President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned the 700m length of the late Dr. Akanu Ibiam Twin Flyover Bridges over the African Trans-Sahara route running from Enugu to Cameroon.
Buhari who is on official visit to Ebonyi State also commissioned the 14.5km Federal Road constructed by the Ebonyi State Government. The President further commissioned Senator Offia Nwali Flyover.
Governor Dave Umahi and other leaders in Ebonyi State led the president to also unveil the Statue of Dr. Akanu Ibiam as well as lay the foundation stone for Ebonyi City Mall, foundation stone for President Muhammadu Buhari Flyover Bridge/Road Tunnel.
Governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, were among the South East governors who joined to receive Buhari. The South East ministers: Labour and Employment (Senator Chris Ngige), Foreign Affairs ( Geoffrey Onyeama) Minister of State, Education (Anwuka) Industries (Okechukwu Elenama) and Science and Technology (Ogbonnaya Onu) were also in attendance.
Former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim and former governor of Ebonyi State and now Senator, Sam Egwu were also in attendance.
Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha who is the chairman of All Progressive Congress Governors Forum and the only governor of the APC in the zone was conspicuously absent at the event. Nobody also represented him.
During BUhari’s visit, traditional ruler in Ebonyi State jointly conferred a chieftaincy title of Enyioma 1 of Ebonyi and Ochioha Ndi Igbo 1.
Buhari commissioning projects in Abakiliki
Ebonyi monarchs honour Buhari
Speaking when he met with a galaxy of Ebonyi and Igbo leaders, Buhari assured Ndigbo that his administration will ensure the timely execution of roads, power and other projects in the South-East.
Addressing Ebonyi State Leaders of Thought and Traditional Rulers at a meeting in Government House, the President commended Ebonyi people for the warm reception accorded him during the State visit.
”My presence here today is a demonstration of our strong belief in the unity of Nigeria. As the most populous country in Africa, with over 300 ethnic groups, our diversity is unique among nations.
”When I met with leaders from the South East last month in Abuja, they raised several issues of concern, including the state of the roads and infrastructure in the region. I want to assure you that we will deliver on our promises.
”Our 2018 Budget includes many strategic projects for the region in the roads, power, agriculture and other sectors,’’ he said.
The President had earlier inaugurated the 14.5km Abakiliki-Afikpo Federal road constructed by the Ebonyi State Government.
Buhari, who commended Governor David Umahi for ”his vision and commitment to the development of the State,” also thanked the traditional rulers of the State led by Eze Charles Mkpuna for conferring him with the chieftaincy title of Enyioma 1 of Ebonyi (Trustworthy friend of Ebonyi).
At another event with South East traditional rulers led by Eze Eberechi Dick, the President was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Ochioha Ndigbo (Leader of Igbo people).
Earlier in an address presented on behalf of Ebonyi Elders by a former Governor of the State, Egwu, he appealed for more Federal presence in the State, particularly the conversion of College of Education Ikwo to a Federal College of Education.
He also called for urgent intervention by the Federal Government to curb intra-communal clashes as well as cross-border disputes in the region.