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.

Governor Hope Uzodimma has assured the Children in Imo State in particular and their counterparts all over the country, that his government is committed to supporting them in every possible way to achieve their fullest potential in life.

Governor Uzodimma has also assured the Children that his government will continue to create an enabling environment that is badly needed by them, as future leaders of the country, to be what they want to be in a positive way.

The Governor’s reassuring comments were part of his good will message to commemorate May 27, a day set aside for Children globally, and marked with pomp and circumstance in Nigeria.

Taking to his social media platform, Governor Uzodimma counselled that it is important we celebrate our Children, not just on May 27, but every day.

His words: “To our Children, as you celebrate today, remember that your dreams are the building blocks of tomorrow’s successes. We are dedicated to supporting you in every possible way, building an environment where you can achieve your fullest potential.

“Therefore, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to all Imo Children for they are indeed blessings from God and embody the hope for our future. It is imperative that we celebrate them not just today, but every day, acknowledging their potential and nurturing their growth.

“My administration has introduced several policies and programmes designed to shape the future of our children, ensuring they receive quality education, healthcare, and a safe environment to thrive.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to implementing measures that guarantee their safety and overall well-being. Happy Children’s Day!”

By Jude Onyenedogha

Trinity High School, Oguta Old Boys Association, Owerri branch said it has invested over N200 million to transform its alma mater to its current modern status.

This disclosure was made by a member of the association, Surveyor Clement Nwabichie while fielding questions from our correspondent during the annual Trinity Sunday celebration which one of the Old Boys, Sir Sabastine Nwokeji hosted at his residence, Area G New Owerri.

“Go to the school and see what we have done. We have renovated the school into a brand new one. We have put in about two hundred million into the school. Very soon, precisely by next month, we will start the fencing”.

Earlier in his address, chairman of the occasion, Sir Ambrose Ejiogu described Trinity High School as “one of the leading schools in its hey daysbut still going through processes of recovering its lost glory courtesy of the efforts of the Old Boys”.

While appreciating Sir Sabastine Nwokeji for always being there for the association, Sir Ejiogu said the old boys which he described as a very strong one has invested a lot towards the transformation of the school, without which the school would have gone into oblivion.

Speaking on his reason for for spending a lot to host the Old Boys for three consecutive times, the host, Sir Sabastine Nwokeji said, “For me, this world is simple world…One day we will all die and go. What will people remember you for? Good or bad.

“These are my school mates. It’s better, the little you have, you share with your colleagues, brothers and Old Boys. It is just sharing, especially on a Trinity Sunday”.

On the essence of the celebration, Chief Nwokeji said the school took its name from the Trinity; God the Father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit, reason they always celebrate the event on every Trinity Sunday yearly.

“While we were in the school, we were observing it and when we left school and became Old Boys, we decided to continue it”.

Meanwhile some senior members of the association who spoke during the get-together, including chairman of the association who spoke through the PRO, Obinna Egbuchulam, the Secretary Barr. Miletus Nlemadim, Eze Prof. Dele Odigbo, among others, poured encomiums on Sir Sabastine Nwokeji for always standing tall for the association at times of need.

They noted that they had challenges for the hosting of the 2024 Trinity Sunday before Sir Nwokeji once again stepped out to feel the gap, adding that the hosting was lavish as different kinds of delicacies and drinks were served, while participants all ate to their satisfaction.

Over the weekend, the Imo State House of Assembly held a public hearing concerning the proposed Consumer’s Rights Protection bill, aimed at fortifying consumer rights within the state.

Held at the State House of Assembly complex, the event drew a diverse array of stakeholders, including consumer rights advocates, business owners, and government officials.

In his opening address, the committee chairman of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Johnleoba Iheonu, representing Ikeduru state constituency, underscored the bill’s necessity for the welfare of Imolites, emphasizing its comprehensive coverage of both consumer and manufacturer rights.

