₦airaland Forum

shizzleStar:
All we need is a very responsible and reasonable governor in Abia state and indeed accross the entire SE with foresight, the willpower, determination, requisite knowledge and sincerity of purpose and this project is a done deal.

God bless Alaigbo both within and outside the South East

.

Things can only get better

Some tribal m0rons have been disturbing the peace of sane minds with their hallucination that Igbos would never be President of Nigeria which to every wise person is a complete fallacy based on a shipwrecked premise and logic. THE TRUTH AND THE REALITY IS THAT THE IGBOS WOULD BE THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA BY GOD'S GRACE SOON. THINGS ARE CHANGING IN NIGERIA FOR GOOD, THE DAYS OF OPPRESSION OF THE IGBO NATION IS LONG OVER !!! WHO WOULD BELIEVE IN YEAR 2000 THAT AN EASTERN MINORITY IJAW WOULD BE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA ? WHO WOULD BELIEVE THAT AN IGBO MAN WOULD BE THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE TALK LESS OF THE NIGERIAN CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF ? YET ALL THESE HAPPENED LESS THAN 10 YEARS OF NIGERIA'S DEMOCRACY. SO WOULD AN IGBO MAN BECOME THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA VERY SOON.

zlatansomto:
God bless you brother,. God bless Igboland..

Thanks brother

IGBOSON1:
^^^Yeah, but if it started last year surely by now we should be seeing some pics of on-going construction works.....as well as renders or a 3-D video of the project!?

Well, it is left for nairalanders who live close to the project to update us with pictures. People of Imo and Abia States are not loud mouthed people, so don't expect them to brag about the project.

IGBOSON1:
Any renders of the project? And if it's presently under construction how comes there's no pics anywhere?

I take any 'positive' news coming out of Abia with a truck load of salt......the Governor there is a huge disappointment!

My brother, this project started last year when the MoU was signed. FCMB Bank won't invest huge money there if this project was a joke.

OkijaAmaka:
Nice one, looking for the day a direct rail will be going to Onicha to Aba straight.

The plan for that is almost completed by FG

Things can only get better in Ala Igbo. This the time for industrialist and business men to come to the South East for investments and business. Already eagle eyed investors who can see huge profits and turnover from a distance are trooping to South East, Nigeria for investments. Why not you ? Your competitors are exploring, investing, developing and making good profits from Nigeria's huge South East markets. Why not you.

Ala Igbo Adila Mma !!!

Onitsha Businesses Look to Aba for South-East Corridor Expansion
November 25, 2014 | Filed under: Exclusive,main story | Author: GODFREY OFURUM
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Trading businesses in Onitsha, which has one of West-Africa’s largest concentraton of commercial activities are looking to Aba for a south-east expansion, on the back of the imposing Aba Mega Mall, which is currently under construction in Abia state of Nigeria.

The $300 million Aba Mega Mall project, promoted by Greenfield Assets Limited, an infrastructure development firm, to boost commercial activities in the region, sits on 25 hectares land and will on completion, consist of 5,830 ultramodern shops in four sizes of 12sq meters, 16sq meters, 24sq meters and 48sq meters respectively.

The facility will have provision for banks, security post; 25,000sq meters climate-controlled warehouse space, restaurants, entertainment centres, childrens’ play area and a massive parking space for over 5,000 cars.

Meanwhile the South-East Amalgamated Traders Association (SEAMATA), an umbrella body of traders in the South-East region of the country, has endorsed the project, which they describe as laudable.

The traders body urged their members across the country to support the project which they say is good for the region, as it is providing the needed infrastructure to ensure that they regain their place in commerce in Africa.

[b]Also on Sunday, over 120 business leaders, cutting across various markets in Onitsha, Anambra State and representatives of the business section of Onitsha Sports Club, took a tour of the facility, located at Osisioma area of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.

Innocent Agudiegwu, chairman, Onitsha Main Market, who led the group to Aba, to ascertain the extent of work at the facility, argued that it would change the face of trading and commerce in the South-East region.

“I am very impressed with what I have seen here today. What they are doing here is fantastic. You cannot get something like this in Onitsha. We have been expecting this kind of thing and God has brought it to our doorsteps and we are going to buy into it, “Agudiegwu said.

Ugo Umeseaka, managing director, Aba Mega Mall Limited, told BusinessDay that about 1,000 traders in Onitsha have indicated interest in buying shops in the mall. Umesiaka further said a cross section of traders from various markets in Onitsha had been taken to see the extent of work at the mall.

These, he said, included those who have collected their allotment papers to identify where their shops are.
[/b]
He attributed the fast pace of work at the mall to hard work and the grace of God. “We also believe that this project is a vision for the entire South-East and we are custodians of the vision and we are working hard to make sure it is realised and in good time, knowing that it will affect trade and commerce, it will drive poverty away and improve on the way people live in the Southeast.

“It will also attract foreign patrons and improve international trade, as many people from all parts of the world would trade comfortably, because of the facilities we offer.

He further said, “This is not your normal open market structure. There is security, constant power supply and a bonded terminal. It comes with a total package that supports any level of commerce all over.

“They are happy with the quality of work and we are assuring that we would maintain it and that in the shortest possible time, they would be buying and selling in the mall,” he promised.

Tony Orji, branch manager, First City Monument Bank, Faulks Road Branch, one of the major financiers of the project, assured the traders that the sum of N3.6 billion, the total money for the first phase of the project is ready.

Orji however explained that the project money was being released in tranches, and that the first tranche of N725 million has gone into the project already.

He commended the management of Green Field Assets Limited, owners of the mall, for prudent management of resources.

