HEALTHCARE IN IMO STATE -More people embracing Imo State’s Basic Healthcare program
Prince Eze Ugochukwu Abuja- FCT
Recent data released by the Imo State Health Insurance Agency(IMSHIA) shows that the number of people using Imo State’s affordable healthcare program has been increasing steadily in recent months, as more and more people learn about the program and its benefits.The program is not only improving people’s health, but it is also providing economic benefits by reducing the need for expensive out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
The recent release covering April 2023 to January 2024 shows that total visits have increased since last year, with 207,775 people now accessing healthcare through the program. This is encouraging news, and it’s great to see that more people are able to access medical care through the Imo State Health Insurance Agency which is a demonstration of the program’s huge success.
A close analysis of the released data reveals that the program is making a real difference in the lives of expectant mothers and their babies by providing care for normal child delivery, C-sections, and antenatal care.These services are so important, and it’s great to see that more women are accessing the services they need.
Also, people with gastroenteritis, hypertension, respiratory tract infections, and diabetes are now able to get the care they need to stay healthy and live productive lives. Thanks to the free healthcare program, over 130,000 people with malaria were treated, avoiding potentially serious consequences.
The program has made a tremendous impact on preventing and treating serious respiratory illnesses. Of the 33,517 people treated for respiratory illnesses, some had pneumonia, while others had bronchitis etc. The program has been especially effective in preventing and treating these serious illnesses.”
The good news is that the Imo State Health Insurance Agency is run by a team of experienced professionals who are passionate about improving the health of the people of Imo State. These professionals include doctors and other healthcare workers who have all been carefully selected for their skills and dedication. They are working tirelessly to provide quality care and improve the lives of the people they serve. Their commitment to this program is evident in the impressive results so far.
It will be recalled that in his bid to improve the lives of the people of Imo State, Governor Uzodimma had pledged to make healthcare more affordable for those who need it most. As a cardinal point of his administration, the governor is committed to ensuring that all residents of the state have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income or social status.
ADDRESS BY GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA AT HIS SECOND TERM SWEARING-IN CEREMONY, ON MONDAY JANUARY 15TH 2024, IN OWERRI
My esteemed and beloved people of Imo State, it is to the glory of God that we are privileged to witness this momentous occasion of my swearing in as the governor of Imo State for a second tenure. I am mindful of the fact that this would not have been possible without your love and support at the governorship election of November 11th, 2023. I thank you all most sincerely.
As you witnessed, I have just performed the solemn ritual of taking the oath of office to defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to serve Imo people faithfully. Expectedly, the oath-taking ended with the invocation of God to help me. For me, this is not a mere ritual. It is a renewal of my covenant with God and the good people of Imo State. That covenant is to serve Imo people honestly and faithfully, to the best of my ability and with the fear of God.
So, as I give God the glory for making this day possible, I once again declare my profound gratitude to Imo people who, through their unprecedented massive support for me in the November 11th, 2023 governorship election, made this day possible. Never in the history of democracy in our state has any governor won in all the local governments, but you did it for me. Thank you very much indeed. By that victory, I entered into a social contract with all Imo people, and it is a contract I intend to honour.
I cannot proceed further without extending my deepest appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for honouring us today with his highly esteemed presence. Mr. President sir, Imo people feel very happy indeed that you squeezed out time from your usually crowded programmes to be personally present at this event. It speaks volumes of your love for Imo people. Thank you Mr President and welcome.
I also welcome in a very special way all State governors here present, former Presidents, the national chairman of our great party, His Excellency Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, members of the National Assembly, Hon Ministers, highly revered traditional rulers, notable leaders and members of the clergy from different parts of the country.
On that note, let me gladly recall that in the last four years, we have demonstrated a high degree of commitment to duty. We demonstrated vision and purpose. We were also able to demonstrate that managing public funds honestly, prudently and transparently is doable and also yields more dividends of democracy.
