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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria (GPAAN), Enugu State Chapter, has praised Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for what it described as bold, deliberate and visionary infrastructural development across the state.
This commendation followed a three-day facility tour of key projects by the Guild between June 16 and 18, 2025.
Addressing journalists during a press conference on Saturday, GPAAN Chairman, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, said the tour was aimed at gathering first-hand, evidence-based insight into ongoing projects across the state.
“We are not an opposition group. Our mandate is to observe, critique and offer informed feedback to both the government and the public. And what we have seen during this tour is both impressive and inspiring,” Dr. Igboke stated.
GPAAN visited several project sites, including the Government Technical and Vocational Education Training College (GTC-TVET). Dr. Igboke described the facility as “a future-ready institution” that will equip students with global-standard skills in technology, mechatronics, garment making and hospitality.
“We were told that the school is set to admit students from smart schools and will operate across all federal constituencies. This is a strategic investment in human capital,” he noted.
At the NOTRA-Enugu State Tractor Assembly Plant, the analysts saw a joint venture between the state and a Danish company aimed at assembling 1,000 tractors for mechanized farming. So far, 200 have arrived, with the rest to be assembled locally.
“It is a vital initiative for food security and export. The inclusion of training for maintenance personnel is particularly thoughtful, considering past failures in equipment management,” Igboke said.
The Guild also toured the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, where major construction work is underway, including a twin six-storey building being executed through direct labour.
“This hospital is self-funding its transformation. They’ve employed over 100 doctors and 120 nurses, and we were informed that resident doctors here are now among the highest paid in the Southeast,” Igboke revealed.
He further commended the government’s investment in transport infrastructure, particularly the Holy Ghost Terminal, and similar hubs in Nsukka, Garriki, and Abakpa.
“These are not ordinary motor parks. They have malls, lounges, cinemas, and accommodation. It’s a complete redefinition of urban mobility,” he said.
At the Command and Control Center, the Guild observed high-tech AI-enabled surveillance equipment.
“We were stunned. The clarity of images and the ability to monitor traffic flow in real time is world-class. Enugu is possibly the second state after Lagos to achieve this,” Igboke said.
Other projects that impressed the Guild included the International Conference Center, which has been transformed into a venue for major national events; the Presidential Hotel, which is being renovated round the clock; and a new quaternary hospital expected to serve the entire Southeast region.
He also highlighted the role of the Enugu State Asphalt Plant in supplying materials for road construction and the ongoing New Enugu City project, which he described as a “bold urban expansion plan” with housing clusters, power, sewage, and commercial zones.
The Guild visited the Niger Gas Company, set to begin production of seven industrial gases including oxygen, and a pilot farm estate in Akpawfu, designed to cover 200 hectares across 260 wards in the state.
“The mechanized farming layout, the use of bio-fencing with cocoa and cashew trees, and the integrated storage facilities all point to a clear vision for agricultural self-sufficiency,” he said.
At the final stop, a newly constructed bridge in Nkanu East, GPAAN praised the collaboration between the local government and the state.
“This bridge replaced a colonial-era death trap. It has straightened the road and saved lives. It is proof of what LGAs can achieve with effective use of resources,” Igboke said.
The Guild urged Enugu citizens to take a greater interest in governance and called on the government to sustain the development momentum.
