Imo Govt set to empower thousands of youths in 2016

Master Jidenna Anwuka, his parents and others during his Churching at Saint Joseph Catholic Chaplaincy Imo State University Owerri.

Governor Rochas Okorocha has said that his Rescue Mission Government in Imo State would pay particular attention to the youths in the state this year (2016) especially in the area of employment and empowerment.

 He made this remark at the churching of his grandson, master Jidenna Anthony Anwuka, on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Saint Joseph Catholic Chaplaincy Imo State University Owerri.

 Speaking at the occasion, Governor Okorocha stressed that engaging the youths gainfully would check crimes like kidnapping, fraud, armed robbery and other anti-social behaviours.

According to him, the plan by his administration to provide jobs for the youths in the state is targeted at getting the youths meaningfully engaged in the overall interest of the society. Said he, “it cannot be explained why people who are more than fifty years and above would be in the system working, while their children or those between the ages of twenty and thirty-five would be idle, roaming the street even with the required qualifications. The situation does not call for celebration at all”.

He continued, “go and check, all those being arrested for kidnapping, armed robbery and other heinous crimes are always between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five. You can hardly get a man above forty years getting involved in these serious crimes. So we must act now to secure the future of these young ones”.

Governor Okorocha(extreme right and others during the churching of master Jidenna Anwuka

  

Also speaking at the occasion, the Minister of state for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwuka said that both the government at the centre and the one in the state meant well for the citizenry and asked for prayers for both, stating that it was the wish of God that his son would marry the Governor’s daughter, with the marriage being blessed now with a baby boy.

Earlier, the officiating minister, Rev. Father Prof. Jerome Okonkwo urged every Christian to reconcile with God in the spirit of the New Year, adding that the celebrations that go with the entry into the New Year should reflect in our lives as children of God.

He urged the parents of the new baby to bring him up with the fear of God.

Master Jidenna’s parents are Dr Tony Anwuka Jnr. (son of Prof. Anthony Anwuka, Minister of state for Education ) and Mrs. Uju Okorocha (daughter of Governor Rochas Okorocha)

Okorocha presents 2016 budget of N102.2 billion to IMHA

Governor Rochas Okorocha presenting the 2016 Budget to the Clerk of the State House of Assembly, Barr. Chris Duru on Tuesday, December 29, 2015.

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has presented the 2016 Budget to the State House of Assembly totalling N102,208,328,832 (One hundred and two billion, two hundred and eight million, three hundred and twenty eight thousand, eight hundred and thirty two Naira) for the fiscal year.

Presenting the budget to the Assembly on Tuesday, December 29, 2015, Governor Okorocha said that from the total budget proposed, N44.045 billion will be for capital expenditure representing 43.1% of the total budget, while N58.165 billion will be for Recurrent expenditure which represents 56.9% of the total budget.

 

In the budget tagged “Budget of “Consolidation and continuity,” Governor Okorocha stated that the 2016 budget was lower than that of 2015 budget by N41.11 billion which represents 28.7%, stressing that the core objective of the 2016 budget would be to satisfy the desires of the good people of the state in line with the Rescue Mission programme of the administration which is to rescue the state from the shackles of poverty, deprivation, and underdevelopment.

He also remarked that the state would be launched on a steady path of sustainable economic growth and development, adding that the budget figure was arrived at after due bilateral discussions with all stakeholders through the ministries, departments and agencies coupled with the revenue performance of 2015.

In the recurrent expenditure, Consolidated Revenue fund charges would have N18.3 billion, and overhead costs, N12.4 billion, Personnel costs, N10.3 billion, and subvention costs, N16.86.  Under the capital expenditure, the Economic sector takes the lion share of N27.3billion, followed by General Administration which has N10.8 billion and the least being ISOPADEC having N300 million.

The governor said “recent happenings regarding inflows from the federation account make it imperative for us to follow the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Investments initiatives that will drive increased yield in our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).  The government’s reforms already on-going will be sustained.  We have worked tirelessly to attain this height.”

Governor Rochas Okorocha reading the 2016 Budget on the floor of the Imo State House of Assembly on Tuesday, December 29, 2015.

Cash flows in Imo as Rochas clears arrears of workers’ salaries

Okorocha

This Christmas period has been described as an era of cash flow to government staffers in Imo State Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and by extension the traders and artisans as the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha cleared all the workers’ salary arrears and allowances  up to December 2015.

According to information from the governor`s media office  and office of his Chief of Staff  few days ago, Governor Okorocha approved the payment of all workers salary up to December 2015.

About 10 Months salary arrears of Imo State owned newspapers `the Statesman` was cleared, the health workers whose payments have lingered for a long time close  to 10  months were also cleared and others too numerous to mention.

When the governor gave the directive to pay all workers, he made it clear that because of the significance of workers salaries to him, his regime has always addressed issues concerning their salary with high regard.

He explained that the delay in payment of health workers salary was due to the need to resolve the issues of certain questionable allowances and cases of nonchalant attitude by workers towards their jobs.

Without mincing words, the governor stated that from 2011 when he took over the state mantle of leadership, his administration has always paid workers salarie as at when due, but explained that the unfortunate delay in payment of  workers’ salaries was due to the dwindling economy of the country  occasioned by fall of oil price.

