IMO TO RECEIVE ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE FROM AMERICAN CITY OF NEWARK

The city of Newark in New Jersey, United States of America has pledged to assist Imo State government in the areas of education, agriculture and infrastructural development. 

 Speaking during a visit by Governor Rochas Okorocha to Rugters University yesterday, the Vice President of the City of Newark, Honorable Marcy Phillips promised to work towards strengthening cultural ties with Imo State. Said he, "Imo State and New Jersey share a lot in common, and I believe that with mutual cooperation, we will achieve mutual benefit for the people of both States
who share the same ancestral link to Africa". Ms Phillips  who expressed the readiness of business men from the State of New Jersey  to explore the potentials of Imo State  promised to assist the Imo State government to achieve its full potentials by linking it up with other State Governments and businesses in the United States. 

Speaking further, the Council woman said a  practical demonstration of the City's desire to partner with Imo State is its decision to award Governor Okorocha its highest civilian honor - The  Medal  and  an Honorary member of the City council - the first African leader to earn such title.

 Governor Rochas Okorocha who was in the State of New Jersey to promote the Administrative plans to build a diaspora village where Nigerians living abroad can own and develop property in their home State said he would continue to put in place policies that will attract Investors and improve the lives of all Imolites. In his words,  "I am in the State to personally invite all our brothers and sisters to take advantage of all that Imo State has to offer. We do not seek money, we do not seek aid, rather, we seek partnership to ensure the rapid industrialization of the State.

Addressing several Nigerian groups and business organizations at the occasion, Governor Okorocha expressed interest on how the city of Newark was able to overcome its developmental problems to emerge as one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. He said Imo State is currently undergoing a similar experience but expressed optimism that with sacrifice, hard-work and visionary leadership, the State will emerge stronger and become a focal point of commerce and industry in Nigeria.

Governor Okorocha who also received the prestigious award for his contribution to Educational development from the Rutgers University promised to sustain his free education policy in Imo State. Said he; "Education is my life. Education is the greatest legacy any parent or Government can give to its youths. My administration will continue to give priority to Education. We have also attracted offers from Business men toset up international schools in Imo State.”

In honoring Governor Okorocha, Rutgers University promised that its students will visit Imo State as part of an exchange programme designed to further improve education in the State and will favorably look at
establishing a branch of the School in Imo State.