The Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi, has said that Enugu State has high premium on education, and for this reason, has allocated 30% of the 2018 budget to education.

Ubosi, who is also the deputy chairman of the Speakers' Conference, also said that apart from Works and Infrastructure, education came second in the order of priority in this year's budget.

The Speaker who made the declaration in his office when the leadership of Trans Africa Students Initiative, trans Africa, gave him the award of 'Africa Distinguished Personality Honour,' said that Enugu State has high regard for education and the youth.

This year alone, for instance, Ubosi disclosed that the government has employed 1000 teachers and will next month recruit another 1000 teachers to ensure that there are enough teachers for the schools which in turn would improve the quality of education.

Ubosi told the delegate who were drawn from 11 countries in Africa, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Liberia, etc, that he would he would discuss with the Students Union Governments in the tertiary schools in the state on how he would sponsor some of them for the forthcoming summit of the body coming up in Kigali, Rwanda, pointing out that he has a good rapport with the SUGs.

Happy with the honoured bestowed on him as Africa Distinguished Personality Honour, Ubosi said that it was a challenge that would spur him to do more.

"I want to thank you in a special way for deeming it fit to give me this prestigious award. I don't receive award but because it is coming from you, I decided to accept it.

" I see this award as a challenge because the reward for work is more work. Anywhere I am lacking, because of this award, I'll amend and where I am doing well, I'll increase," he said.

Speaking on behalf of the four-man delegation drawn from Nigeria, Togo and Cote de Ivoire, Comrade Musa Abdulrauf, who described the speaker as a role model, a noble champion, said that Ubosi was nominated for the award because of the good work he has been doing and how he has been working in tandem with the executive to see that Enugu is moving on.

"We have seen the good work you are doing. You are being noticed by all. Your ingenious drive is appreciated. You have charisma; you are noble champion.

“Your support to the government of Enugu State has brought development to the state. You are a quintessential icon,” Abdul Rauf said.

The delegation also feted the Speaker with a Gold Coated Medal which is a respect accorded a military general.

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