The Akweya people of Akpa District in Otukpo local government area of Benue State have commended President Muhammadu Buhari and their illustrious son, former Senate President David Mark, for the eventual appointment of a Vice-Chancellor for the new Federal University of Health Sciences, Akwete– Akpa.
In a statement signed by Barrister Aba Ejembi, as Chairman; and Hon. Kennedy Angbo, as Secretary of the Akweya nation group, the community also thanked the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Sunny Echono, an Idoma son, for his supoort towards getting the University off the ground.
The community congratulated Professor Innocent Ujah, on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the University and prayed for his success in piloting its affairs.
While recalling the despondence that followed the delay in take-off of the institution, they expressed happiness that the wait ended with immeasurable joy.
The statement read: “The Akweya nation received the news of the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Akwete – Akpa, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State with immeasurable joy.
“The Akweya people of Akpa District in Otukpo LGA had with joy and their magnanimity donated 600 hectares of our farmland, hunting and game reserves, and ponds to the University as our contribution to national development.
“Unfortunately, the delay in the takeoff of the University made the people to become despondent until 14/5/20 when we received the cheering news.
“The Akweya nation is grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for this wonderful decision. We pray that God will continue to grant him the wisdom to continue the good work.
“We wish to particularly thank the former President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator David Mark, GCON for envisioning this University as catalyst to national development as well as locating same in Akweyaland.
“The Covid – 19 pandemic is a testimony that the vision of developing high level manpower in the health and medical sector was simply prophetic.
“We are grateful to the immediate past Honourable Minister for Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh for keying into the vision and for sustaining the struggle for the realization of the University. His consistent advocacy and lobby for the University was instrumental to the realisation of this lofty dream.
“We are equally grateful to Distinguished Senator Abba Moro, the Senator Representing Benue South Senatorial District for his dogged determination to giving legal backing to the University through the passage of the Bill for the establishment of the University.
“We thank the Honourable Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Sunny Echono, himself an illustrious son of Idoma for his indefatigable commitment that helped us to breast the tape in this marathon. The Almighty God ensured that he was at the Federal Ministry of Education at this time.
“To these great leaders, Professor Ochapa Onazi, Professor John Idoko, Professor Francis Uba, and many others who worked tirelessly and anonymously for the realization of the University, the Akweya people will forever be grateful.
“Finally, we congratulate Professor Innocent Ujah, Mni, the Vice Chancellor of the University and pray that Almighty God will grant him wisdom and good health in the discharge of this onerous responsibility.”
