Rochas’ revolutionary five years in office

In a few days time, precisely on Sunday, May 29, 2016, the people’s performing governor, the dreamer and the doer, His Excellency, Governor Rochas Anayo Okorocha, OON, will be five years in office as the 6^th democratically elected governor of Imo state. Since his emergence in 2011, the Governor has largely remained himself, unchanged from a free thinking welfarist and populist who is hell bent on re-shaping and revolutionizing the state and the national progressive agenda.

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Madumere woos Surveyor General for increased IGR to Imo

Prince Eze Madumere being received by the Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Bisintei Awudu when he paid an official visit to him yesterday in Abuja.

Piqued by the present dwindling resources in Nigeria's economy, Imo State government has indicated interest to partner the office of the Surveyor General of Federation to up its internally generated revenue.

This was made known by the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere while speaking to the Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Ebisintei Bietoru Awudu and his team in Abuja yesterday.

Addressing his host, Prince Madumere who paid a visit to the Surveyor General, disclosed the intention of the Okorocha- led administration to map out its territory and its resources content with a view to planning and optimizing its potentials. 

 He said the present call is not unconnected with the present economic realities which elicits innovation and creative approach towards increasing internally generated revenues so as to enable the government meet up with its primary responsibilities and the welfare of her people. 

 He disclosed that Imo State government is worried by the stagnant revenue status despite its ever increasing financial burden ranging from salaries, security of lives and property and other welfare issues, thereby engendering the need for the partnership.

Responding, the Surveyor General, Ebisintei Awudu expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Governor Okorocha and his Deputy, Prince Madumere for taking the right step in the right direction.

 In agreement with Prince Madumere's request, Mr. Awudu pledged to embrace the partnership with Imo State Government with a view to helping her realize her dream of optimizing her resources especially in various areas of strategic concern which center on structural and physical development.

However, Mr. Awudu called on his Directors who are experts in various areas of surveying and they made important contributions that will trigger up development and increase the State's revenue.

Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere with the Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Bisintei Awudu and members of his staff in a group photograph when he paid an official visit to the office of Surveyor General of the Federation in Abuja yesterday.

He encouraged Imo State Government to embark on its plan, assuring that it will never regret the investment since it is for both short term and long term purposes.

He promised that his team will help in the area of capacity building while calling for institutionalization of the sector in the State so as to give it needed content to achieve its responsibilities as derived in the Nigerian constitution.

Among other resourceful contents of the State discussed during the visit include, the economic importance of Oguta lake which was described as untapped water resources of the State that will generate a lot of high paying jobs for the youths.

Those in the team of the Surveyor General who made presentations during Deputy Governor's visit are Barde Jatau, Charles Ugwuadu, John Okubadejo and others.

S/Korea sends envoy to Gov. Okorocha, indicates interest in partnership

 

Governor Okorocha interacting with envoys from South Korea who visited him in Abuja

The Republic of South Korea has sent its envoy led by her Ambassador to Nigeria His Excellency, Noh Kyn - Duk to visit Governor Rochas Okorocha in Abuja to discuss modalities and areas the country can partner Imo State to foster bilateral relations, realize the industrialization of the State and development in such areas as Education, and Cultural exchange.

Ambassador Noh in his speech during a meeting with Governor Okorocha in Abuja recently shared the experience of Korea's development and emphasized the importance of Education as well as Science and Technology in the development of a State and Nation.

Reacting, Governor Okorocha expressed optimism that with South Korea's presence in the areas of Education, Cultural exchange, Industry, Technology and Mechanized Farming, Imo State will broaden in its development and economic standard.

Present at the discussions were the South Korean Counselor Economy Mr Dae Sup Lee and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Government of Imo State on Liaison and External Relations, Hon. Mrs Mma Nzeribe Michaels who facilitated the visit via her ''Imo State is Viable to Investment" campaign.

Be patriotic in service, Okorocha tells NYSC members

Governor Okorocha receiving a plaque from the Director General of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Suleman Kazaure who paid him a courtesy call at the government House, Owerri.

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has advised Youth Corp members not to reject postings to any part of the country over fear of molestation or the fear of being killed, adding that their postings to various parts of the country to serve should be seen as a call to nation-building.

