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CRITICAL ROAD CONDITION IN IDEATO NORTH : IMO ASSEMBLY PROFFER SOLUTION

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Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe
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AS IMHA URGES GOVERNOR TO DIRECT MINISTRY OF LANDS TO TAKE STEPS TO ENCOURAGE IMOLITES TO DEVELOP THEIR LANDED PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS STATED ON THEIR ALLOCATION PAPERS TO AVOID REVOCATION*

Disturbed and very worried by the critical state of roads linking Ideato North Local Government Area with other parts of Imo State, which have made constituents and other inhabitants in the local government unable to move to other parts of the State, the Imo State House Of Assembly has proffered solution.

Moving the Motion, the Member Representing Ideato North State Constituency, Hon Okechukwu Udeze explained the deplorable condition of roads linking his local government with other parts of the state, pointing out that it has become impossible task for his constituents to move to other parts of the State. He stated that Ideato people are farmers, but bad roads have made it impossible for these farmers to take their farm produce to city markets. He further argued that economic activities in the area have almost shut down, due to very bad condition of roads.

Almost in tears, Hon Udeze revealed how motorists ply farms and bushes in order to avoid falling into deep gullies and ditches on the bad roads, which as a result have been causing damages and mechanical problems to vehicles, and invariably making life to be very difficult for his people, occasioned by high cost of transportation.

Specifically, Hon Udeze observed that Nkwerre -Omumaisiaku-Ogboko-Obohia road and Ugbele BSC road which used to be alternative routes linking Ideato North have not only been impassable, but have been cut off by deep gullies and ditches. According to him, *”Urualla-Obodoukwu-Isiokpo-Akpulu road is not a better choice either”.*

Nevertheless, Hon Udeze expressed happiness that His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma has flagged off the Reconstruction of Orlu-Mgbe-Akokwa-Uga road, but pleaded that while work is still ongoing, alternative State routes connecting Nkwerre -Omumaisiaku-Ogboko-Obohia-Ugbele-BSC Orlu road and that of Urualla-Obodoukwu-Isiokpo-Akpulu linking routes be urgently rehabilitated.

The Motion which was seconded by Hon Vitalis Ndubuisi Azodo, Member Representing Ideato South State Constituency, was co-sponsored by Hon Chisom Ojukwu (Nkwerre), Hon Ikenna Ihezuo (Orlu), Hon Ugochukwu Obodo (Owerri Municipal), Hon Sam Otuibe (Ahiazu Mbaise), Hon Vitalis Ndubuisi Azodo (Ideato South).

Supporting the Motion, Hon Barrister Chisom Ojukwu, Member Representing Nkwerre State Constituency, explained that before the coming of the present administration led by Governor Hope Uzodimma, the aforementioned roads were dilapidated, and Government after Government came, but never cared. He however expressed happiness that the State Governor has moved to rehabilitate one of the major roads, which when completed, will improve commercial activities of the area, secure more lives and property of the people and indeed further positively affect the people, in other areas. He therefore called for urgent intervention in creating alternative routes.

For Hon Barrister Ikenna Ihezue, Member Representing Orlu State Constituency, he supported the Motion because bad roads have affected the economy, culture and business of the local government. In his words, “An alternative access road should be done, so that Ideato North citizens can have improved lifestyle. Let us also seek ways to solve the gully erosion challenge in the area. Gully erosion has devastated the area .

For Hon Vitalis Ndubuisi Azodo, Member Representing Ideato South State Constituency, ” *Ideato North and Ideato South are one. it is no longer news that my people are suffering because of these bad roads. Houses and farmlands have been washed away. If this road is completed urgently, my people who are farmers can access the State capital with their farm produce”.*

When the Speaker, *Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe* , put the Motion to vote, it was unanimously adopted. Thereafter, Mr Speaker Ruled as follows,

” *Be It Resolved By This Honourable House to urge His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor Of Imo State, to direct the Commissioner for Environment to do an Environmental impact assessment of the alternative routes linking Ideato North State Constituency with the rest of the State.*.”

” *Be It Also Resolved By This Honourable House to urge the Governor to direct the Commissioner for Works to as a Matter of urgency, to rehabilitate and construct the alternative linking State routes that will connect the Nkwerre-Omumaisiaku-Ogboko-Obohia-Ugbele-BSC Orlu route and that of Urualla-Obodoukwu-Isiokpo-Akpulu linking routes*. ”

” *Be It Further Resolved By This Honourable House to draw the attention of IRROMA to the deplorable State of the Alternative routes linking Ideato North LGA with the rest of the State, and to expedite action in the rehabilitation of the deplorable rural roads in Ideato State Constituency.*”

Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe thereafter directed the Clerk to communicate the resolution of the House to His Excellency the Governor.

