Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Governor Peter Mbah has said he was in a hurry to develop and transform Enugu State due to the pressing circumstances in the various sectors, and called for the continued commitment on the part of the workers and the people of the state.
Mbah spoke during a holy Mass at the Government House Chapel, Enugu, to formally mark the beginning of another work year.
He thanked the residents of the state for their support, adding that the only way to reciprocate their love and faith in his administration was by redoubling the ongoing development efforts.
He said: “Your support and dedication to duty are largely responsible for the modest achievements we have accomplished in 2024.
“The only way we will continue to demonstrate our gratitude is to double down on the pursuit of our goals to make Enugu State the premier destination for business, investment, tourism, and living.
“But we are going to do that without leaving anyone out and not at the expense of our common humanity.
“We will continue to deliver inclusive governance. Our governance model is one that recognises even our grassroots to ensure that growth is happening all across the state.”
The governor acknowledged the concerns of those who felt his administration was doing too many things at the same time, but said that was the only way to go given the prevailing and monumental challenges.
“We do know that some may be wondering whether the change that is unfolding in Enugu is sustainable and whether we are not moving so fast.
“But think about it, can we really push to a later date all the critical policies and projects we are implementing today?
“And the need for us to have potable water in every home cannot be deemed more compelling than the need for us to ensure that our children are exposed to the skill set that prepares them for 21st century work place.
“If you look at the challenges we have in the health space, you will see that we are trying to get our healthcare system functional.
“We have to ensure that our roads are paved, devoid of portholes. We have to revive our industries. We also have to ensure that we introduce modern transportation systems. There is none of these we felt we could push to a later day,” Mbah said.
He commended the people for trooping out in their numbers to warmly receive President Bola Tinubu.
“We are already in optimism that this year holds so much promises for us.
“We are already excited about the International Conference Centre that was commissioned a few days ago.
“But also, in few days time, we are also going to be relaunching and reopening the Hotel Presidential and also the 340 bed 5-star hotel that is billed to open in may this year at the international conference center, and the 300-bed Enugu international hospital on Rangers Avenue which will be operational soon.
“So, in conclusion, let us proceed in 2025 with the same sense of purpose and the same team spirit that saw us through 2024,” he concluded.
