IMO STATE Public Enlightenment

08/11/2022

IMO STATE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT

OF THE IMO STATE INDUSTRIAL POLICY
•••Capacity Building For Permanent Secretaries of Imo State.

▪ Governor Hope Uzodimma is bequeathing a legacy we can be proud of.

On Wednesday, the 2nd November,2022, His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State launched the Imo State Industrial Policy.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Uzodimma pointed out that the "Imo Industrial Policy should serve as our strategic masterplan to stimulate the growth and development of all sectors of the economy in Imo State - To identify and prioritise the low-hanging fruits for immediate harvesting".

The Governor highlighted that "the Imo State Industrial Policy has been carefully articulated to offer fresh pragmatic and actionable insights into the state's thinking and approach to industrialisation.The ultimate ambition, is to place Imo State on the part of long-term economic renaissance"

Commenting also, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Professor Kenneth Amaeshi disclosed that the Imo Industrial Policy will guide as roadmap and compass towards industrialization.

According to Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, the "implementation has started and we need to sustain the momentum ".

Following therefrom, the Imo State Government will on Thursday, November 10th 2022, as part of the implementation strategy conduct a capacity building and training workshop for all Permanent Secretaries in Imo State.

The workshop is targeted at developing and strengthening the skills, capacities, abilities, and processes needed by the civil servants to adapt, and thrive under the emerging Industrial Policy strategy.

The workshop will hold at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri under the supervision of the office of the Chief Economic Adviser.

07/11/2022

IMO STATE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT

Despite Multiple Alternatives, Imo State Has Become A Destination Of Choice

By Prince Eze Ugochukwu

"I am personally delighted that Imo State emerged the preferred destination and host of such significant and important events-There is no doubt in my mind that hosting these events will help to reassure both residents and visitors that Imo State is safe again for business and tourism" ~ Governor Hope Uzodimma

We are seeing more people than ever visiting Imo State for seminars, Conferences and Retreats.

The vibrancy of Imo State has returned. That is why organisations are bringing their money to Owerri to spend despite multiple alternative cities in Nigeria.

People want to come to a place with relative peace, security and tranquillity. People want to spend their money in a place with good road networks and pleasant surroundings.

This is exactly what Governor Hope Uzodimma is providing and showcasing to the world.

In September, it was all praises for Governor Hope Uzodimma from Catholic Bishops of Nigeria.

The College of Catholic Bishops were holding their 2022 Second Plenary at Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral Orlu said their trip to Owerri through the dualised Owerri-Orlu road was a beautiful sight to behold.

They said Governor Uzodimma's government deserves all the peace it needed to continue to serve the people better, and promised to uphold him in their prayers always.

The Bishops made particular reference to the 35 kilometres Owerri-Orlu dual carriage way which President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned.

In June, the annual Nigeria Army Day Celebration, was held in Owerri, Imo state.

According to the Army, “The Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) is an annual event aimed at showcasing the commitment of the Nigerian Army (NA) over the years, as a professional responsive force. The event for the year 2022 was held in Owerri, Imo State from 29 June to 6 July, 2022.

History was made in the heartland city of Owerri, Imo State capital when the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) held it’s 16TH Eastern Zonal Accountants Conference which commenced from Tuesday 5th – Friday 8th April, 2022.
The three days event themed “The Agropreneur in a digital economy: pathway to economic growth and development was held at the popular Concord Hotel Owerri,Imo State.
In her opening address , Mrs Comfort Olu Eyitayo, the 57th president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants said apart from the mandatory regulatory demand, accountants provide strategic direction to businesses, irrespective of size.
She said,” it delights me greatly to welcome you all to this 16TH Eastern Zonal Accountants Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). “
“The purpose of the conference is to hold conversations that enhance the accounting profession, reposition accountants as professionals for greater impact and relevance.

Again in September 2022, the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) came to Owerri for their annual conference.