According to him, they have been frugal and transparent in the deployment of the money released to them. “That money was meant for ten structures but we are seeing is 15 structures springing up, which means that they have utilised the money well.

“The second tranche will be released soon. So the issue of funds has been taken care of, because we are seeing what the money is being used for. And we are happy that they have even surpassed what they were given.

“We are excited; doing this shop has given us that comfort that everybody will get their shops as they make their contribution. Another good thing about this project is that the company is not using off-checkers money to build. The money they pay is in their account and will not be touched until they complete their contribution, “he affirmed.

GODFREY OFURUM

http://businessdayonline.com/2014/11/onitsha-businesses-look-to-aba-for-south-east-corridor-expansion/#.VHSot8kjIdU

Why I want to return to Government House –Ohakim
0
By Our Reporter on November 25, 2014 Politics

Our Reporter: TAIWO AMODU, ABUJA

(amodu200910@gmail.com, 08059306448)

Former Imo State governor, Ikedi Ohakim is in the race for the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) governorship ticket. At an interactive session with newsmen at the party national secretariat in Abuja, he says he is determined to reclaim the State from governor Rochas Okorocha who defeated him in 2011. Ohakim flaunts his previous experience in the office as his competitive edge for the party ticket.

‘’ I have a learning core advantage which no other aspirant have. I have been governor before, no other aspirant in Imo had been governor.

I handed over to the present administration and I know what was where when I left office and I know what to retrieve when I go in.’’

At the moment, the APC is the party in government. Do you think your party, the PDP stands a chance again in Imo, given the fact that the incumbent governor defeated you in 2011?

Thank you very much, the chances of PDP is very bright . The APC is in charge of government today in Imo State, but unfortunately they aren’t in charge of power.

PDP is in power in Imo State, PDP is everywhere, there was a political aggression, I don’t want to go into what happened in Imo in 2011 , it is known to everybody. We won the 2011 election, but one thing led to the other and somebody was declared the winner. Today, everybody is crying in Imo State: men, women, children. Law and order has broken down, the economy is in shambles, we want to return Imo to sanity and everybody is crying.

To show you that people are aggrieved, my standing here today to speak— it may interest you to know that the artisans association, of over one million people actually purchased the form and contributed the money, all of them are saying I must come back to repair and put Imo State back to work, because we have the pan Imo structure, we had touched lives in all parts of the State and with the structure we have today, and with the support of the people, God being on our side, we can rescue the people of Imo State from the calamity that we have found ourselves.

The incumbent governor, Rochas Okorocha has said he is going for the presidential election, would you say he is shelving his second term bid because he is afraid he might not make it back to office?

Well, you are just telling me he isn’t going for governorship, but I know that he is going to run for governorship and I want you to read my lips. We know that he will eventually run for governorship and we pray that he runs for governorship.

Ahead of PDP primaries, there are so many of you in the race. What would you advance as your Unique Selling Points that you think will give you the PDP ticket?

We have formidable aspirants in PDP and that shows that it is the party to beat. If PDP isn’t strong, I don’t think people will decamp from where they were, to come and join PDP to run for election. I have a learning core advantage which no other aspirant has. I have been governor before, no other aspirant in Imo has been governor. I handed over to the present administration and I know what was where when I left office and I know what to retrieve when I go in. I can hit the ground running without making any other mistakes.

So, I think I have the advantage, because the structure we have in Imo State today, both the party and local government structure, development centers, those structures that were demolished by the present administration were inhabited by human beings and the party would harness them, if I am offered the ticket.

We must start from the known to the unknown, I can run with any candidate even the present governor, issue for issue. He has that advantage and I also have that singular advantage. I want to put a caveat; there is no aspirant in PDP today that cannot be a better governor. But the advantage I have is the pan Imo structure: I have the youths, the ten thousands youths I gave job, if you add their parents and relations, you get seventy thousands votes waiting to be harvested. The leader, the chairman of the ten thousands youth is there, the over one million artisans that bought my form to run for this governorship, the chairman is here.

So, everybody is united. The PDP giving me ticket will leverage on that and I can work with any of the aspirants, there will not be acrimony again.

You will agree with me that the strongest point of a chain is also its weakest point. The PDP today has array of gladiators. Now, the ward congresses have been concluded, acrimony has started. Do you believe that PDP will be able to manage this and not play into the hands of the opposition again?

Thank you very much. With God, I don’t think we will play into the hands of the opposition, because we know what is at stake. Acrimony and cataclysm are ingredients of politics and that’s what leaders are meant for— to be able to manage acrimony. So, I don’t think it is something new.

You left office for the incumbent governor, Rochas Okorochas. You are now going back to challenge the same person that defeated you. Is there any new blueprint in Imo State you haven’t presented, or you weren’t allowed to prosecute while you were in office?

I think this is a wonderful question. I am the only person that forgot the blueprint in government house! I know that everybody in Nigeria or all over the world knows that programmes and projects that create economy isn’t brick and mortar issue. You have to start from the drawing board until you go to the site.

The blueprint, which was a consensus blueprint of Imo State which I started need to be completed. If for example anything happens and I am not given the opportunity to exercise my tenure which is one more tenure to go, Imo State will be losing about N20 billion on uncompleted projects. And right now, if you look at programmes and projects we have started, most of them have suffered a lot of dislocations—some of the foreign investors have taken the present administration to court, we have over N4million judgment debt hanging on government. All the governance structures we erected have been demolished and that’s why people are craving that I should come back.

We erected the structures, we shall continue to complete our projects and seamlessly hand over to the next zone that should take the slot as the case may be. So, I have a blueprint, not Ikedi Ohakim blueprint, but the blueprint of Imo State— not one man blueprint.

