The people of Ozalla Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State have unanimously endorsed Governor Peter Mbah for a second term in office, citing his administration’s remarkable developmental achievements and inclusive governance as reasons for their support.
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The endorsement came during a solidarity and appreciation visit by a large delegation from the five autonomous communities of Ozalla to the Governor’s country home in Owo, Nkanu East Local Government Area, at the weekend.
The delegation, comprising community leaders, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, government appointees, women and youth groups, as well as cultural troupes, said the visit was aimed at expressing gratitude for the governor’s commitment to the development of Ozalla and Enugu State at large.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the President-General of the Ozalla Development Union (ODU), Chief Obiora Okwuibe, lauded Governor Mbah for his visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and transformational projects that have positively impacted the lives of the people.
Chief Okwuibe particularly commended the governor for facilitating the appointments of distinguished sons of Ozalla into key positions, including Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, SAN, who served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice before his appointment as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. He also acknowledged the appointments of Mr. Dan Nwomeh as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mainstream Media, Prof. Uchenna Agu as Chairman of the Enugu State Hospital Management Board, and Mr. Francis Aninwike as General Manager of the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertising Agency (ENSSAA).
The community further praised the administration for the establishment of the Smart Green School in Ozalla, the ongoing construction of a Type II Primary Healthcare Centre, the renovation of the old Ozalla Health Centre, and the Ituku–Ishi Ozalla road project.
While expressing appreciation, Okwuibe appealed to the governor to extend road infrastructure development to the community’s internal road network, noting that although major federal highways pass through Ozalla, roads connecting villages, autonomous communities, and farmlands remain in poor condition.
In a major political declaration, he announced the community’s total endorsement of Governor Mbah’s re-election bid in 2027.
“We pledge our full support and commitment to mobilising our people to ensure massive voter turnout and overwhelming support for Your Excellency’s re-election in 2027,” he said.
The community also reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing the appointment of Dr. Kingsley Udeh into the Federal Executive Council as a significant recognition of Ozalla’s contributions to national development.
Former Minister of Information, Chief Frank Nweke Jr., who addressed the gathering, said the community’s support for Governor Mbah was based on his exceptional performance and commitment to good governance.
According to him, the governor has demonstrated courage, vision, integrity, and an uncommon capacity to deliver on his promises.
He noted that Ozalla, which had suffered years of neglect under previous administrations, is now experiencing unprecedented government presence through critical infrastructure projects and strategic appointments.
Chief Nweke also commended the governor for facilitating the emergence of Dr. Udeh as a federal minister and for creating opportunities for other qualified sons of the community to serve the state.
Expressing confidence in Governor Mbah’s political future, the former minister described opposition aspirants as inconsequential and incapable of posing any serious challenge to the governor’s re-election bid.
“Come 2027, you have our full support. There may be minor political distractions here and there, but they are insignificant and pose no threat to your re-election,” Nweke stated.
Also speaking, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Mainstream Media and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Dan Nwomeh, described the visit as a reaffirmation of the long-standing historical relationship between the people of Owo and Ozalla.
He recalled Governor Mbah’s personal intervention in ensuring the successful delivery of the Smart Green School project in Ozalla and the rehabilitation of the community’s oldest healthcare facility, which now operates with 24-hour solar-powered electricity.
Responding, Governor Mbah expressed gratitude to the people of Ozalla for the show of solidarity, trust, and confidence in his administration.
He reaffirmed his commitment to equitable development across all communities in Enugu State, stressing that his administration remains focused on ensuring that no part of the state is left behind.
Governor Mbah assured the community that following the substantial investments made in the education and healthcare sectors, his administration would intensify efforts toward road infrastructure development across rural communities.
“If Ozalla is strong, Enugu is strong; if Enugu is strong, the region is strong; and if the region is strong, the country is strong,” the governor said.
He reiterated his government’s target of constructing approximately 1,250 kilometres of roads annually, explaining that more resources would become available as major investments in the Smart Green Schools programme near completion.
Among the prominent personalities who accompanied the Ozalla delegation were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, SAN; former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Barr. Victor Chukwuani; and the traditional ruler of Ishi-Ozalla Autonomous Community, Igwe Sylvanus Okeke.