The governor gave the advice when the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier-General Suleman Kazaure paid him a courtesy call at the Government House Owerri yesterday.

Speaking during the occasion, the governor said that the Corp members should egard their postings to various parts of the country as a test of patriotism, noting too that patriotism is not only in the fear of the law, but equally in the love of one’s country.

He remarked, “even, the greatest love a man can show for his nation is that he dies to save his nation.  We must therefore never for reasons of terrorism or cult activities refuse to fight this battle of indivisibility of the nation.  We must remain so united.  The essence of NYSC is for integration.  Our country is going through a very difficult moment and harassment by men of underworld who have organized themselves to humiliate, kill and maim people.”

He continued, “the NYSC members should be bold to stand up and serve their fatherland without fear of terrorism.  Time has also come for the NYSC members to begin to receive some forms of military training for reasons of self defence.”  He described the DG as a vibrant soldier with integrity and added that Nigeria has been in dire need of men and women of integrity who could contribute their quota to the development of the nation. He charged the DG to see his appointment as an opportunity in life to prove his God-given talent, adding that those who misuse this privilege are called bad leaders.

He expressed optimism that Brigadier-General Kazaure would take advantage of this rare privilege to prove his worth.

                                                                                                             

General Kazaure had earlier told the governor that he was in the state on familiarization tour to acquaint himself with the situation in the NYSC camp since it was not long when he took over as the Director-General of the corps, commending Governor Okorocha for the befitting camp he is erecting for the NYSC in the state.

Okorocha pays condolence visit to family of the late Eze Njemanze

Governor Rochas Okorocha consoling the family of the late traditional ruler of Owerri Ancient Kingdom, HRM Eze Emmanuel Njamanze.  On seat is the wife of the late Eze, Ugoeze Pauline Njemanze and son (standing) Prince Iheanyi Njemanze, when he paid condolence visit to the family on Tuesday, May 10, 2016.

Governor Rochas Okorocha has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Monarch, HRM Eze Emmanuel Njemanze of Owerri ancient kingdom who died last weekend at his palace. 

The governor who visited the family with the Deputy Governor of the state, Prince Eze Madumere, the Secretary to the Government of Imo state,  Sir. George Eche, Chief of Staff, Chief Uche Nwosu, Principal Secretary to the governor, Dr. Paschal Obi, Head of Service, Mr. Calistus Ekenze and all the Commissioners in his cabinet were received on arrival at the family house by the wife of the late king, Ugoeze Pauline Njemanze and the son, Prince Iheanyi Emenyonu Njemanze.

In his speech, Governor Okorocha said, the Imo state government had come to pay special condolences to one of the foremost Traditional Rulers in the country who had ensured that the dignity of the traditional institution was sustained, adding that the death of the Traditional Ruler was a big loss to both the state and the nation at large.

According to the governor, “to every sunrise there must be a sunset and for every man that is born, there must be death someday.  This is a notorious fact that we have come to live with.  Eze Njemanze was such a humble spoken gentleman, who cared for his people, and a man who lived to say the truth no matter how bitter it was.”

The governor continued “Eze Njemanze was not into so much acquisition of wealth. He was a man who lived a life worthy of emulation.  The biggest consolation to the family should be that he had left behind worthy successors.  The joy of a dying father is to see a worthy successor.”

He charged the wife and the children to continue to live in peace and maintain the principles the late Eze were known and respected for.

Governor Rochas Okorocha with the wife of the late traditional ruler of Owerri Ancient Kingdom, HRM Eze Emmanuel Njemanze when the governor paid condolence visit to the family on Tuesday, May 10, 2016

In his response, the son of the late monarch, Prince Iheanyi Njemanze thanked the governor for coming to sympathize with the family with all those who matter in his administration, adding that such action had only demonstrated how highly he had placed his father.

Prince Njemanze appealed to the governor to ensure that their late father is given a befitting burial for who he was and for what he represented in the state and beyond.

Okorocha inaugurates Education Trust Fund Committee

Okorocha congratulating Engr. Emma Ezeonyeasi, Chairman Imo state Education Trust Fund Committee after his inauguration with other members of the committee on Monday, May 9, 2016.

To ensure that the free education programme of his administration stays even after he must have left office, Governor Rochas Okorocha has inaugurated 13-man State Education Trust Fund Committee to that effect with a renowned Engineer, Emma Ezeonyasi as chairman.

