving registered professionals like architects and engineers in the design and construction of infrastructure projects to ensure adherence to specification standards.
He highlighted the role of regulatory bodies such as the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in holding professionals accountable for any compromises in quality.
“As an engineer, I am coming on board to help the state towards achieving this infrastructure structural vision.
“I have been involved in a lot of infrastructure development over the years and I know the standard of what we do in Abuja,” Okoh added.
He expressed commitment to align with the vision of Gov. Mbah and using his professional expertise, to contribute to the actualisation of the vision.
Also, Mr. Ndu Jr. said he would explore providing water to Enugu residents through Ajali, Eva Valley and Oji River water schemes, if posted to the Ministry of Water Resources.
Ndu Jr. vowed to sort out the problem of water distribution as well as revitalisation of the Enugu State Water Corporation for optimal performance.
In his remark, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, congratulated the nominees on their appointment, urging them to justify it through performance in office.
The House thereafter adjourned plenary to Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
