President Muhammad Buhari.
BY NATIONAL PANEL REPORTERS
The Federal government, says it has made significant strides in the three major pillars of the present administration since 2015.
The major pillars include security, economy and anti-corruption.
President Muhammadu Buhari asserted this during the occasion of the Ebonyi Maiden Honours Awards at the state Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki on Thursday night.
Buhari, represented by his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari commended Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi on 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.
"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," the President added.
On the state award, Buhari said it was good to encourage quality services and leadership.
It reports that an award was conferred on the former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan as Great Grand Commander Of the Ebonyi Hall of Fame (GGCEHF).
Jonathan described the award as significant and urged Umahi to continue to showcase good governance for his people and Nigeria at large.
He further commended Umahi for lifting Ebonyi with meagre resources for mega projects.
"Umahi is doing well for his people and Nigeria at large. The award is a relevant thing and not just a groundnut shared by the children.
"Awards are being given to those, who have made significant contributions to the state of the nation. We are happy today, we have been honoured.
"So, we thank the Ebonyi state government for recognising us and we promised to do our best to support them in anywhere we are.
"As we have been honoured today, we are indebted to the state," the Former President stated.
Our correspondent reports that other recipients of the award include: the Inspector General of Police, and the family of the late General Sani Abacha, who created the state.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Onyenuche, former governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, and Ebonyi founding fathers, amongst others for their selfless contributions to the progress of Ebonyi.
In his remark, Umahi said the honour award was to recognise those, who have contributed enormously to the creation and development of the state.
He thanked Buhari and the former President, Jonathan for their support of Ebonyi.
