Governor Okorocha urges Muslims to remain peaceful

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has urged Muslims in the State and indeed, across the nation to remain peaceful by pursuing peace and ensuring peace, as they mark Eid-el-Fitri and noted that the lingering suspicion between Christians and Muslims in the country was the creation of the elite.

The governor remarked that before now average Christians and Muslims across the nation had lived in peace and shared a lot of things in common without any suspicion, until the elite brought in clannishness for both their economic and political advantages.

According to Governor Okorocha, with peace in the Country and genuine love among Nigerians not minding their religious differences and place of births, Nigeria as a nation, would easily overcome its challenges and also achieve greatness.

He also urged Political and religious leaders to be patriotic enough by laying emphasis on those virtues that unite Nigerians as a people and talk less about those factors that have the capacity to eat deep into the unity of the nation.

The governor assured Muslims in the State that his government and the people of the State would continue to treat them as their brothers and Sisters, and reiterated his advice to them to remain peaceful and see themselves as partners in progress in his honest effort to make the State better than he met it.

Re: The Grazing Reserve Bill in Imo House of Assembly

In two separate editions published on June 19^th and June 26^th 2016, a widely read newspaper, The Leader, published an article titled ‘The Grazing Reserve Bill in Imo State House of Assembly’.

The said article credited to Onwuasonya FCC Jones may have stirred the hornet’s nest due to the wrong interpretation given to the bill by the newspaper, but the truth has to be told so as to correct a wrong impression.

For instance, the newspaper erroneously claimed that the bill “is targeted at forcefully taking away majority of the lands owned by our people and giving them to some of the cronies of the governor” and “to Islamize Imo State by bringing in the Fulani and Hausa herdsmen who will have equal rights and access and even more opportunities, as they will be in possession of most if not all the productive lands in the State”

For the avoidance of doubts, the said ‘Grazing Reserve Bill’ is no other than the ‘Bill for a law to Establish Agricultural Estates and Farm Settlements in Imo State’, sponsored by Hon. Amb. Uju Onwudiwe (House Member Representing Njaba State Constituency, Imo House Of Assembly, Owerri).

The said bill which has passed second reading in the Imo State House of Assembly is intended to engender mechanized agriculture, champion reorientation of the people to transform from subsistence to commercial farming in order to create jobs, enhance food security, reduce unemployment, ensure healthy population, and earn foreign exchange.

The bill provides for the establishment of farm settlement and Agricultural Estates in the 3 geopolitical zones of the state in order to leverage on specific areas of comparative advantage, in terms of crops, animals and fishery production. The eventual decision of which option that shall be taken shall be informed by feasibility study, directed by the Agency that will be established in conjunction with the governing board. The governing board is to be made up of technocrats who are requisite stakeholders in agricultural resources. This includes: Agricultural Development Program (ADP), Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Lands and Survey, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Environment, Renowned Farmers each from the respective zones, Traditional Rulers, Imo State Coordinator for Community Service Development Program (CSDP) – a part of world Bank Assisted Projects, etc.

Read more -  http://imostategovernment.blogspot.com.ng/p/features.html

Mrs.Osinbajo attends "Project Ayodele' graduation ceremony in Owerri

Wife of Nigeria's Vice President, Barr.Mrs.Dolapo Osinbajo arrived Owerri today to attend the graduation ceremony of 810 participants of the "Project Ayodele' graduation ceremony. 

Established in memory of Mrs.Osibanjo's late mother, 'Project Ayodele' offers various skills acquisition courses to its participants.

Speaking during the ceremony which was held at the Imo State International convention Centre, Owerri, today, Friday June 24, 2016, Barr. Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo said that government alone cannot fight poverty and crime in the country, adding that well meaning individuals could also play a major role in the reduction of poverty and crime rates in the society through empowerment programmes.

She said, “the Foundation PROJECT AYODELE was set up in memory of my mother who died four years ago.  So, this foundation is an honour to her memory.  Training people on skills that can be turned speedily into cash was a move to empower our people and stop poverty and crime in the nation.”

