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.

Okorocha tasks women on character transformation for improved well-being of the girl child

Owelle Rochas Okorocha at the opening ceremony of an education summit organized by the office of Her Excellency, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha for girls drawn from selected secondary schools in Imo state.

Women in Imo State have been advised to develop and exhibit strong positive character that will enable them to overcome future challenges of life.

This advice was given by the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha at the opening ceremony of an education summit organized by the office of Her Excellency, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha for girls drawn from selected secondary schools in Imo state.

The occasion which took place at the Ahaiajoku Convention Center, New Owerri on Tuesday has “Women Achievers as Inspiration to the Girl Child in Nigeria” as its theme.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that women are created in order to ensure the existence of life in the world and enjoined them to appreciate God for giving them special qualities and roles that are not given to men. He believed that women are blessed with special talents which can transform the society positively if properly used.

He explained that his wife organized the training programme in order to prepare the participants for future challenges and enjoined them to shun all manner of social vices especially prostitution and indecent dressing which according to him, debase the dignity of womanhood.
Speaking earlier, the wife of the state Governor Mrs Nkechi Okorocha,said the essence of the programme was to nurture and motivate the girl child towards becoming achievers and women of dignity through hard work and sacrifice.

Guest speakers who spoke at the occasion include Dr Mrs C.P. Ifegbo and Pastor Barrister Edwin Biayeibo.

In a remark, the Dean faculty of Law, Imo State University, Professor Uba Nnabue challenged the girls to be optimistic rather than pessimistic in their aspirations in life, adding that the free education existing in the state has given every girl child the opportunity to obtain formal education which he said is a stepping stone for a higher ground.

Magistrates tasked on justice delivery as Okorocha launches mid-day prayer in Imo State

Rochas Okorocha receives an award from the His Worship Maureen Onyewuotu {Mrs] Chief Magistrate and Chairman Magistrate Association of Nigeria (MAN) Imo State Branch during their 2013 Maiden MAN Week in the state recently.

The Imo state governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on magistrates to re-position themselves for improved service delivery to the people.

Governor Okorocha stated this at the 2013 maiden week of the Magistrate Association of Nigeria (MAN) Imo state chapter held at City Global  hotel, along portharcourt road Owerri, yesterday with the theme 'Repositioning  the Magistracy for
Effective Justice  Delivery.’

Declaring the programme open, the governor noted that their appointment as magistrates has made them leaders who must strive to utilize their position to render selfless services to mankind. He pointed out that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man and urged them to make justice, equity and fair play their watchword.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha enjoined them to shun corruption and live above board, adding that the government would partner with them to ensure that they achieve their set objectives as magistrates in the state.

 In his remarks, the chief Judge of Imo state, Justice Benjamin Njemanze noted that magistrates occupy a very vital position in Nigeria especially in the administration of justice, stressing the need for them to be treated with respect and dignity. He urged the magistrates to live up to expectation in the discharge of their duties.

In her contribution, the Chairman of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN) Imo state chapter, Maureen Onyewuotu, appealed for the removal of bureaucratic bottle-necks to enable them achieve their set goals.

In another development, the Imo state Governor has launched the Imo mid-day prayer which anchors on the Catholics tradition of mid-day prayer known as Angelus.

At the event, which witnessed a large turnout of members of the clergy, Governor Okorocha said that the prayer which begins from 12 noon each day, will last for 10 minutes.

He noted that the essence of the prayer was to re-awaken the culture of prayer in the minds of the people of the state while acknowledging the achievements recorded by his administration to be of Gods design. He called on the people to be ambassadors of Christ by joining in the mid-day prayer.

Also present at the occasion is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Mrs Henrietha Jacobs,  Anglican Bishop of Owerri, Bishop Cyril Okorocha and a host of others.

National Council of Traditional Rulers rate Okorocha high on security

Governor Okorocha in group photo with wives of Traditional Rulers

Imo state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has been applauded by the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria for the uncommon effort in safeguarding lives and property in Imo state.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Council, HRM Emmanuel Sideso Ede posited that Governor Okorocha succeeded in the area of security by dedicating his security vote for effective security network in the state and also by empowering Traditional Rulers at the
grassroots level which they noted has gone a long way to maintain peace in the rural areas.

The Chairman who is also the Ovie of Uvie kingdom in Delta state said Governor Okorocha in his wisdom, collaborated with the Traditional Rulers and security agents in recruiting, training and remuneration of vigilante outfits which is making tremendous impact in the fight against crime in the state.

