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Tag: Imo

  • My successor may not be God-fearing as I am – Uzodinma

    My successor may not be God-fearing as I am – Uzodinma

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma has said that his successor might not be religious and God fearing like him.

    Uzodimma disclosed this while addressing a delegation of leaders from Owerri Zone who visited him at the Government House in Owerri on Wednesday.

    The governor stressed that the selection process of his successor must be transparent and democratic.

    Uzodimma said although he initiated the Imo Charter of Equity to promote inclusivity and fairness in the rotation of power among the state’s three zones, the charter would only serve as a guiding principle and not an automatic ticket.

    He said: “The Charter of Equity is not a slogan for confusion. It is a document to remind us of the imbalance in the system and see how best to correct it.

    “But it must work hand in hand with democratic processes. You must join me now for us to cure this confusion.

    “If we don’t, the man coming after me may not be as religious and God-fearing as I am.”

  • Uzodimma honours 7 Super Falcons with N30m, plot of land each

    Uzodimma honours 7 Super Falcons with N30m, plot of land each

    Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has honoured seven Super Falcons players from the state with a plot of land and N30 million each.

    This followed their role in winning the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 3-2 victory over the host country, Morocco.

    Receiving them at the Banquet Hall of Government House Owerri, Uzodimma said the honour was part of efforts by the state to domesticate and celebrate the feat achieved by the Nigeria female players.

    “Imo people are happy with our girls and will continue to give them support so that we can have more of them make Nigeria proud and bring honour to our State,” he noted.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for setting the pace in celebrating excellent performance.

    “Imo people are particularly happy and proud that the majority of the Super Falcons team and Africa’s number one female goal keeper come from Imo,”he said.

    He said that the state would  continue to support and promote excellence.

    The governor used the opportunity to challenge women and young girls to brace up and compete for the best.

    The players honoured include Chiamaka Nnadozie, Jennifer Echegini, Osinachi Ohale, Tochukwu Oluchi, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Ifeoma Onumonu, and Michelle Alozie.

    Also honoured were the technical team members from the state who  were all rewarded with a plot of land in a choice Area of Owerri.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Obinna Onyeocha, commended Uzodimma for his passion for  sports development and the huge investment so far made in the sector.

    “The event today is the manifestation of your huge investment in sports,” Onyeocha stated.

  • Just in: Many feared killed as gunmen invade Imo communities

    Just in: Many feared killed as gunmen invade Imo communities

    Many feared killed as gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, invaded Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma and Ndiakuwata Uno communities in Arondizuogu and Ideato North local government areas of Imo State.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred Friday morning when the assailants invaded the communities.

    DSP Henry Okoye, Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command confirmed this in a statement on Friday.

    According to the statement, over seven persons were killed in the attack while several others were critically injured.

    Okoye said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aboki Danjuma condemned the incident, assuring that the perpetrators will be brought to book.

    “The senseless assault, which claimed the lives of over seven persons and left several others critically injured, was described by the CP as barbaric, inhumane, and totally unacceptable.

    “He assured the public that the Command has deployed adequate operational and intelligence assets to identify, apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    Consequently, the CP has led a tactical unit for intense combing of the affected areas and affirmed that the situation is now under control, and proactive security measures have been taken to forestall further attacks and restore lasting peace in the region,” the statement added.

  • Defection: Delta is now almost a one-party state – Uzodinma

    Defection: Delta is now almost a one-party state – Uzodinma

    Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo says he is optimistic that more members of the opposition party will defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta had recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He made this known while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Saturday after a meeting with political stakeholders from Delta.

    Uzodinma said: “You can see the tide is moving and people are joining and there will be no end to it. You must have heard that our party in Delta is growing from strength to strength.

    “The high point of the state of the party is that Delta is now almost a one-party state.”

    Uzodinma, who chairs the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), said that with the development in Delta, the APC would use its internal mechanism to integrate old and new members.

    “We have to meet to be able to manage this very huge success, to ensure that using the mechanism, the internal mechanism of our great party, that we will receive our new members, our new leaders.

    “We will then come together as a family to grow the party and support the government in Delta for the benefit of our people and members of our great party.

    “So, I think we are happy with the development and a big testimony to the fact that the APC government in Nigeria is being admired by many, if not all and sundry.”

  • Pascal Dozie, one of Imo’s brightest stars – Uzodinma

    Pascal Dozie, one of Imo’s brightest stars – Uzodinma

    Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo has expressed sadness over the demise of the founder of the defunct Diamond Bank, Mr Pascal Dozie.

    The governor described him as “one of Imo State’s brightest stars and finest sons”.

    Uzodimma expressed his heartfelt pain over Dozie’s death in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday.

    In the statement titled “Nda Paschal Dozie: One of Imo’s Brightest Stars,” the governor further noted that Dozie’s death remained a great loss to Nigeria and Imo in particular.

    “I am deeply saddened by the passing on of Nda Paschal Dozie; renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and one of Imo State’s finest sons.

    “He made Nigeria proud by founding Diamond Bank, which grew to become one of the most competitive banks in the country.

