Imo State Govt to Establish Special School for the Blind

Owelle Rochas Okorocha in a photo with Mr clinton chinonyerem Amaechi, State Chairman of the Association of the blind

Touched by the plight of the blind and partially sighted persons, the Imo State governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has promised to establish a special school for the blind in the state before the end of May 2014.

Governor Okorocha stated this while interacting with members of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Imo State chapter at the Government House, Owerri.

The state Governor who promised to provide education and employment opportunities to ameliorate the sufferings of the group, assured that his administration would continually consider the welfare of the physically challenged persons to give them a sense of belonging.

He also promised an upward review of their bursary for those in the institutions of learning and further made financial support to enable the association sponsor her on-coming zonal conference holding in Imo State.

The state chairman of the association, Mr Clinton Chinonyerem Amaechi had appealed to the governor to address some of their pressing needs which include regular payment of their bursaries, employment opportunities to their members and giving them a voice in government through political appointments.

He pointed out that the United Nations convention on the rights of Persons with disabilities calls for practical and positive approach to the issues raised and urged people in authority to grant equal opportunities to the physically challenged persons.

Mr Amaechi thanked governor Okorocha for his concern for the group and assured him of their support to the ‘Rescue Mission’ administration in Imo State.

Imo State-born Gideon Emenike launches locally made rocket in Okigwe (VIDEO)

A seventeen year old boy, Gideon Emenike  who hail Imo State has caused a stir in Umuchime Ubahu community in Okigwe Local Government when he successfully launched a “rocket”  built from locally made materials.

The rocket, which was supposed to travel five kilometres, went further than programmed and landed in a residential area, causing a stampede.

The residents of the house where the rocket landed, alerted the police, thinking it was a bomb.

Gideon Emenike told the press that he does not have any criminal intentions but his love for science and technology especially in the area of aeronautics engineering spurred him and his partner to develop the said rocket.

While on inspection to the compound where the rocket landed, the state Police Commissioner Mohammed Katsina said on getting the information of the incident, the command anti bomb squad swung into action to detect the location.

He exonerated the boy of any criminal or terrorist intentions. He further praised the boy’s skill insisting it was a prowess in science and technology.

He however said preliminary investigations showed that even as the teenagers were reckless in their conduct, they had neither criminal motive nor terrorist intentions, rather they are adventurous and skillful teenagers who are gifted in science and technology.

He called on residents of Umuchime Ubahu community in Okigwe local government area to remain calm and resume their normal business as the command’s anti bomb squad has deactivated a propelled rocket, adding that the element has been certified and it does not contain any toxic or radio-active material. Said he; 

“The boys are just between 16 and 17 years old. They only tried out their learning while in the secondary school. They wanted to know if they can practicalise the theories they learnt in school. The dream of these young boys is to design a spacecraft. It was launched without funfair. “The device went some kilometres into the sky before crash-landing. Let us not forget that the command has some formidable structures on ground. We have since commenced the sweeping of Imo State of all explosive ordinances. I want these boys to be encouraged. May be, who knows tomorrow, at my old age, I may be the lucky one that would fly in the spacecraft made by these young lads.

“So, I would rather not think of punitive measures against the boys. I would rather dwell heavily on protection, rehabilitation and encouragement of these young boys. Those who ran away are free to come back. From this moment, we have ended this case.

*CP Mohammed Katsina addressing the boys

Gideon speaks: “My name is Gideon Chiadikobi Emenike and my friend’s name is Chibuisi Nwafor. I studied in Federal Government College, Okigwe and I graduated last year. This project started when I was still in school. I was told to build a project in school for a competition.

“In my SS1, I built a helicopter. In my SS2, I was told to build another project. I built this rocket and we went for a competition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. I came second in the competition with the project. This was at the national level.

“We also went for another competition organised by the Society for Science and Technology. I also came second. I also went for Olympiad and I equally came second there. I was told that I was going to represent Nigeria in Brazil but later, my principal said that I was no longer going to represent the country.

“I still don’t know why the principal cancelled the trip. This frustrated me somehow but later, I picked up from where I dropped and started again. I now met my friend at a learning centre. I found out that he has for things related to science. We now pooled our brains together. “That was how we planned to build a rocket and a satellite, as well as sending it into space. It was an amateur satellite because you know we have not yet university graduates.