 

Also, worried that land owners in Owerri are yet to develop lands which they acquired from Government, thereby depriving other potential developers the chances of acquiring landed property, And disturbed that Owerri Capital city has been largely underdeveloped due to the inability of the owners of the undeveloped plots of land to develop the said lands, the Imo State House Of Assembly has urged the Governor to direct the Ministry of Lands to take steps to encourage Imolites to develop their landed property in accordance with the conditions stated on their allocation papers to avoid revocation.

Moving the Motion, the Member Representing Mbaitoli State Constituency, Hon Engr Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie, observed that the aim and intention for which Government gave out lands have been defeated, hence many plots of land have remained undeveloped. He cited areas like the Industrial Layout along Onitsha Road, World Bank Housing Estate, many other areas as having undeveloped lands, despite having been allocated years ago by government.

Hon Engr Innocent Ikpamezie further explained that in every allocation paper, each allottee is given a maximum period of two years to develop the allotted land or risk revocation of the allocation. According to the lawmaker, *”When you develop any land, Imo will be further developed . The State Government has asked our brothers and sisters living outside the State to come home, buy and develop lands. But when they return home, there are no land in the State capital to buy or develop, because owners of undeveloped lands are unwilling to develop them. There are potential developers who are ready to get or buy any available land for immediate development”*.

The Motion which was seconded by Hon Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi, Majority Leader and Member Representing Owerri West State Constituency, was co-sponsored by Hon Ugochukwu Obodo, Member Representing Owerri Municipal State Constituency and Hon Benneth Ebonine, Member Representing Njaba State Constituency.

Supporting the Motion, Hon Barrister Ikenna Ihezue, Member Representing Orlu State Constituency averred that ” *people are looking for lands to develop, we need to encourage them”.*

For Hon Johnleoba Iheoha, Member Representing Ikeduru State Constituency, *”let us give the people time to develop their land. We have a lot of issues at hand, presently”.*

For Hon Augustine Ugochukwu Obodo, Member Representing Owerri Municipal State Constituency, *”Over 10,000 plots of land have been allotted for development in the State capital since 1976, yet many of these plots of land have not been developed. Today, many of these lands harbour criminal elements. If such lands are not in use, the Governor is empowered by law to revoke such lands, and reallocating to potential developers. If these lands are developed, it will enhance economic growth, reduce criminal activities and reduce unemployment rate in the State”.*

For Hon Obinna Egu PhD, Member Representing Ngor-Okpala State Constituency, ” *In this period of insecurity, any undeveloped land becomes a threat and likely ground to harbour criminal elements. There are people who are ready to develop these lands.* ”

For Hon Francis Osuoha, Member Representing Ohaji/Egbema State Constituency, he said he is supporting the Motion with reservation. He argued, ” *Let us look into factors why empty lands are not developed. Lack of electricity and lack of good roads etc may be some of the impediments that may delay the development of these lands. The Governor should call the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning to find out why these lands are yet to be developed. Thereafter, more time should be given for them to be developed “.*

For Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi, Majority Leader and Member Representing Owerri West State Constituency, *”It is a good thing to develop land. I support the Motion, however, we don’t have the statistics to know how many plots of land that are still undeveloped. So let us set up an Adhoc Committee that will interface with the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning to know this statistics. From there, we can take the next step “.*

For Hon Chisom Ojukwu, Member Representing Nkwerre State Constituency, *”In the absence of the Standing Committee, an Adhoc Committee should be set up. “.*

The Prolific legislator and Deputy Speaker, Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu took time to explain how “unacceptable” the Motion may sound if certain factors, including the mood of the society are not considered but said he was not against the Motion. According to the Deputy Speaker, who is also the member representing Nwangele State Constituency, *”The mood of the society should be considered. I am not against the Motion, but we should also be careful. Let us also seriously consider the points made by the Majority Leader, Member for Nkwerre State Constituency and Member for Ohaji/Egbema State Constituency”.*

For Hon Okey Udeze, Member Representing Ideato North State Constituency, *”Let us concentrate on lands allocated for industrial purpose. If lands allocated for industrial purpose are not used for such purpose, then something should be done”.*

After a robust debate on the Motion, the Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe put the question and….

*It* *was* *resolved* by the House to urge the Governor of Imo State to authorize the Ministry of Lands to revoke land allocations in Owerri Capital City where allottees of such lands have failed to develop their lands within the time frame stated in their allocation papers provided that adequate notice is given to them to in accordance with extant laws of the State

*It* *was* *further* *resolved* by the House to encourage Imolites to identify and report to the State Government through Ministry of Lands, all undeveloped landed property for possible revocation and development and that an adhoc Committee of the House be constituted to oversight this exercise to ensure accountability and fairness.
According to Mr Speaker, the 7-Man Adhoc Committee would be headed by the mover of the Motion, Hon Engr Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie. Other members include..

