A Bill for a Law “for Uniform Curriculum for Schools in Imo State and other related Matters”, has passed through Second reading on the floor of the House of Assembly.

The bill, which held sway during Plenary on Tuesday May 28, 2024 was chiefly sponsored by Hon. Henry Agbasonu, member representing Ezinihitte Mbaise State Constituency, and co-sponsored by; Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, (Nwangele) Hon Chisom Ojukwu ( Nkwerre), Hon Ikenna Ihezuo (Orlu), Hon Dominic Ezerioha (Oru West ), Hon Okechukwu Udeze (Ideator North), Hon Samuel Ogbunikpa (Okigwe ), Hon Francis Osuoha (Ohaji Egbema), Hon Chigozie Nwaneri (Oru East), and Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi (Owerri West).

Introducing the bill for its second reading, Hon Henry Agbasonu disclosed that the bill has 6 Sections and Sub-sections, which are self-explanatory.

According to him, he conducted Research, and found out that Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools were using 2012 Curriculum in Public Schools, which is outdated, while the Private Schools are using whatever Curriculum they think is suitable for them.

He observed that some of the Private Schools that belong to an Association known as National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), are using the Curriculum they call NAPPS SCHEME OF WORK, which is different from that of Federal Ministry of Education, while those that do not belong to the Association use any Curriculum they lay their hands on.

The Lawmaker explained that since the State do not have or use unified or uniform curriculum for teaching, the effects is seen on the Pupils and Students negatively, which explains why Section 4, Subsection 2 of the Bill says that the State Ministry of Education will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Education and other relevant stakeholders to develop a comprehensive Curriculum for Schools in Imo State.

He informed his colleagues that the Federal Ministry of Education used to revise Curriculum every 4–5 years and that it is from the Curriculum every internal and external examination body, such as EDC, NECO, WAEC, NABTEB and other uses to draft their Syllabus.

Henrietta Ashikodi / Umuahia…

Pandamonion broke out in Ogbor Hill, Aba the commercial city of Abia on Thursday, May 30 as gun men enforcing the Biafra Day sit-at-home attacked military checkpoint, at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia state setting military vehicles ablaze as three soldiers were feared dead.

Our reporter gathered that the gunmen who were said to have stormed the military unit at about 6.45am, also burnt the unit as well as a patrol van parked in the unit.

Similar attack happened barely two weeks after some gunmen also killed two soldiers at a military unit located at the Aba main motor park.

The Incident has caused pandemonium in the area, forcing people to remain in door for few of reprisals from the military.

However their was total compliance to the sit at home at Aba as motorists deserted the roads in all areas of the city, including schools, markets and other business centres were shut.

Most students who were scheduled to take the WAEC Mathematics examination could not make it as there were no motorists to take them to their centres.

The situation became chaotic in the area as the roads were deserted and soldiers gave hot chase to motorists and passers by along Ukaegbu,Umuola, New Umuahia, Omoba, Ehere, Ururuka roads and Opobo junction which are adjoining roads to military units.

Speaking, a resident from the area, told journalists that they are still making efforts to relocate from the Obikabia area because of fear of reprisal attack by the angry soldiers. He said that as early as 6.45am, there was heavy gunfire around the military unit at Obikabia junction.

He said “when I peeped through the windows of my apartment, I discovered it was an attack on the soldiers. The unit and patrol van were set on fire. The roads are still deserted, people are making efforts to relocate from the Obikabia junction area because of fear of the unknown from the angry soldiers.” The resident stated.

He regretted that this is happening barely two weeks after some gunmen also killed two soldiers at a military unit located at the Aba main motor park, along Asa road, Aba.

In Umuahia compliance of the sit at home was high as banks, civil servants, traders, offices, obeyed the directive by staying in their houses to observe the day. Few tricycle operators and private car owners were seen on the roads.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Public Relations Officer, 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Lt. Innocent Omale on phone was unsuccessful as he did not pick his calls neither did he returned back the calls.

In a quick reaction, the President General, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, the apex sociopolitical youth group in South East zone, Comrade Goodluck Ibem through a press release he signed condemned the attack on Military checkpoint in Obikabia junction, Aba which he said left some soldiers dead.

He described the killing as barbaric, wicked noting that the attacks are the handiwork of criminal elements hiding under the cover of Biafra struggle to perpetuate crime and destabilize Governor Otti’s government adding that their plans is dead on arrival

“It is very unfortunate that the soldiers who are peacefully performing their constitutional duties of providing security in the area will be attacked by gunmen without any form of provocation whatsoever. This is completely unacceptable.