    “His foresight also saw him co-invest in MTN Nigeria, where he remained a key shareholder until his passing,” he said.

    Uzodinma noted that Dozie’s business acumen was exceptional, adding that “his legacy will endure”.

    “On behalf of the government and good people of Imo, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in  peace,” Uzodimma stated.

    NAN recalls that Dozie, who hailed from Egbu near Owerri, died on Tuesday, according to family source.

    He was also a former Board Member of the African Capital Alliance, as well as former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, among others.

  • Uzodimma presents staff of office to 66 Imo traditional rulers

    Uzodimma presents staff of office to 66 Imo traditional rulers

    Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, on Saturday, presented certificates and staff of office to 66 new traditional rulers in the state.

    In a speech at the event held at the Government House, Owerri, Uzodimma charged them to serve and treat their subjects in a manner that pleases God.

    He urged them not to see their subjects as slaves but demonstrate  the importance of honesty, peace and justice in leadership.

    He also warned them against ruling their communities from diaspora, vowing to withdraw the staff of office of anyone that defaulted.

    The governor also urged them to see themselves as part of government and ambassadors at the community level.

    “You are recognised to support local government chairmen and counsellors to ensure that law and order are maintained in our communities,” he said.

    He emphasised their role in maintaining security in their domains, saying that any traditional ruler that joined in causing insecurity would be dethroned.

    “If I see that you are not able to manage security in your community, we will change you.

    “Raise vigilance groups and work with the youth to defend your communities,” he said.

    The governor charged them to work with his administration, and not to allow anybody to use them to fight or undermine the government.

    According to him, anybody who wants to fight government should come direct.

    While pledging support of his administration to the various communities, Uzodimma congratulated them and prayed God to grant them wisdom to lead their people.

    Responding on behalf of the new royal fathers, the Traditional Ruler of Umuezeala/Umueme Community in Oru East Local Government Area, Prof. Peter Nnabuo, assured the governor that they would ensure that peace and tranquility returned to their communities.

    In an interview with newsmen, the Traditional Ruler of Ihite-afoukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Eze Okwudili Nwandu, expressed delight over his appointment.

    He commended the governor for finding him worthy to serve his people and pledged to ensure that they benefitted from the dividend of traditional rulership under his watch.

    Also, the Traditional Ruler of Amato Autonomous community, Obowo, Eze Michael Obioma, thanked the governor for making the dream of his community a reality.

    Obioma also pledged to focus on ensuring that there is peace as well as security of lives and property in his community.

  • Imo LP working committee members reject suspension by Chairman

    Imo LP working committee members reject suspension by Chairman

    Members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Labour Party (LP) in Imo have rejected their suspension by the party’s embattled state Chairman, Mr Callistus Ihejiagwa.

    The SWC members said this while addressing newsmen in Owerri, on Sunday.

    Addressing newsmen, the party’s Legal Adviser, Mr Emeka Ihejirika, stated that “instead of addressing the serious allegations leveled against him, Ihejiagwa hastily convened a meeting of loyalists to orchestrate a distraction from the core issues at hand.”

    NAN reports that 13 members of the SWC had, last week, passed a Vote of No Confidence on Ihejiagwa, citing high-handed leadership, financial mismanagement, unconstitutional actions, and betrayal of the party.

    On Saturday, March 15, Ihejiagwa announced the suspension of the SWC members from the party.

    Ihejirika, therefore, urged Ihejiagwa to address the allegations and avoid resorting to suspending members of the SWC in an attempt to silence opposition within the party.

    ”He runs the party like a personal empire by sidelining key officials and making unilateral decisions without consultation; refusing to account for party funds and engaging in financial mismanagement.

    “LP stakeholders from Owerri Zone have condemned Ihejiagwa’s actions, describing them as an abuse of power and a threat to the integrity of the party.

    “At a zonal meeting  attended by notable leaders of our great party, the leaders expressed outrage over Ihejiagwa’s leadership style, anti-party activities, and lack of financial transparency.

    “Present at the meeting were Mr Mathew Nwogu, the Member representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala in the House of Representatives; Mr Clinton Amadi, the Member representing Owerri Municipal in the Imo State House of Assembly,” he said.

    Ihejirika said that the zone called for a thorough review of Ihejiagwa’s actions and financial dealings, stating that his leadership had become detrimental to the party’s growth in Imo State.

    They further mandated all those “ unconstitutionally removed by the chairman” to resume their rightful positions, emphasising that Ihejiagwa’s unilateral actions had no constitutional backing.

  • President Tinubu signs 6 IMO Instruments of Accession

    President Tinubu signs 6 IMO Instruments of Accession

    President Bola Tinubu has signed the instruments of accession for six Conventions of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

    This is according to a statement by  the Head, Public Relations of the Nigerian Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Osagie Edward., on Wednesday.

    Tinubu said the action would  pave way for Nigeria to officially deposit the instruments of accession at the IMO headquarters, London, which serve as the repository for such conventions, the statement says.

    The President said that the move was expected to enhance Nigeria’s maritime governance and align its practices with international standards, promoting maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.

