Visits Eha Amufu On Fact-finding Mission To Resolve Community Crisis
Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has underscored the need for Enugu State University of the Science and Technology (ESUT) to re-invent and re-commit to its founding objective to engender development and transform the financial standing of the institution, as a citadel of knowledge founded to drive global science and technology.
Ugwuanyi pointed out that the founding objective of ESUT, which appeared realisable at the early stages of the university’s existence, when it earned accolades for the fabrication of motor pistons, mace, computer panels, and solar panels, seemed relegated afterward.
Speaking at the 18th convocation ceremony of the university, yesterday, Ugwuanyi stated that with inadequate government funding of public universities, public universities that would be competitive are those that strategically explore and leverage alternative funding opportunities through research grants, earnings and economically rewarding projects and partnerships.
The governor, therefore, advised, “ESUT, being a science and technology university should deploy her intellectual resource to fuel research and creativity and ultimately drive innovation of products and services to attract huge income through patents and royalties to the university and complement government funding.”
Meanwhile, Ugwuanyi, on arrival at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, yesterday, evening, proceeded straight to Eha Amufu, on a fact-finding visit to obtain first-hand information about the issues that led to the recent crisis in Aguamaede and Mgbuji communities.
Ugwuanyi, accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Ammani, the Garrison Commander, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. M.K Ibrahim, and the Anglican Bishop of Nike Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Christian Onyeka Onyia, visited Mgbuji community, different forests, markets, village squares, and other locations in Eha Amufu where he interacted with the indigenes to ascertain the remote cause of the recent crisis in the community with a view to addressing the lingering issues in the area decisively.
The governor, who empathised with the people, assured them of his administration’s commitment to their safety and wellbeing as well as the resolution of the crisis between farmers and herders.
The Eha Amufu indigenes appreciated Ugwuanyi for the rare visit, especially at night, stressing that the gesture was a demonstration of his commitment to ending the farmers/herders’ issues in Eha Amufu.
They pointed out that Ugwuanyi was the first governor to visit Eha Amufu over the lingering crisis in the area, thanking him for the N10m he released for the immediate needs of the victims, among other interventions.