You will agree with me that on assumption of office, the Imo state government set up a Committee, headed by one of the greatest Nigerian, Honourable Justice Chukuwudifu Oputa, who came out with the blueprint to be implemented called, ‘’The Pathway’’ and we were following it religiously. You will agree with me that in 2008 and 2009 Imo won the Federal Ministry of Environment prize as the cleanest city in Nigeria. In MDG, we scored number one, in rural development, we won World Bank prize, the Bank gave us $60million .

So, every programmes and projects we embarked upon what we have come to do is to complete the unfinished business.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=92479

Petroleum Minister Announces Injection of Additional 2.5bcfd of Gas to National Grid

on November 22, 2014 / in Business 1:38 am / Comments
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T he Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has announced an additional volume of 2.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of gas to the national grid from now till 2017 under a renewed medium term gas supply commitment from the various gas suppliers.

The Minister who disclosed this during the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with various gas suppliers to clear the N36.9b legacy debts owed to some gas producers noted that over 80 percent of the additional gas volume will go to the power sector to support an additional 5-6 GW relative to today’s capacity.
L-R; GMD NNPC, Dr. Joseph Thlama Dawha, CBN Governor Mr Godwin Emefiele CON, Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani Alison Madueke, Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, and Chairman NERC Representatives Commissioner Eyo Ekpo as HMPR, Minitser of Power,xCBN Governor, Chairman NERC, CEOs of IOC and NNPC GMD Sign MoU on Gas Supply at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. NOV 18 2014

L-R; GMD NNPC, Dr. Joseph Thlama Dawha, CBN Governor Mr Godwin Emefiele CON, Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani Alison Madueke, Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, and Chairman NERC Representatives Commissioner Eyo Ekpo as HMPR, Minitser of Power,xCBN Governor, Chairman NERC, CEOs of IOC and NNPC GMD Sign MoU on Gas Supply at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. NOV 18 2014

Mrs. Alison-Madueke emphasised that payment of the legacy debts which is the fallout of the intervention package brokered by the inter-agency committee made up of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Ministries of Petroleum Resources and Power and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) would ensure that appropriate security mechanism would be in place to ensure that gas sold to the power sector would be paid for thereby creating a viable and sustainable gas sector.

“Let me assure on short term progress in gas supply too. Today, the Utorogu/Ughelli gas plant is producing at its highest level as production ramps up from about 350mmcf/d a few months ago to over 400mmcf/d currently. We are also making good progress in the construction of the bypass gas pipeline to Alaoji, Abia State. This will add almost 100mmcf/d of gas to power Alaoji and Calabar IPP before the end of December. In addition, supply to Gbaran IPP is also being finalized for readiness before the end of December,’’ the Minister said.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke noted that with these projects, the target of 5000MW by the end of the year would be met from a gas availability perspective.

Speaking earlier at the signing of the MoU, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said that the MoU signaled the collaboration efforts among the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Power and NERC to intervene in the Nigerian electricity supply industry (NESI) with a view to resolving its liquidity challenges.

He said that other power sector value chain players must also agree to specific service-related commitments, which include, gas suppliers’ commitment to assured gas supply at higher volumes; and generating and distribution companies’ commitment to utilizing the funds for equipment/infrastructure acquisition, refurbishment and/or upgrade.

Emefiele explained that all parties will also be subject to additional oversight mechanism to be developed by NERC and CBN to ensure business continuity and that all power sector players meet obligations that are critical for continued electricity supply in order to ensure sustainability of gas to power projects in the country.

PIB ‘ll Boost Nation’s Hydrocarbon Reserve – Dr. Okon

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has noted that when passed into law, the Petroleum Industry Bill before the National Assembly would shore up the nation’s hydrocarbon reserve and impact the economy positively.

The Group Coordinator, Corporate Planning and Strategy of the NNPC, Dr. Tim Okon made this known in a panel discussion recently in Abuja.

Dr. Okon stated that the PIB would usher in an efficient acreage management system of the nation’s oil and gas resources which would naturally increase the national reserve and add more value to the petroleum sector.

He said the NNPC in the post-PIB era would become commercially driven and focus primarily on the oil and gas business without the encumbrance of regulatory function, adding that the Corporation would join the league of the Petronas and Petrobras of this world in the hydrocarbon business.

Dr. Okon noted that the NNPC is fully prepared for the passage of the bill, stressing that with the recent divestment of some of the International Oil Companies, the NNPC and its subsidiaries have risen to the occasion of managing some of the divested assets.

He added that the passage of the PIB has become very imperative as it would promote transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.

The NNPC Chief strategist said the delay in the passage of the bill has created an atmosphere of uncertainty which has stalled massive inflows of investment into the industry. He called on the National Assembly to expedite action and pass the PIB, adding that the bill, when passed into law, would promote the growth and development of the nation’s hydrocarbon business and generate massive employment opportunities for Nigerians in the sector.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/11/petroleum-minister-announces-injection-additional-2-5bcfd-gas-national-grid/#sthash.ntHlt82B.dpuf

Chinese, Nigerian firms to invest $40m in tractor assembly plant in Anambra

on November 25, 2014 / in Business 12:46 am / Comments
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By Michael Eboh

A Chinese firm, Xiamen XGMA International Trade Company Limited, has entered into partnership with a Nigerian firm, Richbon Group Nigeria Limited, to invest $40 million, about N6.4 billion, to set up a tractor assembling plant in Nigeria. This will lead to the local manufacture of XGMA tractors, heavy duty machineries and equipment.

naira-DollarXGMA, founded in 1951, is a Chinese national large-scale backbone enterprise, which specialises in manufacturing of wheel loaders, excavators, road construction machinery, forklift trucks and mini-machinery.

