Enugu State's leader, Peter Mbah, states that his government will produce and supply electricity in the area by the conclusion of 2026.
Mbah revealed the strategies to address the issues of inconsistent power supply to businesses and residents of the state during a town hall meeting with different stakeholders on Saturday.
He mentioned that the State Electricity Regulatory Commission will be launched soon as part of efforts to achieve the goal. He added that the state will explore opportunities in the power sector to generate and distribute power to enhance businesses.
He expressed, "Electricity is a significant infrastructure necessity for industrial growth. We will establish the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission as we handle all legal and regulatory matters in achieving the goal.
"In collaboration with the private sector, we will produce and supply electricity in Enugu by the conclusion of 2026. We will construct transmitter lines and manage power distribution.
"People can come here to purchase and distribute power. Our aim is to ensure a stable power supply to businesses and households in Enugu.
Mbah also discussed the ongoing project aimed at revitalizing the educational sector.
He revealed that the 260 smart schools being built in the 260 political wards of the state will be operational by 2025.
According to Mbah, work has already started in 160 wards while the remaining 100 will commence soon.
He mentioned that the smart school will go beyond primary education and provide a compulsory and free 12-year education to every child born in the state.
He added that the smart school initiative includes early life learning, and with that, the children will be enrolled from nursery to primary schools.
"They will be exposed to a modern learning environment and this will involve a transition from chalkboard to smart boards, and our pupils will no longer struggle with notebooks as they’ll be given notepads for their lesson notes," he added, stating that "our children are at the center of our plans for the state.
The governor also mentioned that his administration is constructing 260 type II health centers across the wards, and 30 such health centers have already been awarded, and 100 will soon be awarded.
He further stated that the current maternal mortality rate in the state is “unacceptable and we’re doing everything to bring it down and to help tackle this.
He said his administration has increased the number of nurses admitted into state-owned institutions, and the schools of nursing are getting the needed face-lift.
Lately, there has been a widespread blackout and worsening electricity supply across the country.