He, however, urged other state governors to emulate the strategy being deployed by Governor Okorocha to maintain adequate security in Imo state, adding that effective collaboration with the Traditional Rulers remain key in the fight against crime in Nigeria.

Okorocha swears-in 16 Perm Secs, inaugurates management board for IMSUTH

Governor Rochas  Okorocha in group picture with the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries

The Imo state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has sworn-in 16 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries for the State civil service.

They include; Dr. John Ihebereme, Amanze Ann Ngozi, Ekeh Anyanwu
Ijeoma, Opara Nestor (Mrs), Aharanwa  C. O, Iwuagwu C C (Phd), Iheka A
E, Udogwu S N, Ezerioha B A, Okoro M I, Uwandu Uzoma B (Mrs), Nwosu G
M, Ucheoma R, Uzoma J I, Opara H O and Igwe C C.

 Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony which was held at the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers, Government House, Owerri, the governor charged them to make transparency and accountability their watchword while discharging their duties.

He urged them to remain focused and to work harmoniously with their commissioners in the interest of the state, adding that they should always seek positive ways of enhancing productivity in the public service.


Governor Okorocha noted that the period where permanent secretaries create bureaucratic bottle necks are over as government would no longer condone such act that tend to stampede development in the state.

In her vote of thanks, Mrs. Ann Ngozi, on behalf of other Permanent Secretaries said they would justify the confidence reposed in them and thanked the governor for the appointment.

In the same vein, the Governor Okorocha has also inaugurated the Imo State University Teaching Hospital Management Board.
Speaking during the inauguration, the governor charged the board to ensure vibrancy in
the activities of the institution especially in its medical services.

He urged them to shun corruption and maintain peace so as to move the institution adding that government will partner with them in making the institution the best in the country.

The members are Prof. Ohaegbulam (Chairman), Prof. E.C Ohanaka, Pharm.
Azochukwu, Mrs Osunwa, Dr. Mrs. Joy Njemanze, Dr. Meg Okpara, Mrs
Nkechi Elendu, C Mark IMSUTH representative of Senate IMSUTH and the
Vice Chancellor Imo state University, Prof. Awuzie.

Oguta re-run election: Okorocha appeals to INEC to issue APGA candidate with certificate of return

Governor Rochas Okorcha addressing journalists on the fall out of the Oguta re-run election

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorcha has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue certificate of return to the APGA candidate in the just concluded re-run election for Oguta constituency, Mr Walter Uzonwanne who scored a total of 9,575 votes against the PDP candidate who scored 7,584 votes.

He made this appeal while briefing journalists at the Government House, Owerri  yesterday.  According to him, the Oguta election which was declared inconclusive by the higher authorities of INEC at Abuja was certified conclusive by the INEC’s Returning Officer for the said election, Mrs Cynthia Oguike, who had signed the final results of the election and was about to pronounce the winner before a phone call came through to her line.

Speaking further at the briefing, Governor Okorocha recounted that the governorship election in Imo State in 2011 was declared inclusive in Oguta Local Government Area when the same ‘power from above ‘ intervened in a failed bid to ensure that he (Rochas Okorocha) did not win. He wondered why the chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are bent on winning every election at all costs, adding that such show of disregard for the rule of law is capable of truncating the nascent democracy in Nigeria. According to him, election in Oguta Local Government Area has been cancelled four times with two cases pending in court.

Said he, “ I am disappointed in the manner in which the PDP has handled the election in Oguta. First, the APGA candidate, Walter Uzonwanne was bundled into the police cell for three weeks on false allegation of complicity in a kidnap case masterminded by the PDP. He was released barely  one week to the election day. As if that is not enough, my convoy was attacked recently by the PDP candidate for the just concluded election in Oguta, Mr Eugene Dibiagwu and his thugs who took away a gun and a radio transmitter from one of my security men.”

Responding to questions from journalists at the event, Governor Okorocha called on INEC to maintain the credibility they have so far been known for and to desist from allowing the issue of Oguta election to spoil the good works they have done in the past.  He said the authorities of INEC, out of pressure from the PDP, had declared that the election was inconclusive in 8 polling booths, thereby trying to create an avenue for another supplementary election in the area.

Nkechi Okorocha joins in the campaign against child and maternal abuse

Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha (Middle) 

The Imo state First Lady, Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha has called on the authorities within the Traditional institution to put a stop to the inhuman treatment often given to widows upon the demise of their husbands.

