FUTO awards Okorocha Doctorate degree in Mgt.Technology

Governor Okorocha receiving the award of Doctorate degree in Technology at the 28th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has been awarded a Doctorate Degree in Management Technology at the 28th Convocation ceremony of the Federal university of Technology Owerri during the weekend.

The school said its Choice of Okorocha for the award became necessary following the giant strides recorded so far by his administration in Imo State in the last four and half years.

Speaking at a pre-convocation press briefing, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Chigozie Asiabaka, disclosed that 24 students would graduate with First Class while 604 students would make the Second Class (Upper Division). He said that 1381 would graduate with Second Class (Lower division) while 223 will make Third Class and 11 will graduate with a Pass.

He expressed satisfaction that the university had maintained a steady academic calendar in the last four years.

In his words, “In the last four and half years, the university has emphasized more on quality teaching and research which are critical aspects of our Quest for Excellence. To buttress the success of the university in these core areas, the 2015 web ranking of Nigerian Universities conducted by Four International Colleges and Universities, an international higher education search engine and directory reviewing accredited Universities and Colleges in the world, placed FUTO 16 out of the 144 universities in the country. Similarly, the Africa University and Higher Institution Ranking 2015 based on research publications and citations conducted by Journals Consortium ranked FUTO 71 in Africa”.

Other dignitaries who received award at the occasion include Alhaji Bamanga Tukur who was awarded a Doctorate degree in Management Tecnology as well as the late Senator Uche Chukwumerije who was conferred with a posthumous Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa).

Biafra agitation: NCTRN meets with Okorocha in Owerri

Gov Rochas Okorocha in a handshake with Alhaji [Dr] Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe and Chairman Co-coordinating Committee, Northern Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria during their visit to Govt. House, Owerri on Tuesday.

Governor Rochas Okorocha hosted a high powered delegation of Northern and South-Eastern Traditional Rulers under the aegis of 
Consultative Meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) who yesterday, held a meeting in Owerri to rub minds on the recent disturbances in the South-East.

Etsu Nupe, HRH Alh Dr Yahaya Abubakar  led the delegation. The Northern Traditional Rulers said they believe in the unity of Nigeria and are concerned about the agitation. They said the agitation should be looked into. The event saw first class Traditional Rulers from across the country. In attendance include the Obi of Onitsha, Emir of Lafia, Emir of Fika, Gbong Gwom Jos among others.

The Traditional Rulers from the South-East presented their new chairman HRM Eze Eberechi Dick, who doubles as Chairman Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers. They informed Governor Rochas Okorocha that peace has returned to the traditional institution in the South-East.

In his response, Governor Rochas Okorocha commended the Northern Traditional Rulers for their interest in the events in Igbo land saying that the Igbos has lost more lives than any other tribe in Nigeria for the unity of the country. He said Igbos are industrious and are found in every part of Nigeria, adding that the Igbo man doesn't see himself as a stranger in any land. Owelle Rochas Okorocha assured the visitors that the agitation is being looked into by the governors and leaders of South-East. 

He said killing of Ibos in the Boko Haram crises without compensation, amnesty granted Niger Delta youths without extending same to Igbo youths who surrendered their arms etc.

Nigeria is my constituency, having been born and trained in the North, empowered by the South West and being of Igbo parentage.

Gov Rochas okorocha in a group pix with Northern Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria during their visit to Govt House, Owerri on Tuesday.

Nigerian youths decorate Nwosu as Patron

Youths in Nigeria have gathered to decorate the Chief of Staff, Imo State Government House Ugwumba Uche Nwosu as their National Patron.   

The Nigerian youths working under the umbrella body of National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN) has gathered at Agura Hotel, in Abuja recently to perfect the installation and decoration of the Chief Uche Nwosu as YAN National Patron.

The event attracted all youth Ambassadors of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, those sworn in were Rt. Hon. (Amb) Samuel Godstime Chukwubuikem, former Special Assistant to Imo State Governor on Student Affairs he emerged as Speaker, Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN) while Rt. Hon. (Amb) Sani Shuaibu of Nasarawa State as Deputy Speaker.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Staff to the Imo State Government, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu thanked the youths all over the 36 states of the federation for finding him worthy to be decorated as their patron.

Ugwumba Uche Nwosu enjoined youths to emulate good leadership qualities from exemplary and selfless leaders, while urging them to shun crime and other vices capable of destroying their future.

He stressed the need for those in positions of authority, especially those in higher public offices to use their good offices to create immortal legacies worthy of emulation.

2015 edition of Public Service Games kicks off in Imo

Governor Okorocha receives a vest from the National President of Federation of Public Service Games during their visit to Govt. House, Owerri

The 2015 edition of the Federation of Public Service Games has commenced in Imo State.

Speaking during a reception organized for the games officials at the Government House Owerri today, Governor Rochas Okorocha said that by hosting the 2015 edition of the public service games, Imo state is by implication, hosting the unity of the nation through sports and assured the organizers of the event of adequate security and warm hospitality.

 He called on both the federal and state governments to invest heavily in sports because of the wonderful contributions of sporting activities to the unity of the country, adding that sporting activities have always brought Nigerians from all tribes together as one united people. 

He explained that the importance of the public service games cannot be over-emphasized especially when Nigerians from all spheres of life would be gathering in the state for the games, show-casing the unity and peaceful co-existence of the people of Nigeria. 

In his speech earlier, the National President of the federation of public games, Comrade Dahiru Hassan said, they had settled for Imo state for the hosting of the public service games this time because of the good stories they heard about the state’s feats in tourism, hospitality and security and that with what they have seen already, it was obvious they had taken a wise decision to give Imo the hosting right.

Comrade Hassan praised Governor Okorocha for accepting to host the games, and for providing the enabling environment for the successful hosting of the games including the prompt renovation of the stadia where the games would be taking place and provision of quality accommodations for the organizers.

He also informed the governor about their decision to honour him as an Icon of sports and Goodwill Ambassador of the Federation of Public Service Games at an investiture slated for December 3, 2015.

Don’t make Maths, English language compulsory, Rochas tells education bodies

Gov Okorocha in a handshake with the Registrar CEO of NECO, Prof. Abdulrashid Garba during his visit to Govt. House, Owerri on Thursday last week

Governor Rochas Okorocha has called on Universities in Nigeria and other relevant bodies to drop the idea of making English language and mathematics compulsory for admissions into Higher Institutions of learning because making these two subjects compulsory for admissions has frustrated many brilliant students who could for one reason or the other, not pass either of the two subjects.

Governor Okorocha who spoke when the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Examination Council, (NECO), Prof. Abdulrashid Garba visited him at the Government House Owerri, with his team recently, stressed that the time has come for all the concerned bodies in the country to help our education and also help students with the ambition of pursuing higher education, by dropping the demand that a child must have credit in English and Mathematics before he or she can gain admission into the university. Instead of making the two subjects mandatory, only the subjects relevant to the courses the individual students want to pursue in higher institutions should be made mandatory, Okorocha advocated.

According to him, the rule that made it mandatory that Nigerian students must credit English and Mathematics before they could proceed to higher institutions has led some students to indulge in some unconventional activities to ensure that they pass the two subjects while some of the brilliant ones who could not make the subjects for one reason or the other are denied the opportunity of moving on to the university.

He said the school population in the state has continued to move up progressively since 2011 because of the free education programme of his administration from primary to the University, adding that his administration has continued to pay teachers in the state their salaries as at when due because of the high premium his government places on education.

The governor commended Prof. Abdulrashid Garba for the progress so far recorded by NECO in its operations including the conduct of School Certificate Examinations, urging them to remain patriotic and show the spirit of sacrifice especially now that the country is going through a trying period and President Mohammadu Buhari is working to fix the country again after what happened in the past few years.

Gov Rochas Okorocha in a group pix with the Registrar and CEO of NECO, Prof. Abdulrashid Garba and others during their visit to Govt. House, Owerri on Thursday.

In his speech earlier, Prof. Garba commended Governor Okorocha for the free education programme of his administration and told the governor that the Council would soon begin to develop the land given to it by the Imo state government, appealing that the government should spare the council’s land when carrying out its threat to revoke lands that had been acquired long before now without those concerned making any effort to develop them.

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.