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Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has assured the people of the state that there would not be any slowing down in the new year the speed of transformation witnessed by the state in the year 2024.
This was even as he urged Nigerians to kindle the fire of love, empathy, and charity to move the nation forward in the new year.
Mbah stated this in his New Year message on Tuesday, reiterating his commitment to an inclusive development and all-bracing economic opportunities.
“The high expectations that have arisen as a result of the successes of the outgoing year are understandable. We cannot afford to temper your expectations with excuses, or by lowering our deliverables.
“So, as we behold the dawn of a New Year, we can rest assured that there will be no tapering down on the social and economic re-engineering we have set off across Enugu State.
“We went through 2024 with the spritely dash of a sprint runner. 2025 will be no different. There would be no slowing down to catch our breath, because our strong resolve to transform Enugu State has imbued us with the endurance of a marathon runner.
“In a few days’ time, we will witness the formal commissioning of some major capital projects – from completed Smart Green Schools to the breathtaking International Conference Centre; Primary Healthcare Centres that expand quality medical care to the remotest locations in our state, as well as several kilometers of urban and rural roads; and Bus Terminals designed to restore order and dignity to our public transport.
“These are significant projects. But they are just a miniscule representation of our larger vision for Enugu State.
“This year, the doors of our Smart Schools will open across the entire state, bringing almost in a literal sense a world of opportunities to our children’s classrooms.
“Through our fully functional Smart Schools, we have caught glimpses of the wholesome transformation that children will experience when exposed to a range of practical and impactful learning.
“We can only marvel at the likely impact, as more students are brought into the pool that guarantees an education that is fit-for-purpose, and a skill set that sufficiently prepares them for the evolving global workplace.
“So, by September, every child from age 3 – 15 in each of our Smart Schools will have access to world-class free education – complemented with a free nourishing meal daily,” he said.
The governor added that his vision to transform Enugu State into a premier destination for business, investment, tourism and living, and grow its economy from $4.4bn to $30bn remained uncompromisable.
“We had long seemed content with initiatives that yield outcomes that were at best marginal, and which barely generated the real growth that can launch Enugu into a modern economy.
“The year 2025 will witness the extension of the frontiers of development – as we take it literally to the last mile, where the provision of basic amenities can be taken for granted by everyone,” he stated.
Mbah, however, urged the people of Enugu State and Nigerians to embrace love and empathy as a key ingredient in nation-building.
“Let us not be so consumed by personal pursuits to such extent they render us insensitive to the needs of others.
“Let us resolve to never underestimate the power of a small kind deed. Love and empathy are crucial building blocks of every society.
“It is the reason we have carefully structured our development model in a way that is inclusive, and that ensures we’re not growing our economy at the expense of our common humanity.
“I can confidently assure you that we’re on track; we’re carrying everyone along, and will never veer off this track in this New Year.
“May this New Year kindle the fire of love, empathy and charity in our hearts – and banish the toxic air of hate, distrust and cynicism,” he stated.
Mbah thanked the people for their support and wished them a merry and hitch-free New Year celebration.
