Rochas tasks journalists, broadcast stations on objective reportage

Mr. Basil Okechukwu Uzoma, 3rd from right exchanging pleasantries with governor Okorocha

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorohca has challenged broadcasting Houses and journalists operating in the state to maintain objectivity in their reportage rather than leaning on any political bias.

Governor Okorocha gave the charge when the new General Manager of Radio Nigeria Heartland FM Owerri and the management team paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House Owerri recently.

Owelle Okorocha who expressed regrets that some broadcasters and journalists have thrown diligence in management of information over board and appealed to Radio Nigeria to give the state government and other individuals the right to reply to issues and allegations against them.

He encouraged the management of Radio Nigeria to keep abreast of events happening in the State in order to give a fair and accurate report of the government.

The Imo Governor stressed that the achievements of the Rescue Mission government has been grossly under-reported by Radio Nigeria as the government has done over 2,000 projects in less than 3 years of its existence. “The Imo government cannot be compared with any government in terms of infrastructural development.” He argued.

While assuring the General Manager and Management of Heartland FM of the support of state government, the Governor disclosed that the state owned radio station- the Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) as well as public facilities are open to all irrespective of political affiliation.

Speaking earlier, the new General Manager of Radio Nigeria Heartland FM, Owerri, Mr. Basil Okechukwu Uzoma said he came with his team of management staff to pay homage to the governor and keep him abreast of happenings in the station.

Mr Uzoma who is barely 3 weeks old at the station said they were committed to informing the people of good governance at the Local, State and Federal government levels as well as highlighting areas of need for intervention.

The General Manager called for patronage from both government and the citizenry pointing out that the station is open for all and geared to giving equal opportunity to all irrespective of religious and ethnic background.

He assured that the news content of happenings at the Local, State and Federal levels will remain accurate, objective and impartial.

Okorocha urges FG to empower T. Rulers as FECTRON concludes 3 days prayer in Imo

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to see the decentralization of powers to the Traditional Rulers in the communities as paramount in achieving sustainable leadership, development and security in Nigeria.

He made this call while declaring open a 3-day prayer conference organized by the Fellowship of Christian Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (FECTRON) at the Imo Convention Centre, Owerri, recently.

Governor Okorocha said that as custodians of the peoples’ customs and traditions, Traditional Rulers deserve full recognition and involvement in ensuring that government projects/programmes get to the people at the grassroots pointing out that if empowered, they are capable of identifying criminals in their hideouts and bringing terrorism and insurgencies to a halt. 

The Governor disclosed that Imo is the first State in Nigeria to establish the Imo Traditional Parliament, pay security votes to Traditional Rulers in the 637 communities and recognize Ndi-Eze as Chief Security Officers in their localities which has helped in curbing kidnapping and other criminal activities in the State.

He said that as Chairmen of the Community Government Council established by his administration, the Royal Fathers have been empowered to supervise and maintain schools in their areas as well as ensure that funds provided by government to enhance agriculture, especially the palm for palm plantation are adequately utilized by farmers Said he;

“Nigeria will not develop and get better until the custodians of power in the communities are empowered”,

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha said the prayer conference was apt and timely now that the nation is threatened by insecurity and insurgencies and thanked God that there are ‘Kings of the Earth’ who reverence God and humble themselves to intercede for the people and the nation at large.

He reminded them that there is a connectivity between God and the leaders of His people on earth and urged them not to relent in praying for leaders at all levels.

He explained that the success story of the Rescue Mission government lies in the daily prayers observed by the government and people of the State, adding ‘you can’t be praising God and remain small because you are as high as you think your God is.’  

Earlier in his address, HRM Eze Samuel Ohiri (Eze Imo) said the prayer conference has over the years recorded tremendous success by positively impacting on the spiritual and material wellbeing of the Kings across the country and thanked God for helping them overcome various limitations in their quest to seek His righteousness.

Eze Ohiri described Imo people as Christians who put God first in everything they do adding that most of the Traditional Rulers in the State and beyond are on track for the heavenly race.

He thanked God for giving Imo State a God-fearing Governor like Owelle Okorocha who has better the lot of Imo people through infrastructural development, free education, uplifting the standard of Ndi-Eze in all ramifications, etc.

Eze Imo thanked the leadership of the faith building Organization for choosing Imo as host State for this year’s Annual Conference assuring them of adequate security and hospitality the State is known for.

The Christian Royal Fathers used the occasion to pray for the blessing and unity of Government and people of Imo State and Nigeria at large.