*The CP holding aloft the rocket after it crashlanded - 

We just graduated from secondary school last year. “We have done this for now. I was really challenged when I heard that other countries were planning to launch satellites into space. It made me to think deep. This is what pushed to do what you are seeing today.  If government can adopt our technology, we can help them to actualize their dream of launching a satellite.

“This particular project was a mere attempt to reach a particular altitude. It was not fashioned to remain in space. This project came through after several experiments. If the Federal Government can sponsor us, we can take Nigeria to any level they want.

The boy’s father speaks

“My name is Friday Mgbemena Emenike. My son is curious about science. He got admission in University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, the last time. I tried to make him to study medicine but he rejected it and preferred to read aeronautic engineering. That was why he refused the admission. That is why he is still at home.

“He got an opportunity to travel to Brazil but the principal of his former school frustrated the move. He is intelligent. I am aware of this incident. When it happened, I didn’t feel too good till I learnt that the thing did not kill anybody and that it did not destroy anything. That increased my joy and I described it as the first victory.

Video by Channels TV

Rochas campaigns for unity of Igbos and Yorubas in Nigeria

Governor Okorocha (left) addressing the people of South-Western Nigeria at Adamasingba stadium last Saturday (file photo)

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has commenced a campaign for the unity of Igbos and Yoruba speaking states in Nigeria.

Speaking during his 51st birthday celebration which coincided with the graduation ceremony of Rochas Foundation School held at the Adamasingba Stadium, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State on Saturday, Governor Okorocha said he has joined hands with the Oyo State governor, Senator Ajimobi in building bridges across the divide of the South-East and the South-West.

Said he; “With my colleague the governor of Oyo State here, we are building a bridge of friendship across the South-East and the South-West. From today, we are one. Igbo and Yoruba should begin to see themselves as one.”

Speaking further at the event, Okorocha appealed to his fellow governors of All Progressives Congress (APC) extraction to accept thousands of his aides and supporters who have declared interest in joining the APC.

According to him, his supporters who make up a formidable group under the aegis of ‘Rochas Movement’, worked for him during his campaign for the presidential election in 2007 and have remained loyal to him ever since. Said he; “Rochas Movement has been with me since I contested for the position of president. They have never deserted me. They are dependable. One can count on their support. As I am presenting them to the APC, I am also telling them that this is my new party, the APC.

“I enjoin all the governors in the South-West to accept all these followers of mine into the APC fold,”

He noted that the students of Rochas Foundation were the reason for his existence, adding that life would become meaningless to him, if he ceased to help them.

“These students are the reason I am in existence. Life is meaningless to me, unless I am able to help the needy. If charity is what will make me poor, I declare right here that I am a poor man. Unitll I die, I will continue to give to the poor,” he said.

The carnival-like ceremony, which attracted the presence of top politicians and government functionaries from the South-West states and Imo State, was attended by thousands of Rochas Foundation members from all the states across the federation.

Also present at the event is the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Deputy governor of Osun State, Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, who represented Governor Rauf Aregbesola; and the Chief of Staff to Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Mr Yemi Adaramodu, who stood in for the governor.

How I showcased the achievements of Rochas’ administration in international circles - Nkeiruka Sylvanus

Nkeiruka Sylvanus

Nkeiruka Sylvanus is an actress, blogger, musician, human rights activist and government official. In this Interview with Ebere Inyama, she speaks about her appointment in politics, her career as an actress and other facts about her social life.

Excerpts:

Q: Tell us your name and give us a brief account of your early childhood education.

My name is NkeirukaSylvanus. I hail from Umuosi village in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State. I was born into the family of Mr and Mrs Sylvanus Nwauzo. I attended my Primary and Secondary education at Ohabiam Primary and Secondary Schools in Abia State.

Q: How did you become an actress?  Were you forced into it or did you opt for it as a matter of personal decision?

Oh! I have always loved to be an actress starting from my early childhood.  After my graduation from Ohabiam secondary school, I moved on to University of Nigera Nsukka where I enrolled to study Medicine but roughly two years into the course, I saw a better part of me loving acting more and getting committed to it so I had to check out of the Medical School to face my career as an actress. Some years later, I went back to the Enugu State University of Science and Technology where I studied Mass Communication between 2004 to 2008. After that, I proceeded to Lagos State University where I studied History and International Relations and I also did my Masters in History and International Relations as well.

Q: Tell us about your life as an actress.

