400 yr-old tree falls, killing 15 persons and injuring 16 others in Imo State

Fifteen persons, including two sisters, were killed when a tree at the Ukwu Uko evening market at Umuejinwaoke Umudagu village, Mbieri, Mbaitolu Local Government Area of Imo State, fell on them. The 400-year-old ancestral tree fell down at about 8:30 pm Thursday night during a rainstorm.

The tree fell at the peak of commercial activities in a popular night market called “Ukwu Uko,” located under it. The market usually starts at about 3pm everyday and terminates at between 9.30pm and 11:30 pm.

The tree often referred to as "Uko", meaning 'a giant tree which best serves as wood for furniture makers and building engineers'' had been a source of concern to youths of the village who had repeatedly made case for it to be cut down to no avail. Elders of the community had described the tree as an ancestral landmark that should not be removed.

Sources revealed that discussion on the cutting down of the tree held the same day, in the town hall near the Ukwu Uko market, before the tree fell. The meeting, it was learnt, was to agree on the modality and necessary appeasements to the community’s ancestors before its felling.

 The said meeting was on when the rain that caused the fall of the tree started. Owing to the rain, the meeting was adjourned, it was gathered.

One community leader, who attended the meeting said some of them were still on our way home when they heard the tree crashing down.

Efforts were made by some youths who dug the ground beneath the fallen tree to retrieve victims. Also on the rescue team were men of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps, men of the Nigerian Fire Service, some health workers and other security operatives.

By yesterday, 11 corpses, including that of a baby, were recovered from the scene. The corpses were deposited at the mortuaries of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri; Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, in Owerri West Local Government Area and Aladinma Hospital, Owerri.

Meanwhile, the governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has expressed deep shock over the unfortunate accident.

The governor who visited the area while rescue operation was still ongoing, said he swiftly directed relevant agencies for prompt rescue operation on receiving information of the incident.

He described the incident as a natural disaster and wondered why the community resisted efforts made to cut down the tree before it claimed scores of lives, warning that people should desist from dwelling on superstitious belief which he said negates sound sense of reasoning.

He however, directed the mayor of Owerri, Dr. Kachi Nwoga to make available to his office the necessary information in respect to the victims as government plans to give succor to the families that lost their loved ones in the unfortunate disaster.

He also called on communities that have similar trees to cut them down to avoid the re-occurrence of the said incident.

6 Local Govt Areas in Imo to benefit from MDG projects in 2013

Six more Local Government Areas in Imo State are to benefit from this year’s Millennium Development Goals projects sponsored by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

This disclosure was made by the Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Millennium Development Goals (MDG), Dr Mrs. Precious Gbenor when she paid a courtesy visit to the Imo State Governor.

Speaking during the occasion which was held at the Government House Owerri last week, Dr. Mrs. Precious Gbenor, said she was in the State with her team on advocacy and sensitization to the good people of Imo on MDG projects and to see the performance of ongoing projects on ground.

She said that since the year 2000, Imo state has collaborated and worked in partnership with them to deliver millennium goal projects to the people in the areas of health, water sanitation and education of our children.

According to her, in 2011 alone, Imo State received the sum of N1,339,384,710, which the State paid counterpart fund for millennium  goal projects in the LGAs.

Also in 2011, 3 Local Government Areas received a conditional cash grant of N100,000,000 each of which the State Government paid counterpart fund. The Local Government Areas are, Ngor Okpalla, Onuimo and Nwangele. Projects executed include rehabilitation of 14 motorized rural water schemes, renovation of 38 primary health care centers and equipping of 2 school of nursing and midwifery and conditional cash transfer to 4 households.

She further stated that in 2012 Imo State accessed N1,068,017,000 of which counterpart fund was paid for half of the amount. 4 Local Government Areas were taken on board for conditional cash transfer of N100,000,000 each. They include Ikeduru LGA, Obowo, Isu and Njaba LGAs.

