Imo - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Ismail Abdulaziz
May, Fri, 2025

Airmen gets 30-room transit accommodation in Imo

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By Peter Okolie

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, on Thursday inaugurated a block of 30-room transit accommodation for airmen of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) at Owerri, the Imo capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is located at the 211 Quick Response Group (QRG), NAF Base, Owerri.

In a speech at the event, Abubakar said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the base’s development and demonstrates commitment to enhancing personnel’s operational efficiency.

He said the project would assist to maintain highly motivated force in the fight against myriads of security challenges in the state and South East region.

“This achievements is commendable in curbing the prevailing security situation in Owerri and its environment.

“We are not oblivious of the threats posed by the activities of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), whose activities have continued to undermine peace and security in this region,” he noted.

Abubakar reaffirmed the readiness, commitment and resolve of the NAF to its constitutional mandate to defend the territorial integrity of the country as well as property and lives of citizens.

He said NAF would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to restore normalcy and stability in affected communities.

He charged those who would reside in the facility to uphold highest standards of discipline, professionalism and loyalty.

“The facility was not just in appreciation of your sacrifices but a reminder of your huge responsibility of crime fighting.

“Let this infrastructure inspire you to promote excellence and uphold commitment to duty,” he stated.

He said NAF had experienced remarkable transformation under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

“This is evident in the significant upgrade of our aircraft inventory and enhanced operational readiness.

“In recent years, we have bolstered our fleets with 15 cutting-edge aircrafts and we are set to receive more.

“Looking ahead, we are slated to acquire 49 additional aircrafts by 2026, bringing the total aircrafts to 64 new aircrafts in just three years,” he noted.

He said the new accommodation would expand operational capabilities, enhance quick response initiatives and empower the unit to execute its duties with increased precision, speed and effectiveness.

In a remark, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command NAF, AVM Usman Abdullahi, said the facility would foster optimal performance, boost morale and wellbeing of personnel.

Abdullahi further noted that it would reduce operational cost for personnel who traveled to and fro the city center.

He assured Abubakar that the facility would be utilised to enhance personnel performance and boost its relentless efforts in combating crime in the South East.

“Through our sustained operations, collaborations and community engagements, we have made significant strides in maintaining relative peace and stability in the South East region,” he stressed.

Abdullahi expressed the command’s resolve to protect lives and property as well as combat any security threat within their jurisdiction.

Also speaking, the Commander 211 Quick Response Group, Air Commodore David Bello, said the presence of Abubakar was a testament to his commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the unit.

“The new accommodation facility will boost our infrastructure and enhance our operational capabilities.

“Its accomplishment reflects the Chief of the Air Staff’s leadership philosophy which emphasises personnel welfare and infrastructure as a key to a motivated force,” he said.

Bello added that the facility would build on the unit’s recent successes, particularly in disrupting IPOB’s activities. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Imo to tackle unemployment, boost economy through local initiative

Ismail Abdulaziz
Apr, Wed, 2025

General News

Imo to tackle unemployment, boost economy through local initiative

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By Peter Okolie

The Imo Government has recommitted itself to addressing unemployment and boosting economic growth through the implementation of the One Kindred, One Business Initiative (OKOBI).

The Chief Economic Adviser to Imo Government, Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi, stated this at the second OKOBI summit and inauguration of OKOBI Students’ Club at Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU) at Ideato.

Amaeshi noted that Imo, with a population of approximately 5.5 million, was working to enhance its global visibility and reputation through this initiative.

“This OKOBI project is about the story of Imo to the world. It is not limited to just Imo or the South East,” he said.

He noted that 50 per cent out of the about 3.5 million young population of the state are jobless.

Amaeshi stressed that the state government only employed about 40,000 people which included teachers and civil servants out of the growing number of the unemployed.

The professor said: “This is a recipe for disaster, and that is a problem the governor of Imo is bent on solving through the OKOBI programme.

“Unemployment is not only the problem of Imo, it is also a problem of Africa.

‘’The World Bank data says that about 60 per cent of African youths are unemployed and the population of Africa is well over a billion.

