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Tag: Uzodimma

  • Umahi to Uzodimma: your second inauguration a testament of your achievements

    Umahi to Uzodimma: your second inauguration a testament of your achievements

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has described Governor Hope Uzodimma‘s second-term inauguration in Imo state as a historic event and a testament to the widespread recognition of the exemplary leadership demonstrated during his administration over the past four years.

    Umahi, in a congratulatory message ahead of the governor’s swearing-in on Monday, January 15, 2024, emphasised that the governor’s reelection signifies a positive development, indicating increasing solidarity and support not only within Imo state but also across the southeast region for the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Umahi said: “I feel elated to receive the letter of invitation to your Second Tenure Inauguration and Swearing-in Ceremonies slated for 15th January 2024.

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    “It is my pleasure, therefore, to offer my profound felicitations to you on this auspicious and historic moment of your renewed mandate as Governor of Imo State

    “I am happy that the excellent hallmarks of leadership demonstrated by your administration in the last four years are receiving a resounding appreciation by the good people of Imo State as demonstrated through their overwhelming votes to Your Excellency, during the last Governorship election in the State.

    “The increasing solidarity of your State and indeed South East to the cause of the Renewed Hope administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and their unflinching support to our great Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) are heartwarming evidence of their common vision for a prosperous and progressive State that shines forth in the comity of States.

    “I wish Your Excellency more glorious milestones as you step into the second term of your social contract with the good people of Imo state”.

  • When will Uzodimma deploy newly recruited teachers?

    When will Uzodimma deploy newly recruited teachers?

    • By Ifeanyi  Maduako

    Sir: The last time I checked, Imo State public schools, especially those in the basic and secondary levels were grossly ill-equipped with qualified teachers. The foundation of sound and meaningful education is at the basic level, and any government that neglects the basic level usually fails at both the secondary and tertiary levels.

    Sometime in May 2023, the government of Imo State advertised for employment of teachers primarily for the basic level. Over 50,000 applicants of Imo State origin applied from all over the country.

    Since the announcement was done in May last year which was the last term of the 2022/2023 academic session, the applicants had expected that the successful ones among them would be recruited and deployed to their various schools at the beginning of 2023/2024 academic session which started in September.

    This writer was reliably informed that the recruitment of the successful 5,000 applicants has long been concluded since September last year with the belief or hope that they would begin in the first term. However, the management of the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board seems to be waiting on the governor for his approval to post out these applicants to the various schools, especially those in the hinterlands that need their services.

    One does not know why the governor seems to be prevaricating on the issue. The governor, I must admit, has done relatively well in terms of project execution in the last four years more than his predecessors who were in office for eight years. For instance, the Owerri- Orlu and the Owerri-Okigwe dual carriage highways are some of the legacy projects of Governor Uzodimma. These roads were commuters’ nightmares for decades even when Orlu zone produced two previous governors who were in office for eight years each.

    The lame argument about Uzodimma constructing the roads with a view to getting reimbursement from the federal government under the regime of President Buhari is the height of idiocy. Why didn’t his predecessors, particularly the last one from Orlu zone who always claims to be more northerner than any other Igbo man construct the roads and get reimbursed?

    Lest I digress, the nonchalant attitude of successive governments towards the fortification of the state’s basic and secondary schools has led to the proliferation of quack and substandard private schools in the state.

    If the governor prevaricated or dilly-dallied in the recruitment of the new teachers so that the so-called 50,000 applicants could vote for him in the last November governorship election, what is he still waiting for to deploy the successful ones who were painstakingly recruited since he has won the election?

    If the governor is truly committed to revamping the dilapidated education sector in the state, his second term which begins on Monday January 15, should give him the ample opportunity to put that into practice. The state government should deploy these newly recruited teachers to their various schools to give impetus and life to public schools gasping for breath.