Expectedly, our shared prosperity mantra, which is the philosophical fulcrum of my administration, was able to address the problem of infrastructure deficit and the near absence of governance that we met on the ground in January, 2020. Through the provision of extensive road infrastructure, we have been able to lay a solid foundation for the accelerated economic growth and development of our state. We also addressed the decay in the civil service, education, and the health sector. In addition, we addressed the lingering problem of unemployment, through a variety of youth empowerment initiatives and artificial intelligence that included the provision of digital and other portable skills. There is, therefore, no gainsaying that the right foundations were put in place in the last four years to enable our state to move to the next level. Now, another tenure of four years has been availed to us, and we are ready, able, and determined to take our state to that next level.
The next four years of my administration will, therefore, focus firmly on deepening our shared prosperity mantra through massive infrastructure expansion to ensure accelerated economic growth. I have already signalled this new direction in the 2024 budget in which capital expenditure has the lion share of 491.2b of the total budget of 591.2b or 83% of the budget. This transformational journey, which we have commenced with the 2024 budget, will be sustained in the next four years.
In doing so, our vision will be anchored on our 10-year Development Plan, which has been outlined in my vision document. This development plan has the capacity to transform Imo State into an industrial, self- sufficient state in the next ten years.
This 10-year development plan is also designed to deepen the intervention framework of my 3R mantra of Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction.
In the development plan we have identified priority sectors, including industries and projects, which will accelerate the economic prosperity of our dear Imo State such as the Orashi Free Trade Zone and the supporting businesses such as petrochemicals industries, gas processing facilities, etc.
Another focus of the plan is to harness our agricultural potentials and exploit the mineral resources and align them to the proposed establishment of ceramic industry and agro processing facilities across the three senatorial districts of Imo State. The lifespan of the development plan was deliberately made to last beyond my tenure because I believe that government is a continuum.
Let me assure you that, on my honour, I am determined to exceed my own first tenure records. As I said in my New Year broadcast, my second tenure achievements will dwarf the achievements of my first tenure. Those who followed the evangelical zeal of St. Paul in the Bible would know that he put in more effort in his second missionary journey because he wanted to consolidate on the gains of the first journey. That spirit of St Paul’s second missionary journey shall be the spirit that will drive my second tenure.
In like manner, I have been greatly inspired by the audacious and visionary transformational programmes and policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. His emphasis on infrastructure development through generous budgetary provisions for capital expenditure define the qualities of a leader that is burning with the fervent desire to develop his country.
I am therefore delighted to affirm that my second tenure will be centred on the massive economic development of the state, which will permeate every community or ward. We shall kick start this through our Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI). Consequently, within the first 12 months of the current tenure, every community in the state will feel the impact with at least one significant project fully executed for them. Consequently, in the coming weeks, working with the local government council leadership, each community will be expected to identify one project that they want the government to do for them. The chosen project must have a direct and immediate impact on the overall economy of the communities. It could be in the form of provision of electricity, potable water, road, a health centre or a market development project. Further details and modalities for this community economic development initiative will be made available within the next few weeks.
As I mentioned earlier, the policy thrust of my second tenure would continue to be massive investments in infrastructure, full recovery of the economy to a sustainable level, human capital development with emphasis on youth empowerment and educational advancement of our children, coupled with the further invigoration of the civil service for more efficient service delivery. Anything recurrent is considered the normal or statutory business of government. Therefore, it must be taken care of in the course of governance. In my normal tradition, the prompt payment of salaries and pensions will remain a priority.
