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Tag: Imo govt

  • Imo govt, police demolish properties linked to suspected organ harvester

    Imo govt, police demolish properties linked to suspected organ harvester

    The Imo state government, working with the state police command, has demolished several properties allegedly connected to Stanley Oparaugo, who is wanted by authorities over suspected involvement in organ harvesting.

    The affected structures include Jessy Best Hotel and Ugwudi Cottage Hospital mortuary services along the Owerri-Aba Road in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.

    Speaking at the demolition site, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma said the action followed a directive from Governor Hope Uzodimma after the facilities were identified as hideouts for criminal activities linked to organ harvesting.

    He said, “The order to demolish the properties was issued by Governor Hope Uzodimma. The owner, Stanley Oparaugo, has been declared wanted for refusing to honour police invitations. Credible intelligence indicated that these properties served as hubs for criminal operations.”

    Danjuma further noted that the mortuary was under suspicion after mutilated bodies were reportedly discovered there. 

    “The suspect can run, but he cannot hide. The law will catch up with him,” he said.

    READ ALSO; Aregbesola’s ally, Adeoti, set to join APC

    Health Commissioner Chioma Egu stated that the demolition was necessary to avert health and security risks, adding that the facility was unregistered and that vital organs were missing from some corpses deposited there.

    Ngor Okpala LGA Chairman, Chika Ibekwe, commended the governor, saying the community welcomed the move as part of ongoing efforts to enhance safety for residents and visitors.

    The demolition was executed by a team led by Chinasa Nwaneri, special adviser to the governor on monitoring and compliance.

    Last week, a joint team of government officials and police uncovered hundreds of mutilated bodies in the mortuary, heightening concerns over suspected organ harvesting activities.

  • Imo Govt partners UNICEF, development agencies to boost quality of life

    Imo Govt partners UNICEF, development agencies to boost quality of life

    … As Uzodimma receives global partners on nutrition, food security, others

    The Imo State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) and other development agencies, has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Imo citizens through improved healthcare facilities, quality education, and food security.

    The state governor, Hope Uzodimma, stated this when he received a delegation of some Global Partners – Food and Agricultural Organization, UNICEF, FHI-360, and Results for Development, among others – working on Nutrition and Food Security in Nigeria at the New Exco Chambers, Government House Owerri.

    The Governor who expressed joy that Imo was among the focal States for the intervention programmes and projects, noted that the programmes align with his administration’s core values of “providing sustainable development, promoting quality living and emancipating our people.”

    He disclosed that his administration established a University of Agriculture as part of its business template to address food security, with the whole idea “to promote practical agriculture, boost food production for food sufficiency and export for foreign currency earning.”

    “Today, willing partners like the FAO, UNICEF, FHI-360, Result for Development and Federal Ministry of Health have volunteered to partner the State,” Uzodimma said, assuring that “Imo is willing, able and committed to collaborate with these partners.”

    He thanked the leader of the team who is also the House Committee Chairman on Nutrition and National Food Security/Member representing Okigwe South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chike Okafor, for recommending Imo State to benefit from the programme/projects.

    Earlier, Rt. Hon. Okafor disclosed that the funding partners and donor Agencies on food and nutrition had a mandate to support national and sub-national governments in the areas of improving nutrition and making food available for the people.

    He said the groups were in Imo to commence their programmes and projects, pointing out that the State is strategic, giving the position of Governor Uzodimma who is the Chairman of the Progressives Governors as well as the Chairman of Southeast Governor’s Forum.

    Rt. Hon. Okafor commended the Governor for the holistic approach to development across the State, placing on record the untiring efforts of the Governor’s team to make the visit most fruitful.

    He appreciated the Agencies for the commitments made in Imo State, especially the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), a subset of the United Nations which has already started a programme in Imo State that runs into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

    Contributing, the Country Director, Nutrition Intervention, Dr. Osita Okonkwo and UNICEF Chief of Field Office Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chilewe, commended the Imo State Governor for the commitments made in promoting the well-being and development of children and for the intervention in restoring peace in the State.

    They appealed to the Governor to take seriously the improvement on the nutrition of the citizenry in Imo State, particularly that of children and mothers, and used the opportunity of the meeting to appeal for support for their summit coming up in July.

    Dr. Nuhu Kilishi, National Programme Manager/Director Federal Ministry of Agriculture, disclosed that there will be stakeholders’ engagement to select one School to establish Junior Farmers Club where the students will be trained and equipped in various aspects of agriculture.

    Other representatives who spoke and made case for improved nutrition in Imo State include, Country Director, FHI-360, Dr. Victor Ogbodo, the Country Director, Results For Development, Dr. Felix Obi.

