It is recorded in the book of Proverbs 29:18 that “where there is no vision, the people perish” and the witty Warren Bennis once rightly submitted that “leadership is the ability to translate vision into reality.” The leadership of the Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) ; an initiative inaugurated by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State; Rt.Hon. Dr Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi has proven to be a fruitful and edifying platform capable of translating visions into reality.
We recall that the agency is headed by Hon Ken Onoh( the son of former Governor of old Anambra state, His Excellency Chief.C.C Onoh) who had previously served the governor in the capacity of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Special Duties was mandated to among other obligations, restore the ambience and serenity of Enugu Capital City in a religious synchronisation with the age-long masterplan of the city and make some necessary alterations if needed. Such position was made legitimate, according to Governor Ugwuanyi, following the amendment of the Enugu State 2009 Law No.5, for the enforcement of compliance with appropriate standards in the development of the Enugu capital territory and matters connected therewith and to align it with the desired governance structure.
Having handled such sensitive assignment for some tangible interval, it becomes incumbent on us to go through their profile for proper update and the result on ground is a testament to their dedication and commitment to deliver exceptionally well. When we consider that most of the contraptions and shanties submerging the flavour of peace and civility that define the cherished Coal City have been taken out of sight, and our roads well maintained, may be we will start appreciating the seminal influence of ECTDA.
May be some people would still wish to be reminded that all the modern bus-stops crossing and dotting the city of Enugu are fixed and maintained by ECTDA. Some others might not still be aware that most of the parking lots for commercial transportation are built and maintained by the same ECTDA.
I am very certain that some people would marvel to discover that it is the primary preoccupation of the ECTDA to prepare an updated and comprehensive masterplan for New Enugu which will be modern, serene, business-friendly, with functional infrastructure and public services. And I also consider it so necessary to remind us that the fourteen-man committee along with their employees piloting the affairs of ECTDA are leaving no stone unturned in restoring Coal City to proper and fit standards by rigorous and continuous monitoring of development and enforcement of proper development standards and at the same time recovering, developing and maintaining all public parks and green areas.
Digging deeper one also learns that the Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority has been seriously redeveloping some run-down neighbourhoods to restore them to proper standards; upgrading the inner cities and eliminating slums.
The obvious ongoing co-ordination of the growth of Satellite Towns and New Development Areas in order to relieve housing pressure, increase supply of low and middle income housing, promote new areas for business, recreation and tourism across the state is reality of the mandate of ECTDA, so, they deserve some resounding applause.
This write-up will be incomplete if we don’t include the efforts of ECTDA in bolstering, advancing and investing in up to code public utilities, public services and world class infrastructure for transforming the New Enugu into a national centre for business, investment and tourism as they continue to identify and Implement strategic projects and programmes requiring support by Government.
As I once again take a relieving breath, I remember that timeless opinion of the versatile John Maxwell that ” a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way” and for that I draw my confidence from my awareness of the truth that the amiable governor of Enugu State; Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi( MR FULFILMENT) is the one in charge; abetting the nuisance and restoring the dignity Enugu residents and their environment through the inspiring management of our smart Hon. Ken Onoh.
ENUGU STATE IS IN THE HANDS OF GOD.
WRITTEN BY:
HON. MRS. BIBIAN ANEKWE.
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT (SSA) TO THE GOVERNOR ON MOBILIZATION AND EMPOWERMENT.
ENUGU DI N’AKA CHUKWU MOVEMENT (DG.)