My priority areas going forward will be on 15 critical sectors needed for the sustainable development of Imo State. This will be in tandem with my 3R mantra and the 10-year Development Plan as earlier mentioned. The areas are 1. Road infrastructure 2. Education 3. Health 4. Sanitation 5. Water Supply 6. Agriculture and Food Security 7. Housing and New Cities Development. 8. Digital infrastructure 9. Transportation Infrastructure 10.Market Access 11.Industrial Policy 12.Safety / Security 13.Enabling Laws and Policies 14.Public Financial Management 15.Electricity Infrastructure
In line with the standard institutional framework, each of these sectors is to be implemented in such a manner that the results would readily impact the economy and standard of living of the citizenry. My dear brothers and sisters, as you know, Imo State belongs to all of us, and building the state of our dream will require the contributions of everyone of us, irrespective of our political affiliations. The time has come to bury all those differences so we can work collectively to develop our state. Remember, this is the only state we can truly call our own. Therefore, we should all think of how we can contribute to her growth instead of leaving it to the government alone.
The least we can do to demonstrate our love and patriotic zeal for our state is to be law-abiding and responsible citizens who take our civic obligations to our state seriously. Our simple civic obligations like paying taxes, observing traffic rules, and keeping our environment clean can go a long way toward helping the government succeed.
In the same vain, I urge all those with the wherewithal to think of establishing industries, especially in the rural areas, to help create jobs for the youths. On our part as government, we will continue to provide the enabling environment and assistance to encourage all well-meaning investors.
My beloved Imo people, Ndi Imo, I have just given you a synopsis of my vision and mission for the next four years, which should suffice for this occasion.
Having said that, I want us to see the event of today as remarkable because it opens a new page in our history. That new page is the commencement of our determined march to economic growth and self sufficiency. It heralds the new dawn in our efforts to develop Imo State and make it one of the leading industrial states in Nigeria and indeed, West Africa. This is our vision and mission, and it is doable.
In this regard, I am pleased to inform you that our shared prosperity flight which is taking us to the great Imo State of our dream, is now at cruising altitude. So, relax, unfasten your seat belts and enjoy the rest of the flight. An experienced and dependable captain is in charge.
I will also like you to take this home from this ceremony today: By the time we are through with another four years, the institutional and infrastructural structures we would have put in place will make it a herculean task for any Pharaoh to take Imo State back to Egypt. Let me assure you that my second tenure shall be defined by an uncommon apostolic zeal and tenacious application of clinical efficiency in the execution of policies. The task is to make Imo State the industrial hub of the South East, Nigeria, and West Africa. It is one that our generation must accomplish, to the glory of God.
Once again, I thank Mr President, and all the dignitaries who are here today for honouring us with their presence. thank you Ndimo for your love and uncommon solidarity. I invite you all to work with me to build a great Imo State that we shall all be proud of.
Thank you, and may God bless all of us
Long Live Ndimo! Long Live Imo State!! Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
“I AM HERE TO RENEW MY COVENANT WITH GOD – I also acknowledge my imperfections as a mere mortal” ~ Hope Uzodimma
“I Know For A Fact That I Would Never Have Been The Governor Of Imo State Without The Approval Of God” ~ Governor Hope Uzodimma speaking today at the Assumpta Cathedral Owerri.
HOLY MASS AT ASSUMPTA CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL OWERRI
The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma today joined thousands of Imo citizens and other visiting guests to worship at the Assumpta Catholic Cathedral, Owerri.
The dual mass was held to mark the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and also to usher in tomorrow’s swearing-in of the governor for his 2nd term in office.
TAKEAWAYS FROM THE GOVERNORS SPEECH
√: “This occasion should remind us of the supremacy of peace in the land: – without peace, governance can not stand”
√: “Both occasions remind us of the ephemeral nature of power and life itself; and therefore, the need for leaders to exercise power for the sole benefit of society”
√: It is both a privilege and a reminder of the sacred duties of my high office, that I’m being inaugurated on the same day we remember the sacrifices which patriotic soldiers made to keep peace in our land”
√: “I know for a fact, that I would never have been the governor of Imo State without the approval of God – He made it clear that He bestows power on those He chooses.
√: “I also know my covenant with the almighty God, which is to serve faithfully and honestly the people of Imo State and by extension the people of Nigeria. – I’m here today to renew that covenant with God and the people of Imo State. I’m also here to express my gratitude to God for the privilege of making me a governor for a second term”
√: “In renewing this covenant, I also acknowledge my imperfections as a mere mortal”.
