Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has assured the people of Nkanu land and Enugu State in general that he would continue to make them proud by serving them with integrity.
Mr Mbah gave the assurance on Friday at the 50th coronation anniversary of the traditional ruler of Ihuokpara in Nkanu East Council Area of Enugu State, HRM Igwe Fidelis Nwatu.
The governor thanked Mr Nwatu and traditional rulers of Nkanu land for endorsing him through the presentation of an Ofo staff, the Igbo symbol of authority, truth and justice.
“The weight, import and significance of the Ofo I have just received cannot be lost on me as an Mr Nkanu man.
“In our culture, what you see me holding in my left hand is beyond symbols because our traditional rulers are the representatives of our ancestors.
“I am sure they must have communed with our ancestors for today’s event to take place because we have our ancestors speaking through them.
“So, this is not an ordinary honour. This is trust, authority and it has been conferred on me by no other but by my people.
“It is an honour bestowed on me by my kinsmen that can never be compared to any other honour under the sun,” he said.
The governor explained that the endorsement was to enable him to continue to serve Enugu people, as it came with responsibility.
“I understand that clearly, and I want to reassure our elders and traditional rulers that I will continue to serve Ndi Enugu with humility and with all the energy that I have and every fiber of my being, making you proud.
“You will never regret your action” Mr Mbah said.
He felicitated the celebrator for his meritorious service to his people and the Igbo land in the past 50 years.
Mr Mbah said that the royal father’s longevity on the throne showed that the people, the ancestors and God were pleased with him.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Enugu State, I convey our hearty felicitations.
“May God grant you many more years so that we can continue to benefit from your wealth of experience, wisdom, and knowledge,” he said.
Mr Mbah equally reassured the traditional rulers of a major improvement in their welfare starting from January.
“We know that the traditional rulers are the custodians of our values, memory and culture.
“As a government, we will provide the structure and the system that work with the soul of this traditional institution, which is why in our budget this year, we placed their welfare as top priority to the government.
“So, when you receive your alerts starting from the month of January this 2026 and going forward, you are going to feel something that is humongous that you will not be able to contain your excitement,” he said.
Presenting the Ofo staff earlier, the celebrator, who spoke on behalf of other royal fathers, cited Mr Mbah’s “exceptional governance and landmark projects”, noting that Enugu State never had it so good.
He said the Ofo staff was an endorsement to continue his good work.
Other highpoints of the celebration were the unveiling of the book “Leadership as Service: A Portrait of Stewardship, Justice and Peace” authored by Igwe Nwatu, and cutting of the golden jubilee cake by the celebrator, flanked by Mr Mbah and other dignitaries.
(NAN)