I spent my Christmas with the uncommon Governor of Enugu State, the man who assured the people of Enugu that “tomorrow is here.” I can comfortably affirm that for us in Enugu, tomorrow is indeed here. It is palpable and evident—even to the blind.
We had earlier met at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, during the 53rd convocation of the university. My wife was among the graduating students, having completed her PhD, while the uncommon Governor was honored with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree (Hon. LL.D).
We ran into each other at the exit door towards the end of the ceremony, and he invited me to his village on the 25th for a deeper discussion, as we had not seen each other for a while—except for a few chats on WhatsApp over the past months.
I set out early yesterday and joined his family at their village church for the Christmas service in Owo, Nkanu East Local Government Area. I was surprised to discover that it was just a typical village service, devoid of government presence, overzealous appointees, favor-seeking contractors, or hangers-on. I was the only outsider, apart from the village worshippers and the Governor’s security aides. That was my first shock.
On arriving at his house, which is not far from the church, I noticed there were no visitors, except for one security vehicle in front of the house. I was ushered in seamlessly, as the Governor had instructed his security aides that I was his guest. Surprisingly, I was the only visitor in the modest compound. I noticed a few canopies and workers setting up for an event later in the evening.
Another guest arrived shortly after: the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Polycarp Chigbu. I have known him for many years, having managed the university’s accounts when he was in charge of their consultancy unit. I assumed he came to thank the Governor for attending the convocation.
I learned that, as a policy, you don’t visit the Governor without an express appointment—a standard practice that Enugu people have come to accept. This was also the norm during Sullivan Chime’s administration.
Eventually, I met my friend and brother, the Governor, whom I have known personally since 2005. He was Commissioner for Finance in Enugu State while I served as the official banker to the state government under Chimaroke Nnamani’s administration. Together, we achieved significant milestones to strengthen the state’s finances.
We discussed both private and official matters concerning the state. I commended him for his efforts in transforming and repositioning Enugu State.
We talked about improving electricity supply, surpassing current performance, and addressing water supply issues in Enugu metropolis. He assured me of quick resolutions to problems such as burst pipes and unserviced areas. He even called the official in charge for follow-up based on my suggestions. Pragmatic leadership—no noise.
In Enugu, new roads are resurfaced quietly, without the fanfare of flag-offs and commissioning, except for strategic projects like the dualization of the 44km Enugu-Opi Bypass.
The Governor blew my mind as he shared his ambitious targets, including:
1.) Establishing smart schools in every ward of Enugu State.
2.) Modernizing secondary schools.
3.) Completing the Enugu International Hospital.
4.) Driving agricultural revolution with a land bank for agribusiness investors.
5.) Commissioning the International Conference Centre, which is 100% completed.
6.) Launching Enugu Airline.
7.) Advancing industrialization, with six industries already established and more to come in 2025.
8.) Developing station terminals for buses and articulated trucks in Enugu and Nsukka, with the Nsukka terminal already delivered.
He revealed that the state projects an internally generated revenue (IGR) of N30 billion monthly by next year. Currently, Enugu generates close to N20 billion monthly. In comparison, Abia struggles to generate the same amount annually.
I refrained from telling him that my state, Abia, still generates N1.2 billion monthly—a source of shame. We did not discuss pensions or salaries because Enugu has moved past such issues, having cleared all arrears. Salaries and pensions are now taken for granted.
We did not dwell on the challenges he inherited or blame past administrations. My uncommon Governor came prepared. “You can’t drive forward while looking back,” he said.
He has replicated the template he used in building Pinnacle Oil and Gas in public sector governance, where only performance matters. His passion for transforming the state is palpable.
I observed the dualization of the road into Owo, which affected the Governor’s house. Yet, he allowed the project to proceed as originally planned. That is leadership.
Enugu people are indeed lucky.
Obinna Oriaku
Ekwedike