√: “In the course of doing this job as a governor, I may have withingly or unwittingly offended some people. I want to take the advantage of my presence here at the altar of God to apologize to those persons, and ask to be foregiving. In the same spirit, I have whole-heardedly forgiven those who may have offended me”
√: “I crave peace for our state; in that wise, let us work together in the atmosphere of peace for the progress of our dear state”.
√: ” I have come here as a messenger. You may not like my face, but listen to my message. The message of a new Imo. The message of rebuilding Imo State. The message of developing Imo State. The message of curing poverty. The message of having an organized society where peace progress and tranquillity shall reign”
*For Governor Uzodimma, It’s All About The People – The people are the true owners of his administration*
By: Prince Eze Ugochukwu
On Monday, January 15, 2024, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma CON, will be sworn in as the executive governor of Imo state for the second term.
While thanking the people of Imo State for voting massively for him to govern them for a second term, he said, ” I am grateful for the victory in the recent governorship election. Thanks to Imo people for their overwhelming support, reflecting confidence in our past performance and I humbly accept the honour to serve as your Governor for a second term”
By thanking the Imo people for their support, Governor Uzodimma was emphasizing thatthe power of the government came directly from the people themselvesand this is true.
In the last four years, the people of Imo State have witnessed governance that is undoubtedly owned and anchored around the people themselves.
Under the Uzodimma administration, people’s participation in different spheres of governance reached the highest peak ever in the history of Imo State. Virtually every stakeholder has a role to play, be it the elders, traditional rulers, youths, women and so on. No one was left out. There is no deliberate state policy of exclusion or discrimination, rather Governor Hope Uzodimma opened his arms to embrace the people whether young or old, rich or poor, the weak and vulnerable alike.
Hate him or love him, Governor Uzodimma’s commitment to the people is undeniable. His actions have proven his dedication beyond comparison. The people are the true heroes of the administration. They are the foundation on which the government stands. The people are the key to the success of Governor Uzodimma
A man who can forgive and accept his enemies is a rare breed indeed and that’s Governor Uzodimma for you. To be honest, it takes a great deal of strength and character to overcome animosity and find common ground. It takes a truly compassionate and humble person to embrace those who once opposed him and to integrate them into his government as strategic partners. It is a testament to the governor’s virtues, that he can rise above the petty differences of the past, and create a truly inclusive government. We must celebrate this rare and noble quality in Governor Uzodimma.
In any case, there is no denying the fact that the people of Imo State have been at the forefront of the activities of the Uzodimma administration through their participation in various spheres of the governance process whether in or out of the executive branch.
Let’s take a look at the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers. It has become bubbling once again under the Uzodimma administration. The Royal Fathers have been given a voice and presence with enhanced prestige. Their role in helping the government surmount security challenges remains admirable through the community policing initiative which helped the security agencies in many ways.
We shall not forget the Imo State Elders Council comprising prominent statesmen and women of Imo State origin who deployed their wealth of experience to provide critical and crucial advice to the government. It was this Council that crafted the trending Imo Charter of Equity meant for the peaceful rotation of state power amongst the three senatorial zones in the state. The Imo elders were not left out in the scheme of things as they waxed strong in their supportive role to the government.
Youths became the biggest cornerstone of the government. They rallied support for the administration because the government stood for them. The youths were heavy beneficiaries of the government through their participation in the Skill-Up Imo Project, a program designed to provide digital skills training to hundreds of thousands of Imo youths. This has never happened before. So far, 20,000 youths have been trained and equipped with another set of 40,000 enlisted for fresh training.
The poor and vulnerable were not abandoned. Imo state became the first state in South East Nigeria to remove the financial burden arising from illness from its citizens. The Imo State Health Insurance Scheme lived up to its billing by giving access to free healthcare services to rural dwellers and the urban poor. The civil servants in Imo State both at the state and local government level were equally enrolled as beneficiaries of the scheme.
