Gov. Mbah Says Intentional Personal Development, Innovation and Enterprise Are Critical to Building the Enugu and Nigeria of Tomorrow.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform | September 11, 2026.
ENUGU — Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has challenged young people across the state to move beyond waiting for opportunities and become creators of opportunities through technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, intentional personal development and productive contribution to nation-building.
The Governor gave the charge at the Peter Eze Youth Connect 2026, held on Thursday, September 10, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, where youths, entrepreneurs, students, professionals, government officials and prominent leaders converged for a major engagement on employment, education, entrepreneurship, skills development, scholarships, grants, career advancement and access to opportunities.
The programme, convened by Hon. Peter Ogbonna Eze, Federal Commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission, provided a platform for young people to connect with opportunities capable of shaping their educational, professional and entrepreneurial futures.
The event attracted a distinguished gathering of political leaders, government officials, professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and youths from across Enugu State and beyond.
Among the prominent dignitaries at the programme were Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly; Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission; Senator Emmanuel Onwe, PhD (Lond.), Barrister, Supreme Court of England & Wales, Member, Lincoln’s Inn, London; and Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu State, alongside other prominent political, governmental and community leaders.
Mbah: Become Creators, Not Just Consumers of Opportunities
Represented at the event by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah emphasised that the future of Enugu and Nigeria depends substantially on the ability of young people to acquire relevant knowledge, develop practical skills, embrace technology and deliberately position themselves to create value.
The Governor urged Enugu youths to develop a mindset that goes beyond seeking jobs or waiting for government interventions.
Rather, he challenged them to identify problems, develop solutions, build enterprises and use technology to create opportunities for themselves and others.
Governor Mbah stressed that the rapidly changing global economy presents enormous possibilities for young people who are prepared to learn, innovate and adapt.
He therefore encouraged youths to become creators, innovators, entrepreneurs and solution providers, stressing that their contribution to nationhood must be intentional and anchored on personal development, competence, discipline and service.
Intentional Personal Development as a Pathway to Nation-Building
Governor Mbah also placed strong emphasis on intentional personal development, urging young people to continuously invest in knowledge, character, skills, leadership capacity and professional competence.
He noted that while government and institutions can create opportunities and open doors, young people must prepare themselves to take advantage of those opportunities.
The Governor encouraged youths to embrace continuous learning, digital skills, entrepreneurship, innovation and professional networking.
His message was clear: the young people who will shape the future are those who deliberately prepare themselves today.
Three Enugu Youths Receive Scholarships to Study Abroad
One of the major highlights of Peter Eze Youth Connect 2026 was the recognition and scholarship support extended to promising young Enugu indigenes, further demonstrating the importance of education and human capital development in creating sustainable opportunities for the younger generation.
Uche Michael Kenechukwu from Udi Local Government Area; Okoro Vivian Chinenye from Igbo Eze North Local Government Area; and Chuklwuemeka David Chiemerie emerged as beneficiaries of scholarships to study abroad in specialised fields.
The beneficiaries will pursue studies in:
- Uche Michael Kenechukwu — Computer Science
- Okoro Vivian Chinenye — Petroleum Engineering Technology
- Chuklwuemeka David Chiemerie — Mechatronics
The scholarship initiative represents a significant investment in the intellectual and professional development of young people, providing the beneficiaries with an opportunity to acquire specialised knowledge and skills in disciplines relevant to the future of technology, industry and economic development.
The selection of courses such as Computer Science, Petroleum Engineering Technology and Mechatronics also highlights the growing importance of science, technology, engineering and innovation in preparing young people for the demands of the modern economy.
The beneficiaries are expected to become not only recipients of educational opportunities but potential contributors to the development of Enugu State and Nigeria through the knowledge, expertise and experience they will acquire.
Education as an Investment in Enugu’s Future
The scholarship component of the programme reinforces the message that youth empowerment must include meaningful investment in education and human capital.
For Governor Mbah’s administration, developing a knowledgeable and skilled population is central to building a productive economy and positioning Enugu competitively in the national and global marketplace.
The scholarship beneficiaries therefore represent a practical example of how access to education can transform individual lives while creating long-term benefits for families, communities and society.
