Rochas seeks cooperation from artisans to relocate workshops to permanent site

In line with his agenda to rebrand Imo State  with a view to make it more attractive for investors, the  Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has passionately appealed to artisans in the state to embrace his administration`s plan to relocate them to a permanent site, stating that it will help to give the state a good outlook.

Governor Okorocha, made the appeal during a meeting he held with various artisans’ groups in the state at the government house Owerri, where issues concerning their relocation to a permanent site called artisan village was discussed. 

During the meeting, Okorocha enlightened the artisans on the need to operate in a uniformed environment, explaining that it will repackage the outlook of the state in the eyes of investors as well as promote a decent environment.

The governor at the meeting that attracted the leadership and members of various artisans groups in the state, noted with dismay that some of their activities on the road diminishes the image of the state in the eyes of some visitors.

He further observed that oil drops from cars whenever road side mechanics are working have always contributed to damage the roads and urged the artisans to see reasons to cooperate with him on the way forward in the interest of the state.

His words` please I need you to help me, if the mechanics and  the welders move to the permanent site we provided for them, probably they design a good blue uniform as work cloth which will be more decent and  will help to package the image of the state. We want the market environment of our state to very pleasant  in the eyes of our visitors.

He explained that in a decent and organised society, artisans and traders have various sections allocated to them in the city for their commercial activities and the essence is for decency, uniformity and easy identification.

Imo State Governor informed his audience that he has given the Commissioner for Commerce and industry Barr. Ifeanyi Araraume (Junior) the power to reposition the markets in line with the new spirit of rebranding the state.

Earlier in his speech, Barr Ararume (Junior) described  Governor Okorocha as a man whose contributions have rescued the state since he took over the mantle of leadership in 2011.

He expressed conviction that the governor’s decisions and policies are in the best interest of the people, adding that Owelle Okorocha is a generational leader who wants the best for his people.

Artisans who attended the meeting included leadership of mechanics, welders association, sand dealers Association, Okigwe Cattle Markets, farm produce dealers association, National Association of Nigerian Traders and others too numerous to mention.

NLC calls off protests in Imo, agrees to collect 70% of monthly allocation

The one day protest embarked upon by the members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Imo State has been called off. The strike was called off after the state government and the organized labour reached an agreement to share the monthly allocation that comes to the state at the ratio of 7o% for the NLC and 30% for the state government. 

 

The NLC were protesting  the suspension of workers of selected Parastatals and Agencies in the state and the agreement was a product of the Joint Committee made up of the leaders of the organized Labour in the state, their National leaders and Government Representatives.

Receiving a copy of the agreement yesterday at the Government House from the National President of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Governor Okorocha

Said , “my action, suspending the workers of the Parastatals and Health outfits was of no personal benefits to me or my family, but to save the soul of the state and guaranteeing the future of Imo children yet unborn.  On the issue of the 70% and 30% sharing formula for labour and government respectively, Governor Okorocha stated, “I have accepted the formula.  And I promise with the 30 percent given to me, I assure Imo people that I will make them happy with that.  I am happy that the workers are satisfied with the 70% percent.”

 “No worker in the state will be punished for participating in the protest.  The agreement will place the truth on a practical manner because people never believed when I say what is being gotten from the Federation Account.  I enjoin all governors to copy the Imo formula as it will help to understand every government better.”      

 The governor continued, “I have done all within my reach to please the workers of Imo and provide democracy dividends to the people of the state despite the difficult economic situation in the country.  It is unfortunate that over the years, the fumes coming out of the exhaust pipe in Imo are only smokes of consumption and no smoke of production.  That can never help to develop the state.”                                                                  

Speaking further  at the meeting, Governor Okorocha said, “I share in the sentiment of the workers of doing the old things, the old way without any positive result.  And if the state must be secured for the future generation, then sacrifice is inevitable.  For those wondering who has lost or won in the conflict, there is no winner.  There is no loser.  We are all winners in the struggle.”

“I believe that the culture in Nigeria does not allow collective ownership of properties, people do better when there is individualism in the ownership of properties.  That explains why the concessioned properties of the state government are doing well.  I thank labour for doing me a great favour by this agreement.”

Comrade Wabba before handing over copy of the agreement to Governor Okorocha expressed the appreciation of Labour for the constitution of the Joint Committee and the agreement reached, assuring that labour in the state will continue to work together with the government to improve on the lives of Imo people.

