The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has commended Governor Peter Mbah for his administration’s collaboration with the Federal Government to deliver infrastructure and other development projects in Enugu State.
Idris made the commendation during a town hall meeting at the International Conference Centre as part of the National Communication Team’s citizens’ engagement tour to explain the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the FG’s delegation was in Enugu to connect directly with the people of the state on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, whose goal is to bridge the communication gap between the government and the citizens, block the spread of misinformation and strengthen participatory democracy through open dialogue.
He assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to the development of Enugu State and the entire Southeast region.
Idris noted that Enugu and Imo were among 11 states granted regulatory autonomy to oversee their electricity markets under the new Electricity Act, urging other South-East states to follow suit.
According to him, economic indicators such as food prices and foreign exchange rates are stabilizing, with global rating agencies optimistic about Nigeria’s growth towards a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
The minister assured that while challenges remain, President Tinubu’s reforms would yield clearer benefits by the end of his first term, with the Southeast positioned as a key player in the nation’s economic transformation.
According to him, the President’s reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, have freed up resources for both the federal and state governments to invest in critical infrastructure and social services.
“Governors across the country, including here in Enugu, are taking advantage of these additional resources to deliver impactful projects. We have seen the work Governor Peter Mbah is doing in education, infrastructure, security, and culture, and this is exactly what President Tinubu envisioned,” Idris said.
The minister commended Governor Mbah for sustaining and expanding development programmes, noting that the synergy between the federal and state governments is key to achieving lasting prosperity.
He disclosed that the delegation – comprising top officials from the National Orientation Agency, NTA, FRCN, NBC, and the Voice of Nigeria – would inspect projects in the state before holding an interactive session with residents to receive feedback on federal government policies.
He called on entrepreneurs in the Southeast to tap into the Federal Government’s ₦200 billion intervention funds to expand their businesses and promote locally made products.
According to him, the funds,comprising; the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), the FGN MSME Intervention Fund, and the FGN Manufacturing Sector Fund—were specially designed to support small businesses, boost manufacturing, and strengthen the country’s industrial base.
“Recognising the Southeast’s industrial strength, the government has created three key business funds totalling ₦200 billion. I urge entrepreneurs to take advantage of these funds and embrace the ‘Nigeria First’ policy that promotes patronage of locally made products,” Idris stated.
The Minister highlighted ongoing Federal Government projects in Enugu and by extension the Southeast the region, including the modernization of the Eastern Railway Corridor from Port Harcourt through Aba and Enugu to Maiduguri, the rehabilitation of over 1,000 primary healthcare centres, and the commissioning of a world-class oncology and cancer centre in Enugu.
“Today, we went to see all the roads linking Enugu to other parts of the Southeast, Southsouth and the North; we went to see the 350 meters flyover bridge at Eke Obinagu and all the projects which the Bola Tinubu led federal government is doing in Enugu and in deed Southeast.
“The flyover bridge at Eke Obinagu is significant because it connects Enugu to Ebonyi state, to Akwa Ibom, Cross River and even to the Cameroon. The bridge is almost being completed by President Bola Tinubu and we know it is what he promised and very soon the people of this state and their neighbours will benefit from the project upon completion,” he said.
The ENUGU State Governor, Peter MBAH who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Malachy Agbo lauds the effort of the ministry in organizing an “open dialogue” in the state.
He also said such engagement will foster positive exchange of ideas, which when shared, “will change decisions that will directly touch the lives of Nigerians, especially in the southeast and Enugu state in particular.”
While speaking on the effort of President Bola-Ahmed Tinubu in supporting Enugu state and Southeast, he reaffirms the state’s readiness to supporting Federal Government’s efforts towards building a better nation.
“Please permit me to present our profound gratitude to Mr. President for choosing our state for this engagement.
“We assure him of our full cooperation, and our readiness to partnering the federal government in building a responsible and better Nigeria,” he noted.
He also pleaded for a continued cooperation and support of the federal government towards Enugu State, and Southeast in general.
At the town hall meeting were traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, market leaders, youth leaders and leaders from the various political parties in the state.