In all its ramifications, what we have in Imo State under Governor Uzodimma is a true example of participatory democracy with emphasis on the active participation of citizens in the political process, but involves citizens taking part in the decision-making process, through mechanisms such as the Elders Council, the Traditional institutions, the Town Unions and youth and women organizations.
Governor Uzodimma more than any other governor has given Imo citizens a more direct say one way or the other in the policies that affect their lives and has made the people feel more connected to and invested in the political process.
GOVERNOR UZODIMMA BAGS ANOTHER NATIONAL ASSIGNMENT – To Co-Chair National Economic Council Committees.
The Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodimma, have been named as the chairmen of the Economic Affairs Committee and the Crude oil Theft and Management Committee of the National Economic Council. The announcement was made by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at the 138th meeting of NEC which held virtually on Thursday.
The committees were giving the task of preparing a clear roadmap for dealing with petroleum subsidy, including a framework for defending wage negotiations and exchange rate management.
Other functions are listed as fiscal consolidation sustainability, liquidity management and inflation, medium term investment and growth, fiscal transparency and accountability, as well as state of emergency on food production for 2024.
Governor Abdulrazaq is the current chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum while Governor Uzodimma is the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum of the ruling party.
“Members of Governor AbdulRazaq’s committee according to the statement are the Gombe State Governor, representing North-East; Governor of Lagos (South-West); the Governor of Akwa Ibom (South-South); the Governor of Anambra (South-East); the Governor of Niger (North-Central), and Governor of Kaduna (North-West).
“Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, is to serve as Secretary, the statement indicated.
Welcome to Imo State, The Eastern Heartland of Nigeria
Christmas 2023 – Imo State, The Place Where The Good Life Begins
It is the week before Christmas, and the air is filled with excitement all over.
Disregard any negative media narrative out there, Imo State, the Eastern Heartland of Nigeria offers a wealth of attractions for visitors. Our security is adequate, our roads are well-maintained, and our hotels are of the highest standard. We have a vibrant culture, with many festivals and events. Come and experience the warmth and hospitality of our people.
Imo State, the place where the good life begins.
Imo State is safe. Go to the markets. They are bustling with activity as shoppers rush to find the perfect gifts for themselves and their loved ones.The streets are decorated with new street lights and a festive atmosphere fills the air. If you move around, you will notice the increased human and vehicular traffic.The markets are busy, the sound of carols can be heard in the churches, there is warm hospitality everywhere you look.
Imo State, the place where the good life begins.
For those visiting Imo State, welcome to our Eastern Heartland. A land of beauty and Our people are warm and welcoming. We invite you to experience our rich culture and history. Celebrate Christmas with us in our beautiful towns and villages, and enjoy the vibrant markets, lively music, and delicious cuisine. Make your Christmas merry and bright in the Eastern Heartland.
Imo State, the place where the good life begins.
You are safe and secure in the Eastern Heartland. The misconceptions about the security situation in Imo State is overblown. We encourage our people and visitors alike to come and experience all that Imo State has to offer. You will be warmly welcomed by our friendly and hospitable people. Our people are known for kindness and generosity, and we will make you feel at home.
Imo State, the place where the good life begins.
Come and experience our traditional dishes, attend our traditional events and ceremonies, hear our folktales, and join us in celebration. Enjoy our hospitality and leave with unforgettable memories of your time in Imo State, the Eastern Heartland of Nigeria. Imo is safe. Come and feel at home.
FINAL LAP 2023 – Governor Hope Uzodimma Is Finishing Strong And On A High Note
By: Prince Eze Ugochukwu.
As the end of the year 2023 draws nearer, it has indeed been a year of progress and accomplishments for the Imo State Governor, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Uzodimma CON.