  • Hard drugs: Imo Govt reads riot act to nightclubs, lounges

    Hard drugs: Imo Govt reads riot act to nightclubs, lounges

    The Imo Government has read a riot act to hoteliers and operators of nightclubs to desist from enabling the use of hard drugs in their premises.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to Gov. Hope Uzodinma on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Chief Ezechukwu Obonna, made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Saturday.

    According to Obonna, the state government has observed that hard drugs, especially cannabis, popularly called ‘loud’, are now being freely sold and consumed in public places, especially in lounges and nightclubs in the state, as if the drug is no longer prohibited by law.

    He warned operators of nightclubs and lounges to immediately put an end to the consumption and sale of hard drugs, particularly in their business areas.

    He said that any establishment found to be enabling or permitting the use of hard drugs would face severe consequences.

    “The government is issuing this stern warning to lounge and nightclub owners across the state to note that the government will no longer tolerate the use of private businesses as havens for illicit drug use.

    “We urge all lounge and nightclub owners to take responsibility for ensuring their patrons are not engaging in illicit activities.

    Read Also: Court remands motorist for assaulting OYRTMA officers

    “The Imo State Government is committed to protecting the health and well-being of its citizens, and we will not hesitate to take action against those who compromise this effort,” he said.

    He added that the International Narcotics Control Board had expressed concerns about the growing trend of drug use and its impact on public health.

    According to him, the Imo Government is taking proactive steps to address this issue and ensure a safer, healthier environment for all citizens.

    “We appeal to all lounge and nightclub owners to cooperate with the government in this effort and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately.  Together, we can create a safer, more responsible tourism and entertainment industry in Imo,” he said.

  • Imo govt cracks down on robbery, prostitution, drug peddlers

    Imo govt cracks down on robbery, prostitution, drug peddlers

    The Imo state government has mobilized security forces to sanitize Owerri metropolis following a surge in criminal activities, including vandalism, robbery, gangsterism, prostitution, and drug peddling.

    A public service announcement signed by the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, on Tuesday, stated that the government has identified several hotspots where these illegal activities are prevalent.

    “We cannot tolerate these acts of lawlessness any longer,” Nwaneri stated. “The government is committed to protecting the lives and property of its citizens, and we will deploy all necessary resources to restore order and sanity in Owerri metropolis.”

    The government has identified areas such as Douglas Road, Hospital Junction, and Arugo Park as hotspots for criminal activity.

    Additionally, Nwaneri mentioned concerns over the use of motorcycles (Okada) for crime, unauthorized road digging, and the sale of illicit drugs.

    “It must be reiterated that the ban on Okada as a means of commercial transportation in Imo State, imposed by the Ohakim administration in 2008, remains in effect.”

    Read Also: Imo Govt urged to develop small hydropower to tackle electricity challenges

    He called on citizens to work with security agencies to combat these crimes. “We must work together to create a safer and more secure Imo State,” Nwaneri emphasized. The days of lawlessness are over, and we will not tolerate any form of criminality in our state.”

    The public service announcement serves as a final warning to those engaging in these illegal activities, adding that the government would take decisive action against perpetrators.

    “Security forces have been put on high alert, and a crackdown on criminal elements is set to commence immediately,” he stated.

  • Imo govt revives iconic Igbo cultural heritage, Ahiajoku festival

    Imo govt revives iconic Igbo cultural heritage, Ahiajoku festival

    The Imo State Government has announced the revival of the iconic Ahịajọkụ festival and lecture series, a celebration of Igbo culture, heritage, and intellectual discourse after five years break.

    The government promised that this year’s event will mark a significant milestone, as it returns after a five-year hiatus, promising to reunite the Igbo people and promote their rich cultural legacy.

    Disclosing this at a world press conference in Owerri, Director-General of the Ahịajọkụ Centre, Nze Ray Emeana expressed joy that the Igbo cultural heritage is back with action pack activities.

    “We are thrilled to bring back this cherished cultural heritage,” said Nze Emeana.

    “This year’s festival promises to be extraordinary in scope and execution, showcasing the best of Igbo culture, tradition, and intellectual prowess.”

    Themed “The Future of the Igbo Economy Amidst the Challenges of Insecurity in the Southeast: A Call for Paradigm Shift,” the director general said the 2024 Ahịajọku festival will stimulate critical discourse on the region’s economic development, security, and governance.

    Read Also: PDP to Uzodimma: tell Imo workers what you’ll pay

    Renowned scholars, experts, and stakeholders will converge to chart a course for the Igbo people’s progress.

    He said the state Governor Hope Uzodimma’s has shown tremendous support and commitment to the revival and promotion of the Ahiajoku Festival.

    “Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the revival and promotion of the Ahịajọkụ festival. His administration recognises the significance of cultural preservation in fostering unity and development among the Igbo people.

