The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stuart Symington, has lauded Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi for hisdevelopmental strides.

Symington, who led a team of US diplomats to the stateon Friday, said he was impressed that the Governor was putting government to work for the benefit of the people.

He said: “I was particularly honoured becauseI had the chance to see before I got here (Government House, Abakaliki). I havegone round to see whatyou people inthe state are doing and your leadership to improve infrastructure. I had the chance to see what the people of your state are doing to improve their lives like farming. I had the chance to see your rice and it is one of the best you can find anywhere in the world.

“I had the chance to see the place where the people of the state will be working for the future, that is the new secretariat and the government lodge andspecifically, these are telling me that under your administration with the support of your people, youare putting government to work for the benefit of your people.”

The envoy, according to a statementon Saturdayby Umahi’s Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, also commended the Governor for embarking on massive road construction to connect neighbouring states.

Pointing out that the idea would lead toeconomic integration with Ebonyi’s neighbours, he assured the Umahi administration of Washington’s partnershipespecially in wooing investors to the state particularly in the areas of agriculture and solidmineral development.

Symington, whosaid that investment opportunities were the first approach towards attracting investors to the state, notedthat infrastructural development and adequate securitywere imperative in wooingforeign investors.

He added: “The first critical step involves upgrading the economic fortunes of the state, and also setting up opportunities in this area that would welcome business investors to this state thereby making it possible for investment.

“I cannot think of any more compelling message than this and I urgethe state government to abide by this because it will bring investors to thestate.

Theenvoy urged the state government to sustain the prevailing peace and security in the state, noting that no meaningful developmentcan take place in an atmosphere of rancour.

Earlier, GovernorUmahi hadcommended Symingtonfor his visit to the state and solicitedhis assistancein attracting investors to the state.

Umahi described the visit as an opportunity for the state to re-invent itself economically, stating: “You have seenhow Ebonyi State is trying to put together the infrastructure and human development needs of the people.

“This visit willenable the state explore areas of partnership with the United States Government especially in the areas of agriculture and solid minerals.

“Agriculture is one key area we need investment. We alsoneed investment in areas of Medicare and solid minerals. I assure you of a very healthy environment.”

TheAmbassador was in company of the USConsular General in Nigeria, Mr. John Grey, and other Support Staff of the Consulate Office.

Highlights of the visit of Ambassador Symingtonwere the tour of some key projectsexecuted by the Umahi Government and a state banquet in their honour at the Governor’s Lodgeon Fridaynight.

•Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State (6th right); United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symminton (6th left), Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, Bernard Odoh (right); former Nigerian Ambassador to Greece, Franklin Ogbuewu; President, Customary Court of Appeal, O’Connel Ogbonna, Chief Judge Aloy Nwankwo; Deputy Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Obasi Odefa Obasi; and some US diplomats after Symmington paid a courtesy call on the governor in Abakaliki on Friday.