Dr. Mrs. Gbenor said that this 2013 the MDG plan to reach 56,000 households across the country with condition cash transfer.

Responding, Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas okorocha assured millennium development partners of his government’s readiness to partner with them in delivering millennium goals to the people of the State.

He said it is the desire of his government that the MDG partners deal directly with the beneficiaries of their projects, the communities, through the Community Government Councils, adding that such move will give them a sense of belonging and ownership of such projects that could guarantee the protection and maintenance of the projects. Said he;

 “We want to make sure that the State government does not get directly involved in your projects, we want all our interaction with you to be Community based’”.

Speaking further, Governor Okorocha said his government would like to remove the bureaucratic ‘bottle necks’ that impedes the MDGs from achieving desired goals.

He frowned at a situation where MDG projects are replicated and sited without the involvement of the communities in areas where they are not needed due to the influence and interests of some politicians.

Governor Okorocha however commended the SSA to the Presidenton MDG for her commitment to ensure that MDG becomes a success story in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and assured her to count on the support and partnership of his government.

Governor Okorocha flags off 2013 Imo Beauty Competition

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has flagged off the 2013 Imo Beauty competition tagged Ada/Opara Imo beauty pageant which has over one thousand, two hundred Imo youths in  participation.

The winner of the first prize is to be given a brand new car and sponsored for a trip to South Africa.

The runner-up gets one million naira and a trip to Abuja and five hundred thousand naira and a weekend relaxation at Concorde hotel Owerri for the second runner-up

Flagging off the competition at Ahiajioku Convention Center at the weekend, the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha re-emphasized on the need to focus on Igbo culture and identity, acknowledging that as the aim of the competition.

According to Governor Okorocha, the competition is designed to showcase Imo cultural heritage and further accord a sense of belonging to Imo sons and daughters in the rural areas.

He tasked members of the organizing committee to ensure that participants are indigenes of the State.

Governor Okorocha maintained that harnessing hidden potentials in the State communities will aid government in driving development at the grassroots, creating awareness and encouraging healthy competition among Imo youths.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Community Government Council, Hon. Barr. Ugochi Nnanna Okoro pledged on behalf of her team to give their best to actualize the vision of the governor in grassroots development.

Imo State Govt adopts 24 pregnant teenagers rescued from ‘illegal baby making factory’

Governor Okorocha & his wife flaked by distinguished members of the clergy

Imo State government has adopted the 24 pregnant teenagers rescued from an illegal motherless babies’ home by the security operatives in the State.

In addition to adopting the helpless teenagers, the State government is to provide the sum of 10 million naira for the upkeep of the pregnant girls and to ensure safe delivery of their babies.

Governor Okorocha disclosed this when officials of the State ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development presented the victims to the governor at the Government House, Owerri on Tuesday.
 

Flanked by his wife, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha and members of the State Executive Council, the governor expressed shock at the plight of the girls who claimed they were lured to the ‘baby making factory’ owned by a woman known as ‘Madam one thousand’

He ordered the immediate closure of all illegal motherless baby homes in the State and directed that henceforth, child adoption in Imo State must have the approval of the Governor or his wife.

To serve as a deterrent to others, the governor ordered the immediate demolition of the home where the victims were rescued at Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area in Imo State even as he condemned the ugly trend of people making money from child trafficking and other illegal means in the State.

He appealed to parents to find a way of accepting and taking care of their daughters if a situation of unwanted pregnancy occurs, adding that most of the recued pregnant teenagers were forced out of their homes by their parents because they (their parents) did not want to be saddled with the responsibility of taking care of them(the pregnant teenagers)

Speaking further at the occasion, the governor charged the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria and the church at large to partner with the State government in its determination to check crime especially child trafficking, illegal adoption, armed robbery and kidnapping.

Adding her voice, the First Lady, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, thanked Governor Okorocha for showing love and care to the helpless in the society and assured that she would take care of the pregnant girls as directed by him.