Speaking in an interview announcing the partnership in Lagos, Mr. Sahm Yap, Vice President Xiamen XGMA, said the assembling plant, which will be built in Anambra State, will be used for the manufacture of majority of its earth-moving machineries and will also provide job opportunities for about 5,000 Nigerians when completed.

Yap explained that Nigeria is an important market to XGMA and it is hoping to make it a centre for sales, after-sales, spare parts supply, financing and manufacturing.

He further stated that the company is currently in discussion with the relevant authorities and is about getting the necessary clearances for the assembling plant, adding that immediately the necessary approvals are secured, work will commence in earnest on the plant.

He said Xiamen XGMA is one of the major supplier of earth moving tractors and equipment in China and the world and has been eyeing the Nigerian market because of the opportunity it will afford the company to deploy its high quality products in Nigeria, and also look for other investment opportunities, especially in areas related to manufacturing.

He said, “Our machines are of the highest quality and the price is highly affordable, this is what we believe will give us an edge against other competitors in the Nigerian market.

“With the partnership with Richbon and when the assembling plant is concluded, our products will be an household name in Nigeria, especially in the area of civil engineering and construction.

“The partnership will create enormous job opportunities for Nigerian and will help attract the much-needed investments into Nigeria.”

He said the company is ready to transfer its technology to Nigerians and cooperate with Nigeria in achieving economic development, adding that the memorandum of understanding it signed with Richbon will serve as the starting point towards achieving these goals.

On its partnership with Richbon, Yap disclosed that it took the company a long time before it could get a company to partner in Nigeria, due to its commitment to quality and high standard.

“When we had the opportunity to partner with Richbon, we discovered that we had a lot in common and that our interests match. Since we started the cooperation with Richbon about a year ago, last year, we have seen a very good and long term partner and we believe it will be beneficial not only to both companies, but also to the Nigerian economy.

Also speaking, Mr. Chike Muonagolu, Chairman/Chief Executive officer, Richbon Group, said both XGMA and Richbon have signed an assembling agreement with two vehicle assembly plants in Nigeria, as regards the tractor assembling plant in Nigeria, adding that within the next 18 months, they intend to employ between 1,500 to 2,000 Nigerians in the initial stage of the project.

He expressed optimism that that the partnership will bring about increased patronage of the products by governments at all levels, corporate organisations and individuals. “Knowing that the products one is using is made in Nigeria will endear the products to Nigerians, especially as they will know that they can easily get spare parts, after-sales service among many other benefits,” he said.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/11/chinese-nigerian-firms-invest-40m-tractor-assembly-plant/

Imo State Internal Revenue Grosses Past N1bn Per Month

Imo State has grossed past the N1 billion mark in its internally
generated revenue (IGR) by end of September 2014, BusinessDay
reliably gathered from Chike John Okafor, the immediate past
commissioner of finance in the state, who has just resigned his
appointment to pursue a political career at the House of
Representatives by 2015.
The amount indicates an increase of more than 233 per cent
from about N300 million recorded by the state by end of May
2011, when the Governor Rochas Okorocha administration
assumed office in state.
Okafor, a former senior bank manager at Zenith Bank plc
Owerri, before being snapped up in June 2011, from the
financial world by Governor Rochas Okorocha, said, the IGR
jump was as a result of government’s moves to block most of
the revenue leakages in the system.
The Umuoke, Obowo local government area-born crown prince
and investment banker, said the State’s IGR profile grew from
N221m in March 2011 to N300m by June, and N400m in
October of same year, before hiking through 2012 to notch
N750m by close of 2013 fiscal year.
He said in 2014, the state’s IGR drive has changed
tremendously, as the state government’s method of revenue
collection has engendered confidence in the tax payers, who he
said, now feel no hurt in paying their taxes promptly, “due to
what they saw in the number of projects being built by the
Owelle Rochas Okorocha’s rescue mission government.”
“Imolites now have confidence in the Governor Okorocha’s All
Progressives Congress (APC) state government’s prudent use of
public funds to build projects that touch the lives of the
masses,” stated Okafor; adding that the revenue from internal
sources would keep on improving, as long as the rescue
government would be on the saddle in the state.
Explaining the public current view of perceived increased sources
of the funds for Imo, which may have informed the upsurge in
projects development, the Imo State University (IMSU)
Economics graduate said, the rising IGR, coupled with prudent
financial management of the Okorocha have combined to
accentuate things.
He said: “Imo only picks around N4.7bn from the Federation
Accounts Allocation Committee (FACC), whereas states like Akwa
Ibom collects around N32bn, Rivers 25bn, Bayelsa N18bn. Ours
is just the way we manage our funds with respect to projects
execution.”

http://businessdayonline.com/2014/11/igr-imo-grosses-past-n1bn/

Navy demands release of N4.5bn capital vote


By JOSES SEDE Last Modified: 11/24/2014 19:21:19
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ABUJA - The Nigerian Navy has expressed fear that if the outstanding N4.5 billion capital appropriation for the service in 2013 is not released, the contractual agreement it entered into for the supply of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) would be breached.


The Chief of Naval Staff, Usman Oyibe Jibrin, who disclosed this yesterday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Navy to defend the 2014 budget of the service, also said that any spending by the Nigerian Navy should be seen as investment which is capable of addressing the dwindling resources in the country.


He said that if the budget to the service is improved reasonably, it will help to empower the Nigerian Navy to have presence around the Nigeria’s territorial waters, adding that through this, they would be able to take care of the oil theft, pipeline vandalism, which he said, has been affecting the Nigeria economy negatively.


