Imo Hosts NUJ 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference in Owerri

 

More than one thousand journalists have converged on Owerri, Imo State for the Eight Triennial National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.

Addressing Journalists at the opening ceremony, Governor Hope Uzodimma who is the Special Guest of Honor at the event today ( Thursday 28^th Nov. 2024), highlighted the duties of journalists in promoting national democracy. He said that responsible journalism practice is key to the development of any society and helps in promoting healthy democratic experience in a country like Nigeria. He frowned at the dangers which disinformation with its concomitant impact from fake news has caused both the larger society and the media sector, suggesting that it is high time journalists were exposed to different trainings that will equip them with the necessary skills to ethically practice their profession.

He congratulated the leadership’s of the NUJ under Comrade Chris Isiguzo for the choice of Imo State for their Conference and urged the journalists to take advantage of their stay in Imo to see for themselves the developmental strides of his administration against what they may have been fed with on the social media as fake news. He told the NUJ leadership that his government had taken steps to encourage their members in Imo State, reminding them that the idea is to ensure that he helps to bring out the best in them. Governor Uzodimma’s speech reads: “It is with profound pleasure that I welcome you all to Owerri for this triennial conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. “Seeing this impressive gathering of journalists here today fills me with a sense of pride.

 It not only signifies your firm dedication to your profession but also validates the strides we have made in ensuring peace and progress in Imo State. Just a few weeks ago, we had the privilege of hosting the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and now, we are honoured to welcome the NUJ.

 

 This clearly shows that Imo State has truly returned to its rightful place as a safe and welcoming destination, the hospitality capital of the East. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, and the Executive Council for choosing Imo State as the venue for this important conference. Comrade President, I know this gathering must feel like a homecoming for you, having launched your esteemed career right here in Imo State. Your leadership has been nothing short of transformative, not just in reforming the Union, but also in elevating the standards of professionalism in journalism. “I commend you, Comrade Isiguzo, for your outstanding achievements and encourage you to continue supporting the incoming administration to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress”, he said.

The chairman on the occasion, Senator Osita Izunaso, represented by Dr. Maxwell Ngene called on government at different levels to support journalists in their programmes.

The outgoing National President of the union, Mr. Chris Isiguzo listed some of his achievements and charged the incoming national executive to take the union to more enviable heights.

The event will feature election of new national officers.

 

 

Imo House of Assembly passes state electrical bill into law

 

The Imo State House of Assembly on 9^th November, 2024, passed the State electrical bill that has been on its table for some time into law.

 

The bill which aims at improving electricity access and regulation was passed after much deliberations by members of the house.

The Chief sponsor of the bill Kanayo Onyemaechi, a member representing Owerri West Constituency and also majority leader of the house while speaking with House of Assembly correspondents said the bill was drawn from the Federal Electricity Act of 2023 which empowers states to have a legal framework to issue licenses and regulate electricity agencies in their respective states.

Onyemaechi informed that the electricity landscape in Nigeria is undergoing a significant transformation, signalled by the enactment of the Nigerian Electricity Act of 2023.

He said the new legislation represents a significant shift in the industry, ushering in an era of increased competition and innovation across the entire electricity value chain.

“Under the Act, states can now issue licenses for mini-grids and power plants, decentralizing the process and enabling local decision-making for electricity generation and distribution. Furthermore, the Act encourages the adoption of renewable energy sources, a crucial step towards achieving a more sustainable and resilient electricity system.

“Again coming to Imo State, the newly passed bill, by the Imo State House of Assembly, seeks to improve the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in the state. The legislation intends to establish a regulatory framework for the Imo State electricity market to ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply within the state,” he observed.

Throwing more light on the bill, the House majority leader pointed out that key provisions of the bill include the creation of an electricity market within the state to improve access to electricity for its residents, and the establishment of a regulatory framework for the electricity market, designed to guarantee the supply of electricity and protect the interests of consumers.

