₦airaland Forum

Voters registration exercise is compulsory, as Imo government shuts down Markets, Offices

GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE PRESS RELEASE The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has enjoined every eligible Imo indigene and residents to participate in the INEC Continuous Voters’ Registration exercise and collection of Permanent Voters Card scheduled for 7th – 17th November 2014. Governor Okorocha gave the directive while addressing Executives of the Community Government Councils (CGC), market associations, artisans, NGOs, as well as religious and traditional leaders in the State at the Imo International Conference Centre, Owerri. He sensitized the people on the need to participate in the Voters’ Registration and collection of Permanent Voters’ Card exercise, pointing out that the State government will shut markets and shops till 1pm and declare Friday work free day to give everyone an opportunity to be part of the exercise. He however warned that communities that fail to register the required number of voters may lose their autonomous status and other benefits. The governor expressed worries over the marginalization of Ndigbo, attributing it to nonchalant attitude of the Igbos in matters of national politics. He further regretted that instead of the over 3.5 million population of the State, only about 1.6 million is on record which he said has represented the Igbos as a minority tribe in terms of political office allocation. “We must act quickly under the present dispensation which our ugly situation points to us”, he stressed. On security, Owelle Okorocha said that the drastic reduction in kidnapping and violent crimes in the State remains the biggest achievement of the Rescue Mission government and appealed to politicians to refrain from the use of thugs in order not truncate the existing peace in the State. He equally warned parents to guard their children against involvement in crime as government has opened Black Book to fish out criminals. Unadike William C For: SSA Media Government House Owerri 5th November, 2014

http://www.imostateonline.com/releases/854-voters-registration-exercise-is-compulsory-as-imo-government-shuts-down-markets-offices

THIS IS THE SECOND MALL SHOPRITE IS BUILDING IN OWERRI, IMO STATE. THE 1ST MALL WOULD BE OPENNED IN MAY 2015, WHILE THE 2ND WOULD BE IN DECEMBER 2015 AS PLANNED BY THE DEVELOPERS BY GOD'S GRACE

Shoprite Lands in Owerri as Govt Promises to Support Private Developers
By admin On 16 May, 2014 At 08:45 AM | Categorized As News | With 0 Comments

OkorochaThe South African conglomerate, Shoprite, has concluded plans to open its second shop in the South-east, this time in Owerri, capital of Imo State as the ground breaking ceremony of the “Owerri Mall-Shoprite” took place yesterday at the former proposed site of Owerri Shopping Complex, otherwise called Somachi Complex.
The ground breaking ceremony which was done by the State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Jude Ejiogu, described the coming of Shoprite to Owerri as symbolic since it was happening in his administration, even as he promised to support the establishment as well as all other progressive investments in the state.

He assured that government will not relent until Imo state is well positioned like other states in the country, adding that his administration is geared towards generating employment for the people of the state, hence its support for the company that would give employment to the people of the state.

Okorocha challenged the company to keep fate with the construction programme by making sure that the project is completed within the 18 months duration, while stating that the security of lives and property of those coming in would be guaranteed.

In an address at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Owerri Mall Development Company, Chief Herbert Chikwe, noted that the idea of building a world-class shop in the city was conceived 30 years ago when the company awarded the contract to build the Owerri Modern Market in the place.

He said “the Shoprite, foreign investors from South Africa came to partner with us to establish a more contemporary shopping mall, this is a turning point in the history of our state in its efforts to build a new economy that will meet international standards.”

He assured the partners that the their investment in the state would be profitable and beneficial to both stakeholders as Owerri happened to be the city of commerce as well as the heartland of the South-east and South-south people.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/shoprite-lands-in-owerri-as-govt-promises-to-support-private-developers/178635/

6 states to benefit from BOI, Agric Ministry’s N13.6bn rice, cassava mills

on November 03, 2014 / in Business 12:53 am / Comments
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By Favour Nnabugwu & Raphael Izokpu

Sixteen states are to benefit from the N13.6billion pact entered into by the Bank of Industry, BOI and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as intervention funds for rice and cassava milling in the country.

The duo signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, for N13.6 bn loan solely targetted at the private sector at a maximum of 10 years with a 3-year cessation at 5 per cent interest flat rate per annum to 16 benefiting states.

Ten out of the 16 states – Benue, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Ogun and Anambra, are for rice mills while the remaining seven states – Ondo, Ogun, Abia, Delta, Cross River and Nasarawa are for cassava mills.

The Managing Director of BOI, Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa at the signing of the MOU in Abuja on Thursday, explained that the objective of the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda is not only to increase crop production, but also to create value-added food processing industries as a means of reducing food imports.

“And the whole idea of the fund is to enable this administration to advance the already successful agric transformation agenda and to take it to an advanced stage, by setting up 10 medium sized rice mills and 6 high quality cassava mills across the country.

“Over the last three years, a lot of activities have been undertaken to improve and encourage the local production of the items in Nigeria as we are now in the critical stage where there is a need for effective processing of the agricultural produce,” he said.

Speaking further, the BoI boss stated that the MoU will address the modalities of ensuring that the 16 states which the funds are meant for, materialised in few months time, adding that, “it is therefore hoped that by the time the 10 rice and 6 cassavas mills companies are fully operational, evidently, the amount of rice and cassava importation in Nigeria would be significantly reduced, if not totally eliminated.”