    The six instruments signed by President Tinubu are the Instrument of Accession of the Protocol of 2005 to the 1988 Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms on the Continental Shelf, the Instrument of Accession of the International Convention of Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch-keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel 1995; and the Instrument of Accession of the Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in cases of Pollution by Substances other than Oil, 1973 as Amended (INTERVENTION PROTOCOL).

    “Others are the Instrument of Accession to the Protocol of 1996 to Amend the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC) 1976; the Instrument of Accession to the Protocol to the 1974 Athens Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage by Sea, 2002; and the Instrument of Accession to the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009,” Tinubu said.

    The president, according to the statement, formally presented the instruments to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola and the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola.

    President  expressed  gratitude to the Minister for facilitating the signing of the IMO conventions by the President after several years of being pending in the Ministry.

    “These six instruments have been lying within the Ministry for the last six to eight years, and thanks to the efforts of the minister.

    “This is a landmark achievement for Nigeria, as the IMO will soon update our records to recognize these instruments”.

    On his part, the minister reassured stakeholders of the President commitment to developing the Nigerian maritime industry in line with global best practices.

    “By signing these instruments of accession, the President has reaffirmed this administration’s determination to take its rightful position among the comity of maritime nations.

    “This development will undoubtedly further reassure member states and stakeholders of Nigeria’s resolve and determination to be a leading member of the decision-making body of the IMO.

    “The deposit of these six instruments of ratification will be carried out by the supervising Ministry, and NIMASA,” Oyetola said.

  • Helicopter crash- NIMASA to share information with IMO

    Helicopter crash- NIMASA to share information with IMO

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged to share its findings on the recent helicopter crash into the Atlantic Ocean, near Bonny Finima in Rivers State, with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

    The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said this in a statement by the Head of Public Relations Directorate of the Agency, Mr Edward Osagie, in Lagos on Sunday.

    Mobereola said that a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder CVR otherwise known as the ‘Black Box’ was recovered at the weekend, through an Inter-Agency collaboration.

    He stated that the collaboration includes NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), NNPC, HydroDive, along with other local and international search and rescue partners.

    Mobereola commended all organs of government for the partnership during the search and recovery operations.

    He noted that NIMASA would shared information on the incident with the IMO.

    “In line with international maritime safety standards, NIMASA will report the findings about the helicopter crash into the Atlantic Ocean, to the International Maritime Organisation via the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).

    “By sharing the findings of the off-shore Port Harcourt helicopter crash with the IMO, NIMASA demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and cooperation within the global maritime community.

    “The Global Integrated Shipping Information System is an online platform developed by the IMO to support the timely and accurate reporting of incidents, accidents, and other essential maritime data.

    “This platform enables member-state to share information crucial to improving safety protocols, updating best practices, and fostering international cooperation,” Mobereola said.

    According to him,  NIMASA is committed to working closely with all relevant agencies to determine the cause of the incident and to take all necessary steps to prevent future occurrences.

    While mourning the diseased, the NIMASA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain and continued inter-agency collaboration.

    He recalled how NIMASA received distress signals at the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, (MRCC) on Oct. 24 and the (C4i) center of the Deep Blue project and shared same with the Nigerian Navy.

    “The Nigerian Navy, immediately deployed NIMASA’s specialised Search and rescue assets to the crash site to locate the downed aircraft and conduct recovery efforts under challenging conditions.

    “The helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, at a distance of 1.4km from the starboard side of the Floating Producing Storage Offloading FPSO, NUIM ANTAN Producing Ltd. owned by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Ltd.

    He said that the collaboration between NIMASA and other local as well as international search and rescue partners recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG.

    Mobereola said with the recovery of the ‘Black Box’, over 80 per cent of the helicopter wreck had been recovered.

    The other recovered items include rotor, three blades, engine, gearbox, windows, cockpit overhead panels, the Electronic Locator Transmitter (ELT) and the tail.

    The NIMASA DG extended the agency’s condolences to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC Ltd., the families of the victims, and others affected by the helicopter crash.

    “Our deepest sympathies are with the NNPC, the families, and loved ones of those affected by this unfortunate incident. Safety is a paramount commitment to us at NIMASA.

    “We remain resolute in our partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders to ensure effective, rapid response in emergencies.”

  • Police confirm abduction of Imo Catholic priest by unknown armed men

    Police confirm abduction of Imo Catholic priest by unknown armed men

    Yet-to-be-identified gunmen have abducted the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish in Obollo community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike.

    The Imo State Police command spokesman, Henry Okoye told Channels Television that the command got information from the parish on Tuesday night, that the Catholic priest was abducted on his way from Port Harcourt on an official assignment at Ayayi community within Obollo in Isiala Mbano local government council.

    However, he said that the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Danjuma Aboki has set up a high-powered tactical team to go after the abductors in a bid to rescue the Catholic priest unconditionally

    He appeals to the people of the area to remain calm as the command will leave no stone unturned in rescuing the Catholic priest.

    Meanwhile, in a statement issued by The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe on Tuesday night, they urge both the clergy and laity of the diocese to pray fervently for the safe return of the priest.