“This is the second time a military checkpoint will be attacked by gunmen in the state. This is a strong confirmation that enemies of Abia who are not happy with the transformational performance of Governor Alex Otti and are at work to destabilize the state.

“These persons are not happy that Abians now have good road network, improved security and other democracy dividends which the governor is bringing to the door steps of Abia people to make life enjoyable.

“We sympathize and commiserate with the military over this great loss and we urge the general public to work with the government to bring the culprits to book.
“We call on Governor Alex Otti to remain resolute and steadfast in his determination to make Abia better while working hard to bring to book those enemies of Abia who are hell-bent on destroying the peace Abians are currently enjoying.

By Christopher Ononukwe…

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Ozo Obinna Ogwuegbu, the recently inaugurated Commissioner for Water Resources, carried out a thorough audit of vital facilities at the headquarters of Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC) and its Otamiri Treatment Plant.

In order to serve the people of Imo State better in the second laps of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s tenure, the Commissioner’s visit guided by Engr. Peter Chukwuma, the acting Managing Director and CEO of ISWSC, was to diagnose and audit the current state of the facilities and identify new challenges facing the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

Following the Governor’s directive, Commissioner Ogwuegbu also conducted an audit of the facilities at Imo State RUWASSA (Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency) and ISSTOWA (Imo State Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency) with his entourage.

He raised concerns about several critical issues, such as the deteriorating and outdated infrastructure. He concluded that in order to guarantee reliable and safe service delivery, several of the WASH systems need urgent repairs or replacements.

A detailed audit of several important facilities, including the Otamiri Treatment Section, Otamiri laboratories, ISWSC Conference Hall, ICT equipment, and the new lactation area was also part of his visit.

The Commissioner offered some suggestions and recommendations for improvement at each site, stressing the importance of increasing operational efficiency.

The Commissioner emphasized the need for continued engagements of the Ministry and its agencies with national and international organizations, such as the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation (FMWRS), World Bank, and the USAID.

The Commissioner asserts that this partnership will be essential towards increasing efforts and successfully tackling the challenges facing the Imo WASH sector.

“The Shared Prosperity Agenda of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, ensures that all residents of Imo State have more optimal access to safe and reliable WASH services in this second tenure. This will not only improve public health but also enhance the quality of life for our people,” Hon Ogwuegbu said.

In order to explore opportunities for future development in the state’s WASH sector, the Commissioner revealed that the Governor had sent him to audit all of the facilities at the three agencies and report back for immediate intervention.

The Commissioner noted that the first major turnaround of Otamiri Waterworks and other agencies’ facilities was done by Governor Uzodimma in his first tenure, emphasizing the significance of sustainable WASH management practices and the need for ongoing infrastructure investment to meet the increasing demands of the Imo population.

He stressed that since this development many residents of Imo State have continued to benefit from the WASH services, hence the need for the administration to consolidate and improve on his deliverables in the second term in office.

By Senator Onyekwere…

Imo State House Of Assembly during plenary seasion on Thursday passed a bill for a law to repeal the imo state local government administration law no 15 of 2000 and enact a law to provide for the establishment composition, finance,  functions and administration of local government councils in imo state and for other related matters into law.

The Bill which stood in name of the Majority leader and Member representing Owerri West State Constituency, Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi was Committed to Committee of the whole House to enable the Hon members deliberate on the Bill before it was passed into Law.

Speaking to journalists, the Chief Sponsor of the Bill, Hon Onyemaechi said the Bill tend to ensure that Local Government Administration has unified Law.

The Majority Leader noted that the Law will ensure effective running of Local Government Administration because the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission has announced the date of Local Government Election.

Hon Onyemaechi pointed out that the Bill has been amended for 7 times by past administrations and it has 17 parts and 171 sections.

He expressed joy that the Bill has been passed into Law , adding that the Law will go a long way to ensure effective running of Local Government Administration.

The House also resolved to Urged the State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma to leverage on the provisions of the Imo State Public Private Partnership Law No 11 of 2020 (as amended ) And use the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Business module to bring in investors to revive the Moribund industries scattered all over imo state And establish new ones in order to close the infrastructure gap currently existing in the state.

The House took the decision following the Motion moved by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu
While moving the motion Hon Iwuanyanwu noted that the fastest way to up the ante in the infrastructural revolution in the state and get the state more industrialized is by entering into PPP with private sector entities willing to invest and provide funding for specific projects in the state.

