…Amb. Amaka Nweke Presents Historic Overall Best Scientific Oral Presentation Trophy to Governor Mbah at Government House, Enugu

Enugu State on Thursday, January 8, 2026, recorded a landmark moment in its governance and development trajectory as Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, formally received the Overall Best Scientific Oral Presentation Award won at the XIX World Water Congress in Marrakech, Morocco, bringing rare global recognition to Enugu State and Nigeria.

The prestigious trophy was presented to the Governor at the Government House, Enugu, by Ambassador Mrs. Amaka Nweke, JP, who represented Enugu State and Nigeria at the congress and emerged overall winner among leading scientists, ministers, researchers, and water policy experts from over 100 countries.

The award, regarded as one of the highest honours of the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), has projected Enugu and Nigeria onto the global water-governance map, affirming the state’s growing international relevance under Governor Mbah’s leadership.

Speaking during the presentation, Ambassador Nweke described the award as a direct outcome of Governor Mbah’s bold and visionary reforms in the water sector, particularly his administration’s drive to reposition Enugu from a historic Coal City to a modern Water City.

Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Mbah has embarked on one of Nigeria’s most ambitious water-sector transformations, increasing water production from 2 million litres per day to over 120 million litres per day, supported by massive investments in treatment plants, reticulation networks, tariff reforms, community engagement, and a 4.4MW gas-powered energy facility to ensure uninterrupted supply.

It was this reform agenda that formed the basis of Ambassador Nweke’s award-winning scientific presentation titled:

“Water and Nature: Innovative Solutions for a City in Nature, Using Enugu’s Coal City to Water City as a Case Study.”

Delivered before a global audience at the congress—organised by IWRA under the High Patronage of His Majesty, King Mohammed VI of Morocco—the presentation showcased Enugu’s water reforms as a scalable, nature-based, and sustainable model for African cities and the developing world. It highlighted innovative solutions including wetlands restoration, sustainable urban drainage systems, rainwater harvesting, community participation, and international investment partnerships.

Her presentation received standing acclaim from global experts and policymakers, with officials of the Kingdom of Morocco openly commending Governor Mbah’s reforms as one of the most inspiring governance stories showcased at the congress.

Ambassador Nweke’s emergence as Overall Best Scientific Oral Presentation winner—from 65 research submissions, 46 oral presentations, and 19 scientific posters—was described by the organisers as historic and unprecedented in the 19-year history of the World Water Congress.

On her return to Nigeria, the significance of the achievement was further underscored by a rousing reception at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, where women groups and stakeholders celebrated the global honour as a testament to inclusive governance and women empowerment under Governor Mbah’s administration.

Presenting the trophy to the Governor, Ambassador Nweke dedicated the award to him and the people of Enugu State, describing him as the architect of the policies and reforms that made the global recognition possible.

Receiving the award, Governor Mbah described it as a collective victory for Enugu State and Nigeria, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, innovation, and people-centred development. He noted that Enugu’s rising global profile demonstrates the power of purposeful leadership at the subnational level to reposition an entire nation.

From Enugu to Marrakech and back home, the historic award has redefined Nigeria’s narrative on the global stage—proving that Enugu State, under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, is not only participating in global conversations but shaping them.