Throughout the hearing, attendees voiced their perspectives on the bill, emphasizing the urgent need for robust consumer protection measures, amidst rampant circulation of counterfeit goods within the state. Concerns were raised regarding product authenticity, defects, and the exploitation of consumers.

Hon. Dominic Ezerioha, chief sponsor of the bill and member representing Oru West state constituency, reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to upholding consumer rights, envisioning the bill as a cornerstone for consumer protection and redress mechanisms in Imo state.

Addressing the assembly, Chief Don Linus Onwukaike, representing the Director General of the Imo State Consumer Protection Council, underscored the bill’s significance in combatting substandard and expired products in the market, aligning with the initiatives of the Uzodimma administration since its inception in 2020.

The introduction of indigenous standard measurement cups, he noted, serves to safeguard consumers against fraudulent practices, ensuring equitable transactions and value for money.

Stakeholders, including High Chief A.I.C Nwachukwu of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria and a representative from Coca Cola Bottling Company, emphasized the pivotal role of effective regulation and enforcement in fostering fair competition and market integrity.

The public hearing marks a pivotal stride towards the eventual enactment of the Consumer Protection Rights bill, poised for deliberation by the House of Assembly in the coming weeks.

The high point of the event was the general acceptance of the bill by all who came around who describesit as human face bill that will better the lives of Imo people when finally signed into the law by Imo state government.

Enugwu Nanka village in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State has been thrown into darkness, following an assault on officials of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) by an indigene of the community.

An industrialist, Dr. Jacob Enemuo, whose factory is located in the community, lamented that the situation may lead to sack of over 400 employees from his factory if nothing was done.

Enemuo in a petition he sent to the Anambra State Government said that rift within the community, which was being caused by the leadership of the community was responsible for the disconnection of power in the area.

He accused the leadership of the community of shielding the man who attacked the officials.

He said: “For 10 days now, the factory has been closed because power supply has been cut off from the entire village. This is because some people in the community beat up EEDC officials who were on official duty.

“Though the action was wrong, since then, we have made efforts to restore power, but the President General of Nanka Patriotic Union and Ositadinma Development Union, Rev Canon Ifeanyi Ezeike and Mr. Emma Eze obi, respectively have been working to thwart our efforts.”

Enemuo said the attempt to keep the village in darkness may be the plan of the leadership of the community to get at him because he has perpetually stood against their atrocities in the community.

“Now, because they want to get at me, they are crippling the only industry in the village, and putting the livelihood of over 400 staff of the industry in the line. That is not fair.”
He called on Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to save Nanka from the grip of the leaders, who he said were being propelled by some powerful individuals in the community.
Attempt to get the reaction of the President-General of the community, Ezeike, was not successful as calls to his mobile phone remained unreachable.
Meanwhile, the EEDC, speaking through its Media and Communications Director, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, exonerated Ezeike, saying that he, in the company of other leaders, have visited a branch of the company in Ekwulobia to plead on behalf of the suspect who damaged their vehicles, and that the matter was being handled.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has reaffirmed his government’s dedication to bolstering the education sector within the state.

He highlighted that Anambra boasts the lowest rates of out-of-school children nationwide, a feat attributed to the substantial investments made by his administration in education.

Soludo made the remarks during the 2024 Children’s Day celebration at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Monday, May 27.

The event featured a march by school children and uniformed organizations, cake cutting, cultural dances, and a fashion parade, among other activities.

Soludo said: “We’re here to celebrate our future, our future and others who were not able to join us here. This is the third time I’ve witnessed Children’s Day since I assumed office, but this is the largest.

“I can see the glorious future of Anambra and Nigeria as we behold their face. We’re deliberately investing in our children, who are our bridge. For skills needed here and exporting them.

“In two years, we’ve employed over 8000 teachers because they’re our greatest asset. Currently, Anambra has the lowest out-of-children in the country. We are targeting making it zero.

