Tag: Uzodimma

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has sworn in Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the new acting Chief Judge of the state, along with two additional commissioners—Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha and Dr. (Mrs.) Chioma Egu. 

The ceremony took place at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri. 

Justice Nzeukwu replaces Justice Theresa Chikeka, who was unexpectedly removed by the National Judicial Council (NJC) over an indictment of age falsification. 

After the oath of office was administered, Governor Uzodimma reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a dependable and responsible judiciary in Imo State.

He recalled the disgraceful manner in which the former Chief Judge was removed, emphasizing the need to prevent such dishonorable incidents in the future. 

Uzodimma also noted that the removal of Justice Chikeka prompted the government to collaborate with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to conduct thorough record checks on all Judges appointed by the state to ensure they maintain clear and clean records, avoiding any disrepute.

The Governor noted that the appointment of Justice Nzeukwu in acting capacity followed a “painstaking review and findings of Judicial Service Commission and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He therefore charged the JSC to expedite action that will help in producing a substantive Chief Judge for the State.

The Governor used the occasion to call on all judicial officers in the State to see their mandate as a sacred one.

“You must do only those things that would be acceptable to both God and man. Always discharge your duties with the fear of God and bring justice and equity to the people of Imo State,” he advised.

To the new Acting Chief Judge, the Governor entrusted him to bring dignity back to the service and prayed God to protect and guide him in his new office.

Addressing the new Commissioners, Governor Uzodimma reminded them that they were appointed to come and add value to the system, and urged them to do just that.

He noted that rejigging of the system helps in ensuring that the people are served better, and encouraged them to work with their colleagues to serve Imo citizens well.

In his acceptance remarks, Acting Chief Judge, Justice Nzeukwu expressed gratitude to the Governor and the Judicial Service Commission for finding him worthy for the appointment, and assured that he will not betray the confidence reposed on him.

He acknowledged that the judiciary has been grappling with the issue of corruption in many spheres but maintained that under his watch in Imo State as the Acting Chief Judge such era was over.

“We want to send out a message loud and clear that it cannot be business as usual. The time has come to restore the confidence of the populace in the judiciary by truly ensuring that the judiciary indeed becomes the last hope of the common man,” Justice Nzeukwu averred.

He however expressed optimism that the future of judiciary in Imo State is bright and appealed to the judiciary staff to be patient and “resist the temptation of being controlled by people, money or past experiences.”

Also speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in Commissioners, Prof Ikegwuoha, who had earlier served as a Commissioner for Education, thanked the Governor for “the distinct privilege” of appointing them to serve in his Executive Council. 

The Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, yesterday urged his colleagues, other elected officials and chieftains to embark on aggressive marketing of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of 2027 general election.

He spoke on need to expand the coast of the party  in Abuja at a special Iftar and lent dinner hosted by the forum.

At the  dinner were governors of Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Eboyi,  Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; House of Representatives Deputy SpeakerBenjaminKalu, serving and former members of the National Assembly.

Also at the event were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; APC state chairmen, former governors and members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), led by Deputy NationalChairman (South)Emma Enurku.

Uzodinma said the event was organised to bring  party chieftains in government and leaders together to discuss the way forward for the country, irrespective of their positions at the national or sub-national levels.

He said the event also afforded an opportunity that  to  pray for the unity and development of the country.

Read Also: Time-table for nationwide congresses not from APC, says spokesman

Uzodinma said: “The success of this government is our collective success, we all are all marketing officers that must market this government and party.

“We must work for this government and celebrate it as our own, our identity is the APC, and we must be proud of it.

“As we confront the challenges of governance, we must deploy political evangelism to market the party.”

The governor said with 21 governors and a majority in the National Assembly,  the party should not be distracted by the opposition.

He thanked party members for their support and solidarity for the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Uzodinma said the administration was taking the country through the right path with its various economy reforms that are already yielding positive fruits.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has assigned portfolios to four newly sworn in Commissioners in the State.

The Commissioners and their portfolios are: Dr. Anthony Mgbeahurike (Commissioner for Livestock Development); Professor Boniface  Nworgu (Commissioner for Labour and Employment); Dr. Elias Emedom (Commissioner for Special Projects); and Chief Kenneth Okafor (Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs).

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Uzodimma urged the commissioners, during the ceremony held shortly after the Executive Council meeting at the Government House, to diligently discharge their duties.

The State’s Executive Council also entered into a pact with some partners for the establishment of Imo Digital City and the ‘Light Up Imo Project’.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has assigned portfolios to four newly sworn-in Commissioners in the state.

The appointees and their portfolios are as follows: Dr. Anthony Mgbeahurike (Commissioner for Livestock Development), Professor Boniface Nworgu (Commissioner for Labour and Employment), Dr. Elias Emedom (Commissioner for Special Projects), and Chief Kenneth Okafor (Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs).

During the swearing-in ceremony held shortly after the State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Governor Uzodimma urged the commissioners to diligently discharge their duties in service to the state.

In addition to the swearing-in, the Executive Council formalized a partnership agreement aimed at establishing the Imo Digital City and implementing the ‘Light Up Imo Project.’ 

