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  • Uzodimma: S/East political elite killed regional security outfit Ebubeagu

    Uzodimma: S/East political elite killed regional security outfit Ebubeagu

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma yesterday said that the regional security outfit, Ebubeagu, was frustrated by Southeast leaders.

    The outfit was established by governors in 2021 to address escalating security concerns.

    But the governor said the idea was ultimately discontinued due to insufficient support from political leaders.

    He said he was the only governor who took bold steps to address the security disturbances in the region, but his efforts were not backed by his counterparts.

    Uzodimma spoke through his Special Adviser on Public Communication, Onwuasoanya Jones.

    He said Ebube-Agu would have complemented the efforts of the conventional security outfit, but it never materialised because many political gladiators developed cold feet confronting the non-state actors.

    Uzodimma said: “I was at the driving seat of instituting a regional security outfit that would be recruited from among the youths of the Southeast region, to complement the efforts of the conventional security outfit.

    “This outfit was to be named Ebubeagu. But, it never really saw the light of the day, because many political gladiators developed cold feet towards confronting frontally, these murderous and criminal elements.”

    The governor said he mobilised resources to quell the uprising and even sent a bill to the Imo State House of Assembly to form the Imo Security Organisation (ISO).

    Read Also: Uzodimma vows to end kidnapping in Imo

    “However, the ISO’s success in combating terrorism was hindered by the reluctance of neighbouring states to set up their own local security outfits.

    “Many others sold the narrative that the boys were defending Ala Igbo, hence, should be left alone.

    “But I saw through the imprudence of treating these criminals with glove hands and launched out against them with a view to securing the lives and properties of Imolites, which is, of course, the most important of my duties and the most prime of my oath of office,” Uzodimma said.

    The governor believes that if other Southeast governors had followed his lead, the region would not be experiencing the current level of insecurity.

    He also noted that his efforts to secure Imo were met with resistance and criticism from some quarters, but he remains committed to protecting the lives and properties of his people.

  • No hiding place for kidnappers, says Uzodimma

    No hiding place for kidnappers, says Uzodimma

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has assured the people that kidnappers will not have a hiding place any more as the government is deploying kinetic and non-kinetic measures to bring them to book.

     The governor also assured the people that God would expose those hiding in the bush to perpetrate crime.

    In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the governor, Oguwike Nwachuku, said his boss gave the assurance yesterday at the interdenominational Church Service to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Government House Chapel, Owerri, the state capital.

     While thanking the congregation for joining the Armed Forces to celebrate the Mass as a prelude to the January 15 yearly Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the governor reiterated that the celebration was necessary because “the peace we enjoy today is as a result of the supreme price some of our brothers and sisters paid to keep the nation together and give us peace”.

     He added: “It is in the wisdom of the Federal Government that the period is set aside to pray for the souls of these our brothers and sisters, and to commiserate with their families to bear the loss with fortitude.”

    Read Also: Uzodimma renews marriage vow with wife Chioma

     Uzodimma said Imo is doing her best to support the Armed Forces, noting: “The ugly stories of yesterday about Imo State are now a thing of the past.”

     He reiterated his invitation to those hiding in the bush to commit crime to come out, as “the war is over.”  He assured them of the government’s assistance to enable them to do things that are meaningful.

     “Politics will come and go, governors will come and go, Imo State will remain,” he added.

     The governor warned against barbarism, vandalism, killing and maiming of innocent and vulnerable people, urging them to shun evil and embrace righteousness.

  • Alia, Eno, Yusuf, Namadi, Uzodimma sign 2025 Appropriation Bills

    Alia, Eno, Yusuf, Namadi, Uzodimma sign 2025 Appropriation Bills

    • Imo raises budget from N756b to N807b, governor appends signature

    • Benue to spend N550.11b, Akwa Ibom N955b, Kano N719.7b, Jigawa N698.3b

    Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Abba Yusuf (Kano), and Umar Namadi (Jigawa) yesterday signed the 2025 Appropriation Bills of their states into law.

    Alia, a reverend father, signed Benue State’s N550,112,988,930.45 Appropriation Bill, named: Budget of Human Capital Development, Food Security, and the Digital Economy into law at the Government House in Makurdi.

    The signing ceremony was done in the presence of the principal officers of the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, and State Executive Council (Exco) members.

    The House of Assembly had passed the budget on Monday for the governor’s assent.

