Enugu State Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has been named the Best South-East Governor of the Year 2025 by the Hall of Igbo Achievers Foundation (HIAF), in what organizers describe as a recognition of his administration’s performance across key sectors.
The award, the first of its kind by the foundation, was announced in a statement issued by its Chief Executive Officer, Nze Sam Nwanze and Mike Ubani, the Executive Director of the Foundation and Executive Editor of the Igbo Book of Records, following the recommendation of a seven-member selection committee.
Selection Process and Criteria
The committee, chaired by Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma, evaluated governors in Nigeria’s South-East region based on their impact in critical areas including education, healthcare, transportation, infrastructure development, and security.
According to the foundation, Governor Mbah stood out for what it described as “exceptional performance” and a development-driven leadership style.
Focus on Education and Infrastructure
Particular emphasis was placed on Mbah’s education reforms, especially his administration’s flagship initiative to build Smart Green Schools across all 260 electoral wards in the state.
The project, part of his “Tomorrow Is Here” agenda, has been backed by increased budgetary allocations to the education sector, signalling what the selection committee called a “strategic investment in the future.”
The foundation also cited improvements in road infrastructure, urban and rural connectivity, and transportation systems, including both land and air, as key factors in its decision.
Governor Reacts
In a personally signed acknowledgment letter, Mbah expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as both an honour and a responsibility.
“This prestigious recognition goes beyond me as an individual; it belongs to my entire team working tirelessly to reposition our state for sustainable growth and development,” he said.
Award Ceremony Details
The award is scheduled to be formally presented on April 16, 2026, at the International Conference Centre Enugu, where dignitaries from across the region are expected to attend.
The event will also feature the conferment of the first edition of the organisation’s “Great Igbo Achievers With Integrity and Excellence Awards,” to 21 distinguished Igbo sons and daughters, which include the Chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty Igwe Samuel Asadu, Professor Ume Okafor, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Enugu State Teaching Hospital, Nsukka.
Promoting Igbo Heritage
The Hall of Igbo Achievers Foundation said the initiative is part of its broader mission to promote Igbo heritage, culture, and excellence by identifying and celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
The event will also include the public presentation of the second edition of the Igbo Book of Records and the Igbo Digest Newspaper.
