Rochas tasks Outdoor Advertisers on good leadership campaign

 President of the West African Outdoor Advertising Association, Chief Charles Chijide responding to Governor Rochas Okorocha's address 

 The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) to use their Association as a veritable tool in promoting awareness on the need for Nigerians to elect credible and visionary leaders in the 2015 election.

He made this call when the Executives of OAAN paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Owerri recently.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor Okorocha expressed regrets that Nigerians do not look beyond the sentiment of region and religion in choosing her leaders and advised them to elect people with meaningful contributions if the nation must achieve the much needed transformation. Said he;

 “Every politician should roll out his plan of work to Nigerians and not condemnation plan on other persons. Those who engage in campaign of calumny should be disregarded as what is important is what they have to offer.”

The Governor stressed that Nigeria is in dare need of good leadership to steer the wheel of the nation’s progress and urged Outdoor Advertising Practitioners to lead in the campaign.

He called on governments at all levels to consider the plight of the victims of Boko Haram menace and join hands in fighting the security challenges facing the nation, while he advocated that Neighborhood Associations be strengthened to identify strangers and guarantee safety in their environments.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha assured the Advertising experts of government’s wiliness to partner with them in any activity that will improve the economy of the State adding that the Rescue Mission landmark achievements is the concern to provide dividends of democracy of the people.

Governor Okorocha in group photo with members of the Outdoor Advertising Association

Speaking earlier, the President of the West African Outdoor Advertising Association, Chief Charles Chijide said they were in the State in preparation for their 29^th Annual General Meeting holding in the State soon. He explained that the Association is responsible for the control and regulation of outdoor advertising in Nigeria with large membership within and outside the nation.

He commended Governor Okorocha for keeping faith with his campaign promises to Imo people adding that the massive transformation on the roads, infrastructure, free education and others have made Imo one of the most lucrative business environments in the Nigeria.

The Association used the occasion to confer on Governor Okorocha the Patron of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria for his good leadership.

Okorocha swears in 3 Commissioners, 6 Perm secs and a TC Chairman

Governor Okorocha in group picture with the newly appointed aides

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has appointed 10 new aides into his cabinet. They include three commissioners, six Permanent Secretaries  and one Transition Committee Chairman.

Speaking during the ceremony marking the swearing-in of the new appointees, Governor Okorocha urged them to see their appointment as an opportunity to contribute their own quota towards the development of the State.

He advised them to shun primitive accumulation of wealth and have the interest of the poor masses at heart to enable them make history for themselves.

Speaking further at the occasion which was held at the Government House, Owerri today, Governor Okorocha  reminded the permanent secretaries that their positions are political appointment’ adding that it is the wish of his administration to make sure that every local government has a permanent secretary.

He urged the relatives of the political appointees to always pray for them especially for God’s direction and wisdom to enable them perform effectively rather than extorting money from them.

Owelle Okorocha recalled that Imo State three years ago was in need of good leadership while high rate of kidnappings and ritual killing were the order of the day and made them to understand that his administration has tackled such security problems to the barest minimum.

He used the opportunity to highlight some of monumental projects embarked upon by his administration; such as 305 model schools, 27 new general hospitals, dualization of rural and urban roads and transformation of the three geopolitical zones in the State into mega cities.

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in appointees, Prof. Adobi Obasi who is now the commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in his administration and promised that they will perform effectively.

Those sworn-in are:

1.     Chief Ken Aneme  -  Commissioner for Transport and Tourism.

2.     Prof. Adaobi Obasi  -  Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

3.     Chief Frank Chukwuemeka Ibezim  -  Commissioner for Agriculture.

The Permanent Secretaries are:

1.     Mr. B.I. Ibebuike

2.     Dr. G.C. Okeagu

3.     Mrs. T.O. Ibeagi

4.     Mr. E.O. Asuonyeigwe

5.     Mrs. N.U. Izunobi

6.     Pastor J.I. Ngoka

Mr. Peter Clinton Ihejiagwa,Transition Committee Chairman of Orsu,

Rochas calls on Igbos to show interest in 2015 Presidency in Nigeria

Governor Okorocha in a handshake with Ambassador Akpelu Agunna E, President Ohaneze Ndigbo, Imo State Chapter during their visit to Govt. House, Owerri yesterday.

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorcha has called the Igbos to declare interest in the next presidential election in Nigeria come 2015.

He made this call when the leaders and members of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, Imo State chapter visited him at the Government House, Owerri yesterday.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor Okorocha charged Nigerians to show interest in what someone can do in a particular position and not where he comes from, and that time has come for Nigerians including the Igbo to begin to de-emphasize the issue of zoning, which he said promotes clannishness instead of oneness needed for development and growth.

