Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi has vowed to extend his empowerment initiatives to indigenes of the state living in Abuja.
The governor said this during a reception organized for national honour recipients from Ebonyi State on Tuesday.
According to him, the empowerment programme was targeted at ensuring 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” the Special Assistant to the Governor (Media & Strategy), Chooks Oko, quoted Umahi as saying.
He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the national honours conferred on Ebonyians.
READ ALSO: Buhari Confers National Honours On Fashola, Okonjo-Iweala, Kyari, Others
“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,” Umahi said.
On his part, the Secretary to the State Government and Coordinating Commissioner, Dr Kenneth Ugbala, noted that the reception was to celebrate the honorees. He urged them to keep performing outstandingly in their fields to attract the right recognition.
Meanwhile, the President of Ebonyi Community in Abuja, Barr. Cletus Afoke, has thanked Governor Umahi for giving indigenes of the state reasons to smile.
“Before now, when you say you are from Ebonyi, you will get scornful looks, but not anymore,” he said in his opening remark.
“People now want to associate with us because of what the governor has turned our state into. We are grateful”.
On behalf of the honorees, General Abel Obi Umahi (rtd) lauded the governor for recommending them, noting that the rigorous process that followed makes the honour well deserved.
Equally speaking at the event, a former chief judge of the state, Justice Alloy Nwankwo, charged Ebonyians to work harder so as to attract more recognition.
