Etisalat donates equipment worth millions of naira to Imo State government

L-R: Security Officer, Imo State, Okey Okorocha; Head, Site Acquisition, Etisalat Nigeria, William Hwanompe; Deputy Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Prince Eze Madumere (MFR); Head, Sales Support & Operations, Etisalat Nigeria, Victor Nwaobia; Deputy Director, Network Deployment, Etisalat Nigeria, Adekunle Durojaiye and Manager, Government Relations, Etisalat Nigeria, Mohammed Suleh-Yusuf, during the Etisalat donation to Security agencies in Imo State.

One of the fastest growing and most innovative telecommunications company, Etisalat Nigeria Ltd., has demonstrated its support for the ‘Rescue Mission’ programmes and policies of the Rochas Okorocha-led government in Imo State with donation of a brand new security patrol Toyota Hilux and Close User Group (CUG) lines to the State.

Handing over the equipment to the Deputy Governor of the State, Prince Eze Anoruo Madumere on Wednesday 7^th August, the Deputy Technical Director at Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Adekunle Durojaiye highlighted the company’s preparedness to continue to work with the State.

He said, “Etisalat Nigeria is aware of the challenges in the entire country and we commend the state for their achievements in reducing the crime rates as well improving the welfare of the citizens in the state. We hope that the items we have donated to them will improve communication between the different agencies.”

Receiving the donations on behalf of the State, the Deputy Governor commended Etisalat for the gesture extended to the State, and noted that it was a laudable action by a corporate organization. He assured the representatives that the donations will be used to improve communication facilities within the State.

Okorocha defends his membership of APC, says PDP has marginalized Igbos

Governor Rochas Okorocha (middle) during a town Hall Meeting with Ndigbo at Atlanta Georgia, USA 

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has defended his membership of the APC in far away Atlanta, USA, declaring that the future political fortunes of Ndigbo are better served in the new mega political party.

Addressing Igbos of South-Eastern Nigeria origin at the 5^th annual International convention of Imo State Congress of America (ISCA) from 2nd August to 5^th August  2013 at the Embassy  Suites Hotel, the governor said  that the well-being of Ndigbo remains paramount in all his actions and would continue to take steps to assist Igbos to regain their rightful place in the political equation of Nigeria. Said he;

"APC remains the best vehicle to promote the interest of our people. PDP has marginalized the South East and has nothing to show for all its years in power".

Governor Okorocha being received in Atlanta, USA by Imo State indigenes 

 He urged Ndigbo to embrace the APC because it guarantees equity and political opportunities denied them by the ruling party. He said the purported action of a faction of APGA is of little political consequence as the party lacks the national spread to ensure that Igbos make significant headway in the political leadership of the nation.  He described the APC as a national party made up of progressive elements determined to ensure equitable distribution of political offices to all tribes in the country.

 As one of the tripod on which the country stands, said Governor Okorocha, the Igbos deserve to be properly placed in the Social, Economic and Political fortunes of Nigeria.

He urged all progressive South-Easterners to line up behind the new party(APC) and ensure that it produces the next leaders of the country at all levels ), adding that the Party will ensure a redress the injustices made by the PDP against  Ndigbo. Said he;

 " Igbos have not produced the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House or the Chief Justice of the Federation but I am confident under APC, one or more of these positions will come to the South East ”.

Speaking further at the event, Governor Okorocha urged Ndigbo to channel their energies and resources towards the development of their homeland and suggested a date for Nigerians in the diaspora to return home to contribute meaningfully to the development of their home State.  He pledged the commitment of his administration towards providing enabling environment to assist those willing to return home. In his words,

 "my administration has embarked on projects that have significantly improved infrastructure in the state and has tackled the issue of security such that for the past six months the issue of kidnapping and other social vices have reduced significantly".

 He challenged those really interested in tapping the potentials of the state to partner with his administration for mutual benefit and urged them to lend a hand to the less privileged in the society. Said he,

"while you are here enjoying the good life, have you wondered what is happening to your brothers and sisters back home? You should use your Influence and resources to make positive significant improvement in the lives of the poor back home".

 Governor Okorocha  was later hosted to a gala night  at the newly commissioned  first ever Igbo Center in Atlanta.

Okorocha calls for re-introduction of Voluntary organizations in public schools

The Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called for the reintroduction of Voluntary Organizations such as Boys Scout, Girls Gild, Boys Brigade and Red Cross in the primary and Post Primary Schools in the state as a way of inculcating discipline in our schools.

Governor Okorocha who made this call during an unscheduled visit to Central School Amaraku in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, charged the pupils of the School to imbibe the spirit of hard work which according to him, is a golden rule in the state.

The Governor explained that the purpose of his visit was to inspect the School Building Project and expressed satisfaction with the completion of project, pointing out that early action would be taken to supply desk, chairs and white boards to ensure effective teaching and learning in the institution.

He disclosed that government would be posting a member of the Nigerian security and Civil Defence Corps and a Police Officer to every school in the state, adding that one of their functions will be to ensure that pupils come to school on time. 

