Okorocha hosts Nigerian Guild of Editors in Owerri

Governor Okorocha in handshake with the President Nigerian Guild of editors, Mr Femi Adesina during the latter's visit to Government House Owerri.

Over fourty members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors convened in Owerri the Imo State capital at the weekend where they were hosted by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

In a speech during their visit, the governor appealed to Nigerians and political leaders to close ranks in order to fight the hydra-headed evil that has befallen the nation in the guise of Boko Haram.

He noted that Nigeria as a nation is going through a trial moment which requires prayers and collaborative efforts to overcome.  Said he, “This is not the time to count or say who is right or who is wrong.  This is the time to end this ugly situation”

Governor Okorocha in group photo with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors during their visit to Government House, Owerri at the weekend

The governor used the opportunity to bring to light some of the landmark achievements made by his administration in the areas of health, education, security, agriculture, massive infrastructural development, manpower development, massive road transformation and de-centralization of government through the introduction of Community Government Council [CGC].

He urged the Editors Guild not to relent in their position as the watchdog of the society, adding that his administration is guided by four cardinal principles, namely; Rule of law, Justice, Education and Zero corruption

 Earlier, the President Nigerian Guild of editors, Mr Femi Adesina 

 disclosed that they were in Imo State to hold the standing committee meeting of the Guild of Editors.  He commended the Imo State government for the free Education Programme and visible landmark achievements in the State.

Mr Adesina observed that the projects the saw in Imo State contradicted the propaganda propelled by detractors of government and urged the governor to continue to bestow on Imo people the dividends of democracy.

He appealed to the governor to find a way to integrate the retirees of The Statesman Newspapers into the State Pensions Scheme.

On the issue of Boko Haram, the President of the Editors Guild regretted that the nation failed to arrest the situation early enough due to politicization of the matter.  He therefore called on political leaders to close ranks to arrest the situation.

The Editors were taken on facility tour of projects in the State by the governor and members of the State Executive Council.

Imolites in S/Africa to partner with Imo for job creation and industrialization

 

Imo State citizens based in South Africa have disclosed plans to partner with the Imo State government for the industrialization of the State and job creation which could engage about 3,000 youths.

 

The group under the aegis of ‘Imo State Union’, made this known through their leader, High Chief Kelvin Ike when they paid a courtesy visit to Governor Okorocha at the Government House Owerri recently.

 

During the visit, they donated about 45,000 exercise books to the State in support of the free education programme which they believe is a fundamental manpower development project and a veritable tool for economic growth.

 

In a speech at the occasion, Governor Okorocha commended the group for being organized and supportive of the Rescue Mission administration and for the exercise books they donated to school children in the State.

He promised to create ‘South African Diaspora Village’ in the State where citizens of Imo State based in South Africa will stay whenever they visit the State.

He assured that community Government Council would be extended to the group in South Africa with a Desk Officer appointed in his cabinet for effective communication and management.

He expressed hope that the group would attend the Imo Carnival rescheduled to hold in October this year.

 

Speaking earlier, High Chief Kelvin Ike requested for the inclusion of the group in community government council (CGC) and provision of office in Nigeria while he disclosed that about 5,000 Imolites were in South Africa. He assured the present administration of their unalloyed support. 

Another member of the group Chief Tobechukwu Ehirim stated that they were highly impressed with the achievements of the present administration which informed their decision to be partners in progress with the State government.  He disclosed that the Rescue Mission was the first administration, the group identified with since the history of  Imo State, adding that they were ready to “bring investment” to the State as well as mobilize people and resources for further development of the State.

 

Rochas recalls monarch after 5 yrs suspension, issues C/O to 5 more T. Rulers

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has recalled back the Traditional Ruler of Okwu autonomous community in Ikeduru Local Government Area, Eze Thaddeus N K Ajukwuogu who has been on suspension for the past five years.

 

Governor Okorocha made this known yesterday at the Government House, Owerri, while giving certificates of recognition to five Traditional Rulers who were recently elected into office.

 

Those that received the certificate of recognitions are; Eze Ogemdi Agbugba – Anara Autonomous Community, Eze Nkemjika Okechukwu Uba – Akabo Autonomous community, Eze Michael Nwamara – Umueze Chokoneze Autonomous Community, Eze Samuel Odi – Obiangwu Autonomous Community and Eze Johnson Odoemanam  - Ibeamaukwuama Autonomous Community.

