Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has lauded the Methodist Church Nigeria for its plan to establish a University at Umuimenyi, Bende Local Government Area.
Speaking at his Nvosi residence in Isiala Ngwa South when he received the Prelate of the Church, His Eminence Dr Oliver Abah, and a delegation of Archbishops and Bishops, the Governor assured of them of the State Government’s full support.
“We are very happy about it and we can assure you that any support that we can give, we will not withhold it.
“There is no doubt that the Methodist Church has been a pioneer in missionary activities in Nigeria and of course the health and education sectors of the economy.
“Setting up a university is one of the things you are known for. For us as a government, education is so important that it gets the largest allocation in every budget that we have approved since we came into office.
“It would be our pleasure to support you and partner with you in the establishment of this university,” Otti stated.
He directed his Deputy Chief of Staff, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, to resolve land-grabbing issues affecting the project and disclosed that a road to the site was already under construction.
Governor Otti who highlighted his administration’s commitment to education, said that his government has consistently devoted 20 per cent of the State’s annual budget to the sector, while also investing heavily in Abia State University (ABSU).
Earlier, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Oliver Abah, said the delegation came to seek partnership with the State Government on the establishment of the Methodist University.
He noted challenges in areas around Lodu, Lohum and Nkpa, particularly land-related issues, and appealed appealed for government intervention to check land grabbers around the area.
The Methodist Prelate, said that the Methodist Church has historically pioneered Educational, Health and Social Welfare institutions in Nigeria, stressing that the establishment of the University would boost education and development in the state.