It was the association’s fifth Session of 2022 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development / Induction programme. The theme of the event is, ‘Contemporary Development in Public Sector Accounting on Financial Management.

In his address at the occasion, the President and Chairman of the Council of ANAN, Rev. Benjamin Osisioma, noted that ANAN choose Imo State as a premium destination of choice made possible by the administration of His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Just this past October ending, President Mohammadu Buhari arrived Imo State for a retreat organised by the Nigeria Police Force for its senior personnel.
The theme of the conference was entitled: “The imperative of a Nigeria Police strategic plan for peaceful elections.”

A delighted Governor Hope Uzodimma has this to say while addressing the senior police officers at the Landmark Event Centre Owerri, " It is noteworthy that this retreat of Senior Security Chiefs is taking place a few weeks after the state hosted a similar event organised by the Nigerian Army. I am personally delighted that on both occasions Imo State emerged the preferred destination and host of such significant and important events involving our armed forces.
There is no doubt in my mind that hosting these events will help to reassure both residents and visitors that Imo State is safe again for business and tourism.

Prince Eze Ugochukwu is the Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Public Enlightenment.

07/11/2022

IMO STATE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT

: - A Key Policy Of The Uzodimma Administration

By Prince Eze Ugochukwu

A very important pillar of the Governor Hope Uzodimma led administration is the recovery of stolen private and public assets.

The resolve, and focus to implement the recovery agenda is perhaps one of the greatest accomplishments of the Uzodimma administration.

It has never happened in Imo State before.

Over the years, Imo State has witnessed a merciless r**e of her assets and fortunes by its own citizens using the power of office which they held in trust for the people.

The plundering of Imo State went far beyond stealing of landed properties belonging to government and even innocent citizens. Houses,, markets, schools, including universities were stolen from the people of Imo State.

While addressing the issue of recovery as a cardinal programme of his administration, His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma stated thus; "My administration will continue to be the protector of the helpless. The era when leaders or government officials will usurp the property of Imolites and hope to get away with it is over"

In Orlu town alone, Governor Uzodimma recovered the following public assets brazenly stolen by one man.

"At the Government Station Layout, Orlu, the conversion is pathetic.

The:-

▪ Treasury House, Orlu.
▪ Magistrate's Quarters, Orlu.
▪ Corpers Lodge, Orlu.
▪ New Zonal Lands Office, Office, Orlu. ( formerly Junior Staff Quarters, & Ministry of Works Service Bay.
▪ Old Zonal Lands Office, Orlu.
▪ Ministry of Finance Quarters, Orlu.
▪ Ministry of Public Utilities Quarters, Orlu.
▪ Senior Civil Service Quarters, Orlu.
▪ Ministry Agric, & Natural Resources Office, & Quarters,Orlu.
▪ Orlu LGA Chairman's Quarters.
▪ Orlu Area Engineers Quarters.
▪ Orlu Zonal Veterinary Clinic.

During the sixth stakeholders meeting involving leaders drawn from across the State, Governor Hope Uzodimma made a cheering revelation when he said, “For us one of our greatest achievements in the education sector is the recovery of the K. O. Mbadiwe University for Imo people. As you may well know, the University was built and furnished with tax-payers money of not less than 40 billion naira. Yet, an individual abusing his office as Governor, brazenly wanted to appropriate it to himself as a privately owned establishment. I am glad to report to you that at the second week of December, I received a certificate of ownership for the university on behalf of the Government and the people of Imo State. Today, as we speak, that university is now the rightful property of Imo State,” he disclosed.

Ever since, more recoveries has been made. Over two thousand Imo people got their personal landed properties back.

For the first time in the recent past, the people are beginning to restore their confidence back in their own government.

Beyond that, the Governor Uzodimma administration has now put in place a sound land administration and management system that will checkmate the previous opaque method.