She made this appeal during the launching of a book titled, “The Cry of Widows and Orphans” which is written by an African woman billionaire and founder of Rose of Sharon Foundation, Folorunsho Alakija.

 The book which chronicles on the plight of widows and suggests recommendations for formulation of policies aimed at promoting the course of widows, got launched at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs ( NIIA) in Lagos State on 31^st May 2013.

Speaking further at the occasion, Mrs. Okorocha urged affluent Nigerian women to follow Alakija’s footsteps by joining in the war against the discrimination of widows and orphans in the society.

  It will be recalled that the Imo State first lady, Mrs Okorocha had in 2012, launched a Non Governmental Organization called SNARP (She Needs A Roof Project), which aims at alleviating poverty and building support of widows in Imo State.

Earlier in a speech, the Special Assistant to the Imo state governor on Lagos/Southwest Liaison, Honorable Lisa Asugha said that “pure religion is to alleviate the plight of widows and orphans”. According to her, true religion can be practiced through the creation and execution of programmes that could give or tender financial independence and educational opportunities to widows, their children and orphans.   

According to the woman author, Folorunso Alakija, the book was written for the purpose of advocacy, the aim being to inform and ex-ray the challenges usually faced by widows and orphans in the society with a view to pushing for the national and international legislation.

 

In her words: “The interesting thing about the book is that it does not talk about Nigerian widows alone or African widows only. It talked about widows all over the world and how to empower them.

“If we fail to do something, it comes back to the society. Widows go through a lot of trauma and pain in the name of culture and tradition. In some cases whereby a man dies suddenly without much sickness and his widow is suspected to be the culprit, her late husband’s relatives would compel her to drink water used to bathe the corpse as a way of proving her innocence. This is unfair. Drinking such alone is a curse and it is written in the Bible,” she said.

The book launch however attracted stakeholders on issues that affect widows and orphans, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations, Senators and Legislators, Women’s Organizations, Government agencies and Government ministries, Promoters/partners and friends of the Foundation and Philanthropists.

InterPol arrests Spanish contractor over 1.6m euros meant for projects in Imo State.

A Spanish national and Director in Hormipresa a construction company,  Mr. Jose Marin Lopez-Pepe is presently in police custody following a suspected move to  divert 1.6 Million Euros meant for the purchase and supply of materials for the execution of a contract awarded to the company by Imo state government.

Mr. Lopez-Pepe was arrested in Lagos by the operatives of Inter-Pol and handed over to Imo State Police Command while trying to flee the country following a petition by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Emmanuel Benjamin Emenike.

Hormipresa is one of the major companies awarded monumental projects by the government of Imo state having secured a contract worth about 3.5 Billion naira.
The state government released 30% of the contract value of over N1 Billion naira to the company as mobilization funds.

The Managing Director, Mr. Benjamin Emmanuel Emenike, it was gathered, transferred the sum N1.6 million Euros to the Spanish Bank account of Lopez-Pepe for the purchase of essential materials from Spain for the execution of the project.

In a letter addressed to the commissioner of Lands, Survey, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Uche Nwosu, dated April 22nd, 2013 that was signed by the Managing Director, Mr. Emenike titled "On-Going Inter-Pol Action On A Case Of Stealing And Obtaining By False Pretence Against Spanish National Mr. Jose Marin Lopez To Repatriate/Refund Of Hormipresa Nig Ltd Imo Project Fund" the company said that the director is presently in police custody, a step the company said was taken to recover the fund committed into his hand.
It reads:

 " I wish to refer to the above name subject matter which we
had earlier reported that one of our directors who is supposed to supply
essential materials from Spain was yet to effect supply thereby
causing unwholesome delays in the execution of the project. I further
informed you that Inter-Pol had been contacted to assist in compelling
the said director to ensure the supplies. I wish to inform further
that the said director is now in police custody for steps to recover
the fund committed into his hand to affect the supplies".

Meanwhile, the state government through the ministry of Lands, Survey, Housing and Urban Development has written to the appropriate Spanish authorities and the banks requesting for immediate repatriation and release of the funds meant for monumental projects in the state.
The government expressed concern with the slow performance by Hormipresa Nig. ltd following the trapped fund in the Spanish bank and
requested the concerned authorities to release the fund to enable the
company continue with the project.

Governor Okorocha flags off 2013 MNCHW in Imo State

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has flagged off the 2013 Maternal, New Born and Child Health Week (MNCHW) in Imo State.