  

Speaking during the occasion, Governor Okorocha  directed the majority leader of the   State House of Assembly, Hon. Adaku Ihuoma to go and conduct fresh election for Akwakuma autonomous community, adding that his administration is determined to settle disputes in various communities in order to encourage development at the grassroots level

  

He congratulated newly recognized Traditional rulers and urged their opponents to support them in order to maintain peace and progress in their various communities.

 

Earlier, the Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Ruler, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri commended Governor Rochas Okorocha for his effort to dignify the Rraditional institution and to revive the cultural heritage of the people of Imo State.

 

Eze Ohiri stressed the need for the Traditional Rulers to be upright in their dealings to enable them discharge their duties effectively.

 

The State Commissioner for Community Government Council, Hon. Val Mbamara 

The Special Adviser on Conflict Resolution, Hon. Peter Ohagwa 

 

 

In an interview with journalists at the occasion, the Eze-elect of Anara Autonomous Community, Eze Ogemdi Agbugba thanked Governor Okorocha for wielding into their ezeship dispute which he said has lingered for years and promised to restore back peace in Anara community.

 

The Traditional Ruler of Okwu Ikeduru, Eze Thaddeus N.K. thanked Governor Okorocha for recalling him back from suspension and pledged his support and loyalty to the present administration.

 

Digniteries present at the occasion were; the Chief of Staff, Sir Jude Ejiogu, SGI, Prof. Tony Anwuka, Majority leader Hon. Adaku Ihuoma, the Commissioner for Community Government Council, Hon. Val Mbamara,

The Special Adviser on Conflict Resolution,  Hon. Peter Ohagwa and a host of others.

 

 

Imo State to partner with CBN on ‘cashless policy’

Governor Okorocha in group pix with officials of the CBN at the Goernment House, Owerri

The Imo State government, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has expressed the willingness of his administration to partner with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the “Cashless Policy”, introduced by the Apex Bank.

The State governor who made this known when the CBN delegates led by the Head Shared Services Mr. Chidi Umeano visited him at the Government House, Owerri recently, said that the policy would reduce crime, corruption and money laundering in the country.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor Okorocha noted that the policy will turn around the economy of the nation and as well make life easier for Nigerians and stressed the need for CBN to carry the populace along in the scheme.

He urged them to look into the handling of the State government accounts by the commercial banks for proper accountability as well as to embark on massive awareness to enable Nigerians understand the policy.

Governor Okorocha as he receives souvenir from the Mr chidi Umeano, Head shared services of CBN during their visit to Govt House, Owerri recently.

Earlier in a speech, Mr. Chidi Umeano said that the cash policy was introduced to discourage the high usage of cash across the economy, which has many negative consequences, such as high cost of cash, high risk of using cash, high subsidy and informal economy.

Mr. Chidi said the main objective of the policy is to meet up with vision 20-20 requirement, modernize Nigerians payment system, reduce the cost of banking services, improve effectiveness of monetary policy and as well as foster  transparency and curb corruption leakages in the society, adding that the policy will improve the IGR of the state.

He called on Nigerians to embrace the policy to enable the country move forward.

The Comptroller CBN Owerri branch, Mr. Aligwe Romanus Kalik commended the State governor for providing a conducive environment for banking sectors in the State through massive developmental projects and security.

He disclosed that the CBN Owerri branch is ranking number one among the 36^th branch of CBN in the country.

Present at the visit were the Secretary to the Imo State Goernment (SGI), Prof. Tony Anwuka and a host of others.

Chibok girls abduction: Imo Carnival postponed indefinitely

 

Following the unknown fate of the more than two hundred female students, abducted by the Boko Haram elements in Chibok, Borno State about three weeks ago, and the general out-cry the ugly development has generated throughout the world, the Imo State government held an emergency Expanded Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 which lingered till late at night with His Excellency, Governor Rochas Okorocha presiding.

 

 At the end of the meeting, the council resolved as follows:

 

1. That in view of the painful mood of the nation and the rest of the world, the state planned CARNIVAL, slated to begin on Friday, May 9, 2014 has been postponed indefinitely.

 

2. That, instead of the Carnival road March programmed for that Friday, the council decided that the first Lady, Her Excellency, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha would lead a road march that would involve female students and all mothers who are teachers in the state school system.

 

3. That the State government will review the situation as soon as the female students are found, and take the necessary actions on the carnival.

 

The council regretted the inconveniences the postponement of the carnival would cause the expected guests across the globe, and appealed to such guests to bear with the state Government, since they must have also felt the way the people and the government of Imo State had felt, which necessitated the indefinite postponement of the event.

