Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called on the state civil servants to support his administration’s efforts towards realising its projected 2026 internally generated revenue (IGR).

Mr Mbah made the call on Monday, during the “2026 New Year Workers Mass”, held at the Government House Chapel.

The Holy Mass was officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, represented by the Diocesan Vicar General, Monsignor Geoffrey Aguigwo.

The state’s projected IGR for the year is N870 billion, with a daily target of N2.5 billion.

The governor emphasised the importance of workers in ensuring that the domestic revenue projection set by his administration for the year is realised.

He described civil servants as “the engine room for any government”, adding that the success or failure of any government depends on the way they handle the responsibilities assigned to them.

“Our civil servants and permanent secretaries, I’ve always said that you are the engine room of whatever we achieve, success or failure. 

“That is why we’re going to double down this year.

“It’s all about the little things we do. Those atomic habits and getting to work on time.

“Making sure that we play our own parts in the scheme of things.

“We need to support one another and know that at the end of the day, we’re working for one common objective – to serve the people.

“If we found out that our colleague is failing, it’s incumbent on us to provide support, to step in and fill the gap.

“So, this is very important as we look forward to the great things we have set out to accomplish this year.

“Given all the challenges with the geopolitical tensions across the globe, it is not going to be easy, particularly with our revenue projections,” Mr Mbah said.

According to him, to absorb shocks arising from these geopolitical tensions worldwide and realise the revenue projection, workers would contribute their own bit, as the state has ambitious revenue targets across the different MDAs.

He lauded the religious leaders’ support for his administration, pledging that his government would not rest on the enormous work already done but would do more for the people this year.

On the celebration of the mass, Mr Mbah said: “It is the right thing to begin the year in prayer, which is an honest admission that the role and importance of divine oversight in life is the ultimate.

“We will continue to thank the Church and continue to count on your prayers, good counsel, and those undiluted and unfiltered feedback; we will not take them for granted.”

The chaplain, Government House Chapel, Rev. Fr. Anthony Udeh, emphasised the significance of beginning the new year with gratitude and thanksgiving to God.

He charged civil servants to emulate Mr Mbah, describing him as “a servant leader”.

He also admonished them to discharge their responsibilities to the state with utmost integrity. 

(NAN)