FROM: LarryBravo Nwaiwu, Enugu

The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, weekend, commissioned a number of projects ranging from roads, water, and skill acquisition centre to legistlative building constructed by the Nsukka Local Government Chairman, Barr. Walter Ozioko.

The governor said that the projects aligned with the objectives of his administration to bring development to all the nooks and crannies of the state. He commended the chairman for the laudable projects.

He explained that his administration was intentional about creating the right infrastructure and environment for businesses to thrive, calling on investors to seize the opportunity afforded by the state to invest.

Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, further stressed that water, skill acquisition, education and critical infrastructure are receiving attention by the government which would improve the standard of living of citizens and attract investors to the state.

The Governor expressed the view that the projects would be of immense benefits to the people of the areas as they could now drive on asphalt roads, move their produce and goods to market and also improve the man hours of an average worker. He added that efforts were on ground to speed up the completion of the ongoing smart school projects across the state.

According to him, the smart schools, which are tailored towards skills acquisition and expansion of curriculum for hard skills, will have centres for artificial intelligence, robotics, digital technology, computer and science laboratories, interactive smart boards, clinic, including facilities for students with special needs.

Explaining the idea behind the smart schools, Mbah said the older generation lacks most of the skills that would drive the industrial revolution the state is anticipating through private sector driven economy.

Students that are presently enrolled in the schools and youths who are undergoing digital and analystics trainings, the governor said, would have the requisite skills that private investors needed.

While appreciating the people for their support in the last general elections, the governor reiterated his commitment to spread development across the state, saying the council chairman had shown good leadership qualities and encouraging performance.

“What Walter Ozioko has done is a signpost of what is on its way. He has created access roads, provided water and built a centre for skills acquisition. We are happy with his achievements,” the governor added.

He also lauded investors in the state for considering Enugu as their preferred destination, assuring that the administration would continue to strengthen relationship with them through the right security and environmental framework.

Speaking earlier, the council chairman appreciated the governor for his support throughout the period of the projects even as he said the local government has already keyed into Governor Mbah’s philosophy of disruptive innovation which is “fast turning Enugu State into the attraction of the world”.

Ozioko recounted how the two-year journey of his chairmanship culminated in the executed projects, noting that despite the challenges faced by his government, the dream to make Nsukka one of the urban cities to be reckoned with came to reality.

“Your Excellency, these projects and their significance capture the mood, the depth and the reach of our passion, drive and dedication while journeying this far.

“Your achievements in barely a year in the areas of security, education, water resources, etc are topnotch,” he added

Some of the projects commissioned include, a standard commercial borehole at Opi Junction, 850 metre asphalted Cold Room road, 400 metre asphalted Onudialoke road, 900 metre asphalted Lejja Park-Amaeze road, Governor Peter Mbah Skill Acquisition centre and a modern legislative complex in Nsukka town.