    The signing ceremony coincided with the launching of the state’s 10-year Development Plan, the Nutrition Policy, and the Social Protection Policy.

    Alia said: “The signing into law of the 2025 budget, the formal launch of the 10-Year Development Plan and these critical policies mark the beginning of a new chapter in our state’s story.

    “We are laying the groundwork for a future where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed, to live in dignity, and to contribute to the growth of our state.

    “Our work is not finished today; it is just the beginning. Together, we will build a brighter, more resilient future for ourselves and for generations to come.”

    In Akwa Ibom State, Governor Eno signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill of N955 billion into law at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.

    The governor hailed the House of Assembly for the expeditious passage of the Appropriation Bill, called: Budget of Consolidation and Expansion.

    He said the thoroughness and speed in the passage of the budget exemplified the synergy between the Executive and the Legislature.

    Eno called for continued collaborations among all arms of government to ensure effective delivery of democracy dividends to the people.

    This year’s budget has a recurrent expenditure of N300 billion and a capital expenditure of N655 billion.

    Governor Uzodimma signed Imo State’s 2025 Appropriation Bill, named: Budget of Expanded Economic Opportunities, into law at the new Exco Chamber of the Government House in Owerri, the state capital, in the presence of House of Assembly members, led by Speaker Chike Olemgbe.

    The budget had been increased from N756 billion to N807 billion and passed by the House of Assembly.

    The governor promised to ensure full implementation of the budget.

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    The budget has a capital expenditure of N694,786,041,220, or 86.09 per cent, and a recurrent expenditure of N112,302,000,000, or 13.91 per cent.

    A breakdown of the budget showed that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development got N297,509,312,778, or 42.8 per cent; the Ministry of Transport got N101,010,000,000, or 14.5 per cent; and the Ministry of Power and Electrification, N74,755,479,042, or 10.8 per cent.

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was allocated N50,020,000,000, or 7.2 per cent; the Ministry of Education got N49,460,000,000, or 7.1 per cent; while the Ministry of Health got N31,933,234,000 or 4.65 per cent.

    Uzodimma promised to fully and faithfully implement the budget to achieve its goals.

    “We will create expanded economic opportunities through investment and job creation. Ndi Imo shall be the beneficiaries.

    “I urge everyone and all stakeholders to support this administration in our endeavor to set Imo State on a path of sustainable development,” he said.

    Kano State Governor Yusuf signed the state’s N719,755,417,663.00 2025 Appropriation Bill, called: Budget of Hope, Capital Development and Economic Growth into law yesterday at the Government House in Kano.

    A breakdown of the budget showed a recurrent expenditure of N262,670,660,562.68, representing 36 per cent, and a capital expenditure of N262,670,660,562.68, representing 64 per cent.

    The governor had proposed N549,160,417,663.00 with the recurrent and the capital expenditures getting 43 per cent and 57 per cent. But the House of Assembly had jacked it to N719,755,417,663.00, an increase of N170,595,000,000.00.

    Speaker Jibril Ismail Falgore said the Assembly engaged all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the defence of their proposals and conducted a public hearing where public inputs were integrated into the budget.

    The government said the budget would be sourced from the recovery of the Unremitted Oil Revenue (Refund to State Government), Value Added Tax (VAT), internally generated revenue (IGR) and other grants from the Federal Government.

    Yusuf said his administration was determined to making Kano a better state through investment in infrastructure and poverty alleviation.

    The governor said the budget was focused on empowering communities to stimulate economic growth.

    He added that the budget prioritised education, health, and agriculture to create opportunities for all Kano residents.

    Also, Governor Namadi yesterday signed Jigawa State’s N698.3 billion and the 27 local governments’ N184.4 billion budgets into law at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Dutse.

    The House of Assembly had passed the Appropriation Bill, tagged: The Budget of Innovation and Transformation for Greater Jigawa, on Monday without any changes.

    The budget has N90.76 billion for personnel costs; N63.69 billion for recurrent expenses; and N534.76 billion for capital investment.

    The Healthcare sector got over N40 billion to improve healthcare services in the state.

    Speaking after signing the Appropriation Bill into law, Namadi said: “I am pleased that the budget has been passed without any changes, and I appreciate the efforts of the lawmakers in ensuring its speedy passage.”

    The governor hailed Speaker Haruna Dangyatim for his leadership and commitment to the development of the state.

