Nsukka TV

02/05/2024

Call for Equity: Nsukka Cultural Zone Advocates for Vice Chancellorship in 2024 Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Reuben Onyishi Nsukka TV Akudiewa TV ESUT PRESS Gburus Family ESUT PRESS (by ACJ Favour Amuka) Acj Favour Amuka

Call for Equity: Nsukka Cultural Zone Advocates for Vice Chancellorship in 2024 [email protected] Thur, May 2nd 2024 Nsukka Vice Chancellor is a Must

19/02/2024

Enugu State Government Clarifies Misconceptions Surrounding New Enugu City Project

Enugu State Government Clarifies Misconceptions Surrounding New Enugu City Project By ACJ FAVOUR AMUKA Mon, Feb 19. 2024 In the midst of ongoing

19/02/2024

SUMAS Founder's Day: Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum Commends Former Governor Ugwuanyi for Establishing State University of Medical and Allied Science (SUMAS)

The Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum (NDEF) extends its warmest commendations and appreciation to former Governor Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, fondly known as Gburugburu, Ezeudo, for his visionary leadership in establishing the State University of Medical and Allied Science (SUMAS) in Enugu State. As we celebrate the founder's day of this remarkable institution, we recognize the significant impact that SUMAS is poised to make in the Enugu North Senatorial District and beyond.

Located in the communities of Iheaka, Orba, Imilike, and Ovoko, SUMAS represents a beacon of hope for the region, promising not only quality education but also employment opportunities, economic development, and infrastructural advancement. The establishment of this medical university in Enugu North Senatorial Zone is a testament to Fmr. Governor Ugwuanyi's commitment to providing accessible and world-class education to the people of Enugu State.

Since its inception, SUMAS has experienced rapid growth and currently boasts a total student population of 1,474. These students are being nurtured and guided by qualified and dedicated lecturers who are committed to excellence in education and research. The university is equipped with modern, internet-enabled facilities that ensure a conducive learning environment for all.

The economic benefits of SUMAS cannot be overstated. By training healthcare professionals and researchers, the university will contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare services. This, in turn, will attract investments, create job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in Enugu North Senatorial Zone.

The infrastructural development that comes with the establishment of SUMAS will not only enhance the physical landscape of the communities but also improve the overall quality of life for our people.

The university serves as a hub for innovation and knowledge exchange, fostering a culture of learning and development that will benefit generations to come.

As we celebrate the founder's day of SUMAS, the Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum salutes our son, His Excellency, Rt. Hon.( Dr) Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, the Fmr. Governor of Enugu State for his foresight and dedication in establishing this prestigious institution in Nsukka Zone. We look forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of SUMAS as it continues to shape the future of healthcare education in Enugu State and beyond.

HRH, Igwe, (Dr.) Marcel O. Obeta
PG,
Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum.

Igwe (Dr.) Amb. P Okoro
Deputy PG, Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum

Chief. (Prof.) I.C Igwe
Secretary General,
Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum

Rev. (Dr.) Ikechukwu Asogwa
Publicity Secretary,
Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum

07/01/2024

07/01/2024

Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum, NDEF Calls for Investigation into Senator Okey Ezea's Alleged Misappropriation of Rice Distribution

By ACJ FAVOUR AMUKA
Sun, Jan 7-2024

It is profoundly disconcerting and utterly deplorable to witness the derogatory and disrespectful manner in which a distinguished and incumbent senator is referred to as "Onye Oshi Rice."

As
Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum in an open latter signed by HRH, Igwe, Dr. Marcel O. Obeta
-PG,
Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum. Chief. Prof. I.C Igwe,
-Secretary General,
Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum and Rev. Dr. Ikechukwu Asogwa, the
Publicity Secretary,
Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum has issued a strong statement urging the President of the Senate, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigerian Police to launch a thorough investigation into the actions of Senator Okey Ezea of Enugu North. The forum alleges that the senator sold off rice meant for distribution in his constituency, an act which has left the constituents asking, "Where is our rice?"

