_...As Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah Praises Women’s Initiative, Reaffirms Governor Mbah’s Support for Market Traders_
A prominent sociocultural women group, Umu Ada Nkanu, on Tuesday launched a major grassroots mobilisation campaign aimed at boosting Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) registration ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the official flag-off of its Market-to-Market Sensitisation Programme at New Haven Market, Enugu.
The event attracted traders, community women leaders, and stakeholders from various markets across the state and was formally flagged off by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Enugu State on Market Matters, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah, who anchored the official launch and commended the women for what he described as a bold and timely civic initiative.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah expressed deep appreciation to the women group for championing grassroots voter awareness and mobilization, noting that their effort reflects the strong civic consciousness and leadership capacity of women in the state. He emphasized that the programme aligns with the ongoing drive to ensure that citizens participate actively in the democratic process.
The governor’s aide used the occasion to highlight the commitment of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to the welfare, empowerment, and inclusion of women, particularly market women who form the backbone of the state’s local economy.
According to him, the governor has consistently demonstrated genuine love and support for women through inclusive governance, strategic appointments, and policies designed to improve the livelihoods of traders across Enugu State.
Hon. Dr. Mbah pointed to the recent emergence of the Ogbete Market Women Leader as the APC Women Leader during the party’s state congress held earlier in the day as a historic milestone that reflects the governor’s belief in women’s leadership.
“Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has women at heart. His administration recognizes the immense role women play in economic development and community stability. The emergence of the Ogbete Market Women Leader as APC Women Leader is a landmark development and the first of its kind. It clearly shows that this government values and trusts the capacity of women to lead,” he stated.
He further commended the Umu Ada Nkanu group for their proactive engagement in civic education and urged them to intensify their mobilisation efforts by ensuring that every trader obtains a valid voter’s card.
“I sincerely appreciate this initiative by Umu Ada Nkanu. What you are doing is very important for democracy and for the future of our state. I encourage every market woman here to obtain her PVC and also mobilise others to do the same. Your votes are your voice, and they are necessary to sustain good governance,” he said.
Hon. Dr. Mbah added that the administration of Governor Mbah remains deeply connected to the grassroots, particularly market communities, stressing that the government understands the challenges traders face and is committed to creating a more supportive environment for businesses to thrive.
“The APC government under Governor Peter Mbah loves market women. The governor has consistently shown concern for both women and men across the state. His policies are designed to uplift communities, empower entrepreneurs, and create opportunities for everyone,” he added.
In her opening address, the President of Umu Ada Nkanu, Mrs. Ijoma Nnaji, praised Governor Mbah’s administration for its remarkable developmental strides and its attention to the needs of market traders across the state.
She described the governor as a visionary leader whose policies have brought renewed hope to traders, noting that the women group decided to embark on the PVC sensitisation campaign to encourage civic participation and strengthen democratic engagement at the grassroots.
Mrs. Nnaji also expressed gratitude to the governor for transforming Enugu State within a short period upon resumption of office. According to her, the development has further inspired women across markets in Enugu State to take more active roles in leadership and governance.
She explained that the Market-to-Market sensitisation campaign will move beyond New Haven Market to other major markets across the state, including Old Artisan Market and several others, as the group seeks to educate traders on the importance of obtaining their PVCs ahead of the 2027 elections.
Members of the group took turns to commend Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for what they described as his innovative and transformative approach to governance, stating that his leadership style has rekindled confidence in public administration across the state.
They noted that while Umu Ada Nkanu remains a sociocultural and non-partisan organisation, the group firmly believes in supporting leaders who demonstrate commitment to good governance and development.
The women pledged to continue their mobilisation efforts across markets and communities, assuring that traders will be encouraged to obtain their PVCs and participate actively in future elections.
According to them, their grassroots engagement is aimed at strengthening civic responsibility while ensuring that leadership continues to thrive in Enugu State.
While the sensitisation campaign begins its journey across markets in the state, the message from Umu Ada Nkanu remains clear: civic participation is essential, voter registration is a responsibility, and good governance must be supported through active democratic engagement.