  • Imo Assembly hikes Uzodimma’s 2025 budget to N807b

    Imo Assembly hikes Uzodimma’s 2025 budget to N807b

    Governor Hope Uzodimma has signed into law the Imo State 2025 Appropriation Bill increasing it to N807 billion from N756 billion with a pledge to support full implementation of the budget.

    Signing the bill into law at the New Exco Chambers, Government House Owerri, Uzodimma noted that what the lawmakers did by increasing the original figures he presented before them few days ago shows an alignment between the Executive and the legislature in providing essential services to the people.

    The Governor, who expressed satisfaction over the expeditious passage of the appropriation bill and tinkering with the original numbers, said that what had been done by the Assembly shows that the lawmakers have challenged the executive to commence work without delay on the 2025 budget.

    The Governor allocated huge chunk of the budget to capital expenditure in 2025 to the tone of N694,786,041,220 or 86.09 per cent of the total sum while the recurrent expenditure, N112,302,000,000) or 13.91 percent was approved.

    The Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development gets N297,509,312,778 or 42.8%, the Ministry of Transport, N101,010,000,000 or 14.5% and  the Ministry of Power and Electrification, N74,755,479,042 or 10.8%.

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was allocated N50,020,000,000 or 7.2% of the budget, 

    the Ministry of Education, N49,460,000,000 or 7.1% while the Ministry of Health gets N31,933,234,000 or 4.65%.

    Uzodimma said after signing the appropriation bill: “I have just signed into law the 2025 Imo State Appropriation Bill, which now has the force of law and serves as the financial operational manual for the state.

    “While I initially proposed a budget of Seven Hundred and Fifty-Six Billion Naira for the year, the State House of Assembly, in its wisdom, adjusted it to N807 billion. It shows the alignment between the Executive and the Legislature in providing essential infrastructure and services to the people of the State.

    “The total 2025 budget, as amended by the Assembly and signed into law, is Eight Hundred and Seven Billion, Eighty-Eight Million, Forty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Naira (N807,088,041,220).

    “Capital allocation: Six Hundred and Ninety-Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Six Million, Forty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Naira (N694,786,041,220) (86.09%) while Recurrent allocation N112,302,000,000 or 13.91%.

    “I commend the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for the expeditious passage of the Appropriation Bill and for increasing the initial budget estimate. This patriotic gesture challenges the executive to commence work immediately.

    Read Also: Governor Uzodimma presents N756b budget proposal for 2025

    “As outlined in my recent budget speech, this Budget of Expanded Economic Opportunities is designed to drive the economic transformation of our state through improved infrastructure and industrialization. Beyond focusing on making our economy one of the fastest-growing in the region, we aim to position the state as a prime destination for genuine investors.

    “The following allocations to core ministries underscore my resolve to strengthen economic growth in 2025: Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development: N297,509,312,778 (42.8%), Ministry of Transport: N101,010,000,000 (14.5%), Ministry of Power and Electrification: N74,755,479,042 (10.8%), Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security: N50,020,000,000 (7.2%), Ministry of Education: N49,460,000,000 (7.1%), Ministry of Health: N31,933,234,000 (4.65%).”

    The Governor pledged to fully and faithfully implement the budget to achieve its goals.

    ” We will create expanded economic opportunities through investment and job creation. Ndi Imo shall be the beneficiaries.

    “I urge everyone and all stakeholders to support this administration in our endeavor to set Imo State on a path of sustainable development.”

  • Uzodimma commends Okewulonu, Nnaji, Okere, Obi, others as they join APC

    Uzodimma commends Okewulonu, Nnaji, Okere, Obi, others as they join APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Friday, recorded another political feat in Imo State with key figures in the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), dumping such platforms and pitching tents with the ruling party in Imo and at the national level.

    The prominent politicians, including serving and former lawmakers with their numerous followers, were received by the leader of the APC in Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma, who commended them for their courage, wisdom and foresight.

    The new APC members described Governor Uzodimma as a political magnet.

    The Governor was joined by his Deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and the husband, Chukwuka, Imo APC Chairman, Macdonald Ebere and other key political figures and government officials in the state to welcome the new entrants at the party’s headquarters on Okigwe road, Owerri, amid pomp and circumstance.

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    Among the defectors are Chief Chris Okewulonu, associate and ardent supporter of the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha as his Chief of Staff during his short-lived period as Governor, former House House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, former Commissioner and one time PDP Deputy Governorship candidate to Ihedioha in 2015, Hon Chuma Nnaji and former House of Representatives member for Ideato North and South, Rt. Hon Pascal Obi.

