The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has applauded Enugu State Governor, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, describing him as a “leading light” in governance following his unprecedented allocation to the education sector in the 2026 fiscal year.

Governor Mbah, on Tuesday, presented a landmark N1.62 trillion 2026 budget proposal—tagged Budget of Renewed Momentum—to the Enugu State House of Assembly. The proposal features a massive 80% capital expenditure of N1.296 trillion, while recurrent expenditure stands at N321.3 billion, bringing the total to N1.617 trillion.

A breakdown of sectoral allocations shows that the education sector received 32.27%, the highest share of the entire budget, continuing the administration’s strong focus on human capital development.

Reacting shortly after the presentation, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, urged governors across the South-East to take a cue from Mbah’s visionary approach.

According to him, the governor’s consistent prioritisation of education since assuming office demonstrates an unwavering commitment to transforming the sector.

“We are delighted with the huge allocation to education. Governor Mbah has maintained this standard since he came on board, and it is a clear testament to his determination to overhaul the educational system in Enugu State,” he said.

Okwu further commended the administration for achieving over 80% performance in the 2024 budget, noting that its impact is already evident across the state.

“Governor Mbah remains a leading light—not just in Igboland but across Nigeria. This is why we are urging other South-East governors to wake up,” he added.

The Ohanaeze youth leader stressed that education remains the foundation of meaningful societal development, applauding Mbah for exceeding global standards in funding the sector.

“Any government serious about transforming society must take education seriously. What Governor Mbah is doing surpasses the UNESCO recommendation,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the over N1 trillion earmarked for capital projects would fast-track Enugu’s transformation.

“We only urge for faithful implementation, just like we saw in 2024. Governor Mbah came prepared, and he is proving his capacity to redefine governance in Enugu State.”

Okwu reaffirmed the group’s call for other governors in the South-East to “rise to the occasion” and deliver tangible development to their people.