* Rt Honourable Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu

* Rt Honourable Barrister Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh

* Hon Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi

* Hon Kelechi Ofurum

* Hon Augustine Ugochukwu Obodo

* Hon Chisom Ojukwu

The House Adjourned to the 1st of August 2023

*Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha*
26/07/2023

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Jigawa governor loses mother, son within 24 hours

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Jigawa governor loses mother, son within 24 hours
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Umar Namadi, governor of Jigawa, has lost his 24-year-old son, Abdulwahab Namadi.

A statement by Hamisu Gumel, the governor’s spokesperson, said Abdulwahab died in a road accident along Dutse-Kafin-Hausa road on Thursday.

His death comes barely 24 hours after the governor’s mother died on Wednesday.

Gumel added that the late Abdulwahab was buried on Thursday evening in Kafin Hausa town according to Islamic rites.

“To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him,” the statement reads.

“With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, announces the passing of yet another member of his family; his dear son Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

“He departed this world this afternoon (Thursday,  December 26th, 2024) as a result of a ghastly motor accident along Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road.

“The burial rite is taking place at this moment in Kafin Hausa town, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

“A 24 year old,  late Abdulwahab is survived by his parents and many siblings.

“To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.“

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Mahama lied to Ghanaians to win, but we’ll hold him accountable for his promises – NPP UK

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Mahama lied to Ghanaians to win, but we’ll hold him accountable for his promises – NPP UK
——–
Kingsley Adumattah Agyapong, Chairman of the United Kingdom branch of the (NPP), also known as Wofa K, has served notice that they will hold President-elect John Dramani Mahama to the fire in ensuring that he delivers on his campaign promises.

“If Mahama fails to build on the growth we have achieved, the growth rate will drop, and the country will head back to the challenges and difficulties we complained about. Mahama should make sure that he will stabilize the cedi. He also promised to help reduce the price of kenkey. They promised not to scrap the free SHS. They promised to scrap E-Levy.

“They realized that a lot of Ghanaians were in the rural communities and lacked an understanding of these issues, and so when they went there to campaign, they peddled falsehoods so they could win their votes. They left the country in a terrible state with dumsor for almost five years in 2016.

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Xmas: Strong Nigerians should care for the weak, and the rich for the poor – Uzodimma

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GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

Xmas: Strong Nigerians should care for the weak, and the rich for the poor – Uzodimma

…Insists they should show love to those who can’t repay for deeds extended to them.

Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has called on the Nigerian strongmen (and women) to make it a point of duty to care for the weak in their midst just as he urged the rich to show benevolence to the poor.

Speaking during the Christmas Church Service held at St. Lima of Rose Catholic Parish, Ozuh Omuma in Orlu Diocese, the home Church of the Governor, in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State on Wednesday (December 25), the Governor also insisted that the privileged Nigerians should take delight in showing love to the less privileged who may not have the capacity to repay them for their good deeds.

“Let us take advantage of the season to show love to our neighbours and people around us irrespective of religious, political party and ethnic coloration. Let love led us in Imo State, Communities, Local Governments and the country at large and when we do this, the Egyptians we saw yesterday we shall see no more.”

Governor Uzodimma’s advice coincided with the Christmas Service Homily by the Bishop of Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese, His Eminence Peter (Cardinal) Okpaleke, who reminded the Christian faithful, and all men of goodwill, that service to the people in whatever position they find themselves is akin to fulfilling the reason for the gift of Jesus Christ to mankind as Lord and Saviour by God.

The Governor thanked God for making it possible for Imolites in particular, and Nigerians in general, to witness another Christmas season, insisting that Christians should emulate the principles of love and compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ and strive to be their brothers’ keepers.

Governor Uzodimma who maintained that Christ’s birth was a demonstration of unparalleled love and compassion, noted that throughout his life’s journey Jesus Christ went about doing good because of the love he has for everyone regardless of their social status.

The Governor used the opportunity to regret the death of those who lost their lives at Ibadan, Abuja and Okija respectively during the occasion of the well intended charity work of giving to the less privileged that aligns with the Christmas season, also sympathised with their families and prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased.

He however said that the incidents that unfortunately turned tragic should not deter people from doing good or engaging in acts of charity and compassion, even as he commended the efforts of the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in ensuring that there is food security in Nigeria.

The Governor reiterated his determination to continue to work in the interest of the people by ensuring that all sectors that carter to their needs are given the proper attention they deserve, insisting that his 3R Shared Prosperity Government is already on top of the situation of making the welfare of the people its top priority as can be seen from the joyous mood of civil servants and pensioners this season.