The council also called on Nigerians irrespective of their differences to come together to see that these innocent children be released by those holding them, to allow them rejoin their families who must have been in pains all these while, adding that with the level of concern the abduction of the female students  has generated all over the world, the scourge of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria will be put to a stop this time.

Imo Govt employs 25,000 youths into Public Service

Governor Okorocha flagging off the official opening ceremony of the 'Youths Must Work programme' in Owerri

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has engaged Twenty-five thousand (25,000) youths of Imo State origin into the Public Service under a programme christened “Youth-Must-Work-Programme.”

While addressing the youths during  the official launch of “Imo Youth Must Work Programme” held at the Dan Anyiam stadium, Owerri today, the State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said that the programme is designed to provide  employment opportunities to youths in the State with the aim of  bringing about zero idleness among the youths.

He disclosed that the State government has approved N500 Million for the clothing allowances and 20,000 naira monthly stipend for the new employees to enable them discharge their duties effectively.

Members of the Imo State Civil Guard in a 'March Pass' before Governor Okorcha at the Dan Anyiam stadium, Owerri.

Among the youths there are Agriculturists, Horticulturists, Engineers, Teachers and Accountants among other professionals.  Others are those engaged in the Imo Civil Guards, Imo Security Network and Imo Community Watch. He noted that the introduction of the “Imo Security Network/Community Watch” with the help of the security agencies has reduced crime in the State.

Okorocha expressed regret at the spate of insecurity in the country and appealed that no group or party should take advantage of the situation, rather every citizen and resident should join hands with the federal government to bring lasting solution to the security challenge.  He further enjoined Imo people to join in praying for the nation and rescue of the abducted Chibok school girls.

The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Comrade Kenneth Emelu, said that apart from the introduction of Youth Must Work Programme that the State government has engaged many youths into public and civil service job especially in education sector, security and renovation of Imo palm plantation.

Comrade Emelu said that the youth must work programme is aimed at engaging the youths gainfully for the benefit of the society and reminded the state government that most of the youths are trained in different skills.

He congratulated the beneficiaries and stressed the need for them to be serious with their jobs in order to complement the effort of the state government in reducing crime.

In an interview, the DG, Imo Civil Guard, Hon. Donatus Ejifugha expressed confidence that members of the civil guard would discharge their duties effectively especially in promoting the Imo My Pride Project.

Highlight of the ceremony were; match past parade by Imo civil guard, Imo security network, Imo community watch and presentation of flag to the state Governor by the DG, Imo civil guard as grand patron of the guard.

Those at the ceremony were; the wife of the governor, Lady Nkechi Okorocha, the Deputy governor of the Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere; the Speaker, Imo House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu and some legislators, members of the State Expanded Exco, Traditional Rulers and a host of others.

Hilary Eke emerges as APC Chairman in Imo State

The Imo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully ended its State Congress in Owerri with Dr. Hillary Eke emerging as the State Chairman with 1,499 votes out of the 1,564 votes cast by the Party Delegates at the occasion.

Speaking at the event which was held at the Ahiajioku Convention Centre, Owerri at the weekend,  the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha congratulated the newly elected State Chairman and other Executive Members of the Party on their victory, and appreciated the presence of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) officials who monitored the event.

The governor said there will be no rigging in the State in 2015 because Imo people will be out to protect their votes and that no amount of armed soldiers or policemen would stop Imo people from safeguarding their votes in 2015, and advised those planning of rigging the 2015 election in the state to be very careful.

In his words, “we are here to protect democracy and make it work in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Our slogan in APC is ‘no rigging or rig and die’ and we are determined to ensure free and fair election at all times. In our Party, we don’t discuss how to carry box but how to win in election and by the Grace of God in 2015, victory will be ours.” 

Owelle Okorocha reiterated that since APC came into power in Imo State, things have changed for better as witnessed by all and therefore charged the new State EXCO to make APC stronger, assuring them there will be no interference from either the Legislature or the Executive in the discharge of their duties. 

He expressed satisfaction with the Chairman and members of the Congress Organizing Committee for the peaceful and transparent manner the election was conducted adding that their labour in the past three months in ensuring a memorable Congress was not in vain.

Earlier in his response, the Imo State Chairman of APC, Dr. Hillary Eke thanked the Governor and other Party Delegates for the privilege given him and his team to serve, promising that they will uphold the Party’s Manifesto and make its Constitution their guide.