    “Ahịajọkụ festival is more than a cultural exhibition; it’s an intellectual harvest, deeply rooted in our ancestral reverence for agriculture, knowledge, and community,” Emeana emphasised.

    Ahiajioku Lecture was instituted in 1979, under the leadership of the first elected governor of the old Imo State, Chief Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe as a pivotal Pan-Igbo forum for intellectual discourse on the Igbo essence and Igbo heritage.

    Notable eminent Igbo scholars who have presented the lecture series included: Professor Bede Okigbo, Prof. Adiele Afigbo, Prof Donatus Nwoga, Prof Ben Nwabueze, Professor Pius Okigbo, Professor Emmanuel Obiechina, M.A. Onwuejiogu, V.C. Uchendu, Professor Chinua Achebe, Professor Chinedu Nebo, among others.

  • Imo Govt launches Operation Zero Potholes in Owerri

    Imo Govt launches Operation Zero Potholes in Owerri

    Potholes have long plagued major roads in Imo State, including Ihiagwa-Nekede Road, Aba-Owerri Road, and World Bank Road, causing frustrating traffic jams and rough rides for commuters.

    But relief is finally in sight.

    The Imo State Government has launched “Operation Zero Potholes,” a comprehensive road rehabilitation project aimed at eradicating potholes and ensuring a seamless driving experience in Owerri, the state capital.

    The government said on Friday that the project, which is currently underway, aims to rehabilitate roads in the Owerri metropolis, ensuring a smooth and seamless driving experience for commuters.

    “We are committed to creating a better environment for our people, and the rehabilitation of roads is a critical step in achieving this goal,” said Prince Eze Ugochukwu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment.

    Read Also: Obasanjo commissions Owerri Central Market Complex

    He said that the project has already shown significant progress in the New Owerri area, where many roads are now motorable and providing drivers with a smooth ride.

    Residents have expressed their gratitude for the initiative, praising the government’s efforts to address the issue of potholes in some areas of the city.

  • Imo Govt appoints sole administrators for 27 LGAs

    Imo Govt appoints sole administrators for 27 LGAs

    In a move aimed at ensuring the conduct of credible local government elections in the state within the next 60 days, the Imo government has approved the appointment of sole administrators for the 27 local government areas of the state.

    According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Chief Declan Emelumba, the appointments are with immediate effect.

    The appointed sole administrators include:Hon. Okoroike Chika (Isiala Mbano), Dr. Obi Emeka P (Onuimo), Hon. Sir Acho Asiegbu (Okigwe), Barr. Obioma Ehirim (Obowo), Chief Uche Nwodu (Ehime Mbano), Hon. Barr. Chukwuma Godson Onyema (Ihitte Uboma), Hon. Okwaraigwe Nnamdi (Oru East) and Hon. Ibekaeme Friday (Orsu) and Barr. Isaiah Chinedu Ezeogu (Orlu). 

    Others are:  Dr. Abiaziem Chima (Oguta), Engr. Ikenna Adikibe (Oru West), Hon. Chief Onyeaju Princewill (Ohaji/Egbema), Chief Paul Duru (Nwangele), Chief Kenneth Ukah (Isu), Hon. Odunze Ajaero JP (Nkwerre), Anaemem Obikaeze (Njaba), Hon. Okechukwu Okwara (Ideato South),  Ozigbo Michael (Ideato North), Larry Obinna Chikwe (Ahiazu Mbaise), Nwachukwu Chinedum A (Ezinihitte Mbaise). 

    Read Also: PDP candidate slams Imo govt over Ohaji explosion

    The rest are Nwanegwo Ifunanya (Mbaitoli), Hon. Justice Nzeh (Ikeduru), Chief Nnamdi Anyanwu D (Aboh Mbaise), Hon. Kizito Onuoha (Ngor Okpala), Hon. Nwankwo Victor (Owerri West), Engr. Chidiebere Emeribe (Owerri Municipal) and Hon. Lucky Abaronye (Owerri North). 

    Emelumba said that the appointments are part of the government’s efforts to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process in the state.

  • Imo govt denies protesting pensioners

    The Imo State Government yesterday said those protesting non-payment of pension arrears were not its pensioners but “blackmailers” hired by its detractors to give it a bad name and create anxiety.

    But the protesters, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), invoked their ancestors to intercede on their behalf.

    They accused the state government of causing their hardship because they had not been getting their entitlements since 1998.

    But in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary Sam Onwuemeodo, the government said: “The attention of the Rescue Mission Government in the state has been drawn to the action of less than 50 people, said to be on protest at the Government House in Owerri, over pensions. Those involved in that fruitless and questionable exercise are between the ages of 40 and 55.

    “We won’t hesitate to say that no pensioner in the state was part of that protest. In other words, those involved in the blackmail are not pensioners in the state. We challenge those involved to prove us wrong by publishing their names, their autonomous communities, local government areas, years of retirement, where they retired from and their identification numbers.”