Leveraging from the homily of His Eminence, the Governor said that the current hunger in Nigeria is also experienced all over the world due to the war in Ukraine and Russia and that of Palestine and Israel who are the major suppliers of food to the whole world including Nigeria.

The Governor said what is required of Nigerian citizens is to join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his policies in agriculture and livestock production where he has budgeted large sums of money to ensure food security and sufficiency for Nigeria people.

“We should now join hands with Mr. President to produce what we eat and eat what we produce.”

The Governor informed that his administration is focused on care for the people’s welfare through good roads, agriculture, healthcare and education and enjoined all to continue to support the 3R administration.

The Governor’s further remarks read: “It is with a profound sense of joy that I address the good people of Imo State on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration.

“I give God all the glory for keeping us alive to witness another year of the commemoration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For those who have departed before today, I pray for the repose of their souls.

“I also wish to use this opportunity to once more sympathize with those who lost their lives during the sharing of food in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija. It is most unfortunate that these acts of charity turned tragic.

“But because it was a good cause that turned sour, we should not be deterred from doing good or engaging in acts of compassion, which is what Christmas represents in its entirety.

“Our Lord, Jesus Christ, agreed to be born for our salvation. That was an act of unparalleled love and compassion. All throughout His earthly journey, He went about doing good, performing miracles, healing the sick, offering hope to the hopeless, and feeding the hungry.

“When we celebrate Christmas, we are to emulate the virtues of love and compassion exemplified by Him, who came to the world to save mankind. We must be our brothers’ keepers by ensuring that the strong care for the weak. This is the message we should take home this Christmas: Let the strong show compassion to the weak and the rich benevolence to the poor.

“As a government, we shall continue to strengthen all the institutions of the state to ensure the well-being of the citizenry. The goal of our 3R administration is nothing but making life easier for the people.

“When we build roads and other infrastructure, we care for the people. When we intervene in health, education, agriculture, or social welfare, we do it for the people. I am happier today that our civil servants and pensioners are happy.

“The joy of the season is the love showered on us by God. This love, exemplified in His total submission to be our Redeemer, should be translated into our relationship with others. We should show that same love, especially to the less privileged who may never be able to repay us for our deeds.

“As we celebrate this year’s Christmas, I urge all Imo people and, indeed, Nigerians to show love to one another irrespective of our political or religious affiliation. We should appreciate the efforts of the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in repositioning the economy, especially in ensuring food security in Nigeria.

“Let love lead us this Christmas. Let us shower love on our neighbours, our state, and our country.

“I wish all of us a love-filled Christmas.

“Happy Christmas, Imo people. Happy Christmas Christmas Nigerians.”

Earlier in his homily, Cardinal Okpalaeke
said Christians should open their hearts to the divine heart of God following the footsteps of Jesus Christ who is sent for our Salvation.

He highlighted the hunger in the land that has led to the loss of lives and the problem of Nigeria compounded by insecurity, kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.

However, Cardinal Okpalaeke assuaged the peoples fear when he encouraged all that there are challenges everywhere and that the coming of Christ is the solution to all, noting that “whatever we do to our neighbour is done to Christ.”

Cardinal Okpaleke however urged the government to do more to meet the needs of the people by prioritising its programmes as doing so will be in sync with what the coming of Jesus Christ depicts.

He said that the Church will continue to pray for those in positions of authority to discharge their duties in ways that the love Jesus Christ brought to the world will not be in vain.

The Vice Chancellor K. O. Mbadiwe University, Ideato, Orlu, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie took the First reading, while Governor Uzodimma took the second reading.

Highlights of the Church Service were the administration of the Eucharist and display of cultural play by Ozuh Omuma Youths.

The Christmas Service was attended by all categories of persons – political, business, traditional, religious, educational – from Imo State and beyond, including the Service Chiefs.

Prominent among the attendees were the wife of the Governor, Barr (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma with her children and other family members, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chukwuma, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Chike Olemgbe, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, members of the National Assembly (Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Chike Okafor, Princes Miriam Onuoha, and Eugene Dibiagwu), Imo State APC Chairman, Sir Macdonald Ebere and his predecessor, Chief Marcon Nlemigbo and other National and State chieftains of the Party, the Minister of State (Finance) Dr. Doris Anite-Uzoka, and former minister of Education, Rt. Hon. Good luck Opia.

Others were Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu and his spouse, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie and his spouse, members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Igariwey Igariwey and the current Secretary General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Co Chairman of Southern Traditional Council/ Imo State Elders Council, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers/ Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze EC Okeke, Eze Oliver Ohanweh, Chief Tony Chukwu, Chief Henry Njoku, Chief Charles Amadi, and many others too numerous to mention.

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor
December 25, 2024.

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