UMAHI NAMES STATE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AFTER BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday night said that the Federal Government has taken over the management of the University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, as a Federal Medical University.
The President who spoke at a state dinner in his honour on Thursday night as captured by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, responded to a request on the management of the institution by Governor Dave Umahi.
The university is located in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the State
Buhari said that the formalities for the change of ownership of the university have commenced and ‘‘will be concluded soon.’’
The President also promised to consult the Ministry of Aviation on a request by the State governor to buy airport equipment valued at N10 billion.
Buhari thanked the State government for the honour of naming the State International Airport and magnificent 4-way Light Tunnel after him.
He expressed confidence that the facilities will contribute immensely to the economic development in Ebonyi State in particular and indeed the nation at large.
President Buhari assured the government and people of Ebonyi State of the support of his administration to enable the Governor to accomplish his vision for the State.
The President recalled his visit to the State in 2017 in the 2nd quarter of the first tenure of Governor Umahi’s administration, when he witnessed ”the commencement of mind-blowing projects”.
“I saw in Governor Umahi a strong desire to change the narrative of the State and meet the aspirations of the founding fathers.
”I was enthused by Your Excellency’s vision to create the needed environment and raise the economic status of the State.
”I remember with pleasure, the hospitality that I received, how I was given a Chieftaincy title as ‘Enyioha 1 of Ebonyi State’ and ‘Ochioha 1 of South East’ by the Traditional Rulers of Ebonyi State and South-East respectively.
”I commissioned two twin-flyovers, 14 km Abakaliki – Afikpo Road, performed the foundation Laying Ceremony of the Shopping Mall as well as the 4-way Light Tunnel named after me.
”At that time, your administration was in the opposition party, and yet you accorded me a spectacular reception. I thank Your Excellency and the good people of Ebonyi State.” He said
He commended Umahi for decamping to the ruling All Progressives Congress and “for all his contributions in moving our nation forward.’
”You have done your people proud. I am particularly amazed by the economic development records of the State under your administration, the wonderful network of roads, critical infrastructure and investment opportunities in the State.”
Buhari also commended Umahi for emerging as the second overall best in fiscal performance in Nigeria and for soaring high in fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.
”It shows you have zero tolerance for corruption and waste of public funds. Indeed, people of proven fiscal discipline and track records of performance are desired in our quest for nation building.” He added
Umahi, thanked the President for the sustained assistance to the State, such as the financial assistance of infrastructural refund, payee refund, Paris club, bailout funds, agricultural loans, fertilizer support and budgetary funds which he said are instances of great support to all States of the Federation.
”As Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum, I must also thank Your Excellency for all the approvals you have made for the construction of the second Niger Bridge which is almost completed, rehabilitation of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, reconstruction of Enugu-Port Harcourt and Enugu-Awka expressway among others.
“We value greatly this wonderful fatherly love and fair disposition to the plights of our people.” He said
The President had inaugurated Office Complex of the Wife of the Governor, Akanu Ibiam Lodge (New Governor’s Lodge), Ebonyi House ( Governor’s Office), Light Tunnel Flyover and the Ebonyi Shopping Mall before the dinner.