She continued, “I have come to Imo state to celebrate men and women that have graduated today under the auspices of, PROJECT AYODELE. With the training and the skills acquired, those involved can take care of themselves.  We did not know many years ago when we started the project, that I will end up as the  wife of the Vice-president.  And I didn’t know too that I could be in Imo for that.”

According to her, “where you are today have nothing to do with where you are going tomorrow.  I pray for the participants.  Whatever they have learnt would take them to a higher height.  I was just watching the video about the 200 homes built for indigent women by the wife of Imo governor, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha. I congratulate her for that feat.  The Imo governor’s heart is large that it continues to speak so plainly from. ”

Governor Rochas Okorocha in his speech at the colourful event wondered why Nigerians should be singing the song of poverty amidst wealth and knowledge.  We have 200 million Nigerians and over one million millionaires and billionaires.  If we make a law that every billionaire or millionaire must engage or empower 200 people, one will discover that the 200 million will be self sufficient and poverty will disappear”.

Governor Okorocha continued, “If every bigman in Nigeria builds something that will create Job, there won’t be poverty.”  In Nigeria poverty claim does not reflect practical realities.  I am happy because the wife of the Vice-president has created more than 800 direct jobs in Imo on her own.  If every politician does that, we will be hiring labour from outside.  This is why I am not worried about the corruption that is internal but the one that is external because it allows the resources of the land to go to foreign countries.”

His words, “Woe betide all leaders who stock their money abroad to develop other people’s country while they live their people in penury.  That is the corruption that is bad for our country.  If we can invest the resources in this country, no matter the source, there will be no poverty in the country.  I commend the wife of the vice president for the initiative.”

The anchor woman of the programme in the state, and wife of Imo governor, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha said the wife of the Vice-president had done the state a great favour by training more than 800 indigenes of the state to acquire various skills, adding that the exercise was a direct complement to the Job, Job creation mantra of the Imo state government.

Mrs. Okorocha urged the beneficiaries to also transfer what they have learnt to others so that poverty will be eradicated in the state and the state would be better for it, thanking the wife of the President Aisha Buhari for the support and love she has continued to show the wives of the governors in the country.

The wife of the governor of Abia state, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu and her Enugu state counterpart, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi attended the event.

Imo govt cautions dredgers, miners against illegalities, non payment of tax

Imo State Government has cautioned miners and dredgers operating in the state to stop with immediate effect all forms of irregularities that have jeopardized the environment

  

The message of the state government was communicated through the state task force committee chairman on Mining and Dredging, Hon Kenneth Emelu at the Ikemba Ojukwu Centre, Owerri.

He warned dredgers to stop dredging where they don’t have authorization to dredge, particularly in areas that have become a serious threat to lives and property.

The task force who lamented bitterly how activities of dredgers have posed a threat to some buildings in Amakohia and Egbeada, stated that government is out to clamp down on miners whose activities have jeopardized buildings and the lives of its inhabitants.

Speaking on the need for miners and dredgers to pay tax, the state taskforce chairman explained that it will help to improve the Internally Generated Revenue of the State and appealed to them to reason with the state government as their support and maximum cooperation is highly needed.

Honourable Emelu recalled that the state government was not interested in the generating revenue through the activities of the dredgers but the current economic downturn propelled it to look inwards for improved revenue.

Emelu who was the immediate past Honourable Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Imo State reminded dredgers and miners operating in the state that section 4 sub-section 1 and 2 of Imo State Law  2012 stated clearly that state government is entitled to N1000 on each trip of sand.

From reports in the public domain, since the law was enacted in 2012 it has not been implemented but the dwindling economy has forced the state government to move for its implementation.

The task force committee chairman who noted that the Federal Government gives certificate of operation to dredgers and miners also seized the opportunity to educate them about certain sections of Imo State levy law 2012 and urge them to cooperate with the state government for improved IGR.