The prayer session which lasted from 9^th to 11^th of July 2014 was attended by the FECTRON National President, HRM Atuwatse II, The Olu of Warri, Traditional Rulers from all States of the Federation and Religious Leaders.

Imo to partner with S/African investors to revive Avutu Poultry

ROCHAS OKOROCHA IN A HANDSHAKE WITH MR DIRK HANEKOM, CHAIRMAN OF AGRIC SOUTH AFRICA DURING THEIR VISIT TO GOVT. HOUSE, OWERRI RECENTLY - 

The Imo State government is to partner with South-African Agricultural investors to revive and improve the Avutu poultry farm in Obowo LGA.

 

Governor Okorocha made this known on Monday when he led a team of South-African Agricultural investors to pay courtesy call on the widow of the late Governor of the State, Mrs. Ahuikpeghe Mbakwe.

 

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that henceforth, the Avutu Poultry farm Ltd. Will be known and referred to as Sam Mbakwe Poultry Farm.

 

He said that the first civilian governor of the State, the late Chief Sam Mbakwe would continue to be honoured as long as the State would continue to appreciate the foot-prints he left behind.

 

Okorocha who was received at the country home of the late former Governor by the wife and son, Ahuikpeghe and Chief Alex Mbakwe, told his audience that Mbakwe had achieved much for the State that his administration has remained a reference government in the State and beyond.

 

Welcoming the governor, the late Mbakwe’s first son, Alex Mbakwe commended governor Okorocha for being the first governor after the late father to have shown enormous interest in both the family and the Avutu poultry farm and prayed that God would continue to encourage him.  He appealed to the governor to rehabilitate the road leading to the poultry since those going to the poultry would need good road to get there.

 

At the poultry farm, the governor regretted the long-time neglect the poultry had suffered and said his administration would stop at nothing to achieve the goal behind the establishment of the poultry, reiterating that the poultry when fully revived, would provide job opportunities to thousands of Imo sons and daughters.

 

The governor assured that his administration will overhaul the farm and also rehabilitate the State owned paint industry located at Mbaise.

 

Earlier, the leader of the South African investors, Mr. Dirk Hanekom had told the governor that they had come to partner the state government in agriculture, which he said remains a tool to unite African nations, also praising the governor for keeping the doors of his administration open for investors.

 

Speaking at a mini reception organized by the people of the area, a leader from the area, Chief Abraham Alesiro said that since 1983 nobody or any governor has done for Avutu Obowo people what Rochas has done for them.  He advised the governor to postpone his presidential ambition and seek re-election as the governor of the State.

 

Imo increases IGR from N200m to N600m as Rochas calls for regular payment of Tax by citizens

Imo State Governor sitting next to former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief D.S.P Alamesiegha at the Banquet Hall Owerri during the occasion of Aka Ndozi Imo

Governor Rochas Okorocha has commended the Ministry of Internal Resources and Pension Affairs and the Imo State Board of Internal revenue for their effort in improving the IGR of the State from N200m to about N600m.

He made the commendation during the official launch of Aka Ndozi Imo (The hand that contributes to the development of Imo State) at the Banquet Hall, Government House Owerri recently.

The programme which is a tax mobilization initiative was organizhted by the Imo State Board of Internal revenue and the Ministry of Internal Resources and Pension Affairs.

Governor Okorocha who stressed the need for increased internally generated revenue, urged all to see tax payment as a thing of joy and as a civic responsibility which a good citizen must perform.  Said he;

 “There can’t be a great citizen without a great tax payer”

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha assured that government would provide the necessary facilities for effective tax collection while sounding a warning to illegal tax collectors to desist from such acts.

He called on individuals and co-operate organizations operating in the State to imbibe the culture of regular payment of taxes to assist government provide the needed social infrastructure and services.

 The governor recalled that his administration inherited 12 years pension arrears owed by the previous administration which today has been cleared, and further vowed that “never again in the history of Imo State will any worker stay without his/her pension. “

He explained that the Ministry of Internal Resources and Pension Affairs was established by the present administration to dramatize the seriousness the Rescue Mission government attaches to issues of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and pensions.

Contributing, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajimogu, noted that government has a responsibility to provide social amenities but the people must reciprocate by paying their taxes. He therefore called for a symbiotic relationship between government and the people to ensure a more prosperous state.

The Imo law maker gave assurance that the House will provide the necessary legislation and laws that would guarantee effective tax system in the state.

In his address of welcome, the Commissioner for Internal Resources and Pension Affairs, Mr. Nick Oparandudu maintained that a most urgent action was needed to increase the revenue base of the state especially as oil revenue which constitutes much of the federal allocation has continued to drop over the medium and long term due to a combination several factors.

