…Says South East Must Seize Historic Opportunity for Economic Transformation As He Praises Senator Orji Uzor Kalu
A prominent stakeholder from Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chief Simon Eze, has lauded Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for championing strategic infrastructure projects capable of transforming the South East into a major industrial and economic powerhouse.
Chief Eze specifically hailed Governor Mbah’s call on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to prioritize the development of a regional high-pressure gas pipeline network, an inter-state railway system, and other critical initiatives aimed at unlocking industrial growth and accelerating economic development across the region.
According to Eze, the governor’s vision reflects a deep understanding of the infrastructural deficits that have hindered the region’s economic potential for decades and demonstrates the kind of forward-thinking leadership needed to position the South East for sustainable prosperity.
Governor Mbah made the proposals on Monday while receiving members of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, led by its Chairman, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu.
The delegation, accompanied by the management of the SEDC led by its Managing Director, Mr. Mark Okoye, was in the state as part of its oversight functions to assess the commission’s projects and programmes.
Speaking during the meeting, Mbah described the Senate Committee as one of the most important committees of the National Assembly for the South East, given the enormous development opportunities embedded in the Commission’s mandate.
The governor stressed that the establishment of a regional gas pipeline linking major cities across the South East would provide industries with reliable energy supply, drive manufacturing activities, attract investments, and stimulate large-scale industrialization.
He maintained that the South East should benefit substantially from gas resources produced within the southern region of the country, pointing out that pipeline infrastructure already transports gas to other parts of Nigeria.
“If we are able to have a high-pressure gas pipeline across all the major cities in the South East, I know that the SEDC is a veritable platform that can essentially execute a project of that scale,” Mbah stated.
The governor also advocated for a modern railway system connecting major commercial and industrial centres across the five South East states, describing it as a crucial infrastructure project that would facilitate trade, improve movement of goods and people, reduce transportation costs, and strengthen regional integration.
He called for enhanced collaboration among the states in developing a common blueprint for the proposed rail project, with the South East Development Commission serving as the coordinating platform.
Beyond transportation and energy infrastructure, Mbah highlighted the Commission’s potential role in agricultural development and youth entrepreneurship. He cited the ongoing 200-hectare Integrated Agro Development Programme at Nomeh Unateze in Enugu State as a model intervention capable of boosting food production, job creation, and economic diversification.
The governor further emphasized the need for the Commission to provide funding support for innovative young entrepreneurs whose businesses have attained viable growth stages, enabling them to scale operations and contribute meaningfully to regional economic development.
Describing the proposed projects as catalysts for an industrial revolution, Mbah urged members of the National Assembly to ensure adequate funding for the Commission to enable it deliver on its strategic mandate.
Reacting to the governor’s position, Chief Simon Eze commended Mbah for demonstrating exceptional commitment to the economic future of the South East.
According to him, the governor’s proposals represent practical solutions capable of unlocking industrial growth, expanding employment opportunities, facilitating regional trade, and enhancing the competitiveness of the South East in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
He noted that for decades, leaders and stakeholders in the region have yearned for transformative infrastructure capable of integrating markets, supporting industries, and connecting communities, adding that Mbah’s advocacy offers a realistic pathway toward achieving those objectives.
Chief Eze also praised Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and members of the Senate Committee for their efforts in supporting the Commission and ensuring its successful take-off.
Earlier, Senator Kalu commended the Mbah administration for its remarkable achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, transportation, and water supply, particularly citing the establishment of Smart Green Schools, thousands of classrooms, primary healthcare centres across the state’s electoral wards, and the state’s multimodal transport initiative.
The senator further disclosed that lingering concerns regarding the location of the South East Development Commission’s headquarters had been resolved following the provision of temporary office accommodation and land for a permanent headquarters by the Enugu State Government.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Mbah for his support towards the smooth take-off of the Commission and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting its programmes and activities.
For many stakeholders across the region, the governor’s proposals signal a new era of regional cooperation and strategic development planning, with the potential to reposition the South East as one of Africa’s leading hubs for industry, commerce, innovation, and economic growth.
Chief Simon Eze also used the occasion to reaffirm Governor Peter Mbah’s growing political stature and popularity across Enugu State, expressing confidence that the governor’s performance-driven leadership has continued to earn him widespread acceptance among the people.
According to Eze, the transformational projects being executed by the Mbah administration across critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, transportation, technology, and economic development, have significantly strengthened public trust in the government.
He maintained that the governor’s developmental strides and visionary approach to governance have effectively positioned him for another term in office, describing his anticipated reelection in 2027 as “a done deal.”
“Governor Peter Mbah has demonstrated uncommon leadership, courage, and commitment to the development of Enugu State. The people can see and feel the impact of his administration across communities and sectors. Based on the overwhelming support he enjoys and the remarkable achievements recorded so far, I have no doubt that his reelection in 2027 is already assured. The people will undoubtedly reward performance, and Governor Mbah has given them every reason to do so,” Eze stated.
He further urged residents of the state and stakeholders across the South East to continue supporting Governor Mbah’s development agenda, noting that sustained collaboration between government and the people remains essential for achieving lasting prosperity and regional transformation.
