By Sunday Ani
The proprietor of La Vera College of Nursing Sciences and La Vera College Hospital, Nsukka, Enugu State, Dr. Anterus Ezeh, has called on the people of Enugu State to rally round and support Governor Peter Mbah as he redefines leadership and governance in the state. He also urged the people of Udenu Local Government Area to support their council chairman, Aka Eze Aka, in his efforts to transform the area. In this interview with Daily Sun, he spoke about Governor Mbah’s leadership model, his infrastructural development efforts, and his plans for the state, among other issues.
How would you describe the current socio-political atmosphere in Enugu State and Udenu LGA?
It is as promising as it is inspiring. We are witnessing a unique blend of visionary leadership, strategic governance, and people-oriented development. The tempo of progress and the quality of leadership from both the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, and our Local Government Chairman, Aka Eze Aka, are highly commendable. It’s no longer business as usual. There’s a clear departure from mediocrity and a focus on results.
What is Governor Mbah doing differently from his predecessors?
The massive infrastructural projects he has embarked upon in less than two years are unprecedented. The smart schools across the 260 wards are fully digitalised and equipped, health centers in every ward, massive road construction everywhere, water schemes, and agricultural revolution. He is literally touching every sector that affects the lives of ordinary citizens. He is forward-thinking. He isn’t just solving today’s problems; he’s laying the foundation for the future of Enugu, and that’s the kind of leadership that creates enduring impact. I’m impressed, and I believe many Ndi Enugu feel the same way.
How would you assess the performance of Udenu council chairman?
Aka Eze Aka came into office with a clear plan, and from what we can see, he is executing that plan with passion and precision. You don’t need to look too far. Just drive around Udenu, New Road, for instance, and the Ukwu Akpu Obollo-Afor Link Road and you’ll understand what I am talking about. He rehabilitated the Amutenyi Basic Health Centre. He is involved in youth empowerment programs, such as the ICT hub at Obollo-Afor. His environmental sanitation drives, including the ongoing clearing of gutters and flood drainages ahead of the rainy season, are clear evidence of a rejuvenated sense of governance at the grassroots. This is also exemplified by his appointment of personal aides and statutory personnel, which were equitably distributed across communities in the 10 political wards of the local government.
He was among the first 17 local government chairmen in Enugu to establish a Diaspora desk, in line with Governor Mbah’s policy on Diaspora engagement, and appointed me as his Advisor on Diaspora Matters. He listens to the people, engages with stakeholders, and prioritizes the needs of the communities. That’s what leadership is all about, being in tune with your people and serving them diligently. He is redefining what local government leadership means in our context.
How does your appointment complement his current policies?
The role is very strategic, especially considering Governor Mbah’s forward-looking policy on Diaspora engagement. Our people abroad are an untapped resource. They have the skills, capital, and networks that can help transform our communities. So, creating a bridge between the local people and the Diasporans is long overdue.
Through this advisory role, I aim to mobilise the goodwill of our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora to contribute meaningfully, whether through investments, knowledge transfer, partnerships, or capacity-building. It’s about giving them a structured pathway to reconnect and make an impact. I commend the chairman for recognising the need to institutionalize Diaspora relations at the local government level. It shows true foresight.
You seem to be very passionate about development at the grassroots. What, in your view, is the importance of the citizenry in supporting such leaders?
Governance is not a one-man show. Leaders can only succeed if the people they lead support them genuinely. That’s why I often say that we, the citizens, owe them a duty of support and patriotic patronage. When leaders like Governor Mbah and council chairman Aka are delivering results, it’s only right that we encourage them, defend them where necessary, and ensure they are not distracted by petty politics. We must also pay our taxes, participate in civic duties, and take ownership of public infrastructure. Development is a collective effort. The government alone cannot do everything. The people must be partners in progress.
Given your position as a leader in the health and education sector, how have the government policies under Mbah’s administration affected your institutions?
At La Vera College of Nursing Sciences and La Vera College Hospital, we have felt the positive impact of the enabling environment created by this administration. The government’s focus on healthcare delivery and manpower development aligns with what we do. The governor’s push to improve the health sector means more opportunities for our students and professionals to contribute meaningfully. The infrastructural upgrades also mean easier access for patients and students. When roads are good and security is tight, businesses thrive. We are optimistic about the future because of the foundations being laid today.
What advice would you give to political leaders, especially those who are just coming into office or aspiring to leadership positions?
My advice is simply that they should serve the people sincerely. The hallmark of good leadership is sincerity of purpose. Don’t get into politics for selfish gains. Be driven by a desire to improve lives and transform your community. And don’t be afraid to think big, look at what Governor Mbah is doing.
Also, stay close to the people. Leadership is not about sitting in air-conditioned offices; it’s about being on the streets, in the markets, and in the villages, listening and acting. In this regard, Aka is also a model. Very importantly, those who are new in leadership or aspiring to leadership positions should build strong institutions. Leaders come and go, but institutions remain. Let your legacy be felt long after your tenure ends.
What are the prospects for La Vera College and Hospital in the coming years?
As I said earlier, considering the conducive entrepreneurial environment and business-friendly policies provided by Gov. Mbah and Aka, the prospects are very bright. We are working diligently to position La Vera College of Nursing Sciences as one of the premier nursing institutions in the South East, not only in terms of curriculum but also in terms of values, professionalism, and community impact.
At La Vera, we are doing everything to align with Gov. Mbah’s programs and policies on health. For instance, to produce an increased number of nurses every year, the Governor is already building two additional ESUT College of Nursing campuses in the remaining two senatorial zones of the state that are yet to host it, including Nsukka (Enugu North). We are expanding our academic programs, recruiting top faculty, and forging partnerships with reputable institutions locally and internationally. We are also securing land for another campus of La Vera to be located in Udenu.
At La Vera Hospital, we are continuously upgrading our diagnostic and clinical facilities. Our goal is to become a referral center for quality healthcare in the Nsukka zone and beyond. We are also focusing heavily on training the next generation of health professionals through hands-on learning. The future is filled with opportunities, and we are prepared to take La Vera to the next level.
What is your message to the people of Enugu State and Udenu?
My message is one of hope, responsibility, and unity. We must be hopeful because the leadership we have today is sincere and focused. We must also take responsibility, not just wait for the government to do everything. Let’s be law-abiding, support local initiatives, mentor our youths, and invest in our communities. Above all, let’s remain united. When we are divided along political, ethnic, or religious lines, development suffers. We are stronger together. Let us give our leaders our full support so that Enugu and Udenu can continue to move forward.