Imo govt. launches N500 million Youths Empowerment Trust Fund for Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta LGA

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha handing over a cheque for the 500 million naira youths empowerment programme for Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta

The Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has launched a 500 million nairaTrust fund for Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta Local Government Areas of Imo State.

Speaking during the inauguration of a committee charged to ensure proper disbursement of the fund at the Ahiajoku Convention center, Owerri yesterday, Governor Okorocha said that the aim was to address the restiveness occasioned by poverty and lack of job in those areas.

He noted that the people of those areas have been marginalized for the past 13 years of democracy in Imo state, and stressed the resolve of his government to put them in the forefront of his administration. He maintained that the youths are the engine room of every society and as such, no country could function efficiently without the contribution from the future leaders.

The Governor advised politicians to desist from using the youths as agents of destabilization, adding that the fund should not be used for frivolities, rather, it should be used for the development of the area.

He called for cooperation of the youths to the realization of the set objectives of the trust fund and tasked the committee to ensure proper disbursement of the fund.

In his address, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Comrade Kenneth Emelu thanked the governor for the initiative aimed at empowering the youths of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta LGAs to be self-reliant and expressed optimism that through the scheme cottage industries would be built and youths restiveness will be drastically reduced.

The commissioner charged the youths to channel their energies towards the ongoing global challenge to sustain the economy, society and environment.
He stressed the need for oil companies, corporate organizations and international donor agencies to assist government in youths empowerment as government alone cannot do it. The Managing Director ISOPADEC, Prince Henry Okafor commended the present administration in Imo State for having the interest of the people of the area at heart.

He noted that the commission had in the past two years constructed 17 boreholes in each of the communities and a new office complex among other achievements.
In their separate speeches, the president, ISOPADEC youth for Oguta, Jeff Nwoha thanked the governor for the empowerment programme and promised that the youths would cooperate with the government for the enthronement of peace and development of the area.
The ISOPADEC youth leader for Ohaji/Egbema, Sixtus Odinaka also commended the governor for the initiative and assured him of their cooperation.

In a remark, the chairman of the committee, Bishop Cyril Okorocha thanked the governor for appointing them, and promised to disburse the fund judiciously.
Those inaugurated are Bishop Orisakwe Z.E, Rev. Paul Nwogu, Bishop Peter Ozigbo, Rev. Goddy Judah, Bishop Ugorji, Pastor Arizona Iheanacho, Bishop Dr. M.A Enyioha, Rt. Rev. Chidi Oparajiako, Bishop Dr. Josiah Ejimabor, Rev. Dr. Andrew Hycenth.