Miners operating in Imo State have carried out their business for over three years without paying tax.

Emelu who noted` that the governor had been magnanimous enough since 2012 passionately appealed to dredgers and miners to show understanding, maximum cooperation and pay their tax as at when due, adding that it is now their turn to reciprocate Governor Okorocha`s kind gesture.  

Contributing at the meeting, the Managing Director of Buckingham Dredging Ltd. Obinze, Mr Chuks Osuji, who also doubles as the Secretary of the organization in the state promised that they will work in harmony with the Emelu-led Task force Committee on Mining and Dredging in the state.

IMHA honors Okorocha, describes him as the “Architect Of Modern Imo"

Governor Okorocha being congratulated by the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly during the activities marking their first year of legislative business yesterday

The Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) in an unprecedented move yesterday, gave special awards to Gov Rochas Okorocha and his dear wife, Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha as part of activities marking their first year of legislative business.

In his speech, the Speaker Acho Ihim said Governor Okorocha was being rewarded with the award for his outstanding achievements in office. The Speaker refered to Owelle Rochas Okorocha as the "founder and architect of modern Imo" with the plethora of projects dotted all over the state. Speaker Ihim said the first lady was being recognised for her charitable endeavours especially the ‘She Needs A Roof Project’ (SNARP), that has provided over 150 bungalows for indigent widows across the state & Nneoma Kitchen, an initiative that provides food for less privileged.

Imo State First Lady receiving an Award of Excellence from the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ozuruigbo during the activities marking their first year of legislative business yesterday

Gov Okorocha in his speech thanked the Speaker and members for appreciating his works. He said he is not satisfied with his achievements even while being applauded and will put in more efforts. He assured that all projects initiated by his government would be completed by his administration.

In his remarks, Hon Mike Iheanetu, a PDP lawmaker representing Aboh Mbaise constituency said "Mr Speaker, I want to thank the Governor of Imo State. He knows I never believed in him. You are a man with sagacious ambition. We worked hard to stop you. You enjoy enormous grace from God. You will go places. I am impressed. Even as an opposition member. You have done very well"

135-member Elders Advisory Council inaugurated in Imo

Governor Rochas Okorocha in a group photograph with members of the newly constituted Elders Advisory Council 

Governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has inaugurated 135-member Elders Advisory Council, with five of the elders chosen from each of the 27 Local Government Areas of the state.

Inaugurating members of the Elders Council at the Government House Owerri, yesterday, Governor Okorocha said their role would not only be advisory but would also provide constructive criticisms for the government, adding that the government had taken time to select members of the council to ensure that none of them is in politics or has any known political affiliation.

His words,”the Elders Council must be independent. Members would always advise the government.  It would equally offer the government constructive criticisms from time to time.  That is why we have made the council to be independent.  We had also taken time in the choice of the members of the council to ensure that they are not into partisan politics and do not have any strong political affiliation with any of the political parties or politician.  The essence is to ensure credibility of their personalities and what they set out to do. ”

According to Governor Okorocha, “the elders in the council would also serve as the bridge between the political parties, elders across the nation and even between politicians within and outside the state.  This is in line with our belief that elders are those who understand the past and have a clear view of the future.  People who are in custody of the history of the past and what must be done to correct the mistakes of the past to bring improvement to the future.”

He further stated, “members of the council are those not less than 70 years of age, who must have retired if they were politicians or working.  And who must have been people of proven integrity, who would not be afraid to say the truth no mater whose ox is gored.”

To the elders, the governor told them “to whom much is given, much is expected.  You are also expected to bridge the gap between the government and the people.  You should also restore the fallen integrity of the elders in the state by being brave and truthful in the discharge of your duties.”

Governor Rochas Okorocha congratulating the chairman of the newly constituted Imo Elders Advisory Council, Dr. E.J.K Onyewuchi

However, Dr. EJK Onyewuchi emerged as the chairman of the council, while Prince Pat Abii was chosen as the secretary of the council.