He stated that sectors that requires such injection of funds and investments include, the electricity , hospital sector, adding that such sectors would benefit massively from PPP initiatives.

By Senator Onyekwere…

Imo State House of Assembly yesterday held valedictory session in honour of the former Chief Whip And the member that represented Oru West State Constituency at the Assembly late Hon Johnfrank Ikenna Ugaliegbulem who passed on at the age of 68years .

The Valedictory Session was well attended by both present and past Hon. members of the state House of Assembly.

Speaking during the valedictory session, the Speaker, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe said that late Hon Ugaliegbulem was elected into the state House to represent Oru West State Constituency from 1999 – 2003.

Hon Olemgbe noted that Ugaliegbulem served as the Chef whip of the House And Chairman House Committee on commerce And Industry.

The speaker pointed out that the deceased sponsored so many bills, motions and used his position to attract a lot of Developmental projects to his Local Government.

In his speech the member representing Oru West State Constituency, Hon. Dominic Ezerioha described late Ugaliegbulem as a good man and community leader.

According to him, the good works of late Ugaliegbulem during the time he was a House member made his people to elect him as the Executive Chairman of Oru West LGA.

Also Speaking the state Commissioner For Information , Public Orientation And Strategy And the Former Member that representated Oru West State Constituency at the Assembly, Hon. Declan Emelumba described Ugaliegbulem as a good politician .

Hon. Emelumba noted that he succeeded late Ugaliegbulem as Hon Member at the State House Of Assembly, pointing out that late Ugaliegbulem made a mark in Oru West and the state at Large.

In their separate speeches, the member representing Orlu state Constituency, Hon Ikenna Ihezuo, member representing Oru East Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri, and former member that represented Njaba state Constituency, Hon. Chukwuma Nnaji, described late Ugaliegbulem as good man who used his position to touch many lives positively.

The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh, has called on residents of the Awka South local government area of the state to mobilise and bring to an end the worrisome cult activities and allied crimes in the area.

Umeh made the call at the Awka City Security summit convened by the member representing Awka South 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Henry Mbachu, saying that the Igbo nation is not known for wasting human blood.

The lawmaker said insecurity was impeding the development of Awka capital city despite the presence of the Government House and other institutions in the area.

It was gathered that at least 40 lives have been lost in cult-related killings since January 2024, in Awka.

According to Umeh, security should be everybody’s business as it affects both the economic and social life of the people.

He said, “Awka is blessed like every other town made capital of a state. I urge you to secure your land so that the residents and strangers can live happily and their businesses thrive.

“Do Awka well so that everyone will come to invest. No one likes to invest in an insecure environment,’’ Umeh said.

The body of the late Traditional Ruler of Ikembara Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, HRH, Eze (Dr.) Emmanuel Iwuchukwu (Mbara Ama Ikembara) was on Friday, 24th May, 2024, laid to rest in his palace at 77 years.

This was as tributes trailed his departure from his loved ones, including Chief Raphael Iwuchukwu, community members as well as other sympathizers at the event which recorded large attendance.

The late traditional ruler’s internment began with the Funeral Mass presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Rt. Rev Dr. Moses Chikwe, who admonished Christians to always be conscious of the transiency of life so as to strive to live worthily in accordance with the principles that God laid down for mankind.

He extolled the Late Eze Iwuchukwu for being an upright man who conducted his affairs and those of his community with fairness, justice and compassion, and urged those who mourn him to sustain his legacies.

Meanwhile, commendations have continued to trail the late king from different quarters for the positive impacts he made on lives of his subjects and others while alive.

Leading other speakers, Chief Raphael Iwuchukwu, the younger brother to the late traditional ruler while speaking to Ikemuefuna Jewish Blog, disclosed that his late brother lived a fulfilled life.

According to him, the late Eze Iwuchukwu was a mentor to all the family members, and a responsible father and husband.

He added that their father died early only for the late traditional ruler to assume responsibility over the entire at a young age, and sacrificed greatly towards the survival of their family.

Furthermore, Chief Iwuchukwu, said that he learnt a lot from late traditional ruler who sustained the legacies left by their father, as he promised to ensure that the values that Eze Iwuchukwu stood for were maintained in their family and community.

He used the opportunity and admonished the youths of the area to shun negative behaviours, but to acquire skills that would make them useful for themselves, their families and the society at large, as he appreciated all who came to mourn with them.

In his tribute, the first son of the diseased, Prince Ikenna Iwuchukwu, stated: “As we gather here, I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers, calls and kind words. My father’s life was a testament to the boundless blessings and mercies of the Almighty. Despite grappling with multitude of adversities, he defiled every prognosis set forth by the finest physicians.

“A man of indomitable spirit, my father triumphed over challenges that would have subdued the faint-hearted. From surviving the ravages of war to navigating countless perilous encounters in his professional journey, he epitomized resilience in the face of adversity. Though the mantle of adulthood may seem daunting, we pledge to honour his legacy and strive to fill the void he leaves behind. We will celebrate the life of Mbara Ama Ikembara with joyous reminiscences and cherished memories,” he concluded.

In the same vein, the Ikeduru Traditional Institution and Community Policing, in a condolence message signed by Eze Dr. Peter Njoku, emphasized the vacuum created by the demise of Eze Iwuchukwu, adding: “Indeed, Ndi-Eze Ikeduru are grateful to God for blessing them with such a man of peace who left indelible footprints in the sands of time. His life was a great inspiration to many who came in contact with him.

Meanwhile, during the outing service on Sunday, 26th May, the family members of the late Eze Iwuchukwu, pledged to sustain the legacies of the late king, and promised to install solar energy to generate steady light at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Ikembara in addition to providing Adoration Monstrance and St Michael’s Statue.

By Senator Onyekwere.

Following the mandate of the Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma to ensure that Imo indigenes have access to portable water supply, the state Commissioner For Water Resources Ozo Obinna Ogwuegbu immediately after his swearing -in embarked on facility tour to Water Schemes in the state to enable him ascertain the status of the water schemes .

The State Commissioner for Water Resources also met with the World Bank which is partnering with the State on the Sustainable Urban Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) program and officials of the Federal Programme Implementation Until (FPIU) of the program in Abuja in line with the directive of the Governor.

Speaking during the meeting, Ozo Obinna Ogwuegbu expressed the willingness 0f Governor Uzodimma to end open defecation and ensure that a good number of Imo people have access to portable and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene before the end of his administration.

Ogwuegbu re-emphasized Governor Uzodimma commitment in SURWASH Programmes.

In their separate speeches Hajiya Awa Of World Bank, and Engr Abdulhamid Gwaram of FPIU, Commended Governor Uzodimma for his resilience , enthusiasm and commitment in making SURWASH Programmes a priority in Imo state.

They also commended the Governor for appointing Ozo Ogwuegbu as the Commissioner of Water Resources, being one that has good knowledge of water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) to oversee the affairs of the ministry of water resources in the state.

In a related development, the Hon Commissioner had meetings with WASH Manager USAID, Dr Joachim Ezeji And Director Federal Ministry Of Water Resources, Engr Madu Dumebi in order to proffer ideas and suggestions that will compliment the effort of the state Governor towards the provision of portable Water Supply in Imo.

Speaking during the meeting the WASH Manager USAID, Dr Ezeji and the Director of Water, Federal Water Resources Engr Dumebi assured the determination of the Agency and the Ministry to partner with the State Government in the area of portable Water Supply.

By Henrietta Ashikodi…

The governor of Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has criminalized the non enrollment of school -age Children in the state, warning of serious penalty for parents and guardians who refuse to bring their children or wards of school age.

Governor Otti stated this at Umuahia Township Stadium, during the 2024 Children’s Day Celebration with the Theme; “Enhancing the Total Well-being of The Nigerian Child Through Quality Education and Skills Development”.

The governor said that the policy would be supported with a legislation by the State House of Assembly which would prescribe a penalty for offenders.

“From now on, it is an offence for any child that is of school age not to be sent to school.

“We are going to back that up with a legislation and that legislation will prescribe penalties for any parent who refuses to bring out his child for Education.

“We also do know that some parents might be financially challenged. The ministry of Education are working out ways to create scholarship that would work, not for the educationally advantage but for the disadvantaged also”, he stated.

While noting that he is serious minded about protecting the rights of the Abia child, the governor stated that under his administration, no child in the state would be marginalized or molested.

He pointed out that the government voted 20% of the state budget to education and vowed to stop at nothing in ensuring that primary and post primary schools have basic minimum standard including science and technology laboratories, hostels, teachers quarters, electronic libraries among other modern facilities.

