IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Okigwe zone women led by the national Coordinator of the New Partnership for Africa Development, NEPAD, Hon. Gloria Akobundu has adopted the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma for second tenure. 

Speaking during the Okigwe zone women peaceful rally and empowerment programme at Anara Central School, Isiala Mbano, Okigwe zone, Hon. Gloria Akobundu commended the Governor for his superlative performance in office.

Hon. Gloria Akobundu said that the Governor Uzodimma deserves to be reelected for the second tenure based on his numerous projects scattered all over the three Senatorial zones of Imo State. 

The national Coordinator of NEPAD reassured the Governor and his amiable wife that the women of Okigwe zone are solidly behind his reelection in the November 11, 2023, Imo Governorship election. 

She told the Governor Uzodimma that the people and women of Okigwe zone are grateful to the Governor for the numerous appointments he gave to the people of the zone. 

According to her, "the people of Okigwe zone will use the November 11, 2023 election as a pay back time to the Governor for all the good things he did for the zone."

"We will not relent in our efforts to reelect the Senator Hope Uzodimma for the second tenure".

Hon. Gloria Akobundu told the Governor that the votes of the entire people of Okigwe  zone are intact, saying that no single vote will miss at the end of the election.  

....Marks 50th Anniversary in grand Style in Owerri 

It was celebrations all through Thursday 12th and Friday 13th October, 2023, the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria held the forty seven (47) annual conference and equally mark their fifty years (50) anniversary in grand style in the city of Owerri, the Imo State Capital. 

Speaking to the excited audience and members of the association at Grand Amari Hotels and Resorts, Graceland Estate Egbeada, Owerri, Imo State, the Local Organizing chairman, Prof. Chinyere Ukaga expressed her heartfelt joy and happiness with the turn up of the members of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, describing this year's event as the best in the annals of history of the association. 

Prof. Ukaga said that the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria is celebrating fifty years of dream come true, fifty years of good mentorship, fifty years of great leadership and fifty years of growth, pointing out that the society has witnessed a very big growth compared to when High Chief Prof. Acholonu, Prof Iwuala and other founding fathers of the society held sway.

She commended the four hundred and twenty eight (428) early bird, saying that the commitment and dedication of the members of the society can be overemphasized and called for continuous cooperation of members towards the growth of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria. 

Speaking further, the President of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, Prof. Sammy O, Sam-Wobo said that it was a great privilege to be the President of the association, while commending the founding fathers of the association for being present to witness the fifty years anniversary. 

He maintained that the association has made remarkable progress in all fronts, pointing out that since he took over the mantle of leadership of the association, the grey areas in the constitution that is not in tandem with the modern realities been amended to make way for the new ones.

Prof. Sammy O said that the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria is committed to doing its best to ensuring that the association moves forward. 

The President of the association used the opportunity to thank the seventy (70) distinguished persons and organizations who supported the association financially to make the fifty years anniversary a memorable one.

He applauded the chairman of the opening ceremony, Prof. A.D.W. Acholonu, Chief Dr. Chidiebere Okoroafor, (MD Eberelink oil and gas), the three VCs of the three Universities in Imo State, namely; IMSU, KOMU and University of Agriculture and Environmental sciences Umuagwu for co-hosting the event, Prof. C. Eze, Prof. Iyke Dozie and Prof. Uchefu Chukwumaeze and a host of others.

Earlier on, the chairman of the opening ceremony, Prof. A.D.W Acholonu expressed his joy for being present to witness the fifty years anniversary of association, saying that it was because his high regard and respect for the association that made him to fly from America to witness the event live.

He praised the current leadership of the association for living up to it's billings and expectations, pointing out that the association is moving in the right direction. 

Also, the representative of the Honorable Minister for Health, Dr. Fatai Oyediran, Director of NTD, Federal Ministry of health appreciated the contributions of Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria towards the  control and elimination of diseases. 

He added that the Federal government under President Tinubu is committed to ensuring the total control and elimination of the diseases and called for continuous partnership between the federal government and the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria. 

The colloquium at fifty years had Prof. Uche V. Amazigo, discussant, Prof. Prof. Luke Edungbola, discussant and Prof. Eka Braide Moderator with the topic: Global Control, Elimination and Eradication of Public Health Diseases- A Reflection and the trio of Prof. Uche, Edungbola and Prof. Eka thrilled the audience to the admiration of all and sundry. 

Dr. Francesca Olamiju who is one of the keynote speakers highlighted the role and collaboration all concerned in the fight against diseases.

She described role as a comprehensive pattern of behavior that is socially recognized, providing means of identity and placing an individual in a society. 

The high point of the two day celebrations is the recognition of some persons with fellowship awards. 

The Founder/General Overseer of His Royal Highness Church of God Int'l Baltimore Maryland USA, Pastor Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo has joined other illustrious sons and daughters of Eziama Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State to sue for peace. 

The renowned man of God said that peace is the only panacea for development of the Community, pointing out that no community develope when crisis is at the center stage.

Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo maintained that the Eziama Autonomous Community will move forward if the people and leaders of the community must eschew rancor and acrimony which is he described as the bane of development. 

The Eze Umu Africa Na America added that the role, commitment, and devotion members of the community especially, Rt. Hon. Dr. Chiji Collins and Barrister Obinna Egwom puts in place to actualize the Autonomous Community can not be swept under the carpet. 

The outspoken man of God who have his branches of his Church all over the continent of the world, called on all and sundry to give peace a chance to prevail in the Community. 

The Founder/General Overseer of His Royal Highness Church of God Int'l Baltimore Maryland USA cautioned against fuelling the crisis that is holding back the progress of the Community. 

Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo kicked against the constant use of the new media in settling the community crisis, saying that the traditional media should be adopted in place of the new media. 

He promised to liaise with the Community leaders in diaspora to find a lasting solution to the problems ravaging the Community. 

Akudinawa as he is fondly called on all to join hands with him to build the Eziama Autonomous Community of his own dream. 

By Michael Anyanwu, Owerri.

The People's Governor-in-waiting and flagbearer of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the forthcoming Gubernatorial election in Imo State, High Chief Dr. Kemdi Chino Opara has called on the people of Imo East (Owerri Zone) and Ndi Imo generally both at home and in the diaspora to throw their weight behind him and vote for him in the November 11 Imo State election as the eminently credible, competent and wholly qualified candidate that has come to genuinely offer visionary leadership and good governance to the State and its people.

Dr. Opara who made this assertion while appearing as a Guest on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) “60 Minutes Live” program with Tony Madu on Saturday 7th October 2023, he decried government's loss of sense of duty, poor governance and leadership failure in recent time in the State. This situation have starved Ndi Imo of the opportunity to enjoy the dividends of good governance and democracy which is their prerogative of right and exclusive preserve.

He explained that a closer look the toxic leadership driving Imo State today will help us to understand the current ugly situation that has set the State backward and made it worse than it met it. To end this malady that has brought about mass poverty, heightening insecurity, youth unemployment, undue hardship and sufferings to the people of the State, Dr. Kemdi insisted that a change leadership of the State with a credible, responsible and competent alternative is “Sine qua non” to do the magic of setting the State on the progressive and development map.

Reiterating his determination and passion to serve as Imo Governor to enable him improve the governance system in the State by demonstrating leadership at its best that will impact positively on the life of Ndi Imo by actively implementing the right decisions and people-oriented policies for the socio-economic development of the State, the YPP governorship candidate pledged to make Security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and the economy of the State the cardinal points and focus of his administration if elected Governor.

Continuing, Chief Kemdi who is poised to ensuring integrity in the management of public affairs, lay the quality foundation for good governance to strive in the State and focus on the concrete result of positive governance, promised to end insecurity, compensate families of slain victims, industrialize and revolutionalize agriculture in the State to create massive employment opportunities, empower the youths through skills acquisition and funds availability to help them become self-employed and employers of labour, declare compulsory Free Education in the State-owned Primary and Secondary schools, ensure 50 percent tuition reduction for tertiary schools of the State, conduct local government election within 6 months of assumption of office as governor, grant full administrative and financial autonomy to the council areas, and pay in full the State obligations to the 2018 Council Chairmen and Councillors who were removed from office before the expiration of their statutory tenure. 

He further maintained his commitment to ensure that his cabinet is made up of 75 percent youths & Women, build quality road network, provide basic social amenities, complete and equip the 27 General Hospitals at the various LGA headquarters built by the erstwhile Governor of the State, His Excellency Senator Rochas Okorocha and establish a Mother and Child Care hospital in every Local Government area with the aim of ensuring that Imo women and their newborns have access to quality care at every stage before during and after pregnancy at an affordable rate.

..... Stands in Solidarity with Owerri Zone.

By Michael Anyanwu, Owerri. 

The Obazu-Mbieri born philanthropist and front-runner Governorship Candidate of the Young Progressive Party was at the 5th anniversary celebration of the Egbu Declaration held at the All Saints Cathedral, Egbu in Owerri North LGA where he firmly opposed the continued marginalization and suppression of Owerri zone, a zone otherwise known as Imo East Senatorial district with predominantly well-read and very intelligent but yet to be allowed to produce the Governor of Imo State for even a term.

Noting that it is repugnant to fairness, equity and Justice for any particular zone to want to keep producing governor to the detriment of others in the face of an existing Charter of Equity to rotate power amongst the three Zones. He urged Ndi Owerri zone and Imo people in general to shun pecuniary gains of the moment and objectively thoroughly assess him as the candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) as well as his brother candidates of the People’s Democratic Party, Action Democratic Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance who are from the Owerri zone and were present at the Egbu Declaration anniversary ceremony to enable them make informed decision to vote for the best with the leadership capacity, competence, integrity and content of character to bring about effective and productive governance for Imo State.

