Imo State Govt flags off 2014 National Immunization programme

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha flagging off the 2014 National Immunization programme at Owerri-North Local Government Area on Monday

The Imo state Government has flagged off the 1st round of the 2014 National Immunization programme.

Governor Okorocha who flagged off the ceremony at the Owerri North Local Government Area headquarters, Orie-Uratta on Monday, disclosed that his administration attached great importance to the total well-being of children.

He decried cases where children’s lives were put in jeopardy, wasted and abused, describing it such as abominable and maintained that the success of the future leaders in Nigeria would be guaranteed if adequate attention is given to the quality of health care provided for children today. Said he;  “if we must save our future, we must save our children”.

Speaking further at the occasion, the governor called on parents to ensure that their children were immunized accordingly and stressed the need for proper mobilization and information dissemination and called on traditional rulers to ensure that every nook and cranny of their communities was properly covered.

He assured the people of Owerri North of more dividends of democracy which would include the reconstruction of Orie-Uratta road and the Uratta-Ikeduru road.

Earlier in a speech, the Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Edward Ihejirika stated that the Imo state Government in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and partners organized the programme to ensure increased routine immunization coverage of all antigens and achieve the final interruption of wild polio virus.

He pointed out that the overall goal was to ensure the reduction of under-five childhood mortality rate by moiré than 95% as well as to maintain the Polio – Free status which Imo state had achieved since 2005.

The campaign he stated would administer oral polio vaccines to children from O to 5 years irrespective of their previous vaccination status for polio eradication as well as immunize other children within one year that had not completed their routine immunization.

Adding his voice, the Transition Committee Chairman of Owerri-North LGA, Engr. Chuks Ololo, appreciated the State Governor for being part of the programme and for giving Owerri people a sense of belonging.

Engr Ololo advised parents and care givers to access immunization services provided for their children free of charge from health centers and vaccination post nearest to them.

Okorocha seeks partnership with World Bank for success of CGC in Imo

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on the World Bank to work in synergy with the Community Government Council created by his administration to strengthen its intervention programmes in the rural communities of the State.

 

He made this call while interacting with the World Bank Sector Leader in charge of Community and Social Development Projects (CSDP), Mr. Foluso Okunmadewa and his team at the Government House recently.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Okorocha pointed out that Imo is the first State in the federation to operate the 4^th tier government where Traditional Rulers and other community officials are directly involved in the management and execution of developmental projects in their areas.

He expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with the World Bank’s CSDP as it is directly involved with the rural communities.

Said he;   “We very much want to partner with you and you can use Imo State to show the model of what you want to do since we have a government on ground that can guide you.  Use our already established Community Government system to implement some of these rural projects.” 

 

The Rescue Mission Governor recounted his administration’s massive transformation and empowerment to rural dwellers in the communities to include the palm to palm project, the integrated farms programme, renovation of primary schools including the 305 school buildings, modern General Hospitals being built in all LGAs, among others.

He commended the team on the tremendous impact the World Bank has made in some other States and assured them of his government’s support to ensure that such developmental projects reach all nooks and crannies of Imo State.

 

Speaking earlier, the Sector Leader, Mr. Foluso Okunmadewa said the World Bank has through its CSDP delivered quality intervention projects to people living at the grass-roots using the counterpart funding, which he noted is very essential in ensuring the sustainability of such projects.

He added that through their social support programmes, very poor families have gotten individual empowerment from the Agency and education provided to their wards. 

Mr. Okunmadewa revealed that about seven States in the country working in collaboration with the Agency have recorded success and therefore urged the Imo State Government to hasten its payment procedures to meet up with the funding and integration requirements.

He said that the Agency had already extended electricity to few areas of Owerri North LGA and assisted in saving about 120 houses from flood caused by the rains, adding that more interventions will be rendered as soon as the State Government puts in resources into the Agency.