These initiatives are linked to the Ministries of Digital Economy and E-Government, as well as Power and Electricity.

Addressing journalists after the Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, highlighted the immense benefits the state stands to gain from the partnership.

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He explained that the government had approved a collaboration with Orashi Electricity Company and Imo’s 27 local governments to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity across the state.

Emelumba was joined at the briefing by Commissioners Dr. Chimezie Amadi (Digital Economy and E-Government), Rt. Hon. Bede Eke (Housing and Urban Development), Eng. Nwabueze Oguchienti (Power and Electricity), and the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku.

He added: “This marks a significant step towards realising the ‘Light Up Imo Project’, which is expected to be completed within the next few months.”

Emelumba equally said government had also approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Silicon Valley-based partners from the United States for the establishment of Imo Digital City Company Limited, pointing out that government will provide land and infrastructure for the project, which aims to develop a digital ecosystem in the State.

Additionally, in the area of youth engagement, he said the Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt got approval to organise a youth marathon and stakeholders’ engagement summit to sensitise youths on the need for positive engagement and to address insecurity in the State.

Emelumba also reported that the people of Ideato nation sent special appreciation letter to the Governor for the massive road construction in their area, especially the recovery of Orlu-Mgbee-Umuchima-Akokwa Road, which had remained impassable due to erosion before Governor Uzodimma’s intervention.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform the state’s education sector, introducing sweeping policy changes, legislation, and administrative reforms to bridge the gap between public and private institutions.

Speaking at the maiden convocation ceremony of Hezekiah University, Ishiala Umudi, in Nkwerre Local Government Area, Uzodimma emphasized that his initiative would foster a stronger partnership between public and private schools, ultimately advancing quality education in Nigeria.

During the event, which honored Imo First Lady, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, with a Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa), the governor commissioned newly built student hostels and a classroom complex.

He commended the university’s founder, Most Rev. Prof. Daddy Hezekiah, for his vision in establishing a private university.

Uzodimma also praised President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in improving Nigeria’s education system through the introduction of the Students’ Loan Programme, increased funding for primary, secondary, and tertiary education, and enhanced wages for academic and non-academic staff.

In recognition of the university’s commitment to academic excellence, Uzodimma pledged an initial donation of N250 million to support its growth and assured the institution of continued collaboration with the state government.

Expressing gratitude for her honorary doctorate, the First Lady described the award as a reaffirmation of education’s role in fostering public service and gender equity, particularly as the event coincided with International Women’s Day.

She dedicated the honor to women and young girls striving to break societal barriers through education.

Earlier, Hezekiah University’s Proprietor and Chancellor, Prof. Hezekiah, highlighted the institution’s commitment to both moral and academic excellence since its establishment in 2015.

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He also appealed for Federal Government grants and interventions to enable private universities to compete favorably with public institutions.

“The policy that prevents TETFUND, PTDF and similar funding bodies from helping private Universities is wrong,” he asserted.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Anthony N. Okere, expressed joy over the day’s event, congratulating the graduands, the senate and the congregation for collectively sustaining the hopes and aspiration of the Chancellor.

Prof. Okeke further applauded the efforts of the staff and students who have always believed in Hezekiah University.

Imo State governor  Hope Uzodimma has called on the Board and management of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to chart a course that will propel greater economic and social development of the region.

He noted that the creation of the commission was a significant step by the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to provide relief to the people of the Southeast region who have suffered greatly in the past

The governor made the call when the pioneer Board Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Emeka Wogu, led his members and the management team of SEDC, to pay the governor a courtesy visit at the New Exco Chambers Government House, Owerri weekend.

Uzodimma seized the opportunity to thank President Tinubu “for his wisdom and courage in accepting and supporting the bill that established the Commission.”

He noted that in the past years, agitations to establish SEDC yielded no positive result, and expressed joy, however, that the establishment of the body became a reality under President Tinubu-led administration.

The governor stressed that the people of the Southeastern region would remain grateful to his administration.

He, therefore, sued for a harmonious relationship between the board and the management of the SEDC, urging them to “use the opportunity to contribute your own quota towards the development of the region.

“Go there. Trust yourselves. Believe in yourself. Don’t try to pull anyone down,” the governor advised the board and management.

 Uzodimma enjoined them to make proper consultations with the critical stakeholders in the region and ensure they conduct needs assessment of the people in their quest to serve them.

He said: “Strengthen agro-businesses (food security), enhance entrepreneurship, bring in digital skills to the teeming youths as well as attract foreign investment that will improve the economy and livelihood of people of the Southeast.”

Read Also: Uzodimma commends NDDC for surviving political interests, bickering for 25 years

He further charged them to restore the dignity of Enugu as the regional headquarters of the Southeast, insisting that the commission is made up of experienced hands, who have made their marks in the country as technocrats, businessmen, entrepreneurs and politicians.

Uzodimma pledged the support of his fellow governors in the Southeast in his capacity as their Chairman, informing the SEDC team that they would be available for them anytime, any day to enable them serve the people better.