Flagging off the exercise at Nwaorieubi, in Mbaitoli Local Government Headquarters yesterday, the governor urged mothers in the state to ensure that their children participate in the immunization exercise towards sustaining Imo as a polio-free state. According to the governor, the exercise will go a long way to reduce physical disability among infants in the State.

Said he;

“The time has come for us to help our children, future of our children must be guaranteed.  I therefore appeal to mothers to take the issue of immunization very seriously.”

He called on all the stakeholders in the state to embark on massive awareness campaign for polio eradication to enable parents understand the need for proper child immunization.

In his speech, the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere advised pregnant women to attend ante-natal clinic in order to ensure safe delivery and stressed the need for parents to take advantage of the exercise.

Also speaking, the state commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Obi Njoku said that the MNCH week is a strategy designed to accelerate child survival and development with the ultimate goal of reduction in child mortality, adding that it is a regular event organized to deliver integrated package of preventive exercise known to be low cost but of high impact on maternal and child health.

The Health commissioner said that the exercise will provide the opportunity to administer vitamin “A” supplement to children between the ages of 6months - 59months of age, routine immunization vaccines to children less than one year who have not completed their routine immunization schedule and other child survival interaction such as de-worming.

In his address, the Sole Administrator (SOLAD) for Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Chief Anthony Emmanuel Ihenakwe said the Mbaitoli people are appreciative of the Donor Agencies such as World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency in their continued efforts to reduce maternal, new born and child morbidity and mortality in the country.

O’Malley acknowledges contributions of 25,000 Nigerians for development of Maryland, USA

Governor Martin O’Malley in group picture with Governor Olusegun Mimiko and others at ceremony marking the signing of MOU between Maryland and Ondo State

Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland in the United States of America has acknowledged the contributions of 25,000 Nigerian-Americans in the state of Maryland which promotes international cooperation, social and economic progress.

 O’Malley made this acknowledgement during the ceremony marking the signing of a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between his State (Maryland) and Ondo State, Nigeria at the Governor’s Reception Room of the State House, Annapolis, USA on Friday June 7.

 The MOU for the said partnership which was forged by Imo State-born Sylvester Okere and five others is anchored on the Maryland Sister-State program established in 1980 to provide a forum for the promotion of international cooperation and understanding and designed to oversee an array of international exchanges promoting a balance of business, educational, and cultural interests. It is chaired by the Secretary of State, steered by a devoted and spirited Advisory Board of Directors, and staffed by an army of citizen-volunteers.

About 100 leaders from the diplomatic, business, academic, religious, development, and nonprofit communities witnessed the ceremony. This historic event which had been in the works for at least two years, was celebrated by the attendees with such excitement that Governor O’Malley remarked “I have never seen this many cameras in this room before.”

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State who was accompanied to the occasion by his wife, Mrs. Olukemi Mimiko, expressed his gratitude to the governor and State of Maryland for the partnership and promised to work together for the mutually beneficial interests of both states and countries. Said he;

 “Certain things are common to Ondo State and Maryland; education, agriculture, and our emphasis on the development of human capital. Our partnerships will forge along these strong pillars of our societies”.

Before signing the documents, the two governors highlighted the importance of the common interests, aspirations and challenges of Marylanders and Ondo State citizens, to the partnership.

O’Malley congratulated Governor Mimiko for his transformational leadership in Ondo state and described him as “one of the most progressive governors in Nigeria”.

After the ceremony, Ondo State became the 11th State under Maryland’s Sister-State Program, and the second in Africa. The two governors exchanged official gifts after the ceremony, all of them bearing symbols of Maryland and Ondo State.

Some notable individuals who were instrumental in forging this MOU, and were present at the ceremony include the following:

* John P. McDonough – Secretary of State, Maryland
* Ambassador B.E. Archibong – Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Nigeria
* Remi Duyile – Special Assistant to Gov. Olusegun Mimiko, Diaspora Affairs
* Sylvester Okere – Chair, Maryland-Nigeria Sister State Executive Committee
* Elizabeth Hines – Director, Governor’s Commission of Community Initiatives
* Anna Yankova – Director, International Affairs, Office of the Secretary of State
* Iman Awad – Director, Administrative – Commission on Middle Eastern and African Affairs

Maryland prides herself in being one of the few U.S. states with a Governor’s Commission dedicated to African Affairs, aside other ethnic groups http://www.african.maryland.gov/ . The African Affairs Commission is a part of the Governor’s Commission of Community Initiatives.

A full list of Maryland’s other sister states is available at the Office of the Secretary of State http://www.sos.state.md.us/international/MSSP.aspx