Abia, Enugu, Delta reflect on challenges, solutions at 33rd anniversary

• Delta occupies pride of place in Nigeria, says Oborevweri
• Enugu marks anniversary, set to celebrate 115 years of Coal City

In the spirit of the 33rd anniversary of its creation, the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, yesterday, directed citizens of the state to use the day to reflect on challenges facing the state, and how to make the state better.

Speaking through the Information Commissioner, Prince Okey Kanu, the governor, who said there would be no celebration, asked Abians to go about their normal businesses.

Recall that Abia State was created by then military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, along with some other states on August 27, 1991. Since then, the commemoration of the creation of Abia has been marked with either fanfare or low-keyed activities, which included statewide broadcast by the governor to the citizenry.

However, the Information Commissioner told journalists that the governor will today flag off the reconstruction of the 41.4-kilometre Ohafia-Arochukwu federal road, which had been neglected for a long time.

The Commissioner also said that the State Executive Council (SEC) approved a comprehensive upgrading and retrofitting of the Amachara General Hospital and the Abia Specialist Hospital, in Umuahia.

IN Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah, yesterday, joined the people of the state in commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the state’s creation, saying that his administration was also getting ready to celebrate the 115th anniversary of Enugu City as a pre-eminent centre of history, commerce, and administration.

He paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the state, reiterating his administration’s determination to hasten their lofty dreams to fruition.

Speaking at the ceremony organised by the Enugu State Development Association (ESDA) in the state’s capital, Mbah, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, said that his administration is determined to bequeath a state where unprecedented development, social justice, and equal opportunity reign.

SIMILARLY, the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevweri, yesterday, said that the state is occupying a pride of place in Nigeria judging by all the developmental indices locally and internationally.

The governor stated this in his remarks at a thanksgiving service to mark the 33rd anniversary of the state’s creation at the Government House Chapel, Asaba.

Oborevwori said: “This is because the state was growing steadily on all economic development indicators, as well as emerging as a powerhouse in the comity of states in Nigeria.”

“I am proud to say that in 33 years of existence, Delta State has evolved into a strong, vibrant, strategic component of the Nigerian federation,” the governor said.

According to him, though the journey had been eventful and fulfilling, with trials, triumphs, tests and testimonies, Delta people are thriving in their entrepreneurial drive, passion and ingenuity.