How Imo State-born Sylvester Okere helped Obama to win 2nd term as President of the USA ( VIDEO)

"Should President Obama need to visit anywhere in Africa" It should be Imo state Nigeria because your son Dr. Sylvester Okere led an aggressive synergitic movement with Continental Africans that yeilded to his re election. So the President owe Imo state a visit...

This was the mood in which Mr Sylvester Okere narrated his exploits in the United States of America which facilitated the re-election of Barrack Obama as the President of the most powerful nation in the world.

Dr. Sylvester O' Okere holds the following portfolios presently;

Director: Continental African Leadership Council

Director: Continental Africans for Obama 

Chairman: Maryland Nigeria Sister State Program, and member Maryland Sister State Program Advisory Board

President: Maryland Nigeria Chamber of Commerce

It will be recalled that in March 2013, Mr Okere who participated in a business forum tagged ‘Doing Business In Africa’ (DBIA) which has in attendance, some world leaders including President Barak Obama of the United States of America. The forum drew attention to the need for sustainable Trade (partnership) not aid (relief) between Africa and America.

Mr Sylvester Okere( middle-front) in a group photo with participants who worked for the re-election of Barrack Obama in the USA

In the video embedded above, Mr Sylvester Okere explained stage by stage, how his group, Continental Africans for Obama employed launched a sustained and aggressive campaign for the re-election of Obama as President of the United States of America.

Reacting to questions from  journalists in the USA recently, Mr Sylvester Okere had this to say,

"I'm unconcerned about what is done or achieved. I'm very concerned about what is not done that needs to be done. For the bottom line of leadership isn't how far we advance ourselves but how far we advance others and our community."

IMO STATE GOVERNMENT

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Pics from Imo State government

Tyre dealers association emerges victorious in the Imo State Artisan's novelty football match in Owerri

 The Association of Tyre Dealers in Owerri has lifted the trophy of the maiden edition of the Artisans football competition introduced by Governor Rochas Okorocha by beating their opponent, the Association of Okada Riders of Eziosu Oguta LGA 1-0.

 They went home with a brand new bus and N500, 000 cash after the decisive encounter at the Dan Anyiam stadium, Owerri.

The final match match followed immediately after the novelty match between the State Executive Council and State Legislators on Wednesday 29th May which formed part of the activities marking the celebration of Governor Okorocha’s two years in office.

Governor Okorocha while handing over the trophy to the winners, pointed out that the competition was organized by the Sate government to integrate the youths, traders and artisans into the 'Rescue Mission' administration as well as create opportunity of discovering talents for State sports.

The governor, who expressed joy while presenting the brand new 18-saeter bus and cash of five hundred thousand naira to the winners of the competition, reiterated the commitment of his administration to sports development in the State.

The cash prize of N500, 000 was also presented to the runner-up by the State's first lady, Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha and N250, 000 to the second runners-up by the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajimogu.

The executive however lost to the State lawmakers in a penalty shoot-out for the novelty match.

Governor Okorocha was the skipper and goal-keeper for the executive council while the Chief Judge, Justice Benjamin Njemanze was the referee.

Cletus Ilomuanya behind disunity in Igboland, says Traditional Rulers in diaspora

Governor Okorocha in group photograph with Traditional Rulers in diaspora at the Government House, Owerri

The Igbo Traditional Rulers in diaspora popularly called Eze Ndigbo have accused EzeCletus Ilomuanya of being the architect of the disunity that has continued to rock the traditional institution in the South-East geo-political zone of Nigeria..

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Rochas Okorocha at the Government House,Owerri by the traditional rulers in diaspora, the national president, Eze Nwabueze Ohazuruike, Eze Npume 11 of Lagos State, said the self-acclaimed Chairman of South-East Council of Traditional Rulers in pursuit of selfish agenda, destabilized the unity of the Igbos living in other States of the federation.

He maintained that the unity of Ndigbo in the country remains paramount and would not be jeopardize by a self-seeking and power drunk politician who parades himself as a traditional ruler, adding that Eze Ndigbo in diaspora remains an institution that has continued to promote unity and welfare of Ndigbo in diaspora.  

The monarch applauded the governor for his monumental achievements in the State especially in the areas or infrastructural development and road construction.

Eze Ohazuruike described as unacceptable the constant killing of Ndigbo especially in the northern part of the country and appealed to Governor Okorocha to reach out to the families that lost their love ones to the violence by the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

He also commended the governor for the establishment of Community Government Council in the State and asked him to extend same to them in diaspora.