    Others include House of Representatives members for Owerri Municipal, West and North, Rt.Hon. Chinedu Tochukwu Okere, former Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jonas Okeke, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 8, Lokoja, Bartholomew Onyeka and Hon Emeka Ahuoku, a PDP chieftain from Nwangele.

    All the seven politicians came with their supporters who also joined the APC.

    In welcoming them, Governor Uzodimma said he understands what it means to take such bold decisions, noting that he was not surprised because “genuine members of the political class in Imo want the State to move forward regardless of political leaning.”

  • Uzodimma’s fidelity pays off with FUTO’s honorary doctorate degree

    Uzodimma’s fidelity pays off with FUTO’s honorary doctorate degree

    • By Declan Emelumba

    The honour is in recognition of your decades of meritorious, selfless and outstanding services that have positively impacted the lives of the good people of Imo State, the nation and humanity generally.”

    That was an excerpt from a letter from the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, (FUTO), Prof Mrs Nnenna Otti, to the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, conveying the decision of the university to award him an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Management (DMT) at its 36th convocation ceremony holding on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The Vice Chancellor attracted national attention last year as an incorruptible scholar when, as the Returning Officer for the Abia State Governorship election, she courageously upheld the will of the people, in spite of  extraneous pressure. Second, FUTO, though located in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, is outside the influence of Uzodimma. If any of the three state-owned universities had conferred this honour on the governor, perhaps, it would have been viewed with suspicion. Finally, since the inception of FUTO, almost 40 years ago, it is not on record that it has awarded any Doctorate Degree to a serving governor of Imo State.

    Why then was this prophet recognised at home from a no-nonsense Vice Chancellor from a federal institution outside his influence and in a record-setting manner?  The aforementioned letter says it all, but the truth is that “you cannot put on a light and hide it under the bushel”. Uzodimma through his superlative performance as governor in the last five years and his inspirational leadership has demonstrated incredible responsibility, making him the shining light from the East.

    When FUTO declared that Uzodimma had positively impacted lives for decades, it was no embellishment. As a private citizen, the governor was known as a great philanthropist who financed the education of many young men and women and set up businesses for thousands of others. As a Senator, between 2011 and 2019, Uzodimma served the nation meritoriously, saving billions of Naira for the country through his cost saving services as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs  and Excise.

    When he was sworn in as Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma met a state in coma, with deficit infrastructure,  rampant corruption in high places and disoriented civil servants and the public who had lost hope in governance as a result of failed promises by past administrations. Instead of bemoaning the rot, he rolled up his sleeves and set to work.

    It didn’t take long before Uzodimma made the difference. Although payment of salaries should ordinarily not be counted as an achievement by the government, but in a state where civil servants were being owed for months and pensioners were dying due to unpaid pensions, the administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma received applause from the workers for reversing their misery. Today, salaries and pensions are not only paid regularly and promptly, pensioners have started receiving their gratuities, an entitlement denied them for 20 years. This Christmas, like the past four years, the workers will receive a 13th month salary in the spirit of Uzodimma’s Shared Prosperity.

    But what really attracted the attention of Nigerians who live or pass through the roads in the state was the rapid rehabilitation and construction of roads long abandoned by the previous governments. By the time he faced another election last year, Uzodimma had built a record 120 quality roads spread across the three senatorial zones of the State. Notable amongst these roads are the dualized Owerri-Orlu Road and of course the Owerri-Okigwe Road which had been intractable for decades. All the roads connecting Imo to neighbouring states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu also received attention while each of the 27 local government areas had five kilometres of roads constructed for them to ease movement of goods and services to the urban centres. These are verifiable achievements that those who use these roads can readily testify to.

    It is remarkable that as Uzodimma was attending to the infrastructures, he tackled the education sector, a subject of interest to the FUTO authorities who also benefited from the governor’s roads revolution with the construction of the first phase of the Naze-Ihiagwa-Nekede Road. Hope Uzodimma on assumption of office, established two more universities in the state to ensure that thousands of Imo youths seeking admission to tertiary institutions get placements. Currently, he is funding three universities, one polytechnic and one college of education in addition to three schools of nursing and midwifery.   He was also instrumental to the final takeover and conversion to a university, the former Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri. He also spearheaded the takeover and conversion to Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, the former Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. Today, his intervention in the education sector has seen the rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools and the provision of laboratory equipment. The results have been breathtaking. Imo continues to lead in public examinations like WAEC, JAMB, and Nigerian Law School.

