The Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CEDFOCI) was established through a partnership between Godfrey Okoye University and the Enugu State Government.
Speaking during the inauguration on Wednesday, Mbah said modern security challenges require innovative solutions driven by science and technology.
According to him, security remains the foundation upon which economic growth, investment, education and social development are built.
He said, “From the day we came into office, we identified security as the biggest elephant in the room.
“We made commitments to eradicate poverty, make Enugu the preferred destination for living, working and investing, and grow our economy, but we knew none of these ambitions would be possible without security.”
The governor noted that the facility represents a critical investment in the state’s security framework, adding that it would enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes, identify offenders and secure convictions through scientific evidence.
“It is not simply about a laboratory; it is about a mindset. The future belongs to those willing to take a quantum leap into future-based thinking,” he said.
Mbah also issued a warning to criminals, saying advances in forensic science have significantly reduced opportunities for offenders to escape justice.
“Every criminal leaves a trace, and we can now track that trace and use it as evidence. If you intend to harm our people, prey on our children or threaten our communities, understand that the state now possesses capabilities that did not exist previously.
“This centre strengthens our ability to follow evidence, identify those responsible and support law enforcement agencies with world-class forensic science,” he said.
He further encouraged security agencies, legal practitioners, researchers and academic institutions to make use of the centre for criminal investigations, forensic examinations, scientific studies and professional training.
The governor also called on members of the public to help preserve crime scenes by avoiding actions that could contaminate evidence needed for investigations.
In his remarks, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, represented by the Vicar for Priests, Rev. Fr. Victor Eze, described the project as a significant milestone for both Godfrey Okoye University and Enugu State.
Onaga stressed the importance of education in national development and praised the collaboration between the university and the state government.
“With the rising insecurity in our nation, collaboration between government and private institutions is necessary to tackle the menace and strengthen the justice system,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director of the DNA Learning Centre Nigeria, George Udeh, said the facility demonstrates Africa’s ability to develop institutions that can compete with global standards.
He explained that the centre would help train the next generation of forensic scientists, molecular biologists, geneticists, bioinformaticians, public health specialists and innovators.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Christian Anieke, said the establishment of the centre aligns with the institution’s commitment to research excellence and societal advancement.
He thanked the Enugu State Government for supporting the project and expressed optimism that the facility would play a vital role in improving criminal investigations, justice administration and security across Nigeria.