Imo govt to establish 637 micro finance banks in rural communities

 

The Imo State government has revealed its plan to float Micro Finance Bank in each of the 637 Communities of the State, with its headquarters at Okigwe Road Owerri.

The State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha made this known while on facility tour of some projects in Owerri recently.

Governor Okorocha who disclosed that the State government in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria in the project, has equally obtained certificate and completed all necessary documentation for smooth take off .

He assured that the bank would be adequately funded by the State, stressing that about 2 billion naira has been earmarked for the bank.

Owelle Okorocha described the financial institution as a dream come through in the present administration bid to alleviate poverty in the state pointing out that “this will help the ordinary people in the village, the peasant farmers, traders to access loan.”

He further said that all Community Government Council (CGC) accounts would be created in the Imo Micro Finance Banks for easier access to the communities.

Buhari,8 governors, others attend Okorocha’s daughter’s wedding in Owerri

 

Miss Uju Okorocha (right), and Dr Uzoma Anwuka (left)

Former Head of State, General Mohammadu Buhari and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar were all in Owerri, today to attend the wedding of Governor Okorocha’s second daughter, Miss Uju Okorocha who tied the nuptial knot with  Dr Uzoma Anwuka, the son of the secretary to the Imo State Government.

Also in attendance at the wedding are former Governor of Lagos State,  Senator Bola Tinubu, the  National chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun, former Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande. Others are Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso [Kano State], Governor Wammako of Sokoto State, Governor Abudfatah Ahmed [Kwara State], Chief Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Alhaji Tanko Al Makura of Nasarawa State, former governor of Kwara State senator Bukola Saraki, former Speaker of House of Representatives Alhaji Bello Masari, former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timpre Sylva, one time governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamesieye, one time governor of Abia state, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, publisher of Leadership Newspaper and Presidential aspirant on the platform of APC, Alhaji Sam Nda-Isaiah, State Chief Judges, National Assembly members, and a host of other prominent Nigerians.

Governor Okorocha in hand shake with General Buhari at the former's daughter's wedding in Owerri

Speaking at St. Joseph’s Catholic Chaplaincy Imo State University, Owerri where the event took place, Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said, with the galaxy of Nigerians of all shades both Muslims and Christians coming together for the church wedding, was an indication that Nigerians are ready to live in unity irrespective of their religions and tribes.

  

In his sermon at the occasion, the officiating Minister, Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Bishop Solomon Amatu charged the couple and Christians at large to make God their friend rather than an enemy as he warned that no one ever defeats God in a battle no matter the status and position.

The Bishop urged them to keep to their vows of the marriage for each other as he prayed for God’s abundant blessings and fruitfulness.

Owelle Rochas Okorocha and wife flanked by Alhaji Asuwuju Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar at the wedding of Uzoma and Ujunwa in Owerri today

Earlier at the couple’s Traditional marriage held at Governor Okorocha’s  country home in Ogboko, Ideato-South Local Government Area of Imo State on Friday, a former National Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Chief Audu Ogbe, sued for harmony among tribes and religions in Nigeria to achieve a lasting peace and progress.

Chief Ogbe who expressed worry at the alarming rate of unemployment, insecurity and poor electricity in the country, appealed to the political class to promote industrial development in order to reduce youth unemployment.

He commended Governor Okorocha for being a detribalized Nigerian and for the giant strides achieved through his Rescue Mission government in Imo State.

Governor Okorocha and his second daughter, Ujunwa

The traditional marriage rites were performed by the groom’s family in accordance with the norms and tradition of the Ndigbo and the bride handed over to the Anwuka family by the bride’s father, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

The governors of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji and that of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajumobi were present to felicitate with their colleague and give their blessings to the new couple.

Others present were the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Alhaji , Musa  Ibeto, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, the wife of Borno State governor, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the former Minister of Finance, Chief Olu Falaye, former Super Eagles player, Tijani Babangida, the members of Muslim Community in Imo State, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajimogu and other state legislators, the Chaiman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Samuel Ohiri  and other Imo traditional rulers as well as the enlarged Expanded Imo State Executive Council.

