By Reuben Onwuka.

In one of the South East Economic Summit held at the famous Nike Lake Resort Enugu in 2014, participants are of the opinion that unless something urgent is done, insecurity will continue to impede development in the region.In his submission at the event, Prof Osita Ogbu of the University of Nigeria stated that , "The value collapse in the South East will likely make her Renaissance a mirage." 

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As a participant in that thought- provoking summit, I was elated by the ambitious communique at the end of the august event. They include , the establishment of regional bank, industrial clusters,  inter State rail network and regional security outfit. Unfortunately, none of the solutions proffered was able to see the light of the day. Thus, leaving the zone with high poverty index, an army of jobless youth,  pitiable infrastructure, and dreadful abduction spree for ransom.

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It's therefore understandable why the governor of the State , Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah was bent on ensuring that life and properties are secured in and around the  State when he  assumed  office on May 29th ,2023. He is in the know that all his implementable plans for the State can only be achievable under a peaceful environment.

 Since the governor hinged his blueprint hugely around Public -Private  Partnership (PPP), the State by obligation and terms of engagement ought to be made friendly and conducive for investors. No business anywhere in the world thrives on a hostile environment. 

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It's the duty of not only government but every stakeholder to ensure that Enugu is safe for business. Security is everyone's business. 

For instance, following robbery and abduction cases at the Ojolowo bridge along Ugbawka - Nara road, the Council Chairman, Hon Sydney Okechukwu Edeh dispatched security operatives to the flash point, he cleared all bushes around the place for visibility, erected a check point and now about to  inaugurate a joint security taskforce drawn from the 5 community in the area for regular surveillance. Such proactive measure is a worthy example for other Council Chairmen in both urban and rural settlement. 

The State government has shown sufficient vigor in activating a new beginning  for a prosperous future. In the metropolis , new pipes are being laid, reservoirs also cleaned for steady water supply, plans  is in the  offing to restore the scenerity of the coal city through urban renewal program, few days ago,  officials of the Aviation Ministry visited and agreed to partner with the State for the completion of the cargo Wing of the Akanu Ibiam International airport Enugu. 

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The streets of Enugu is being cleared of garbage , while the notorious artisans axis of the State according to report will soon wear a new look. No one will dismiss the bold step taken so far by the Peter Mbah led administration as fairytale.

No doubt, the recent relaxation of the cashless policy, high cost of living resulting from the fuel hike, youth unemployment, the disturbing population surge of idle hands, and of course greed may have ignited  recent security breaches in the State.

The vice however is not unsurmountable, no enduring landmark is ever accomplished without minor hitches. The important thing is that our governor and his crack team are resolute and unflinching in their vow to librate the State from the stronghold of the octopus.