*Enugu APC Presents Certificates Of Return To LG Chairmanship Flagbearers Ahead Sept Polls
By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has unveiled the newly renovated and re-equipped Neonatal and Special Babies Ward at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Parklane, Enugu, as part of activities marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
The facility, upgraded through the intervention of the Cecilia Oyebola Foundation founded by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Health, Dr Yomi Jaye, is equipped with modern incubators, infusion and syringe pumps, phototherapy equipment, autoclave machines, baby monitoring devices and upgraded nursing facilities aimed at improving neonatal care and reducing infant mortality in the state.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Gov. Mbah, represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Chidiebere Onyia, commended Dr Jaye for his commitment and personal sacrifice towards advancing healthcare delivery in the State.
According to the governor, the intervention reflected the culture of collective responsibility and service championed by his administration, where government officials go beyond official duties to contribute personally to the state’s development.
He described Dr Jaye, who also marked his 51st birthday, as a humble and exemplary public servant whose humanity and dedication had continued to inspire confidence in the administration’s healthcare transformation agenda.
Governor Mbah noted that the state government had transformed the ESUT Teaching Hospital from what it met in 2023 into a modern and rapidly improving medical institution capable of competing with leading healthcare facilities across the country.
He stressed that his administration remained committed to building a world-class healthcare system through strategic investments in infrastructure, equipment and manpower development.
In his remarks, former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, lauded Gov. Mbah for what he described as unprecedented transformation in the health sector, insisting that the governor deserved overwhelming support for re-election in 2027.
Nwobodo, who cut the ribbon and performed the unveiling ceremony, alongside his wife, Dr. Patricia Nwobodo, said he was deeply impressed by the quality of facilities at the neonatal ward, stressing that he had hardly seen such standards even in some hospitals abroad.
He stated that the development contradicted criticisms from political opponents and further confirmed that the Mbah administration was delivering tangible results across sectors.
Also speaking, Dr Jaye said the project was inspired by his lifelong commitment to children’s welfare and in memory of his late mother, who was a teacher.
He explained that the renovated neonatal ward was designed to meet modern infection prevention protocols critical to newborns’ survival, recalling the painful loss of his almost twin brother due to infection-related complications.
He said the intervention aligned with Gov. Mbah’s vision of transforming healthcare delivery through preventive and patient-centred care, adding that the state government’s investments in hospitals, primary healthcare and medical training had continued to reposition Enugu as a leading healthcare destination.
Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Bethrand Ngwu, expressed gratitude to Gov. Mbah and Dr Jaye for their consistent interventions and support for the hospital, staff and patients.
He said the administration’s investments had significantly improved healthcare delivery and boosted staff morale within the institution.
Professor Ngwu assured that the newly installed facilities would be properly maintained and maximally utilised for the benefit of residents, particularly newborns and vulnerable patients requiring specialised care, while pledging the hospital’s continued commitment to quality healthcare services.
Enugu APC Presents Certificates Of Return To LG Chairmanship Flagbearers Ahead Sept Polls
Meanwhile, also in the state, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected 17 candidates to fly the party’s flag in the forthcoming Local Government (LG( elections across the state.
It is recalled that the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) scheduled the council elections for 26 September this year.
Twelve serving LG Chairmen secured return tickets during the party primary.
They are Jude Asogwa, Nsukka; Caleb Ani, Enugu South; Ugo Ukwueze, Igboeze South; Ibenaku Onoh, Enugu North; Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, Aninri; and Greg Anyaegbudike, Oji-River.
Others are Chijioke Ezugwu, Uzo Uwani; Hyginus Agu, Udi; Uche Okoro, Awgu; Belove Dan Anike, Enugu East; John Ogbodo, Nkanu West; Vitals Ndu, Ezeagu.
Mr Obiora Obeagu of Isi-Uzo and Sydney Edeh of Nkanu East, who had completed their two-term tenures did not stand for the primary.
They were replaced by Brendan Ani and Mike Ogbuekwe, respectively.
Three Chairmen did not return after the primary. They were replaced by Martin Ugwu for Igbo Eititi, Ikechukwu Ezeoha, Udenu, and Dr Chris Onyekachi for Igboeze North.
Presenting Certificates of Return to the successful aspirants at the APC State Secretariat in Enugu, State Chairman of the party, Dr Martin Chukwunweike, described the primaries as peaceful and successful.
“We are happy that it went seamlessly. Everything happened smoothly in all the Local Governments. We never had any serious issues and all the results have been returned,” he said.
Chukwunweike said that the candidates emerged through direct primaries conducted at the various council headquarters.
“What we are doing here today is to present a Certificate of Return to you, having been elected as the candidate for APC in the upcoming Local Government election,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the party would perform strongly during the polls.
“I believe that we will still do as usual and sweep the people, come September this year. I say congratulations to all those who have emerged and who are now to carry our flag,” he added.
The Chairman urged both returning and first-time candidates to uphold good leadership qualities and build on the achievements of those before them.
Chukwunweike also urged the candidates to replicate the developmental strides of the state governor at the grassroots level.
“What you need to do is to go and replicate what our governor is doing in the state. His Excellency Peter Mbah has actually done most of the campaign for us,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the aspirants, the Secretary of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hon. Uchenna Okolo, thanked the governor and party leadership for the transparent conduct of the exercise.
“We tender our unreserved gratitude to our performing governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for his resilience and for finding us worthy to continue to render service to our dear state,” Okolo said.
Okolo, who is also Chairman of Awgu LG, commended party members and supporters across the 17 council areas for their peaceful conduct during the primary.
He assured that the candidates would continue to align with the governor’s vision for the development of the state.
Also, the incumbent Council Chairman of Nsukka LG and APC’s candidate in the forthcoming Council election, Engr. Jude Asogwa, thanked the governor for not only ensuring that all the 17 LGs of the state enjoyed financial autonomy, but for equally undertaking massive projects at the grassroots.
“So, we will not only campaign with promises, but the proofs of good governance in Enugu State under Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership and the efforts we have made at our own level,” he stated.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Sen. Nwobodo cutting the ribbon to open the facility.