From all indications, Governor Uzodimma’s leadership has brought a lot of positive changes to Imo State, and there is much to celebrate.The Governor has also achieved some personal successes.This is all a testament to his dedication and commitment to improving the lives of the people of Imo State.
Some of the most impressive personal accomplishments of the governor in 2023 include his conferment with the National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), his emergence as the Chairman of the Nigerian Progressive Governors Forum, and that of the South East Governors Forum respectively. But the icing on the cake is winning re-election for his second term in office as the Governor of Imo State.
Governor Uzodimma is ending the year strong and on a high note. This is a sign of greater things to come in 2024. The governor’s successes in 2023 are an indication of the positive impact he has had on the state and a sign of the progress that is about to come.
Even in the face of daunting challenges, it is clear that the governor has made significant progress in many important areas. He has demonstrated strength and resilience, and the ability to persevere and navigate through difficult circumstances and situations.
Let’s start with the economy. Under the governor’s leadership, Imo State has witnessed a significant increase in infrastructural development which is key to economic growth. Nobody will deny that there have been major improvements in infrastructure, including roads, and access to health with new hospitals and reconstructed rural health centres.
In the area of education, the Governor single-handedly attracted new tertiary institutions including the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education and the Federal University of Technology Owerri Teaching Hospital. Both came to fruition in 2023.
But most importantly, the governor has made great strides in tackling crime and improving security in the state. We must not forget that reducing insecurity is critical to attracting investment and economic growth. This is because investors need to feel safe and secure to do business in the state. At the height of the security challenges, the state was abandoned. But today, Imo State has regained its status as a destination of choice for retreats, conferences and seminars. A new International Conference Centre is even nearing completion in the heart of Owerri, the state capital. What we have seen is a comprehensive approach to improving security in the state. Governor Uzodimma has properly equipped security agencies by giving them the tools they need to effectively do their jobs, he has ensured that resources are allocated where they are needed most and he has provided adequate remuneration which has ensured that security personnel are motivated and committed to their jobs.
Other intangible but critical indices of the state’s economic development have improved tremendously. Progress has been made in the areas of Ease of Doing business which is key to attracting investment and creating jobs, while the state’s strong GDP ranking is a sign of economic strength. There are important measures that have had a positive impact on the ease of doing business in Imo State. The reduction of double taxation removes a major barrier to investment, while the removal of bureaucratic delays and automation of governance processes has encouraged the expansion of existing businesses. The simplification of the hitherto opaque land administration and management process is also a key step in making the state more business-friendly. Overall, these reforms show a commitment to making the state more attractive to investors and businesses.
Creating a more inclusive society can also be classified as an asset because it has helped to build trust and understanding among stakeholders, making the people feel more involved in the activities of their state and communities. By bringing people together, the governor has built a stronger foundation for peace and prosperity in the state.
As the year 2023 enters its final lap, there is no doubt that Governor Uzodimma is finishing strong with worthy accomplishments to his name.
••••• Cautions Public Office Holders Against Acts Of Fraud And Criminality – “I will be ruthless with any public officer or political appointee who doesn’t understand the importance of and significance of growing the economy of the state” ~ Hope Uzodimma.
“Never in the history of this state have we brought a budget with a capital expenditure of 82.5% – it is an economic revolution” ~ Uzodimma
‘We need all hands on deck; – we need to close all revenue leakages – we need to be prudent – we need to consider the interest of the state – we need to shun all forms of fraud and criminality – we need to commit to our jobs and understand the meaning of public trust” ~Governor Hope Uzodimma CON
The Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has today signed into law the 2024 Imo State Budget.
Speaking after signing the budget into law at the Sam Mbakwe New Exco Chambers, Government House, Owerri, the Governor commended the leadership and members of the Imo State House of Assembly for the expeditious manner with which the Executive Bill was attended to. “That is what you get when you have a harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislature” he said while describing the uncommon synergy between the two arms of government.
