SMEDAN to partner with Imo Govt on industrialization and job creation.

Chief  Uche Nwosu in group photo with officials of SMEDAN when they paid him a  visit at the Govt House recently 

Officials of General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) led by the Director, Alhaji Bature Umar Masari were in Imo State recently to explore possible ways of assisting the Government of Imo State achieve its agenda of Industrialization of the State.

Speaking during the visit, Alhaji Umar Masari said that since 2003 when the agency was established, it has been doing a lot in the area of enterprise creation and development and identifying Nigerians who are interested in entrepreneurship creation and development; and providing training in entrepreneurship and vocational skills so that Nigerians can be equipped to go into entrepreneurship creation and development.

He informed that there are a lot of activities going on in the agency nationwide, adding that the agency has been able to ensure decentralization of its activities in all the states of the federation with offices in the six geo-political zones in the country. This arrangement according to him is to ensure that their personnel can operate closely with their people in the rural areas.

The DG maintained that there is need for Nigerians to get involved in entrepreneurship because this will reduce the country’s level of dependence on foreign products and provide a dependable alternative to the National Economy. He identified the dependence on crude oil by the Federal Government to fund projects as responsible for the economic downturn.

He concluded by requesting full corporation from the State Government in other to achieve the aim of empowering the economy of the State.

Responding, the Chief of Staff, Imo State Government House, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu thanked the officials of the agency for finding it worthy to come to the assistance of the State in her bid to Industrialize.

He assured the team of government’s support, adding that the administration of Owelle Rochas Okorocha has already taken convincing steps towards delivering the government’s promise to provide employment to the people via industrialization programme.

The Eziama-Obaire born vibrant politician informed the DG and other members of the team that the state government has already recovered some state-owned industries back to the government fold. They are the Paint and Paper Industries respectively which were moribund as a result of bad management and neglect by past administrations who later sold them.

He also informed the team about the large fish farm located at Oguta where thousands of fish are being bred for consumption which also generates revenue and provides employment opportunities.

The Chief of Staff listed other establishments of the State Government which are in line with the mandate of the SMEDAN to include:

* Industrial Clusters at Naze
* Shoe Industry
* Avutu Poultry Farm
* Fish Farm , Oguta
* Imo College of Advance Professional
Studies , (ICAPS), Owerri for Skill Acquisition
* etc

He reassured them of providing every assistance they will need in other to succeed in the state while urging them to carry the state along especially in national programs.

Also present at the meeting were Barr. Rex Anunobi, Chief Simeon Iwunze and many others.

Okorocha appoints eight new judges for Imo judiciary

Governor Rochas Okorocha in a group photograph with the 8 newly sworn-in judges in the state on monday, march 7, 2016. From right are,Jjustice Fred 

Njemanze, Justice Ifeoma Ogwuegwu, Justice Sabinus Opara, Justice Paul Nnodim.  From left are Justice C.F. Egbunine, Justice Innocent Njaka, Justice M. Nwagboso and Justice Benjamin Iheaka.

Eight judges have been sworn into office in Imo State by Governor Rochas Okorocha. They are Justice Fred Eze Ohiri Njemanze, Justice Benjamin Iheaka, Justice Marcellenus Nwagboso, Justice Sabinus Ifeanyi Opara, Justice Chinonyere Egbunine, Justice Innocent Njiaka, Justice Paul Nnodim and Justice Ifeoma Ogwuegbu.

Speaking while performing the swearing-in ceremony today March 7, 2016 at the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers in Government House Owerri, Governor Okorocha charged the new judges to be incorruptible no matter the push and irrespective of the external stimuli that may be acting upon them to do the wrong things.

He reminded them that to whom much is given, much is expected, and to always have at the back of their minds that one day they would also stand for the Judgment of God.

His words, “today you Judges are to give Judgments on others either for or against.  Also know too, that one day you shall all stand before God for Judgment.  The fear of God on your part is the beginning of your success as Judges.  Respect God because without him the appointments would not have been possible. This is the time to make sacrifice.  The courts in the state can now be decongested of cases.  The state government will continue to do the best for the Judiciary in the state. Remember again that we shall all bow before the presence of God where judgment is inevitable from an immortal and unshakable Judge.”

“Your appointment as Judges was made possible not by the Chief Judge or the governor or your contacts, but was made possible by God and no other.  Your goal therefore should be that your names should be written as honourble Justices who dispensed justice without fear or favour.”

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha told the Chief Judge of the state to partner the state Government in prison decongestion and to pay attention to cases that could be settled out of court.”