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    The government should demonstrate leadership and sincerity of purpose by inputting these fresh teachers into the state government’s payroll without delay in such a manner that they would have been in the system for four years by the end of the tenure of present government. This would make it almost impossible for his successor to sack or disengage them. This odious practice of outgoing governors suffusing or suffocating the state government’s wage bill by employing new staff few days, weeks or months to the end of their tenure should stop in the state. Governor Rochas Okorocha sacked 10,000 workers employed by his predecessor on the flimsy excuse that they were employed few months to the end of his tenure. The self-same Okorocha committed the same act ,and his successor, Emeka Ihedioha, wielded the big stick and flushed them out which showed that Okorocha was not altruistic in the hurried recruitments.

    Governor Uzodimma should show leadership and altruism by departing from this insidious lane. Let him bear the brunt or burden of shouldering the wage bill of these new 5,000 teachers for the next four years even if it means reducing the capital expenditure of the next four fiscal budgets to accommodate the recurrent expenditure which will arise from these new employments. Human capital development which basic education typifies should take precedence over capital development.

    •Ifeanyi  Maduako,

    Owerri, Imo State.

  • Uzodimma: I will continue to support, collaborate with Army

    Uzodimma: I will continue to support, collaborate with Army

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has said his administration will continue to support and collaborate with the Army, noting that the officers and soldiers have done a lot to keep Nigeria as one.

    He spoke yesterday at the New Exco Chambers when he received in audience the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and his team, who paid him a courtesy call as part of the schedule of the Army Chief, who was on operational tour of Army formations in the Southeast.

    Governor Uzodimma, who thanked the Army Chief and his team for coming to Imo State, described the state as the hospitality hub of Nigeria and promised to continue to support the Army.

    The governor recalled that a few years ago – 2020, 2021 and 2022 –  the whole world thought Imo would be excised from the Nigerian nation as a result of insecurity and expressed happiness that the Army and other security agencies rose to the occasion to the extent that in 2023, when governorship election was held in Imo, it was adjudged the fairest in Nigerian history.

    Acknowledging that the events of the past in Imo were “actually very challenging,” he therefore called on Nigerians and every state in the country to continue to show gratitude to the Army and other security agencies for the good job they are doing.

    He said in every position he finds himself, he will continue to canvas support for the Nigerian Military.

    The governor described Lt. Gen Lagbaja as one of the finest Army officers, noting that “his knowledge of the Southeast where he served as Officer, Commanding 82 Division, has become an advantage.”

    He reminded the COAS and the audience that in “the life of every nation there must be a time of challenges and Nigeria is not an exception,” noting that “it takes one or two men to salvage the nation from such challenges.”

    Governor Uzodimma urged the Army Chief and his team to continue in their job of defending the territorial sovereignty of the country, which they have sworn to an oath and assured of the nation’s continued support.

    He said: “If Nigeria must experience civilisation, the Army, from their wealth of knowledge, must be part of it.”

    He congratulated Lagbaja on his appointment as the COAS and assured him that his doors are always open to receive him.

    Governor Uzodimma took the opportunity to invite the COAS and his team to his second term inauguration slated for next Monday.

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    Lt. Gen. Lagbaja told the governor that he was in Imo State on operational tour of the Army formations in the Southeast and thought it wise to use the occasion to pay a courtesy call on him.

    He said the tour was meant to access the Army personnel, their operational functions and deployment, state of their barracks, welfare and readiness to attend to their assigned duties.

    He said he had visited Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu states and thanked  Governor Uzodimma for cutting short his official assignment in Abuja to receive him and his team.

    Also, the COAS was full of appreciation to the governor for his support to the Army, especially the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze.

    He congratulated the governor on his re-election and ahead of his forthcoming swearing-in.

    The Chief of Army Staff was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu, Maj.-Gen. H. T. Dada, the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brig.-Gen. B. A. Lawal, principal staff officers from Army Headquarters, 32 Division and those of 34 Artillery Brigade.

    Deputy Governor Prof. Placid Njoku, Secretary to the State Government Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff  Nnamdi Anyaehie, Deputy Governor-elect Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, former House of Representatives member Jerry Alagboso and some members of the State Expanded Executive Council joined the governor in receiving the Army Chief and his entourage.

  • Uzodimma’s inauguration a celebration of people, says govt

    Uzodimma’s inauguration a celebration of people, says govt

    Imo State Government yesterday said next Monday’s inauguration of Governor Hope Uzodimma for a second tenure is a celebration of the people. 