SSG: Mbah Administration Creating Enabling Environment for Businesses
Representing Governor Mbah, the SSG, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, reiterated the commitment of the Enugu State Government to creating a conducive, viable and business-friendly environment where enterprises can thrive and young people can turn ideas into sustainable ventures.
The SSG explained that the Mbah administration understands that meaningful youth empowerment requires more than temporary interventions.
It requires an ecosystem where businesses can grow, investment can flourish, entrepreneurs can access opportunities, and young people can connect their skills and ideas with practical avenues for economic advancement.
He assured participants that the government would continue working towards the multiplication of opportunities and greater accessibility to legitimate governmental support programmes and interventions.
He encouraged young people to prepare themselves adequately, stressing that government can create platforms and open doors, but individuals must possess the skills, determination and discipline required to maximise those opportunities.
Omidiran: Prepare for Opportunities Through Competence and Character
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, challenged Enugu youths to prepare themselves adequately for available opportunities by developing competence, discipline, integrity and practical skills.
She emphasised that access to an opportunity is only the beginning; competence, character and performance determine how far an individual can go.
She urged young people to embrace technology, build strong professional relationships, develop an international outlook and actively pursue legitimate opportunities.
Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu and Other Leaders Grace Landmark Youth Engagement
The presence of Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, added significant legislative and institutional weight to the gathering.
His participation underscored the importance of youth development, legislative support and stronger engagement between young people and institutions of government.
Also prominent at the event was Senator Emmanuel Onwe, PhD (Lond.), Barrister, Supreme Court of England & Wales, Member, Lincoln’s Inn, London, whose presence reflected the calibre of experienced public figures and professionals participating in the conversation on youth development and national advancement.
The participation of Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, APC Enugu State Chairman, equally added an important political dimension to the programme, demonstrating the need for sustained engagement between political leadership and the younger generation.
Together with other prominent leaders, public officials, professionals and stakeholders, their presence demonstrated that the development of Enugu youths requires a broad coalition involving government, political institutions, private enterprise, civil society, professional bodies and the youths themselves.
Peter Eze: Bridging the Information Gap
The convener of the programme, Hon. Peter Ogbonna Eze, explained that Peter Eze Youth Connect was conceived to address one of the major challenges confronting young Nigerians: inadequate access to reliable information about where opportunities exist and how to access them.
The initiative provided a platform for young people to learn about employment, scholarships, grants, fellowships, internships, entrepreneurship, digital careers, government programmes and professional development.
The scholarship opportunities presented at the event gave practical expression to this objective by demonstrating how access to the right information and platforms can translate into life-changing educational opportunities.
Technology as the New Frontier of Opportunity
A major thrust of Governor Mbah’s message was the central role of technology in creating new economic possibilities.
From artificial intelligence and software development to digital marketing, e-commerce, creative industries, fintech, online education, automation and advanced engineering, technology is rapidly transforming the global economy.
The Governor therefore encouraged Enugu youths to acquire relevant digital and technical skills and use technology not merely for consumption but for production, innovation, enterprise and job creation.
The scholarship beneficiaries studying Computer Science and Mechatronics particularly exemplify the type of technical and scientific capacity that will be increasingly required in the emerging economy.
Government and Youths as Partners in Development
Peter Eze Youth Connect 2026 reinforced the idea that government and young people must work together in building the future of Enugu.
Government has a responsibility to provide infrastructure, policies, institutional support and a conducive environment.
Young people, on the other hand, must develop the skills, discipline, creativity and entrepreneurial mindset required to maximise those opportunities.
The Mbah administration’s position is that youth development must ultimately translate into real economic participation, employability, entrepreneurship, innovation and improved quality of life.
Beyond Empowerment: Creating Sustainable Opportunities
One of the strongest messages from the event was that youth empowerment should move beyond short-term interventions towards sustainable economic participation.
Young people should be equipped to establish businesses, acquire employable skills, access markets, secure jobs, create employment and contribute to their communities.
For students and graduates, it means preparing for scholarships, employment, fellowships, internships and other professional opportunities.
For entrepreneurs, it means developing viable business ideas and acquiring the capacity to scale.