Responding, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural development, Dr Akinwumi Adeshina, said the federal government has resolved to bridge the milling gap in the country

Adeshina said the ministry had been able to reach out to “Within three years 6million farmers who cultivated two million hectares and have produced seven million metric tons of rice. He affirmed that the N13.6billion will integrate rice mills with a 36,000 metric tons capacity each from the 10 mills in those States and 72,000 metric tons capacity each from the cassava mills in the six States.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/11/6-states-benefit-boi-agric-ministrys-n13-6bn-rice-cassava-mills/

biafranqueen:
High Bp will not help you we are not here to compare states but to show that we will not continue to vote liars and traitors into office in Igboland. The thread I created for Anambra was lost and I did not allow the repeat of pictures. DO we know ourselves btw its like we are fighting by you big caps?

NEITHER WILL YOUR ID.OITIC REASONING HELP YOU. I AM TAKEN ABACK WHEN PERSONS LIKE YOU WITH "BIAFRA" USERNAME WHO SHOULD BE PROMOTING IGBO UNITY ARE BUSY DISPLAYING AND PROMOTING "DIVISIONIST" ATTITUDE. SHAMELESS HUMAN BEING.

Charlesdonald:
Imo state is already better so let's join hands and support the governor whom God used to make it possible..........GOV ROCHAS OKOROCHA

I taught you have some pictures of Owerri ? !!! If you do, kindly post it here.

biafranqueen:
That is all they can do he has spent trillions on those same 10 pictures

SHUT UP YOUR MOUTH !!! I HAVE BEEN TO THE ENUGU THREAD SEVERALLY AND YOU LOTS CONTINUE TO REPEAT THE SAME PICTURES FROM PAGE TO PAGE SHOWING INDEPENDENCE LAYOUT, ACHARA LAYOUT, ABAKPA AND SHOPRITE. YET, WE FROM IMO STATE RESPECTED OURSELVES. IN THIS IMO STATE THREAD WE HAVE SHOWN PICTURES OF OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE WHILE YOUR ENUGU THREAD LIMITS ITSELF TO REPEATING THESAME OLD PICTURES OF ENUGU.

THIS THREAD IS NOT ABOUT GOV ROCHAS OKOROCHA, THIS THREAD IS ABOUT IMO STATE

Ihedioha, Govs, Others Tear-Gassed at PDP Secretariat

07 Nov 2014

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010714F.Emeka-Ihedioha.jpg - 010714F.Emeka-Ihedioha.jpg

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha

Muhammad Bello in Abuja

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, Governor of of Kaduna State, Ramalan Yero, and the Acting Governor of Taraba State, Garba Umar, were among dignitaries in the premises of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat when a policeman on duty there surreptitiously released a canister of tear-gas in a crowded corridor on the first floor of the building.

Others on the corridor leading to the office of the National Organizing Secretary were Senator Abubakar Gada (Sokoto), Chairmen of House of Representatives Committee on Health and Sports, Ndudi Elemelu and Godfrey Gaya respectively.
Details later

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/ihedioha-govs-others-tear-gassed-at-pdp-secretariat/193435/

Shoprite Lands in Owerri as Govt Promises to Support Private Developers

16 May 2014

Amby Uneze
The South African conglomerate, Shoprite, has concluded plans to open its second shop in the South-east, this time in Owerri, capital of Imo State as the ground breaking ceremony of the “Owerri Mall-Shoprite” took place yesterday at the former proposed site of Owerri Shopping Complex, otherwise called Somachi Complex.


The ground breaking ceremony which was done by the State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Jude Ejiogu, described the coming of Shoprite to Owerri as symbolic since it was happening in his administration, even as he promised to support the establishment as well as all other progressive investments in the state.

He assured that government will not relent until Imo state is well positioned like other states in the country, adding that his administration is geared towards generating employment for the people of the state, hence its support for the company that would give employment to the people of the state.

Okorocha challenged the company to keep fate with the construction programme by making sure that the project is completed within the 18 months duration, while stating that the security of lives and property of those coming in would be guaranteed.

In an address at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Owerri Mall Development Company, Chief Herbert Chikwe, noted that the idea of building a world-class shop in the city was conceived 30 years ago when the company awarded the contract to build the Owerri Modern Market in the place.

He said “the Shoprite, foreign investors from South Africa came to partner with us to establish a more contemporary shopping mall, this is a turning point in the history of our state in its efforts to build a new economy that will meet international standards.”

He assured the partners that the their investment in the state would be profitable and beneficial to both stakeholders as Owerri happened to be the city of commerce as well as the heartland of the South-east and South-south people.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/shoprite-lands-in-owerri-as-govt-promises-to-support-private-developers/178635/

Retail soars as more shopping malls berth in Nigeria
November 7, 2014 | Filed under: Consumer Business | Author: Anne Agbaje
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The taste of Nigerian consumers is becoming increasingly more sophisticated by the day, especially among the upper and middle class who are big spenders at shopping malls such as Spar, Park ‘n’ Shop, Shoprite, Games, Addide, which parade exquisite products fully stocked all year-round and offering the widest range of products (over 25,000 products) to discerning customers.

Major Nigerian cities, especially Lagos and Abuja have, in recent time, seen what seems a revolution in the retail segment of the real estate market driven by the country’s encouraging demographics, changing household shopping culture, strong purchasing power and high consumer spend coming from the upper and emerging middle class population.

As the rebirth of shopping malls has redefined consumers’ lifestyle in the areas where they are established, the surge in the growth of Nigeria’s retail sector may not have seen the last of investors as Resilient Africa says it has seen a huge potential in the sector notwithstanding that it is still relatively immature.