 

 

Over 30,000 women protest against the PDP in Owerri

Thousands of women protesting against the PDP in Owerri today Feb 24

 Over 30,000 women in Imo state stormed the streets of Owerri to protest against the PDP and its leaders over the provocative statements they had made during their party’s rally last weekend

The women who took over the major roads and streets in Owerri as early as 7.00 am on Monday 24^th February, chanted war songs and heaped curses on the  members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing them of mismanaging the resources of the state for 12 years.

With their brooms, the rampaging women went to the Dan Anyiam Stadium where the PDP rally was held and swept the stadium, claiming that they had swept away the foot-prints of the PDP leaders and members who were there last weekend.

  

From the stadium, the women marched along the major streets of Owerri including wetheral, Okigwe and Mbaise roads.  But before leaving the stadium, the leader of the women, Chief Mrs. Josephine Udorji said the PDP leaders came to remind Imo people about the scars they left on their bodies when they governed the state for 12 years, expressing surprise that the president could attend such a rally to receive those who have no electoral value.

Other women leaders who addressed the crowd include Mrs. Getrude Oduka and Mrs. Tina Adike and they said that they allowed the PDP rally to hold because the president came, adding that they would not allow such again in the future.

The women also marched to the Government House, Owerri to register their solidarity to Governor Rochas Okorocha, where they were received by the Commissioner of Lands and Urban Development, Mr Uche Nwosu.

Mr Nwosu addressed them and told them that Imo people would speak loudly and clearly in 2015.  He thanked the women for their unflinching support to the Rescue Mission Government of His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

Imo can host 2014 NBA Conference, says Okorocha

Governor  Rochas okorocha in a handshake with Mr Okey Wali, SAN President, and the Central Planning Committee for the International conference of Nigeria Bar Association during a courtesy call to Govt. House, Owerri recently.

The Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has said that Imo State is secure and has all the facilities needed to host the 2014 Nigerian Bar Association Conference.

He made this known at the Government House, Owerri last week, during a meeting with the President of Nigeria Bar Association, Barrister Okey Wali (SAN) and other top officials of the Association who came to Imo State to access the facilities on ground for the hosting of the 2014 NBA Conference.

Speaking during the meeting, the state governor named some of the facilities in the State for the conference which include the newly built International Conference Centre and many other conference halls in Owerri as well as numerous hotels of five-star standard.  Above all, he mentioned the hospitable and secure environment of the state which is devoid of kidnappings and many other social vices.

Said he; “hosting this conference will provide the opportunity to tell the world what we have been doing” “we want to share with you the new vision of leadership which is anchored on the Fourth Tier Government otherwise known as the Community Government Council (CGC) introduced by the present administration in the state.  

He pointed out that the CGC had brought tremendous development in the state such as revival of the economy bringing governance to the grass-roots, promoting culture and enrichment of the agricultural sector of the state.

He said the four-year strategic budget plan of his administration has enthroned rapid development, adding that the use of cultural means in curbing crime by his administration had gone a long way in reducing crime to the barest minimum.

He called on the group to consider the vision of the Rescue Mission Government which include the CGC, the Four year budget plan, the free education policy from primary to tertiary level and other innovation brought in by his administration into their conference programme to enable such innovations to be adopted and replicated in other states of the federation.

Speaking earlier the President of Nigeria Bar Association Bar Okey Wali (SAN) said that they were on tour of states with a view to deciding the venue for the hosting of the 2014 annual Bar Conference which will come up in August this year.

He disclosed that the conference was about the largest annual gathering of lawyers anywhere in the world with about 10,000 participants, pointing out that the purpose of their visit was to ascertain the level of preparedness of the state in the areas of accommodation, recreational facilities among others which will be reported back to their National Executive Committee in charge of the Conference for selection and final approval.

Imo Govt set to close down illegal hotels in Owerri

Governor Okorocha as he presents an Award given to him by the Correspondent Chapel Imo Chapter in recognition for his selfless service to humanity at Govt. House, Owerri.

The Imo State government has made known its intention to clamp down on hotels built in Imo State, particularly, hotel buildings that do not have the approval of the State government.

