Governor of Abia State,Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has said that Abia has the capacity to redefine technological advancement if the country if given the platform.
The Governor stated this at a grand civic reception organized in honour of the Executive Secretary of NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne by the Ukwa la Ngwa people at the Abia State Polytechnic Aba.
He said that all that is needed in the Southeast is a platform to excel adding that the zone has people who can manufacture almost everything as well as perform in other fields of endeavour.
The Governor was of the view that time has come to begin to celebrate great ones so that the younger generation can learn pointing out that members of the Abia society who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields will be celebrated.
Describing Prince Ikonne as an inspiration and a stickler for Justice, equity and fair play, Governor Ikpeazu urged him to continue to do well and thanked the president for finding him worthy to occupy the position.
The Senate President in his speech, said that Ikonne deserves to be honoured pointing out that Abia and Nigeria have benefited from him.
According to him, the president has tremendous confidence on Prince Ikonne noting that in the last one year, under Ikonne,NALDA has done better than in the previous years.
He extolled the Governor for being a pan Nigerian that believes in coming together of people of all shades to improve the lives of Nigerians and further described him as peaceful, progressive and sound as he has demonstrated capacity to better the lives of his people.
He stressed the need for political leaders to put their acts together to salvage Nigeria
Earlier, the Chairman local organising committee for the event and Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Erondu U. Erondu described the celebrant as a worthy son of Ukwa La Ngwa adding that the event is put together to celebrate his outstanding performance.
Other speakers including Professor Uche Ikonne, Chief Sam Onuigbo,Rev Fr. Obioma Achilihu all lauded Prince Ikonne for distinguishing himself and pledged to continue to give him the needed support.
Responding, Prince Ikonne thanked the people of Ukwa La Ngwa for honoring him and assured that he will not fail them.
He disclosed that the NALDA fish village in Ariam,Ikwuano LGA would be commissioned next month while the rice farm in Bende LGA would soon be harvested adding that the agency has processing centres coming up in Aba North and South.
The event which was attended by an array of dignitaries featured the conferment of a chieftaincy title on the Senate President,Senator Ahmed Lawal as Onyentukwasiobi (Dependable Ally) by Eze Isaac Ikonne.
