By Andy Ezugwu, Nsukka
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has expressed delight on how the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State is promoting the spirit of ‘One Nigeria’ through the display of cultural identities of different ethnic groups in the country.
Aregbesola who spoke during a Gala Night organized in his honour by Gov. Ugwuanyi noted that the cultural displays, decorations and attires worn by some dignitaries such as the immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, at the event, depicted the spirit of love and one Nigeria. He stressed that such demonstration are what the country needs to make steady progress.
The minister was in Enugu for the inauguration of the new office of Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, Enugu State Command, located at Kilometer 5, Enugu-Abakiliki Expressway, Emene, Enugu.
Welcoming the minister and his entourage including the Comptroller-General of NIS, Muhammed Babandede, Governor Ugwuanyi said that he was glad that the office was finally inaugurated despite all the challenges the command encountered during the preparation for the event.
The Governor pointed out that the NIS office complex in the state was affected two days to its earlier schedule for inauguration during the nationwide EndSARS protests. He disclosed that his administration, acting on the recommendation of the State’s Administrative Inquiry into the hijack of the EndSARS protests by miscreants, gave financial support to facilitate the Command’s relocation to the new office.
In his address at the event, Governor Ugwuanyi said, “I therefore, congratulate you on today’s successful Commissioning of the new office of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Enugu State Command, in spite of the challenges.
“Honourable Minister, the government and good people of Enugu State extend their compliments to you on the far-reaching reforms that your leadership has engendered in the federal government agencies under your watch.
“Nigeria Immigration Service, one of the Paramilitary Service under the superintendence of the Ministry of Interior has always availed the state quality services and advisories on migration trends, especially those that have implication for the State’s Internal Security, through the Enugu State Command of the Service. Enugu State Government is indeed pleased with this cooperation and synergy.
“Finally, it is my profound honour and great privilege to welcome you to the Coal City State and invite you to enjoy its serene ambience and hospitable people while wishing you a memorable stay.”
Attendance at the event include the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Dr. Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani; former Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo; former Minister of Aviation, Amb. Mrs. Fidelia Njeze; President, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Enugu State Chapter, Prof Fred Eze and Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, who presented traditional gift items to the Interior Minister and the NIS Comptroller-General.