Governor Rochas Okorocha disclosed this during an interaction session he had with members of the Correspondence Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Owerri branch.

Speaking during the session which was held today at the Government House, Owerri, Governor Okorocha said that the State government is building tourism centers in the state among which is a ‘Slavery park’ aimed at remembering the era of slave trade in Igboland and an exhibition site where relics of the Nigerian civil war will be kept. According to him, the purpose of building the exhibition site for the relics of the civil war is to discourage the present and future generations of Igbos from going into civil war.

He called on Traditional Rulers to avoid being used as tools by politicians, adding that Politicians have no right to assemble Traditional Rulers for the mere purpose of electioneering campaign. According to him any politician who seeks the blessings of a Traditional Ruler should visit the Monarch in his palace for that purpose.

Rochas in a handshake with Mr Christian Nwokocha, Chairman Correspondent Chapel Imo State Branch after a courtesy visit to Govt. House, Owerri

Earlier in a speech, the Chairman of the correspondence chapel, Mr Christian Nwokocha thanked the governor for transforming Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) in to a modern broadcasting unit. He called on the governor to enhance the revenue generation capacity of Imo state from tourism by making it possible for tourist visiting the state to purchase Tourists Tickets at affordable prices.

Governor Rochas Okorocha in group photo with members of the Correspondence Chapel, Imo State branch - photo taken by Ebere Inyama

The high point of the occasion is the presentation of a commemorative plaque to the governor in recognition of his land mark achievements in office.

Also present at the occasion are the Imo State deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere and other members of the Imo State Executive Council

CGC Election to hold in Imo on 1st March 2014

From left to right, HRH Eze Samuel Ohiri and Governor Rochas Okorocha

 

The Imo State Government has declared Saturday, 1^st March 2014 as date for the election of Members into the Community Government Council in the 637 communities of the State.

 

This was disclosed at the end of a meeting Governor Okorocha held with the Chairmen of Council of Traditional Rulers in the Local Government Areas, Officers of the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission, Officers of the Ministry of Community Government and Chietaincy affairs and other Stakeholders at the Government House, Owerri.

 

Briefing newsmen, the Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Ohiri said vacant positions to be filled are the Offices of the Secretary, Woman Leader and Youth Leader.  He therefore called on interested candidates to obtain application forms from the office of the Community Government Council at the cost of N1,000.00 while those who had earlier

purchased the forms will go for verification. 

 

Eze Ohiri explained that the election will be conducted simultaneously in all the communities of the State using option A4 and only people from 18 years and above are legible to vote.

He assured all that all machineries will be put in place to ensure that the election will be free and fair and warned the electorates to remain in their respective communities as security officials on patrol will arrest anyone caught moving about to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election.

He said that the Electoral Panel will appoint the Electoral and Returning Officers in each Local Government who will conduct the election as well as announce the results to the people at the election venue before reporting back to the LGA authorities.

 

Okorocha swears in Transition Committee Chairmen for Imo State LGAs

Governor Okorocha in group photo with the newly sworn in TC Chairmen

 

 

A total of 27 Transition Committee Chairmen have been sworn-in to office by the Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

 

Addressing the appointees after the swearing-in ceremony at the Government House, Owerri yesterday, the governor charged them to see their appointment as a divine mandate to serve God and humanity.

He advised them to make positive impact in the discharge of their duties as good ambassadors of the Rescue Mission Administration, adding that the present administration started well and must end well through their joint effort.

 

The State Chief Executive who lamented over poor maintenance culture in the nation, enjoined the group to ensure the maintenance and completion of all the ongoing projects in their localities which include the new 305 primary school buildings, 27 General hospitals, road projects among others, pointing out that 2014 will be for completion and commissioning of projects in the State.

He further enjoined them to embrace agriculture and ensure that the General Hospitals in the State are revitalized and put in good use.