Okorocha launches 'Security Black File' for crime prevention and control

Governor Okorocha 3rd from left, addressing Imolites during the official launch of 'The Imo Security Black File' 

The Imo State government has launched a security organization called 'The Imo Security Black File' in continuation of the State government's bid to beef up security in the State ahead of Christmas and the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria.

Performing the ceremony at the Nick’s Banquets Hall, Government House Owerri today, Governor Rochas Okorocha said that the Security Black File is in line with the Igbo tradition and would contain the names and communities of all crime suspects in the State. Said he; “we will go back to the cultural and traditional method of crime prevention which involves exposing criminals.  Igbo’s are proud of and conscious of their root and hates public disgrace.”

Governor Okorocha tasked the Traditional rulers to stand as Chief Security Officers of their various communities adding that the 'black file' is part of “Operation stop them before they strike” and would be with the traditional rulers and all government agencies.

He stressed that the file is highly confidential and warned that it should not be used vindictively or out of sentiments, pointing out that the exercise would go down in the State even in the next 100 years, in crime control.

The State Chief Executive, who noted that the exercise would aim at changing criminals to responsible citizens, disclosed that henceforth the names of criminals and their communities would be announced alongside their Traditional rulers from time to time.  He urged the traditional rulers to work in synergy with the Police and other Security outfits in the State as he assured the State government's readiness to provide both enabling ground and logistics to ensure the success of the programme.

Governor Okorocha presenting a copy of the 'Black File' to one of the Traditional Rulers

Present at the occasion were the Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere, the State Exco members, representative of the State Commissioner of Police, traditional rulers in the State among others.

Imo Carnival 2014 kicks off in grand style

Governor Okorocha flanked on the left by Miss Nkeiruka Sylvanus and on the right by Mr Paddy Obinna at the opening ceremony of Imo Carnival 2014

The rescheduled Imo 2014 Carnival began in Owerri yesterday with participants marching through Wetheral Road from Owerri City School before converging on the newly constructed Imo Freedom Square, showcasing the economic, fun and human development strength of Imo State.

The participants showcased different types of bands including the free education band (tertiary), youth must work band, friendship band, new masquerade band, corporate bands, the governor’s and Nneoma bands.

The week-long carnival is expected to attract delegates from more than 16 states and friends from different nations.

It will feature parade of Imo youth/children, Umuada (maidens) and Umuopara (sons) command performance, contemporary music, upcoming stars, musical performance, Igbo poetry/folk night, Igbo talk show, and night of laughter and comedies.

Speaking to journalists at the opening ceremony of the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Chairman 2014 Imo Carnival Committee, Mr Paddy Obinna, also said it would be a period of self-expression.

Cultural dance at the Imo Carnival

Also speaking, the Secretary of the 2014 Imo Carnival Committee, Miss Nkeiruka Sylvanus, said the committee had established a carnival village which would be open to all individuals and corporate organisations throughout the carnival for the people to subscribe to it to ensure effective publicity.

16 convicts pardoned as Imo marks Nigeria’s 54th Independence anniversary

Officers of the Imo State Civil Guard stand on parade ground while  Okorocha inspects their 'Guard of Honour'
at the Government House Owerri on Ist October 2014

In exercise of his power on prerogative of mercy the governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has granted pardon to 16 convicts serving in the prisons in Imo State.

The governor acted on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of mercy, which he had earlier set up with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the State, Chief Chukwuma – Machukwu Umeh (SAN) as chairman.

Eleven of the pardoned convicts were imprisoned for non-capital offences and had almost finished serving their prison terms, and have less than 6 months to serve out their terms.  Mr. Canice Egbunanne was pardoned on the ground of age.  He is 94 years old, while Mr. Chidi Nwosu also pardoned, is almost 70 years old.

Before granting them the pardon on Wednesday 1^st October, the Governor had also asked the mammoth crowd at the event whether they would support that the 16 people recommended for pardon by the Advisory Council on Prerogative of mercy should be allowed to enjoy freedom, and the response was thunderously in the affirmative.

Preceding the pardon of the affected 16 convicts, the governor had delivered emotion-laden speech, extempore that excited the crowd.  The governor said at 54, this is the time the country should address the vexed issues of insecurity, youths unemployment, selfishness and corruption among leaders, lack of patriotism, emphasis on ethnicity, insurgence and other challenges facing Nigeria as a nation.