Inaugurating the committee today, Governor Okorocha said the essence of setting up the state Education Trust Fund committee was for the sustainability of the free education programme beyond 2019 when he will be leaving from office. He said there should be need to institutionalize the policy in the overall interest of the state.

His words, “as governor I am poised to see that the free education programme is sustained in the state beyond 2019.  There is no greater gift you can give to a child than education.  Education remains the pivot upon which the wheel of every success in life rotates. We must do everything as a people and government to keep the free education programme alive.”

He continued, “In 2011, the poverty rate in the state was 57% according to UNESCO.  Four years after it came to 14%.  This was made possible because most parents who were selling their valued possessions to pay the school fees of their children and wards do not sell them again since the introduction of free education.  This is why the poverty rate in the state has drastically reduced.  So, there is no going back on free education.”

According to Governor Okorocha, “the lives of our children born and yet unborn are very important.  So this is the time to secure the future of our children and children yet unborn by saving for their education.  Every child must go to school and education must be made free so that the children of the poorest of the poor can go to school as we don’t know where the person who may change the face of the state or the nation will come from.”

He charged the committee members to leave no stone unturned in realization of the goal for which they were chosen.

In his vote of thanks, the chairman of the committee, Engr. Emma Ezeonyeasi assured that they would live up to expectation since they were called to serve the state and her people.

Governor Okoroccha in a group photograph with members of Imo State Education Trust Fund Committee after their inauguration on Monday.  

Imo to partner with Catholic church on family campaign as pope’s representative visits Okorocha

 

Okorocha welcoming Pope Francis’ representative, ArchBishop Vincenzo Pagilla, President Pontifical Council for the Family, to the Government House, Owerri on Friday May 6, 2016

The government of Imo state will partner the Catholic Church in its worldwide campaign for better families since the family is believed to be the engine of every society.

Governor Rochas Okorocha gave the indication when the representative of Pope Francis, Arch Bishop Vincenzo Pagilla, who is the president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, paid courtesy call on him at the Government House, Owerri today with the Catholic Arch Bishop of Owerri, Anthony Obinna and his Umuahia counterpart, Bishop Lucius Ugorji also in attendance.

Governor Okorocha said he was not surprised that the Pope could be concerned about the fate of families across the nations of the world, having seen the Pope visiting and eating with the sick, entering the mosque to pray with Muslims, and visiting refugees in war ravaged areas to sleep and eat with them, adding that the Pope by all standard is a practical Christian who is doing what Christ did while on earth.

Hear the governor, “the Pope should be commended for the great job he is doing all over the world.  What he has been doing is indeed practical Christianity.  We have come to a very critical moment in our life history. We have to understand that the problem of the world is not economy, it is not terrorism, neither is it religion, the problem of the world is the lack of attention to the family and its values because if the family is right, the society will be right.  It is out of the family that ISIS, Boko Haram, etc came out from, if the family values are fixed the world will be a better place”.

Governor Okorocha promised that the state will key into the development of the family values, describing the Arch Bishop of Owerri as a frank and honest man who preaches the gospel the way it is without fear or favour and also encouraged the church to always see the good in everybody irrespective of their shortcomings.

The governor also promised to build a centre in Owerri for family reunion which will be handed over to the Catholic Church.  This he said will help in rebuilding the family.

In his speech, the Pope’s representative and President Pontifical Council for the family, Arch Bishop Vincenzo Pagilla stated that the council’s main purpose is to foster peace and unity in the family across the globe and help inculcate good morals to the family structure.

According to him, he is in the region to help in building bridge of peace between Africa and Europe through the family re-orientation.

He said “if the family is right the world will be right, this is our message.”

Pope Francis’ representative, ArchBishop vincenzo Pagilla addressing Imo people on the campaign for better families across the world by the Catholic Church.  With him; Governor Rochas Okorocha, ArchBishop Anthony Obinna of the Owerri Archdiocese, Rev. Father Chris Anyanwu. From right; ArchBishop Lucious Ugorji of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, when they paid courtesy call on the Governor on Friday, May 6, 2016 at the Government House, Owerri.