 

 

Speaking futher at the event, Governor Okorocha commended the operations of the Police and Army in collaborations with the Imo Security Network and charged the T.C. Chairmen to establish Vigilante Groups in their localities to assist the existing security outfits in the State in curbing crime.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Policy and Strategy, Mr. Uche Onyeagocha was also sworn in at the occasion.

In her vote of thanks, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ehime Mbano, Mrs. Chioma Ogoke commended the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha for showing them good leadership examples and promised to be diligent in the discharge her duties.

 

 

LIST OF THE SWORN-IN TC CHAIRMEN

 

 

NAMES                                                                   LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

 

HON. EDDIE OLUMBA                                                                    ORLU

BARR. AMAGWULA OBINNA                                                      ORU EAST

HON. NZEDIMKPA ENYIA                                                              OHAJI EGBEMA

HON. NKEIRU OLUEHI                                                                    ONUIMO

CHIEF MRS. JOE UDOJI                                                                   IDEATO NORTH

ENGR. DURU I. JOHNSON                                                             IDEATO SOUTH

VICTOR C. UKPABIA                                                                          ABOH MBAISE

HON. DOMINIC MGBEANULU                                                    ORU WEST

ENGR. OBINNA P. NSHIRIM                                                         IKEDURU

HON. CHIEF BON NNAKA                                                              NJABA

BARR. ERIC NWOKORIE                                                                 OBOWO

DR. PAT NNAH                                                                                  MBAITOLI

DR. MRS. ELIZABETH EJIOGU                                                       OWERRI WEST

HON. CHIEF VAL OSUALA                                                             ISU

CHINEDU AKUCHIE                                                              OWERRI  MUNICIPAL

HON. GABRIEL ANOWAI                                                                               NKWERRE

OKERE S.U. BLAKKIE                                                                        NGOR-OKPALA

ONYEMELUSI OKECHUKWU                                                        NWANGELE

FRANK ONWUMERE                                                                       OKIGWE

HON. S.O.D. ONUOHA                                                                   ISIALA MBANO

CHIEF VICTOR IHEANACHO                                                          AHIAZU MBAISE

HON. CHIEF HENRY IGBOMEZIE                                                 OGUTA

ENGR. CHUKS OLOLO                                                                     OWERRI NORTH

HON. LADY CHIOMA OGOKE                                                       EHIME MBANO

HON. CHIOMA ONWUMERE                                                       EZINIHITTE

DR. EMMANUEL AJUOGU                                                            IHITTE UBOMA

Over 1000 projects to be commissioned by the Imo State Govt in 2014

One of the 305 model schools to be commissioned by the Imo State government in 2014

The Imo State Government is to commission over 1,000 projects across the State in 2014 beginning with the 1.3km New Market Ring Road Owerri.

This disclosure was made by the governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha at the weekend during a reception organized for him by hundreds of Imolites on his return from a two-week vacation in the United States of America.

Speaking during the reception, Governor Okorocha said that his administration undertook the construction of the Ring Road within the market to improve the socio-economic life of the traders as well as to fulfill his election promises.

He said that henceforth, free medical services will be given to pregnant women in Imo State as a demonstration of his love for women, children and Imo people at large.

 Stressing the importance his administration attaches to health sector, Governor Okorocha said that all the 27 New General Hospitals and the Kidney Diagnostic Centre will be completed and fully equipped to serve patients in the state. Said he, “This year, more children will go to school, our free education programme will continue, and the 27 new General Hospitals will begin to admit patients.”

He recalled that within two years of the life his administration Orlu and Okigwe have been transformed to modern cities while more new cities of Orieubi, Amaraku, Anara, Akah, Akokwa, among others are being developed in effort to make Imo a one-city-state.

Speaking on political issues in the country, Owelle Okorocha urged Imo people and Ndi-igbo to embrace the All Progressives Congress as the only party that has a better interest of Ndi-Igbo.

He lamented that the South-East is not represented in the recent reshufflement of the Security Service Chiefs and therefore appealed to the presidency not lose sight of the position of the South-East in the nation.