He further maintained that with the passage of the bill, the state’s residents can expect to enjoy the same benefits afforded by the federal Electricity Act of 2023, including:
Empowering State Government to craft electricity policies that align with the state’s specific needs, improving service quality and accessibility.

It will also create room for a more competitive electricity market which will foster innovation, leading to better services and lower prices for consumers, he said.

He further added that it will encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources which he said will lead to cleaner, more sustainable power generation and a healthier environment and others.

 

 

Imo Govt Tasks Oil Companies On Human Capital Development In Secondary Schools

The Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has charged oil producing companies operating in the state to intensify the implementation of their social responsibilities by initiating and developing infrastructures in the secondary schools in their host communities.

Uzodimma said this through his Commissioner for Secondary Education, Prof. John cliff Nwadike at the Quiz competition organised by Seplat Energy and NNPC for the secondary schools in the state on Friday, 14^th November, 2024.

He noted that education has not only become the engine of growth for Nations but also a veritable mechanism to develop and harness the intellectual capabilities of children at very tender ages.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Chinyere Ibeh, the Governor believed that the quiz competition would sharpen the intellect of the students.

 

In his words,

 

” the competition will also encourage healthy academic competition as well as promotion of academic excellence in schools.”

The state governor however, implored Seplat Energy and NNPC to go beyond organising quiz competition and donate books, provide infrastructures and other incentives to schools in the state

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Petroleum, Emeka Ngbudem and that of the Niger Delta affairs Henry Okafor commended Seplat Ernegy and NNPC for their resolve to motivate and encourage the students to take their studies seriously

They noted that the competition if sustained would arouse stronger academic competition among students of secondary schools in the state

The management of Seplat Energy explained that the event was put in place to promote educational achievement and reward learning and hard work, enhance academic excellence among the students and assured that the company would continue to partner with the state government in the provision of qualitative education for students in the state.

 

 

Imo Govt To Launch Massive Construction Projects Statewide

 

The Imo State government is to embark on massive road construction projects across the state as the rainy season recedes.

The state Commissioner for Works, Barrister Ralph Nwosu,  disclosed this at the weekend while speaking journalists penultimate week. . According to him, the Imo state government will prioritize the state’s financial and economic interests, ensuring that no zone will be left behind.

He announced the commencement of the Mgbe – Akokwa – Uga Road construction project with Craneburg Construction Company as the contractor.

 

In his words,

 

” To address ecological considerations on the Mgbe/Akokwa/Uga road, thorough studies were conducted, and a well-planned construction strategy was developed. While the Imo State Government will continue the road, construction up to the border at Uga in Anambra State, the federal government will undertake remedial works at the erosion site at Umuchima Community in Ideato South. This collaborative effort aims to ensure the successful completion of the project and mitigate any environmental impact.

 ” Asphalting has officially commenced in Orlu Town, stretching from Okporo Junction to Eziachi, near the newly built Government House annexe. Other major road contractors will soon be deployed to begin work on street roads throughout Orlu, aiming for the swift delivery of the Orlu Urban Renewal project.”

The Commissioner provided an update on the Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout Flyover as making progress, with the substructure and piers now completed while construction crews are currently launching the beams for the flyover. These initiatives, he said, underscore the state government’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and improving the quality of life for residents of Imo State.

“On the Ihiagwa Road, the Commissioner announced that the bridge is nearing completion, which will facilitate the vital link to Obinze while ongoing drainage work aims to effectively channel floodwaters into the Otamiri River.

” The Imo State government is poised to accelerate work on the Avu-Adapalm road, aiming to quickly complete seven kilometres up to the Adapalm plantation in the first phase and in record time. This move is expected to alleviate the suffering of residents in the area. Additionally, the Umunyeali road leading to Akwakuma will receive attention in the future, having undergone exco deliberations. To address the issue of potholes within Owerri, the government has divided the work into sections to maximise results, with work already commenced in some areas and the same speed will be maintained in other areas.