Maintaining his stand in solidarity with Owerri zone’s demand to produce the next Governor of the State in accordance with the 1991 Charter of Equity in Imo State and commending the Organizers of the event for proving to the World that the zone still has great and respected leaders of thought that mean well for the zone and its people. The YPP standard-bearer is optimistic that the program strongly signifies the beginning of the journey of Owerri zone to Douglas House come January 15, 2024. 

By: Kelechi Uzomah, 08064075316

Rt. Hon. Eddy  Obinna is a two time member that represents the good and wonderful people Aboh Mbaise State constituency and the deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly of the Imo State House of Assembly. 

As a noble man, Chief Eddy Obinna has distinguished himself as a man committed and dedicated to the cause of the generality of people of Mbaise nation. 

The ranking member of the State legislative arm of the government can be said to be the unsung hero in Mbaise  nation where the vibrant Lawmaker has made a name for himself and contributed immensely in helping the people without blowing his trumpet for people to notice him.

The Lawmaker  has distinguished him in so many ways which has earned him the love, respect of the people and many had described him as a living legend.

Rt. Hon. Eddy Obinna is what a Lawmaker should be and the man has written his name in the Guinness book of records with the way he has sponsored bills and motions that are people oriented. 

He has shown through his actions and inactions that the burden of the people of the Mbaise nation are topmost in his agenda as he has prioritized the people's happiness in his daily activities.

His committement, dedication, sincerity of purpose and determination to help in building the Mbaise nation of our collective dreams can not be over emphasized because the man has completely demonstrated his love and passion for the growth of his people.

As an vibrant Lawmaker, promoter and lover of education, Rt. Hon. Eddy Obinna is being loved by across board especially to the youth constituency where he has dedicated bettter of his earnings and resources in making sure that the youths finds there feets in life. 

His humanitarian gestures is second to none and as an illustrious son who has in one way or the other contributed immensely to the development of the Mbaise nation and when you take into cognisant of the achievements and contributions of Rt. Hon. Eddy  Obinna to the development of the Mbaise nation as a whole, only then, you will understand why many has referred him as the messiah of our own time. 

There is no need to deny the obvious fact that the choice of Rt. Hon. Eddy  Obinna as the "Odum Ukwu Na Egbu Agu" of Mbaise  is a true testament of fact that the man of the moment has made his impacts and presence to be felt in the whole of land of Mbaise nation 

Long before he was elected into the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eddy  Obinna has dedicated better parts of his little earnings to charity and helping humanity. 

Rt. Hon. Chief Eddy Obinna runs a foundation that has placed many indigent children on scholarships up to the university level and through his foundation, he has established businesses for women in the community to ease their burdens.

As a messenger of the people, Rt. Hon. Eddy  Obinna has taken it upon himself to send alot of our young youths abroad in the search for greener pastures which has become a big relief to their families.

Since he began his philanthropic gestures and activities, he has given youths of Mbaise nation reasons to smile and live happily again Knowing fully well that Rt. Hon. Eddy  Obinna rose to stardom through dint of hard work, consistency, dedication, determination and desire to change his destiny.

The workhalic and pragmatic Lawmaker has been one of the true leaders  of Mbaise nation who thinks about the wellbeing of the people instead of his own personal good. He is truly a Godsent to Mbaise people!

Like star that has no hiding place, Rt. Hon. Eddy Obinna has been one of the shining light of the Imo State House of Assembly and it is on record that the very man of the moment is equally loved by all his colleagues.

Give it to him, Rt. Hon. Eddy  Obinna has through his empowerment, uplifted so many Mbaise youths who are roaming the streets of Lagos, Abuja and Owerri and many of them today are multi millionaires.

To crown it all, Rt. Hon. Eddy  Obinna in his wisdom to reduce the crime rate, placed a good number of youths and people on a salary scale and pays them as and when due.

Since his emergence as a pathfinder of great nobility, the people of Mbaise nation are very happy to God for bringing him on board to serve them and may his dreams for his people not be cut short in Jesus name Amen. 

It's a thing of joy that the Almighty God has given the wonderful people of Mbaise  nation a servant leader and helper to ameliorate on the suffering and champion the cause of the people. 

The love, the people of Mbaise nation has on Rt. Hon. Eddy  Obinna is highly commendable and it's my prayers that the love will continue forever. 

The people of Mbaise nation should be very grateful to Almighty God for bringing forth Rt. Hon. Eddy  Obinna at this critical time in the history to become the rescuer and touch bearer of the people. 

There's no gain denying the obvious fact that Chief Eddy Obinna came at the right time when hopes of thousands of people of Mbaise nation are almost low but thank God for the courage he has given him.

The emergence of the humanitarian of our time has helped in a great way in restoring peace, harmony and togetherness in the entire Communities in Mbaise nation. 

Chief Eddy  Obinna deserved commendations and appreciations for the roles he has playing in bringing the lost glory of the people back.

It is based on his act of goodness, kind and philanthropic gestures to the downtrodden in the society that I joined other well meaning people of Mbaise nation to pray for God continuous guidance, protection and victory at last in all his endeavors in Jesus name Amen. 

Kelechi Uzomah is a practicing journalist and public affairs analyst based in Owerri, the Imo State Capital.