Earlier in his remarks, the president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama who coincidentally, was at the Government House for a courtesy visit, described human life as sacred which should not be toyed with.

Kaigama who is also the Catholic Bishop of Jos, said that trafficking and baby making factory are clear cases of immorality and should not be encouraged in our society.

Also present at the occasion is the Catholic Bishop of Owerri Province, His Grace, Most Reverend Anthony Obinna and other distinguished clerics.

2011 Guber election: Okorocha inaugurates committee to reward groups, individuals and loyalists.

Governor Rochas Okorocha

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has inaugurated a 10-man committee christened 'Committee of Don't Forget' aimed at reaching out to relevant persons that fought for his victory at the polls during the 2011 gubernatorial election in Imo State.
Inaugurating the committee at Government House Owerri on Monday, Governor Okorocha said the State Rescue Mission administration resolved to set up the committee to recognize those who gave their support in the fight to ensure the enthronement of the incumbent government with a view to rewarding them for their efforts.
He charged the committee with the responsibility of creating an interactive forum to enable him dialogue and reconcile with members of the groups where necessary.

The groups the committee is expected to reward include the Gold Card members, Tricycle (keke) operators, artisans, youths, women, the clergy and the ‘Agenda’ group.

The Chairman of the committee and Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Mr.  Donatus Ozoemena, stated that governor Okorocha would always rewards loyalty and good gestures. He however called for the data base of those individuals who supported the incumbent governor during the election.

Hon. Ozoemena also expressed happiness that Governor Okorocha is keeping fate with his electioneering promises unlike what was obtainable in the past.

He assured that the committee would do everything within its power to ensure success in the assignment.

Members of the committee are Mrs. Eudora Igwe, representing  Ideato-North in Imo State House of Assembly, Barr.  Ngozi Njoku, Director-General Imo Foundation, Mr.  Kenneth Emelu, Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Dr Hilary Eke, Chief Jerry Okoli, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and few others.

In a similar development, Governor Okorocha has assured the completion of the One billion Naira lecture halls being constructed for Imo State University by the State government.

He expressed optimism that when completed, the two lecture halls will ease congestion and address the issue of exam malpractice and other social vices.

Nine (9) State governors attend APC rally in Imo State

Comrade Adams Oshiomole and other APC Governors addressing the Press in Owerri

Nine governors of All Progressives Congress (APC) who stormed Owerri the Imo State on Tuesday for the party’s first rally in the South-east Zone have vowed to sweep out the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from all levels of governance in the country in 2015.

Speaking at the Heroes Square, venue of the rally, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, said 23 governors were already members of the APC even as eight governors attended the Imo Freedom Rally, adding that the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), was not joining any political party nor was it in alliance but in a merger to form a new party called APC.

He said it was a matter of time before the APC takes over every level of governance in the country, adding that the PDP had failed the people for the past 14 years of democratic rule in Nigeria and that the entire Ndigbo were for APC.

Okorocha said the people of Imo State stood stoutly behind him in 2011 when the powerful forces of darkness in the State vehemently opposed his ambition to govern the State, stressing that the mandate represented freedom from the oppression of the past. Said he;

 “When the great and mighty said no, you stood behind me. By this singular gesture, power has returned to the people,” he added.

The governors who took turns to speak slammed the ruling PDP for bringing misery to the people, stressing that the APC was the ultimate remedy for the headache the PDP had caused the Nigerian people in the past 14 years and that the APC was poised to give Nigeria better leadership.

In his comment, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola described APC as a “great train of change.” According to him, “We have set about a course that is irrevocably committed to giving power back to the people. We believe that Nigeria needs a change and APC will bring about that change,” he said.

Also speaking, Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, said PDP had transformed from People Deceiving People to People Destroying People. Therefore, the only option left to salvage the nation was APC. He said those who did not join APC now would regret later.

Speaking in the same vein, Borno State Governor, Ibrahim Shettima said that the party was out to redefine the concept of governance and leadership in the country, adding that the party was on a rescue mission for the nation.

Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State who applauded the achievements of Okorocha as he marked his second year in office said they were pleased to see that the performance of the Imo State governor was real and concrete. Said he;

 “This is what we want and this is what APC represents.”  He said APC must succeed for the benefit of Nigerians because there was no better platform.

Similarly, Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State also extolled the achievements of the Imo State governor, saying Okorocha’s performance was just the beginning of what the people would witness in terms of development. He stressed that it was worth celebrating, urging the people to support the governor, especially now that the right party had emerged. “You cannot salvage the country with people who are fake, people who are pseudo democrats,” he said.

Governor Fayemi Kayode of Ekiti State, observed that God gave them the victory originally given them by the people, adding that “a time like this calls for visionary leaders as seen in all the States where the APC are holding sway.” No amount of intimidation will deter us from working together to salvage the country,” he added.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, described APC as a bulldozer that would crush everything on its way including the PDP. He called the people to say no to unemployment, poverty, hunger, which, he said, PDP had given Nigerians as political legacy.

Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said when he led a workers’ protest to the State as a labour leader, he met a State with filthy streets, dilapidated infrastructure but now everything in Imo State had changed. He said that was an example of how Nigeria would look like in every area of national life when APC became the ruling party. He called on the people to continue to support the governor for more of the good work.

Opposition Parties flay Jonathan over harassment of Rivers State Government

Governor Chibuke Amechi of Rivers State

The proposed merger between the major opposition political parties in Nigeria may have finally been actualized with the official pronouncement by the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomole in Owerri the Imo State Capital.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Owerri on Tuesday shortly after a political rally at the Heros square, Comrade Oshiomole announced that after reviewing the recent developments in the country, the four major opposition political parties, including, the All Nigerian People's Party (ANPP), the Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change(CPC), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance( APGA) have expressed  deep concern over the harassment of the Rivers State Governor, Mr Chibuike Amechi by the Executive arm of the Federal Government. Said he 

" we therefore strongly condemn the open assault on our Nation, federalism and the sovereignty of our people. A government formed by the democratic choice of our people cannot be arbitrarily harassed and intimidated through brazen use of power and outright abuse of same. We call on the Presidency to stop the unwarranted assault on the sovereignty of Nigerians"

Speaking further at the occasion, Oshiomole said that "the meeting by the Governors present in Imo State at the day's event, expressed delight at the significant progress that have been made towards the conclusion of the merger of the All Nigerian People's Party (ANPP), the Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change(CPC), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance( APGA) under the 'umbrella' of the All Progressives Congress(APC).

 The Governors assured Nigerians that the need for an alternative platform that will form government at the federal level in 2015 is on course and irreversible."

He called on Nigerians to gird their loins and fight against the desperation of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to scuttle the process.

On behalf of the Governors present at the occasion, Oshiomole noted the giant development strides that have been achieved by the 'Rescue Mission' administration of Rochas Okorocha and expressed solidarity with the people of Imo State as they celebrate the second anniversary of their 'Freedom Day".

Also present at the occasion is the governor of; Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashiola, Osun State, Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola,  Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, Borno State, Kashim Shettima, Nasarawa State, Umaru Tanko Al- Makura and Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.  

2nd Yr in Office: Rochas offers ThanksGiving to God, urges Imolites to be strong in prayer

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on the people of Imo State to place God first in everything they do and to be strong in prayers.

He gave this advice during his thanksgiving mass to mark his two years in office and Imo Freedom Day at Maria Assumpta Cathedral Owerri on Sunday.

He recalled that during the supplementary elections on 6^th of May 2011, the people of Imo State came out en-masse to liberate themselves from the forces of bad governance which has bedeviled the State over the years.

He assured that his administration was poised towards transforming the State into a mega city with massive infrastructural development such as road construction, construction of 305 primary schools, 27 general hospitals, Imo Conference Center, Ikemba Ojukwu center and many others.