Comrade Wabba further remarked “I thank the Security Agencies for doing wonderful job in ensuring that there was no breakdown of law and order.  And hoodlums did not take advantage of the situation to cause havoc.  The workers will continue to give their best in the service of the nation.”

Wabba continued, “I enjoin the government to ensure that the agreement be given effect and implementation to avoid future reoccurrence of the problem.  The agreement signed will be the end of the challenges hat necessitated the Joint Committee.”

Part of the agreement read thus, “that Government will retain and run all its affairs with not more than 30% of the verified revenue for the month, while the committee will apply the balance of 70% in the settlement of salaries of public servants and pensioners.  The understanding is with effect from January 2016.”

Also present at the meeting is the Chairman of the joint committee, Hon. Ikenna Emeh.

Okorocha inaugurates 305 GLOs, unfolds plan to spend N5bn on rural transformation

Governor Rochas Okorocha, has inaugurated three hundred and five (305) Government Liaison Officers (GLOs) representing each of the 305 INEC Wards in the state, stating that their primary assignment is to drive the government’s policies and programmes in their respective wards for progress, development and growth.  He also announced that N5billion has been set aside for rural transformation which the GLOs would anchor.

Inaugurating the GLOs, today at the Imo International Convention center (IICC) Owerri, governor Okorocha said that strong leadership must be established at the community (ward) level to drive the development of the area remarking that, “today there is the challenge of downturn in our economy as a result of dwindling oil prices. There is unemployment and insecurity and to address all these, the governor cannot stay in the Government House and know what is happening in every ward and community. Therefore, the need to share some of my powers with you is inevitable. We will not share the chorus of under-development because of dwindling economy but we shall all rise to build the Imo of our collective dreams and aspirations.”

The event coincided with the celebration of 40^th anniversary of Imo State having been created on 3^rd February 1976.

Okorocha in group photo with service chiefs during the celebrating to mark Imo @ 40 (photo by Jerome Onwusonye)

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that the GLOs are the pivots on which the wheel the government’s policies will rotate adding that the State government has set aside the sum of N5b for the purpose of the projects in the wards to be driven by the GLOs.  

Said he; “Go back to your ward and work out how to create Jobs. Take charge of the eco-system.  The GLOs are all challenged to create all the enabling environment for transformation. You are the flagship of the essence of democracy.  We shall make the state the hob of the economic drive of the south-east and by extension, Nigeria.”

“We are also concerned with the issue of security.  The GLOs should liaise with Traditional rulers and others to review the issue of Imo Community Watch.  At 40 we intend to do things differently to move Imo state forward.  Imo is not a fool at 40.  Therefore, we are here gathered to improve the steps and legs of Imo state. GLOs are created to restructure the wards for greatness”.

“They are to ensure that we develop the resources of the various wards and create jobs and ensure development of the wards.  You can call the GLOs mini-governors.  Today, we have challenges of all types hence the need to decentralize power for result and to build Imo of our collective dream.”

“We want to create Jobs and boost the economy of the state.  The GLOs with the Traditional Rulers and others working together can make a big difference.  This will also help us to fish out new leaders because if one can fix his ward, he or she can also fix the local government and state.”

Owelle Okorocha charged them to look inwards and create more economic activities in their localities.  He reminded them that the Rescue Mission Government made bold promises of jobs, factories and industries, in its campaign manifesto and this cannot be achieved without a proper structure upon which the wheel of job rotates, pointing out that they must think outside the box to create at least 100 jobs for 100 youths in each ward within the shortest possible time.

GLOs from the 305 wards seated at the IICC shortly before their inauguration (photo by Jerome Onwusonye)

He equally empowered them to oversee the activities of their wards and make recommendations of who should be appointed for certain positions for the purpose of job creation which must be agro-based for now.

The governor announced that the money “set aside is to sponsor agricultural activities in the wards with the purpose of creating wealth.  Our strength now lies in agriculture since oil is no longer a good story for Nigeria, we must diversify our economy and the first point of call should be agriculture.”

Governor Okorocha,the Wife Nnneoma Okorocha,speaker Hon. Acho Ihim in a group photograph with chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev. Stanford Nworgu  at a prayer session in celebration of Imo @40.

Responding, the Deputy Governor who is equally a GLO, Prince Eze Madumere thanked the governor for the trust reposed in them, promising that with the calibre of people inaugurated as GLOs success is assured.  He equally assured on behalf of his colleagues that within the next 90 days significant impact will be felt at the wards and the government and people of the state will be proud for giving them the opportunity to serve in that capacity.