    Commissioner for Information and Strategy and Chairman of the Publicity Sub Committee for the Inauguration, Declan Emelumba, made this known yesterday at a news conference in Owerri. 

    He said: “Although dignitaries from across the globe are billed to attend the inauguration, the event is actually about celebrating Imo people, who have shown so much love and support for Governor Uzodimma and his government.” 

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    Emelumba said the re-election of Uzodimma was historic, as it was the first time since the state was created that a candidate won in all the 27 local governments. 

    He said more than 100-member committee set up by the governor for the inauguration was working to achieve success. 

  • 50% implementation of 2024 budget will ease harsh economic realities, says Uzodimma

    50% implementation of 2024 budget will ease harsh economic realities, says Uzodimma

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has said an effective implementation of this year’s Appropriation Act will take away the current economic stress occasioned by the Federal Government’s reform policies.

    Uzodimma said this while addressing reporters at the State House in Abuja after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

    The governor assured fellow citizens that with 50 per cent execution of the budget, Nigeria would make so much recovery that the people would be able to heave a sigh of relief.

    Uzodimma said he visited the President to wish him a happy New Year and to invite him to his swearing-in ceremony for his second term in office on January 15.

    The governor also said he updated President Tinubu on some developments in Imo State.

    Responding to a question on the economic situation in the country, Uzodimma said: “The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, members of the party, the Federal Government, a government that belongs to APC as a party, we are on the same page.

    “So, what we expect is very simple, and it has been clearly defined in the last Appropriation Act signed by the President.

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    “If you look at the provisions in that Act and the number of infrastructure and capital projects proposed by the President, if we’re able to have even 50 per cent budget performance on that document, it will not be the same Nigeria.

    “So, we already saw the presentation. Here we have a President – and like you know – in leadership, every leader must be able to articulate his vision on a marble slab and every vision is like a journey.

    “So, once the destination has been established, the next thing is to start the journey.

    “So, by January this year, which we are already in, to December 31, which is the lifespan of that Act, I’m sure the initial pains, occasioned by some of those reform policies, like the subsidy removal on petroleum products, the exchange rate escalation, will be cured.

    “In my conversations with some stakeholders in the country, we have had instances where reforms were carried out in some countries, some policies that looked initially as unfriendly policies. Two, three months of gestation period becomes the darling of all stakeholders.

    “So, I’m confident that the initial period of the take-off of some of these policies that will give us a more robust economy will soon be over and Nigeria will begin to enjoy the product of the new vision.”

  • Pro-Uzodimma Diaspora group hails governor’s achievements, reelection

    Pro-Uzodimma Diaspora group hails governor’s achievements, reelection

    The Coordinator/Convener of Imo Diaspora Support for Senator Hope Uzodimma, Ochiagha Nnanna Okere, on Thursday, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Hope Uzodimma at the Imo State Government House Owerri to congratulate the governor on his reelection and achievements in the last four years on behalf of the group.

    Receiving the Finland based conflict  management expert and politician at the Imo Government House, on-behalf of the governor, Chief Political Adviser to the Governor, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, appreciated Chief Okere for the visit which he described as a “home coming”.

    Onuegbu noted the efforts of Chief Okere during the 2018-2019 electioneering season when the governor was seeking to take over power in the state. He thanked him immensely for keeping faith with the administration, while giving him the assurances that all his efforts won’t go unrewarded.

    He noted the cordial relationship that has been in existence between the shared prosperity administration of Governor Uzodimma and Imo people in the Diaspora. He emphasized on several achievements recorded by this administration in the first four years.

    He made an appeal for those in the Diaspora to continue to give their support even as the government is gearing up to advance the cause of development in the state for another four years.

    In his remarks, Ochiagha Nnanna Okere who spoke on behalf of the Diaspora organization said he was honoured to be at the Government House Owerri as the convener of Imo Diaspora Support for Senator Hope Uzodimma, a group that has tirelessly worked towards the realization of Governor Uzodimma’s electoral victories and has continued to be a staunch supporter of his transformative leadership.

