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Odili Describes Fubara as Resilient Fighter for Good of Rivers People
*Abdussalami urges Nigerians to embrace peace, unity for nation’s growth
*Governor pledges to transform Rivers despite political distractions
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, has described Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as a young, resilient, humble, irreplaceable and greater fighter for the good of Rivers people.
Odili, who stated this at the 4th convocation ceremony of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) held at the institution’s premises in Iriebe-Elelenwo Community, Obio/Akpor LGA of the state, also described Governor as a peaceful man.
This was as the Chancellor of PUMS, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), implored Nigerians to contribute their quota in maintaining peace, noting that where there is no peace, there will be no country.
Governor Fubara pledged that despite the political crisis bedeviling the state, his government will ensure accelerated transformation of the state.
Odili, who is the Founder of PUMS, said Fubara is “a man who has passed all his predecessors including me” in terms of projects execution.
He said the institution which has existed for seven years, celebrated four convocation ceremonies, has now graduated a total of 223 certified graduands found worthy in character and learning.
Odili expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for offering automatic employment to all 76 graduands awarded degrees at the 4th convocation ceremony while urging the graduands to be good ambassadors of the institution, treat their patients with dignity, love and great care.
The former Rivers State governor who commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state, said “No Governor in Rivers State has surpass your strides in health and other sectors within one year in office”, describing the governor as a peaceful man.
Gen Abubakar advised the graduands to be ambassadors of positive change in the society, representing the institution in a good conduct in the practice of their professional career.
To Nigerians he said “May we find the strength and unity to address the economy challenges facing our country. Wherever you are, contribute your quota in maintaining peace, for where there is no peace, there will be no country”.
Former Military Head of State commended Governor Fubara for not only continuing with the scholarship scheme but increased it from 100 to 150 students, saying that the government attention to healthcare delivery is inspiring.
Abubakar said the institution has been consistent in increasing physical structures that include lecture halls, library, hostels and other learning facilities that have made teaching and learning more conducive for both staff and students.
On his part, Governor Fubara who was also awarded the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for his immense and significant contributions to the institution and to society, said his administration is committed towards providing a safer environment for all residents of the state, while creating opportunities to foster prosperity and accelerated transformation across sectors.
In his is address as the Special Visitor of the university, Fubara said that despite the political distractions, he is more resolved to leave behind convincing development strides and legacies that will surpass what he inherited.
He said his government is making every effort to ensure there is sustained peace, security and unbiased development in the state, adding that “everyone can see and attest to our genuine interest for the State”.
“Our mandate is to work with our people to transform our State and communities to a level where we can secure, and enjoy the greatest standards of security, peace and prosperity from the responsible and responsive management of our collective God-given resources.
“While we feel disturbed by the senseless distractions, I wish to assure everyone that we remain focused on the ball, committed more than ever, to deliver on our mandate, and leave the State far better than where we met it, Fubara said.”
He commended the former governor of the state, and Pro-chancellor of the university, Dr. Odili for his foresight in establishing the institution, which he said, stands as a testament of giving back to society while providing excellent medical educational training to young Nigerians.
The governor added, “Reputed to be the first private medical university in Nigeria, PUMS’s acclaimed mission of providing ‘excellent medical training for the production of world-class medical and health science professionals characterised by the core values of knowledge, discipline and human service’ clearly resonates with that statement that PAMO is prepared, ready and is delivering to Nigeria and Rivers State in particular.
“In this era where the standards of education in our universities are declining, PUMS has established itself as an island of excellence in medical education and training in Nigeria.
“Indeed, only a few medical universities and colleges in this country can boast of the record-breaking progress PUMS has recorded in a few years.”
Fubara, however, promised that the dtate government will sustain the partnership with the institution to strengthen the quality of medical education that will further accelerate the transformation of the healthcare delivery system for the better life of the people and the nation.
The governor expressed appreciation to the Governing Council of the institution for considering him for the award of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), which he described as not only fulfilling but humbling in recognition of the modest contributions made in healthcare and education.
Fubara also tasked the graduands to use the specialised knowledge, skills and training they have been given to advance their professional careers, earn decent living and contribute to human progress to the best of their capabilities.
In her speech, Acting Vice Chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Prof. Christie Mato, explained that the institution has full accreditation for all academic courses in the four faculties secured from National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory bodies.
