US GOVERNMENT LAUDS GOV UMAHI DEVELOPMENTAL STRIDES.

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stuart  Symington, has lauded Ebonyi state Governor  David Umahi for his   developmental strides.

Symington, who led a team of US diplomats to the state on Friday, said   he was impressed that the governor  was putting government to work for the benefit of the people.

 

He said," I was particularly honored because   I had the chance to see before I got here(Government House, Abakaliki). I have  gone round to see what  you people in  state are doing and your leadership to improve infrastructure. I had the chance to see what the people of your state are doing to improve their lives like farming. I had the chance to see your rice and it is one of the best you can find anywhere in the world. 

"I had the chance to see the place where the people of the state will be working for the future, that is the new secretariat and the government lodge and  specifically,these are telling me that under your administration with the support of your people, you  are putting government to work for the benefit of your people.“

 The envoy, according to a statement on Saturday by Umahi’s Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya,  also commended the governor for embarking on massive road construction to connect neighboring states.

 

Pointing out  that the idea would lead to    economic integration with Ebonyi’s neighbours, he assured the Umahi administration of Washington’s    partnership especially   in wooing investors to the state particularly in the areas of agriculture and solid  mineral development

Symington, who  said that investment opportunities were the first approach towards attracting investors to the state, noted  that infrastructural development and adequate security  were   imperative in   wooing  foreign investors.

He added: "The first critical step involves upgrading the economic fortunes of the state, and also setting up opportunities in this area that would welcome businessinvestors to this state   thereby making it possible for investment .

"I cannot think of any more compelling message than this   and I urge  the state government to abide by this  because it will bring investors to the  State  .

The    envoy urged the state government to sustain the prevailing peace and security in the state, noting that no meaningful development  can take place in an atmosphere of rancour.

Earlier , Governor   Umahi had commended Symington    for his visit to the state and solicited  his assistance   in attracting investors to the state.

Umahi described the visit as an opportunity for the state to re-invent itself economically, stating "you have seen  how Ebonyi State is trying to put together the infrastructure and human development needs of the people. " 

 “This visit will  enable the state explore areas of partnership with the United States Government especially  in the areas of Agriculture and solid minerals ,"he told the envoy.

"Agriculture is one key area we need  investment. We also     need investment in areas of Medicare and solid minerals.   I assure you of a very healthy enviroment, "  Umahi stated.
The   ambassador  was in company with   the US  Consular General in Nigeria, Mr John Grey and other Support Staff of the Consulate Office.

Highlights of the visit of Ambassador Symington    was the tour of some key projects  executed by the Umahi Government and a state banquet in their honour at the Governor’s Lodge on Friday night.