Ajumbe targets improved IGR for Imo State

 

Chief Vitalis Ajumbe

Determined to take the Internally Generated Revenue of the state to the next level, the commissioner for Internal Resources and Pension Matters, Chief Vitalis Ajumbe has stated his preparedness to champion a new era of IGR drive for economic growth and development.

His readiness to be result-oriented was made known to the public when he visited the Eze Imo, His Royal Majesty, Eze Samuel Ohiri in Owerri recently.

Speaking during the visit, Chief Ajumbe disclosed his determination to work with the Traditional Institution for revenue drive and admonished the Traditional Rulers to distinguish themselves as role models to their subjects in payment of tax as it is a civic responsibility for every taxable adult in the state.

Ajumbe hinted that he has outlined modalities for effectiveness and efficiency on the job, adding that the ministry is paramount in the socio-economic growth of the state.

He expressed hope that the state IGR  will soon make significant improvement and will help in tackling the present dwindling economy.

In his speech, Eze Imo advised the commissioner to work with dedicated staff that would help him achieve his aims and objectives for the ministry and the state in general.

He described Ajumbe as a result-oriented leader who performed creditably when he was the Board Chairman of Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC).

Also present at the meeting is the permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Charles Osigwelem and a host of others.

Okorocha reads riot act to sand excavators in Nekede road.

Governor Rochas Okorocha has issued a stern warning to sand excavators around the Nekede - Otamiri River to vacate the place with immediate effect or they will be seriously dealt with by the government.

This warning by the governor became necessary after it was discovered that the activities of illegal sand excavators in Nekede, Owerri-West  LGA have been frustrating government’s efforts to fix the Nekede Old  Road that was badly damaged by erosion.

Fielding questions from newsmen while inspecting the level work at Nekede Old Road recently, Governor Okorocha lamented on the bad effects of their activities in the area.  Imo State governor regretted that despite the huge amount of money the state government invested to control the erosion menace, so as to fix the road, sand excavators have failed to comply to Government directives to leave the place even when it is obvious that their activities have done more harm than good.

He recalled that few months ago the people of Nekede Community were nearly cut off from their neighboring communities while lives and property of people who use the road became endangered, but the state government quickly intervened and saved the situation.

He explained that the state government has invested much to remedy the situation, but lamented that the land excavators have continued their ugly activities in an insensitive manner without considering the need to apply caution.

He warned them to desist from sand excavation in that area as anyone caught will be seriously dealt with and it will serve as a deterrent to others.

Industrialization in Imo gains momentum as Vietnamese industrialists invite Okorocha

Governor Okorocha (Fift from left) in group photo with members of his entourage and some of the captains of industries in Vietnam.

The plan by the Rochas Okorocha-led government in Imo State to build industries and create more jobs for the youths may have taken effect with the recent invitation of the governor by Vietnamese industrialists.

The said invitation was made by some captains of industries, investors and business moguls in that country who were impressed by the sincere and productive steps taken by the governor to industrialize Imo State.

They invited the governor to see things for himself in their various companies, with a view to creating an atmosphere for partnership and technology transfer.

Observers and analysts who are passionately following the governor`s industrialization policy, have described it as a positive step and an improvement towards realizing an industrialized state.

In line with the governor`s lifestyle of prudent management of resources. He travelled with three people, namely; the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Engineer Kingsley  Uju,  the Head of Department of Works, Imo State Government House, Engineer Emeka Duru and his Chief Economic Adviser, Mr Iyke Njoku.

They are expected to return to the State very soon.

PHOTOS of 2016 Armed Forces remembrance day celebration in Imo

Governor Okorocha (m) at the Heroes square to celebrate the Armed forces remembrance day 2016 (photo by Onyeka Jerome)

Okorocha (extreme right)  standing with Armed Forces service chiefs at the Heroes Square during the occasion of the 2016 Armed Forces remembrance day in Imo (photo by Onyeka Jerome)

Okorocha releases a white colored pigeon from a cage to fly away in a symbolic gesture of peace and freedom (photo by Onyeka Jerome)

Governor Okorocha approaching the statue of the unknown soldier to place a wreath in honour of  Nigerian soldiers who died while in active service. (photo by Onyeka Jerome)

Okorocha swears in thirteen commissioners, others into office

pictured - some of the new commissioners sworn into office today

Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has sworn-in thirteen commissioners, twenty-seven Transition Committee Chairmen, and an Economic Adviser in to office.  The swearing-in of the commissioners followed their screening and clearance by the Imo State House of Assembly.