On the anticipated benefits from the budget, Governor Uzodimma said that the 2024 appropriations act will act as a stimulus package and a catalyst that will lead to the growth of the Imo State economy and ensure prosperity for all; “no wonder that the title of the Law is the Budget of Renewed Economic Growth” he declared.
The Governor explained that, “Looking at the budget you will see that never in the history of this state have we brought a budget with a capital expenditure of 82.5%. It is an economic revolution. It is meant to encourage economic activities, rebuild the infrastructure, introduce new ones, and make Imo State to become the envy of other states in the country”.
Speaking further, he stated that “For this proposal to be accepted and passed by the House of Assembly means that the House of Assembly understands very clearly the need to bring prosperity to Imo State.
On the issue of the implementation of the budget, Governor Uzodimma said that, ” The success or otherwise of this budget will largely depend on the prudent implementation of all the articles and items in the budget… “I will therefore plead that the bureaucracy be prudent in managing whatever resources we are able to achieve… when you hear that we have a budget of N592.2 billion naira, it’s just a proposal. There are two components in that document; one is the revenue and the second one is the expenditure. It means that we first make the money because money will be earned before it will be spent. – So for us to make the money, we need all hands on deck; – we need to close all revenue leakages – we need to be prudent – we need to consider the interest of the state – we need to shun all forms of fraud and criminality – we need to commit to our jobs and understand the meaning of public trust. When you occupy a position that is dealing with the destiny and future of a people, you don’t take them for granted.
The Governor warned saying, ” I will be ruthless with any public officer or political appointee going forward who doesn’t understand the importance of and significance of growing the economy of the state and will leave no stone on turned to advance the cause of history in our state” the governor concluded.
Governor Uzodimma Today Inaugurated The Imo State Small Claims Court
His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma today inaugurated the Imo State Small Claims Court.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State
The event which took place at the Hon. Justice B.A Njemanze, Pavilion, High Court Complex, Owerri had the Deputy Governor, Professor Placid Njoku standing in for the governor. He called for the appointment of persons who are sensitive to time and sensitive to the needs of the people to adjudicate matters in the Small Claims Court.
The Imo State SMALL-CLAIMS COURT is a specialized court created by statute with specific duties and powers to provide a judicial resolution of disputes involving small amounts of money. Its procedure and rules are simplified and the procedure is designed to be less expensive and faster than a traditional court.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Judge, Honourable Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka disclosed that the conventional method of Justice delivery system is cumbersome, time consuming and sometimes frustrating with backlogs of cases sandwiched with many other issues, which causes undue delay in cases that can be easily decided.
The Small Claims Court will be regulated by the Imo State Magistrates Courts Law Practice Directions- 2023, which has designated some Magistrates as Small Claims Court and which came into effect on Ist December 2023.
According to Justice Chikeka, the “Law indeed is dynamic as it grows daily and we must continue to update our knowledge to meet the changes that take place.
The Chief Judge disclosed some of the benefits of the Small Claims Court, remarking that it will go into records of the administration of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma as a people friendly policy.
She disclosed that the Small Claims Court is not working alone, noting that Imo State have joined forces with the Enabling Business Environment Secretariat (EBES) of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to create enabling environment for the success of this vision.
Speaking further, she said, “For the Judiciary, the idea of a Small Claims Court is most welcome, as it accords with the globally cherished idea of access to justice for all and people centered justice. It is commonly understood that the Court is the last hope of the common man to get justice and since justice delayed is justice denied, similarly “hurried justice is harried justice’. Both are to be avoided in the pursuit of justice that is why the Courts in its wisdom, decided on a maximum of Sixty (60) working days for determination of matters on the Small Claims Court rather than the 2 days – 1 week being postulated by people. The key aspect of the SCC are that it is a Special Court where anyone can sue for Five million naira (N5000,000) or less excluding cost.
“For the people the benefits are all encompassing. The benefits of the adoption of a system of dispute resolution that is fast informal and inexpensive cannot be over emphasized. Consequently this ability to resolve nonstructural disputes on real time basis is therefore fundamental in ensuring both the markets and economics function properly.
