The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has praised Honourable Mathias Ume Nwachi, a member representing Umunneochi State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, for prioritizing education in his constituency projects and encouraged him to continue emphasizing the importance of education under the current administration.
Governor Otti, who was represented by his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Lekwachi Emetu emphasized during the commissioning of a renovated four-classroom block at Nneato Secondary School in Umunneochi LGA that the government will not tolerate illegal encroachments on school property.
He warned individuals engaged in such activities to refrain from doing so or face legal consequences.
“Government will no longer tolerate the brazen and warranted encroachment into its’ school lands and those who have the proclivity of engaging in the unwholesome practices are advised to stay clear or face the full wrath of the law, as no inch of government-owned school landed property shall be compromised to land grabbers,” Governor Otti declared.
The governor highlighted that addressing insecurity in the area reflects the state government’s commitment to improving security in schools and safeguarding students’ lives.
He emphasized that all school-aged children must attend school during designated hours, warning that parents of children seen hawking or loitering will face prosecution. The governor advised against bush burning to protect school buildings from fire hazards and instructed school heads to report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
Delivering his speech, Hon. Ume, also the Deputy Majority Leader in the 8th Abia State House of Assembly, stated that the constituency project aligns with his campaign promises and supports the Governor’s vision of prudence, transparency, and accountability. He thanked the governor for the approval and timely release of funds for the project and for his unprecedented love and support for the people of Umunneochi, which he has shown through the tackling of the menace of bandits and kidnappers in Umunneochi.
Speaking earlier, Mr Ihionu J. I., the principal of Nneato Senior Secondary School, expressed gratitude to the governor for placing a high premium on education and his commitment to transforming the education sector from its sordid state. He thanked Governor Otti for the regular payment of teachers’ salaries, an extension of the service period for teachers, the exclusion of teachers from the 8-year directorship policy, the introduction of free and compulsory education, and many more. He urged the governor to include the school in the ongoing renovation and retrofitting efforts in the state.
During the event, Governor Otti welcomed Chief Fabian Nwankwo, former Abia PDP State Publicity Secretary, who decamped to the Labour Party with his followers.