     The statement added: “The truth of the matter, as it concerns pensions in the state, is that more than 99 per cent of the pensioners in the state have been paid arrears of their pensions up to December, 2016. The remaining one per cent was pensioners who were omitted in the first payment; they are receiving their cheques.

    “The government, long before now, complained that the monthly pension bill of N1.4 billion had become too cumbersome to bear with 27 local governments, whereas another state with 44 local governments pays far less than that amount as pensions.

    “Hence, the arrangement that pensioners from Grade Level One to Six should get 100 per cent of whatever was the arrears of their pensions, while those on Grade Level Seven to 17 would have 40 per cent of their total arrears paid.

    “The idea was to deal decisively with the lingering issue of pension arrears in the state once and for all.

    “It is also important to state that pensioners were at liberty to sign or not to sign the forms to that effect. For the avoidance of doubt, the pensioners signed in their thousands. In the same spirit, the government released their cheques on December 29, 2016. Since then, it has been a clear case of celebration galore on the part of the pensioners, especially when the cheques were taken to their communities through the State Development Council (SDC) Coordinators.

    “It is, therefore, surprising to see few people claiming to be pensioners at the Government House on protest over an exercise that has been successfully completed.”

     

  • Imo govt, ex-minister quarrel over plan to demolish his home

    •Govt: action not meant to intimidate anyone

    A former Minister of Interior, Capt Emmanuel Ihenacho, has faulted the alleged plan by the Imo State Government to demolish part of his building in Owerri, the state capital.

    The building, which is on Orlu Road, was recently marked for demolition by the engineering firm working for the state government.

    But the government defended the action, saying it was part of its urban renewal efforts to make Owerri a modern city befitting its state capital status.

    Ihenacho, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in last year’s general elections, vowed to resist the attempt to demolish his property.

    The former minister described the government’s action as a violation of his rights to own property.

    Addressing reporters yesterday in Owerri, Ihenacho said it was sheer intimidation for anyone, nay government, to demolish his property without any correspondence to him or deliberation with him.

    He said: “My attention was brought to the demolition mark on my wall by an engineering firm working for the state government. I wonder how someone would remove my walls with any form of correspondence with me. I have owned this property for years, even before the emergence of this administration. So, it would be wrong for anybody to ask me to remove my property. I have rights and I want people to respect my rights. If I allow it, that means I am a slave without any right in Nigeria.”

    But, a statement in Owerri, the state capital, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sam Onwuemeodo, said: “In our response, we want to reiterate that Governor Rochas Okorocha has vowed to build a state we all can be proud of. He has also pledged to make Owerri, the state capital, a model city, especially when the state capital is now adjudged one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. That has been the reason behind some of the construction works going on on some major roads in Owerri, including MCC/Uratta Road, MCC/IMSU Road, Orlu/Amakohia Road, Mbari Road and the relocation of some markets.

    “In the course of doing all these, certain structures, including block outfits, have been touched or removed. Their owners have always exhibited high level of understanding because they know that the governor meant well, ab initio. The whole exercise was never targeted at any particular individual.

    “In other words, if the fence or building of Captain Ihenacho has been affected by the construction or rehabilitation works going on on Orlu/Amakohia Road or somewhere else, it would invariably enjoy the same fate others have had. It is not a personal thing as to warrant his launching media attacks on the governor. He should have even been expected to commend the governor for the good job, considering the enviable level of his exposure.

    “Threatening fire and brimstone should not have been the best approach, especially when one recalls that he had aspired to govern the state for progress…”

  • Imo govt provides facilities for FPSG Games

    Imo govt provides facilities for FPSG Games

    The Imo State government on Thursday expressed its readiness to host the 2015 Federation of Public Service Games (FPSG). The Games are to hold from Nov.ember 20 to December 3.

    The Imo State Head of Service (HOS), Calistus Ekenze, who told newsmen at a news conference in Owerri on Friday said many sports events would feature at the competition, saying that all the needed facilities for the games were read.

    According to him, the government has widened its security network to ensure the safety of the athletes.

    “We will guarantee maximum security of the athletes and officials. We shall use the opportunity of the Games to show the level of hospitality in the state.

    “Imo is expecting more than 15,000 athletes from all over the federation to participate in the event.”

    The head of service, who noted that Imo was the first state in the South East zone to stage the event, saying the state was hosting to win.

    Ekenze said the Games would not only showcase athletes from the state but would boost its economy.

    He said the Games were for non-professional athletes in the public service and warned states against hiring professional athletes, who might not be public servants. He promised to involve members of the Imo branch of SWAN in the coverage of the event.

    The state SWAN chairman, John Nwogu, assured the government of adequate coverage of the event.