Said he; “I see great men and women of this State who will lead our Party to a greater height.  We have been elected to serve our Party and that we shall do with humility, without undermining our Leaders.”

Other positions occupied by the Executive members drawn from Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe Zones include:-

·        State Vice Chairman –  Chief Christian Uzoma

·        State Organizing Secretary - Dr. Clement Anozie

·        State  Publicity Secretary – Engr. Nwabueze Oguchienti

·        State Welfare Secretary - Dr. Mrs. Ogbu Oguzie

·        State Assistant Auditor – Barr Charles Mbakwe

·        Senatorial Woman Leader – Mrs. Ego Ibeh

·        State Auditor – Mrs. Uloma Matthew

·        Asst. Woman Leader - Mrs. Dorathy Ukegbu

·        State Legal Adviser - Barr. Ogbonna Amadi

·        State Asst. Youth Leader – Mr. Chukwuma Onuoha

·        State Financial Secretary – Barr. Blessing Onugha,

·        State Legal Adviser – Barr. Ogbonna Amadi 

·        Youth Leader - Mr. Cannice Amadi

·        Ex-Officio Member – Hon. Ben Anugwara

·        Etc.

Contributing, the outgoing Chairman of the State Congress Organizing Committee, Chief Paul Chukwuma thanked Governor Okorocha for having confidence in him and his team to carry out the onerous task which he noted gave them the opportunity to discover that the achievements of the Rescue Mission in Imo State on ground are far beyond what is publicized through the media.

Speaking earlier, the APC National Organizing Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso described the Congress as very successful as he noted ‘I have monitored the Congress, it is real and fair, INEC has endorsed and the Party has also endorsed.’

Adding her voice, the State Resident Commissioner of INEC, Prof. Selina Okoh commended the APC Leaders and Delegates for translating the Party’s Constitution into votes and for complying with the rules which she said made the Congress successful.

She called on all Political Parties to think and plan first, for the good of Nigeria as a nation. 

Prof. Okoh used the occasion to inform all that INEC is organizing a general electoral process that will ensure continuous voters registration and called on legible voters in the State to collect their permanent Voter’s Card for 2015 elections adding that the Commission will hold enlightenment programmes at the Federal, State and LGA Levels for better understanding and compliance.  

The event witnessed large turnout of Party Stalwarts, Delegates from all the LGAs and Wards of Imo State as well as observers among whom were the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, the SSG, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, the Chief of Staff, Sir Jude Ejiogu, and other members of the State Executive Council.  Others were the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Benjamin Uwajimogu and other Hon. Members, the Resident Commissioner, INEC, Prof Selina Okoh and her team and Security Outfits in the State.

Imo Govt approves N98 million for renovation of State secretariat

From Left: NLC Chairman in Imo State, Dr Roland Anyadike, Gov Rochas Okorocha, Her Excellency, Nneoma Okorocha, Deputy Gov of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, TUC Chairman in Imo State, Comrade Paul Akalazu during the 2014 Workers day celebrations 

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has approved the release of the sum of 98 million naira for the renovation, equipping and computerization of the State Secretariat in a bid to create conducive environment for maximum performance.

He made this known yesterday during the 2014 Workers Day celebration at the Heroes Square in Owerri.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor Okorch directed for the release of Primary School Pensions, payment of workers’ promotion arrears and to look into the problem of the Imo Transport company [ITC].

He frowned at the ill-treatment of Imo indigenes who were wrongly sacked from their jobs by the Abia State Government and appealed to the Abia governor, Chief T.A Orji to reabsorb them while promising not to sack Abia indigenes serving in Imo State Civil service.

He maintained that the gospel of peace and unity must continually be preached while Nigerians must feel free wherever they are in the country irrespective of tribe or religion and commended Imo State workers for rendering both their physical and mental services to ensure a better society for all.

In an address read on behalf of Imo State Labour congress [NLC], Trade Union congress [TUC] and Joint Negotiating Council [JNC], the TUC chairman, Commrade Paul Akalazu spoke on the theme of the 2014 May Day celebration “Building Peace and Unity Among Nigerians”.  He maintained that unity is a vital ingredient in the sustenance of development of any society and urged all to join hands to build a peaceful nation.   

He commended the state governor for the regular payment of workers salaries, free education programme, massive infrastructural development and engagement of many unemployed youths in the Youth Must work Programme.

Comrade Akalazu however appealed to governor Okorocha to look into the problems faced by workers in some parastatals of the state to ensure a more congenial labour relationship in the state.   He further commended the wife of the state governor, Mrs Nkechi Okorocha for her pet project, She Needs A Roof Project [SNARP] which has restored hope to indigent widows in the State.

