THISDAY

In Ebonyi, Buhari Promises to Address Devt Issues

- Benjamin Nworie

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday reiterated his commitment to deliver on his promises, including addressing issues of agricultur­e, power and social services in the South-east zone.

The President noted that the 2018 budget also captured many projects in the zone, stressing that his visit to the state signalled the unity of the country.

He, therefore, commended the state governor, Chief David Umahi for his warm reception and his commitment to the developmen­t of the state.

The President said “I am delighted to be here in Abakaliki to interact with the good people of Ebonyi state and indeed the South east region as a whole. I

want to express my gratitude to the people of Ebonyi state for their hospitalit­y and warm reception since I arrived the state.

“My presence here today is a demonstrat­ion of my strong belief in the unity of Nigeria. As the most populous country in Africa with over 300 ethnic groups, our diversity is almost unique. When I met with the leaders of the South-east in Abuja last month, they raised several issues of concern including the state of the roads and infrastruc­ture in the region”.

“I will like to commend His Excellency Governor David Umahi for his vision and commitment to the developmen­t of this state. Some of the projects I commission­ed since my arrival are laudable. I am also grateful to the traditiona­l rulers of Ebonyi state for the honour bestowed on me with the traditiona­l title of Enyi Oha 1. I thank you for this honour and warm reception.

“I want to assure you that we will deliver on our promises. Our 2018 budget included many projects for the region in the area of power, agricultur­e and Social services”.

Buhari landed at the training field of the Nkwagu Military Cantonment at about 11:15 am in a Nigeria Air Force Helicopter with the registrati­on number NAF-540.

He was earlier received at the Akanu Ibiam Internatio­nal Airport ,Enugu by governors of the South East led by Ebonyi State governor, Engr. David Umahi from where he was airlifted in a chopper to Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital.

Buhari was received on arrival in Ebonyi by the deputy governor of the state ,Dr. Kelechi Igwe; Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu; former governors of Ebonyi state, Senator Sam Egwu and Chief Martin Elechi; former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim ; former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Amb. Frank Ogbuewu; ex Minister of Health (State), Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo; former Deputy governor of the state, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu and Zonal Vice Chairman of PDP, Chief Austine Umahi; CEO Orient Global Ltd, Chief Chukwuma Odi among other top political leaders from the state.

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