The new Exco members take oath of office
By Tony Adibe
The Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah has assured investors as well as members of the public of the administration’s business-friendly land administration, emphasising the importance of the anti-land-grabbing law, also known as the Enugu State Property Protection Law, in promoting transparency and accountability in the state’s land management system.
Addressing guests during the investiture ceremony of the 26th National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Tpl. Dr. Chime Ogbonna, in Enugu at the weekend, Governor Mbah pointed out the key benefits of the law, which aims to prevent land grabbing and promote sustainable urban development in the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Barr Chimaobi Okorie, Governor Mbah also lauded the NITP for its efforts in promoting best practices in town planning and urban development in Nigeria.
While congratulating the new national president of NITP, Governor Mbah further pinpointed some of the critical reforms embarked by the administration in order to create an eco-friendly land administration system for investors and members of the public who are desirous of investing in the state.
Dr. Ogbonna during the investiture
According to him, the reforms, which aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainability in land management and urban development saw the signing into law, the Enugu State Geographic Information System Law, the New Enugu City Development Law, the Enugu State Ranch Management Law and the Enugu State Property Protection Law. He noted that they were already winning investors’ confidence in the state.
He called on investors, both home and in diaspora to see Enugu as the right destination to invest with guaranteed high returns-on-investment, adding that the administration was committed to addressing identified challenges facing investment in the country.
Traditional dancers thrill guests during the ceremony
He said: “We are working day and night to make our state the most eco-friendly state in terms of investment opportunities. We have derisked investment flow through our flexible land administration policies. We have invested optimally in our security architecture and we have started reaping the fruits. Today, Enugu State is the most secure and peaceful state in the country. It’s a deliberate effort undertaken by our administration because we intend to make Enugu the premier destination for investment and business.”
The event, which was attended by dignitaries from the building sector, political class, government officials, business moguls, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, marked a significant milestone in the development of the state’s urban planning and development sector.
On his part, Dr. Ogbonna, in his inaugural speech, thanked Governor Mbah for his support and pledged to work closely with the state government to promote sustainable urban development and best practices in town planning in Enugu State