    He said the visit marked a significant moment as he stood on behalf of Imo people in Diaspora to express their gratitude for the progress witnessed in Imo State under Uzodimma’s able governance.

    He noted that Uzodimma’s political journey has been one of resilience and unwavering commitment to the people of Imo State, adding that in 2019, despite the challenges and the initial attempt to steal the mandate bestowed upon him by the people, justice prevailed through the Supreme Court, affirming his victory. “Fast forward to 2023, and here we are, celebrating another resounding electoral triumph where you secured victory in all 27 local government areas of our beloved state. Your Excellency, the impact of your leadership on Imo State has been nothing short of transformative. From infrastructure development to healthcare, education, and youth empowerment, we have witnessed significant strides that have positioned Imo State on the path of sustainable growth and development. Your commitment to good governance, accountability, and inclusivity has resonated with the people, fostering a sense of hope and optimism,” he said.

    Read Also: Uzodimma constitutes 44-man committee for inauguration

    He said that as Ndi Imo stand at the cusp of the second term of the governor, those of them in the Diaspora are expressing their unwavering support and commitment to working hand in hand with his administration, adding that Uzodimma’s dedication to public service has been evident, and that they are encouraging him to continue to prioritize the development of the state. “We understand the challenges that lie ahead, and we believe that with your visionary leadership, Imo State will reach even greater heights,” he added.

    He assured the governor that the group remains steadfast in its commitment to his administration, saying that their members scattered across the globe are ready and willing to contribute their skills, resources, and expertise to the advancement of Imo State. “Whether it be through investment opportunities, partnership initiatives, or community development projects, we stand ready to collaborate with your team to bring about positive change,” he said.

    High point of the meeting was the decoration of Chief Okere with the Governor’s badge and other materials by Onuegbu assisted by Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor, Sir Oguike Nwachukwu who was also there to receive the August visitor.

  • Uzodimma constitutes 44-man committee for inauguration

    Uzodimma constitutes 44-man committee for inauguration

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved the constitution of a 44-member steering committee that will see to his successful second term inauguration and swearing-in billed for January 15.

    Headed by Senator Chris Anyanwu with the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu, as co-chairman, the membership was chosen from the three senatorial zones of Imo State as well as representatives of key state and national organs.

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    Key persons who made the list include the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Nnamdi Anyaehie, Imo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Macdonald Ebere, former Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly and Minister of Education (State), Goodluck Opiah, Deputy Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Amara Iwuanyanwu and two other former speakers- Maxwell Duru and Paul Emeziem.

    Other current and former National Assembly members who made the list include, Eugene Dibiagwu, Nnanna Igbokwe, Ikenna Elezianya, Bede Ekeh, Victor Murako and Amarachi Nwoha. 

    Former Ambassador, Greg Mbadiwe, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Dr. Eddy Anyanwu, Chief Cosmos Maduba, Sir Greg Owuananam, Chief Charles Orie, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, Chairman of CAN in Imo State, Dr. Divine Eches Divine, Chairman of ALGON in Imo State, Willie Okoliogwo are among others made the list.

    Some commissioners in the committee include Chief Declan Mbadiwe, Raph Nwosu, Ruby Emele,  Nkechi Ugwu, and Chimezie Amadi.

  • President names Uzodimma, AbduRazaq co-chairs of NEC panel on oil theft

    President names Uzodimma, AbduRazaq co-chairs of NEC panel on oil theft

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara) as co-chairmen of the Economic Affairs Committee and the Crude Oil Theft and Management Committee of the National Economic Council (NEC).

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to Uzodimma on Public Enlightenment, Eze Ugochukwu, said the Imo State governor had acknowledged the receipt of the appointments and gladly accepted to serve his country in that capacity.

    The statement reads: “Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodimma, have been named the chairmen of the Economic Affairs Committee and the Crude oil Theft and Management Committee of the National Economic Council.

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    “The announcement was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 138th meeting of NEC.”

    It added:  “Governor Abdulrazaq is the current chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) while Governor Uzodimma is the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) of the ruling party.”