The establishment of the Imo State Geographic Information Service (IGIS)

On the 18th day of May 2021, His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma assented to and signed into law the Imo State Lands Administration and Geographic Information Service (Establishment) Law 2021.

Section 3(1) of the law established the Imo State Geographic Information Service Agency with the responsibility for all land administration matters and enforcement in the state including the creation of a lands registry wherein all land titles and instruments in the state shall be registered.

Services to be provided by the IGIS includes computerization of land records, aerial cadastral mapping and imaging, property search and verification of land records.

(To be continued.)

Eze Ugochukwu is the Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Public Enlightenment.

05/11/2022

A PEACEFUL IMO STATE IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL

▪Unfounded Accusations From Those Running Out Of Options In Their Persecution Of Imo State Governor

••••• They continue to look for game changers to favour them. But none of their activities has led to any game changers and their permutations continue to fail.

*By Prince Eze Ugochukwu*

Concerned citizens of Imo State has risen up to caution those destabilising the state to stop. They have warned those tarnishing the image of the state to desist. They are fed up with unfounded stories and allegations that has portrayed Imo State in bad light.

In most cases, their claims and allegations are unfounded and they provide no evidence to support such. There is little reason for a matured adult to contemplate telling lies, but yet it is happening as part of a deliberate and concerted effort to instil fear and hate on the Imo population.

They contrived insecurity in order to provoke deep anxiety across the state. Yet it did not change the course of good governance being unleashed by Gov Hope Uzodimma.

They have conveyed, publicly and privately, their hatred towards the Imo State Governor. In most cases, they are clumsy, and unable to constructively criticise the
Governor 's policies and programs which in any case are unassailable.

Governor Hope Uzodimma has continued to expand the frontiers of good governance, through partnerships and effective collaborations with both national and international development agencies.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) is partnering with the Governor on the Imo Industrial Policy, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are partnering with the Governor on the Special Agro Industrial processing project (SAPZ), the United States International Aid Agency( USAID) is working with the Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation. et al.

Governor Uzodimma has worked very hard as a leader of his people and has built trust both locally and internationally to the acclaim of development partners who are now flocking into Imo State in droves.

In this era of technology as core driver of economic growth, Governor Uzodimma is investing in human capital development,
embracing, training and nurturing youth talents that would emerge as next generation entrepreneurs. This is why the Governor created te new Ministry of Digital Economy and E-government.

The intensity of the politically motivated hate, divisions and insecurity has led to the physical targeting of members of the Uzodimma administration. So many has lost their lives and homes through carefullly masterminded assasinations and arsons. Yet the Governor has not lifted a voice in anger against anybody.

Rather, the Governor has anchored his administration on inclusivity through the regular Imo Stakeholders meetings and the Imo Elders Council advisory engagements. Even the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Imo State chapter has used many occasions to call for prayers and support for the government.

The upsurge in hate speech and unfounded allegations is a very worrying trend in Imo State. Politicians have both a political obligation and a moral responsibility to refrain from using hate speech and stigmatising language, and to condemn promptly and unequivocally its use by others, as silence may be interpreted as approval or support.

Men and women of good conscience must rise up and support the Governor by
expressly condemning the spreading of inciteful fake news, that only promote hatred and intolerance. We must avoid the dissemination of false statements that breeds intolerance. Fighting words can provoke retaliatory conduct because nobody has a monopoly of mischievousness. But then, the society suffers.

A hate filled heart can go as far as seeking to destroy another person by engaging in acts of elimination which we are witnessing in Imo State. Hatred can turn towards action in order to achieve results because hatred has an active and combative nature.

A peaceful Imo State is for the benefit of all.

Prince Eze Ugochukwu writes from Owerri. Imo State.

04/11/2022

IMO STATE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT

New Ag. Managing Director of NDDC Engr Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua (FNSE) Pays Courtesy Visit To Governor Hope Uzodimma

•••••Donates Drugs to Imo State Government.

▪ "Repair Elele to Owerri road and repair the bad sections from Mgbidi to Awommama under your emergency programme"
~ Governor Uzodimma

A delegation of top management team of the Niger Delta Development Commission led by the new Acting Managing Director , Engr Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua has visited His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma at the Government House Owerri.

The Acting Managing Director who was the former Director of the Delta State office of NDDC, stated that he find it auspicious to be in Imo State and present drugs at this time with the flooding disaster in some riverine communities in Imo State.

While welcoming them at the New Exco Chambers, Governor Uzodimma expressed delight with the appointment of an acting M.D for NDDC, a man he described as possessing good knowledge of the terrain and has demostrated capacity in the various positions he has held.

Governor Uzodimma charged him to solve the problems of the NDDC, a Commission he described as a "child of circumstances" set up to alleviate the sufferings of the oil producing states.

"Go back to the original intention of setting up the Commission so that the impact will be felt by our people" Governor Uzodimma admonished.

Continuing, the Governor stated, "We have observed marginalization inside marginalization - Non of the oil producing states should be marginalised - We must get justice, we must get equity, we must get even distribution of amenities - Address marginalization inside the NDDC"

"Each time they say we are a member, why is intervention not coming to Imo State, but going to other states?. Repair Elele to Owerri road and also repair the bad sections from Mgbidi to Awommama under your emergency programme" the Governor concluded.

04/11/2022

IMO STATE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT

As Christmas approaches, Imo State Government moves to fortify security around the State.

Governor Hope Uzodimma assures of adequate security during festive period.

03/11/2022

IMO STATE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT

ONGOING RECONSTRUCTION /DUALIZATION OF OWERRI-MBAISE- UMUAHIA ROAD

MBAISE SECTION

▪Drainage Works By Craneburg Construction Company.

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03/11/2022

02/11/2022

IMO STATE Public Enlightenment

The Nigerian Police Force confers Distinguished Excellence Award on the Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma at the end of the 2022 Senior Police Officers Retreat in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

02/11/2022

IMO STATE Public Enlightenment

▪GALA & AWARD NIGHT

Of the Conference & Retreat for Senior Police Officers - Owerri, 2022.

2nd November 2022 @ Landmark Event Centre, Owerri.

▪The Bold & Measured Steps Of A Good Leader.

His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma arrives.

02/11/2022

IMO STATE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT

"We Have A Clear Development Vision For Imo State - Imo State is irreversibly marching on well laid out roadmap towards industrialisation and economic growth" ~ GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA

[Address Delivered By Governor Hope Uzodimma on the occasion of the Launching Of The Imo State Industrial Policy]

:

"Today's event, - The launching of the Imo Industrial Policy is a step in our determination to put Imo State firmly on the road to economic growth and prosperity.

"Only yesterday we flagged off the Hope Green Revolution. That project is an economic stimulus plan that buys into the investment opportunities presented by the climate change, - in line with the Paris agreement to promote enterprises and investments in Imo State. That singular initiative has already guaranteed a foreign direct investment of monies in excess of 10 billion United States dollars to Imo State.

"This is why I feel not just delighted by this launch, but also excited because it further underscores that Imo State is irreversibly marching on well laid out roadmap towards industrialisation and economic growth.

"As I pointed out yesterday, the fact that our State is the first sub- National in sub-saharan Africa to establish a Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government, is a strong indication of our clear development vision for the state.

"Part of what the Imo Industrial Policy is set out to achieve is to identify all the economic potentials in the state, where we have comparative advantages, and to clearly outline how, with proper tutelage and incentives, these potentials can be harnessed into growing enterprises, which will in turn manifest into countless small and medium enterprises.

"In other words, the Imo Industrial Policy should serve as our strategic masterplan to stimulate the growth and development of all sectors of the economy in Imo State - To identify and prioritise the low-hanging fruits for immediate harvesting.