In his response, chairman of the Council, Dr. Onyewuchi, thanked the governor for acknowledging the role and importance of elders in a democratic setting and assured him that they would leave no stone unturned to achieve the lofty goal for which the Elders Council was constituted.

Madumere calls for NYSC reform

Imo Deputy Governor flanked by the Hon. Felix Offou, second on the left, President General of Isoko Development Union (IDU), Chief Iduh Amaidhe and the Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Karo Ilolo during the celebration of Late Pa. John Offou shortly after he was laid to rest at his country home in Okpe-Isoko, Isoko North Local Government of Delta State.

Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, has called for reform of the National Youth Service Scheme, which he said is fast losing the original intent of its foundation.

Prince Madumere stated this at the weekend when he was addressing the cross section of the people of Delta State in Okpe-Isoko, Isoko North Local Government of Delta State during the burial ceremony of late Pa John Offou, the father of the former Media Aide to the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Hon. Felix Offou.

Prince Madumere while narrating his discovery of the cultural affinities of the various tribes and ethnic groups in Nigeria called for more effort to ensure that Nigerian youths get exposed to other people's culture. This he said will go a long way to strengthen cohesion and unity of Nigeria.

He commended the idea of National Youth Service Corps, which its main aim is to expose Nigerian graduates to other ethnic cultures and to learn their values with the soul aim of fostering National Unity.

Prince Madumere while condoling Felix Offou, the son of the late Pa Offou and the people of Okpe-Isoko over the passing away of one of their great leaders and custodian of their cultures and tradition who was aged 128 years, described the people's culture as closely related to that of Igbo thereby calling on the younger ones to embrace every Nigerian as a brother.

He therefore called for reform of the National Youth Service Corps to ensuring that its aim is not defeated saying it is still very relevant to national unity and development of the country.

He further called for abrogation of dichotomy between ‘indigeneship’ and citizenship, proposing that whosever that has stayed at a place for a period of time should not be denied the rights and privileges accorded to others. He said that such consideration will go a long way to make Nigeria a more cohere and united Nation State.

Okorocha calls on Igbo leaders to unite for progress

Governor Okorocha exchanging pleasantries with other dignitaries present at the burial of the former  Imo State SSG, the late Nze Ignatius Umunna

Governor Rochas Okorocha has called on Igbo leaders to unite irrespective of their political party affiliations and religious inclinations for the progress of Igbos as a people and the nation at large, regretting that for quite a long time now Igbo leaders have allowed sectional and political differences to divide them.

Governor Okorocha spoke at the funeral service of the former Secretary to the Imo State Government (SSG),  Nze Ignatius Umunna at his compound Mgbidi in Oru West Local government on Friday, June 10, 2016, stressing that Igbo leaders must now learn to unite, and attributed lack of unity among Igbo leaders to ignorance and selfishness.

His words, “we must unite as a people.  And there is no better time for us as a people to unite than now because what has united us is far bigger than the political parties or religious inclinations that divide us.  We must all unite and sing a common song of unity.  It is important that we must all learn to unite.  I see it as ignorance at the highest level that we have allowed sectional differences to divide us and we have refused to come together as brothers.”

He described the late Nze Umunna as a worthy son of the state stressing that a vacuum has been created with the death of the former SSG, and prayed that his children could fill the vacuum.

He continued, “let us learn to appreciate people when they are alive and not when they are dead.  It is important that we must all learn to appreciate good people when they are still alive.  The children must step into their father’s shoes and must remain united to build on the legacies left behind by their father.”

In his speech, first son of the late former SSG, Mr. Kelechi Umunna described the father as a great manager of men and material and assured that they would build on the legacies left behind by their father.

Former Governor of the state, Chief Achike Udenwa under whom Umunna was SSG for seven years described the deceased as a transparent public servant whose wealth of experience helped him greatly when he held sway as governor regretting that he died when his experience was much needed both by the state and the nation at large.

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.

Read more - http://imostategovernment.blogspot.com.ng/p/features.html

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.