A joint venture by Shoprite and Stanbic IBTC as development partners and Resilient Africa—a real estate investment and development company from South Africa – is out with an intention to develop as many malls as it can within the shortest possible time in Nigeria.

“The potential of this (Nigerian) market is unlimited and it is relatively immature. We see big international (European) retailers coming here in the next two to three years. I think Africa is the flavour of the moment and it is only natural for international investors to migrate to the continent,” Japie Swart, Resilient Africa’s chief operating officer told BusinessDay in an interview in Lagos.

Swart disclosed that they were already tapping into the opportunities which this market offers with the development of Delta Mall, a retail outlet sitting on 14,000 square metres gross lettable area estimated to cost $58 million on completion.

The mall which is located at Effurun roundabout in Delta State, Swart said, is a joint venture project involving his company, Delta State government and an undisclosed local businessman, adding that March 2015 has been set for the opening of the mall already 70-80 percent ready on construction side.“This mall occupies 14,000 square metres gross lettable area and there are 65 individual shops. About 70 percent of these spaces have been let and we are negotiating letting another 20 percent. So, we anticipate that the mall will be 90 percent let at opening. Shoprite as the anchor tenant and project partner occupies 3,400 square metres, Lifemate Furniture occupies 1, 100 square metres while Mr. Price occupies 650 square metres,” the COO said.

Delta Mall is one of the many shopping outlets that have come into the Nigerian retail sector to operate outside the traditional city centres of Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt and this development was explained by Matthew Chency, project manager, Resilient Africa at Tenant’s Forum in Lagos. “Wherever we see opportunity, we pursue it. All of us cannot just focus on the big cities. By doing that, we will be over-supplying the market there, but not tapping the opportunities in the rest of Nigeria,” he said, explaining that their choice of Effurun for the Delta Mall was based on available business opportunities and market research.

The mall promises modern facilities such as public toilets, a lift for accessing the first floor; parking space that will take 570 cars and, as an enclosed structure, it will be fully air-conditioned for climate control. The price per square metre of space ranges from $25 to $70 depending on the size and location of the shop space, and this price, according to Swart, is market-related and competitive.

For logistics reasons, Swart said their investment focus, for now, was on the Southern part of Nigeria, disclosing that they have broken ground for the development of another mall in Owerri that would be opened in December 2015.

“Our focus, for now, is on the Southern part of Nigeria from logistics point of view. We usually engage local contractors for our construction and we cannot move them about because we are not a construction firm like Julius Berger. Right now, we are using artisans and professionals from Nigeria to develop our malls”, he said, disclosing that the design of the Delta Mall was done by South African architects in conjunction with Nigerians.

In a related development, market is set to receive another major boost as Berverly & Sam Properties will be launching its upscale Purplestone Mall, Abuja into the market with not only a new development proposition but also a new shopping experience that will be pocket-friendly.

Though the developer says the choice of Abuja for the development of this mall was because of the ‘cheaper’ cost of acquiring land in Abuja relative to other locations plus the ease of doing business in the city, Abuja also presents investment and economic indices which investors find compelling.

With a rapidly growing population of 2.2 million, Abuja – Nigeria’s federal capital city – has become a very strong market comprising A and B level consumers which underpin the residents’ potential buying power. The city is said to have the highest per capita income in Nigeria and according to a recent study on the city’s consumer spend, there are over 68,000 households in the city with annual expenditure of over $150,000 per household.

Lilian Agbakoba, Berverly & Sam Properties’ MD/CEO, explained that Purplestone, in its residential and commercial developments, targets people at the lower level of the society, thus mall would be more affordable than its peers in order to reach this class of people.

The Mall, which is expected to open this November, sits on 300 square metres of land, offering 400 shop spaces and opportunities for banking halls, hair-dressing salon etc, and according to the CEO, these shop spaces go for prices 30 percent lower than those of known brands in town.

Apart from its state-of-the-art architecture, Purplestone Mall which is over 95 percent completed, parades amenities and services that make shopping a comfortable and convenient experience.

To rent a shop space in this Mall, the CEO said, a prospective tenant for the ground floor pays N25,000 per square metre; one that wants a space on the first floor pays 23,000 per square metre; rent on the second floor is N21,000 per square metre while service charge on all floors is N15,000 per square metre.

She disclosed that Purplestone as a brand has been on the vanguard for bridging the housing deficit in Nigeria estimated at 17 million housing units, pointing out however, that efforts at this commitment are constrained by factors largely beyond the control of developers like her.

The legal adviser to the company, Olisa Agbakoba, agreed, stressing that housing sector in Nigeria was in dire need of a legal framework to make it economically viable and secure for property owners.

According to him, there was need for a development law to break down development constraints which he listed as poor security, extremely weak commercial judicial systems, a generally weak legal system, impunity, corruption and an non-viable regulatory framework.

“These may be described as economic constraints. No economic policy will remove these constraints, but a development law can help remove constraints of no mortgage systems in Nigeria, by the repeal of the Land Use Act and erection of a new law on property,” he said, urging urgent action else the housing deficit which is growing at 10 percent per annum would hit 30 million units in the next 10 years.

