The urgent need for education that equips young people with practical skills to shape their society took center stage at the two-day 2025 Agbaja Summit, which commenced in Enugu on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
Leaders Unite for Empowerment
Organized by the Agbaja Leaders of Thought under the theme "Empowerment for the future," the summit attracted a broad spectrum of Agbaja people. Notable attendees included former Governor Sullivan Chime, former Minister of Power Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Senator Osita Ngwu representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Rep Sunday Umeh of Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, and Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Uche Ugwu.
The Agbaja community comprises culturally related people from Udi, Ezeagu, and parts of Enugu North, Enugu South, and Igboetiti Local Council areas within Enugu State.
Governor Mbah's Vision for Enugu
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Sam Ugwu, officially opened the summit. He emphasized that prosperous nations achieve success not through mineral wealth alone but through strategic investments in human capital, technology, and innovation.
"Knowledge has become the new currency of power. Skills have become the new economic passport," Mbah declared. "In Enugu State, we have committed ourselves to this global reality. That is why we are building: 260 Smart Schools, one in every ward, with world-class digital classrooms and laboratories."
The governor detailed ongoing educational reforms, including a revised curriculum that shifts focus from rote memorization to coding, robotics, critical thinking, and problem-solving. He also highlighted plans for a network of skill acceleration centers designed to prepare youth for the modern economy.
Building Nigeria's Skills Capital
Governor Mbah articulated a clear and ambitious vision for the state's future: "to make Enugu State the skills capital of Nigeria." He characterized the summit not merely as an event but as a movement dedicated to pursuing excellence, preserving identity, and achieving collective progress for the Agbaja people and Enugu State at large.
The 2025 Agbaja Summit continues today with further discussions and strategy sessions focused on implementing these empowerment initiatives.
