From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
Ebonyi indigenes in Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja have extolled Governor David Nweze Umahi for promising to extend his empowerment program to them in November this year.
Their jubilation came up at the heels of Governor Umahi's pledge to carry his administration's empowerment intervention to Ebonyi indigenes living in the federal capital, Abuja, Tuesday during a reception organized for national honour recipients from the state.
Governor Umahi had earlier explained that his empowerment programmes were aimed at ensuring that Ebonyi people were lifted out of the poverty line. " We are a hardworking people who deserve to reap the benefits of our labour. I will continue to work for the upliftment of our people" he vowed.
On the national honours, Umahi thanked President Muhammad Buhari for the honour given to deserving Ebonyi people but noted that more Ebonyians ought to have been honoured. " We submitted fifteen names but surprisingly, only seven were honoured. I protested and got assured that something is being done. Let us keep the lively and trustworthy Ebonyi spirit alive in us at all times and show the world that we have come of age" he said.
The Special to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Chooks Oko made this known in a press release on Wednesday.
But while delivering their goodwill message, the President of the Ebonyi community in Abuja, Barr. Cletus Afoke thanked Governor Umahi for giving all Ebonyi people reasons to raise their shoulders high among people of the southeast and Nigeria at large.
"Before now, when you say you are from Ebonyi, you will get scornful looks, but not anymore. People now want to associate with us because of what the governor has turned our state into. We are grateful," Afoke said.
Recall that the Secretary to the State government and coordinating commissioner, Dr Kenneth Ugbala in an opening remark noted that the reception was put together to celebrate the honorees and enjoined all to keep performing outstandingly in their fields of endeavour to attract the right recognition.
The former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Alloy Nwankwo enjoined Ebonyians to keep working hard to attract requisite recognitions and expressed his elation that the number of national honours recipients from the state is increasing.
Speaking on behalf of the honorees, General Abel Obi Umahi (rtd) thanked the governor for putting forward their names noting that the rigorous process that followed makes the honour well deserved.
The occasion was massively attended by the honorees, the speaker of Ebonyi state House of Assembly and deputy, top government officials, prominent Ebonyians living in Abuja and beyond and friends of Ebonyi state.