He enjoined the students to form the habit of coming to school before 7.00 am in order to participate in the early hour match past and other drillings that prepare a child for the day’s academic activities.

The called on the pupils to shun social vices such as cultism, drug abuse and fighting, stressing that such acts were inimical to their progress. He implored them to appreciate government effort in ensuring that they grow into good and responsible adults.

5th annual Int'l convention of ISCA: Gov. Okorocha to address Imolites in the USA.

Rochas Okorocha

Join the Governor of Imo State, His Excelecncy, Owelle Rochas  Okorocha as he addresses Ndigbo in diaspora at the 5^th annual International convention of Imo State Congress of America (ISCA) from 2nd August to 5^th August  2013 at the Embassy  Suites Hotel – 4700 Southport  Road in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Imo Govt issues GSM numbers to public for crime alert to security agencies

As part of his administration’s effort to eradicate crime and other anti-social ills in the state, the Imo State governor, Owelle Rocha Okorocha has appealed to the people of the to cooperate with the police by using the under listed Phone Numbers; 08034773600, 08155777777 and 08077666666, to give the police relevant information to enable them track down criminals.

He made this appeal at a meeting with the members of Imo State House of Assembly, School Principals, Head teachers and members of Community Councils, at the Ahiajoku Convention Centre, New Owerri recently.

 Speaking during the occasion, the governor announced the creation of a security office at every community Government Council in Imo State and directed that two members of Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps be posted to every primary and post primary institution in the state as a measure to maintain discipline and beef up security

.

He described insecurity as one of the major factors that militate against industrial and social economic development of any area and reiterated the determination of his administration to wipe out any form of crime in the state ranging from rape, armed robbery, kidnapping and child trafficking. He called on parents to monitor closely the activities of their children and wards to ensure that they do not get involved in any criminal activity.

Speaking further at the occasion, the governor warned that the law enforcement agencies in the state will deal decisively with any person who gets involved in criminal activity

He commended the police and other law enforcement agencies in the state for their effort in reducing the crime rate, which according to him has brought peace and gingered economic activities in the state.

Okorocha honors former aides, offers them automatic ticket for re-appointment

Governor Rochas Okorocha has commended his former political aides for their contributions to the ‘Rescue Mission’ administration in the past two years in Imo State.

The governor made this commendation during a breakfast / farewell meeting held with them at the Ahiajoku Convention Center, New Owerri, yesterday.  He used the occasion to thank them for their dedication and commitment to serve their father land.

He  informed them that in the second half of his administration, youth empowerment and agriculture shall be vigorously pursued thereby reducing unemployment, adding that government has concluded plans to establish twenty-one [21] companies to cater for the teeming unemployed youths in the state.

  

Speaking further at the event, the governor urged youths in Imo State, particularly the unemployed, to participate in the “Youths Must Work” programme initiated by his administration so avoid the temptation of getting involved in criminal activities. 

He used the opportunity to honour some of his former commissioners and Special Advisers with award of excellence. Those who were given award include Ichie Uche Best Mbanaso (former commissioner for commerce and Industry), whom he described as the best performed commissioner; Mr Chinedu Offor (former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism).  Others are Mr Uche Nwosu (former commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning); Mr Nnadozie Udensi (Special Advicer on Poverty Alleviation); Mrs Mma Nzeribe (Special Adviser on MDGs);  Mr Peter Ohagwa (Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Resolution); Mrs Ogechi Ololo (Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs); Chief Uche Ogbuagu (Special Adviser on Entertainment); Nkeiruka Sylvanus (Special Advicer on Public Affairs) and Barrister Ngozi Njoku (DG Imo Foundation)

 The governor disclosed that those who were given performance award have earned themselves automatic ticket for reappointment in the next phase of his administration. 

According to him, appointment will be based on ability to deliver and contribute to the development of the state.

Some of the former appointees however were not given awards by the Governor and as such, may not re-appointed during the next phase.

Rochas launches South-East Ward Mobilizers and Supporters’ Club for APC in Owerri.

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha have launched a Supporters’ club for the the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the five states of the South East geo-political zone in Nigeria.

Speaking during the launching which coincided with the inauguration of the South-East Ward Mobilizers for the APC at the Ahiajoku Convention Centre, Owerri at the weekend, Governor Okorocha maintained that the Igbos are well accommodated in the new platform compared to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), which he accused of relegating the zone to the background.

According to him, the agitation for a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction can only be realized on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Said he: “ I am highly elated that our people are responding to this clarion call that has to do with our collective destiny and aspiration. It is a clear fact that Ndigbo have been relegated to sixth position in the political equation of our nation not minding the fact that we formed one of the tripods upon which the nation stands.”

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that a situation where the Igbo  is not  the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the ruling party, gave credence to the fact that they have been relegated to the background by the PDP.

