By Musa Yaro, Calabar
ASHENEWS reports that the Cross River state governor, Prof. Ben Ayade on Saturday, performed the groundbreaking for the state Polytechnic in Ogoja.
Performing the ceremony at the kick off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in the Northern Senatorial Zone of the state, Ayade noted that the establishment of the Polytechnic was critical in the development of medium level manpower both for the state, and the zone.
“This groundbreaking is important to us because it represents a win-win with respect to two key initiatives that are both technical as well as guaranteeing the future through investments in education,” he disclosed.
According to him, the importance of the Polytechnic to the zone was obvious, as “there is a very clear link between education, security and prosperity, all of which create opportunities for growth and development.”
According to Ayade, the choice of Ogoja as host local government for the institution was deliberate as it was long overdue for such a school to be established in the area.
Applauding the governor for conceptualising and siting the Polytechnic in Ogoja, the APC governorship candidate, Bassey Otu promised to ensure the completion of the institution.
Otu lauded Ayade for his strong commitment to education, adding that “I have not seen any administration that has demonstrated such a strong commitment to education like Ayade.
“The Teachers Continuing Training Institute in Biase local government area, the British/Canadian University in Obudu all bear testament to Governor Ayade’s passion and commitment to education.
“I want to let you know that today is an important day in the life of the Northern Senatorial District. This school will definitely change the economic landscape of the zone. And I want to give you my word and assurance right here that I will continue from where the governor will stop including seeing to the completion of this new Polytechnic.”