His words, “the truth is there was never a time the state government intended to owe the Health workers in the state.  The only thing was that the government was not satisfied with the conducts of the Health workers and their poor service delivery to the people of the state, despite the huge amount being spent on the payment of their salaries and allowances.  The government also questioned some of the allowances they were paying themselves.”

The governor who reminded the workers that he was the first to pay minimum wage also called on them to appreciate government’s good gestures by being up and doing in their work especially in the coming year so that the state could move from strength to strength.

Adding his voice the governor`s Special Adviser on Public enlightenment and Strategy, DR Kelechi Okpaleke, revealed that some workers in the health sector are paid bogus amounts of  money as salaries, for instance, medical doctors  went home with about 1,200,000  (one million, two hundred thousand naira) as salaries and allowances` monthly .

He said all most all the workers in Imo State have collected their salaries, adding that he was shocked with his findings that in Imo State Council For Arts and Culture, some workers as old as 70 years old were still receiving salaries as dancers while most of the younger ones come to the office only during month ends so they can collect their salaries.

He wondered why some of the journalists working in the state-owned newspaper company, The Statesman, could not publish one article in one year and the newspaper has failed to be regularly on newspaper stand even with the level of monthly financial support they receive from the governor as subvention.

Owerri Municipal gets four new Traditional Rulers

Governor Okorocha in group photo with the newly installed monarchs 

Governor Rochas Okorocha has given certificates of recognition and staff of office to seven Traditional Rulers in Imo State. The communities where the new Monarchs are to rule include four Autonomous communities carved out of Owerri Municipal namely, Umuonyeche, Umuororonjo, Umuodu and Umuoyima. The other three communities were created out of Ideato North Local Government namely, Umuezumezu, Umuago and Umuakoli Autonomous Communities.

Speaking during the installation ceremony of the new Traditional Rulers held at the Government House, Owerri yesterday, Governor Rochas Okorocha warned Monarchs in the state that they would be held responsible for any anti-social activities including kidnapping that takes place in their respective communities and charged them to discharge their duties honorably.

He said the communities and their Traditional Rulers had met all the conditions stated by the law guiding the creation of Autonomous communities, adding that the government had granted the concerned communities autonomy in line with the policy of the Rescue Mission Government to encourage people to have their freedom.

He remarked that both Owerri Municipal and Urualla in Ideato North from where the new Autonomous communities were created are ancient communities that needed to be redesigned for development and peace.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that the State government would soon embark on recertification exercise of all Autonomous Communities to find out those not qualified to be granted autonomy but were given autonomy by previous administrations probably out of political sentiment. Such communities, said the governor, will be taken back to their parent community where they were carved out from.

The names of the newly installed monarchs who received staff of office from Governor Okorocha yesterday are:

1.    with Eze Linus Ihebom -        -    -    Umuodu Community

2.    Eze Theophilus Ubah   -   -   -          Umuoyima Community.

3.    Eze Rowland Clinton Ibegbulam - -  Umuororonjo Community.

4.    Eze Uche Austine Possible    -    -    Umuonyeche  Community

5.    Eze Aloysius Igbojionu  -  -   -      Umuezumezu community.

6.    Eze Ogbonna Obioha   -    -   -    Umuago community.

7.    Eze Martins Aladi    -     -        -    Umuakoli Autonomous Community

Okorocha swears in Special Advisers and Special Assistants into office.

Governor Okorocha in group photo with the newly appointed aides

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has appointed fifteen Special Advisers in to his cabinet. A ceremony marking their swearing into office was performed during the weekend at the Government House, Owerri. Below is a list of the newly appointed aides.

Names of Special Advisers and  Special Assistants:

1.    Prof Nnamdi Obiaraeri - Political Adviser

2.    Ikenna Eme - Special Technical Adviser

3.    Simeon Iwunze - Special Adviser, Project Implementation

4.    Barr Rex Anunobi- Special Adviser, Medium & Small Scale Industries

5.    Kelechi Okpalake - Special Adviser, Public Enlightenment & Strategy

6.    Kenneth Emelu - Special Adviser, Youth & Sports

7.    Stan Dara - Special Adviser, Agric Loans & House of Assembly Liaison

8.    Dr Samfo Nwankwo - Special Adviser, Igbo Affairs/DG Ikemba Ojukwu Centre

9.    Dr Edward Ihejirika - Special Adviser, Health.

10.  Chief Peter Ohagwa - Special Adviser, Peace and Conflict Resolution.

11.  Paddy Obinna - Special Adviser, Arts and Culture.

12.  Rev Fr Chibueze Ihebuike - Special Adviser, Religious Affairs.

13.  Barr Ugochi Nnanna Okoro – Special Adviser, Women Mobilisation, Empowerment.

14.  Barr Steve Asimobi - Special Assistant, Lagos Liaison.

15.  Paschal Dike – Honorary Adviser, Foreign Affairs

Addressing journalists shortly after the swearing in ceremony, the Chief Of Staff, Government House, Chie Uchef Nwosu maintained that their appointments were not lobbied for but were purely based on their track records.

He called on all the advisers to key in into the Rescue Movement by ensuring that best decision is always handy in the best interest of the Government and the people.

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