He added, “Regarding Umuguma Road, the primary challenge is the absence of a suitable location to channel stormwater and flood, as the existing location is inadequate, and the area is fully built up, making it difficult to implement effective channelisation. This has led to persistent flooding and waterlogging on the road, causing inconvenience to residents and commuters. To address this issue, the government is exploring alternative solutions, including the construction of a new drainage system and the expansion of existing waterways. The government will continue to work tirelessly to address the challenges facing Umuguma Road and other areas”, he said.

Imo Indigene, Okere, Bags “Ambassador Of Humanitarianism" Award In America

 

An Imo state indegene, Dr. Sylvester Okere, has bagged the prestigious award of ‘Ambassador Of Humanitarianism’ from CSCHEI, an accredited non-profit organization based in the United States of America.

The award by COSHEI is coming nine months after Okere was appointed to lead the Civil Society Organization on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative  as the Director, Diaspora (North America and South America).

Presenting the award to Okere during the "79th UNGA Side Event High Level Global Executive Sustainable Investments, Grants and Interventions Roundtable in New York on the 17th of September 2024,  the Director General of CSCHEI, Kunle Yusuff ,MON, described Dr. Okere's contributions to the society as “positive”.

In his words,  “This is to officially inform you respectfully that, having scrutinized and analyzed your resuming and personality, most especially on your positive contributions to "Community Enhancement, Social Development, Humanitarianism, Capacity Building and Service to Humanity, Civil Society Organizations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiatives, CSCHEI an accredited platform with partnership agreement with United Nations Institute For Training and Research, UNITAR, United Nations Satellite Center, UNOSAT, Nigeria Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru to coordinate, organize, supervise and promote NGOs, CSOs, CBOs and FBOs within the scope of socio economic development has considered, approved and honoured you  "Ambassador of Humanitarianism".

Congratulations!!!.

 

“This is to further strengthening you into Development Space.”

 

Kunle Yusuff, MON.

Director General,CSCHEI.

  

Sylvester Okere led the AGOA International Trade and Commerce Fact Finding Workshop held at Hilton Manhattan New York in February 2013. The initiative brought some leaders from Africa to participate, along with US lawmakers, the UN, Civil Societies, NGOs, and heads of government agencies to discuss critical issues surrounding AGOA.

He facilitated, and mobilized the African Diaspora for The White House Policy Briefing of February 22, 2016

Okere championed USAID's Global Innovation Exchange program for Africa. The Global Innovation Exchange is a global online marketplace for innovations, funding, insights, resources, and conversations, allowing the world to better work together to address humanity’s greatest challenges; and a unique resource by Center for Development Innovation | U.S. Global Development Lab in the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Okere is a member of the World Association of Detectives (WAD), Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE), National Council of Investigators & Security Services (NCISS), Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), American Security Foundation, American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Public Record Retriever Network (PRRN), Maryland Investigators and Security Association (MISA), and other esteemed associations. He is a certified institutional protection manager (CIPM II) with a primary focus on industrial security, infrastructure, and trade facilitation. He is also the Founding President of Strategic Groups USA LLC, a private security and private detective firm, and the United People for African Congress (UPAC), a 501c3 non-profit umbrella organization that advocates for the rights of African nationals across the United States. 

Sylvester Okere hails from Obibi Ezena, in Owerri-North Local Government Area of Imo state. He is a former Nigeria Immigration officer with 18 years of federal service (Kano and Imo state combined). He lived a few years in Europe prior to migrating to the United States where he settled as a businessman, politician, Security Professional and an activist. He has received many national and continental awards; amongst two recent recognition: Prominent African Activist Award by NELAS UK, 2018 ; Presidential award of Nigerian-American Lawyers Association; The Outstanding Nigerian In Diaspora award 2017;  Nollywood Who Is Who USA magazine African Community Leadership Award and African Champion a community service award.