The CEO hinted that they had plans to replicate the Purplestone Mall in Asaba, Abeokuta, Lafia, Ikorodu etc, adding that they had done some residential estates for young professionals who could afford N500,000 rent for self-contained apartments and also for those who could afford N2.5 million rent for two-bedroom apartments.

http://businessdayonline.com/2014/11/retail-soars-as-more-shopping-malls-berth-in-nigeria/#.VF0SuckjIdU

Diamond Bank Invests $465m In Aba Power Project

Saturday, 30 August 2014 16:25
Written by Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia

GEOMETRIC Power Ltd, a company chaired by former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, will soon commission its power plant in Osisioma Aba industrial area in Aba, Abia State.

Diamond Bank Plc is said to have invested $465 million in the project with a view to providing steady 24-hour power supply to Aba the major industrial hub of the southeast.

Managing Directorship of Diamond Bank, Dr Alex Otti, recently confirmed Diamond Bank’s interest in the project when he visited the state People Democratic Party (PDP) to consult with the executives on his intention to contest the 2015 Abia governorship election.

A group known as Abia First 2015 Project commended Geometric Power and Otti for the initiative.

The group who spoke through its Director of Media/Publicity said the project would reactivate moribund industries while boosting the artisan businesses in the town.

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/business/177065-diamond-bank-invests-465m-in-aba-power-project

What Atiku said is no longer news as the whole world knows that.

Sen. Izunaso Awards Scholarship To 30 Disabled Persons Distributes Keke, Computers, generators

Posted by admin on Nov 6th, 2014 and filed under News Extra. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Kpakpando Foundation for physically challenged persons, a charity Organization and the brain child of Senator Osita Izunaso, recently empowered over a thousand disabled persons in Imo state. The empowerment exercise was part of activities marking the Senators birthday celebration and the 9th Annual Anniversary of the foundation. The event which took place at the banquet hall of Imo state Government House, had in attendance physically challenged persons from the 27 local Government areas of the state and beyond. Speaking at the event, the founder of the foundation, distinguished Senator Osita Izunaso stated that the foundation was formed nine (9) years ago with a view to alleviating problems of the physically challenged persons in the state and beyond, pointing out that the foundation has produced graduates under her scholarship scheme. He further hinted that the foundation at the moment is building a special academy for persons with disability, stressing that the project is aimed at providing succor to the less privileged and being a brother’s keeper.
Still Speaking, the one-time Senate committee Chairman on Gas hinted that the foundation in this academic year will give out scholarship awards to (30) thirty deserving members of the foundation, which according to him, two will be for overseas scholarship. He further noted that the foundation will be sending three (3) of her members to Jerusalem for pilgrimage this year. The senator disclosed that one of the physically challenged persons empowered by the foundation has been able to employ five able persons, adding that that is the joy of the foundation.
The highlight of the event was award presentation to some deserving citizens of this great Nation and presentation of gift items to the physically challenged, ranging from Keke tricycles, generators, sewing machines, computers, wheelchairs, crutches, brails, mobility aids, and cash amongst others. Seemingly, awards were presented to the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the only party in the country that gives nomination form free to the physically challenged. Other award recipients include T.Y Danjuma Foundation, Governor Rotimi Amechi, Mr. John Okafor (Mr. Ibu) and Dr. Chuks Osuji. In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion and Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon Rotimi Ameachi, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru Lauded the generosity of Sen. Osita Izunaso, stressing that he seeks for the well-being of the disabled and not for selfish reasons. He opined that those who care for others, God will care for them and seemingly urged well to do individuals to emulate Senator Izunaso. Contributing, the National Chairman of APC and one time Governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun noted that charity improves the lives of the less privileged, pointing out that empowerments received from the Senator should encourage them to be independent. He seemingly lauded the giants’ strides of the State governor, adding that he has transformed the state immensely. Contributing the Executive secretary of the foundation, Prince Ezennia Denton Ogbuehi stated that the foundation was founded nine years ago, pointing out that the foundation has membership strength of over a thousand five hundred members. He further noted that the foundation delivers humane, effective and people oriented service to her teaming members and beneficiaries. Still Speaking Prince Ogbuehi posited that the foundation has worked strenuously to strengthen persons with disability in the society.
Dignitaries present at the events includes the State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Rivers State Deputy Governor Engr. Tele Ikuru, Senator Chris Ngige, Hon Chino Meleya, Chief John Oyegun APC National Chairman and members of his National working Committee, Prof. Tony Anwuka (SSG), Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu Speaker IMHA, Justice Ijeoma Aguguo, Prince Ezennia Denton Ogbuehi, Hon Eddie Mbadiwe, HRH Eze Oliver Ohanwe, Eze Obiefuna amongst others. Daddy Showkey and Mr. Ibu thrilled the audience.

http://www.imotrumpeta.com/?p=13187

IMO 2015: Ihedioha Receives Massive Endorsement from Isiala Mbano.
by ADMIN on Oct 30, 2014 • 4:50 AM 43 Comments