In their vote of thanks, Justice Njemanze on behalf of his colleagues acknowledged that the task they have been appointed to undertake which is the dispensation of Justice is enormous, but assured that with God on their side and with the cooperation of the governor, they would live up to expectation.

Justice Njemanze also assured that they would dispense Justice at any given time without fear or favour, commending the state Chief Judge, Justice Paschal Nnadi for succeeding where those before him failed and assured that they would not let the governor and Imo people down in the course of doing their job.

Madumere, Nwosu, others commiserate with Ololo family for demise of their brother

Wife of Engr. Chuks Ololo and Deputy Chief Of Staff Internal and Domestic Affairs, Mrs. Ogechi Ololo receiving the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere at the venue of the burial ceremony

The Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has expressed condolence for the family of Engr. Chuks Ololo over the transition of their brother, Chief Iheananyichukwu Ololo.

Speaking through his Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere at the SS, Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Egbelu Obube autonomous community in Owerri North Local Government of Imo State today, Governor Okorocha described the death of Iheanyichukwu Ololo as unfortunate because he died in his prime when his presence, wealth of experience and fatherly advice would have mattered most.

Continuing, he called on the loved ones to take solace in the Lord Jesus Christ who is author and finisher of faith of Christians.

Prince Madumere who was accompanied by a host of government appointees stressed the importance of leading a good life, emphasizing that legacies and how we impacted on people's life are what people will remember us for.

He therefore called on all to examine their lives and make changes where necessary.

He further called on the bereaved not to cry like those who do not have hope reminding them the promise of life after death where believers shall meet their loved ones and never to part no more.

Prince Madumere in keeping to wishes of Engr. Chuks Ololo that his departed brother be immortalized by helping to complete the roofing of the church directed Sir Jude Ejiogu to expedite action towards achieving Ololo's desire before the end of the year.

Imo State Deputy Governor. Prince Eze Madumere flanked by the Chief of Staff, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu and other government appointees during the church service held in honour of the late Iheanyichukwu Ololo at the SS, Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Egbelu Obube autonomous community in Owerri North Local Government of Imo State today

Speaking earlier, Engr Chuks Ololo thanked the Deputy Governor and other political appointees for identifying with them at the time of mourning.

Ololo who regretted the unfortunate passing of his brother said that they are consoled by the promises of The Lord Jesus Christ and therefore they are not crying like those who have no hope.

The late Chief Iheananyichukwu Ololo is survived by his wife, mother and four sons as well as many other relations including the former T.C Chairman for Owerri North LGA, Engr. Chuks Ololo.

Also present at the ceremony were the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Sir Jude Ejiogu; Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Uche Nwosu; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Obinna Mbata; Mr. Lloyd Chukwuemeka, member representing Owerri North Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly; Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Engr. Kingsley Uju and a host of others 

Imo govt sponsors five youths to National Power Training Institute

PRO to Chief Of Staff, Mrs Vivien Onwuka (3rd from left) and S.A to Chief of Staff on Administration, Mr. Daniel Nwafor (4th from left) both flanked by some of the beneficiaries of the scholarships for the 12 months course at the National Power Training Institute.

Imo State Government has taken the responsibility to sponsor five Imo state-born youths for a twelve months course at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria.
The Chief of Staff, Imo State Government House, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu while presenting the beneficiaries with their letter of sponsorship from the State Government informed them that the gesture was in furtherance of the human capital development of Imolites by the present Administration, adding that the State Government has decided to sponsor them to acquire the much needed knowledge in the power sector for their individual personal development and for the benefit of the state.

Mr. Daniel Nwafor presenting the beneficiaries with their letter of sponsorship from the State Government

The Chief of Staff who was represented by his Special Assistant on Administration, Mr. Daniel Nwafor congratulated the beneficiaries for the opportunity that has come their way. He said the Government was happy to present them with the opportunity and expressed optimism that they will be good ambassadors of the State while undergoing the course.
The Chief of Staff promised that the Rescue Mission Administration of His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha will provide an enabling environment for them to succeed on the course.
Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of his fellow beneficiaries, Mr.Uchenna Eze, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering expressed their immense gratitude to the Governor and the Chief of Staff for such wonderful opportunity presented to them to harness and maximize their potentials.
He noted that the State Government has not relented in its effort to empower the youths of the State through its numerous educational and economic empowerment programmes which informed that the free education as well as the Job creation, Industrialization and Employment policy of the Rescue Mission Administration.
He promised on behalf of his fellow beneficiaries not to let the State down, promising to be good ambassadors of the State while undertaking the course.

