By Wilson Adekumola
Minister for State for Education, Goodluck Opiah and the residents of Egbema have hailed the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for building the Skills Acquisition Centre of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Egbema campus, Imo State.
While speaking at the ceremony, Opiah revealed that President Buhari nurtured the project till its completion.
Opia who represented the Minister for Education, Adamu Adamu urged the host communities and youths of the area to protect the facility.
While stressing the importance of education, he said it gives unlimited opportunities to individuals and has remained a key instrument of tackling youth unrest.
“I hope that the youths, men, and women in Ohaji/Egbema and environs will take advantage of the presence of this new campus and develop themselves to the point of acquiring quality and functional skills as well as a sound education.
“Every educational institution requires maximum peace to thrive in teaching, research, and community development. This is the tripod on which academia stands. I urge the host community, and indeed, people from this area to give this young campus all the support it needs.”
Opiah stated further that, “We accept this facility, which will effectively serve as the second campus of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede and hereby direct the Chairman of Governing Council and the Rector to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Education to determine appropriate actions to be taken towards the attainment of Nigeria Educational goals.
At the inauguration of the project, Imo State Governor,Hope Uzodimma represented by his deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku reassured the youths that government is committed to developing Ohaji/Egbema and transforming of its youths into meaningful ventures especially with the presence of the facility.
Also speaking, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Umana stated that his ministry is poised to develop infrastructure in the Niger Delta areas.
Speaking on behalf of host community, Abaezi community in Egbema, Chief Goodluck Okwe commended the APC administration led by President Buhari for approving this site.
“Let me on behalf of our community extend our hand of fellowship to the polyphonic. We are law-abiding citizens, and we will cooperate with you. Our forebears dreamed that one day, this place will become a Polytechnic. Today, we have it.”
Nzeobi of Egbema, HRH Eze Barr GOH Ariaga said, “The entire Egbema in Imo and Rivers are grateful and thank Mr. President for allowing this to happen. We equally thank our son and brother, and we pray that his name be written in solid gold any time the story of this accomplishment will be told.”
Prof Victor Nwugo, President, of Egbema Forum thanked the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Ministry of Education for completing this building and handing it over to the Federal Polytechnic.