Earlier, the Chairman of the SEDC, Dr. Wogu, said that their visit was part of their official tour of the Southeast states and to strengthen collaboration with the governors in delivering the mandate of the commission.

He commended Uzodimma for his achievements in infrastructure and social development in the State, especially in the areas of healthcare, road infrastructure, education, power, and industrialisation and civil service reforms, among others.

He assured that the commission, as an intervention agency, would collaborate with the state governors to drive sustainable development and unity in the Southeast.

Contributing, the Managing Director of the SEDC, Chief Mark Okoye remarked that “the commission plans to create an investment portfolio that would stimulate and drive the economy of the Southeast especially, in the areas of mechanized agriculture, industrialization, and engineering the growth of the private sector.”

Okoye had solicited the full backing of Uzodimma as “Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum, Chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum, Governor- General of the Southeast,” and through him, sought the support of the other governors in the region as they prepared to hit the ground running.

• Thanks Tinubu for commission’s progress

Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma on Friday commended the management and board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for their renewed vigour in developing the Niger Delta region in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

Uzodimma made the commendation at the unveiling ceremony of the Commission’s 25th anniversary logo and the Niger Delta Sports Festival Mascot in Owerri.

Speaking during the ceremony, he congratulated the commission for surviving conflicting political interests and bickering for 25 years and delivering on their core mandate of bringing progress to the Niger Delta.

He described the commission as a leading agency in bringing the vision of the President’s renewed hope project to fruition in record time, judging by their numerous completed projects across nine Niger Delta states.

Uzodimma noted that their intervention in response to the agitation for development in the area brought confidence and hope to the communities while boosting the production of crude oil.

The governor also expressed happiness at their partnership with the governments of the Niger Delta states, urging them to collaborate more with people of the area for needs assessments to ensure execution of projects which will bring more value to the beneficiaries.

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He also commended the commission for organizing the upcoming sports festival, which he believes will engage local youth and help reduce crime.

Earlier, the NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Samuel Ogbuku stated that the commission remained committed to achieving their core developmental mandate in the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku said the board and management of the commission had been working vigorously to change the narrative in the country’s oil producing region.

He added that the NDDC  had engaged all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the task of developing the Niger Delta region.

The managing director thanked the President for encouraging the commission in the area of funding. “The president is encouraging us in the area of funding. He approved raising N1 trillion from financial institutions in the 2024 budget to complete legacy projects.”

Speaking on the upcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival to be organized in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the CEO said it was an avenue to bring about regional integration to foster unity and cohesion.

He added that the event was designed to nurture young talents from the oil-producing areas, adding that all necessary tools have been put in place to ensure its success.

In his speech, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong said the Senate would continue to work closely with the NDDC to achieve a developed Niger Delta that reflects the aspirations of its people.

The House Committee Chairman on NDDC, Hon. Mrs. Erhiateka Ibori- Suenu expressed appreciation to the Governor for his continued support to the Commission’s Board and Management and the team, for bringing the initiative of the light-up programme to the region which has brought joy and smiles to the faces of the people of the region in line with Mr. President’s vision of Renewed Hope Agenda.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has praised the management and board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for their renewed commitment to developing the Niger Delta region in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Speaking on Friday at the unveiling of the Commission’s 25th-anniversary logo and the Niger Delta Sports Festival mascot in Owerri, Uzodimma lauded NDDC for overcoming political conflicts and delivering on its core mandate for 25 years.

He described the Commission as a key driver in actualizing the President’s vision, citing its numerous completed projects across the nine Niger Delta states.

Uzodimma also acknowledged NDDC’s role in restoring confidence in the region, boosting crude oil production, and partnering with state governments. 

He urged greater collaboration with local communities to ensure that development projects effectively meet the needs of the people.

He also commended the commission for organizing the upcoming sports festival, which he believes will engage local youth and help reduce crime.

Earlier, the NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Samuel Ogbuku stated that the commission remained committed to achieving their core developmental mandate in the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku said the board and management of the commission had been working vigorously to change the narrative in the country’s oil producing region.

He added that the NDDC had engaged all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the task of developing the Niger Delta region.

Read Also: Imo gets Chief Judge soon, Uzodimma assures

The managing director thanked President for encouraging the commission in the area of funding. “The president is encouraging us in the area of funding. He approved raising N1 trillion from financial institutions in the 2024 budget to complete legacy projects.”

Speaking on the upcoming Niger Delta sports festival to be organized in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, the CEO said it was an avenue to bring about regional integration to foster unity and cohesion.

He added that the event was designed to nurture young talents from the oil producing areas, adding that all necessary tools have been put in place to ensure its success.

In his speech, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong said the Senate will continue to work closely with the NDDC to achieve a developed Niger Delta that reflects the aspirations of its people.

The House Committee Chairman on NDDC, Hon. Mrs. Erhiateka Ibori- Suenu expressed appreciation to the Governor for his continued support to the Commission’s Board and Management and the team, for bringing the initiative of light-up programme to the region which has brought joy and smiles on the faces of the people of the region in line with Mr. President’s vision of Renewed Hope Agenda.