Orumba Forum Applauds Obiano's Achievements in Education

By Kingsley Ezekwelu

In recognition of his giant strides in the Education sector, Governor Willie Obiano was today honoured by the Orumba Forum on the occasion of the Grand reception for his Excellency and the tenth year anniversary of the Forum's scholarship award ceremony at Nanka, Anambra state.

Orumba Forum is made up of the elite of Orumba North and South indigenes in Lagos and Abuja whose aim and objectives are to foster good relationship among themselves, support good government initiatives both at federal and state levels.

In his address of welcome, the chairman of the Forum, Dr. Raymond Obieri applauded the transformational leadership of Governor Obiano. In his words, "We are very proud of your activities, exceptionally in the area of improved security in Anambra state".

"You have in fact set a pace for other state governors to emulate. We are also proud of your deep interest in uplifting educational standard in Anambra state. You r setting up visitation panel to state owner higher institutions-the first by any state governor in many years is a demonstration of your commitment in quality education", Dr. Obieri asserted.

The governor in his remarks commended the Orumba Forum for towing the part of honour of building and developing their region. He noted that the government is putting much effort in his four pillars of development, in a bid to creating job opportunities for the people of the state when they graduate. "We are doing three things in Education- Upgrading the infrastructure; comfort of the students (fencing, water supply and electricity which will greatly improve by next year; and training and retraining of teachers as well as their welfare", Obiano said.

As part of teachers welfare, the governor said that he has directed that the leave allowances would be paid before the year ends together with some incentives. He frowned at the attitude of some teachers who engage in businesses while in school, adding the government will punish those found wanting. In a bid to encouraging teachers in the rural areas, Gov. Obiano reemphasized that his administration added incentives to such teachers as well as teachers who take up core subjects.
The governor commended Orumba Forum for such initiative calling on other communities to borrow a leaf from them. Obiano added that despite the lean allocation from the Federal government, his administration is cutting cost of governance and greatly improving the internally generated revenue.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers in Orumba North and South, Igwe P.N Ezeamama stated that education breaks barrier, commending the Orumba forum for giving the children of the region a very big gift in the scholarship awards. He advised the students on the importance of education, urging them to read not just to scale through examinations but to gain knowledge. He further urged them to embrace the Igbo culture and language.

On her part, the honourable commissioner for Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha explained that the passion with which the governor drives the education sector is amazing and that explained his presence  at the event. She highlighted that many players in the sector in Nigeria have gone all out to present awards to the governor for his immense support in the education sector. She added that the governor has already awarded scholarships to 200 indigent and destitute students. She further commended the Orumba Forum for their gesture, urging well meaning Anambrarians to mobilize resources in supporting the state government in Education and other sectors. She also disclosed that the students from the state will be representing Nigeria in Croatia for a debate competition. The honorable commissioner advised the students to be hardworking in their studies as that alone can take them to greater heights.

In her own remark, the zonal director, PPSSC Aguata, Mrs. Ethel Nwabude Eruchalu commended the Orumba Forum for such initiative adding that their investment in Education will go a long way in bringing development to the region. Mrs. Eruchalu commended Gov. Obiano on his unparalleled commitment in the uplift of the education sector in the state.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of a souvenir to Governor for his commitment to the development of education in the state. Present at the occasion include the national and state chairmen of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), chief Victor Oye and Sir Nobert Obi, top government functionaries, principals and students.