Beneficiaries of the scholarship programme

The beneficiaries are Uchenna Eze, Paul Orjiakor, Ihekwuaba Joseph Ifeanyi, Engr.Ogujiofor Ndubuisi Cyril, and Wilson Rufus.

Inaugural meeting of Southern Nigeria governors’ wives ends in Owerri.

Governor Okorocha in a group photograph with the wives of the state governors in Southern Nigeria who paid courtesy call on him at the Government House Owerri, on Thursday March 3, 2016

The two-day meeting of the wives of the governors of states in the Southern part of Nigeria has ended in Owerri, Imo State.

The First Ladies operating on the platform of wives of Southern Governors Forum came to Imo State yesterday for their inaugural meeting.

 Receiving the First Ladies at the Government House, Owerri shortly after their arrival, the Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha charged them to ensure peace among their husbands (governors), adding that political affiliation has no tangible role to play when it comes to quality leadership.

The governor told the governors’ wives, “It is commendable that wives of governors in the southern part of the country could come together under one umbrella to talk about the way forward. This is the beginning of a new story in Nigeria.”

The governor continued “I appreciate all of you for coming together under one umbrella irrespective of political party affiliation to champion a course for the good of the nation.  That is why I see women as unique creatures from God and any nation that undermines their potential is bound to fail.”

His words, “The nation starts with the family.  I would not have become a governor if I had no family.  Ideal families bring about ideal nation.  Nigeria should work towards restoring family values.  The Forum should create a programme that would enable them discuss issues of family. As governors’ wives, you are in a better position to address the issue of family and unity among the women.”

He added “you should revisit the issue of family values in your meeting.  When the family is right, the village is right, when the village is right the local government is right, when the local government is right the state is right and when the state is right the nation is right.”

Governor Okorocha also thanked other governors’ wives for honouring his wife by electing her first among equals’ adding that women do exploits when they come together.

In her speech earlier, the chairperson of the forum, and the wife of the Imo state Governor, Nneoma Nkechi said, they were in the state for the two-day inaugural meeting of the forum which was formed with the express permission of the wife of the president, Her Excellency Aisha Buhari.

She stated, “We are in the state for our inaugural meeting.  The wife of the president instituted the forum.  And we cannot do it alone without the support of the governors in the zone.  We therefore appeal that you talk to your fellow governors to give support to the forum to enable it succeed.”

She stated that the task before the forum is enormous and as such requires the support of their husbands who are the governors to move the forum forward and help them achieve the lofty ideals of forming the forum.

The Imo First Lady thanked her colleagues from Southern Nigeria for unanimously electing her as their Chairperson and for showing her great love since elected, promising that she would not let them down.

In the communiqué arising from the meeting which was presided over by the Chairperson of the forum, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha and read by the wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, the women said, they would use the Forum as a mechanism to strongly support the programmes and activities of the wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hajia Aisha Buhari.

The communiqué further read thus “to compliment the giant strides of the Southern governors for the overall development of the society and to promote unity and peaceful co-existence among the Southern States of Nigeria.”

It also read that “members of the Forum will aim at impacting positively on the lives of women, children, youths and the vulnerable in our local communities and beyond and to identify with and stand by members of the Forum at all times.”

The Forum equally agreed to carry out Girl child education and deal with child labour issues while promoting women empowerment initiatives, health issues and to build a secretariat for the Forum.

The following First Ladies were in attendance, Her Excellencies, Nkechi Ikpeazu (Abia), Monica Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Sherigat Aregbasola (Osun), Martha Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Edith Okowa (Delta), Olufunso Amosun (Ogun), Rachael Dickson (Bayelsa), Bolari Ambode (Lagos), Florence Ajimobi )Oyo), Osodieme Ebele Obiano (Anambra) and the host, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha (Imo).

Okorocha seeks partnership with USA to boost ICT in Imo

Governor Okorocha in group photo with the United States Council General, Mr. John Bray and members of his team during their visit to the Government House, Owerri 

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has made a request to the Government of the United States of America to partner with Imo State to establish an efficient Information and Communication Technology network in the state.

He made this request today when the United States Council General, Mr. John Bray paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House Owerri.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor Okorocha acknowledged that the people of Imo state has benefitted a lot from the Government and people Speaking of the United States, adding that it is his desire that the cordial relationship existing between the two countries is sustained.

He further requested for the identity of Imo state citizens serving jail terms in the United States of America with a view to holding discussions on the possibility of setting some of them free and bringing them back home.

Responding, Mr. Bray said he came to Imo State to experience its rich cultural heritage and to familiarize with the government and the people.