    Naming other members of the committee, the statement said: “Members of Governor AbdulRazaq’s committee, according to the statement, are the Gombe State governor, representing the Northeast; Governor of Lagos (Southwest); the Governor of Akwa Ibom (Southsouth); the Governor of Anambra (Southeast); the Governor of Niger (Northcentral), and Governor of Kaduna (Northest).

    “Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, is to serve as Secretary.”

  • Group urges Uzodimma to conduct council poll

    Group urges Uzodimma to conduct council poll

    A group under the auspices of Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC) has urged Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to conduct election into the 27 local governments next year.

    It said it gave the advice in view of the fact that the third tier of government in the state had been run by caretaker committees headed by 27 sole administrators since the administration in January 15, 2020.

    The system was put in place on assumption of Chief Emeka Ihedioha as the governor, who took over from Rochas Okorocha on May 29, 2019. 

    Ihedioha, on assumption of office, dissolved the elected local government officials in an election conducted by the Okorocha administration, putting in place caretaker administrators.

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    After the Supreme Court nullified the election of Ihedioha, enthroning Uzodimma, the latter sacked the caretaker committee members appointed by Ihedioha and replaced them with his appointees.

    Uzodimma had promised to hold council election about three times this year, even before the last governorship off-season election in the state, but none has taken place.

    In a statement signed by the Chairman of OZAC, Emmanuel Okwu, the body regretted that the local council system in Imo had been under the appointive system for several years, as no election took place at the grassroots level.

    It lamented that it was causing lack of rural development. 

    The group noted that ushering in democratically elected persons at the councils would bring “democracy dividend to the citizens” and bring them closer to the government at that level.

  • Christmas: Uzodimma urges renewal of love for state, nation, humanity

    Christmas: Uzodimma urges renewal of love for state, nation, humanity

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has, in the spirit of the Christmas celebration, urged the people of Imo State to renew their love for the state, nation, and humanity.

    He said because the season allows us to migrate from one country to another, including returning home to bond with “our kits and kin, it is only normal that we use the occasion to appreciate our State, our Country, and the people around us.”

    In a Christmas message signed by the chief press secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, the governor further noted: “We should take love and joy that are critical elements in the celebration of Christmas as synonymous with God’s love for mankind that made Him send His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to be born and later sacrificed so that we can be salvaged and redeemed.”

    Governor Uzodimma reminded the people of the efforts the government is making at the State and National levels to make life worth living for Nigerians, promising that the future has a lot of better things in stock for everyone.

    The governor’s message read in full: “Christmas is here again. It is that time of the year when we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour. It is a season of joy and love. Christmas reminds us of God’s special love for us, which made Him sacrifice His only begotten son for our salvation and redemption. 

    “It is indeed a joyous occasion because we are privileged to be alive to see another Christmas. Happily, the season also affords our people living all around the world the golden opportunity of the annual migration to our native land for the annual reunion with our kith and kin.

    “During the just-ended Christmas Carol Service in Owerri, I harped on the need for us to reflect on the real essence of Christmas, which is the love of God for us. I reminded us of the need to reciprocate that same love towards God, our neighbours, and fellow human beings.

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    “Today, I also urge all of us to renew our love for our state, our nation, and for humanity, for the sake of God. If God so loved us to the point of sacrificing His only begotten son, then the least we can do is to use the occasion of Christmas to renew our love for our fellow human beings. God has been kind to us in the sense that the plan of the enemy for our State didn’t manifest. Instead, we were enveloped by the love of God, who restored peace to our State.

    “I am particularly excited that the majority of our people in the Diaspora are already in the State to join their brothers and sisters in the celebrations of this year’s Christmas.  This is commendable. 

    “Not only would they realise that Imo is peaceful, but they would behold the breathtaking infrastructure, especially roads that my administration has brought to the State. They would also witness firsthand, the rapid progress the administration is making in the social welfare of our citizens. With these, I believe that this year’s Christmas will be better than the previous ones.

    “I am aware of the impact of the ongoing economic reforms of the federal government on the mood of the nation. However, I do know that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigerians and that these reforms will sooner rather than later yield positive results.

    “I therefore urge us all to face the challenges before us with renewed hope and renewed love, knowing that with genuine love towards one another and our nation, we shall overcome.  As always, I am positive that happier days are ahead.”