By Darlington Nnamani
FLOWERBUDNEWS: In a remarkable achievement that underscores the transformative power of purposeful governance, Enugu State has been ranked the third safest state in Nigeria, according to the latest report by SBM Intelligence, a leading Africa-focused market and security intelligence gathering firm.
This prestigious ranking is no mere coincidence; it is the fruit of deliberate, strategic, and unwavering investments in modern security infrastructure and human development by the administration of Gov. Peter Mbah.
Under his visionary leadership, Enugu State is not only emerging as a beacon of safety but also as a model of progressive governance in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Gov. Mbah’s ascent to the helm of Enugu State in 2023 marked the beginning of a bold and ambitious agenda to reposition the state as a premier destination for investment, tourism, and quality living. Central to this vision has been his administration’s relentless focus on enhancing security—a critical pillar for sustainable development.
Within months of assuming office, Mbah took decisive steps to dismantle longstanding challenges, including ending the disruptive sit-at-home order that once stifled economic activity in the South-East. His administration’s innovative approach to security has since redefined the state’s safety profile.
The establishment of the Enugu State Command and Control Centre stands as a cornerstone of Mbah’s security revolution. Equipped with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras strategically deployed across the state, this state-of-the-art facility has empowered security agencies to monitor, respond to, and prevent crimes with unprecedented efficiency.
Complementing this technological leap is the deployment of over 150 patrol vehicles fitted with advanced surveillance equipment, ensuring rapid response and comprehensive coverage of Enugu’s urban and rural areas. These interventions, described as “logistical novelties” comparable to systems in more advanced nations, have significantly bolstered public safety and investors’ confidence in Enugu State.
The SBM Intelligence report’s recognition of Enugu as the third safest state is a resounding endorsement of these efforts. It reflects the tangible outcomes of Mbah’s commitment to leveraging technology and collaboration to create a secure environment where citizens can thrive and businesses can flourish.
As Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, noted during the 14th Anyaoku Lecture Series hosted in Enugu, Mbah’s leadership style is a catalyst for rapid development, setting a standard that could transform Nigeria if replicated under a truly federal system.
While the safety ranking is a headline-grabbing achievement, it is only one facet of Gov. Mbah’s broader mission to uplift the people of Enugu State. His administration’s focus on human development is evident in its massive investments across education, infrastructure, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Sectors that are intricately linked to the state’s overall progress.
In education, Mbah has championed initiatives that prioritize access, innovation, and technological advancement. His administration’s emphasis on equipping youths with digital skills aligns with the demands of the 21st-century economy.
Infrastructure development has also been a hallmark of Mbah’s tenure. From the commissioning of mind-blowing projects by President Bola Tinubu in January 2025 to the ongoing expansion of pipe-borne water projects—unmatched by any other state in Nigeria—Enugu is witnessing an infrastructural renaissance.
These projects are not just about physical transformation; they are about creating an enabling environment for economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
Tinubu himself praised Mbah for taking Enugu on “the path of 21st-century development,” a sentiment echoed by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other national leaders.
Mbah’s economic foresight is further exemplified by his strategic positioning of Enugu as a conferencing and tourism hub. The newly constructed Enugu State International Conference Centre, which hosted the 14th Chief Emeka Anyaoku Lecture Series, and the upcoming National Convention o the Nigerian Bar Association are testaments to the state’s growing reputation as a safe and vibrant destination.
These events not only showcase Enugu’s beauty and hospitality but also drive economic activity, creating jobs and opportunities for local communities.
Gov. Mbah’s success is not a product of chance but of a distinguished career marked by excellence and strategic thinking.
A lawyer, financial analyst, and former CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, Mbah brought a wealth of private-sector experience to public office. His tenure as Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance under Governor Chimaroke Nnamani (1999–2007) equipped him with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of governance.
Inspired by a passion for societal development, Mbah transitioned from corporate success to political leadership, determined to make a lasting impact on Enugu State.
Despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mbah has earned bipartisan praise, with President Tinubu (of the All Progressives Congress) lauding his commitment to development.
Enugu’s ranking as the third safest state is more than a statistic rating; it is a clarion call for other states to emulate Mbah’s model of governance.
His administration’s blend of technological innovation, strategic investment, and people-centered policies offers a blueprint for addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges. As Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia, Jnr, aptly stated, Mbah’s leadership is “awe-inspiring,” challenging other governors to prioritize the welfare of their people.
As Enugu State basks in its well-deserved recognition, Governor Mbah remains focused and unfazed, committed to building a future where the state not only maintains its safety ranking but also becomes a global model for development. His administration’s plans to make Enugu the conferencing capital of Africa and attract three million annual tourists are ambitious yet achievable, given the foundation already laid by Gov. Mbah.
Ndi’Enugu are witnessing the dawn of a new era—one defined by security, progress, and unity. As the state soars “from great heights to greater heights,” in the words of Nwafor, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah stands tall as a servant-leader whose irrevocable commitment to human development is reshaping Enugu and inspiring a nation.
Enugu’s ranking as the third safest state is just one of many milestones under Mbah’s leadership. The state is achieving firsts in infrastructure, education, and economic development, earning accolades as a hub of progress.
From the Enugu Unity Christmas Park where the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as a “rare gift to the nation” and stated that Enugu is “the luckiest state” to have him as governor.
During a visit to Enugu on December 8, 2024, where she launched the ‘25 Days of Christmas Festival’ by illuminating 500,000 lights at the Naira Triangle and Unity Park, Musawa praised Mbah’s innovative transformation of the state within his first 18 months in office.
She commended his rapid development strides, particularly in constructing Smart Green Schools and tourism, noting that his innovations would be remembered in Nigeria’s history and have set a path for other governors to follow and to hosting the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association’s National Convention, Enugu is showcasing its beauty, peace, and industry to the world.
Looking ahead, Mbah remains focused on his vision of making Enugu the conferencing capital of Africa and a top tourism destination. His administration’s strategic investments in security and infrastructure are laying the foundation for sustainable growth, ensuring that Enugu remains a beacon of opportunity for generations to come.
The SBM Intelligence report is a call to other states to emulate Enugu’s model of intentional and people-centered governance. Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership proves that with vision, action, and commitment, transformation is possible.
As Enugu continues to shine, Ndi’Enugu and Nigerians everywhere can take pride in a leader who is building a legacy of progress, safety, and prosperity. It is also a clarion call for Nigerians to come to Enugu State and invest for their return of investment is Irrevocably Guaranteed.
(Nnamani is the Special Assistant to Gov. Mbah on Media)
