UNICEF Applauds Mbah’s Commitment to Education, Healthcare, and Infrastructure in Enugu State

Strategic Initiatives Elevate Social and Economic Development in Enugu State

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has lauded Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his visionary leadership and substantial investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. These efforts are recognized as pivotal in advancing the state’s social and economic development.

During the signing ceremony of the UNICEF-Enugu Government Multiyear 2025–2027 Workplan at the Government House in Enugu on March 18, 2025, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, praised Governor Mbah’s proactive governance and dedication to enhancing the welfare of children and women.

“You are the pioneer of smart schools here. Enugu is one of the leading states in implementing the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) master plan. Your investment in primary healthcare—upgrading the system to Level 2—is highly commendable. The Smart Green Schools initiative further underscores your commitment to human capital development,” Chiluwe stated.

She also acknowledged the governor’s significant achievements in infrastructure, security, and economic growth, emphasizing their long-term impact on the state’s prosperity.

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The signing of the multiyear workplan reaffirms UNICEF’s commitment to collaborating with the Enugu State Government to uphold the rights of children and women. The ongoing Country Programme of Cooperation, which began in 2023 and will conclude in 2027, aims to accelerate social development and reduce poverty across the state.

Chiluwe further urged local government authorities and other stakeholders to intensify efforts in achieving open defecation-free (ODF) status and implementing the state’s social protection policy.

In response, Governor Mbah expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s partnership and reiterated his administration’s dedication to addressing critical social challenges. “Education received 33% of the budget allocation, consistently in 2024 and 2025. Healthcare is also a top priority. Our plan is to sustain these investments for at least five years, ensuring a solid foundation before scaling further,” Mbah stated.

He highlighted ongoing projects, including the establishment of 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centers across all electoral wards, many of which are fully equipped and operational. These facilities feature 24/7 electricity, modern medical equipment, and adequate staffing.

To address the healthcare workforce shortage, Mbah’s administration has approved the recruitment of 2,500 health professionals.

Governor Mbah also emphasized his administration’s commitment to basic education, announcing that by September 2025, over 300,000 students in Smart Green Schools will benefit from free daily nutritious meals and enhanced learning environments.

Furthermore, the government is implementing the first phase of a 7,500-unit mass housing project aimed at relocating residents from urban slums, improving living conditions, and eliminating open defecation.

With these ambitious initiatives, Enugu State is poised for accelerated growth, with UNICEF reaffirming its role as a key development partner in advancing education, healthcare, and social welfare.