According to him, someone with intelligence and the right vision should lead the people rather than someone whose only credential is where he comes from. He advised that the Igbos should be giving leadership positions to those who can deliver and not on the basis of where the person comes from.

In his words, “One day changes a story.  In Imo, nobody talks about zoning again in the State because each zone gets its share of the projects and other government programmes.  What somebody can do is more important than where he comes from.  Igbos must show interest in the presidency of the country in 2015.  I want to show the light to the rest of Igbo nation.  People with vision must lead.” 

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that the Igbos know how to defend themselves when the need arises and charged every Igbo man and woman to be vigilant, adding that the country is at the moment facing serious security challenges following the insurgence of the Boko Haram elements.

According to him, every Igbo man or woman is automatically a member of Ohaneze. He charged the body to begin to ask themselves one big question and that is, when will an Igbo man become the president of Nigeria?

Earlier, the president of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, Imo State branch, Amb. Nkpelu A. Everestus praised the governor for the monumental achievements of his administration the State.

Bomb scare: Oyedepo thanks Okorocha for quick intervention

Bishop Oyedepo in handshake with Governor Okorocha during his visit to the Government House Owerri today 

The General Overseer, Living Faith Church International was in Owerri today, to visit the Imo State Headquarters of the Church over the foiled bomb scare that took place at the church early hours of Sunday 15^thJune, 2014.

Bishop Oyedepo who paid courtesy call on Governor Rochas Okorocha in Government House, Owerri, thanked him for the quick intervention made to avert the planned disaster by terrorists..

He regretted that the nation is being plagued by Boko Haram insurgence which has taken a great toll on the lives and property of innocent Nigerians.  He therefore prayed for God’s intervention as well as to imbue our leaders the wisdom to stem the growing cancer of insurgence and terrorism.

                                               

The prelate who stressed that prompt action was needed by government at all levels to keep terrorism under check, noted that Boko Haram is beyond politics and urged all to join hands to fight the menace to ensure a peaceful and united Nigeria.

Responding, the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha commended Bishop Oyedepo for his visit and assured that government is not relenting in its efforts to ensure security of lives and property of residents in the state.

He pointed out that the security and progress of Imo State is anchored on God as the state observes 10 minutes daily devotion to God.  “Imo state is fortified by the Holy Ghost” he maintained.

Governor Okorocha commended the Living Faith Church for the role it is playing in uplifting the spiritual lives of people and also for her role in promoting education in the country by building one of the best universities – The Covenant University.  He appealed to the Bishop to build a campus of the university in Imo State, while assuring that the State will provide land for the project.

Bomb scare: Okorocha tasks Imo residents to be more vigilant

The cylinders for high caliber Improvised Explosive Devices [IEDS] recovered from suspect by the Kaduna Police Command on Tuesday. Photo by Olu Ajayi.

Following the pandemonium at the Living Faith Church [Winners Chapel], Owerri at the early hours of Sunday 15^th June, 2014 on the detected explosive devices suspected to be planted by the dreaded Islamic Sect, Boko Haram, the state Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on the people of the state to be calm and go about their normal business as everything was under control.

Addressing the press on the bomb scare, at Government House, Owerri, Owelle Okorocha said it was confirmed that there was a planted bomb which had the capacity to go 500 meters range and would have been a disaster if it had exploded as the church where it was planted is located at a densely populated area of the state.

The Governor noted that the daily prayers offered in the state were not in vain and thanked God for saving the lives of his people.  He also commended the security outfits in the state for being alert to their duties.

He assured Imo people that the situation was under control noted that Imo State is not known for such ugly incidence and therefore appealed to all Imolites and other Nigerians resident in the state to be more security conscious and alert the police about any suspected objects, vehicles or persons around their vicinity.

He however assured that the State has applied necessary measures to stop further occurrence of the ugly situation.

The governor added that there would be an emergency security meeting at the International convention Centre, Owerri where further security briefing would be made available to all imolites.

He also said that already, some suspects have been arrested while investigation is still going on.

Democracy Day: Okorocha presents score card after 3 yrs in office

In commemoration of the Democracy Day in Nigeria which holds on May 29^th every year, the Imo State governor has presented his score card after three years in office.

 

The event which was held yesterday at the newly built Imo International Conference Center (IICC) in Owerri, attracted the presence of thousands of Imolites and dignitaries from various States in Nigeria.

Governor Okorocha in a warm embrace with Dr Ezekiel Izuogu, during a function held at Imo International Conference Center, Owerri recently.