Governor Otti, who said he would continue to prioritize the welfare of children in the state, announced the abolishment of payment of levies for special books for students of the School For The Blind Afaraukwu, donated a bus to them and also directed the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chaka Chukwumerije to commence a perimeter fencing of the school.

The governor who said he was moved to tears by the plight of the children with special needs announced that the Special Education Center for the Deaf and Mentally Retarded would henceforth be known and addressed as Special Education Center for the Deaf and Mentally Challenged.

He announced the donation of a bus to the school, assuring that government would upgrade and equip the school properly to accommodate a secondary section.

The governor used the opportunity to apologize to Abia children for the poor leadership by past adminstrations where their benefactors were owed months of salaries among other difficulties, assuring that the story would remain different under his administration.

“I want to use this opportunity to apologise to the children of Abia for the bad leadership we have given to you. We are not unaware of the difficulties that you have gone through directly and indirectly.

“When your parents were being owed and your benefactors and people who support you were being owed their pension.

“When the roads were impassable, when everywhere was smelling and very indecent, our schools dilapidated, hospitals became centers of death those were outcomes of bad leadership.

“We want to thank God that the storm is over. But we will not pretend that what happened in the past did not, because we are all witnesses . I want to assure you that from now hence forth the story will remain different”, Otti promised.

In a message, the wife of the Abia state governor, Mrs Priscilia Otti listed interventions by her office aimed at empowering Abia children, reducing out of school children, donation of school supplies among other initiatives requesting the revival of adult education and mass literacy centers in the state to bridge the literacy gap and foster a culture of life long learning.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Blessing Felix noted that the day is set aside to commemorate and cherish the potential of the children and honour the younger generation who would shape the future.

The Commissioner while pointing out that the present administration is committed to prioritizing the welfare of Abia children, advised parents to provide their children with the needed guidance to thrive in future and support their potential so as to be properly harnessed.

By Rozzita Iwunwa…

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture Abuja, has inaugurated a CH working group in Imo State to actualize improved Food and Nutrition Security for Imo People.

The CH group which cuts across relevant ministries that has to do with food and Nutrition Security analysis is saddled with the responsibility of data collation and analysis to tell the true situation of food and Nutrition Security in Imo.

In his address, immediately after the inauguration which took place in the office of IMO State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, the representative of Federal Ministry of Agriculture Abuja, Dr. Ali Sunday .O. said that data collated by the group will be used for planning and as well focus on Federal governments directions in area of intervention to actualize sustainable and improved Food and Nutrition Security in Imo.

“The analysis is evidence based the data we get from IMO we use to determine food security on Imo ….”

He expressed optimism that with the Calibre of Commissioner for Agriculture’s in the state, Imo will experience a turn around in the Agricultural sector.

Dr. Sunday however urged Imo people to go back to a agriculture irrespective of their career to promote Food Security.

In his address, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Chief Cosmas Nwabueze Maduba thanked the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security for the program and assured to create an enabling platform and to hit the ground running towards the actualization of the objective.

Chief Maduba said that Governor Hope Uzodimma is agricultural driven and appreciates agriculture adding that agriculture remains the basic requirements of any system that intends to survive.

He urged the team from the state ministry to work with mutual understanding with that from Abuja so as to actualize their mandate.

“Food is not just anything you see and put in your mouth. Any food that does not have required nutrients…..or meet required international standard is poisonous”

Maduba further assured that Imo is going to make maximum benefits out of the programs.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Imo State Chapter will on Saturday June 1, 2024 join other State Chapters of the Institute to hold a road walk to mark the diamond jubilee of the Institute.

Chairman of the Institute, Ever Bezze Nwosu made this known while speaking to newsmen in Owerri. He said the road walk tagged ‘Walking for Economic Transformation’ will be followed by the planting of 60 trees in the State as part of the 60th anniversary of the NIPR.

Nwosu disclosed that the road walk will commence at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri at 8:30 am, and terminate at Zanders Foundation located at School Road, Owerri.

He said the tree planting will take place at selected locations across the State to underscore the Institute’s commitment to a greener Nigeria.

The Chairman revealed that the double-edged event, which will feature several side attractions, is a colourful outing to celebrate and consolidate the impact of the NIPR across the nation and beyond.

Speaking further on plans for a successful outing, the Chairman assured participants of their security and safety as the Chapter was working with the Imo State Police Command and the State Sector of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Nwosu stated that members of the Institute, including veterans in the profession, will be part of the road walk and tree planting, adding that the general public is invited to be part of the events.