Okorocha advises Nigerians against ‘tribalizing’ criminals and criminal acts

Okorocha with the former Deputy Governor of the old Imo state, Chief Francis Orji (right) and Engr. Peter Ohagwa during the official launching of Imo Peace Advocate Corps

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has advised Nigerians against ‘tribalizing’ criminals and criminal acts, but should rather treat criminals and criminal activities as such not minding where they come from, adding that crime is an offence against the nation while a criminal should be seen as a common enemy of the people.

Governor Okorocha spoke Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the official launch of the Imo Peace Advocate Corps, remarking that Boko Haram elements, herdsmen who kill or members of other groups who engage in heinous crimes should be treated as criminals and their activities should not be viewed from the angle of where they come from, since a criminal is a criminal.

According to the governor, “A lot of criminal activities are going on in our nation and time has come for us to treat criminals as criminals despite where they come from.  An armed robber is an armed robber first and foremost.  Where he comes from is secondary.”

He continued, “”our nation is going through a very turbulent period and it takes only lovers of peace to ensure peaceful co-existence in our nation.  Our mission as responsible indigenes of Nigeria is to ensure peace and pursue peace.  I therefore charge the Peace Advocates to be diligent and work with sincerity of purpose.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary, Human Rights Commission, Prof. Ben Angwe commended Governor Okorocha for championing peace across the nation especially with free education through Rochas Foundation and said, such action calls for emulation.

Prof. Angwe noted that for Governor Okorocha to ensure peace in his state and also be promoting peace across the nation portrays him as an architect of social engineering, promising that the Human Rights Commission would collaborate with the Peace Advocate Corps to ensure success.

The Director-General for Peace and Conflict Resolution, (Foreign Affairs), Prof. Oshita O. Oshita commended the Imo Governor for equipping the Imo Peace Advocate Corps to become the most effective in the nation, and assured that they would offer training to the members.

In his welcome address, the commandant, Imo Peace Advocate Corps, Engr. Peter Ohagwa said the corps under his command has resolved major crises in communities in the state and has also ensured peaceful co-existence between Imo indigenes and non-indigenes living in their midst.

2016 Workers’ Day: Okorocha seeks workers’ cooperation for a better Imo

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on workers to remain strong and patient with the government as it works towards improving their welfare

He spoke in Owerri through the Secretary to the State Government, Sir George Eche, during the 2016 Workers Day celebration held in Owerri on Sunday May 1^st 2016.

He described the workers as partners in progress towards building a better Imo State and appealed to them to show understanding and willingness to be helpful in the face current economic challenges.

The SSG explained that the governor is workers` friendly and noted that Imo workers have received good welfare package from the present regime in the state as he was the first to pay twenty thousand naira above the N18. 000 minimum wage bench mark and N10.000 Christmas bonus when the oil price was stable.

He said the issue of suspension of some workers in the parastatals has been put to rest following the 70-30 percent agreement between the governor and labour leaders in the state, adding that the welfare of workers will soon improve as the oil price increases in the next few months.

Adding his voice, Mr Nnamdi Nwaeke who represented the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige, urged government and labour to always toe the path of peace in their negotiations and commended the good rapport between NLC, TUC and the State government.

In a joint address presented by Comrade Paul Akalazu, the State Chairman Trade Union Congress (TUC), he said that the 2016 May Day coincided with the collapse of the national economy arising from the fall of oil prices and high rate of the dollar.

Akalazu said the theme of this year celebration is `the working class and the quest for economic survival’, adding that the present economic situation in the country should work as a wake-up call to the regime in power.

 He recalled the issues that led to 70-and 30 percent sharing formula between the labour leaders and the government and passionately appealed to the state governor to address the problem of  Imo Palm workers  and pensioners in the state,

Imo state bail-out funds and the tenuousness of ICPC’s wildcat allegations

The last few days have witnessed unprecedented media coverage, both locally and nationally, of allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, (ICPC) that some states, including Imo, which received bail-out funds failed to apply it appropriately for the payment of workers’ salaries.

An in-depth and dispassionate appraisal of the statement that emanated from the ICPC reveals that it is not only hollow but wishy-washy and banal, much as it lacks investigative empiricism. It is rather disappointing and indeed embarrassing that the anti-graft agency charged with such an onerous responsibility could issue an empty and blanket statement...

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