Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has charged the newly appointed permanent secretaries to demonstrate commitment, diligence, and alignment with his administration’s development agenda.

The governor gave the charge on Monday during the swearing-in of thirteen new permanent secretaries, stressing that there would be “no honeymoon” period for the appointees.

According to Mbah, the appointments were strictly merit-based, resulting from a transparent and rigorous selection process. He urged the permanent secretaries to uphold equality, inclusion, and fairness in their service.

“You have worked hard to reach this stage. Your selection is well-deserved. But let me remind you, the honeymoon is over. To whom much is given, much is expected,” the governor said.

Describing permanent secretaries as “the engine room of government and custodians of institutional memory,” Mbah emphasized their role in ensuring that ongoing reforms across sectors are properly institutionalized.

He highlighted the 2026 budget proposal, noting that the state had surpassed the trillion-naira mark for capital projects, with over ₦1.3 trillion earmarked for development initiatives.

“These reforms are not temporary; they are meant to outlive us. You have a duty to ensure that processes are properly documented and sustained,” he added.

Mbah also stressed the importance of ICT proficiency, noting that all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are now integrated into the state’s e-governance platform. He expects all permanent secretaries to possess at least medium- to advanced-level competence in ICT.

The governor enumerated key sectoral reforms, including the smart green schools initiative, the construction and equipping of Type-2 primary healthcare centres in all 260 wards, modernization of the transport system with CNG buses and terminals, and the establishment of 260 farm estates to boost agriculture.

In tourism, he reiterated plans to attract at least three million visitors annually, backed by massive investments in hospitality infrastructure and the launch of Enugu Air to enhance connectivity and economic growth.

Mbah also noted that his administration has exceeded the 35 percent affirmative action benchmark in appointing permanent secretaries, reflecting its commitment to gender inclusion.

“The world is watching. We must uphold the highest standards of discipline and embrace transparency, accountability, accessibility, and collaboration, as outlined in the citizens’ charter,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the new appointees, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa, thanked the governor for the confidence placed in them and pledged dedication to the administration’s vision.

The thirteen new permanent secretaries are Chigbogu Sunday Nnaji, Phoebe Nkechinyere Edeh, Philip Anthony Arum, Egbonwonu Jeremiah, Ifeoma Justina Igwe, Ngozi Sylverline Egbo, Nkiru Henrietta Ede-Ogunnaike, Pamela Ikpa, Kennis Ngene, Anyaora I. Okereke, Adaobi Theresa Nwodo, Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa, and Paul Nwabuisi, bringing the total number of permanent secretaries in the state to 27.