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FG To Establish New Universities
President Goodluck Jonathan said last Saturday that more universities would be established in more states as a far-reaching measure to bring tertiary education closer to the people.
The President said this in Abakaliki at a grand reception in honour of nine Federal Government appointees from Ebonyi State.
Jonathan was represented at the occasion by the Minister of Defence, Dr Haliru Mohammed Bello.
The honourees include Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Prof.Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health, Justice Uche Onyemenam and Mr Elias Mbam, Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission.
Others are Chief Okeagu Ogada, Member Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Chief Lawrence Nwuruku, National Commissioner, INEC and Prof. Selina Oko, Resident Electoral Commissioner, Imo State.
He said that the Federal Executive Council took the bold decision to create more new federal universities to register more federal presence in younger States.
“The siting of the new Federal University in Ebonyi is deliberate as a far-reaching measure to bring tertiary education closer to the people,” he said.
According to him, the take over of the Ebonyi Medical College and upgrading of the Fistula Centre to a national Fistula centre, is to ensure equitable distribution of the nation’s scarce resources and projects.
He said that the Federal Government was satisfied with the commitment and the quality of service provided by the honourees in the discharge of their assigned duties and responsibilities.
“It is instructive, however, to appreciate that the journey to the realisation of the transformation agenda is tortuous but surely at the end, we are optimistic of getting to the promised land sooner than expected,’’ he noted.
The President said that his administration was resolute in the pursuit of its plan for the country to develop critical infrastructure that would galvanise the economy and create employment.
He said that the Federal Government would expedite action to effect the payment of funds owed Ebonyi State on federal roads executed on its behalf.
Earlier, Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi had drawn the attention of the President to the deplorable condition of federal roads throughout the length and breadth of the state.
“There is no good federal road throughout the length and breadth of Ebonyi. Those who travel from Enugu and Afikpo axis can attest to the pitiable situation of those roads.
“Therefore, all we can say is that what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.
“Incidentally, even where we have taken the necessary steps to assist the Federal Government to improve on the condition of federal roads in Ebonyi, the money has not been refunded.”
Responding on behalf other honourees .Chukwu, thanked the president for their appointment, and assured the people that they would not betray the trust and confidence reposed in them.
The ceremony was attended by eminent Nigerians including the former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Mr Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Ben Obi, the Special Adviser to the President on Inter Party Relations.
Others are Governor Peter Obi of Anambra, Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abubakar Baraje, PDP Chairman, and Mr Mike Okiro, former Inspector-General of Police, among others.
Our correspondent reports that the three justices among the honourees were absent at the occasion.
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RSG INAUGURATES ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMITTEE
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
