Uzodimma - News Agency Of Nigeria

Lydia Beshel
Aug, Wed, 2025

Uzodimma approves N104,000 minimum wage for Imo workers

83 total views today

Wage

By Peter Okolie

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants in the state.

Uzodimma made this known during a meeting with various labour union leaders on Tuesday night at the Government House in Owerri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor increased the minimum wage from N76,000 to N104,000.

Similarly, the minimum wage of doctors was raised from N215,000 to N503,000, while that of tertiary institution teachers increased from N119,000 to N222,000, among others.

He said Imo citizens had faced numerous challenges since his government took office, including insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardship from reform policies, and disputes over minimum wage and subsidy removal.

“There is no way any government will do well if it doesn’t have a friendly and cordial relationship with the organised labour.

“When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows.

“This is our way of investing in Imo people. Government believes in stimulating political and economic activities, carrying bureaucrats along, and making sure that workers’ welfare was highly respected,” he said.

Uzodimma said that the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had grown from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly.

According to him, in 2020, we were receiving allocations between N5 billion to N7 billion, but has increased to N14 billion.

“In 2020, the state recorded a debt profile of over N280 billion but has reduced to less than N100 billion,” he added.

The governor recalled that when he assumed office in 2020, the major infrastructure in all sectors were totally collapsed.

He said a lot had been expended to rebuild the collapsed infrastructure especially roads and combating the insecurity challenges.

He stressed that the removal of fuel subsidy had equally raised the cost of living in Nigeria as much as it had its own advantages.

“It is a thing of joy that we have started seeing the dividends of that bold decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove fuel subsidy.

“What government is confronted with now is how to ensure that the dividends of that policy trickles down to the common man on the street.

“Cognisant of the fact that our effort has started yielding dividends and that our IGR had improved and that reform policies of the President has also increased our allocations to sub-national governments, every responsible government must be transparent about it,” he said.

The governor further said that the state government will on Aug. 27, begin payment of the last batch of gratituity of N16 billion owed pensioners in the state.

He said his administration had carried out major reforms in the health sector, including initiating health insurance scheme and equipping health facilities to ensure world class treatment for Imo citizens.

He said his government had keyed into the Federal Government project of establishing 1,000 businesses in every active INEC ward.

He charged labour unions to unite to foster good working relations between labour and government,

Uzodimma, who solicited for value addition from workers, also cautioned them against unethical practices and redundancy at work.

Responding, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Uchechigemezu Nwigwe described the increase in minimum wage in the state as “victory for the entire work force in the state.”

Nwigwe said Uzodimma did not only rescue the workers from the economic challenges, but made the state one of the highest in payment of minimum wage.

“Today, no worker in Imo will say you (Uzodimma) have not been fair to us,” he noted.

Nwigwe prayed God to continue to protect the governor, assuring him that workers will reciprocate the gesture with more diligent, efficient and effective service.

Also speaking, the state Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Mr Uchenna Ibe, also lauded the governor for his “strong political will in taking up strong projects, including the increase in minimum wage.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Uzodimma urges collective efforts to combat plastic pollution

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jun, Fri, 2025

Environment

Uzodimma urges collective efforts to combat plastic pollution

306 total views today

By Peter Okolie

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has called for a collective effort to combat plastic pollution in the state and the country at large.

Uzodimma made the call at an occasion to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day in Owerri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s campaign is “Ending Plastic Pollution.”

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the harmful impacts of plastic waste on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Chinyere Ekomaru, challenged scientists and researchers on development of new technologies to reduce plastic pollution.

“The theme for this year celebration resonates deeply with our shared collective responsibility to protect the planet, especially in view of the threats posed by plastic pollution.

“Everyone is a stakeholder in this venture and we must unite to protect and preserve our common planet,” Uzodimma stated.

In a keynote address, the Executive Director of Ike Odoeme Foundation, a non-profit organisation, Sylvie Marie, said her organisation had initiated some programmes to help combat plastic pollution in the state.

Marie announced the establishment of a Recycling Education and Training Centre to end plastic pollution in Imo and Nigeria at large.

She said the Foundation had initiated a tree-planting campaign to combat environmental degradation, particularly in erosion-prone communities across the state.

The executive director expressed concerns over plastic wastes which had continued to invade rivers, pollute lands, endanger wildlife, and also compromise the health of the people and their future.

She said the Recycling Education and Training Centre would not only equip youths with waste management skills but also empower them to create solutions, generate income, and protect the planet.

Marie said: “Our dream is of a Nigeria where every individual lives in dignity, enjoys a clean and safe environment, and contributes meaningfully to the future we all share.

“The centre will provide hands-on skills to young people on how to convert plastic, cans, and paper into useful products.

“The Ike Odoeme Foundation, has fabricated sample collection bins, which will soon be placed in schools and communities across Imo and some selected states in Nigeria.

“Though the full recycling programme is still underway, these bins are as an important first step in promoting source-level plastic waste collection,” she noted.

She said the tree planting campaign at the Otammiri River bank, targeted erosion-prone areas using indigenous and economically viable trees.

Some of the trees include Ugba (African oil bean), Ukwa (breadfruit), Ube (African pear), and avocado, and would be planted to protect the environment and provide long-term benefits to communities.

“Each tree planted is a barrier of protection, a source of sustenance, and a gift to future generations.

“If we do not protect the land, the land will eventually reject us,” she emphasised.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mr Ejikeme Emenike, applauded the Foundation’s interventions and pledged continued government’s support.

“This is the kind of partnership we encourage. By integrating civic responsibility with policy, we can transform our state into a cleaner, greener, and safer environment,” he said.

In a lecture, Prof. Maurice Obasi, who analysed the causes and consequences of plastic pollution in Nigeria, called for policy reforms, public education, and community-driven solutions to the crisis.

Also, an environmental expert, Dr Emeka Obi, warned against the health and ecological risks of indiscriminate plastic disposal, advocating for stronger enforcement of sanitation laws.

Highlights of the event was the unveiling of sample recycling bins for plastics, cans, and paper as well as a symbolic tree-planting session led by the governor and other dignitaries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz