The Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, ISOPADEC, in South East Nigeria and the National Emergency Management Agency-NEMA are to send relief materials to communities affected by flood in Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta Local Government Areas of the state.
Deputy Governor of Imo State, Engr. Gerald Irona disclosed this at the weekend, while addressing a delegation of Egbema People’s Forum, who paid him a courtesy in his Oguta residence.
A statement by his Spokesman Walter Duru said the Deputy Governor however warned that the relief materials must not be diverted, but should be distributed in a transparent manner to the victims of flood.
Irona who also used the occasion to brief the people of plans and programmes of the Governor Ihedioha-led administration for the people, urged them to contribute their quota towards resolving the challenge of militancy and insecurity in the area.
“Everyone from Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta appointed so far into a political office is deserving of it. Governor Ihedioha is determined to fulfill his campaign promises to people of the state. Some of our youth are creating a bad image for us. Why must we be known for bad things? We must end thuggery, militancy and every form of crime in our area and you all have roles to play, as security is everyone’s business.”
“Governor Emeka Ihedioha has great plans for our people and he has already started implementing them. Today, ISOPADEC is receiving one hundred percent of its allocation. Local Governments are receiving their allocations in full. ISOPADEC and NEMA will soon deliver relief materials to communities affected by flood. We will soon start training our young people, with a view to enhancing their skills and creating sources of livelihood for them, while providing bursary for those in Institutions of Higher Learning. Our youth will be trained in Oil and Gas, as well as Agricultural-related fields.”
“The State Government is intensifying efforts to restore electricity in all the communities in our area, but, you must take deliberate steps to ensure the protection of electrical installations and indeed, all public assets in your localities.”
The Deputy Governor used the occasion to reiterate that steps have been taken to revive Adapalm Nigeria Limited, even as he challenged the people to partner with the new management of the company in order to help them succeed.
Reacting to an appeal that the abandoned Teachers Training College-TTC, Egbema be converted to a University of Agriculture or made one of the campuses of Imo State University, the Deputy Governor promised to visit the TTC premises soon, with a view to having first-hand information on the state of things, and advise the Governor accordingly.
Irona however used the occasion to reassure the people of the commitment of the present administration to work for the people and take development to their door steps.
Speaking earlier, President of Egbema People’s Forum, Professor Victor Nwugo commended the Governor Emeka Ihedioha- led administration for what he described as early signs of greater things to come, assuring him of total support of people of the area.
Nwugo used the occasion to outline the challenges facing people of the area, urging the state Government to come to their aid.
He lauded the leadership qualities of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Gerald Irona, describing him as an exemplary public servant, whose footsteps are worthy of emulation.
Speaking on behalf of Political appointees from the Area, Imo State Commissioner for Environment and former member of the House of Representative, Hon. Tony Okere assured the Deputy Governor of unalloyed support of people of the area, even as he promised the people that the present administration will not fail the masses.
Adding his voice, former Inspector General of Police and Chairman, Police Service Commission, Sir Mike Okiro reiterated the decision of people of the area to support the present Administration in the state. “We thank you for empowering our people. We are solidly behind you.”
In another development, a community leader in Oguta, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Mr. Emeka Adizua, weekend hosted the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Engr. Gerald Irona.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Uche Okororie expressed gratitude to God for the emergence of the present administration in the state, reiterating the people’s unalloyed support for her.
“Imo people are already heaving a sigh of relief. We thank God for the mission you have come to accomplish in Imo. God will give you the wisdom to tackle the numerous challenges facing Imo.”
Adding his voice, Ogbuagu Kelvin Uwakwe described the Deputy Governor’s moves to reconcile and bring all stakeholders in the area together as historic, adding that God prepared him for a special assignment in the state.