For technology enthusiasts and young professionals, it means developing skills capable of competing in an increasingly digital and global economy.
EMV Post-Event Interview: Leaders Highlight Measurable Impact on Youths
The event concluded with a special interview session featuring prominent stakeholders who assessed the significance and expected impact of Peter Eze Youth Connect 2026 on Enugu youths and the wider society.
Speaking during the interview with Enugu Media Village (EMV) Editor, Amb. John ChukuwOrji, Hon. Obinta Juliet, Senior Special Assistant on Youths to the APC National Chairman, reflected on the importance of initiatives that deliberately connect young people with opportunities in government, employment, education, entrepreneurship and skills development.
She emphasised the need for sustained youth engagement and practical programmes capable of translating government policies and opportunities into tangible benefits for young people.
Also speaking was Dr. Cyprian Okoro, Senior Lecturer, Coal City University, Enugu State, who was interviewed by Miss. Amarachi Liko, EMV Reporter, highlighted the importance of education, skills acquisition, innovation and human capital development in preparing youths for the contemporary labour market.
Dr. Okoro noted the importance of connecting academic development with practical economic opportunities, stressing that young people must be equipped with knowledge and skills that can make them employable, entrepreneurial and competitive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The session also featured Hon. Johnson Ani, Majority Leader, Enugu State House of Assembly and Member representing Enugu North Constituency, who spoke on the potential impact of the programme on youth development, job creation and access to governmental support.
Hon. Ani underscored the importance of programmes that provide young people with direct information and access to available government opportunities, while also encouraging youths to take advantage of the enabling environment being created by government.
Positive Outlook on Jobs, Opportunities and Government Support
The interviewees responded positively to the outcomes of the event, expressing confidence that the programme would generate measurable impacts in the lives of participating youths.
They highlighted the importance of translating the conversations and opportunities presented at the event into practical outcomes, particularly in the areas of employment, entrepreneurship, skills development, education, job creation and access to governmental support programmes.
Their responses further reinforced the message that youth empowerment must be measurable and sustainable, with participants ultimately able to point to tangible improvements in their education, careers, businesses, livelihoods and access to opportunities.
They also assured participants and EMV’s worldwide audience that the significance of the programme would be measured not merely by the success of the event itself, but by the opportunities, jobs, businesses, educational advancement and other positive outcomes that emerge from it.
A New Generation of Opportunity Creators
Governor Mbah’s message ultimately challenges Enugu youths to redefine their relationship with opportunity.
Instead of asking only, “Where is the opportunity?”, youths are being encouraged to ask:
“What can I create?”
“What problem can I solve?”
“What value can I add?”
“How can I create opportunities for others?”
That mindset is essential to building a productive generation capable of contributing to Enugu State, the Southeast and Nigeria.
Peter Eze Youth Connect 2026: A New Platform for Enugu Youths
With the participation of senior government officials, political leaders, institutional representatives, professionals and a large gathering of young people, Peter Eze Youth Connect 2026 has strengthened the conversation around youth empowerment and access to opportunities.
The scholarship awards to Uche Michael Kenechukwu, Okoro Vivian Chinenye and Chukwuemeka David Chiemerie provided a tangible demonstration that the conversation around youth empowerment can translate into concrete opportunities capable of changing lives.
The post-event interview further provided an important avenue for stakeholders to evaluate the programme and communicate their expectations for its long-term impact on employment, entrepreneurship, education and access to government support.
For Enugu youths, the central message from the programme is clear:
Government can create the environment and open the doors; institutions can provide the opportunities; but young people must prepare themselves, walk through those doors and ultimately become creators of opportunities for others.
As Enugu continues its transformation under Governor Peter Mbah, the active participation, creativity, education and enterprise of its young population will remain critical to building a prosperous, innovative and globally competitive state.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform, reports that Peter Eze Youth Connect 2026 has further strengthened the conversation around youth empowerment, technology, entrepreneurship, employment, education and inclusive economic development in Enugu State, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the initiative will translate into measurable opportunities and lasting benefits for the state’s youthful population.
Informing Enugu, Connecting the World.
Promoting Accountability, Public Participation, Transparency and Good Governance.