“We’re having sleepless nights because of you. Roads will wash away, sky-scrapers will collapse, but investment in children will stand the test of time.”

While commending the teachers for their commitments to training the children, the governor assured that his government would not lower the bar in the recruitment of standard teachers, stressing that Anambra children deserved the best.

“We call on everyone to invest in education because it is everyone’s responsibility. If you can save the cost of your favourite brand of drink, you can buy a pencil for the child. That’s a way of investing in education,” he added.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo urged parents to offer their children the needed parent-child relationship and make their homes more conducive for them to thrive amidst challenges.

“Governor Soludo’s manifesto shows that enhancing the well-being of the Nigerian Child through quality education and skills development of the Nigerian child is possible and achievable to build a livable and prosperous homeland.

“Enhancing the wellbeing of the Nigerian child is not the sole responsibility of government. It requires multi-stakeholders synergy such as parents, and guardians whose major role focuses on creating the needed healthy environment for our children to blossom,” she said.

Paramount Ruler of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, HRM Ogwong Okon A. Abang, who was kidnapped in his Ebughu Palace has been released after payment of a reported N50 million ransom.

The State Police Spokesman, ASP Timfon John, confirmed the release of the monarch.

John simply said, “Yes, it’s true” he has been released, but didn’t give any insight as to whether money changed hands.”

According to a community leader, who pleaded anonymity, “The monarch was released early this (Monday) morning and I can tell you the abductors collected 50 Million Naira to release him.

“The community is bitter, especially from the realization that some youths from within were among the kidnappers. We have vowed to get to the bottom of this and bring them to book.

“This whole thing is induced by sheer greed and then envy by some mischievous community stakeholders over the exalted stool the Paramount Rulers occupy. Long may he reign.

“The monarch has been taken to a hospital for proper medicare and his wife who was shot while he was being abducted is recuperating fast and will be discharged soon.”

The abductors struck the palace at about 9pm on 18 May, with roaring gunshots as they dragged the monarch away, leaving his wife, Obonganwan Okon Abang, shot in the leg.

The incident had heightened worries over the escalating insecurity in the state, particularly the killing and kidnapping of important personalities, with the Oro ethnic bloc of the state most vulnerable due to its collapsed road network and the porosity of its waterways.

In its quest to ensure that Imo Citizens are protected from harmful products and services, the Imo State House of Assembly has carried out public hearing on the bill for a Law to establish the Imo State Competition and Consumer Protection Council, Provide for the Protection of the Consumer disputes and for connected purposes, 2024.

The public hearing was organized by the House of Assembly Committee on Commerce and Industry at the Assembly Complex, Owerri.

Addressing the gathering, the House Committee Chairman, Chief Johnleoba Iheoha stated that the purpose of the event was to allow members of the public take critical examination of the bill by making suggestions and input with a view to making it acceptable by all, when passed.

Chief Iheoha who is the representative of Ikeduru State Constituency, further informed that the bill if eventually becomes a law would protect consumers from bad products, eliminate hazardous and sub-standard goods from the markets as well as protect the interest of consumers from goods and services.

The Chief Sponsor of the Bill and member for Oru West State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly Chief Domnic Ezerioha hinted that it took him time to research on the bill to ensure that the bill achieves its purpose when it finally becomes a law, adding that the bill before now was a federal law which the House wants to domesticate for the benefits of the people of the State.

Chief Ezerioha further emphasized that the federal law has only one segment which tends to protect only the consumers’ right, but that on the course of domesticating it, the bill was segmented into two parts, the Competition And Consumers Protection Council which gave room for people who want to embark on production of goods to freely do so in order to provide alternative choices to consumers.

The Oru West Lawmaker also explained that the bill has 9 Acts, 97 Sections and other sub-sections which are geared towards making the life of every Imo Citizen simple and worth living.