“It is the interest of the nation to equip the Navy to patrol the seas of the country. In the 2014 budget, we will need ships, helicopters, we also have to spend on baracks rehabilitation.

Expenditure of the Nigerian Navy should be seen as investment that would help the economy”, he said.


At this point, the Chief of Naval Staff advocated for the establishment of Naval Trust Fund, saying that funds realised through this approach would go a long way towards meeting the needs of the Nigerian Navy and develop the service.


“This is one way that Nigerian Navy could be developed, it is the way to develop the Navy as it is done in other oil producing countries”, according to him.


Meanwhile, in the presentation which he made to the Senate committee, the Naval boss said that in 2014, the sum of N171.4 billion was proposed by the service for Capital budget, but due to constraint of the envelop system, it was reduced to N7.9 billion, representing 4% of its proposal.


He also said that out of the N7.9 billion, N5.2 billion would be spent on Offshore Patrol Vessels, even as he said that the initial N23.1 billion proposed for overhead, was reduced to N5.1 billion due to the envelop system being operated currently.


He said the N5.1 billion, which represents 30 percent, is not enough to take care of the needs of the service, even as he said this would cause constraint in 2014 programmes of the service.


He added that in 2014, the Navy would spend N56.1 billion on personnel cost, even as he emphasised the need to establish naval base at Oguta Lake, saying the presence of navy there is highly needed.


http://www.nigerianobservernews.com/13032014/13032014/news/news2.html#.VHN3NckjIdU

CAN THE OGUTA CREW TELL US MORE ABOUT THE OGUTA PORT, IMO MARINE UNIVERSITY AND NAVAL BASE UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN OGUTA?

Charlesdonald:
Behold the new imo micro finance bank in owerri as commissioned by owelle anayo okorocha today

Where is the micro finance bank located ?

Imo State Internal Revenue Grosses Past N1bn Per Month

Imo State has grossed past the N1 billion mark in its internally
generated revenue (IGR) by end of September 2014, BusinessDay
reliably gathered from Chike John Okafor, the immediate past
commissioner of finance in the state, who has just resigned his
appointment to pursue a political career at the House of
Representatives by 2015.
The amount indicates an increase of more than 233 per cent
from about N300 million recorded by the state by end of May
2011, when the Governor Rochas Okorocha administration
assumed office in state.
Okafor, a former senior bank manager at Zenith Bank plc
Owerri, before being snapped up in June 2011, from the
financial world by Governor Rochas Okorocha, said, the IGR
jump was as a result of government’s moves to block most of
the revenue leakages in the system.
The Umuoke, Obowo local government area-born crown prince
and investment banker, said the State’s IGR profile grew from
N221m in March 2011 to N300m by June, and N400m in
October of same year, before hiking through 2012 to notch
N750m by close of 2013 fiscal year.
He said in 2014, the state’s IGR drive has changed
tremendously, as the state government’s method of revenue
collection has engendered confidence in the tax payers, who he
said, now feel no hurt in paying their taxes promptly, “due to
what they saw in the number of projects being built by the
Owelle Rochas Okorocha’s rescue mission government.”
“Imolites now have confidence in the Governor Okorocha’s All
Progressives Congress (APC) state government’s prudent use of
public funds to build projects that touch the lives of the
masses,” stated Okafor; adding that the revenue from internal
sources would keep on improving, as long as the rescue
government would be on the saddle in the state.
Explaining the public current view of perceived increased sources
of the funds for Imo, which may have informed the upsurge in
projects development, the Imo State University (IMSU)
Economics graduate said, the rising IGR, coupled with prudent
financial management of the Okorocha have combined to
accentuate things.
He said: “Imo only picks around N4.7bn from the Federation
Accounts Allocation Committee (FACC), whereas states like Akwa
Ibom collects around N32bn, Rivers 25bn, Bayelsa N18bn. Ours
is just the way we manage our funds with respect to projects
execution.”

http://businessdayonline.com/2014/11/igr-imo-grosses-past-n1bn/

Abagworo:
IGR: Imo grosses past N1bn

Imo State has grossed past the N1 billion mark in its internally
generated revenue (IGR) by end of September 2014, BusinessDay
reliably gathered from Chike John Okafor, the immediate past
commissioner of finance in the state, who has just resigned his
appointment to pursue a political career at the House of
Representatives by 2015.
The amount indicates an increase of more than 233 per cent
from about N300 million recorded by the state by end of May
2011, when the Governor Rochas Okorocha administration
assumed office in state.
Okafor, a former senior bank manager at Zenith Bank plc
Owerri, before being snapped up in June 2011, from the
financial world by Governor Rochas Okorocha, said, the IGR
jump was as a result of government’s moves to block most of
the revenue leakages in the system.
The Umuoke, Obowo local government area-born crown prince
and investment banker, said the State’s IGR profile grew from
N221m in March 2011 to N300m by June, and N400m in
October of same year, before hiking through 2012 to notch
N750m by close of 2013 fiscal year.
He said in 2014, the state’s IGR drive has changed
tremendously, as the state government’s method of revenue
collection has engendered confidence in the tax payers, who he
said, now feel no hurt in paying their taxes promptly, “due to
what they saw in the number of projects being built by the
Owelle Rochas Okorocha’s rescue mission government.”
“Imolites now have confidence in the Governor Okorocha’s All
Progressives Congress (APC) state government’s prudent use of
public funds to build projects that touch the lives of the
masses,” stated Okafor; adding that the revenue from internal
sources would keep on improving, as long as the rescue
government would be on the saddle in the state.
Explaining the public current view of perceived increased sources
of the funds for Imo, which may have informed the upsurge in
projects development, the Imo State University (IMSU)
Economics graduate said, the rising IGR, coupled with prudent
financial management of the Okorocha have combined to
accentuate things.
He said: “Imo only picks around N4.7bn from the Federation
Accounts Allocation Committee (FACC), whereas states like Akwa
Ibom collects around N32bn, Rivers 25bn, Bayelsa N18bn. Ours
is just the way we manage our funds with respect to projects
execution.”

http://businessdayonline.com/2014/11/igr-imo-grosses-past-n1bn/

This is good news

iwonbaoko: Maybe it is a slum that has been discussed severally on Nairaland with those who are your coevals mentally.

