Chinedu advocates need for hygienic practice in abattoirs in Imo

 Mr Calistus Chinedu

The Imo State Task force Committee Chairman on abattoir and Cattle Dealers Association, Mr Calistus Chinedu has advocated the need for a better and more hygienic practice in the handling of meat for public consumption in all the abattoirs in Imo state.

Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of abattoir operators, butchers and livestock traders in the state recently, Mr Chinedu noted that the leadership of abattoirs in the state has shown understanding and cooperation and assured them that government is ready to support them to do their business to the their own benefit and to the benefit of their customers in the State. He said Governor Rochas Okorocha has taken cognizance of the poor condition of abattoir in Imo State and has deemed it necessary to address the issue without procrastination.

Earlier, the Principal Secretary to the governor Dr. Paschal Obi said that the government will not tolerate a situation where meat brought out for public consumption would be kept in an unhygienic condition.

He explained that the government was willing to develop a cordial relationship with the traders as well as come out with appropriate rate that would help to improve the State’s Internally Generated Revenue.

Responding the president of Imo State Cattle Dealers Association Mr Eze Onyeukwu  promised that they will improve the sanitary condition of the abattoir and urged the government to carry them along  in the scheme of things.       

IMHA seeks Govt intervention as erosion sacks communities in Njaba LGA.

member representing Onuimo State Constituency Hon. Chinedu Offor 

Imo State House of Assembly has resolved to seek the urgent intervention of the state government and the federal government on erosion menace ravaging communities in Okpona Nkume and Njaba Local Government Area of the state.

Their resolution was motivated by a motion  moved by  member representing  Njaba State Constituency  for possible resettlement of the  people, lamenting that over 10 years  of erosion  has destroyed  their farmland, property and caused a lot of devastation to their  people  as greater percent of them people have been dislodged.

After deliberations IMHA unanimously resolved to visit the area and draw the attention of both state and federal government  to the area as well as FERMA and Ministry of Environment to provide special resettlement package for the people of the area.

In a related development the member representing Onuimo State Constituency Hon. Chinedu Offor has presented a motion calling on the state government to direct departments, agencies,  None Governmental Organizations  and religious bodies, including other private and public firms in the state to provide fire safety equipments.

After much debate the house resolved to direct the state government to provide executive bill in that regard so as to give it a legal fiat.   

Other bills presented at the floor of the House were a bill to regulate the financial management of the State and the Local Government, sponsored by the majority leader of the House Hon. Lugard  Osuji, a bill to provide for  Imo State Audit Service  Commission sponsored by the member representing Orlu State Constituency Hon. Maxwell Odunze and a bill for the establishment of the physical responsibility Commission, sponsored by Ikechukwu Oguike, member   representing  Ikeduru State Constituency.

Naira rain for pensioners in Imo State

The story of Imo State Pensioners have dramatically changed as the Governor, Owelle Anayo Okorocha has recently released more than expected fund to offset their arrears of pensions.

In Statement made available to the public from the office of the Principal Secretary to the Governor DR Paschal Obi, The governor approved the release of N5.8 billion for the payment of pension arrears in the state so as to cater for months of pension arrears, it has been seen as a positive develop that has put smiles on the faces of pensioners in the state.

The  release by the principle secretary to the governor DR  Obi says all state and local government  pensioners who earn N10.000 monthly are to get three months arrears and the remaining balance spread across 36 months  in effect they shall be receiving one month along with their current  monthly pension until their arrears are liquidated.

Thursday November 19^th 2015 retired primary school teachers whose pension fall between 10 to 50,000 Naira shall collect 50 percent. The balance which is to be spread over 36 months shall continue to be cleared  on monthly basis as current pensions are paid each month.

On Friday 20^th November 2015 , will be for retired primary school teachers who earn above 50 percent of their total arrears, while the balance is to be paid over 36 months periods  with one month arrears to be during  along their current pension.

The statement further advised the pensioners  to come to the payment centers that is their various local government council headquarters with necessary documents to facilitate their identification and payment.

It noted that only duly verified pensioners are allowed at the pension centers  as adequate security has been put in place to apprehend impersonators for prosecution.

The release said that government is aware that some pension were not captured during the verification  exercise due to one reason or the other , the governor allays fears of such senior citizens, as he has approved a high powered committee to diligently verify them for payment commencing on Monday 23^rd November 2015.

Okorocha demonstrates faithfulness in payment of health workers salary

Imo State Governor, Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha said he has always remained faithful and committed in the payment of health workers salaries.

The governor made the explanation at the Imo State Government House Owerri, during a meeting with striking health workers who recently called off their strike after a fruitful deliberation with him.

Owelle Okorocha said `I have put in my best and my conscience justifies that, you have no reason to go on strike, as  you have not been denied salary until the recent economic melt down, I expected you to show understanding and things will be sorted out well`

Governor Okorocha who approved three months salary out of the five months arrears explained that his regime has always paid health workers salaries, as well as made frantic efforts to improve their welfare package. He passionately appealed to them to be partners in progress towards building a better Imo State.