By Vivian Iwu

The forum of Mbaise people in not less than 57 Countries of Europe known as “Mbaise Europe”, has kicked of the siting of a Diagnostic Center Project in Akuwa Ibeku Okwuato in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, of Imo State, Nigeria, West Africa, with the donation of over ten plots of land by the Traditional Ruler of Ibeku Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Onyekachi Enyinnaya Ukpabi, his Cabinet and entire people of Akuwa Ibeku.

Revd. Canon Augustine Nwaekwe, Board Chairman Mbaise Europe, explained that the forum is none Governmental avenue the Mbaise Diaspora men and women wishes to make positive impact in the lives of the people at home.

He emphasized their readiness and determination to carry out the project for the good of the people, pointing out that Mbaise Europe was very happy to be having the negotiation with the people of Akuwa Ibeku with the hope that it will bear good fruit.

The Reverend Gentleman commended Eze Onyekachi Enyinnaya Ukpabi (Eku Obajiubi 1 of Ibeku Autonomous Community) and his Cabinet on the smooth talk that resulted in the Land Donation and the eventful acquisition.

He equally thanked everyone who made it possible, including Ogbaturu Enyi, and His Worship, Bar. Emperor Iwuala who were on ground to witness the ceremony.

On his part, Evangelist John Franco Onyenali Onyeoziri, who is the Mediator in the Project, explained that the project would turn the Area into a Tourism Site, promising that the Project will bear much fruit in Ibeku, Mbaise and Imo State in General.

Evangelist Franco who was visibly elated explained that as one of the Board of Director’s member, he got wind of the plan for the Project and announced that his people of Ibeku would be delighted to donate the Land, He emphasized that the Mbaise Community in general and Ibeku in particular are bound to thank God for the Project because it is of immense benefit.

“It is going to be a Tourism destination. It will create Job Opportunities, it’s going to appreciate the Land value of the Area. People are going to troop down here to build Schools, businesses, factories and many Developmental Project to accelerate the development of Ibeku with this particular Project”.

On his part, Ogbaturu Enyi na Mbaise, who was at the Ceremony on dual capacity as a member of Mbaise Europe and as a representative of Ezuruezu Mbaise in Diaspora, thanked Eze Onyekachi Enyinnaya Ukpabi.

According to him, Ezuruezu Mbaise and Mbaise Europe are proud of Eze Onyekachi Enyinnaya Ukpabi, describing him as one of their Reference Ezes.

He promised that Ezuruezu Mbaise in Diaspora are willing to play any part assigned to it and would not disappoint.

Announcer Express Newspaper reporter Mrs Chinenye Chukwuma has lost her dearly father Chief Ezinna Marcellus Onyemauchechukwu Iwuagwu, aged 77 years.

In a press release by the family, late Chief Marcellus Iwuagwu who died on Tuesday 9th April 2024 at Madonna hospital (Emeakaraoha), Ihitte/Uboma LGA after a brief illness was conferred with chieftaincy title as Akaekpuchi Onwa 1 of Ikperejere by His Royal Highness Eze G.C Ogbenna Aro ji 1 of Ikperejere of the blessed memory on 26th December 2021, he was also conferred with Ezinna bu Ugwu title by CMO, Christ the King Parish Ikperejere on 18th of June 2023.

Late “MC General” as fondly called by many before his death held several position, like Chairman Uwabunkeonye age grade, Chairman Umura and Umunwagwu kindred, Chairman Group 4 CKC Ikperejere, presently as interim Chairman Umura Ikperejere.

He also belonged to Uboma Chief in Council, Ikperejere Chief in council and Ikpe-wu-kpe Chief in council.

Late Chief Marcellus Iwuagwu also retired as Chief security officer at Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Ihitte/Uboma LGA.
According to the release, the burial arrangement will soon be announced.