Said he; “as a nation, no better time to act and achieve the desired goals than now.  We must admit that things are not working out the way they should in Nigeria.  That will help us to wake up as a nation.”

He continued, “Democracy has not functioned well in Nigeria.  We have to strengthen our democracy because it is not being practiced the way it should.  When that is done, then development is guaranteed.  Nigerians should see themselves as members of one family, and shun leaders who preach tribalism, religious dichotomy and division among the political class.”

  

Governor Okorocha praised the Army, Police, SSS and all security agents in the country for their services, adding that they have continued to

sacrifice their own security and comfort to keep others secured.

Other convicts granted pardon are, Uchenna Udum, Sunday Egwu, Amos Ishaya, Anyuba Bartholomew, Benjamine Osunkwo, Okezie Obasi, Ifeanyi Nwokeji, Ogbonna  Onyinyechi, Chidi Nwosu, and seven others.

Governor Okorocha at the parade ground of the Imo State Government House on 1st October 2014

Present at the crowded event were service Chiefs in the State, the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, Chief of Staff, Government House Owerri, Sir. Jude Ejiogu, all government functionaries, Traditional rulers and religious leaders.

Okorocha extends free tertiary education to non indigenes of Imo State

Governor Okorocha commissioning the N150 million Ultra-Modern Owunna Recreation Park at the University campus Owerri on Tuesday

Determined to give every child in Nigeria access to free and qualitative education, the Imo state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has extended free tertiary education to non indigenes of Imo State studying in Imo State university and other  tertiary institutions run by the Imo State government.

Governor Okorocha announced this during the commissioning ceremony of N150m Ultra-Modern Owunna Recreation Park at the University campus Owerri on Tuesday.

Speaking during the occasion, he stressed the need to encourage the present generation to do better than the past generation and urged the students to reciprocate the gesture by imbibing a progressive spirit.

He further called on the school authorities to stop forthwith the collection of N50,000 acceptance fee and warned lecturers against the sale of handouts, while insisting that all books must be sold through the bookshops.

The Governor however pointed out that government will not be involved in certain charges like students’ Identity Cards, medicals, text books and other departmental charges. He therefore appealed to the academic staff to be modest and adhere strictly to the directives.

While promising to elevate the image of the University, Governor Okoroccha urged the students to develop passion for education and advised them to refrain from cultism and indecent dressing especially as the nation is yearning for leaders with good conduct in both learning and character.

He commended the Pro-Chancellor, Mazi Clement Owunna and the University Governing Council for their personal sacrifices made towards the development of the institution.

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof Uba Nnabue, noted the Imo State University has witnessed remarkable level of infrastructural development within the past three years of the Rescue Mission administration.

He called on the staff and students of the University to support the government in its efforts to promote education in the State.

Earlier in his address, the Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof Ukach Awuzie, stated that the recreation park was constructed and funded by the Pro-Chancellor, Mazi Clement Owunna through his Chief Peter Sunday Owunna Memorial Foundation (CPSOMF) and donated to the institution.

Governor Okorocha addressing staff and students of Imo State University  during the commissioning ceremony of N150m Ultra-Modern Owunna Recreation Park at the University campus Owerri on Tuesday

He described the park as the first of its kind in the country tailored to suit the needs of the staff and students alike and commended him for attracting numerous projects to the institution as the chairman of the Governing Council of Imo State University.

Handing over the project, donor and Pro-Chancellor of the Universty, Mazi Clement Owunna said the Board of Trustees of his Foundation conceptualized and developed the Recreation Park which stood to tune of N150m to create an environment that would impact positively on the students staff as well as add dynamism to the University ambience and environment.

He thanked Governor Okorocha for the support given to the University which has translated into the development of physical infrastructural at both the Owerri and Orlu campuses.

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• Dennis Anaba likes this.
• 

  Michael Ositadinma Duru Even the so called indigenes are not even seeing any free educations, all these are mere politics

  September 26, 2014 at 3:47pm · Like · 2
• 

  Ukpabia Chukwudi Theddeus This man called rochas knows how to use poor masses to play.