“Unemployment figure constitutes what some people have described as social warming just like in the case of global warming for the weather,” he said.

He said that Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has started the Skill Up Imo programme and committed to training about 300,000 people with digital skills.

According to him, the Skill Up Imo has been used to train over 25,000 people currently.

“The governor also came up with OKOBI to support those who do not fit into the digital skill of Skill Up Imo.

“The whole idea is to enable unemployed Imo residents who share kindred spirit to create their own businesses. It is a group-based entrepreneurship programme,” he said.

The special adviser said the state government had already registered about 400 OKOBI businesses and engaged over 10,000 people within 18 months of the programme.

He advised students and other residents of the state to key into the programme, assuring them that the state government was ready to support good business ideas with start-up capital.

Amaeshi also commended the Vice Chancellor of KOMU, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, for being the first to attract the programme to a tertiary institution and to Orlu Senatorial District.

In a welcome address, Dozie said the theme of the summit aimed to explore actionable strategies to expand the reach of the OKOBI movement into Orlu Zone and to foster an environment for sustainable economic growth.

He said since assumption of office as substantive vice chancellor in 2021, the institution had recorded numerous achievements under his watch.

He highlighted the successful accreditation of programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the graduation of three sets of students and subsequent mobilisation for the National Youth Service (NYSC) programme.

“We have successfully held seven Public Lecture Series and preparations are on-going for the eight lecture.

“Indeed, we have restored public confidence in our institution which is reflected by an increase in enrolment from an estimated 320 students in 2021/2022 academic session to about 1,400 students in the 2024/2025 academic session.

“These modest achievements were possible with the firm support of the Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, who not only recovered the institution and restored its original status as a public university but has continued to support her growth and development,” he said.

He solicited the support of the state government and philanthropists in the areas of transformers, renovation and furnishing of staff quarters, and installation of solar light system on campus.

Dozie further solicited assistance in the development of KOMU Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition Centre as well as the donation of vehicles for use of staff and students.

Dozie announced the donation of N3 million to the newly inaugurated Club to help them establish businesses and carry out research projects.

Highlights of the occasion was the inauguration of the OKOBI Students’ Club as well as presentation of competition grants ranging from N2 million to N500,000 each to nine cooperative groups.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the Summit was “Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato Takes OKOBI to Orlu Zone”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tosin Kolade
Apr, Tue, 2025

Health

Imo Agency honoured for expanding healthcare access

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By Aderogba George

The Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA), has been recognised by the Institute for Managed Care and Health Insurance for its outstanding contributions to improving access to healthcare in the state.

The award, presented on Tuesday in Abuja, was tagged ‘Best Health Insurance and Managed Care Government Agency in Provider Network and Performance Management 2025’.

It acknowledges the progress made by the state in expanding health coverage and reducing financial hardship for patients.

Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Dr Uchenna Ewelike, Executive Secretary of the agency, expressed gratitude to the Institute for the recognition.

He described it as a testament to the state’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare under the leadership of Gov. Hope Uzodinma.

“We are very happy that the Institute has recognised the efforts we are making in Imo to ensure that residents have access to quality health services without suffering financial hardship.

“This is part of the shared prosperity vision of His Excellency, Dr Hope Uzodinma,” he said.

According to Ewelike, the state’s health insurance programme has played a key role in reducing maternal and child mortality and in safeguarding public and civil servants through comprehensive health coverage.

He noted that the governor has also taken decisive steps to extend the programme to pensioners and vulnerable groups across the state.

“To be candid, the governor has given enormous support to the Imo State Health Insurance Agency.

“In recent months, he has consistently paid premiums for civil servants at both state and local government levels and has commenced payment for pensioners.

“Furthermore, he has allocated millions of Naira to equity funds for the poor and vulnerable.

“Prior to the introduction of these initiatives, many residents, especially those in rural or underserved areas faced significant barriers to accessing healthcare, “he said.

The executive secretary credited Gov. Uzodinma’s leadership with reversing this trend and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable health system in Imo.

He explained that the agency has expanded healthcare access through four key programmes introduced under its health insurance policy.