The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha received a massive endorsement in his bid to become the next Imo Governor come 2015 on the 25th of October, 2014 in the most unlikely places. Hon Ihedioha was wrapping up his statewide local government consultation tour with the last three local governments of Isiala Mbano, Ideato North and Oru East local government areas. But the Isiala Mbano case was definitely going to be a carnival of sort considering the man to be received and the strategic position of Isiala Mbano in the Imo State Politics. As expected, the significance of the Isiala Mbano visit was going to be illustrative of the real message of zoning and how the citizens of the area feel about it.
Despite the antics of those who wanted to scuttle the event, the event went ahead with a resounding success. Many have tried to play down the success of the Isiala Mbano visit without taking into account the realities on ground. Isiala Mbano LGA is the local government where two major contenders of the 2015 Imo PDP guber primaries come from. It is not far-fetched that the sentiment of the people would be divided across the two major contenders from the area. But in the midst of that sentiment a voice sprang up from within isiala Mbano and Okigwe zone. It is the voice of the progressives. The voice of truth, justice, equity and fairness. It is the voices of those who decided to be quoted for posterity, that in times like this when men who were beneficiaries of the good will of other zones, decided to rock the boat that once kept them, that it should be recorded that voices from Okigwe zone made it clear that truly it is the turn of Owerri zone to produce the next Imo Governor come 2015. Justice, equity and fairness justifies the agitation of the people of Owerri Zone at this time.
May it be known to all and sundry that in 2007 no reasonable man from Okigwe zone or Isiala Mbano would wish away the agitation of the people of Okigwe zone in fovour of someone from a different Zone. That message crystallized and enjoyed the affirmation of the other two zones of Imo State. In 2011, the Zoning debate still favoured Okigwe Zone and no one from the Zone betrayed that fact. But today it has become necessary that Isiala Mbano people rise up and be counted in the Imo political equation. The message was therefore clear. That we shall not allow sentiments becloud our reasoning, nor would we allow the interest of few individuals sway us from standing for that which we know is the truth. The endorsement of people of Isiala Mbano to the governorship aspiration of Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha is laudable and weighs greatly on the debate as to who should be the next Imo governor.
Emka2
The Saturday 25th October, 2014 visit of Hon. Emeka Ihedioha sent shock waves in the camp of his contenders. They felt it would amount to a defeat if their own citizens endorsed Hon. Ihedioha’s candidature at their expense. Therefore plans were made to scuttle the visit. However the personality charm of the chief host, Mr Chinedu Chukwuonye and the dexterity of the team Ihedioha campaign In Isiala Mbano, coordinated by Professor Obioma Iheduru made the event a success.
Unlike other visits, the Deputy Speaker paid three courtesy visits to three prominent leaders in Isiala Mbano. The three leaders represented each of the three clans making Isiala Mbano, to wit: Osuh, Ugiri and Mbama. The significance was to give their affirmation that Isiala Mbano are saying it is the turn of Owerri zone to produce the next governor of Imo State, and Hon Ihedioha is their choice. The massive turn out of men, women, youths etc was a clear statement that the people of Isiala Mbano have rejected the call to take up arms against Owerri zone on the issue of zoning.
But most importantly was the love, support and admiration the Deputy Speaker enjoyed in Isiala Mbano. The excitement was so much that the Deputy speaker who had another tour to attend in Ideato North LGA, never felt in a hurry to leave Isiala Mbano.
At the campaign ground, the speech of the Campaign Director General, Barrister Chris Okewulonu summed up what was the message of the people of Okigwe zone. Himself being from Okigwe zone and Obowo LGA precisely spoke in open words that the people of the Zone would not fall to the antics of selfish persons, whose desire is to cajole the people of the Zone. He reiterated the fact that other zones rallied round Okigwe zone when the zoning issue favoured them. He reminded the people of Isiala Mbano how ego and personality clash by the same two major contenders from the area, caused Isiala Mbano and Okigwe Zone to lose the Imo Douglas House in 2011. In his speech, the chief host Chinedu Chukwunonye told the waiting gathering that he would never lie to his people. He stated that Hon Emeka Ihedioha has been tested and certified as trusted. He said Hon Ihedioha keeps his words always. He therefore urged his people to rally their support towards him to make his bid for Imo guber a success. The head of Ndi-Nze, the traditional kingmakers also blessed Hon. Ihedioha and wished him success at the polls.
In his speech at the occasion, the Deputy Speaker went down memory lane, narrating how he consistently supported the cause of Okigwe zone to be governor in 2007. He also narrated how he supported the Ohakim administration while in government and during the 2011 failed second term bid. He therefore urged the people of Isiala Mbano to reciprocate the gesture of the people of Owerri zone by voting for him. Despite the attempts made to affect the momentum of the visit, the people of Isiala Mbano responded well to the message of Deputy Speaker.
No matter the way one looks at it, the message from Isiala Mbano is clear, that there are people of goodwill from the area who believe for the equity and fairness we all advocate, favours Owerri zone to produce the next Governor. And for the merit Imo deserves, Isiala Mbano people made it clear that no other person outside Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha is better prepared and competent to restore the rot in the Imo Government House come 2015. To God be the glory.
By: Kissinger Ikeokwu, Esq
Ikeokwu writes from Isiala Mbano, Imo State

- See more at: http://www.imostateblog.com/2014/10/30/imo-2015-ihedioha-receives-massive-endorsement-from-isiala-mbano/#sthash.cqmdzkzs.dpuf

Aba Mega Mall Nearing Completion

03 Nov 2014

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By NumeEkhegbe

The Aba Mega Mall, a retail development embarked upon by the Abia State Government, in conjunction with Greenfield Assets Limited, is said to be nearing completion.

Managing Director, Aba Mega Mall Limited, Ugo Umeseaka, who spoke with THISDAY explained that the first phase of the development is nearing completion. “We are almost at the commissioning stage,” he said.

[b]When completed, the mega mall which seats on top 28 hectares of land would have provisions for banks, cinema, and automated warehouse with bonded terminal, 10 megawatt 24 hours power supply, fire station, free e-commerce weblink for all businesses to enable online transactions to be executed between the businesses and their customers.

According to Umeseaka, two distinctive features stand the Aba Mega Mall out from other malls in Africa, saying with a 100,000 square meters leasable space, the mall is the biggest in Africa.

He explained that the concept of an e-commerce weblink for all the businesses, would enable buyers to transact business with the owners from anywhere around Nigeria and beyond.

He said, “We are proud of the e-commerce concept. As an online service, this is an idea that originates from a brick and mortar mall. It is a hybrid of the brick and mortar and online mall for people who, because of one reason or the other, cannot make purchases by visiting the mall.

“To make the process seamless, we are making arrangements so that shoppers within and outside Aba can have the privilege of transacting with all the businesses and having their purchases delivered to their doorsteps through courier companies such as UPS and EFEX.”
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The mega mall said to be effort by the Governor Theodore Orji administration to utilise the entrepreneurial spirit of the average Aba resident to its advantage by encouraging development of world class mall as decent alternatives to what presently obtains.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/aba-mega-mall-nearing-completion/193037/

More of Orlu, Imo State. You need to know how Orlu looks like 4 years ago before you can fully appreciate the changes Orlu have under gone. All Igbo cities, towns and Villages are witnessing improvements courtesy of government, private individuals and Organisations. Ala Igbo Adila mma !!!

Pictures of Orlu, Imo State.

The 1st picture is of the Orlu Shopping plaza under construction in Orlu.

Donmarrius:
RareDiamond,may God bless you billion times.

Thank you !!!

Etugo Oil to Set Up $60m (N9.6 Billion) Petrochemical Plant in Abia
November 5, 2014 | Filed under: Company News,main story | Author: GODFREY OFURUM
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petrochemical-plant

Etugo Integrated Oil and Petrochemical Industries Limited, an indigenous oil firm, is to establish a petrochemical plant, worth over $60 million in Mgbarakuma community in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.

The multi-product manufacturing plant expected to be completed in 12 months, would consist of a lube plant, plastic manufacturing plant, batteries, tyres and tubs as well as soap and detergent manufacturing plants.

Governor Theodore Orji, while performing the groundbreaking ceremony, Monday at the plant’s site, along Enugu – Port Harcourt Express Road, commended the management of Etugu Oil for investing in the State and promised to continue to assist the company to realise the project.

Orji urged other genuine investors to consider establishing in Abia, which according to him is secure and investors’ friendly.

Eboh Duke Okorie, commissioner for housing, Abia State, earlier in his address, observed that the establishment of the plant in the area, would provide job and related opportunities to the host community in particular and Abia State in general.

He also revealed that the State Government recently paid N20 million compensation to Mgbarakuma community for the 25 hectres of land they donated to the State, for the plant and other projects and appealed to the community to extend hands of fellowship to the company, by ensuring that the facility is protected.

Elizbeth Adeyemo, group head, Oil and Gas, Etugo Integrated Oil and Petro-Chemical Limited, in an exclusive interview with BusinessDay, revealed that the firm’s technical partners, Orelle Group of India, are already in the country, pointing out that the project, would be realised at the specified period of 12 months.

http://businessdayonline.com/2014/11/etugo-oil-to-set-up-60m-petrochemical-plant-in-abia/#.VFo98MkjIdU

Charlesdonald:
Owelle is my choice...what of you?

I have no choice yet.

Anambra plans to equip 500 youths with life-enhancing skills
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By Our Reporter on November 3, 2014 COVER

Anambra State Go v e r nme nt has concluded plans to en­gage 500 youths in a programme aimed at equipping the youths with new technological skills at the Technology Incubation Centre in Nnewi, the leading auto city in Nigeria.

Disclosing this during a facility tour of the cen­tre jointly owned by the state and Federal Gov­ernments, Governor Wil­lie Obiano said the 500 youths would be trained in various skills for a period ranging between one and six months after which the beneficiaries would be provided with seed monies to establish their own small scale businesses and become self-reliant.

The governor ex­plained that it was part of his administration’s youth empowerment programme to equip Anambra youths with life-changing skills that would keep them gainfully employed all through their lives.

According to him, all unemployed youths of the state, who had yet to register with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Science and Technology were advised to do so with im­mediate effect to ensure a place in the programme. Chief Obiano, however, revealed that no fewer than 4,000 youths had already registered in the scheme.

Governor Obiano also revealed that his admin­istration had perfected plans for the establish­ment of two more tech­nological skills acquisi­tion centres in the two remaining senatorial zones of the state to open more access to youths of the state to take advan­tage of the scheme.

The governor also promised that his ad­ministration would un­dertake the upgrading of the centre to enhance its functionality and ef­ficiency, assuring that he would build more struc­tures to accommodate additional students and machinery, landscape the entire premises to give it a befitting look and ex­pand the capacity of the solar energy supply to the centre.

He, however, urged the Federal Govern­ment to assist the centre with more machines and equipment to boost its overall value to the na­tion’s economy, noting that when its potentials were fully harnessed, it could provide an endur­ing solution to the nig­gling challenge of unem­ployment in the country today.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=89076

Chiwude:
Well done Nwanne, may God give you more strength to keep doing this noble cause for the Igbo nation. But can you also diversify a little and maybe post articles on Anioma areas. Little minding those who try to paint us as land grabbers, can you also add Etche, Obigbo and Egbema areas of Rivers state - at least these ones don't deny their Igbo origin. Simply make it more encompassing. Also articles of Igbos doing us proud in the diaspora might be a good thing to talk about. My own little suggestion though.

