The former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji (popularly known as Nwakibie), recently held a consultative and interactive workshop with his political supporters and grassroots mobilizers across Enugu State.
The meeting, which attracted party leaders, youth groups, women organizations, professionals, and stakeholders from various local governments, focused on his vision for Enugu State, leadership philosophy, and long-term development blueprint.
During the highly engaging session, Chief Uche Nnaji made a significant declaration that drew widespread attention among attendees. He informed his supporters that he intends to serve only one term of four years if elected Governor of Enugu State in the 2027 general elections.
According to him, his decision is based on his deep respect for the existing zoning arrangement in Enugu State, which he described as a stabilizing factor that has helped maintain political balance and unity among the three senatorial zones.
Chief Nnaji emphasized that he is 100 percent aware and committed to respecting the zoning structure, noting that based on the established rotation, Enugu West Senatorial District should produce the next governor by 2031.
He reassured his supporters that he has no intention whatsoever to truncate or disrupt that arrangement, stressing that leadership should not be about personal ambition but about fairness, equity, and long-term stability of the state.
He further stated that as a successful entrepreneur with over three decades of business experience, he does not require more than four years to reposition Enugu State economically. According to him, his experience in building businesses, creating jobs, and developing industries has adequately prepared him to deliver transformative leadership within a short time frame.
Chief Nnaji confidently stated that four years is sufficient to reposition Enugu State into an economic and industrial powerhouse, capable of generating sustainable wealth for both indigenes and non-indigenes residing in the state. He emphasized that Enugu State is naturally blessed with enormous economic opportunities, including
• Solid mineral deposits
• Agricultural potential
• Human capital resources
• Strategic geographic location
• Tourism potential
• Industrial expansion opportunities
However, he lamented that these resources have remained largely untapped or poorly managed over the years. He assured his supporters that his administration would focus on harnessing these resources productively, thereby creating employment opportunities and boosting internally generated revenue without placing any tax burdens on citizens.
Chief Nnaji further declared that Enugu State will witness an Industrial Revolution during his tenure.
To demonstrate his capability, Chief Nnaji cited his performance while serving as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. He explained that when he assumed office, the ministry was ranked among the worst performing ministries in Nigeria, but within just two years of his leadership, it rose to become the 4th best performing ministry nationwide.
He emphasized that leadership performance is driven by competence, vision, and experience, stating that: People can never give what they do not have.”
He also emphasized that beyond his own tenure, he is committed to ensuring continuity. He stated that he is already focused on advocating for the emergence of the best candidate from Enugu West Senatorial District by 2031, who would continue and expand the economic and industrial blueprint he intends to establish.
To further illustrate his point about transformational leadership within a short period, Chief Nnaji referenced the achievements of former Governor of Old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, who governed from 1979 to 1983.
Chief Nnaji noted that Senator Jim Nwobodo accomplished in four years what many governors could not achieve in Twenty years, highlighting several landmark projects executed during his 4 year tenure.
These accomplishments included, but not limited to
(1)AVOP
2)ESUT
(3)Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
(4)Sunrise Flour Mill.
(5)Ezillo Building Material Manufacturing Company
(6)Trans Ekulu Housing Estate
(7)Nike Lake Resort Hotel
(8)Ikenga Hotels Ltd – Awka, Enugu & Nsukka
(9)Ebonyi State University
(10)Eha-Amufu College of Education
(11)Anambra State Television.
(12)Abakaliki Water Scheme
(13)Rural Electrification for over 400 communities.
(14)33 Housing Estates
(15)Greater Enugu Water Scheme.
(16)Nsugbe College of Education
Chief Uche Nnaji told his supporters that these achievements clearly demonstrate that transformational leadership does not require long years in office, but rather vision, competence, and commitment.
He concluded by reassuring his supporters that after his four year tenure, he intends to live a quiet private life, satisfied that he would have laid a solid industrial and economic foundation for Enugu State. He emphasized that his greatest ambition is not political power, but leaving behind a legacy that future generations of Enugu citizens will benefit from for decades to come.
Chief Nnaji ended the session by urging his supporters to remain united, focused, and committed to the collective goal of building a prosperous, industrialized, and economically vibrant Enugu State.
