Abia State government has enjoined the Federal Government to take over one or more of the higher institutions of learning in the area as it has done in other states to ensure equity, justice and fairness.
Speaking to newsmen at Government House, Umuahia, shortly on his return from Peoples Republic of China, where he and other governors escorted President Goodluck Jonathan to sign bilateral business agreement, Governor Theodore Orji said letters had already been sent to the Federal Government listing the institutions.
According to Orji, some of the institutions include the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, and Abia State University Teaching Hospital, among others, saying the FG’s policy of taking over institutions was not lost on the state.
The governor explained that though the resources to run the education sector was very huge compared to the meagre resources accruing to the state, his administration was not tired of funding them, as it was in the interest of the people.
On the ultra-modern dialysis centre, which the government had put in place in partnership with an Indian firm, Orji said his initial plan to have the complex commissioned in a few days time was still on course.
According to him, Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu, has accepted to inaugurate the complex, adding that already the seven dialysis machines expected for the take off had arrived and six installed.
He maintained that the remaining one, would serve as a spare and that while four of the machines would be for those suffering renal failure without additional complications, two would be set aside for those who have complications such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
Orji maintained that while many projects would be commissioned soon in addition to ones already inaugurated during his second year celebration, many more would come on board as he was not yet done with his campaign promises.
He said, while in China he discussed with a cross-section of businessmen, including those from the state, disclosing that areas of discussions include agriculture, health, transport, education, oil and gas.
He expressed satisfaction with efforts made by Jonathan to attract investors to the country.
Orji said the state was expecting some of those that showed significant interest in investing in the state, adding that he was able to convince them on the viability of business in the state, having effectively curtailed the excesses of kidnappers and other security challenges.