He thanked the governor for the warm reception given him and members of his team.

Also present at the occasion were some Traditional Rulers and State government officials.

Equatorial Guinea Ambassador commends Okorocha’s free education programme

Ambassador Job Obiang posing for a photograph with Governor Okorocha at the Government House Owerri, yesterday

The Equatorial Guinea Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Job Obiang has commended Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State for his administration’s free education programme which has made the burden associated with education to be very light especially for the less privileged people including a good number of Equatorial Guinea nationals schooling in Imo State.

He made this commendation during his visit at the Government House, Owerri yesterday.

Mr Obiang who visited Governor Okorocha in the company of some dignitaries from Ethiopia said he was in Imo State on a social visit.

Speaking to journalists at the Government House, Obiang said he is happy that some citizens of Equatorial Guinea are also beneficiaries of Governor Okorocha’s free education programme, adding this act of magnanimity by Governor Okorocha has made him an exceptional leader. He said Governor Okorocha is making plans to spread his free education programme to other countries by building schools in some African countries for the benefit of the less privileged.

Obiang thanked the government and people of Imo State for their hospitality and expressed satisfaction at the warm reception which members of his team were given upon their arrival in the state.

Mr Obiang and members of his team in a group photo with Governor Okorocha and some government officials

Also present at the occasion is the Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Uche Nwosu, Deputy Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ogechi Ololo and a host of others.

IGP storms Owerri, says Community Partnership Policing will continue in Imo

The Inspector General of the Nigerian Police, Mr Solomon Arese in handshake with Governor Okorocha during his visit to Imo yesterday.

The Inspector General of the Nigeria Police (IGP), Mr Solomon Arase was in Owerri the Imo State capital yesterday as part of his working tour of states in the federation.

During the tour, the IGP paid a courtesy visit to Governor Rochas Okorocha at the Government House, Owerri where he explained that the purpose of his tour is to get acquainted with his men instead of sitting in his office and dishing out instructions without feeling the pulse of his men physically, adding that in the course of such visits, he would interact with the Traditional Rulers, stakeholders and other related bodies on the way forward as it concerns security.

He said he would continue to ensure community partnership policing and that was one of his reasons for reaching out to Traditional Rulers and stakeholders to assist since the manpower the police has in the states is inadequate to tackle the challenges that are inherent.

He assured that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to give the state necessary support to help the government deliver good governance to Imo people, adding that the state must be peaceful and secured to attract direct foreign investors.

Responding, Governor Rochas Okorocha commended the IGP, Mr. Solomon Arase for changing the face of the Police Force within his short period in office, and asked him to sustain the momentum.

He said the government and people of the state have been enjoying a very cordial working relationship with the Police and this has helped in reducing crime to the barest minimum in the state.

According to him, the major success in the fight against crime the state came from the Community Government arrangement in which the Traditional Rulers are now made the Chief Security Officers of their communities, working with the Police, and with the introduction of Imo Security Network, Imo Community Watch and Imo Civil Guards. 

In his words, “I have always said that Boko Haram is not more powerful than the natives but the over reliance on the central structure to help out in this kind of crisis has made the natives powerless.  There is need to empower the locals who know all the routes used by the insurgents.  They can easily pinpoint which among their brothers and sisters are criminals, and that would make the works of the security agencies easy.”

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that Imo is the fastest growing city in Nigeria now, so it needs more Policemen to tackle the inherent challenges.  He said Imo is also more centralized to house the zone 9 headquartersthe Nigerian Police of than any other state, adding that the state government would donate a building if the relocation is given approval.

On the funding of the police, Governor Okorocha advocated collaboration between the federal government and the state governors to provide the police with their needs to keep security tight in our society.

Okorocha brokers peace between factional leaders of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo

Governor Rochas Okorocha in a handshake with the President-General of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo,Chief Gray Nnachi Enwo-Igariwey, whe he visited the Governor at the Government House. Owerri recently

Governor Rochas Okorocha has reconciled the two factional leaders of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, Chief Gray Enwo-Igariwey and Dr. Ralph Obioha with Dr. Obioha dropping his claim to the President-General OF Ohaneze and accepting Chief Enwo Igariwey as the only President-General of the Organization.  Dr. Obioha also pledged to give Chief Igariwey all the needed support and cooperation to enable him succeed.