The state comptroller, Federal Ministry of Labour, Mrs Lauretta Nneka Adaogu gave the felicitation from the Hon Minister for Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Nwogu and urged Imo workers not to denigrate the efforts of the past labour leaders but remain steadfast in their struggle for welfare of workers.

She commended governor Okorocha for the harmony existing between the government and labour unions and appealed to workers to shun violence but engage dialogue in resolving government/labour disagreements.

Highlight of the occasion include award of honour to Her Excellency, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha wife of the governor, the Deputy governor Prince Eze Madumere, the Chief of Staff Sir Jude Ejiogu, Deacon Chike Okafor commission for Finance and Hon Uche Nwosu commission for Land by the state union for their immense contribution and conducts.

Tricycle operators hail Okorocha for good governance in Imo State

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Gov Owelle Rochas okorocha in a group pix with the Chairman, Keke operators association in Imo, Mr Augstin Ojukwu Chukwukere after a meeting with the association in Owerri, recently.

The tricycle riders (keke operators), under the aegis of Imo Pilots Transport Association [IMPTA] on Tuesday,  trooped out in their numbers to demonstrate their love for Governor Rochas Okorocha as they chanted songs of solidarity along the major streets of Owerri urging the governor for a second term bid come 2015.

In their address at the end of their rally at the freedom Square Owerri, the President, comrade Austin Chikere Ojukwu expressed gratitude to the governor for unifying the various Keke Unions under one umbrella known as “Imo Pilots”

The union equally commended Governor Okorocha for good governance and prudence in managing the resources of the state.  This they said had manifested in the numerous dividends of democracy visible in all nooks and crannies of the state.

Comrade Ojukwu pointed out that Tricycle operators in Imo State has benefitted from the present government  in Imo State in such areas as provision of free petrol and kerosene, N10 million interest free loan, free Education from Primary to tertiary institution, massive roads construction and construction of inland bridges.

He assured the governor of their readiness to support his re-election bid come 2015 and stressed that “the Douglas House is not vacant for another governor come 2015”

He further assured the governor that the Tricycle operators have volunteered to assist the state in tracking and checking criminality.  He however appealed to the governor to provide the union land allocation for construction of their office complex as well as appoint some of their qualified members into political offices.

Responding the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha thanked the group for their continued support.  He recalled that he used the Keke during his first political rally in 2011 and assured them that he will continue to maintain the long standing relationship between him and Keke Operators.

Governor Okorocha maintained that his vision for the state is hinged on delivering the masses for the shackles of bad leadership and laying a foundation that would guarantee the future of Imo children through free and qualitative education, provision of social and infrastructural facilities as well as laying a concrete foundation for economic independence of the state.

He promised to send two keke operators to South Africa for training in Air Plane piloting and further donated an official bus to assist the Keke Union in its activities.

National CONFAB: Okorocha tasks S/East delegates on proper representation of Igbos

Imo State Owelle Rochas Okorocha with Gen Ike Nwachukwu(Rtd) Amb. George Obiozor. Eze  Cletus Ilomuanya and Sen. Osita Izunaso during a meeting of southeast confab delegates in Abuja Monday.

Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has charged the South-East delegates to the National CONFAB to work in harmony and use the opportunity to seek redress for decades of marginalization of the region.

Such areas include seeking additional state, accelerated industrial development, adequate political representation and ecological management. He warned that the people of the South-East will view the participation of their delegates a waste if they failed to achieve these objectives. Said he; "Let me warn that our people will not be happy if you fail to address these key issues. The current marginalization of the region cannot continue and you may be our last hope to bring justice to our people. Top of our demand is the creation of an additional state to bring us at par with other regions"

He asked the delegates to de-emphasize party affiliation for regional unity as the only way to reach their collective goals and advised them to reach out to other regions to promote unity of purpose and strengthen national unity.
Leader of the delegates Gen. Ike Nwachukwu described Governor Okorocha as a worthy Igbo son and expressed delight at the governors assistance to members in carrying out their activities. He asked other South-East governors to emulate Governor Okorocha in fighting for the interest of the people of the region and promised that the delegates will work hard to meet the expectations of the people.

Former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Egwu described Governor Okorocha as an embodiment of Igbo unity and progress and enjoined him to continue with his efforts to lead the people to greater heights. He pledged the determination of the delegates to redress all areas of concern for the South-East.