The commissioners sworn-in with their portfolios are:

1.    Chief Law Eberuo  -  Lands, Survey, Housing and Urban Planning

2.    Barr. Ngozi Njoku -  Health, Women Affairs & Social Development.

3.     Chief (Mrs.) Getrude Oduka - Education, Science and    Environment.

4.     Barr. M.O. Nlemadim - Attorney-General & commissioner for Justice.

5.     Chidi Ibeh - Information, Youths &Sports

6.     Udo Agoha - Agric & Natural Resources

7.     Dr. Vitalis Ajumbe - Internal Resources & Pension Matters.

8.    Barr. Obinna Mbata – Finance

9.     Barr. Emma Ibediro - Local Government & Rural Development

10.                       Barr. Ifeanyi Araraume Jnr., - Commerce, Land and Tourism

11.                        Chief Innocent Eke - Community Government, Culture & Traditional Affairs.

12.                       Hon. Rodney Ajaelu, - Public Safety & Public Utilities

13.                       Chief (Mrs.) Josephine Udoji - Works & Transport.  

Chief Ikechukwu Njoku was sworn-in as the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor.

pictured - some of the new commissioners sworn into office today

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Commissioners held at the Government House, Owerri today, Governor Okorocha said that the former commissioners did very well in sustaining the noble ideals of the Rescue Mission Government in the state, but were dropped because of other considerations that have nothing to do with failure.

He described the new Commissioners as the bridge between the old and the new generation politicians in the state and urged them to work hard to justify their appointments.

Said he; “All appointees are meant to tighten their seatbelts with a view to making Imo better.  All hands must be on deck to sustain the gains made in education, security, infrastructure and other facets of the administration too numerous to mention.  The appointees should improve on the gains so far recorded by the Rescue Mission Government”. “I want also to call for attitudinal change amongst Imolites, especially now that Imo is approaching 40.  And I want to also ask all including Imo workers to queue into the change mantra of the state government by making sacrifices that will help the generation of Imo unborn.” “My quest to make Imo better is not for personal aggrandizement or riches but honest desire to change the landscape of the state.  As a result there is urgent need for Imo people to cooperate with me in moving the artisans to a place, relocating the markets that are not well positioned to make the state attractive to tourists and investors.”

Speaking on behalf of the new Commissioners and other appointees, the Commissioner for Information, Chief Chidi Ibeh pledged to work hard to justify their appointments.

Residents in Imo get relief as Rochas moves to end fuel scarcity

Governor Okorocha (extreme right) at the Government House during the meeting with petroleum marketers

Following the recent scarcity of petroleum products and the hardship which the situation has caused the people of Imo state, the Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha on Tuesday January 12, 2016 had a crucial meeting with the members of the state branch of Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria.

The essence of the meeting which took place at the Government House, Owerri was to find ways of dealing with the situation at the moment so that the marketers who have the products could begin to sell at the approved prices to the people of the state and to deal with the worrying issue of scarcity.

The governor who was visibly worried told the marketers that his government would not afford to watch the marketers create artificial scarcity of the products or sell above the government’s approved pump prices.

He advised them to be humane and considerate and assured them that he would intervene to ensure that the filling stations sealed by DPR are opened without further delay so as to do away with the effects of the scarcity of the petroleum products in the state at the moment.

Also at the meeting, the governor made some contacts that would see petroleum products being supplied to the Imo marketers without delay so that the products can be available for Imo people to buy at the approved prices. He also cautioned the marketers against sharp practices once the products begin to arrive.

The governor equally told the leadership of the Marketers Association and government officials handling petroleum related matters in the state to monitor petroleum products loaded to be sold in the state to ensure that such products would not be diverted.  He also assured that similar meetings would continue to take place so as to nip in the bud any situation that would cause scarcity and price hike of petroleum products in the state in future.

He regretted the inconveniences the current situation must have caused the people of the state and appealed to them to remain calm. According to him, the efforts which the state government has made will ensure that the issue of scarcity of petroleum products in the state would be a thing of the past.

Speaking earlier on behalf of other marketers during the meeting, the Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, (IPMAN), Mr. Christopher Amadi explained that the marketers in the state do not get their allocations from direct sources but always buy from the ‘third parties’.  He also told the governor about some of the filling stations sealed by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

Also present at the meeting is the Chief Of Staff, Government House, Chief Uche Nwosu and a host of others.

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)