He therefore appealed to residents and organization in the State to support the government through regular payment of their taxes to enable it meet the growing demands of citizens.

He rated the Okorocha administration as having performed creditably in providing physical infrastructure, services and even free education up to tertiary institution and called for collaborative effort of stakeholders, the traditional rulers, private sector and all citizens of the State to achieve the Imo of our dreams.

HRH Eze Ben Igwilo, the traditional ruler of Osina autonomous community and Secretary Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, said the Traditional Rulers are committed to raising about 1,000 taxable adults in their various communities to help government realize its programme of developing the State.

Highlight of the occasion was that award of recognition and appreciation to individuals and corporate organization for sustained and prompt payment of taxes.

Rochas tasks Outdoor Advertisers on good leadership campaign

 President of the West African Outdoor Advertising Association, Chief Charles Chijide responding to Governor Rochas Okorocha's address 

 The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) to use their Association as a veritable tool in promoting awareness on the need for Nigerians to elect credible and visionary leaders in the 2015 election.

He made this call when the Executives of OAAN paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Owerri recently.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor Okorocha expressed regrets that Nigerians do not look beyond the sentiment of region and religion in choosing her leaders and advised them to elect people with meaningful contributions if the nation must achieve the much needed transformation. Said he;

 “Every politician should roll out his plan of work to Nigerians and not condemnation plan on other persons. Those who engage in campaign of calumny should be disregarded as what is important is what they have to offer.”

The Governor stressed that Nigeria is in dare need of good leadership to steer the wheel of the nation’s progress and urged Outdoor Advertising Practitioners to lead in the campaign.

He called on governments at all levels to consider the plight of the victims of Boko Haram menace and join hands in fighting the security challenges facing the nation, while he advocated that Neighborhood Associations be strengthened to identify strangers and guarantee safety in their environments.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha assured the Advertising experts of government’s wiliness to partner with them in any activity that will improve the economy of the State adding that the Rescue Mission landmark achievements is the concern to provide dividends of democracy of the people.

Governor Okorocha in group photo with members of the Outdoor Advertising Association

Speaking earlier, the President of the West African Outdoor Advertising Association, Chief Charles Chijide said they were in the State in preparation for their 29^th Annual General Meeting holding in the State soon. He explained that the Association is responsible for the control and regulation of outdoor advertising in Nigeria with large membership within and outside the nation.

He commended Governor Okorocha for keeping faith with his campaign promises to Imo people adding that the massive transformation on the roads, infrastructure, free education and others have made Imo one of the most lucrative business environments in the Nigeria.

The Association used the occasion to confer on Governor Okorocha the Patron of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria for his good leadership.

Okorocha swears in 3 Commissioners, 6 Perm secs and a TC Chairman

Governor Okorocha in group picture with the newly appointed aides

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has appointed 10 new aides into his cabinet. They include three commissioners, six Permanent Secretaries  and one Transition Committee Chairman.

Speaking during the ceremony marking the swearing-in of the new appointees, Governor Okorocha urged them to see their appointment as an opportunity to contribute their own quota towards the development of the State.

He advised them to shun primitive accumulation of wealth and have the interest of the poor masses at heart to enable them make history for themselves.

Speaking further at the occasion which was held at the Government House, Owerri today, Governor Okorocha  reminded the permanent secretaries that their positions are political appointment’ adding that it is the wish of his administration to make sure that every local government has a permanent secretary.

He urged the relatives of the political appointees to always pray for them especially for God’s direction and wisdom to enable them perform effectively rather than extorting money from them.

Owelle Okorocha recalled that Imo State three years ago was in need of good leadership while high rate of kidnappings and ritual killing were the order of the day and made them to understand that his administration has tackled such security problems to the barest minimum.

He used the opportunity to highlight some of monumental projects embarked upon by his administration; such as 305 model schools, 27 new general hospitals, dualization of rural and urban roads and transformation of the three geopolitical zones in the State into mega cities.

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in appointees, Prof. Adobi Obasi who is now the commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in his administration and promised that they will perform effectively.

Those sworn-in are:

1.     Chief Ken Aneme  -  Commissioner for Transport and Tourism.

2.     Prof. Adaobi Obasi  -  Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

3.     Chief Frank Chukwuemeka Ibezim  -  Commissioner for Agriculture.

The Permanent Secretaries are:

1.     Mr. B.I. Ibebuike

2.     Dr. G.C. Okeagu

3.     Mrs. T.O. Ibeagi

4.     Mr. E.O. Asuonyeigwe

5.     Mrs. N.U. Izunobi

6.     Pastor J.I. Ngoka

Mr. Peter Clinton Ihejiagwa,Transition Committee Chairman of Orsu,

Rochas calls on Igbos to show interest in 2015 Presidency in Nigeria

Governor Okorocha in a handshake with Ambassador Akpelu Agunna E, President Ohaneze Ndigbo, Imo State Chapter during their visit to Govt. House, Owerri yesterday.