The governor expressed dismay that health workers went on strike not because of non-payment of salary, but because of corrected CONHESS and CONMESS. He urged them to consider the initiative for salary adjustment.

He said `you made a mistake, you wouldn’t have gone on strike, I believe in family relationship that makes you and I happy I want IMSUTH to grow from strength to strength  I wonder why you could not reciprocate my kind gesture.

It was a successful meeting that put smiles on the faces of the health workers as the governor approved three months salary arrears for them and promised to carry them along in the scheme things.

After the meeting the health workers agreed to go back work, as they were pleased with the outcome of the meeting.

Responding the CMD of IMSUTH   DR Fred Anolue  thanked the governor for his willingness  to look into their plight and promised  that they will go back to work immediately.

Those present at the meeting were Chief Medical Director of Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH,) Provost College of Health Technology, Medical Consultants Resident Doctors and other relevant stakeholders.

Rochas tasks NIS boss to improve effort in fight against terrorism

Governor Okorocha in handshake with the Imo State Comptroller of Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS), Mrs. Nneka Uchendu during the latter's visit to Govt House Owerri today.

Governor Rochas Okorocha has called on the Imo State Comptroller of Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS), Mrs. Nneka Uchendu to sensitize and educate Nigerians especially professionals on the need to verify overseas jobs before accepting them because ISIS and other terror groups are making multi-million dollar offers to professionals who may be willing to join them.

He made this call when the newly posted State Comptroller, of the Nigeria Immigration Service paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House Owerri today.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that there is need for the scope of work of the immigration services to be expanded, adding that they should also inquire and investigate on the purposes of Nigerians travelling abroad with a view to curtailing the chances of our people joining the terror groups.

The Governor equally admonished the new comptroller to liaise with the office of the secretary to the State Government so that a task force will be formed to carry out a thorough mop-up in the state to clear it of its illegal immigrants and aliens who disguise as watch men and artisans and perpetrate all sorts of evil in the state.

He stated that immigration services is very important to our nation’s growth, hence should be supported whole heartedly especially now that the nation is fighting insurgency orchestrated by illegal aliens in the country. 

 He expressed joy at the great sense of responsibility and passion exhibited by the Comptroller since she took over office, stating that her vision to succeed is quite commendable and urged her not to rest on her oars.

  

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha urged the Federal Government to look into the federal establishments in Imo State that have deteriorated with a view of putting the dilapidated structures into proper shape for better productivity.  

Earlier, the newly posted Comptroller, Imo State Command of Nigeria Immigration Services, Mrs. Nneka Uchendu expressed her determination to work assiduously to help the Federal and State Government attain the lofty ideals required in the immigration system.  She spoke on the need for the command to be included in State Security Council Meetings so that they can contribute their quota to the security challenges facing the nation, pointing that apart from issuing passport, they are equally trained to tackle  security challenges when required.  The State Immigration boss thanked the governor for donating a car to the command and for equally allocating a land where the command permanent site is being constructed.  She equally solicited for more support from the state government, promising to live up to expectation.

Madumere calls for end to marginalization of Imo in Niger Delta

Imo Deputy Governor, Prince EzeMadumere addressing the Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders during the week 2015 Niger Delta Development Forum organised by Niger Delta Partnership Initiative Foundation ( NDPI ) in Asaba, Delta State.

Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere has called on development partners and donor agencies to end marginalization of Imo State in their collaborative effort to stimulate growth in Niger Delta.

He made this remark yesterday while delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony of 2015 Niger Delta Development Forum organized  by The Niger Delta Partnership Initiative Foundation (NDPI) in Asaba, Delta State.  

The forum seeks to increase level of awareness and understanding among stakeholders of systemic constraints to economic growth in the Niger Delta.

Prince Madumere praised the organizers of the event for creating a forum where the leadership of various Niger Delta States come together to interact and discuss the impact of partnership with the collaborative organizations to foster development in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking further, Prince Madumere admitted that the partnership may have yielded dividends in facilitating hitch-free project start up and implementation through the provision of infrastructure, logistics, security and local procurement support.

He also used the opportunity to call on the forum to take a comprehensive look at the developmental strides of Owelle RochasOkorocha-led government since 2011 and appreciate the rate at which the government has turned things around especially area of infrastructural development.

He therefore urged the forum and other partners to focus on Imo State to complement the effort of the Rescue Mission Government to enhance the course of development.

FRCN annual lecture: Okorocha calls for unity of Nigerians.

Governor Okorocha speaking at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) annual lecture series held in Abuja yesterday

Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, has called on the Government and people of Nigeria to address the issue of unity of the country and structure of governance.

He made this call yesterday as the guest speaker at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) annual lecture series held in Abuja with the theme: ‘Managing Change in Democracy: The Nigerian Situation’.

Okorocha said there is over-centralization of power in Nigeria with the current federal structure and advocated a Community Government in order to have four tiers of government as against the current structure.

He decried the current situation in Nigeria where the various ethnic groups do not value one another and how this has negatively affected Nigeria’s development.