I joined the movie industry at the early age of 16. That was the time I just graduated from the secondary school and got admission into the university. Then I discovered that acting was taking a better part of me. It has been fun and exciting. If I can count, I have acted in over 200 movies. I am still acting and infact, my most exciting movie is in progress and will be coming out soon.

Q: Tell us about other things you do besides your career as an actress

I am also a business woman, a blogger, musician and a human rights activist. I like advocating for the poor people and offering assistance to the needy and the down trodden. I always lend my voice to people who need to be heard. I am a defender of the defenseless. I became ‘The Face of Hope’ for the less privileged under the Rochas Foundation in 2010 where I worked hard to ensure the upkeep of hundreds of poor people and that motivated me to join the campaign of His Excellency Rochas Okorocha  during the 2011 gubernatorial election in Imo State.

In December 2011, I launched a Nationwide Television programme called ‘I’ve got Talent Show’.  It is a talent-hunt programme through which talented youths are discovered with a view to providing them with a platform to excel in their career and become successful in life. It is a mission to fish out raw talents among the youths, especially the less-privileged and give them hope for quality education to enhance their literacy level and improve their socio-economic status.  The main goal of the project has been to champion the campaign against child illiteracy in Nigeria and West Africa. It has been both challenging and time-consuming. The show featured special talents in many fields such as acting, dancing, singing, fine arts and fashion designing.

I was previously the Special Adviser to Governor Rochas Okorocha for Lagos Laison before I was reappointed as the Special Adviser, Public Affairs.

Q: You just mentioned that you are a business woman. What kind of business do you do?

Well, I partner with Airtel in Enugu State in the Telecommunication business. I also do buying and selling of different kinds of goods. 

I have reserved space for on-line advertorials for interested business men and women in my blog.  I also have space for adverts for coporate organizations such as banks , manufacturing companies, educational institutions  among others.

Q: Have you won awards from any organization since you became a public figure?

Yea. I have won Award of Excellence from my State government. The Actors Guild of Nigeria gave me an ambassadorial Award for representing them positively well. I have also received awards from various Organisations, including ZAFAA Awards London, Builders and Great Achievers Awards, Babcock University, Award for Best Key Player Public Enlightenment/Media by Imo State Government among others

Q: What made you decide to join the ‘Rescue Mission government of Governor Rochas Okorocha? You had the option of saying no when he appointed you?

Well, I see Governor Rochas Okorocha not only as a governor but as a philanthropist. When he offered me the appointment, I decided to accept because of what he stands for. Through his Foundation, he has been able touch positively the lives of many people especially the less privileged. So that is what inspired me to join in his government. May be if an appointment was given to me by any other Government, I would have said no. I considered the fact that my joining the ‘Rescue Mission’ government will give me the opportunity to make life better for the less privileged.

Q: How would you address the rumour mongers who have labelled you as a girl-friend of Governor Okorocha? 

 It is unfortunate that people can say such false stories. I’ve been working for this man even before he decided to contest for the gubernatorial election. During the elections in Imo State I was all over the State. I attended every major Campaign event for His Excellency, Governor Okorocha. I was there when he declared his interest to aspire for the office of governor in Imo state. Then, people did not talk about my alleged relationship with him. They saw me on T.V, they heard me on the Radio, they saw me take part in the Street Rallies, they saw me at the INEC Office in Owerri, yet nobody talked about me being in a relationship with him.  Now that God has made it possible for him to become a governor the rumour mongers have started talking. All of a sudden, they accuse me sleeping with a man I look up to as my mentor and father simply because he appointed me as one of his advisers.

Some people in our society find it very hard to believe that a lady can ever get anything on merit, especially in the Nigerian context. Once a lady gets to a top position in government or any other sector in the society and it happens to come from a man, it is often assumed that she is romantically linked to the man. This mindset of our people is not good at all and it needs to be addressed. I believe that a lot of women out there have got what it takes to arrive at the top without sleeping around with men. But I am not discouraged because I know that it is the hand-work of detractors and disgruntled politicians.

Q: What are your achievements in office as a Special Adviser to the Imo State governor?

Well, achievements in my own understanding, has to do with the number of lives one has touched positively, and I can tell you that I have touched quite a lot of lives. During my appointment as Special Adviser, Public Affairs, I organized a Nationwide programme(I’ve got Talent Show) which I have earlier talked about. Considering the importance of education for every nation and the challenges associated with it, I decided to create a unique means of raising funds for continuous free education for the poor as well as empowering the youths for the future. I did this by packaging products, programmes, projects and events that add value to the society and attract funds for the upkeep of the less privileged, especially the youths. Similarly, I introduced a Television programme which features a documentary on the achievements of the Rochas Okorocha-led government in Imo State. The documentary (video) tagged ‘Inside Imo’  is presently being aired on AIT International every Monday by 9am. In fact, I have succeeded in showcasing the achievements of the Rochas Okorocha-led government in international circles.