Thanks bro !!! Encouragement like your make me motivated to keep up the good works. Your suggestions have been noted but note that i would limit the news from Delta State to only the Igbo speaking part which i have started already.

ALA IMO STATE MARA MMA NKE UKWU !!! IMO STATE IS A BLESSED LAND. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS ALA IGBO. AMEN !!!

Ihedioha and Imo 2015

on November 02, 2014 / in Politics 1:14 am / Comments
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By Levinus Nwabughiogu

From the day he debuted in politics from a background so low, the story has not been anything short of success. This is the story of Chief Chukwuemeka Nkemakolam Ihedioha, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Ihedioha

Ihedioha

How it started

Ihedioha kicked off his political career in 1992 when he was appointed Press Officer to the then Senate President ,, Chief Iyorchia Ayu. Shortly afterwards, he was also appointed as Chief Press Secretary to the then Deputy Senate President, the late Senator Albert Legogie. But the Nigerian military cut short the life of that democratic process which affected Ihedioha’s appointment. When the ban for partisan politics was lifted, Ihedioha pitched tent with the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), which was one of the groups which formed the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998 as the Director of Publicity.

In that capacity, he played very crucial and prominent roles in the emergence of the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration at the dawn of the present democratic experiment in 1999.

At the formation of that government, Ihedioha was appointed, first, as Special Assistant to the Presidential Adviser on Utilities (July 1999); later, as Special Assistant Media and Publicity to the President of Senate (November 1999); and eventually Special Assistant on Political Matters to the Vice President (September 2001).

To other politicians craving for a place in the 360-member House of Representatives, it may be a struggle to get there but for Ihedioha, it was a call from his people of Aboh-Mbasie-Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency. And so, in 2003, he answered the call and got elected to represent the people.

Finding expression in what is fast becoming an aphorism that one good turn deserves another, Ihedioma got re-elected in 2007.

A first timer, he was made Chairman, House Committee on Marine Transport. He activities gave birth to Cabotage Law which drives the maritime industry today. In 2007, he headed yet another important Committee: Cooperation an Integration in Africa.

The lawmaker was to be elevated later to the post of Chief Whip.

The Imo State born politician got re-elected the third time in an unbroken stance from 2003. It was at this time that he emerged the Deputy Speaker of the House.

Ihedioha has won election to represent Aboh Mbaise /Ngor Okpala federal constituency in the House of Representatives three times since 2003. In all of those times, he was never a bench warmer as he was very visible. In fact, to most people, this was the credential that qualified him for the current office he is holding as the Deputy Speaker of the House. But having seen it all at the green chamber, Ihedioha has said he would not seek the office for the fourth time to enable the youth have a shot at the parliament.

Instead of returning to parliament, the people of Imo, his home, want him to come home and render the same, wonderful service he has given the country at large. To answer the call, the federal lawmaker, on Wednesday October 15, stormed the national secretariat of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to obtain the Expression of Interest Form.

Ihedioha’s aspiration is supported by his fellow lawmakers who accompanied him to pick the form. They included Hon. Jerry Alagbaso, Chairman of the Imo Caucus in the House; Hon. Jones Onyereri; Hon. Alphonsus Irona and Hon. Chudi Uwazurike.

The Deputy Speaker recently toured 24 of the 27 LGAs in the Imo State amassing support and goodwill of the people for his cause.

Interestingly, Ihedioha’s quest to succeed Governor Rochas Okorocha of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has the nod of key party leaders in the state. They included Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, leader of South Caucus of PDP and member, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the party; two-time former governor of Imo, Chief Achike Udenwa and Chief Francis Nzeribe, both of whom are key leaders of the PDP in Orlu Zone and the state; and Chief Fidelis Izuchukwu, a former PDP National Vice Chairman (South-East) of the party, and leader of Okigwe Zone.

Apart from the support of these eminent sons of the state, the zoning principle in the state is also in the favour of the lawmaker.

Reports say that of the three zones of Imo- Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe- Owerri zone is the most marginalized. And little wonder why the people are clamoring very strongly for power shift.

Bottom line

Though the odds favour Ihedioha, it is left to be seen whether the APC elements led by Okorocha would budge as the clock ticks towards 2015.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/11/ihedioha-imo-2015/

Imo State is beautiful

I pray God to help and restore Mubi, Adamawa State and Nigeria accordingly to his will

Imo State is Beautiful !!!

These are pictures of Onitsha NOT OWERRI

oneeast:
Wahali..owerre rin mma..

Imo Lifts Embargo On Employment

Posted by admin on Oct 24th, 2014 and filed under South East. .