According to reliable sources, it has come to light that the senator, supposedly acting under the directive of President, Mr. Bola Tinubu, shared over N55 billion during the recent yuletide season for palliatives. Each of the 109 senators reportedly received N200 million, while the 360 House of Representatives members received N100 million each. Additionally, it is alleged that President Bola Tinubu provided two trailers of rice to each senator and House of Representatives member, intended to be distributed amongst their respective constituents for the 2023 Christmas season.

The Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum, NDEF asserts that rather than delivering the rice to the people, Senator Okey Ezea purportedly sold the rice at the WUSE Market in Abuja, diverting the resources meant for the welfare of his constituents. This act has left the communities of Enugu North feeling betrayed and questioning the senator's integrity.
The forum also raises concerns about the election that brought Senator Ezea into office, attributing it to a momentary lapse in judgment and insufficient electoral education. Had the voters been more informed, they claim, they would have elected a candidate with a proven track record of service and dedication to the welfare of the people of Enugu North. The forum cites the example of His Excellency, Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, the immediate past governor of Enugu State, as a leader who has consistently supported individuals through empowerment initiatives even after office, such as the Gburus free surgery program, Gburus Sports, Gburus welfare, Gburus Education Scheme, Etc.

In their open letter addressed to the President of the Senate, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the EFCC, and the Nigerian Police, the Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum calls for a thorough investigation into Senator Okey Ezea's alleged misappropriation of rice meant for his constituents. They highlight the urgent need for accountability and reiterate the community's distrust and disappointment in the senator's conduct.
It remains to be seen how the investigation will unfold and whether Senator Okey Ezea will be held accountable for his purported actions. The Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum, alongside the constituents of Enugu North, eagerly awaits justice and resolution in this matter, as they aspire to restore faith in the democratic process and ensure the welfare of Ndi Enugu North remains at the forefront of political priorities.

Details of the Open letter

Urgent Investigation Needed: Misappropriation of Rice Distribution by Senator Okey Ezea

Friday, 5th January 2024

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
President of the Senate,
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
Nigeria Police Force

Dear Sirs

We, the Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum (NDEF), write to bring to your attention a matter of grave concern regarding the misappropriation of rice distribution by Senator Okey Ezea of Enugu North. We seek your urgent intervention and investigation into this matter.

According to reliable sources, it has come to our attention that Senator Okey Ezea, who represents Enugu North, has allegedly sold the rice meant for distribution to his constituents at the WUSE Market in Abuja. It is disheartening to learn that the rice, which was intended to be shared with the people of Enugu North for the 2023 Christmas season, has been diverted for personal gain.
We have received information that during the recent yuletide season, President Bola Tinubu shared over N55 billion for palliatives among National Assembly members for their constituencies. Each Senator received N200 million, while each House of Representatives member received N100 million. Additionally, it has been reported that President Tinubu provided two trailers of rice to each Senator and House of Representatives member for distribution to their constituents.

It is with great disappointment that we address this matter, as our trust in Senator Okey Ezea has been shattered. We believed that he would be a representative who genuinely cared for the welfare of the people of Enugu North. However, his alleged actions suggest otherwise, and we demand accountability.
We would like to emphasize that our former Governor, His Excellency Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, has always demonstrated exemplary leadership and support for the people of Enugu State. We regret the electoral mistakes that led to Senator Okey Ezea's election, as we firmly believe that Governor Ugwuanyi would have been a more deserving choice.

Therefore, we implore you, esteemed authorities, to launch a thorough investigation into the actions of Senator Okey Ezea. We urge the EFCC and the Nigeria Police Force to use their powers to uncover the truth and bring justice to the people of Enugu North. It is crucial that those who betray the trust of their constituents are held accountable for their actions.
We sincerely hope that you will take swift action on this matter, as the people of Enugu North deserve better representation. We trust in your commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the welfare of Nigerian citizens.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Yours faithfully,

HRH, Igwe, (Dr.) Marcel O. Obeta
PG,
Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum.