The issue here is food production. The SW is miles ahead of the SE in this regard. The land in the SE is barren and cursed. We all know this
Coming to tell all kind of juvenile lies changes nothing
Apart from the cursed land.Eboes do not believe in hard work but prefer to get rich quick through all manner of crime and deception.The Eboes see farmers as magas

South East Land is not barren or cursed. You need to see a doctor.

When i said Igboland is making giant effort in developing agriculture people taught i was joking. But from the information i have posted and from the ones am about to post it would become clear that every part of Igbo land are making good effort at developing agriculture which should be encouraged by all and sundry.



Anambra to Partner Thailand on Agricultural Production

382 Views August 04, 2014 No Comments Agro Business agronigeria

Anambra to Partner Thailand on Agricultural Production

The Anambra State Government may soon begin active collaboration with Thailand on agricultural production. Indication to this effect was made known during a visit by the Nigerian Ambassador to Thailand, Chudi Okafor to Governor Willie Obiano at the State House, Awka.

The collaboration will come in terms of expansion of knowledge and know how in the production of cash crops such as rice, cassava and maize. The Governor said his administration would soon send a delegation to Thailand to see to the terms of the collaboration.

The governor said the agricultural revolution programme of his administration would also serve to stem the tide of Nigerian youths ending up in Thailand prison’s for drug related offences.

“Nigeria has enough rainfall to grow any crop and restore agriculture as the primary foreign exchange earner,” he said.

On his part, the visiting ambassador assured the governor and the people of the state that the Thailand Business Community would support the government in its developmental schemes, especially in the agriculture sector. He said Thailand will be willing to provide skills and technical assistance to the state in diverse agricultural activities.

http://agronigeria.com.ng/2014/08/04/anambra-partner-thailand-agricultural-production/

iwonbaoko: Eboe land cannot produce food.Every child in Nigeria knows this .The land is godforsaken and barren.Please tell the world any agricultural product that is carried out of Eboe land for sale elsewhere.
But facts do not matter to these people they just wake up one day and tell us they are the largest producers of cocoa in the World, Onitsha market is the largest in the Milky Way and this is where NATO and the US come to buy drones and Patriot missiles. Orji Kalu is so rich he banks with the World Bank, Owerri is the largest producer of Cows and goats, Mgbidi is the largest producer of groundnuts, Adidas and Nike now make football boots in Aba,Facebook have moved their headquarters to Nnewi and on and on. What is even more shocking is how they tell all these stupid lies with a straight face and no shame!!

I don't blame you. Y0rigba land is a big slum where pigs cannot survive. Igbo land is blessed.

Below are some pictures of yoruba land

Pictures of Onitsha

Abia begins distribution of 600,000 cocoa seedlings to farmers

September 27, 2014 | Filed under: Agricultural Business,Breaking News | Author: Editor
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Gov. Theodore Orji of Abia on Friday inaugurated the 2014 free distribution of 600,000 improved cocoa seedlings to farmers in the state.

Orji said at a brief ceremony held at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, that the distribution of seedlings was part of government’s initiatives to reposition cocoa production in the state.

He said that the measure was geared toward making cocoa one of the mainstay of the state’s economy.

The governor said a monitoring team would be inaugurated to supervise the effective utilisation of the seedlings by the farmers to ensure higher productivity.

“I want Abia to occupy a leading position in cocoa production in Nigeria in the next few years,’’ he said.

Orji said the good features of the seedlings included their early maturing and high yielding prospects.

He said other efforts aimed at increasing agricultural production in the state included the recent N2 billion Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) facility for agro-based small-scale industrialists in the state.

He recalled that the 2012 CBN facility of N1 billion disbursement to farmers in the state was to encourage farmers and ensure food security.

The governor said that the Liberation Farms, set up in each of the three senatorial districts of the state had helped to train farmers in modern farming techniques and gave the assurance that government would continue to train and retrain farmers to ensure value addition to their produce.

He urged the people of the state to ‘’go back to land,’’ warning that although the nation’s oil wells would one day dry up, ‘’agriculture will never dry up’’.

Orji urged cocoa farmers to be more committed and not to allow cocoa farming to die, given its huge prospects in the transformation of the economy of the farmer, the state and nation.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Chijioke Onwutuebe, said distribution of free seedlings by the government started in 2012 with 350,000 seedlings.

Onwutuebe said the number was increased to 450,000 in 2013 and urged cocoa farmers to take advantage of the opportunity to improve their fortune.

Mr Sam Odoemelam, the Director of Agriculture in charge of the state-wide development of agriculture, said
the Ministry of Agriculture would intensify efforts to increase the state’s capacity in cocoa production.