Rochas Okorocha of
Imo State, yesterday announced the lifting of embargo on employment into the state civil service.
Okorocha who announced the lifting of the embargo while addressing permanent secretaries in the civil service who visited him at Government House, Owerri, explained that the recruitment would be made from workers already involved in the Youth Must Work Programme and in accordance with the civil service guidelines.
A statement by Jane O. Amucha, on behalf of Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, said the governor also disclosed that buses would be provided to convey civil servants to and fro their offices, free of cost, thereby easing transport burden.
Governor Okorocha pointed out that while politicians in other parties were concerned about elections, the All Progressives Congress, APC, was committed to executing more projects, completing and commissioning existing projects for the betterment of the state.
“There will be more projects and we will be stronger than when we started,” he said.
He thanked the permanent secretaries for working as a team and remaining dogged in their belief in the “Rescue Mission” government, not allowing political opponents to use them to fight government while he commended them for “being part of the success story in the state.”
Okorocha directed the Head of Service, HoS, to submit a list of senior officers who would be deployed as principal officers to supervise certain government projects and ensure proper maintenance.
Speaking on 2015 elections, Okorocha stressed the need to give Ndi-Igbo its rightful positions at the federal level and called on the people of the South-East to support any Igbo man vying for the presidential seat.
He insisted “I will neither allow the Igbos to be forgotten as a people nor tolerate the long years of marginalization Ndi-Igbo have suffered in Nigeria.”
Earlier, Imo State Head of Service, HoS, Mr. Calistus Ekenze, said they came to present birthday gifts to the governor as well as thank him for approving the celebration of the 2014 Civil Service Week in the state.
Mr. Ekenze explained that the celebration, which kicked off yesterday, would feature many presentations, starting with a march past competition among the Deputy Governor’s Office, House of Assembly and Ministries. He also appreciated the contributions of some sponsors in providing cash and items for a successful event.
The HoS used the occasion to invite Governor Okorocha to the grand finale holding on November 6, revealing that an award will be conferred on the governor by Imo workers on that occasion.

http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2014/10/24/imo-lifts-embargo-on-employment/

Imo Lifts Embargo On Employment

Posted by admin on Oct 24th, 2014 and filed under South East. .

Rochas Okorocha of
Imo State, yesterday announced the lifting of embargo on employment into the state civil service.
Okorocha who announced the lifting of the embargo while addressing permanent secretaries in the civil service who visited him at Government House, Owerri, explained that the recruitment would be made from workers already involved in the Youth Must Work Programme and in accordance with the civil service guidelines.
A statement by Jane O. Amucha, on behalf of Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, said the governor also disclosed that buses would be provided to convey civil servants to and fro their offices, free of cost, thereby easing transport burden.
Governor Okorocha pointed out that while politicians in other parties were concerned about elections, the All Progressives Congress, APC, was committed to executing more projects, completing and commissioning existing projects for the betterment of the state.
“There will be more projects and we will be stronger than when we started,” he said.
He thanked the permanent secretaries for working as a team and remaining dogged in their belief in the “Rescue Mission” government, not allowing political opponents to use them to fight government while he commended them for “being part of the success story in the state.”
Okorocha directed the Head of Service, HoS, to submit a list of senior officers who would be deployed as principal officers to supervise certain government projects and ensure proper maintenance.
Speaking on 2015 elections, Okorocha stressed the need to give Ndi-Igbo its rightful positions at the federal level and called on the people of the South-East to support any Igbo man vying for the presidential seat.
He insisted “I will neither allow the Igbos to be forgotten as a people nor tolerate the long years of marginalization Ndi-Igbo have suffered in Nigeria.”
Earlier, Imo State Head of Service, HoS, Mr. Calistus Ekenze, said they came to present birthday gifts to the governor as well as thank him for approving the celebration of the 2014 Civil Service Week in the state.
Mr. Ekenze explained that the celebration, which kicked off yesterday, would feature many presentations, starting with a march past competition among the Deputy Governor’s Office, House of Assembly and Ministries. He also appreciated the contributions of some sponsors in providing cash and items for a successful event.
The HoS used the occasion to invite Governor Okorocha to the grand finale holding on November 6, revealing that an award will be conferred on the governor by Imo workers on that occasion.

http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2014/10/24/imo-lifts-embargo-on-employment/

Waltersmith Raises $50Million For Topping Plant, Awaits Approval

Section: In the news · April 24, 2014 · No comments | Tags: featured
ftimg-waltersmith

Nigerian independent Waltersmith Petroman has raised $50Million, the entire funds required for the building of a 5,000BOPD refinery at its Ibigwe field in eastern Niger Delta. It is awaiting the approval of the Nigerian minister of Petroleum Resources to start construction.

“It has become imperative for us to do it”, says Abdurazaq Isa, the company’s executive chairman. “If you aggregate the losses we have suffered from vandalism of the Trans Niger Pipeline (the crude export line) since we started production in June 2008, it comes to over one year of production”, Isa explains. “Last year alone, we lost 120 days of production”.

Waltersmith produces 4,300BOPD at full throttle, but average monthly production in January, February and March 2014 have been between 3,500-3,800BOPD, largely because of deferments. Waltersmith has a Flowstation capacity of 15,000BOPD on the Ibigwe field. It hopes to source crude from nearby fields to feed the topping plant.

“We may not make as much money from the plant as we do in exporting the crude, but we won’t run at a loss”, Isa, a former banker, insists. “Imagine producing diesel and kerosene from our plant and distributing them around (eastern Nigerian cities of) Port Harcourt, Aba and Owerri?”, Isa asks. “We’d run better figures than anyone importing and landing and paying charges and coming from Lagos”. Isa restates the fact that the proposed 400,000BOPD refinery by the Dangote group “cannot meet the country’s domestic demand of petroleum products”.

Isa also sees the project in terms of social investment. Beneficiation of natural resources is a “legacy that we indigenous companies should leave”, he says. “In Britain, refineries contribute $3.87Billion to the local economy. It’s our duty to make that sort of contribution to our own economy. We will not lose money”

http://africaoilgasreport.com/2014/04/in-the-news/waltersmith-raises-50million-for-topping-plant-awaits-approval/