"I am also glad that the Industrial Policy has been distilled from the input made by stakeholders at a meeting convened by the government for this purpose a short while ago. There was a public hearing where the business men and women in Imo State contributed, and their inputs processed and co-opted into what finally became our Industrial Policy.

"This being so, I have no doubt that the policy must have taken full cognisance of the different sectors of the economy where our state has comparative advantages. In addition the policy will also reflect the priority industrial needs of our people.

"To this end, the Imo State Industrial Policy has been carefully articulated to offer fresh pragmatic and actionable insights into the state's thinking and approach to industrialisation.The ultimate ambition, is to place Imo State on the part of long-term economic renaissance.

"The emphasis therefore, is that this Industrial Policy is a long-term sustainable initiative which will outlive this administration.

~ HOPE UZODIMMA

02/11/2022

*IMO STATE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT*

[ *OVERVIEW* ]

▪Imo Industrial Policy

Imo State is one of the five States in the South-East of Nigeria.Although the State's economy is mainly based on commerce and agriculture, its agriculture is predominantly subsistence. Imo State also has a sizable number
of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).Going by the 2017 National Survey of MSMEs, the number of MSMEs in Imo State was 1,402,868 employing 1,646,965 employees out of a total population of 5.4 million people. This clearly shows that the majority of the MSMEs belong to the micro category and unemployment is
a major challenge in the State.

Apart from agriculture and commerce, other aspects of theImo State economy include education, hospitality, tourism, solid mineral and oil and gas. After a careful examination of these existing sectors and their potentials
(especiallyin relation to job creation and shared prosperity), as well as an assessment of global trends and
the future of the Imo economy, opportunities were also identified in the digital economy,renewable energy, and fabrication sectors. As such, the State is determined to align with the existing and emerging sectors and take advantage of the opportunities they offer. This rethinking has necessitated this industrial policy, which
encapsulates the industrial pathway for Imo State.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that prior to now, Imo State had mainly been associated with the industrialisation achievements of Chief Sam Mbakwe (1979-1983) in the Second Republic. Therefore, the need to lay out a clear policy direction for the State's industrialisation signifies a deliberate commitment towards developing and implementing an industrialisation agenda in alignment with the industrial development priorities of the State.
Although industrialisation is not neutral, it is context dependent. As such, it differs from place to place. Politics, culture, philosophy, and belief systems have always had a strong influence onhow nations and societies approach industrial evolution.

In that regard, an industrial policy should be able to address the needs of the domestic economy and the
people, first and foremost. This will entail a robust articulation of the underlying market philosophy that will help strengthen the factors required forindustrial growth-i.e.,human capabilities, market capabilities, resource
capabilities, as well as other comparative and competitive capabilities. To achieve this, it is necessary to engage with all relevant stakeholder groups with the intention of understanding their issues and formulating a fit-for-
purpose industrial policy.

Given the quest for inclusive society and economy, as well as environmental protection, sustainable development is another important consideration in articulating a contemporary industrialisation agenda.
Therefore, the Imo State Industrial Policy has been developed with these considerations. In developing the policy, the philosophy of Africapitalism, the dominant worldview of Imo people, and the strategic focus of the Imo State Government,were employed, as they clearly align with the tenets of sustainable development.

The industrial policy starts with a current situation analysis of the Imo State economy in chapter 2. Based on the identified challenges of the State from chapter 2, the policy then explores the type of industrialisation suitable for Imo State and suggests one driven by job creation and shared prosperity in chapter 3. Chapter 4 considers the industrialisation opportunities in Imo State and offers a pragmatic action plan for the realisation
of these opportunities. This is followed by chapter 5, which examines and discusses the ways and channels to access funding that will facilitate the development of the key action plans outlined by the industrial policy.
Chapter 6 lays the institutional framework that will enhance the implementation of the policy. In chapter 7, the document outlines a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework for the policy to have a successful implementation.The policy document ends with a conclusion in Chapter 8.