 

Speaking at the event which was tagged ‘State of Imo Address’, Governor Okorocha recalled the circumstances that brought him to power in 2011 and described it as ‘an unusual election in an unusual circumstances’. Said he; “I took an oath to touch the lives of the people of my State with the help of God and I do what I do not for monetary gain nor to be re-elected but to have my name written in the history of the State as a leader who had great impact on the lives of the people and development of Imo State.”

 

He lamented the daily bombing and killing of innocent citizens by the Boko Haram sect which has put Nigerians in constant fear and confusion and called on the Federal Government to summon an emergency meeting of all Governors to brainstorm on the way out of the menace.

In his words, “This is not a war against any religion but against the nation, we pray God to touch these evil perpetrators to release the Chibok girls back to their families.”

Governor Okorocha pointed out that he has managed the State’s statutory allocation of N168,495.3 billion in three years to run the free education programme from primary to tertiary levels as well as provided the much needed dividends of democracy to Imo people.

He enumerated some of the achievements made within 3 years in office to include:  Over 1,000km of asphalted rural roads, construction and dualization of city roads, construction of 5 inland bridges to link the old and new Owerri, reconstruction of the Government House, construction of Owerri City School, the 305 upstairs primary school buildings in the rural areas and the Degree awarding College of Health Technology at Orlu.  Others include the Odenigbo Guest House, Akachi Towers, the Imo European University, Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies, 27 General Hospitals in the LGAs, Young Scientist College, and the Centenary Towers, among others.  He further said that government has transformed Okigwe and Orlu into new cities as well as developed more new cities to make Imo a one-city State.

He expressed joy that the Community Government Council (CGC) has come to stay and applauded the contributions of all the Traditional Rulers in the State as well as the members of the Community Government Council towards its success. He assured that with the implementation of the palm for palm programme in the 637 Communities of the State, the agricultural sector will be enhanced and the economy improved. 

He also noted that with the cooperation of all security Agencies in the State, kidnapping and other criminal activities have reduced drastically adding that the daily 12noon prayers has attracted the presence of God to make these achievements possible.  

On whether he is to contest for 2^nd term as Governor or run for the Presidential position under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, Owelle Okorocha summarily declared that his decision would depend on the wishes of the masses in both the State and in the Nation.  He however re-stated that he has no intentions of leaving APC as alleged by his detractors and urged Nigerians to continue to support the Party that assures needed changes in Nigerian leadership.

 

Contributing, the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajimogu, commended Governor Okorocha for the giant strides made within the 3 years of his administration and attributed the feat to the cooperation and cordial relationship that existed between the Legislature and the Executive arms.

Uwajimogu further thanked Imo people for making the needed sacrifice to ensure that Imo is put on the part of progress.

He therefore appealed to all the political parties in the State to work towards the common good of the Imo masses while assuring continuous support of the Legislators.

He however enjoined Governor Okorocha to consider a second-term bid in order to consolidate on the achievements made in the areas of free education and infrastructural transformation of the State.  “The reward for good job is another job”, he concluded.

Also present at the occasion were, the wife of the Governor, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, the SSG, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, the Chief of Staff, Sir Jude Ejiogu, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Commissioners and other members of the Expanded Exco., Hon. Members of the House of Assembly, other APC stalwarts like Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Deputy Chairman, APC Alh Bello Masari, Chief Audu Ogbe, Chief Tom Ikimi, Chief Timipre Sylva, Chief Lawal and APC National Women Leader, Barr. Sharon Ikeazu.  Others are Heads of Ministerial and non Ministerial Departments, the Chairman, Council of Ndi-Eze, Eze Simon Ohiri, other religious leaders and Traditional Rulers, Security outfits in the State, CGC members, women and youth organizations and friends of Imo State.

Side attractions at the event include song ministrations and documentary on the achievements of the Rescue Mission in the past 3 years.

 

Okorocha approves N300 million bursary for students of Imo State origin

Determined to ensure affordable and qualitative education in Imo State, the State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has approved the sum of N300 million as bursary for indigenes of Imo State in the tertiary Institutions.

The State Governor who disclosed this during a breakfast meeting he held with the State Technical Committee on Education at the State government House, Owerri recently, said that education was the basic tool for any child to face the future, adding that he took an oath to make Imo better than he met it and started with free education which he said would empower Imo children to take over the leadership of the State and the nation.

 Speaking further at the meeting, Governor Okorocha revealed that the crime wave in the State since the inception of his administration had reduced drastically. According to him, about 70% of reported crimes were committed by students, but with the introduction of free education, students no longer indulge in crimes to meet academic demands. He promised a gift of I-pad software to every Imo graduating student whose grade points (GP) came up to 4, while overall best student of every Tertiary Institution in the State would be handsomely rewarded.

