By Ewa Innocent, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State government has said that it is set to honour the former military head of state, late General Sani Abacha, for creating Ebonyi state in 1996.
Governor David Umahi announced this on Sunday during a State special Thanksgiving Service held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki.
The Governor, who was full of praises to God for his mercies and grace upon him and family and to those who contributed in one way or the other in the success story of his administration, mentioned others to be honoured to include; former President GoodLuck Jonathan and the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, among others for their various contributions to the development of the State.
“We would be honouring the family of the late General Sani Abacha for creating the State which we are enjoying today. His son will be here on Thursday to receive the award”.
“We will be honouring former President GoodLuck Jonathan and wife; former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, among other notable personalities”, he said.
Umahi while appreciating the contributions of civil servants in the state, solicited for their support to the governorship candidate and Speaker, Ebonyi State house of Assembly, Chief Ogbonna Nwifuru, and all other APC candidates in 2023 general elections.
“I plead with you to please give support to Mr.Speaker and all our candidates. The Speaker is also on the platform of the Divine Mandate, so it is still the same Divine Mandate administration.
“I will still do something for you; there is an exit package for you, and it is not a matter of Party. It is a matter for the Ebonyi people”, he noted.
Governor Umahi further announced the approval of the sum of N5,000,000 as educational scholarship for a boy with amputated leg and directed the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) to supervise the implementation.
The Governor unveiled his plans to decongest the Correctional Centres in the State by January 2023 through a jail delivery function, and directed the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Cletus Ofoke and other relevant bodies to begin the processes to ensure the success of the exercise.
Giving reasons for the special Church service, Governor Umahi said it was to appreciate God for his grace and blessings on Ebonyi State and its people in the outgoing year.
“The intention is to thank God for his miracles. We have every reason to thank God, and when you thank God, you are preparing your way for more greatness. So, be grateful to God, show gratitude always and allow God to take charge in your affairs” He stressed”.
Governor Umahi reiterated his determination to complete all ongoing projects before bowing out of office. He reinforced his resolve to ensure that flight operations take off at the Ebonyi Airport by January 2023.
Governor Umahi, also appreciated the founding fathers of the State, the elders and the Clergy for their various contributions to the Development of the State.
While reflecting, the Chaplain of Government House Chapel, Pastor Eunice Oyeyemi, observed that the Umahi administration succeeded because it was anchored on God from inception. She described the year’s Thanksgiving as remarkable.
She said,”The event is very strategic and very important. Today marks seven years and seven months of this administration and the number seven is very symbolic: it is a number of perfection”, Oyeyemi stated.
The Thanksgiving Service featured praises and worship songs, testimonies and State Thanksgiving offerings led by Governor David Umahi and wife, the MDAs, Executive Council members, Judiciary and the State House of Assembly, among others.
