Setting the Agenda for the Imo state Governor

It's almost 90 days since the Imo state Governor, His Excellency Emeka Ihedioha, was inaugurated as the executive governor of Imo State. His emergence as the executive governor came as a relieve to Imo indigenes and lovers of the state as his predecessor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, turned the state into a personal empire; supervising the gradual decay of the ''eastern heartland’’. The Governor so far had started slowly but strategically. Slowly in the sense that there is no major ''digging and pulling down'' of structures in the state as witnessed in the last administration. The governor, in my opinion, is very strategic as he appears to be more organised in his actions and have avoided the haphazard approach in handling state projects as witnessed in the last dispensation. However, the days of jamboree and merrymaking are officially over, and it is time to set the ball rolling as the task ahead is enormous.

As it's traditional, there are a lot of expectations and genuine concerns of Imo indigenes as to the areas the governor is expected to show his strength and demonstrate commitment as some critical areas of the state are currently in comatose. Let me set the stage for the governor by listing seven (7) critical areas of the state that needs urgent attention. I call these areas the ''development catalyst'' as they set the foundation, quicken the pace and speed of growth in modern societies.

Infrastructure- This cannot be overemphasized as it's importance in the growth of modern economy remains invaluable. The governor should make concerted effort towards ensuring that major connecting roads in the state are properly constructed to aid free flow of intra/inter-city vehicular movements. Roads leading to Mbaise/Uwuahia, Okigwe/Mbano, Onitsha Road, Assumpta/PH road etc needs urgent attention as they are the major connecting roads to the city capital, Owerri. The governor should also empower the local governments to construct street roads. Proper drainages and erosion control channels should be provided to avoid flooding during rainy seasons. The infrastructural needs of the state are enormous and the governor should do well to begin with the most basic.

Education-Imo state is one of the major exporters of skilled manpower in Nigeria as evidenced in the statistics released by major educational agencies. This is as a result of deliberate plans by past governments to make education a priority area. The governor should revitalise the technical colleges in the state and turn them into centres of excellence in skill acquisition. Major infrastructural needs of schools should be addressed, and competent, qualified teachers be recruited. There is also need to upskill the skill set of existing teachers and those identified to be chronically deficient in their subject areas should be encouraged to seek alternative employment. Inter/intra school competition in the area of sports, academics and artistry should be re-introduced to encourage and enhance healthy competition among schools. Special education centres and programmes should be introduced to enhance the education of ''gifted'' kids and pupils requiring special attention etc. At the tertiary level the governor should focus on the provision of the basic teaching aids and amenities. Timely and prompt payment of salaries and entitlements. Introduction of competitive scholarship opportunities for Imo indigenes and provision of opportunities for exchange programmes. These and many more will enhance the learning process and ensure that we produce graduates who are competent both in theory and practice.

Health[/b]- [b]the major focus of the governor at the interim in this sector will be to ensure that basic healthcare needs are addressed. Issues such as availability of drugs for treatment of common ailment, provision of adequate health personnel especially at the rural areas, provision of basic healthcare amenities, ensuring that there are functional health centres in each electoral ward of the state etc. Partnership with private sector healthcare providers will also enhance the healthcare delivery process.

Security- this is a major challenge in the state as the spate of kidnapping, petty robbery and cult related activities are on the increase. Most kidnapping and armed robbery incidence are completely under-reported. The governor should strengthen the security intelligence network to ensure seamless information gathering and dissemination to appropriate security agencies. There should be 24hours security surveillance along PH road, Ohaji/Egbema axis as major kidnapping incidents occur within that vicinity. etc.

Youth Empowerment-This cannot be overemphasized as it forms the cornerstone of any successful government. The new government should initiate programmes and projects that will empower the youth and enhance their overall competitiveness in the global market place. Skills in I.T, language, sports, craft etc should be imbedded in the youth development initiative.

Agriculture- the concern of the government in this regard will be to initiate activities that will enhance farm mechanisation. This can be achieved through the provision of single digit interest loans to farmers with longer maturity. Pest control services and basic training on farming procedures should also be extended to rural farmers etc

Tourism/Entertainment-Owerri is the entertainment hub of the south-eastern Nigeria. The governor should continue to initiate programmes that will make the state attractive to those seeking fun and relaxation.

Imo indigenes are optimistic that the new administration will bring good tidings to the state. However, the government should remain committed in delivering its mandate in the shortest time possible. The time to start is now.

Chamberline

We have only one agenda for Ihedioha, just deal mercilessly with Rochas and his gang.

Fake governor

Hmmm ha agenda is this one setting ?! I know only of his agenda to retrieve the house Okorocha built for his girlfriend n how he recovered ladies undergarments in the building, no more now less. This Ihedioha right here is a foolish governor that will learn Imolite for 8 years before they learn never to test talk of trusting PDP ever again.

Aye Ihedioha ti ta !

Ihedioha will be a disaster to imolite.

IHEDIOHA is a deserters to IMO state as governor.