The members of the Missouri State General Assembly in the United States have welcomed a Nigerian-born recipient of the Rotary International Scholarship at the University of Central Missouri, Muritala Ayinla.
The lawmakers in the Missouri General Assembly comprising 34 members of the Senate representing various districts, and 163 House Representatives members expressed their appreciation for the positive image of the United States that Ayinla and other aspiring youths hold following their experiences in the country.
In his address while playing host to Ayinla at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, Senator Rick Brattin, who represents Missouri’s 31st Senatorial District, expressed his delight in the Nigerian’s positive impression of the U.S.
“I feel immensely proud of you and am excited to learn of your positive perceptions of the United States,” the senator said.
Brattin emphasised the commitment of the Missouri State legislature to strengthening democracy through legislative functions, saying the lawmakers would continue to strengthen U.S. democracy through legislative functions.
Representative Dan Houx, who represents Johnson County District 54 in the Missouri House of Representatives, commended the University of Central Missouri and Rotary International for their efforts in providing scholarships to foreign students.
Houx also lauded the Executive Director for Governmental Relations and former Missouri Senator, David Pearce, for his contributions to the legislative chamber during his tenure.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Higher Education Committee in the Missouri House of Representatives, Brenda Shields, reiterated Missouri State’s dedication to offering the best educational opportunities for all children in the state.
She applauded the University of Central Missouri for its advancements in education.
On his part, Representative Dane Diehl of District 125, said he was happy to see Ayinla coming from the University of Central Missouri, saying he had so many ties to the university, having enrolled in the school for a while.