     

In his response, the Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha urged Ndigbo and Ezes in Diaspora to always ensure a peaceful co-existence and unity in their host States.

He announced the endorsement of their positions by the State government and disclosed plans by government to issue them with proper staff of office to enable them operate and coordinate the affairs of Ndigbo effectively.

The governor urged Ndigbo to regard themselves as residents of the areas they found themselves and to respect the tradition and culture of their host communities.

Governor Okorocha used the opportunity to inform them that the  Community Government Council of his administration is aimed at bringing development and government to the grassroots and assured them that his government would consider extending same to Ndigbo in diaspora.

He promised to liaise with other governors in the south east to put up a trust fund to help those affected by the unfortunate killings by the Boko Haram sect.

Democracy Day 2013: Okorocha makes case for APC, says PDP has failed Nigerians

Governor Okoroch speaking at the inauguration of movement for the survival of Igbo people (MOSIP) tagged "Igbo day of tribute" in owerri recently.

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has assured Nigerians that the newly formed All Progressive Congress (APC) by the coalition of major opposition parties will fix and return Nigeria in the path of progress.

Governor Okorocha who seized the opportunity of rendering his two year account of stewardship to Imolites to speak on his political future and recent political development in the country on Tuesday, maintained that APC would among other things balance the political equation as well as offer credible alternative so far as leadership is concern in Nigeria.

Governor Okorocha in hand shake with Chief Barr Dede Odumegwu-Ojukwu during the inauguration of movement for the survival of Igbo people (MOSIP) 

He said “ let me throw more light on why I have decided to join and promote APC. It is a clear fact that our dear country under the rulership of the PDP for 14 years has not fared well. The formation of APC is not only timely but an intervention that will balance the political equation in Nigeria. The ruling PDP has no doubt taken all of us for granted for the 14 years it has governed Nigeria and that largely informed the reason why the progressives are presenting APC to Nigerians as an alternative platform that will enthrone good governance. By the APC is finally elected to lead this great country of African continent, Nigeria will be fixed and ultimately restored on the path of growth, job creation, industrialization and overall good governance in the country”.

Governor  Okorocha further took a swipe on PDP for relegating the people of south east to the background in the power equation of the country. Said he;

“It is regrettable that PDP has relegated all of us in the south east to the background. It is true that Igbo man is not occupying any of the five principal positions in the country which includes the President, Vice President, Senate president, Speaker federal House of Representatives and National chairman of the party”. He called on Ndigbo to embrace APC which he insisted is one of the surest steps to regain the political relevance of Ndigbo in Nigeria.

Imo State crowns its most beautiful woman and most handsome man in Owerri

Owelle Rochas okorocha hands over the key to a car won by Mr kenneth Nwadike the OPARA IMO 2013 while  Eze Owen, Miss anabel Amadi the ADA IMO and Her Excellency the wife of the governor, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha watches with admiration.

Miss Anabel Obianugu Amadi, a 300 level student of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) from Aboh Mbaize  has emerged the 2013 Ada-Imo while Mr Kenneth Nwadike from Isiala Mbano Local Government Area came was crowned the Opara.

The event which was held on Tuesday at the Ahiajoku convention center, Owerri featured over 1000 contestants from Imo State

The winners went home each with a cash gift of 1 million naira and a brand new car. In addition, both winners were offered a trip to South Africa and a brand new bus for their community.

In his remarks, Imo state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said that the competition was organized to promote and re-invigorate Igbo tradition and culture which are fast eroding.

He explained that culture and tradition are the mirror through which the outside world views the life-style of Ndigbo.

The governor called on all Imolites to ensure the preservation of our tradition and culture which in turn would promote respect and dignity for the people of the state and Igbos in general.

He reiterated the need to act quickly against the ugly influence of western culture that may destroy the psyche of our generation unborn.

  

In his opening remark, the speaker Imo State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Benjamine Uwajumogu, who also was the chairman of the occasion, commended Governor Rochas Okorocha for the revolution being witnessed in the State in the area of infrastructural development and promotion of Igbo tradition, culture and tourism.

In her own remarks, the Commissioner for Community Government Council, the organizers of the event, Barr. Ugochi Nnanna Okoro applauded the governor for approving the competition as well as providing the financial requirement to make it a success.

She said that the competition is aimed at redefining and promoting of Igbo culture and tradition.

The first runners-up were given one million naira each and a trip to Abuja while the second runners-up received five hundred thousand naira and a weekend holiday at Concorde hotel, Owerri.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the cheques and the brand new cars to the winners by Governor Rochas Okorocha. 