They include: coverage for civil servants; support for the poor and vulnerable via the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF); the rebranded student health insurance scheme; and ImoCare, which targets the informal sector.

“From zero enrolment in 2022, the agency has now covered about 3.4 per cent of the state’s population.

“This progress is due to the confidence of stakeholders, the dedication of the IMSHIA team, and the governor’s continued support,” he said.

He added that the agency has managed 381,394 cases under the BHCPF alone, with a monthly utilisation rate of 35 to 40 per cent, the highest recorded nationally.

“Between April 2023 and April 2025, over 4,000 deliveries were recorded, including about 1,200 caesarean sections, with only one maternal death. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3,” Ewelike said.

He noted similar achievements under other programmes, with more than 12,000 cases managed, preventing many families from falling into financial ruin due to health expenses.

He expressed hope that the agency would continue on this path and earn further recognition in the coming year.

“We are truly grateful for this recognition and hope to win this award again next year, so that Imo people can continue to benefit from improved access to health services,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Institute, Dr Hope Uweja, commended the establishment of State Health Insurance Schemes across Nigeria, describing them as key drivers in the country’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

He said his eight years of experience in the sector had deepened his appreciation of the impact these schemes are making, and praised the states for their commitment to expanding health insurance coverage.

“If there is one aspect of our health insurance ecosystem that I particularly appreciate, it is the establishment of the State Health Insurance Schemes.

“These schemes are playing a significant role in paving the way towards achieving UHC in Nigeria,” Uweja said.

He congratulated the awardees and welcomed participants from across the country to the event, which recognised outstanding contributions to the growth of the health insurance sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that goodwill messages were delivered by Dr Salma Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health; Dr Yusuf Sununu, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs; and representatives from various states.

(NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Imo electricity commission inaugurates forum on customer complaints

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jan, Sat, 2025

General News

Imo electricity commission inaugurates forum on customer complaints

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By Peter Okolie

The Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC) has inaugurated a five-member forum to resolve customer complaints and appeals from Electricity Distribution Companies (EDC) in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum was set up, following the transfer of electricity market and regulatory function from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to ISERC in 2024.

In a speech at the inauguration of the forum, the Chairman of ISERC, Mr Bede Opara, said that the members were re-engaged from NERC Forum.

“The governor of Imo state, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, is optimistic about electricity situation in the state, and wants to generate a lot of jobs for the people.

“He wants the people to have electricity that is affordable and sustainable,” he said.

Opara also said that the governor had already secured partners that were already investing in the electricity sector in the state.

According to him, the governor is aware that many electricity consumers are not comfortable with the level of electricity supply and it is affecting businesses and standard of living.

“There is no way the commission will do well if we don’t listen and resolve complaints from the people,” he said.

Opara urged members of the forum to utilise their experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution to ensure the protection of the rights of both electricity consumers and suppliers.

He expressed the confidence that the forum would provide the needed feedback to assess performance in the electricity sector of the state.

In an acceptance speech, the Chairman of ISERC Forum, Mr Prince Uchegbu, pledged to carry out the objectives and aim of the forum.

“We assure you that the forum will ensure that electricity consumers give positive remarks about services in the state through our dedicated services of ensuring fair and just resolution of complaints,” Uchegbu said.

He urged consumers to put up their complaints to EDC.

“Once such complaint is laid to the electricity supplier, the distribution company is reasonably expected to resolve the matter within 15 working days.

“Failure on the part of the DisCo to resolve the issue being complained about, the customer now has the right to approach ISERC Forum for possible resolution,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

Imo students receive bank’s educational materials donation

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Thu, 2024

General News

Imo students receive bank’s educational materials donation

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By Peter Okolie

No fewer than 300 students of Imo state schools have received educational materials donation from the Polaris Bank Limited, in collaboration with Evolve Charity Trust, to inspire learning, especially among the girl-child.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three schools namely: National High School Arondizuogu, Iheme Memorial Secondary School, and Akokwa High School, all in Ideato North Local Government Area, benefitted from the gesture.