    This intervention has been replicated in the health sector with the resuscitation of Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, which for years couldn’t produce medical doctors, but is now delivering its core mandate. All the schools of nursing and midwifery, whose accreditation had been withdrawn, have bounced back. Imo Specialist Hospital Umuguma is now functional, while three brand new general hospitals have been built and existing ones rehabilitated and equipped.

    To the glory of God, Governor Hope Uzodimma has returned hope to millions of disillusioned Imo youths. At his signal, the government made space for our young innovators and developers to excel. Through ambitious youth empowerment programmes, thousands of youths have been taken off the unemployment market. Through the Skillup Imo project, no fewer than 40,000 youth have received training in digital technology and economy and have been empowered. Some are working abroad, hundreds more are working remotely for international organizations from Imo, while others have their own businesses. The results are impressive yet there are only the first fruits of Uzodimma’s transformational leadership. By the time we will feel the fiscal and social impact of these young stars, we would have come full circle in migrating from an analogue to a digital economy.

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    Indeed, with his monumental achievements in infrastructure, human capital development and urban renewal,  Uzodimma has turned his attention to the industrialization of the state to move it away from the civil service oriented economy which it has been reeling under for decades since 1976. Currently, the administration is committed to dredging the Orashi River to the Atlantic Ocean to open up economic activities not only for Imo State but the South East. In the next few weeks, the state will start enjoying an uninterrupted power supply as a result of its huge investment in the power sector.  An automated civil service which has perfected the ease of doing business, has received applause from the World Bank. The state recently won the World Bank’s trophy under the States Action on Business Enabling reforms (SABER), and was rewarded with Four million United States dollars!

    Right now, Imo is primed to be the industrial hub of the Southeast. The rehabilitation of Concorde Hotel, the building of the Assumpta Roundabout Flyover and other ongoing activities point to a way of industrialization never seen in the state before.

    Therefore, when FUTO confers the Honorary Doctorate Degree in Management to Senator Hope Uzodimma,  on Saturday, it will be justified in its assertion that the Imo governor deserves it for his decades of outstanding and meritorious services not only to Imo State people, but Nigerians and humanity.

    Congratulations, Your Excellency.

    ·Emelumba is the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy of Imo State

  • Uzodimma seeks special agricultural research fund to tackle food crisis

    Uzodimma seeks special agricultural research fund to tackle food crisis

    Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has called for the creation of a specialized fund for agricultural research to address food insecurity and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on oil.

    Speaking as the guest lecturer during the 12th Convocation Ceremony of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Uzodimma stressed the need for research, technology, and innovation to secure the future of agriculture in Nigeria. 

    He proposed the establishment of a Tertiary Agricultural Education Research Fund (TAETFUND) dedicated to advancing agricultural research in universities and other tertiary institutions.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Victor Nwachukwu, the governor advocated for legislation mandating agro-based corporations, infrastructure firms, and industries to contribute one percent of their profits to the fund. 

    He also urged federal and state governments to allocate an equal percentage from tax revenues to support the initiative.

    Uzodimma further suggested that regional organizations such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and Arewa could also contribute to the fund to promote agricultural research and avert potential food crises.

    Uzodimma, who spoke on the topic, “Agriculture and National Development in a Diversified Economy: A Vision of Renewed Hope Through Town and Gown Entrepreneursial Partnerships,”

    noted that the future of agriculture in Nigeria ” depends on our ability to keep innovating, keep researching and keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”

    Read Also: Uzodimma, Gen. Sidi underscore importance of collaboration in national unity, security

    He recalled that great countries in the world that  are self-sufficient in agriculture, like America, relied heavily on research and innovation to achieve the feat.

    “China and India have seen rapid mechanisation in recent decades leading to huge gains in productivity.  Brazil has emerged as a major agricultural exporter, thanks to its research into tropical farming.  So. Nigeria can not stand still.  We need ways to innovate and push forward,” he declared. 

    He was of the opinion that any hope of using agriculture to diversify the country’s economy depended on the quality of research and associated funding from both the government and corporate organisations. 

    Uzodimma, however, contended that universities of agriculture, such as Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, must lead the way through research and innovation for improved agricultural revolution. 

    According to him ,Nigerian universities ought to collaborate with their foreign counterparts and learn from them the required techniques for improved productivity. 

    The guest lecturer particularly charged Michael Okpara University of Agriculture to avail itself of the opportunity provided by the Agribusiness Incubation Centre  in the university to teach local farmers  the new method of farming. 

    He urged them to “enhance the provision of more practical on hand training of students and strengthen ties with international institutions to share knowledge and learn global best practices in agriculture.”

  • Uzodimma, Gen. Sidi underscore importance of collaboration in national unity, security

    Uzodimma, Gen. Sidi underscore importance of collaboration in national unity, security

    Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma has underscored the importance of collaboration between government and security agencies in the country, commending in particular, the Nigerian Army for her contributions to national unity and security.

    Uzodimma gave the commendation  when he received participants of Course 33 of the National Defence College who were on a five day study tour of Imo State at the Government House in Owerri.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Barr. Jerry Egemba, the governor reiterated the importance of collaboration between government and security institutions, and thanked the College for choosing Imo State for her study this year.

    He urged participants of Course 33  to apply the knowledge gained during their tour in the state for their professional development and for national good.

    “I’m aware that you stand strategically at the centre of not just the unity of Nigeria but the defence architecture of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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    “We have felt your impact, not just with your visit to Imo today, but with the impact in the peace and security Imo enjoys today,” Uzodimma said.

    Earlier, the team leader of the College’s study tour to the state, Brig.-Gen. Kabiru Sidi said the aim of the exercise was to study the dynamics of the various states of the country.

    Sidi said for the 2024 Course 33, the College chose five states – Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Plateau, Imo, and Sokoto – for the study tour.

    He said the theme for the 2024 Course is “Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria.”

    The team leader noted that the National Defence College serves as the premier training institution for the Nigerian Armed Forces, focusing on strategy and policy formulation.

    “Each team is sent out to different States with a topic to research on. At the end, they file reports back to the headquarters and as well make recommendations to State governments for implementation.”

    Sidi described the National Defence College as a “strategic level training institution and the final level of training that any person will receive in their career.”

    “It is the apex institution in the Nigerian Armed Forces, and therefore, nothing is left unturned because it teaches strategy and policy making.

    “It also sharpens the analytical skills of participants so that at the end of the day, when they depart the College, they will become assets to every nation that they come from,” he further explained.

    The National Defence College is the apex military training institution in Nigeria, established in 1992 to train senior military and other security officers.

    Its main objectives include analysing the socio-economic and political environment’s impact on national security and development as well as preparing officers for strategic-level responsibilities.

    Various papers were presented during the visit.

    Egemba who spoke on “The Geography, History and Culture of Imo State,” emphasised that Governor Uzodimma holds the security institution in high esteem, the reason Imo State was selected out of the five States of the federation, for the study tour.

    Also, the Commander 34 Field Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brigadier General Usman Lawal who spoke on “The Challenges Militating Against Strengthening institutions in the Contemporary Security Environment and Measures Taken To Address Them,” drew attention to issues such as inadequate manpower, insufficient training, limited funding, and bureaucratic hurdles as some of the significant obstacles that ought to be dealt with.

    Dissecting the topic, “The Effect, Impact and Challenges of Institutional Reforms in the State,” the Commissioner for Homeland Security, and Vigilant Affairs, Hon. Modestus Osakwe recommended the establishment of a crime forecast centre, the creation of a South East Security Agency, and the adoption of advanced security technologies to combat crime effectively in the South East.

    For the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E- Government, Dr Chimezie Amadi, whose paper was on “Citizens Participation and Engagement in Strengthening Institutions and Promoting Security and Developmental in imo State,” he highlighted several people-oriented policies introduced by the State government under Governor Uzodimma aimed at rebuilding public trust.

    The report of the participants, comprising 31 senior officers from both military, police, paramilitary and civil service sectors in Nigeria and abroad, at the end of the day, will be used for possible implementation of the critical decisions reached in the State under focus.  

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

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

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has asked the state Governor Hope Uzodimma to disclose to Imo workers or the public what the government has agreed to pay the workers as minimum wage.

    The party in a statement on Friday by its Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku, demanded a clear statement by the governor on what his government has resolved to pay as minimum wage to its workers rather than dribble them.

    “The government, instead of disclosing to Imo workers what it has resolved to pay them, is rather busy chasing shadows, diverting attention, creating ill-feelings and advancing dangerous avenues to hold the State’s workforce to ransom.

    “It is shameful that despite the fact that States such as Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Osun, and Adamawa, among others, had accepted to pay their workers N80,000 and above, Imo government is still locked in confusion, afraid to officially reveal what to pay. For how long will the government continue to deceive the masses?

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    “The APC government in Imo State has continued to show that it is bereft of ideas and lacks the good conscience to guarantee workers’ welfare. Across the globe, one of the indexes to identify a viable administration is the importance it places on its workforce and the relationship with them. In Imo, the APC administration has made it a culture to maltreat workers.

  • Uzodimma praises Zinox chair on devt

    Uzodimma praises Zinox chair on devt

    Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has called on the well-to-do Imo sons and daughters, to emulate the kind gesture of the Chairman, Zinox Group, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, who has made it a duty to give back to the society.

    He said Ekeh’s commitment to empowering Imo youths is in alignment with the Shared Prosperity Initiative of his administration, hence he enjoined other wealthy Imolites to embrace the ideas and initiatives to better the state.

    The governor made this call at the Imo State University, Owerri, weekend during the graduation ceremony of the Trainees of Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Free Entrepreneurship Programme.

    Uzodinma, who is the Visitor of the University, was represented at the event by his Deputy, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru.

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    The was delighted to witness the auspicious occasion, as he warmly welcomed Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation and other invited guests to the state, while congratulating the graduands and encouraging them to make good use of the skills acquired during the training and opportunities provided by the foundation.

    The governor said: “I am delighted to stand before you at this auspicious occasion to welcome Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation and other invited guests to Imo State.

    “In the same vein, I wish to congratulate the graduands of the special Free Entrepreneurship Programme, organized by Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation and powered by our very own Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, the Chairman, Zinox Group, African Leading Technology Icon, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, who, incidentally, is from our dear state, Imo.

    “Chief Leo Stan Ekeh has defied a popular saying by Zig Ziglar, who opined that “you don’t build a business, you build people, people then build the business”. Our Leo Stan Ekeh has built businesses, built and still building people, who have built and still building businesses. My beloved brother, Leo Stan, may God continue to expand your coast as you navigate the business world, building people and businesses and bringing succour to many indigent homes.”

    To the beneficiaries of the programme, he said: “Our maiden graduands, as you are empowered today, having been trained in Modern Etiquette, Entrepreneurship, Business Law, Career Planning, E-Commerce, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and so on, the sky is your limit. Therefore, go and explore the world’s full of opportunities.”

    The governor also likened the activities of Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation to the ideas of his Shared Prosperity Administration, saying: “This laudable programme is very much in sync with the Shared Prosperity Initiatives of my administration, especially, in the area of Youth Empowerment, and our government will continue to have a robust partnership with the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, like we had in the SkillUp Imo Programme, in order to continue in our efforts to physically and digitally convey wealth and prosperity to the door step of every Imolite”.

    Uzodimma thanked the Foundation for choosing the Imo State University for the maiden innovative free entrepreneurship program, while calling other well-to-do Imolites to emulate the Zinox Group chairman and key into the Shared Prosperity ideas and initiative of his administration.

    He also appreciated the students, staff and management of Imo State University, especially, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. U. U Chukwumaeze, SAN, for graciously accommodating the Foundation’s Center, for the empowerment of Imo Youths and overall betterment of our dear state.

    Chief Stan-Ekeh, who was in company of his wife, Mrs Chioma Ekeh, in his address, appreciated the state governor for providing him with the enabling environment and opportunity to contribute his own quota to the state and for always supporting and recommending him to the world, at every given opportunity, while pledging his commitment to supporting his administration.

    He also enjoined the graduands to focus on their goals for a brighter future, following their training and empowerment, through hardwork and perseverance, then ensure they give back to the society once God blesses them with wealth.

    Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. U. U Chukwumaeze, also expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodimma for always supporting him and the university while thanking Chief Stan-Ekeh for bringing the life-changing opportunity to Imo State University during his tenure as VC.

    All the beneficiaries were given a working Zinox tablets by the Foundation, as announced by the Chairman, Chief Ekeh and the presentation, on behalf of the students, staff and management of the Imo state University, of a beautiful picture portrait by the Imo Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, to Chief Leo Stan Ekeh.