In his sermon earlier, the Cathedral administrator, Rev. Fr. Andrew Nkwocha, urged Christians to always pray for their leaders and those in authority to enable God direct their footsteps aright and stressed the need for leaders to see themselves as servants and not masters.

Fr. Nkwocha commended the State government for the massive developmental projects in the State and appealed to government to create more jobs for Imo youths in order to reduce crime rate and unemployment in the State.

He also urged detractors to retrace their steps from their dubious acts so as not to truncate the progress made by the present administration in the State.

High point of the occasion is the award of Grand Patron of the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) Assumpta parish to Owelle Rochas Okorocha and some of his cabinet members.

Dignitaries present at the church service include, the wife of Imo state Governor Her Excellency, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Sir Jude Ejiogu, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, the Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers HRH, Eze Samuel Ohiri, the Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Pharm. Donatus Ozoemene, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and other top government functionaries.

Imo Freedom Day: Governor Okorocha celebrates 2nd year in office

The Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has commenced activities to mark his second year in office as the governor of Imo State.

Addressing a crowd at the Event Center located near the Ahiajoku Center, New Owerri yesterday, Governor Okorocha said that the decision by his administration to mark 6^th May 2013 as Freedom Day is commemorate the day when the people of Imo State people took their destiny in their hands and voted en-masse at the supplementary election in 2011 which brought about his emergence as Governor of Imo State.

He thanked those who sacrificed their time, energy and resources to ensure his victory at the polls and assured them that he will not disappoint them, adding that he is in politics to contribute to the well-being of his people and not for personal gains. Said he;

“I am in this business of politics not for what I can get from the system, but for what I can give to the system”.

Earlier, the members of the State Executive Council used the opportunity to present their score cards which highlighted some of the major achievements of the State Government Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals. These include amongst others, asphalting of 250km of roads, construction of many new roads, including 2 bridges, provision of free education from primary to tertiary levels and construction of 27 General hospitals in all the Local Government Area of the State.

Other achievements include the building of a world class diagnostic center in collaboration with Israelis as well as upgrading of facilities and structures at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Orlu, building of 305 model schools in each of the electoral wards of the State, construction of Odenigbo Presidential Guest House/Lodge, the twin glass buildings for the office of the Deputy Governor and First Lady, an Executive Conference hall named after the late Sam Mbakwe, renovation of Commissioners quarters to mention a few.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion include the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, the Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, members of the House of Representatives from Imo State, Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Emir of Lafia and other Traditional Rulers from the State.

High point of the occasion is the traditional dance by the Omenimo Cultural dance group.

Okorocha swears in Sir Jude Ejiogu as his new Chief of Staff

Governor Okorcha in handshake with Jude Ejiogu during the latter's swearing in as Chief of Staff

The newly appointed Chief of staff to the Governor of Imo State, Sir Jude Ejiogu, has been sworn-in to office.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony which was held at the Sam Mbakwe Expanded Exco Chambers within the premises of the Government House, Owerri yesterday, Governor Okorocha enjoined the new Chief of staff not to be carried away by his new position as it is surely another opportunity provided for him by God to contribute substantially to the development of the State.
He tasked Mr Ejiogu to be dedicated and honest in the discharge of his duties, adding that his success as Chief of staff will earn him higher political position in future.

Governor Okorocha who expressed satisfaction with the equitable distribution of the State’s wealth and political offices by his administration, urged the new Chief of staff to see the entire State as his constituency by carrying everyone along.

Prior to his appointment as Chief of Staff yesterday, Ejiogu was the Chairman, Local Government Civil Service Commission in Imo State.

He now replaces Prince Eze Madumere who recently was elevated to the position of the Deputy Governor following the impeachment of the former Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso.

.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chief of staff, Sir Jude Ejiogu, promised to discharge his duties diligently and without fear or favour.
He vowed to remain loyal to Governor Okorocha by promoting the ideals of the ‘Rescue mission’ government.