Buhari in Ebonyi, claims FG made significant strides in security, anti-corruption, others

In spite of the deplorable socio-economic situation in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari at the Ebonyi Maiden Honours Awards at the state Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki on Thursday night, claimed that the Federal Government has recorded significant strides in the three major pillars of the present administration since 2015. The major pillars, according to the President,  include security, economy and anti-corruption.

President Buhari, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, commended Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State for his shining principles and for the development of the state.

“I commend Umahi on his support to the federal government policies on diversification of the economy through agriculture and ensuring food security.

The President noted: “Today, Ebonyi State is one of the highest producers of rice in the country. This is a shining example of what is possible under a visionary and determined leader.”

Buhari noted that it was good to encourage quality services and leadership.

An award was conferred on former President Goodluck Jonathan as Great Grand Commander of Ebonyi Hall of Fame (GGCEHF).

Jonathan had described the award as significant, urging Umahi to continue to showcase good governance for his people and Nigeria at large.

He commended Umahi for lifting Ebonyi with meagre resources for mega projects.

“Umahi is doing well for his people and Nigeria at large. Award is a relevant thing and not just groundnut shared by the children.

“Awards are being given to those who have made significant contribution to the state of the nation. We are happy today; we have been honoured.

“So, we thank Ebonyi State government for recorgnising us and we promised to do our best to support them in any way and anywhere we are.

“As we have been honoured today, we are indebted to the state,” Jonathan said.

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Other awardees include the Inspector General of Police, Baba Alkali, and the family of late General Sani Abacha, who created the state; Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Onyenuche; former Governor of Abia Theodore Orji; and Ebonyi founding fathers, they were honoured for their selfless contributions to the progress of the state.

Umahi had earlier said the event was to recognise those who contributed enormously to the creation and development of the state.

He thanked Buhari and Jonathan on their support to Ebonyi.