  September 26, 2014 at 4:26pm · Like · 1
• 

  Ifeanyi Ekechi U are a big fool, giving others free education while half of Imolites are not educated because of high skull fees, i know is northerners that he gave free education, i hate even the leg u mack on the grand IDIOT............i regret casting my vote for u

  September 26, 2014 at 4:41pm · Like
• 

  Ifeanyi Ekechi ohakim is far better than u

  September 26, 2014 at 4:43pm · Like
• 

  Ebere Inyama Ifeanyi Ekechi are YOU not a bigger fool for publicly insulting a serving governor. If you have a grievance, common sense should tell you that your approach is very wrong. There are ways and avenues for channeling grievances. You have no justification whatever to use such words on any body. I advise that you apologize to him right away.

  October 3, 2014 at 1:00pm · Like · 1

I’ll win 2015 presidential election if… - Okorocha

Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has said that  Nigeria as a nation can be properly fixed with the right leadership and that he could be the right fixer if elected the president of the country in 2015 on the ticket of All Progressives Congress, APC.  He asked the APC members to give him the party’s presidential ticket and assured that he would achieve victory for the party.

Governor Okorocha who spoke at the celebration of his 52^nd birthday in Owerri, with the national chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun in attendance, said he has every reason to be a detribalized leader if elected the president of the country, having been born by Igbo parents, educated by the North and empowered by the West.

                   

His words, “my success story would not be complete without acknowledging the North for giving me the needed education, and having been born an Igbo.  The West gave me the contact which gave me financial success.  So, there is every reason for me to be a detribalized Nigerian, when elected president.  With the help of God, I have fixed Imo state and I will also fix Nigeria to the glory of God.”

He continued, “I will also make education free at all levels in the country like I have done in Imo State.  I have been a strong advocate of a peaceful and united Nigeria.  It is time Nigerians discard ethnic sentiments for the country to achieve her goal of greatness. We must say no to the deceit of ethnic and religious barriers that have torn the country apart and embrace one another.”

On the celebration of his birthday, Governor Okorocha said “I am celebrating light over darkness, and victory over ignorance.  The Rochas Foundation spread in all the six geo-political zones of the country is an initiative to give back to the society what God has blessed me with, by offering hope to the hopeless and the less privileged.  My joy lies on the fact that God has blessed me to bless others.  Seventy-five percent of my wealth goes to charity.”

The birthday ceremony of the Governor had attracted thousands of young men and women who had either graduated or are still undergraduates through Rochas Foundation and most of them gave testimonies that elicited tears from those in attendance, and they prayed and commended Governor Okorocha for making it possible for them to have education.

The National Chairman of the APC, Chief Oyegun had in his speech at the event said he was amazed by the level of affinity between Governor Okorocha and the students and ex-students of the Rochas foundation and urged other leaders and politicians to follow the good example of Governor Okorocha by investing heavily in human capital.

Also present at the ceremony were Chief Segun Oni, a former Governor, and South-West National Deputy Chairman of APC, and a host of other APC leaders across the nation.  The governor’s wife, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha had thanked God for making her part of the success story in Imo state and a partner in the success story of the Rochas foundation.

Governor Okorocha’s Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere described his boss as a man of vision who has the required capacity to enthrone change in the country.

Imo Govt to name judiciary building after Oputa

Governor Okorocha in group photo with the Federal High Court judges led by Justice Ibrahim Auta when they paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Owerri recently

The judiciary building complex under construction by the Imo State government is to be named after the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

This disclosure was made by the Imo State governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha when Federal High Court Judges led by the Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Auta, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Owerri recently.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor Okorocha commended the Judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria for the speedy delivery of Justice especially in the cases relating to political disputes.

Describing the federal high court as the foundation of the Judiciary in Nigeria, he thanked the Federal Government for its establishment and assured the Judges of condusive environment throughout their stay in Imo State.

  

In his speech, the Chief Judge of the federal high court of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Auta, said that the Judges are in Imo state for the legal year conference which is an annual event and as well to commission the federal high court in Owerri.

Justice Auta commended the developmental strides in Imo State since the inception of the present administration led by Governor Rochas Okorocha.