Governor Okorocha described the sack of the AGPA Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh and the resignation of PDP Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur as healthy for democracy. He noted that democracy is all about fielding the most competent persons, “Those who ought not to lead the party must not lead the party”, he maintained.

He stated that the All Progressives Congress governors which he is now the Chairman has taken a decision to further entrench unity in the party especially in states where there are misunderstandings among stakeholders.

Governor Okorocha further said that APC is at present dealing with more topical national issues and assured Imo People that he will in due course declare his intention on which elective position to run come 2015.

Rochas donates LR Jeep and V-boot cars as Xmas gifts to disabled persons in Imo State

A disabled man from  Oguta LGA, won the second prize of Mercedes Benz V-both during the Imo Day thanksgiving held in Owerri recently.

Two disabled citizens of Imo State, Messrs Chibuzo Amako and Olisa Obi from Ngor Okpala and Osuobodo Oguta LGA’s respectively have won a Land-rover Jeep and Mercedes Benz V-boot cars plus N100,000 [one hundred thousand Naira cash] each,  as Christmas gift from the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha during the Imo Day of Thanksgiving held at Heroes Square, Owerri on Monday.

Gov Owelle Rochas Okorocha seen distributing food items to the disabled persons during the Imo Thanksgiving Day held in Owerri recently.

The governor also gave a bag of rice, tomatoes, wrappers and lots of other gift items, each to over 9,000 less privileged persons who attend the event, which was meant to celebrate the group and as well as to appreciate God’s goodness, guidance for the year and success of the  Rescue Mission Government in the state.

Gov Owelle Rochas Okorocha in a pix with a disabled lady after donating a wheel chair during the Imo Day thanksgiving held at Owerri recently.

Speaking at the occasion, the governor revealed that during Imo Day of Thanksgiving, the Rescue Mission administration financially assisted some poor people’s medical bills, which one of the beneficiaries, who had chronic kidney problem was sent to abroad for treatment.

The governor announced the donation of his salary and allowances to the less privileged in the state and the initiation of Special Women Empowerment for indigent women from 2014, adding that the Imo Day of thanksgiving remains as annual event in Imo State.

Owelle Okorocha urged the people to imbibe the spirit of sharing with the poor as Christ did when he was on earth which is the essence of Christmas.  In his words, “life is not fulfilled unless one gives a helping hand to those in need”.  If Christ embraced us despite our filthiness, we can do so to others so that the poor can smile and join hands to make the nation a better place for all of us.

Responding, two of the beneficiaries, Miss Mercy Ndukuba who got a clutch and Master Emeziem Mbah who got a wheel chair, thanked God for using governor Okorocha to alleviate their sufferings and prayed for more wisdom and divine guidance in his administration.

Obiyo foundation donates multi-million naira chapel to Umuezeagu community in Imo State

Front view of the chapel

As part of his contribution to the development of his community, the Chairman/Group Managing Director of Multi-net Group limited, Chief (Dr) Uzoma Obiyo has donated a multi-million naira chapel to the Anglican Church in Umuezeagu -Nise in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

Rt Rev Emmanuel Maduwike laying the foundation stone of the chapel

Speaking during the foundation laying ceremony of the chapel yesterday, the Anglican Bishop of Ikeduru Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Mmaduwuike commended Chief Obiyo for his humanitarian gesture and prayed almighty God to reward him abundantly.

From R-L, side view of the newly built Pastor's lodge and the premises of the chapel

The said chapel which was built and furnished by Chief (Dr) Uzoma Obiyo foundation in memory of Samuel Mary and Dame Emily Obiyo has the capacity to contain over 500 worshipers and is due to be dedicated on Saturday 21^st December 2013.

From R-L, Side view of the chapel and the interior of the chapel

Also present at the foundation laying ceremony were Rev. Cannon Benjamin Njoku, Rev. Cannon Innocent Iwuji, Rev Innocent Onumajuru and a host of others.

From R-L, The premises of the chapel  and the Generator room