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorcha has called the Igbos to declare interest in the next presidential election in Nigeria come 2015.

He made this call when the leaders and members of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, Imo State chapter visited him at the Government House, Owerri yesterday.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor Okorocha charged Nigerians to show interest in what someone can do in a particular position and not where he comes from, and that time has come for Nigerians including the Igbo to begin to de-emphasize the issue of zoning, which he said promotes clannishness instead of oneness needed for development and growth.

According to him, someone with intelligence and the right vision should lead the people rather than someone whose only credential is where he comes from. He advised that the Igbos should be giving leadership positions to those who can deliver and not on the basis of where the person comes from.

In his words, “One day changes a story.  In Imo, nobody talks about zoning again in the State because each zone gets its share of the projects and other government programmes.  What somebody can do is more important than where he comes from.  Igbos must show interest in the presidency of the country in 2015.  I want to show the light to the rest of Igbo nation.  People with vision must lead.” 

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that the Igbos know how to defend themselves when the need arises and charged every Igbo man and woman to be vigilant, adding that the country is at the moment facing serious security challenges following the insurgence of the Boko Haram elements.

According to him, every Igbo man or woman is automatically a member of Ohaneze. He charged the body to begin to ask themselves one big question and that is, when will an Igbo man become the president of Nigeria?

Earlier, the president of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, Imo State branch, Amb. Nkpelu A. Everestus praised the governor for the monumental achievements of his administration the State.

Bomb scare: Oyedepo thanks Okorocha for quick intervention

Bishop Oyedepo in handshake with Governor Okorocha during his visit to the Government House Owerri today 

The General Overseer, Living Faith Church International was in Owerri today, to visit the Imo State Headquarters of the Church over the foiled bomb scare that took place at the church early hours of Sunday 15^thJune, 2014.

Bishop Oyedepo who paid courtesy call on Governor Rochas Okorocha in Government House, Owerri, thanked him for the quick intervention made to avert the planned disaster by terrorists..

He regretted that the nation is being plagued by Boko Haram insurgence which has taken a great toll on the lives and property of innocent Nigerians.  He therefore prayed for God’s intervention as well as to imbue our leaders the wisdom to stem the growing cancer of insurgence and terrorism.

                                               

The prelate who stressed that prompt action was needed by government at all levels to keep terrorism under check, noted that Boko Haram is beyond politics and urged all to join hands to fight the menace to ensure a peaceful and united Nigeria.

Responding, the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha commended Bishop Oyedepo for his visit and assured that government is not relenting in its efforts to ensure security of lives and property of residents in the state.

He pointed out that the security and progress of Imo State is anchored on God as the state observes 10 minutes daily devotion to God.  “Imo state is fortified by the Holy Ghost” he maintained.

Governor Okorocha commended the Living Faith Church for the role it is playing in uplifting the spiritual lives of people and also for her role in promoting education in the country by building one of the best universities – The Covenant University.  He appealed to the Bishop to build a campus of the university in Imo State, while assuring that the State will provide land for the project.

Bomb scare: Okorocha tasks Imo residents to be more vigilant

The cylinders for high caliber Improvised Explosive Devices [IEDS] recovered from suspect by the Kaduna Police Command on Tuesday. Photo by Olu Ajayi.

Following the pandemonium at the Living Faith Church [Winners Chapel], Owerri at the early hours of Sunday 15^th June, 2014 on the detected explosive devices suspected to be planted by the dreaded Islamic Sect, Boko Haram, the state Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on the people of the state to be calm and go about their normal business as everything was under control.

Addressing the press on the bomb scare, at Government House, Owerri, Owelle Okorocha said it was confirmed that there was a planted bomb which had the capacity to go 500 meters range and would have been a disaster if it had exploded as the church where it was planted is located at a densely populated area of the state.

The Governor noted that the daily prayers offered in the state were not in vain and thanked God for saving the lives of his people.  He also commended the security outfits in the state for being alert to their duties.

He assured Imo people that the situation was under control noted that Imo State is not known for such ugly incidence and therefore appealed to all Imolites and other Nigerians resident in the state to be more security conscious and alert the police about any suspected objects, vehicles or persons around their vicinity.