“But my assurance today is that our tears would be wiped away in APC as we have no doubt started well and will definitely finish on a very good note in this new party. Let me state categorically that Igbo presidency, which appeared impossible in PDP would be actualized under the platform of APC. Therefore, I make bold to say that APC is truly an Igbo party and should be embraced by the entire Igbo,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Coordinator of the APC South-East Ward Mobilizers, Chula Nwauwa, explained that the mobilizers were people carefully chosen with the remarkable capacity to build the party at the grassroots and move on the same pace with Governor  Rochas Okorocha, who incidentally is the chief mobilizer of the party in the South-East.

According to Hon. Nwauwa, the mobilizers are responsible for converting members of other political parties into the fold of APC towards strengthening its hold at the grassroots to wrestle power from the PDP both at the State and National levels.

Adding his voice, the member representing Owerri Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Onyewuchi Ezenwa commended the leadership of the governor for moving Ndigbo to the mainstream of political equation.

He urged the members of the party to learn from other parties by propagating the ideals of APC, noting that APC would take out Ndigbo from political wilderness.

In his goodwill message, the National Vice Chairman of APC in the South-East, Dr. Nyerere Anyim, urged Igbos to embrace the party and work for its victory in the forth-coming general elections. He noted that the governor had watered the ground for Ndigbo to be liberated from the shackles of marginalization.

Also present at the occasion were the APC South-East Ward Mobilizers which include, Marshal Okafor Anyanwu of Imo State, Hon. Peter Okonkwo of Enugu State, Barr. Obi Igwedibia of Anambra state, Francis Egu of abia State,.

High point of the event was the installation of Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha as the Grand Patron of the APC Supporters Club.

Okorocha dissolves cabinet, orders Commissioners to hand over to Permanent Secretaries

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has dissolved his cabinet. In a statement at the EXCO meeting held at the Government House, Owerri yesterday, the governor directed all his Commissioners to hand over to the permanent secretaries of their respective ministries. Also relieved of their appointments are all his Senior Special Assistants as well as his Special Advisers.

Subsequent details on the cabinet dissolution will be given later.

Rochas adopted as leader of APC in the S/East zone as 5 Parties in Imo merge together

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has been adopted as the leader of APC in Imo State and the South-East geopolitical zone in Nigeria.

This disclosure was made by the national organizing secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Osita Izunaso during an expanded meeting of all political stakeholders held on Friday at the Government House, Owerri.

Speaking during the occasion which climaxed into the merging of five political parties, Senator Izunaso said that APC is born to rescue Nigeria from bad governance adding that the party is anchored on the Rule of Law, Justice, Fairness and Equity.  

The political parties which include; All Nigerian Peoples Party [ANPP], Action Congress of Nigeria [CAN], All Progressive Grand Alliance {APGA], Congress for Progressive Change [CPC] and Democratic Peoples Party [DPP] were represented by their respective State Chairmen and they unanimously announced their parties’ decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during the occasion, the governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha described APC as a child of circumstance due to the failure of PDP to meet up with expectations and yearnings of Nigerians in the last fourteen years.

He said, the meeting of the parties became necessary now that INEC has assured them that the party has met the registration guidelines and to chart a new course to move the party forward in the state.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that all the Political Parties that make up APC will work together as members of one family, adding that APC is not an alliance but a merger to form a new party where every Nigerian has equal opportunity to participate in the affairs of the nation.

According to him, the six principal positions in the nation leadership have continued to elude Ndi-Igbo under PDP which he said will be corrected by APC on assumption of power in 2015.

He assured the people that APC will give Ndi-Igbo and the entire South-East a pride of place in the affairs of the nation’s politics.

Speaking earlier, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN) said that he was happy that the meeting of the day has not left anyone in doubt that APC is a reality in Imo State.

He said that APC is moving forward with determination, adding that the success of APC in 2015 will enable Nigeria to join the league of develop nations.

He called on all APC members to put aside their differences and come together under the leadership of governor Okorocha in APC.

Adding his voice, a frontline politician in Imo State, Retd. Col. Lambert Iheanacho thanked the governor whom he described as a rare leader for conveying the meeting, and assured members of APC that they will work together under the leadership of governor Okorocha.

Other dignitaries who attended the occasion include Chief Mrs. Adaugo Obi, the National Executive Member of APC from Imo, Chief Uche Onyeagocha, Chief Pat Abii and a host of others

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Five Traditional Rulers emerge in Imo as Rochas continues dispute settlement in Local Communities

The continued settlement of ezeship tussle (contest among candidates vying for the position of Traditional Ruler)  in Imo State by Governor Rochas Okorocha has produced another five Traditional Rulers in the state.

Those that emerged are Eze Hycinth Nwamadi of Eziama Autonomous Community in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Chief Eugene Iheanacho Onyenwe of Akpotu Egbelu Isiala Uvuru in Aboh Mbaise LGA, Sir John Onuekwusi for Amata Autonomous Community in Ikeduru L.G.A.

Others are Chief Barrister G.H. Ariaga  of Egbema Autonomous Community and Chief Godwin Ehirim  of Amaimo in Ikeduru LGA.

The case of Obiti Autonomous Community in Ohaji Egbema LGA was differed to enable further investigation before final decision is taken.