FG, Rivers confer Uzodimma with CON, GSSRS honours

• Igbo are peaceful shareholders in Nigeria, says Imo gov

FEDERAL Government, at the weekend, approved the conferment of Commander of Order of the Niger ( CON) national award on the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.

The Rivers State government, at the weekend, also conferred its highest award of the Grand Service Star of Rivers State ( GSSRS) on Uzodimma.

Disclosing approval of the award, in a statement, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said President Muhammadu Buhari gave the approval in recognition of the governor’s “immense contributions to national development, unity and commitment to national cohesion, as well as his patriotic zeal in discharge of his duties.”

The statement noted that news of the award was received with excitement by Imo people, stressing that they were appreciative of Buhari’s love for the governor and people of the state.

Meanwhile, the governor has said that Igbo are peaceful shareholders in Nigeria, and ready for meaningful dialogue to achieve peace.

He disclosed this, at the weekend, when the Joint Association of Igbo Residents in Rivers and Bayelsa states received him at the Presidential Hotels, Port Harcourt, before the Rivers State Government conferred him with the GSSRS honour.

He maintained that with peaceful dialogue, Ndi Igbo would have the rightful place, advising them to cultivate the spirit of brotherliness and love.

He said: “If we work together with our strength and wisdom, we will be greater than China.”

Speaking, the President General of the association, Julius Uzoma, said the body is conscious of the governor’s achievements in the area of infrastructure development, youth empowerment, institutional reforms and projects he attracted from the Federal Government, among others, urging him to sustain the feat and do more.