The reconciliation of the two factions had come Monday night at the end of a very lengthy meeting between the two leaders, members of their respective EXCOs and delegates from the states that make up Ohaneze, at the Government House Owerri, with Governor Okorocha presiding the meeting.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Obioha dropped his lingering claim of being the authentic President-General of Ohaneze, and declared that he and his faction had accepted the leadership of Chief Igariwey as the President-General of Ohaneze, and Dr. Obioha’s declaration elicited jubilation in the Ndubuisi Kanu Exco Chambers, Government House, Owerri.

However, one of the agreements at the meeting was that the tenure of Chief Igariwey has been extended by one year, and at the expiration of the one year, fresh election would be conducted to select new leaders of the body.

All those suspended from the body in the course of the squabble between the two factions were also recalled, while all the court cases occasioned by the dispute would also be withdrawn.  A 17-member committee that would see to the implementation of all that was agreed including the issue of election was set up with Dr. Obioha as Chairman, while the governors will produce one member each.

In his speech at the historic event, Governor Okorocha expressed gladness that “the Ohaneze family is back as one.  There is peace now in Ohaneze.  The Ohaneze with Chief Igariwey as President-General is the umbrella body to champion the course of the Igbos.  Today, we have proven to the world that Igbos are their brothers keepers.”

Okorocha continued, “The President of Ohaneze will soon address the Igbo nation.  All Igbos must join hands with the Ohaneze leadership to move Igbo nation forward.  With this peace, we are going to see a new kind of support for Ohaneze.  The rest of the world will hear about the Igbo nation.  The jinx has been broken.”

He continued, “with this peace we are going to emphasize on the economy of the South-East rather than politics.  We shall make it, with God on our side.  The old things have passed away and behold new things are taking place.  And I want to commend all my brothers and sisters here for this peace in Ohaneze.  This is a new Ohaneze that will move the Igbo nation forward.”

According to Governor Okorocha “the governors will be behind the leadership and the entire NEC, so that a new song will be sung in the Igbo nation.  I commend the President-General for keeping the Ohaneze spirit on, despite the lack of support from the stakeholders.”

Chief Igariwey and Dr. Obioha in their respective speeches said achieving peace in the leadership of Ohaneze and reconciling the two factions should be celebrated by all Igbos because the division had never augured well with the august body and the interest of the Igbos in general.

They commended Governor Okorocha for ensuring that peace and unity return to Ohaneze, and assured that they would not let the Igbos down.  They said Ohaneze would now be occupied with issues that would boost the economy of Igbo land.

The two leaders, Dr. Obioa and Chief Igariwey had also addressed the Journalists present before leaving the venue of the meeting and said the world would now know the Igbos better, that they disagree to agree in the overall interest of the Igbo nation and her people.

Imo Govt intervenes in Oguta/Ossemoto crisis, warns parties to stay action

Sir Jude Ejiogu addressing the people of Ossemoto who visited him at the Govt House, Owerri

The state government has advised the people of Oguta Amaeshi and Ossemoto autonomous communities in Oguta Local Government Council to shun any act capable of breaching the peace in the area, warning them to stop any ongoing action in areas on dispute until unanimous decision is taken on the matter by the state government. 

Secretary to the Government of Imo State (SGI), Sir Jude Ejiogu dropped this hint on Monday, February 15th, 2016 while addressing the good people of Ossemoto autonomous community who called on him at the Cabinet Office to register their grievances over an alleged encroachment into their lands by some individuals in Oguta LGA.

Sir Ejiogu commended their peaceful conduct in handling the situation, assuring them that the state government would not leave any stone unturned in solving the crisis, while appealing to them not to take laws into their hands.

The SGI reminded them that Oguta LGA remains an integral part of Imo state which is the reason for the establishment of the Marine University in the area, adding that government would not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with anyone seen breaking the law or breaching peace in the society. 

He therefore enjoined them to live in peace and in harmony with one another so as to avoid any form of bloodshed. According to him, the security agents were on ground to arrest and prosecute any person who tries to foment trouble in the area.

Speaking earlier, the leader and Spokesperson of the team, Ichie Ofonedu Ignatius expressed bitterness that their children had stayed out of school while their means of livelihood has crumbled as a result of mayhem unleashed on the community by gunmen who have been terrorizing them since the past one week, stressing that their lands had been bulldozed by individuals whose stock in trade was to cause panic in the area, in order to reap from where they did not sow.

He called on the state government to rescue them from the unwarranted intimidation and humiliations, pointing out that his people decided to appeal to Governor Okorocha's rescue mission administration to look into the matter with a view to finding a lasting solution to the public unrest.

Ichie Ofonedu further reiterated his people's rare support to the present administration in the state, affirming that the state has witnessed enormous transformation since it came on board in 2011 and called on all hands to be on deck in ensuring that the state is developed.