 
Q: What advise do you have for women out there who look up to you?

 I am encouraging them to stay focused and not be discouraged by what rumour mongers say about them. I want them to hold on to their faith in God, and to work hard in their chosen fields so as to excel in their various careers.

Thank you for your time.

It is always my pleasure, Thank you

Okorocha rolls out list of appointees and re-appointees into cabinet

The Imo State governnor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has released the list of fresh appointees and re-appointees into his cabinet. He made the list public during a press briefing at the Government House, Owerri yesterday.

The said list which is made up of 21 persons, comprise fresh appointees as well as former appointees.

Below is a breakdown of the list.

NAMES AND POST OF APPOINTEES

1.   DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF

 

Mr. Chinedu Offor

 

2.   MAYORAL AFFAIRS

a.   Hon. Chief Gibson Njemanze     –     Mayor of Owerri

b.   Hon. Tony Black Nduka            –     Mayor of Okigwe

c.   Chief Dr. Goddy Esom Obodo    –     Mayor of Orlu

 

3.   SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANTS (SSA)

a.   Barr. Okey Okorocha               -  SSA Security Administration

b.   Princess Gloria Akobundu          -  SSA Liaison Office, Abuja

c.   Henrietta Jacobs                      -  SSA Public Affairs

d.   Ikechukwu Njoku                    – SSA Finance & Econ. Planning

e.   Mrs. Mma Nzeribe-Micheal        – SSA on MDG

 

4.   SPECIAL ASSISTANTS (SA)

a.   Ralph Afoaku                                  - SA Media Production

b.   Barr. Mrs. Chinyere Uwandu      - SA NEPAD

c.   Hon. Uche eze                        – SA Security Okigwe zone

d.   Chief Bon Ohiri                        – SA Security Orlu zone

e.   Ugochukwu Onyeukwu             – SA Security Owerri zone

f.     Mrs. Ogechi Ololo                   -  SA Domestic

 

5.   EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS

a.   Rosemary Okeke                     -  EA Protocol

b.   K. C. Onuzulike                       – EA Special Duties

c.   Bettye Emenike- Uzoma           – EA Domestic

d.   Obono Mattew                        – EA ICT

e.   Anita Godwin                           - EA Finance & Administration

 

6.   TECHNICAL ADVISER YOUTH FUND FOR OHAJI/EGBEMA  OGUTA LGA

Rev. Fr. Wence Madu                   - Technical Advisers, Youth Empowerment Fund for Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta LGA

Okorocha donates 32 patrol bikes to NSCD, Imo State command.

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has donated 32 patrol motorcycles to the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Addressing newsmen in Owerri on wednesday, the state Commandant of NSCDC, Adamu Saddabs Soja, on behalf of the Commandant-General expressed the gratitude of his command and described the donation as a step in the right direction.

Said he; “The implications of this gesture are such that there would henceforth be effective control of traffic in the state, bringing to an end the era of avoidable traffic congestions in Owerri and its suburbs. With these bikes which are equipped with modern communication gadgets, strategically deployed; kidnapping, human trafficking, bag-snatching on motorcycles, tricycle criminalities and dangerous driving will be a thing of the past, as these bikes are designed to give chase and coordinate arrest of fleeing criminals.”

Speaking further at the occasion, Soja said that the state command of the Corps has brought incidents of oil bunkering in the state to a stop, with massive arrest of bunkerers and impounding of trucks and facilities of the culprits.

According to him, “the implications of this gesture are such that there would henceforth be effective control of traffic in the state, bringing to an end the era of avoidable traffic congestion in Owerri and its suburbs. With these bikes, which are equipped with modern communication gadgets, strategically deployed; kidnapping, human trafficking, bagsnatching on motorcycles, tricycle criminality and dangerous driving will be a thing of the past, as these bikes are designed to give chase and coordinate arrest of fleeing criminal elements.” 

He decried the dearth of credible information from the public, noting that, “for effective security of any state, residents must be willing to volunteer vital information to security agencies.” While promising a proactive approach to addressing security issues in the state.

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.