Late Chief Marcellus Iwuagwu who died at the age of 77, is survived by his wife, Ezinne Lolo Anna Iwuagwu, Mrs Ijeoma Opara daughter, Mrs Chinenye Chukwuma Nwokeji daughter, Mrs Okwuchi Ogbenna daughter, Mr Marcellus Anayo Iwuagwu (Jr) son, Rev Father Anthony Nnadozie Iwuagwu son, Comrade Ambassador Michael Chimezie Iwuagwu (Nze Vidic) son, and 9 grand children.

A call has gone to undergraduates and post graduate students of lmo state origin studying at different Institutions of learning to be good ambassadors of the state, by imbibing the virtues of discipline, respect to constituted authorities and shun cultism, exam malpractice , other social vices or any act that could be inimical to their academic pursuit as future leaders.

The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, made the call , when the executive members of the National Association of Imo State Students, studying at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Chief Iwu who enjoined them to imbibe the spirit of humility and discipline in life, further commended the students for uniting themselves as Imo indigenes and their brother’s keepers, especially in their concerted effort to showcase and preserve the lgboman’s cultural heritage from going into extinction.

The SGI, who recalled that Governor Hope Uzodimna recently delivered a world class lecture, with the theme: “Why Universities Should Lead the Way to a New Nigeria”, during the 52nd Convocation Ceremony of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, further described the Governor as a versatile and detribalized leader, and advised the students to emulate the leadership qualities of the Governor as future leaders.

He assured them of his support at their forthcoming Cultural Day Celebration slated to hold on the 6th of July, 2024, at the University.

Earlier in his speech, the President of the Association, Comrade Nwadinigwe Akachukwu Fortune, who congratulated the SGI on his recent reappointment also extolled his leadership qualities and said that they were on the visit to intimate him that the Association unanimously chose him as their Patron.

Speaking further, Comrade Nwadinigwe, said that they were also on the visit to formally invite the SGI and seek his support for their forthcoming Cultural day celebration, with the theme:” Imo(Igbo) Culture: An identity/ heritage not to be lost.”

According to the president, the aim of the event is to bridge the gap between the students and their cultural heritage, by way of inculcating, promoting and preserving Igbo cultural heritage amongst the students.

By Chikamnayo Imo

Last week Saturday’s urgly incident at the strategic Imo State University junction, Owerri, appears to have forced people of the State to seek Governor Hope Uzodimma’s ban on lorries from operating on roads within the day time.

This followed the fatal accident that occurred at the area, on 18th May, 2024, where over fifteen people lost their lives when a trailer failed its break and veered off its lane.

Worried by this unfortunate news, Statesman reporter sought the opinion of a cross- section of Owerri residents on what Government should do to curtail road accidents across the State.

A lecturer in the Department of Microbiology, Imo State University, Prof. Joseph Uwaezuoke described the accident as an unfortunate incident.

The former Head of Department pleaded with the Governor, Hope Uzodimma to limit the operation of heavy -duty trucks on day time.

“Government`s intervention to the alarming statistics of road accidents, especially those caused by reckless driving and activities of the lorries”.

A student, Jane Chukwuma, told Statesman that she was yet to recover from the rude shock of the incidence.

“I was there when the accident occurred. I was at the other side of the road buying a recharged card. Imo Government should construct a fly-over bride at the IMSU junction. Accidents are occurring on regular basis.

A food vendor, at the IMSU junction, Mrs Chioma Amadi, commended the present administration for the road bumps it constructed along Okigwe road since the accident occurred and however opined, that that measure is still not enough to reduce accidents that always occur on that road.

“Journalist, this road has claimed many lives of both the young, middle-aged and old people. What this junction requires now is a befitting Round-about”.

Speaking, A commercial bus driver, Mr. Inem Koko, from Akwa-Ibom State, said, lorries are supposed to be prohibited by the governor, suggesting from 12am to 4 am.

On whether Imo State government has plans to do so, it could not be established as at the time of filing this report because the Commissioner for Transportation was not on seat when Our correspondent visited the office.