Igwe (Dr.) Amb. P Okoro
Deputy PG, Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum

Chief. (Prof.) I.C Igwe
Secretary General,
Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum

Rev. (Dr.) Ikechukwu Asogwa
Publicity Secretary,
Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum

29/11/2023

*Impending Hazards if the Supreme Court Fails to Affirm Peter Mbah's Victory in Enugu State - Journalist*

https://basetvreport.com.ng/impending-hazards-if-the-supreme-court-fails-to-affirm-peter-mbahs-victory-in-enugu-state-journalist/
*Basetvreport*

Impending Hazards if the Supreme Court Fails to Affirm Peter Mbah's Victory in Enugu State - Journalist By ACJ-FAVOUR AMUKAA, Advisory/ Investigative

21/11/2023

Protesters Demand Resignation of PDP National Working Committee and Acting Chairman Amidst Party's Election Loss

https://basetvreport.com.ng/protesters-demand-resignation-of-pdp-national-working-committee-and-acting-chairman-amidst-partys-election-loss/
*Basetvreport*

Protesters Demand Resignation of PDP National Working Committee and Acting Chairman Amidst Party's Election Loss By ACJ FAVOUR AMUKA Protesters have

14/11/2023

Taking Nsukka Chamber of Commerce... To The Next Level.

Recently at the Adada House Nsukka, we witnessed the investiture of one of the foremost security experts, societal developers cm Philanthropists in Igbo Nsukka Barr. Sam Chigozie Otoboeze, as the 2nd President of Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NSCCIMA).

After seeing the galaxy of distinguished personalities ranging from political bigwig to business moguls to academic giants that graced the event, I beat my chest in affirmation that the cap was placed on the rightful head as far as NSCCIMA is concerned.

Nsukka, ought to have developed more than her present state if meritocracy has been the focus in choosing leaders that would pilot the affairs of various sectors in the region. But, if Saturday the 11th November 2023 would be the day Nsukka would start getting it right, we would go far in development and even outshine other regions.

Taking a glance at Barr. Otoboeze's concise, coherent, articulated and thrilling blueprints towards reshaping the economy of Nsukka through commerce, industry, mines and agriculture, as enumerated on some of the pages of the event's beautiful full colour brochure, one would have no iota of doubt that Barr. Otoboeze came prepared for the job. He pinpointed his desire to harness the potentials of the ambitious and industrious youths of Nsukka and channel them towards the industrialization of the region.

Barr. Sam is indeed a square peg in a square hole as far as Nsukka Chamber of commerce is consigned.

May God give him the total protection, wisdom and strength to take the economy of Nsukka to the next level.

To God be the glory!

© Emmanuel E. Odo.

13/11/2023

Association of Nsukka Professors (ANP)
Call For Application For Scholarship To Indigent of Nsukka Cultural Zone Comprising:

Igbo-Etiti, Igboeze-South, Igbo-Eze North, Isi-Uzo, Nsukka, Udenu and Uzo-Uwani Local government Areas of Enugu State.

27/10/2023

Enugu Governor Peter Mbah: A Technocratic and Business-Oriented Messiah

ACJ-FAVOUR AMUKA' DESK

In the realm of political governance, leaders who possess the exceptional qualities of a technocrat and a visionary are exceedingly rare gems. However, Enugu State has been blessed with its own messiah in the personage of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. With an extraordinary amalgamation of technocratic expertise and business acumen, Governor Mbah has orchestrated a transformative metamorphosis in Enugu, elevating it into a thriving bastion of development and progress.
Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Reuben Onyishi
Governor Peter Mbah's approach to governance can be aptly characterized as technocratic, as he relies on the meticulous scrutiny of data-driven decision-making and the formulation of evidence-based policies. His illustrious background in the private sector and finance has endowed him with the indispensable tools necessary to adroitly manage the state's resources and engender economic growth. As an astute technocratic leader, he possesses a profound understanding of the paramountcy of strategic planning and long-term vision, assiduously ensuring that Enugu remains steadfastly on the trajectory of sustainable development.

Governor Mbah's resolute and business-oriented mindset has been nothing short of instrumental in attracting a plethora of investments and esteemed investors to the hallowed grounds of Enugu State. With an unwavering recognition of the boundless potential for economic growth, he has ceaselessly engaged with both local and international investors, adroitly crafting an environment that is conducive to the flourishing of businesses. His unwavering focus on enhancing the ease of conducting business affairs has engendered an unprecedented surge in the establishment of nascent enterprises, thereby creating an abundance of job opportunities and augmenting the state's revenue. Under his sagacious leadership, Enugu has unequivocally emerged as the preferred destination for both local and foreign investors.

Governor Mbah's leadership style is nothing short of commendable, eliciting admiration and reverence from all quarters. His seamless amalgamation of technocratic expertise with an unwavering focus on business development has yielded remarkable progress for Enugu State, catapulting it to unprecedented heights.

I have had the honor and privilege of working in close tandem with Governor Mbah, and I must unequivocally assert that his unyielding commitment to transforming Enugu into a business-friendly state is unparalleled. His strategic approach has not only succeeded in attracting substantial investments but has also paved the way for sustainable economic growth.

Governor Mbah's emphasis on data-driven decision-making, coupled with his profound understanding of economic intricacies, unequivocally distinguishes him as a visionary leader par excellence. His unparalleled ability to meticulously analyze complex economic indicators and adroitly translate them into actionable policies has been nothing short of instrumental in the resplendent economic transformation that Enugu has undergone.

Again, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has undoubtedly emerged as an exemplary technocrat and business-oriented messiah for Enugu State. His leadership style, characterized by fastidious data-driven decision-making and an unwavering focus on business development, has propelled the state to unprecedented heights of progress and prosperity. With his remarkable achievements, Governor Mbah has not only orchestrated a magnificent metamorphosis of Enugu's economic landscape but has also served as an indomitable source of inspiration for other leaders to adopt a similar approach. As Enugu continues to flourish under his sagacious and visionary leadership, it becomes patently evident that Governor Mbah's indelible impact will reverberate for generations to come.

ACJ-FAVOUR AMUKA'S DESK

19/10/2023

Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum: A Profound Apology and Exaltation to the Magnanimous Reign of HE, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for His Inestimable Achievements in Nsukka Zone

The distinguished Nsukka Elites, with utmost humility, extend their heartfelt apologies to the esteemed Former Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, widely known as Gburugburu. We express remorse for erroneously labeling you evil and also regret our support for Sen. Okey Ezea, who emerged as the senator representing the good people of Enugu North in the recently concluded National Assembly Election, who is an impostor and a self-proclaimed saviour who vanished from Nsukka after assuming office. We now realize the error of our ways and acknowledge the misguided influence of Edeoga and Okey Ezea, who manipulated our emotions.

At this juncture, we beseech the magnanimous Ugwuanyi to forgive our transgressions, as he has consistently exhibited kindness and unwavering commitment to the betterment of ndi Nsukka. We deeply regret our actions, and we recognize that Ezea has not demonstrated any intention to foster the development of our beloved Nsukka.

In contrast, we commend Ugwuanyi for his exceptional track record in Nsukka, which has garnered him indisputable scorecards such as:

Massive Political appointments,
Orotuma Road in Igbo-Etiti, the Federal Polytechnic Ohodo,
Udenu ring road,
SUMAS which cuts across four communities in two local governments: Udenu and Igbo-Eze South,
Nsukka Stadium,
The type three hospitals in the six local governments of Enugu North Senatorial Zone, The Annex Secretariat at Ede Oballa,
The various rural RAMP roads, including, Opi-Nsukka Road, Echara- Ikenga Road, Tectonics Road, Amaeze Road, Enugu Road down to Ogurugu Road, Oloto one and two, Justina Eze Road, the Ezeani- Ugbene Ajima Road,
In Umuida, Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local, Government Area, Orie Market-Nkwo Ida-Afor Inyire Road Junction to standard with lined drains on both,
Rehabilitation work at General Hospital Ogrute, Enugu Ezike,
The 26.66km Ukpabi-Nimbo-Ugbene Ajima-Eziani road, a RAMP 2 project, in Uzo-Uwani LGA,
The 22.443km Neke-Mbu-Ogbodu Aba-Obollo Etiti inter-community road linking Isi-Uzo and Udenu LGAs - a RAMP-2 project,
Amutenyi/Obollo-Afor /Amalla road,
The 76 Police Mobile Force Squadron Facility, at Ekwegbe, in Igbo-Etiti LGA And many more but few.

In terms of progress and prosperity. We offer our fervent prayers for an abundance of blessings to be bestowed upon HE, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, recognizing his selfless dedication to the advancement of ndi Nsukka and in Nsukka zone.

Truly, Ugwuanyi embody the essence of Ezeudo, the King of Peace, as your actions reflect a commitment to fostering harmony, unity, and progress. We, the Nsukka Elites, express sincere remorse for our hasty judgments and pledge to rectify our misguided ways.

May you find it in your benevolent heart to forgive us as we strive to restore the integrity of our communal fabric. Let this serve as a testament to our unwavering support and unwavering dedication to your remarkable leadership, and may your legacy endure as a guiding light for generations to come.

HRH, Igwe, Dr. Marcel O. Obeta
PG,
Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum.

Chief. Prof. I.C Igwe
Secretary General,
Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum

Rev. Dr. Ikechukwu Asogwa
Publicity Secretary,
Nsukka Distinguished Elites Forum

10/10/2023

*Enugu State and the Truth Happening to Borrowing: Wrong Interpretation of Contingent Liabilities*

* A Rider to "Peter Mbah Drowns Enugu State in Debts."

By Reuben Onyishi
(Ugoachataberu)
Reuben Onyishi Base Tv Enugu Gburus Family ESUT PRESS Nsukka TV Peter Ndubuisi Mbah
Reading through a piece, entitled "Peter Mbah Drowns Enugu State in Debts," by one Cyril Ikenna Ujam, obviously a pseudonym, I personally felt vicariously the shame of ignorance and lack of financial intelligence on the part of those who rush to do mischief in the name of opposition, seeking to manipulate public opinion against the Mbah Administration.

The fact is that Enugu State has a rare gift in Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah whose every intention is to improve the lots of the Enugu citizenry by total eradication of poverty in the state through the rejigging of the economy to the astronomical proportion of a $30 billion GDP size. The target is to drive the Enugu economy through the private sector, and this requires that huge investments be made in the various sectors of the state. For investors to look in the direction of the state, certain risks have got to be done away with by way of a friendly business environment and ease of doing business. Ease of doing business is a function of availability of infrastructure and other engagements like fiscal and regulatory measures. Besides investors, the people are also a beneficiary of the built Infrastructure, and Infrastructure is not built with water. It is built with money.

Yesterday, being 9th October, 2023, the Enugu State House of Assembly approved the sum of N170 billion loan for the state government. The sum of N120 billion would be 'borrowed' from Fidelity Bank and N50 billion from Globus Bank. At least that is how it appears at the surface level.

The ordinary man who has no debt in financial understanding would interpret it so, even when going by the debt profile of Enugu State as inherited from the previous administrations, the state has no capacity to borrow such sum from anywhere, locally and internationally. What makes the difference is financial intelligence and creativity with which Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is wired, and which he has unleashed in this circumstance, which confounds and amazes the simplistic that constitute the jaundiced opposition in Enugu State, and the misguided cause of which Ujam slavishly serves.

What is approved for the state government is Bank Guarantee of N100 billion by Fidelity Bank for the development of the New Enugu City. Bank Guarantee is a contingent liability which has no place even in the banks balance sheet.Although banks treat loans as risk assets, contingent liabilities are undertakings of performance by the bank on behalf of its customer, this time, Enugu State Government. It is a guarantee to contractors and developers that upon fulfillment of set out contractual obligations, the banks would guarantee their payment. So, contingent liability is neither seen as an asset or liability. The fact is that this contingent liability has a period of 36 months to crystalize, during which time, the state shall have realized the proceeds of the developed property at the New Enugu City where the projection is to rake in over N500 billion. The other is an approved overdraft of N10 billion and another N10 billion term loan which are meant for a standby fund in case of any shortfall on which the state may not even draw- if the BG is enough to cover the development of the new city. The sum of N50 billion from Globus Bank is for Enugu State Housing Development Corporation from which the corporation projects to realize over N100 billion from developed housing projects, with a surplus value of N50 billion.

The said loan of N100 billion is a creative way of raising funding for the projects without the crystalization of the Bank Guarantee ( BG). Contractors would have access to the fund, N100 billion, for the development of the New Enugu City, yet the state shall have realized the whooping sum of N500 billion from this venture, even before the BG runs its full cycle. This is a creative way of raising funding for the state's projects without actually borrowing a dime in the real sense of it. The surplus of N400 billion realized apparently is cherry freely fall for Enugu State. With this, Mbah dribbles his way out of the financial murky waters the debt profile of the state as inherited had constituted for his administration. This is creativity at work, something that deserves commendation.

Although Governor Mbah is a lawyer by his profession, he, over the years, has garnered much experience and trainings on Finance. He is a financial analyst, and has expertise in financial management honed by his uncommon financial intelligence. This is one asset he brings to bear on governance. Mbah has already dissected the economy of Enugu State, and has found it a land flowing with milk and honey, yet untapped. It takes what Raymond Williams in his book, _Illuminations_ , calls complex-seeing for Mbah to visualize the untapped resources of the state, profile them for harnessing, and then creat much wealth out of them for Enugu State.

Cyril Ujam and his co-travellers on the route to ignorance and mischief would rush to the social media with hobbled half-truths with a view to condemn what rather should be praised. Let Ujam and co come to the knowledge of the true state of affairs in Enugu State under Mbah's watch, and stop raising unnecessary alarms and insinuations that have no basis at all. Politics may be there, especially for a desperate opposition failed on all fours, but knowledge of the working of the economy and financial matters is quite another. If you haven't got it, please seek knowledge and desist from the opprobrium of ignorance and self-inflicted shame thereof.

The claim that Mbah is borrowing to offset his personal debts is irresponsible and speaks to the emptiness of the brand of opposition we have got in Enugu State, a mischievious horde of nitwits. The whys and wherefores of the loan, if a loan it is, were clearly spelt out to the state assembly populated by a majority of the opposition of Labour Party hue in the ratio of 14 to 10. The House approved the loan not because they were financially-induced with gratification as Ujam claimed but because they clearly saw the benefits embedded in it. Who would hesitate at such a venture that would yield humongous returns to the tune of N500 billion from an investment via BG and overdrafts of the sum of N170 billion? It is only the block-headed unthinking simpletons of an Ujam fold that would pander to misgivings before the Eldorado Governor Mbah has placed before Enugu State. Enugu State Government is one under the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. The Assembly complements the Executive in the drive to take Enugu State to unprecedented economic heights. Governor Mbah has the relationship skills with which to weld the arms of government together and appropriate the synergy for the development of Enugu State.

Ndi Enugu should support the Mbah Administration in its giant strides towards the provision of democracy deliverables to the people. Mbah has it all. He is a transcedental leader with both emotional and financial intelligence to wrought the unheard of in the economic realm for Enugu State. That accounts for why the zeal without knowledge, Ujam, and those behind his mask, should be consigned to the dustbin of utter silence, as the state moves on through the clear path to economic prosperity Dr Mbah has charted.

06/10/2023

*Ease of Doing Business: Mbah's Enugu State the Toast of Investors .*
Gburus Family Acj Favour Amuka Base Tv Enugu Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Reuben Onyishi ESUT PRESS ESUT PRESS (by ACJ Favour Amuka)
By Reuben Onyishi
(Ugoachataberu)

Enugu State has become the new bride for investors as new businesses spring up in the state. Thanks to the Administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah which in the intentional bid to attract businesses and investors, in the drive to upscale the Enugu economy to astronomical proportion, makes adequate provisions for ease of doing business.

Investors are mindful of return on investment. They are also mindful of investment risks. They weigh the business environment and what it holds for gaze to them. They calculate business risks which inform their investment decisions. What is it about Enugu this time that it has become the darling of both local and international investors? The answer is simple. Governor Mbah has positioned the Enugu environment for ease of doing business in terms of security, fiscal measures and friendly regulation as well as clear prospects of enhanced infrastructure.

The Investment and Economic Growth Roundtable organized by the Mbah Administration, no doubt, communicated the value potentials Enugu State holds for investors.The roundtable attracted development banks such as African Development Bank (ADFB), African Export-Import Bank(AfREXIM), World Bank and local banks: commercial and development banks, international and local investors to whom Enugu was marketed. Investment sectors of which Enugu hold comparative advantage were revealed. Such sectors as energy, mineral resources, transportation, ICT, agriculture and the creative industry were strategically positioned in the investment consciousness of participants at the roundtable. The resultant effect is that many deals have been closed as investors swarm Enugu as bees would honeycomb. This is deliberate and intentional of the Mbah Administration, targeting to make Enugu State one of the first three subnational economic hubs in Nigeria. The objective is to alleviate poverty and grow the economy of Enugu State to $30 billion GDP size.

Many business concerns are springing up in Enugu with alacrity. The resultant effect is immediate in the area of job creation. Globus Bank two days ago opened a branch in Enugu at Number 48 Okpara Avenue. The MD of the bank, a former Executive Director in Zenith Bank, Elias Egbi-Akenzua, on a courtesy call to Governor Mbah with his team, said the bank needed to position itself in Enugu in order to partner with the state government in its high drive for the development of the state and the high wave of economic activities springing up in the state. This is just one of the private concerns tapping into the prospects of the big economy Mbah unleashes.

The aviation sector is quite another. Many international airlines are eager to join Ethiopian Airlines for international operations, following the intentional efforts of the Mbah Administration to get the international and cargo wings of Akanu Ibiam International Airport operationalized. Consequently, a foremost air travel organisation, Wakanow Travel Tech, has yesterday opened office in Enugu as it positions for commercial activities the revamped international operations would bring to bear. More travel agencies are jostling for a place in the Enugu aviation business.

Foreign investors are buzzing around. The Chinese are on ground already, sending in proposals for partnership with the state in energy, transportation, mineral resources and many more. The governor in a day holds numerous meetings with investors swarming the Lion Building eager to partner with the state government as they got to know about the investment potentials and the huge returns thereof occasioned by the derisked business environment Governor Mbah has wrought.

Indonesia has positioned itself to tap into the integrated productive sector as presented by Mbah during the Economic and Investment Roundtable held in Enugu on 1st September, 2023. Indonesia is the biggest economy Southeast Asia and an emergent industrialized nation, owning big enterprises that play in Energy, agriculture, mineral resources and trade. Indonesia is a member of G20 and the 16th largest economy in world by nominal GDP. Dr Usra Harahap, the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, last month paid a courtesy call to Governor Mbah, seeking business partnership between Enugu State and Indonesia in the area of agriculture, trade, power, ICT and mineral resources. The Nigeria Indonesia Trade Promotion Centre(ITPC) in conjunction with Indonesian Embassy in Nigeria also in September last month held the 2023 Trade Expo Indonesia in which the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and Adora Chukwu, the Enugu State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, visibly participated. Meanwhile, Governor Mbah is profiled to deliver the keynote address this month in Jakarta, Indonesian capital, in furtherance of the mutual trade, capital flow and investment diversification that would lead to the flow of Indonesian industries into Enugu State.

Who is left out? Already Enugu is the first choice of investment destination. The British Government has also begun to romance the bride. Recall that such British institutions like DFID had presence in Enugu, but later left. After the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, paid a courtesy call on Governor Mbah in Enugu, UK Visa Centre has in September been established in Enugu. Enugu and the UK Government are in for mutual trade, investment and technical partnership.

The length and breadth of it is that Enugu is largely an emerging industrial state under Mbah's watch. Foreign and local development partners are scrambling for a place in the derisked business environment Mbah has wrought in Enugu State. With this development, the attainment of the $30 billion GDP size economy for Enugu State is fait accompli. Indeed, tomorrow is here.