The 2025 Agbaja Summit, held in Enugu, Nigeria, has highlighted the importance of education and skills empowerment in driving collective progress and development. The two-day event, themed “Empowerment for the Future,” brought together prominent individuals from the Agbaja community, including former Governor Sullivan Chime, Senator Osita Ngwu, and Professor Chinedu Nebo.
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by Commissioner for Environment Professor Sam Ugwu, emphasized that the summit was more than just an event, but a movement towards excellence, identity, and collective progress. He noted that Enugu State is committed to investing in human capital, technology, and innovation, with a focus on building 260 Smart Schools and establishing skill acceleration centers.
The Governor’s vision is to make Enugu State the skills capital of Nigeria, equipping young people with globally competitive skills to thrive in the modern economy. He highlighted the importance of knowledge and innovation in driving national prosperity, stating that “knowledge is the new currency of power, and skills have become the new economic passport.”
Former Governor Sullivan Chime emphasized that education and empowerment are core to the Agbaja people’s identity and DNA, driving their pursuit of excellence and advancement. He urged continued investment in education and skills development to address the challenges facing Agbaja land.
Professor Chike Anibeze, Chairman of the summit planning committee, noted that the event aimed to reconnect the Agbaja people, strengthen bonds, and chart a visionary path for their collective future. The summit featured discussions on education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
The Agbaja Centre of Excellence, a proposed skills acquisition center, was launched during the summit, with plans to provide training and knowledge exchange opportunities for the community. The center will also host the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program.
Speakers at the summit, including Professor Okechukwu Oji and Monsignor Prof Obiora Ike, praised Governor Mbah’s reforms in education, particularly the rollout of smart schools and experiential learning models. They emphasized the need for continued investment in education and skills development to drive sustainable growth.
The summit concluded with the presentation of awards to distinguished sons and daughters of Agbaja who have made significant contributions to the community’s development. Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a productive, innovative economy capable of creating sustainable jobs and promoting inclusive governance.
The Agbaja community is known for its rich cultural heritage and strong sense of kinship, spanning across Udi, Ezeagu, Enugu North, Enugu South, and Igboetiti local government areas.
The summit emphasized the importance of embracing vocational and technical skills as pathways to meaningful and sustainable livelihoods, encouraging young people to take advantage of emerging opportunities. The event demonstrated the power of collective action and community-driven initiatives in driving progress and development.