The Road Ahead…Governor Hope Uzodimma’s 2nd Term In Focus
••••• Consolidation And Expansion.
[ *PART TWO* ]
By. Prince Eze Ugochukwu
Imo State can expect significant progress in major projects during Governor Hope Uzodimma’s second term.
The Governor has already laid the groundwork for major industrial-sized projects which will bring jobs and investments to Imo state, boosting the economy and improving living standards. The governor’s vision is to make Imo State a hub for industry and commerce in the region, and he is well on his way to achieving that goal.
The dredging of the Orashi river into the Atlantic Ocean is a visionary project that will have far-reaching economic benefits for Imo State and the entire South East region. It will open up new trade routes, facilitating the transportation of goods and people. This will boost the regional economy and create jobs in sectors such as shipping, logistics, and tourism. It will also improve commerce in the South East by reducing the cost of transporting goods.
When completed, the dredging of the Orashi river, will lead to the emergency of a number of new shipping and logistics businesses in Imo State and the South East region. Companies that specialize in river transportation, port management, and container shipping will naturally establish operations in Imo State. Again, businesses that provide services such as storage, warehousing, and customs clearance could also spring up. There will be opportunities for companies that provide specialized services, such as refrigerated shipping and container tracking. With the increased economic activity, other related industries such as hospitality and tourism will also see growth.
It will be remembered that Governor Uzodimma has already secured the approval of the Federal Government for the Imo State Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone (FTZ) which is expected to be a major driver of economic growth in the South East region.The expected activities within the FTZ will include oil and gas exploration, refining, storage, distribution, and export. Also there will be opportunities for downstream industries such as petrochemicals, manufacturing, and maritime services. The FTZ will also provide infrastructure such as roads, power, water, and telecommunications. It is also expected to attract foreign investment and create jobs in a wide range of industries. Ultimately, the FTZ is expected to be a major catalyst for economic development in Imo State.
The entire value chain in the Imo State Oil and Gas FTZ will include upstream, midstream, and downstream activities. Upstream activities will include oil and gas exploration and production. Midstream activities will include storage, transportation, and processing of oil and gas products. Downstream activities will include refining, distribution, and marketing of oil and gas products. Additionally, there will be a wide range of support services such as engineering, logistics, legal, and financial services. Overall, the FTZ will be a vibrant economic hub with a diverse range of activities.
Another big projects in the making is the African Development Bank (AfDB) Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ). This is a program designed to boost agricultural productivity and economic growth in Africa. Imo State is one of the states selected to benefit in Nigeria. The program provides financing, technical assistance, and policy support for the development of agro-industrial processing zones. These zones are areas where agricultural products are processed and packaged for both domestic and export markets. The SAPZ in Imo State is expected to bring a number of benefits to the state, including job creation, income generation, and improved food security. Additionally, the zone will provide opportunities for smallholder farmers to connect with markets and access financing, leading to increased productivity and income.
The proposed gas power plant and gas-powered industrial layout is indeed a game changer for Governor Uzodimma’s administration. The project, located in Ohaji-Egbema, will be a major source of power for the state. The gas-powered industrial layout will also attract investment and create jobs. The project is also expected to spur economic growth in the state through the development of industries that can utilize the cheap energy provided by the gas power plant. Overall, the project is expected to bring significant benefits to the people of Imo State and the South East region as a whole.
The economic effects of these policies will be profound and long-lasting. The construction of a sea port will facilitate trade and create new opportunities for businesses. The gas power plant and the gas-powered industrial cluster will bring in new industries, creating jobs and boosting the state’s economy. The agro-industrial processing zone will support the agricultural sector and contribute to the development of local businesses. All of these policies will work together to create a thriving, diverse economy that benefits everyone in Imo State.
Overall, the economic effects of these policies will be transformational for Imo state and its people.
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