IMO STATE GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA ADDRESSES CRITICS EXPLAINS FREQUENT ABUJA VISITS

IMO STATE GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA ADDRESSES CRITICS EXPLAINS FREQUENT ABUJA VISITS.

  By Michelle Jessie 

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma has responded to critics who question his frequent visits to Abuja, stating that these trips are in the best interest of the state. Uzodimma's response came during the first anniversary thanksgiving service of his second term in office at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.

The Governor was reacting to remarks made by Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Most Revd Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, who advised Uzodimma to spend more time in the state. However, Uzodinma explained that as the Chairman of the APC Governor's Forum and the South-East Governors forum, he must maintain a strong presence at the national level to ensure Imo State receives maximum benefits from the Federal Government.

Uzodimma's Abuja Visits Yield Results*

Uzodinma emphasized that his frequent trips to Abuja have not hindered his administration's achievements, citing the payment of workers' salaries, the ongoing war against insecurity, and numerous projects across the state as examples. His Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, also defended the Governor's actions, stating that his presence in Abuja has attracted significant federal government interventions to the state.

Some of the notable projects mentioned include:

Conversion of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a Federal University of Education*

Elevation of the Federal Medical Centre to a Federal University Teaching Hospital*

Reconstruction of Owerri-Port Harcourt and Owerri-Aba Roads

The Governor's Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, also defended Uzodimma's Abuja visits, stating that they have attracted significant federal government interventions to the state.      Nwaogwugwu argued that the results speak for themselves, as Imo State has witnessed unprecedented federal presence under Uzodimma's administration

OGANIHU OWERRI PROVINCIAL ASSOCIATION (OOPA) BOOSTS EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN OLD OWERRI PROVINCE

OGANIHU OWERRI PROVINCIAL ASSOCIATION (OOPA) BOOSTS EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN OLD OWERRI PROVINCE

   By Ella Michaels 

The Oganihu Owerri Provincial Association of Chicago and environs, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing educational development in Owerri Zone. Established in 1985, OOPA proudly stands as one of the oldest Nigerian Associations in the USA, demonstrating its enduring dedication to promoting Owerri culture, tradition, and language through various activities.

Under the outgoing President, Mr. Sylvester O. Mba, who has led the Association for ten years, the Association has spear-headed many educational programs. In 2023, the Association provided educational assistance to 168 students in the amount of ₦100,000 to each deserving student. Last year, the Association spent over ₦18.9 million Naira on palliatives for the less privileged indigenes. To ensure transparency and accountability, the beneficiaries were verified at the FCMB at Owerri where the funds were distributed.

As a staunch advocate for NdeIgbo causes, OOPA continues to promote the welfare and interests of Igbo people in the diaspora and Nigeria. The Association's commitment to educational development is a testament to its dedication to empowering the youths and fostering a brighter future for the Owerri Zone.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE: The Association continues to look for ways to empower the youths through educational innovations, with the hope of reducing social vices and crimes among the youths, said the outgoing President, Mr. Sylvester O. Mba. A new leadership team headed by Hon. George Echemuna as the President takes over the running of the Association in January 2025. Hon. George Echemuna and his team are looking forward to continuing the exemplary initiatives set by the outgoing administration.