Odoemelam listed the five major cocoa producing local government areas of the state as Bende, Ikwuano, Arochukwu, Umuahia South and Ohafia.

http://businessdayonline.com/2014/09/abia-begins-distribution-of-600000-cocoa-seedlings-to-farmers/#.VCq_AhYjIdU

Hilton Garden Berths in Owerri, Imo State

Hilton Worldwide Unveils New Modular Hilton Garden Inn
30 September 2014 , Source: Addis Standard
Hilton Worldwide, one of the leading brands in the global hospitality industry, has unveiled a new modular Hilton Garden Inn building solution for upcoming African Projects. Senior executives of the global brand announced this today where they have gathered to participate in the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) 2014 to be officially opened tomorrow at the Sheraton Addis Ababa.

Constructed in China by CIMC Modular Building Systems, modular guest room and hallways are built entirely in manufacturing plant conditions - leading to benefits of faster development, streamlined design, efficiencies of cost as well as quality control assurance, according a statement from the Hilton Worldwide.

As an already established technology in the UK, the fast paced construction solution will further enhance the growth for the company's well established presence within the continent, according to Simon Vincent, President of Hilton Worldwide for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

According to Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton Worldwide senior vice president of development for Europe and Africa for, the new approach is expected to increase the company's portfolio in the continent. "We believe that by offering this fast paced solution the owners and investors will see returns more quickly whilst guests will continue the quality and services of Hilton Garden Inn," he says.

Hilton Worldwide President Simon Vincent briefing journalists

Paul Blackmore, Managing Director of CIMC Modular Building Systems, the company that constructs the systems in China, expresses his firm's delight in working with Hilton Worldwide in Europe and Africa. Introducing this unique concept to these markets "will assist with satisfying the increasing demand for good quality hotel rooms that are able to be delivered at a fast pace."

Hilton Worldwide, with 4200 brands of managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties under eleven global brands, currently has 36 hotels operating across Africa, with 26 more hotels under development - nine of which are Hilton Garden Inn hotels. The company also announced the signing of agreements to open two more Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the continent: the Hilton Garden Inn Abuja Airport and the Hilton Garden Owerri, both in Nigeria.

Hilton Addis Abeba was first opened in 1969 as the first internationally branded hotel in the city. Currently fully owned by the government in Ethiopia and managed by Hilton Worldwide, Hilton Addis is one of the longest serving hotels in the continent.

http://m.allafrica.com/stories/201409300154.html/

More hospitality service providers are coming to Owerri because of the volume of demand for such services in Imo State. Imo State is one of the tourism and hospitality capitals of Nigeria.

Below are more pictures of Imo State. Ala Igbo amaka !!!

Some Hotels in Owerri Imo State

Hilton Garden Berths in Owerri Imo State

Hilton Worldwide Unveils New Modular Hilton Garden Inn
30 September 2014 , Source: Addis Standard
Hilton Worldwide, one of the leading brands in the global hospitality industry, has unveiled a new modular Hilton Garden Inn building solution for upcoming African Projects. Senior executives of the global brand announced this today where they have gathered to participate in the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) 2014 to be officially opened tomorrow at the Sheraton Addis Ababa.

Constructed in China by CIMC Modular Building Systems, modular guest room and hallways are built entirely in manufacturing plant conditions - leading to benefits of faster development, streamlined design, efficiencies of cost as well as quality control assurance, according a statement from the Hilton Worldwide.

As an already established technology in the UK, the fast paced construction solution will further enhance the growth for the company's well established presence within the continent, according to Simon Vincent, President of Hilton Worldwide for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

According to Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton Worldwide senior vice president of development for Europe and Africa for, the new approach is expected to increase the company's portfolio in the continent. "We believe that by offering this fast paced solution the owners and investors will see returns more quickly whilst guests will continue the quality and services of Hilton Garden Inn," he says.

Hilton Worldwide President Simon Vincent briefing journalists

Paul Blackmore, Managing Director of CIMC Modular Building Systems, the company that constructs the systems in China, expresses his firm's delight in working with Hilton Worldwide in Europe and Africa. Introducing this unique concept to these markets "will assist with satisfying the increasing demand for good quality hotel rooms that are able to be delivered at a fast pace."

Hilton Worldwide, with 4200 brands of managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties under eleven global brands, currently has 36 hotels operating across Africa, with 26 more hotels under development - nine of which are Hilton Garden Inn hotels. The company also announced the signing of agreements to open two more Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the continent: the Hilton Garden Inn Abuja Airport and the Hilton Garden Owerri, both in Nigeria.

Hilton Addis Abeba was first opened in 1969 as the first internationally branded hotel in the city. Currently fully owned by the government in Ethiopia and managed by Hilton Worldwide, Hilton Addis is one of the longest serving hotels in the continent.

http://m.allafrica.com/stories/201409300154.html/

2013 Harvest: Surplus Food In Imo State
Mon, Nov 18, 2013

In the South-east, particularly in Imo State, the people are predominantly farmers. The pattern of agricultural production in the state vary from one area to the other as areas like Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, Oru West, Oru East and Owerri local government areas among others that are oil producing areas, have different pattern of agricultural production compared to non oil producing areas of the state like Okigwe for topographical reasons.

Generally, 2013 wet season harvest has been very good in the state especially the high yield recorded on the three major crops that are commonly produced in the state which include cassava, yam and plantain. Evidence of good harvest could be seen in the large quantities of these crops in the market. A visit to all the markets in the state will certainly prove that there is abundant food and cash crops in the state. At Eke Umuagwo and Afor Umuapu markets in Ohaji/Egbema local government areas of the state visited by this reporter, there were different types of crops produced by farmers in the area.

A plantain farmer in Ilile Community in Ohaji/Egbema local government area, Mr. Monday Nwosu, said he has been in the business of farming and marketing crops and had noticed that there is high yield this year.

Mrs Roseline Eke, a cassava farmer, said cassava has become a major source of income and on each market day, she uproots cassava from her farm and takes to the market for sale. At the Orie Ogbaku market in Mbaitoli local government area, lots of people go to the market to buy and sell farm produce such as garri, cassava, yam, vegetables, waterleaves, plantain, banana, pineapple among others.

A yam farmer, Obi Udoka, said there are different categories of yam in the market which include yams from the north, Abakaliki and those from other parts of the state, adding, “A lot of buyers come from within and outside the state to patronize us.”
Mrs. Florence Nwaka expressed happiness over the good harvest recorded in the state, saying she has succeeded in having large quantities of cassava and yams from her farm.

Written by Johnkennedy Uzoma

http://www.fmard.gov.ng/news_inside/35

Anambra Signs MoU with Ekcel Farm for Tomato, Cassava Production

By COSMAS OMEGOH, Awka on September 30, 2014 · National

Anambra State Government yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an indigenous organisation, Ekcel Frams Limited, for the production of tomato and cassava. It was gathered that the undertaking would provide no fewer than 5,300 jobs in the first phase of its take off.

This development came on the heels of similar understanding between the state government and Joseph’s Farms on September 18, 2014 for rice production under the watch of Chief Willie Obiano.

Governor Obiano signed on behalf of the state government while oil magnate, Sir Emeka Okwuosa, chairman of Oil Serve Group, signed for Ekcel Farms, in Government House, Awka.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by some of the state commissioners including the former managing director of The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Tony Oyima, who is the Commissioner for Information, among others.

Also present were representatives of African Development Bank (ADB), Fidelity Bank Plc, an Italian company, Osterade Engineering and Manufacturing Company that will drive the initiative as well as prominent businessmen in the state like Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors and Dr. Ifeanyi Okoyoe of Jwell Phamacy.

In his remarks, Okwuosa said he was coming home to farm “in an industrial manner” not to make money but to set up factories to produce tomato and cassava with a view to creating jobs.

“We look forward to producing 250 tons of tomato and 400 tons of cassava when we start. For that to happen, we are hoping to employ 3,500 persons directly and 1,800 persons indirectly.

“The intention is not just to cultivate cassava but to encourage farmers to go into cooperatives and produce cassava so that we can buy from them,” Okwuosa said.

According to him, he intended to set up a model agricultural venture in the state and requested for enabling environment and infrastructure such as electricity, although he assured that his orgnisation would generate electricity from gas.

Responding, Governor Obiano thanked Okwuosa for his initiative, stating that he was a man of strong commitment.

“I have known Sir Okuosa for a long time. Nothing he puts his mind on goes bad. I am happy that he is ‘thinking home’. We have repositioned security in Anambra State. This is an opportunity for investors to come here and invest,” the governor said.

He noted that as part of his commitment to attract investors to the state, his administration would give investors certificate of occupancy (C of O) just in four days, saying: “We want to make Anambra State a place everyone can do business.”

Speaking to newsmen, Okuosa said he was encouraged by the governor’s gesture, noting that it was a clear invitation to him and others to come home and invest. He said the signing of the MoU was a giant step towards making Anambra State better.

Expressing optimism that when the industry finally took off, security challenges in the state would be drastically reduced, ha said there would only be calm in the state if people were provided with jobs.

He said that was one area through which he wanted to contribute his quota to the development of the state, insisting that the effort was not to make money.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=84019

Things can only get better in Imo State

Turkish Airline To Commence International Flight In Enugu
by 247ureports
September 25, 2014

By Larry Martians

President Good luck Ebele Jonathan has confirmed that Turkish Airline would soon commence international flight at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

This confirmation came while delivering a speech at his re-election rally
organized by Enugu Movement for the re-election of Jonathan held at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

President Jonathan, who was represented by his vice, architect Namadi
Sambo stated that apart from Ethiopian and Turkish Airlines, that other airlines such as America, British, France and many others would also
commence operation in the Enugu Airport.

Also he expressed delight over the high turnout and support of the people of Enugu state at the at the rally calling for the re-election of the president come 2015 presidential election.
He commended the state governor, Sullivan Chime for his numerous
achievements especially in the area of road construction, stating that
the governor has done well in many areas.

Governor Sullivan Chime who spoke earlier had assured that come 2015 general election, Enugu people shall cast hundred percent votes in favoure of president Jonathan, according to him, any other individual gotten votes from the state such would be regarded as vote cast in
error.
Chime urged the president not to waste energy and resources campaigning in Enugu State, rather the president should channel the resources to other states where there is need for campaign.

“You can go to neighboring states but not Enugu, Enugu is hundred
percent for Jonathan and PDP, we started this journey in 2011, we have
been doing it and we will be ready to deliver PDP in the forthcoming
2015 Presidential election” he stated.

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willy Obiano, who also spoke at the
occasion, assured President Jonathan that the All Progressive Grand
Alliance and Anambra State would deliver him hundred percent in 2015.
Obiano noted that APGA adopted Jonathan even before the ruling People’s
Democratic Party and further called for collective support from the
people of the South East Zone to ensure absolute realization of Jonathan’s
reelection bid.

More so, the former senate president, Senator Ken Nnamani said that the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, is prepared for any political battle in all the elections.

Nnamani who described President Jonathan as a leader who does not believed in noise making but focused in great achievement, stating that Nigeria had no other better candidate than Jonathan. He further maintained that the structure PDP has on ground helped the party to have chances of winning elections any time than other parties in the country.

http://247ureports.com/?p=56484

I commend the Ebonyi State government for this market.