He charged the students to appreciate the wonderful opportunity given to them by the State government by shunning every criminal tendency and to be good ambassadors of the State, adding that his administration was anchored on the spirit of sacrifice to make the State better and ensure the wellbeing of the poor.

Said he; “I am not your governor for the financial profit of the job but to make a difference in the state. I want to write my name in gold.” 

 He further disclosed that the forfeiture of his security vote and luxury helped in the numerous achievements he has recorded so far and commended his wife for sharing his philosophy which gave rise to her pet project, ‘She Needs a Roof Project’ (SNARP), where the homeless were provided with homes.

Speaking earlier, the wife of the State governor, Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha who doubles as the Chairman, Issuance of Check for Free Education said that the essence of the meeting was to intimate stakeholders on the issues as regards to the issuance of checks to students and way forward.

Nneoma Okorocha disclosed that the State government had made provision for easy on-line assessment of the free education forms for students. She enjoined students to obtain the forms, fill and submit to their Traditional Rulers for endorsement as she noted that sometime in June, the flag-off will take place and they would be expected to come with their forms.

In his contribution, the Commissioner for Education (Tertiary) Prof. Uba Nnabue commended the State governor for bequeathing the State with the greatest legacy through the provision of qualitative and affordable free education. He observed that no country could develop beyond her educational attainment. He advised the students to obtain pin numbers for assessing the forms and to report their challenges in accessing the free education forms to the Ministry of Tertiary Education, adding that the forms were available to every Imo student.

In their separate speeches, the Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor Ukachukwu Awuzie, the Rector, Imo Polytechnic, Rev. Fr. Wence Madu and the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Princess Ngozi Duru commended the State Governor for revitalizing and transforming the State education sector.

Present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, the SSG, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, Members of the Imo Exco, House of Assembly Members, Permanent Secretaries, Heads and Departmental Heads of Tertiary Institutions in Imo State, Student Union Governments and others.

NUJ Imo State branch calls on Rochas to vie for 2nd term in 2015

The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Imo State, Sir Innocent Igwe, on behalf of the entire members of the union,  has appealed to Governor Rochas Okorocha to consider a 2^nd term bid as Governor of Imo State come 2015 to ensure the sustainability of projects initiated by the Rescue Mission government.

He made this appeal yesterday at the Government House, Owerri during a press briefing organized by the Imo State government.

Sir Innocent Igwe

Speaking during the occasion, Sir Innocent Igwe said that the outing has afforded journalists an opportunity of getting first-hand information on the activities of the State government.

He commended governor Okorocha for the giant strides made by his administration in the areas of free education, massive roads construction and infrastructural transformation across the 27 Local Government Areas of the State.

Responding, the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha attributed part of the successes recorded by his administration to prudent management of State resources and blockage of loopholes created by corruption.

He noted that over 1,000 verifiable projects have been completed by his administration, adding that that many of them are under reported by journalists.

He maintained that the achievements made by the present administration were borne out of his vision and passion to give lasting legacy to the State.

He pointed out that government has saved over One billion naira (N1b) that was hitherto used for printing of bill boards and has fully restored the confidence of the masses in government.

The governor expressed concern that many youths are unconcerned about skill acquisition and encouraged Imo youths to seize advantage of the newly established Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies (ICAPS) to acquire skills that would make then self-employed.

He noted that apart from the creation of 25,000 thousand jobs by his government, efforts were also geared towards reviving the moribund industries in the State to create more jobs and reduce the rate of unemployment in the State.

The Governor further disclosed plans to bring in industries from Turkey while encouraging local industrialists to invest in the State.

He said that his government has completed 3 inland bridges within the capital city while 2 new bridges are on-going to ensure a hitch free traffic in the State capital.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha stressed that kidnapping and other criminal activities have reduced drastically in the State and commended the security operatives for their gallantry.

He noted that the introduction of the Community Government Council (CGC) in the State has given the rural populace a sense of belonging as well as boosted the agricultural sector of the economy.

Also present at the occasion were journalists from all the metropolitan newspapers in Imo State as well as correspondents from some highbrow newspapers in Nigeria.

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• Dennis Anaba and Eberechukwu Ebonugwo like this.
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  Henry Okoro Where is the 25000 jobs?

  May 28, 2014 at 5:09pm · Like
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  Henry Okoro deceit leads to pit.

  May 28, 2014 at 5:13pm · Like
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  Nwachukwu Patrick O My brother why dont you appreciate the little you see so that he will do more.

  June 13, 2014 at 8:31am · Unlike · 1
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  Chioma Kabiri Hugh God forbid bad thing

  June 13, 2014 at 3:59pm · Like