Imo State Govt to build College of education in Okigwe

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has renewed the commitment of his administration to build a College of Education alongside the School of Engineering of Imo State University in Okigwe.

He stated this when the leadership of Odinma Okigwe, the apex socio-cultural body in the zone  paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Owerri on Monday.

According to the governor, the institutions on completion will go a long way to fast-track social and economic development in Okigwe zone.

He promised to complete 70 units of modern schools in each of the wards in the zone in addition to the dualization of the major roads in the city of Okigwe and the provision of street lights among other facilities.

Speaking further at the occasion, the governor directed the Sole Administrator of Okigwe Local Government Area to mount more pressure on the contractor building the general hospital and schools in the area to ensure a timely completion of the projects.

He urged the leaders of Okigwe to ensure that Community Government Council succeeds in the area, adding that Community Government otherwise known as ‘Fourth-tier’ government is geared towards the eradication of hunger and unemployment in the State.

Earlier in his speech, the leader of the group, Chief Dr. EJK Onyewuchi commended the governor for his monumental achievements in the State and expressed optimism that College of Education and School of Engineering of Imo State University will attract investors and bring accelerated development to the area.

Imo State celebrates appointment of Dr Ngozi Udaigwe as the Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Benin

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has expressed joy over the elevation of Imo State-born cleric, Most Reverend Dr. Ngozi Udaigwe as the Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Benin by Pope Francis.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Owerri during a courtesy visit by Most Rev. Dr. Ngozi Udaigwe on Wednesday last week, Governor Okorocha described the appointment as historic, adding that it is the first time a priest of Imo origin has been appointed to such revered position by the Vatican.

He described the Arch Bishop as a worthy son of Imo State who has done his State proud, pointing out that the elevation was not for the Arch Bishop alone but for the entire Imolites. He commended the Udaigwe family for their support, co-operation and encouragement that spurred the Arch Bishop to attain this enviable height in the Christendom and assured the Papal Nuncio of the support and partnership of Imo State people and government to ensure that he makes the best out of his new office.

 Gov. Okorocha explained that it has become a tradition for the government and people of Imo State to celebrate excellence. Said he;
“We in Imo State do celebrate people who have achieved excellence in their lifetime and my administration  will continue to support Imo sons and daughters that make the State proud"

He also thanked the Catholic community in Imo State and their priests for their support and prayers which gave him victory at the polls during the last gubernatorial election in the State.

Speaking earlier, the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Dr. Ngozi Brain Udaigwe said that he was in the Government House to express his appreciation to the people of Imo State, and especially to the governor for attending his ordination in Rome.

He said that his appointment was the last made by Pope Benedict XVI before his resignation and the first  inaugurated by Pope Francis I.

He explained that an Apostolic Nuncio is an ambassador of Pope to his host country, stressing that the position is both diplomatic and ecclesiastical without any political or economic interest rather as it is based on care, love and development of humanity.

He commended Governor Okorocha for his openness and visionary leadership  and urged him to always count on his support and  prayers at all times.

Rochas pays N5bn for Youths empowerment, approves N20,000 monthly stipend for unemployed graduates in Imo

Students of Imo State University hail Governor Rochas Okorocha during his first official visit to the institution in June 2011. 

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has doled out the sum of 5 billion naira for the commencement of a ‘youth empowerment scheme’ in Imo State.

 Addressing thousands of youths at the Heros Square, Owerri on Monday during the launching a youths empowerment programme tagged 'Youths Must Work ', Governor Okorocha said that under the programme,100 youths will be trained as pilots in South Africa while another 200 will undergo entrepreneurial training  in Singapore.

Rochas Okorocha addressing thousands of unemployed graduates at the Heros Square, Owerri, yesterday (file photo)

In addition said the governor, unemployed graduates of Imo State origin will be paid monthly stipend of 20 thousand naira to sustain them until they gain employment.

He explained that youths from each of the 560 Communities in the State would form a co-operative society so as to access an interest-free loan from the 5 billion naira for integrated farm practice towards improving the economy of the rural communities.

He attributed the high rate of unemployment in the country to corruption, primitive accumulation of wealth and selfishness of some leaders.

The governor who lamented the level of corruption in Government establishments, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to visit the allegation of about 62 billion naira allegedly looted by ex-governor Ikedi Ohakim and his aides.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha promised to partner with the Imo State House of Assembly to enact necessary laws for the sustainability of the ‘Youths Must Work’ programme.

He also stated that the State will partner with business establishments and companies for possible deployment of the unemployed youths so as to engage them positively

He advised the youths to take good advantage of the programme by imbibing the spirit of honesty, sincerity and handwork.

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.