Presenting the items, the bank’s Managing Director, Mr Kayode Lawal, represented by the Business Development Manager, Urualla branch, Mrs Ifeyinwa Nwokoro, charged students to embrace the opportunities that education offers.

Lawal said the intervention was in line with the bank’s ongoing sustainability efforts aimed at reducing Nigeria’s current out-of-school children population and increase access to quality education especially for the girl-child.

“The intervention aims at educating the girl-child without limitations as some parents lament that they do not have the resources to educate them.

“It is also expected to support the Imo State Government’s free education efforts in public schools as well as discourage early marriages among the girl-child,” he added.

He added that the school essentials including sandals, bags, school uniforms, books and other writing materials would help the beneficiaries attain a certain level of education in life.

Lawal said since the commencement of the Corporate Social Responsibility intervention in 2020, the bank had been working with Evolve and other stakeholders.

According to him, the bank has reached out to 15,000 students in over 35 schools across Imo, Kano, Lagos, Abuja, Kogi, Rivers, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.

“The project which contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) of United Nations (UN) hopes to reach 50,000 young girls in eight years.

“This year, 1,000 students across 10 designated public secondary schools, will be reached in five states,” he disclosed.

Also speaking, Mr Godwin Ejeh, the Project Manager of Evolve Charity Trust, a non-governmental organisation, said the objective was essentially to reverse the effect of global warming.

“The objective is essentially to reverse the effect of global warming following a research that if you educate the girl-child, you contribute to reversing the impact of global warming which is what gave birth to the project vision.

“So far, the global number of students that have benefited is over 25,000,” he disclosed.

While appreciating the donors, the Principal of National High School, Arondizuogu, Mrs Chike Anaekwe, commended Polaris bank and the NGO for the items.

“The school, parents and students appreciate what Polaris bank and partners have been doing over the years. Not every parent can afford some of these items at the moment.

“We will be very grateful if Polaris bank continues this gestures,” Anaekwe said.

Two elated beneficiaries, Miss Victory Chukwuye from Iheme Memorial Secondary School, and Master Chika Utazi from Akokwa High School, expressed their excitement over the gesture.

“These educational items will help us to further our education and achieve our life goals,” Chukwuye stressed.

“I am so excited about this. I have been wearing slippers to school, but now I can wear sandals and good uniform to school,” Utazi said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Imo receives m WB good governance support- Official

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Thu, 2024

Economy/Business

Imo receives $4m WB good governance support- Official

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By Peter Okolie

The Imo State Government has received a four million dollars (N6.8bn) World Bank fund for its promotion of good governance and accountability in the ease of doing business.

The Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Mr Declan Emelumba, announced this at a press conference in Owerri on Wednesday.

Emelumba said that Imo was among the four states in the country that qualified for the fund under the World Bank’s State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme for Nigeria.

According to him, the states were assessed under efficiency of land administration, and regulatory framework for private investment in fiber optic infrastructure.

OOther qualifications include services provided by investment promotion agencies and the efficiency and transparency of government-to-business services in the participating states.

He said that the state excelled in the four criteria, which qualified it for the reward to consolidate the programme.

He described the award as a “testament to the government’s commitment to progressive governance, economic empowerment and sustainable development”.

Emelumba said that under the focused administration of Gov. Hope Uzodimma, the state had introduced firm policy initiatives to improve land administration, enabling seamless land registration and boosting land-based investments.

“Through transparent governance, Uzodimma has boosted the confidence of investors in the state, especially in the area of digital connectivity.

“Contrary to the submissions of critics of the government, Uzodimma has been working very hard, interacting with investors within and outside Nigeria to buy into the investment opportunities available in the state.”

The commissioner said that Imo had made giant strides in strengthening its investment promotion agencies to ensure that they attracted the best investors to the state.

He said through emphasise on efficiency and transparency in government to business services, the state had engendered a culture of accountability in its relationships with relevant stakeholders.

He commended the governor for providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state, which attracted the attention of the world bank.

The commissioner said that the fund would be used for advancing key reforms and reinvested in infrastructure, including offering support to micro, small and medium-size enterprises. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah