Imo Carnival 2015 ends in grand style

Governor Okorocha preparing to light up the 30 meters long Christmas tree

The 2015 Imo Carnival has ended in Owerri today. Events marking the closing ceremony commenced by 10: 30am with participants trekking and dancing from the Freedom Square to Fire Service junction at Wetheral road and back to the Freedom Square while dressed in various colorful traditional attires.

The week long  annual event  which began with a procession of a large number of Imolites along the major streets of Owerri showcased the traditional heritage of the Igbo people. participants were colorfully dressed in traditional attires while the traditional dance group thrilled the spectators with native songs and dance steps.

A high point of the event is the parading of dozens of floats and dancers beautifully decorated to compliment the mood of the occasion.
The floats which came in indifferent artistic designs, sizes colors and shapes were sponsored by some of the state government officials, the Speaker  and members of the State House of Assembly including the Governor and his Deputy.
They moved and danced from the Imo International Convention Center, Orlu Road Junction to Wetheral Road to Fire Service Roundabout and back to the Carnival Village in the Freedom Square.
At the end of the event the float of the Deputy Chief of Staff Internal and Domestic Affairs, Mrs Ogechi Ololo won the first position with that of the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Mr Ugonna Ozuruigbo.
The float of Deputy Chief of staff Operations, Egnr. Kinsley Uju won the second position while the floats of Governor Okorocha and his Deputy Prince Eze madumere won the third position.
Some consolation prices were giving to other participants who competed keenly at the carnival.
In his remarks, Governor Okorocha thanked those who participated at the event and expressed optimism that subsequent outings will be better.
 He explained that the event has made tremendous impact in the state in the tourism and hospitality industry and showcased the people’s cultural heritage.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Of Staff Domestic and Internal Affairs Mrs Ololo whose float won the first position, described it as a wonderful event with unique and colourful outings.
She eulogized the state governor for his immense support that ensured the successful completion of the 2015 Imo Carnival.

A significant moment of the event took place earlier yesterday when Governor Okorocha lit a 30 meters high Christmas tree at the freedom square.
The event attracted tourists from many States in Nigeria and beyond.

Procession of participants during the carnival on Saturday.

The Deputy Chief Of Staff Domestic and Internal Affairs, Mrs Ogechi Ololo (extreme left), The Chief Of Staff, Govt House, Owerri, Chief Uche Nwosu (Middle) and other participants at the Carnival

Biafra agitation: Okorocha hails Nigerian soldiers for professionalism

Governor Okorocha in group picture with some of  the officers of the Nigerian Army at the 34 Field Artillery Brigade, Obinze, yesterday

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has commended the officers of the Nigerian Army on how they had worked in cooperation with other security agents in Imo state to handle thousands of MASSOB members who staged a protest in Owerri recently and ensured that there was no blood shed.

He made this commendation while on a visit to the 34 Field Artillery Brigade Obinze yesterday.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Okorocha said that Nigerian soldiers have shown gallantry in the way and manner they had handled the problem of insurgency in the North-east, adding that what the Nigerian Army needs is encouragement.

He urged the soldiers to continue to be patriotic and committed to duty, adding that the over eighty officers promoted recently is an indication that hard work is always rewarded in the Army.

He regretted the poor state of facilities at the Obinze barrack and assured that he was going to draw the attention of the federal government to the situation in the barracks and promised that the state government would move in urgently to fix certain facilities in the barrack before the federal government could come in.

Earlier, the Brigade commander, Brigadier General Kay Isiyaku thanked the governor for the visit and assured that the command under him would work in collaboration with the government and all the relevant agencies in the state to carry out their functions so as to achieve the expected goals.

Policewoman wins brand new car plus N1m at IMGH staff competition

Governor Okorocha handing over the keys of the brand new car to  Mrs. Blessing Ogbuefi at the Nicks Banquet Hall, Government House, Owerri yesterday.

A police Sergeant attached to the security department of the Imo State Government House,  Mrs. Blessing Ogbuefi has won a brand new Toyota car plus a cash prize of one million naira. She won the prizes yesterday at the end of year party organized by the office of the Chief Of Staff, Government House Owerri to select the best staff for the year 2015.

Presenting the car keys to Mrs Ogbuehi, Governor Okorocha commended her for putting in her best in the job assigned to her and called on other staffs of the Government House to emulate her so as to stand a good chance of winning similar prizes in the future.

He seized the opportunity to announce that he has approved the payment of 10 months arrears of salary owed health workers in the state. According to him, the delay in payment of the health workers was entirely their fault because they failed to do their work well despite the fact that the salaries they were receiving were far bigger than what their counterparts in other states were paid.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff, Mr Uche Nwosu said that he decided to organize the party so as to reward some of the junior staffs of the Government House who has worked hard during the year 2015. He enjoined all senior public office holders to ensure that they treat their subordinates well so as to motivate them to higher productivity.

Many other junior staffs won consolation prizes such as a tricycle, motorcycle, deep freezer, flat screen television among others.  The climax of the event is a dancing competition which featured some of the male and female staffs of the Govt House.

Governor Okorocha, his wife and others cutting the cake during the end of year party

Also present at the occasion is the wife of the Governor, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha and a host of others.

                                   

Imo needs Customs Training Institute, says Okorocha

Okorocha in group picture with representatives of the Nigerian Customs Service who paid him a visit at the Government House, Owerri, recently

The need for establishment of a custom training institute in Imo state  has been stressed.

Imo state Governor Owelle Anayo Okorocha made a case for it during a meeting with the comptroller General of custom who visited him recently at the government house owerri.

Okorocha said the call has become very important considering the fact that Imo State and Igbo traders constitute major percentage in the importation and exportation of goods in Nigeria

The governor also called for a building of a stronger relationship between Igbo traders and the Nigerian customs service and condemned the misinterpretation of   steps taken by Igbo traders in their day to day business activities.  

He used the opportunity to stress the need to encourage local production than to depend on oil which is drastically going down and also called on the Comptroller General to check and consider the  facilities of Sam Mbakwe  International Cargo  Airport  for improvement and elevation  to a real status of an international cargo airport.

Imo State Governor noted that the  Igbos` are the number one  traders in the country and stressed the need for them to be properly  represented  and carried along in the scheme of things. Said he; “we have produced  enough  graduates but we don’t have our people well represented in the Nigeria’s  Custom Service.”

The Comptroller- general of Nigeria Custom Service, Col. hammed ibrahim Ali handing over a Sovernier to Governor Rochas Okorocha when he was on a courtesy at the Govt House, Owerri recently

Responding, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Cornell  Alihu RTD said men of the agency are working in the area of revenue generation and maintained that the bulk of the importers are from  South -East.

He  also concurred with the governor that Igbos  are the major traders in the country and such has contributed immensely in revenue generation for Nigeria Custom Service.

He said the Nigeria Custom Service  which is the biggest revenue outfit  after oil  is developing  a mechanism to sensitize the public about laws on  import and export matters.

Cornell  Alihu RTD gave Kudos to  the governor on his resilience  and positive actions in  turning Imo State into a model state

Okorocha advocates synergy among three arms of govt in Nigeria

Governor Okorocha and the Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice P.O. Nnadi at the end of the Thanksgiving servi ce at Assumpta Cathedral Owerri to mark the opening of the 2015 2016 Legal year events in the state

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has advocated the need for the Judiciary to work in synergy with Executive and Legislative arms of government to ensure peace and progress in the state. He made this call at the Thanksgiving service marking the 2015/2016 legal year in the state held at the Assumpta Cathedral Owerri at the weekend.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that the principle of separation of power does not preach undue rivalry among the three arms of government, rather the three arms should work in synergy for the overall benefit of the society and the citizenry especially in a critical time like the one Nigeria is going through now.

He regretted that over ninety percent of the country’s resources are usually being spent on political office holders and the VIPs in both the private and public sectors, while the remaining 10 percent could be said to have got anything to do with the common man on the street.

Said he; “all professionals including lawyers must come together for the common good of the masses which is the essence of governance.  That is why I said though there is separation of powers in governance but the need to come together in matters relating to the common man must take priority.”

In his speech, the Chief Judge of Imo state, Hon. Justice Paschal Nnadi said the Judiciary should continue to be seen as the last hope of the common man, adding that as the Chief Judge of Imo state, he would leave no stones unturned to ensure that Judicial officers live above board, and respect the letters of their oaths of office.

He also explained that his tenure as the Chief Justice of the state would also continue to witness quick dispensation of Justice and quick disposal of cases to ensure that Justice is not delayed at all.

Governor Okorocha in a handshake with Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese Rt. Rev. Solomon Amatu after the Thanksgiving Service at the Assumpta Cathedral Owerri to mark the opening of the  Legal year ceremonies in the state on Friday

Also speaking, the presiding Bishop, Rt. Rev. Solomon Amatu, Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese asked Judges and lawyers to use their profession and responsibilities to the glory of God by ensuring Justice in carrying out their duties.

The Catholic Bishop of Owerri Diocese, Arch Bishop Anthony Obinna was represented at the occasion by Rev. Father Innocent Osuagwu 

Governor Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha, Speaker Imo House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Acho Ihim, Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice P.O. Nnadi, Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Rt. Rev. Solomon Amatu and other legal officers at the end of the 2015 2016 Legal year events in the state

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.