He however assured that the State has applied necessary measures to stop further occurrence of the ugly situation.

The governor added that there would be an emergency security meeting at the International convention Centre, Owerri where further security briefing would be made available to all imolites.

He also said that already, some suspects have been arrested while investigation is still going on.

Democracy Day: Okorocha presents score card after 3 yrs in office

In commemoration of the Democracy Day in Nigeria which holds on May 29^th every year, the Imo State governor has presented his score card after three years in office.

 

The event which was held yesterday at the newly built Imo International Conference Center (IICC) in Owerri, attracted the presence of thousands of Imolites and dignitaries from various States in Nigeria.

Governor Okorocha in a warm embrace with Dr Ezekiel Izuogu, during a function held at Imo International Conference Center, Owerri recently.

 

Speaking at the event which was tagged ‘State of Imo Address’, Governor Okorocha recalled the circumstances that brought him to power in 2011 and described it as ‘an unusual election in an unusual circumstances’. Said he; “I took an oath to touch the lives of the people of my State with the help of God and I do what I do not for monetary gain nor to be re-elected but to have my name written in the history of the State as a leader who had great impact on the lives of the people and development of Imo State.”

 

He lamented the daily bombing and killing of innocent citizens by the Boko Haram sect which has put Nigerians in constant fear and confusion and called on the Federal Government to summon an emergency meeting of all Governors to brainstorm on the way out of the menace.

In his words, “This is not a war against any religion but against the nation, we pray God to touch these evil perpetrators to release the Chibok girls back to their families.”

Governor Okorocha pointed out that he has managed the State’s statutory allocation of N168,495.3 billion in three years to run the free education programme from primary to tertiary levels as well as provided the much needed dividends of democracy to Imo people.

He enumerated some of the achievements made within 3 years in office to include:  Over 1,000km of asphalted rural roads, construction and dualization of city roads, construction of 5 inland bridges to link the old and new Owerri, reconstruction of the Government House, construction of Owerri City School, the 305 upstairs primary school buildings in the rural areas and the Degree awarding College of Health Technology at Orlu.  Others include the Odenigbo Guest House, Akachi Towers, the Imo European University, Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies, 27 General Hospitals in the LGAs, Young Scientist College, and the Centenary Towers, among others.  He further said that government has transformed Okigwe and Orlu into new cities as well as developed more new cities to make Imo a one-city State.

He expressed joy that the Community Government Council (CGC) has come to stay and applauded the contributions of all the Traditional Rulers in the State as well as the members of the Community Government Council towards its success. He assured that with the implementation of the palm for palm programme in the 637 Communities of the State, the agricultural sector will be enhanced and the economy improved. 

He also noted that with the cooperation of all security Agencies in the State, kidnapping and other criminal activities have reduced drastically adding that the daily 12noon prayers has attracted the presence of God to make these achievements possible.  

On whether he is to contest for 2^nd term as Governor or run for the Presidential position under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, Owelle Okorocha summarily declared that his decision would depend on the wishes of the masses in both the State and in the Nation.  He however re-stated that he has no intentions of leaving APC as alleged by his detractors and urged Nigerians to continue to support the Party that assures needed changes in Nigerian leadership.

 

Contributing, the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajimogu, commended Governor Okorocha for the giant strides made within the 3 years of his administration and attributed the feat to the cooperation and cordial relationship that existed between the Legislature and the Executive arms.

Uwajimogu further thanked Imo people for making the needed sacrifice to ensure that Imo is put on the part of progress.

He therefore appealed to all the political parties in the State to work towards the common good of the Imo masses while assuring continuous support of the Legislators.

He however enjoined Governor Okorocha to consider a second-term bid in order to consolidate on the achievements made in the areas of free education and infrastructural transformation of the State.  “The reward for good job is another job”, he concluded.

Also present at the occasion were, the wife of the Governor, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, the SSG, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, the Chief of Staff, Sir Jude Ejiogu, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Commissioners and other members of the Expanded Exco., Hon. Members of the House of Assembly, other APC stalwarts like Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Deputy Chairman, APC Alh Bello Masari, Chief Audu Ogbe, Chief Tom Ikimi, Chief Timipre Sylva, Chief Lawal and APC National Women Leader, Barr. Sharon Ikeazu.  Others are Heads of Ministerial and non Ministerial Departments, the Chairman, Council of Ndi-Eze, Eze Simon Ohiri, other religious leaders and Traditional Rulers, Security outfits in the State, CGC members, women and youth organizations and friends of Imo State.

Side attractions at the event include song ministrations and documentary on the achievements of the Rescue Mission in the past 3 years.