Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has said his administration’s massive investments in education, security, healthcare, tourism, and agriculture are aimed at preventing future insecurity and creating sustainable economic growth.
Speaking during an interactive session with the Renewed Hope Media Team in Enugu, Mbah explained that the state’s development strategy is built around growing the economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years, eradicating poverty, and making Enugu a leading destination for business, tourism, and investment.
The governor said security remains the foundation of development, noting that his administration has invested heavily in technology-driven security infrastructure, including an AI-powered Command and Control Centre, Distress Response Squad vehicles, body cameras, and surveillance systems to monitor activities across the state and forest areas.
According to him, the investments helped tackle the sit-at-home challenge and restore confidence among residents and investors.
Mbah also highlighted the establishment of a world-class international hospital designed to reduce medical tourism and attract healthcare investments, while plans are underway to capture a significant share of Nigeria’s multi-billion-dollar medical tourism market.
In the tourism sector, the governor said Enugu is developing major attractions, including Africa’s longest zipline, a cable car project, and other tourism facilities aimed at attracting up to three million visitors annually. He added that efforts to upgrade the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and improve air connectivity are critical to achieving that goal.
On education, Mbah disclosed that over 267 Smart Schools equipped with Artificial Intelligence, robotics, ICT facilities, and 3D printers have been established across the state. He said the government is prioritising continuous teacher training and experiential learning to prepare students for future opportunities.
The governor stressed that investing in education today is a long-term strategy to reduce crime and insecurity in the future.
“If we fail to equip our children with relevant skills today, we may end up spending far more resources fighting criminality tomorrow,” he said.
Mbah also credited President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms for creating greater fiscal space for states to execute transformative projects, noting that increased revenues from the federation account have enabled Enugu to implement large-scale development programmes.
In agriculture, the governor revealed plans for over 260 farm estates across the state to help smallholder farmers transition to mechanised farming, boost food production, and stimulate agro-industrial growth.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a secure, prosperous, and investment-friendly Enugu State through innovation, infrastructure, and human capital development.
