By Lucy Tawo
Enugu, Nigeria – Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has been presented his trophy for the “African Leader in Governance in Security and Human Development 2025” award by Security Watch Africa Initiatives, with organisers citing his administration’s technology-driven policing and zero-tolerance sit-at-home policy as a model for the continent.
The award was presented to the Governor in Enugu by the Chief Executive Officer of Security Watch Africa Initiatives, Mr Patrick Agbambu, alongside Lucy Tawo, Head of International Secretariat and Elizabeth Tanko, National Coordinator, Africa Security Watch Conference & Awards.
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Police Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa witnessed the presentation.
This was part of the 19th Africa Security Watch Conference & Awards held in July 21 – 23, 2026 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Banjul, The Gambia.
Presenting the award, Mr Agbambu said Enugu had become a reference point for security governance in Africa, noting that the Governor’s personal commitment has kept security agencies “on their toes.”
_”In our private discussion with the Commissioner of Police, he said one thing he has noticed is that if there is any little security breach or infraction, you get so worried. You’re on their neck every time to make sure everything is taken care of. That is a true father; that is true leadership,”_ Agbambu stated.
“There is a lot they need to learn from what you’ve done and currently doing, especially the Command and Control Centre, which is like a flagship and something that should be emulated,” he added.
Accepting the award, Governor Mbah dedicated it to security personnel and his team, saying security is the foundation for all development.
“48 hours after we assumed office on May 29, 2023, we made a consequential pronouncement. We said there is no more sitting at home in Enugu. We spelt out the consequences, and we worked the talk,” Mbah said.
He recalled that non-state actors had weaponised sit-at-home, even disrupting WAEC and other external exams. “We went to markets, banks, schools, the Secretariat, and businesses and said you must open. We cannot grow this economy when non-state actors tell us the days to work,” he said.
The Governor said his administration’s promise to grow Enugu’s economy by 27% and eradicate poverty from a 58% headcount was initially dismissed as “insane.” But he noted progress was only possible after confronting insecurity frontally.
“We walked with the security agencies. We are fortunate to have men and women dedicated to service. Technology and infrastructure only work if you have the right people,” Mbah stated.
He declared: “We are proud to say today in Enugu that we are the safest State to live and do business in the country. And we don’t say that because it’s fanciful. We say it with facts. We tell criminals: you do not have room here. If you commit a crime, we will identify you, track you, capture you, and bring you to book.”
Mbah thanked Security Watch Africa Initiatives for the recognition and stressed that “security is not just a sector. It is the foundation on which every other sector is built.”
The Governor also used the occasion to commend his cabinet for teamwork, noting that the administration rewards a culture of collective responsibility.
The award comes as Enugu continues to record improved business activity, school attendance, and investment interest, two years after the ban on sit-at-home.
Security Watch Africa highlighted the Enugu State Command and Control Centre as a flagship project worthy of emulation across Africa.
It is noteworthy to state that since 2004, Security Watch Africa has been committed to providing platforms to highlight security issues and celebrating excellence, professionalism and innovation in security service delivery across Africa.
