Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised President Bola Tinubu for signing into law three bills establishing new federal tertiary institutions in the South-East, describing the move as a step toward inclusive development and national healing.
The institutions include the College of Education, Bende; the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item (both in Bende, Abia State); and the Federal University, Okigwe, Imo State.
Akpabio’s commendation was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Eseme Eyiboh.
He also applauded lawmakers in both chambers of the National Assembly for their support of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, highlighting the role of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who sponsored two of the bills.
In addition, he acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Whip, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi; Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu; and Senator Patrick Ndubueze as co-sponsors of the legislation.
Akpabio said the institutions were expected to provide high-quality education and research, address the educational needs of the South-East, and improve healthcare delivery in the region.
“I applaud President Tinubu for his inclusive leadership and commitment to the development of the South-East zone and efforts to heal the deep-seated wounds of the past,” he said.
He added that the establishment of these institutions represents a major milestone in addressing long-standing feelings of distrust and marginalisation in the zone.
“The establishment of these institutions will go a long way to remove the nagging feelings of distrust and socio-economic marginalisation among the people of the zone,” he said.
Akpabio urged the people of the South-East to continue aligning themselves with the current administration in order to benefit more from democratic dividends.
(NAN)