He noted that changing a government without changing the standard of people is not change, adding that Nigeria must also get it right in the areas of education and agriculture. Said he; “we are looking for leaders in a democracy and President Muhammdu Buhari has all the characteristics and I can also tell Nigerians that we are in a right place.”

The event was chaired by a former Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Ahmadu Commassie while the Etsu Nupe, HRH Yahaya Abubakar was the royal father of the day and the chief host was minister information and culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed.

Watch video below-

Review salaries of public office holders, Okorocha tells RMFC

Okorocha in hand shake with RMFC Chairman during the latter's visit to Govt House, Owerri on Wed.

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on the chairman and members of the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission (RMFC) to do a downward review of the salaries and allowances of the President, Governors, National Assembly members, and all other political office holders at least by fifty percent to make the offices less attractive.

Governor Okorocha made this call on Wednesday when he hosted the chairman of RMFC Engr. Elias Mbam and other members of the commission to a breakfast meeting at the Government House, Owerri at the end of their annual retreat in the State.

Speaking at the meeting, Governor Okorocha said that with the downward review of salaries and allowances of political office holders, such positions or offices would become less attractive which would also reduce the tension that always go with the contest for such offices.

He explained that the drastic reduction of the take-home pay of political office holders would reduce poverty among the populace and also reduce crimes that are mostly borne out of the envy occasioned by these bloated salaries and allowances of political office holders.

According to him, only those keen in rendering genuine service to the people would go for such public offices if the salaries paid are less attractive.

In his words, “when the salaries and allowances of public office holders whether elected or appointed are reviewed downward at least by fifty percent or even more than that, it would make the offices less attractive and with that, only those who want these offices for service would go for them.”

He continued “If one knows that at the end of the month your total pay as governor or National Assembly member would be less than five hundred thousand Naira, most people would stay away.  And only those with ideas and the genuine spirit of service would aspire for such offices. The huge amount spent on recurrent expenses should be directed to infrastructure, while the paraphernalia of offices should be drastically reduced. People who are ready to sacrifice for their people should be encouraged for leadership positions while those coming for the gains of the offices should be discouraged.”

  

Chairman of the commission, Engr. Mbam said they had chosen Imo State for their retreat because of the good stories being associated with the state in terms of security, infrastructure, tourism, hospitality and so on, adding that they were satisfied with what they have seen so far in the state in terms of her development and growth.

Engr. Mbam commended Governor Okorocha mostly for the free education programme of his government and his own personal free education initiatives through the Rochas Foundation, assuring him that they will work on their findings during their retreat in Owerri.

Rochas lays foundation for new office blocks at NSCDC Imo State command

Okorocha laying foundation for the new office block at the Imo Command of  NSCDC ( photo by Onyeka Jerome O.)

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has laid foundation for the building of new office blocks at the Imo State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The new office blocks will be designed to contain well secured units of cells where suspects will be detained before prosecution.

Other events that took place at the NSCDC Command during Rochas’ visit yesterday include a ceremony which marked the 100 days in office of the Imo State Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Pedro Awili Ideba and the flag off of the Arms Squad training for the 2015 batch of officers of the NSCDC.

Also present at the occasion is the Secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Jude Ejiogu, Governor Okorocha’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Kingsley Uju Chima, the member representing Owerri Municipal at the State House of Assembly, Mr Lugard Osuji and a host of others.

2015 Batch of the Arms Squad trainees of the NSCDC (photo by Jerome Onyeka )

Group photo of Government officials and security personnel at the foundation laying ceremony at the NSCDC, Imo Command  (photo by Jerome Onyeka O.)

Imo to partner with PZ CUSSON to establish Palm refinery in the State

Okorocha interacting with representatives of  PZ CUSSION at the Govt House, Owerri yesterday ( photo by Onyeka Jerome O.)

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has pledged to partner with a Multi-National Company, PZ Cusson in setting up Palm Plantations across the three zones of the State as part of its efforts to diversify the economy of the state.

Owelle Okorocha made this pledge when the Management of the PZ Cussons called on him at the government House Owerri yesterday. He stated that a taskforce on palm plantation has already been set up by his government to ensure that every community has at least a hectre of palm plantation.

The governor regretted a situation where a country like Malaysia that got palm fruit from Imo State is now a leading country in the production of palm produce, whereas Nigeria is still relying on crude oil to exist.

He stressed that time has come for the nation and state to look inwards and return back to agriculture, pointing out that his administration will be ready to partner with serious investors in the development of the agric sector especially in the area of palm plantation.

Speaking further, he stated that the communities in Imo State has already planted palms and will be ready to provide 100 tons of palm fruit every month if the company is serious with business.

  

Earlier, the leader of the group, Mr. Santosh Pillai expressed their readiness to partner with the state government to resuscitate its agro industrial sector, noting that Imo State was a major player in the export of palm oil produce in the late seventies.

He spoke of their determination to revitalize the palm industry in the state and Nigeria at large and at such reduce import and increase export of palm produce.