Stakeholders across the six local government areas of Enugu North Senatorial District—popularly known as Nsukka Zone—have thrown their weight behind Governor Peter Mbah’s re-election bid, citing his “visible commitment” to the region’s development.
The endorsement came during Mbah’s weekend working visit to Nsukka, which featured the foundation laying of a 5,000-shop capacity Nsukka International Market, meetings with traditional rulers at Edem Ani, and an enlarged stakeholders’ forum.
Leaders from traditional institutions, politics, academia, and community groups lauded the governor for addressing key demands made before the 2023 polls, including the appointment of an Nsukka indigene as Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)—the first in the institution’s 67-year history.
Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, recalled that the zone had presented three major requests to Mbah in 2023: dualisation of the 44km Abakpa Nike–Opi–Nsukka Road, appointment of a local VC for UNN, and support for the creation of Adada State. “We are pleased that two of these demands are already realities,” Asadu said.
During the visit, Mbah also revealed plans for a feasibility study on a rail project that would cut travel time between Enugu and Nsukka to just 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, renowned scholar Prof. Victor Nnam hailed the appointment of Prof. Simeon Ortuanaya as UNN’s 16th Vice Chancellor, describing it as “a triumph for merit, competence, and academic excellence.” Nnam, a professor of Surveying and Geoinformatics, said the choice of Ortuanaya signalled renewed hope for hard work, dedication, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
