News
Economic Development: Evaluating The Impact Of Hope Uzodinma’s Policies On Igbo Businesses
By Tambaya Julius
The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), prominent sociocultural organization representing the Igbo community globally, has undertaken a mission to assess the aftermath of the destruction caused by Governor Hope Uzodinma’s actions.
Various establishments including All Seasons Hotel, Mimi Relaxation Place, and Havana Cinema have fallen victim to the perceived adversarial moves by the government and its officials.
This incident has raised concerns about the impact on economic progress and tourism potential within Imo state.
Speaking on-site at the premises of All Seasons Hotels in New Owerri on August 16, 2023, Comrade Igboayaka O Igboayaka, the National President General of OYC, expressed deep regret over what he termed the tyrannical and bloodthirsty actions of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration.
He alleged that these actions seem to be driven by political vendetta rather than a genuine commitment to the development of the state.
Comrade Igboayaka O Igboayaka highlighted that Governor Hope Uzodinma’s approach appears detrimental to Igbo economic development.
He emphasized that the governor lacks a substantial footprint in Imo state or the broader Igbo community, as he has failed to create significant employment opportunities for the youth.
This is in stark contrast to figures like Evangelist Myke Ikoku, the Chief Executive Officer of All Seasons Hotel, Mimi Relaxation Place, and Havana Cinema center, who have contributed to job creation by employing over five hundred direct and indirect staff.
Evang. Myke Ikoku stands out as a noteworthy entrepreneur, having relocated his businesses from the Southwest to Igboland.
His actions align with the philosophy of “Aku Ruo Ulo” an Igbo principle centered on contributing to local growth and prosperity.
Despite being a People Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and initially supporting Governor Hope Uzodinma, he distanced himself when he found the administration’s conduct to be incompatible with his values.
One of the issues at hand is the destruction of the premises of businesses like All Seasons Hotel, Mimi Relaxation Place, and Havana Cinema.
These establishments, managed by Evang. Myke Ikoku, have played a pivotal role in employing a significant number of Imo youths.
The destruction of such enterprises raises questions about the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and supporting employment generation.
The allegations against Governor Hope Uzodinma’s government extend beyond economic concerns.
The administration has been criticized for its focus on political vendettas rather than initiatives that genuinely benefit the youth.
This sentiment is echoed by the Ohanaeze Youth Council, which calls upon progressive and unemployed Imo youths to scrutinize Governor Hope Uzodinma’s policies ahead of the upcoming November 11th Governorship election.
The stakes are high, as the choices made in this election could either address the concerns of rampant unemployment and poverty or perpetuate a climate of economic stagnation and insecurity.
The OYC urges Imo youths to take an active role in shaping the state’s future, as their votes can either usher in positive change or prolong the challenges they currently face.
As the Imo state Governorship election approaches, the spotlight remains on Governor Hope Uzodinma’s governance style and its implications for the state’s economic landscape.
The actions and choices made today will determine whether Imo state emerges as a thriving hub of economic opportunity or continues to grapple with the shadows of unemployment and stagnation.
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The Taraba State Government, in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has successfully intercepted eight trafficked children who were en route to the South East and Cameroon.
In a statement to journalists in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, revealed that the children had been deceived and transported to various southeastern states in Nigeria.
According to her, the children were trafficked to locations such as Aba, Onitsha, and Imo State under the false pretence that they were orphans.
The interception took place in Gembu, the headquarters of the Sardauna Local Government Area, where it was reported that the traffickers were seeking additional children to abduct.
Mrs. Sinjen affirmed, “Thanks to the prompt response from the Ministry and NAPTIP, eight of the children have been safely returned to Taraba State.
“The primary suspect, Mrs. Patience, along with several of her accomplices, has been apprehended and is currently in custody as legal proceedings commence.
“Search and rescue operations for other trafficked children are ongoing.”
She further emphasised that the state government will not tolerate any unscrupulous individuals who exploit children’s rights for illicit gain.
“This administration is wholly committed to ensuring justice, rehabilitating victims, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration to combat child trafficking,” she stated.
“We urge all residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as the welfare and protection of our children is a collective responsibility.”
In the meantime, authorities in Taraba have reiterated the importance of community vigilance and reporting any suspicious activities, stressing that safeguarding children requires a unified effort.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has assured that all security challenges facing the nation will be effectively addressed by the year’s end.
This statement was made during the launch of attack drones and the demonstration of locally produced bombs, developed by a homegrown technology firm.
The event was attended by security specialists and senior government officials, as General Musa showcased the indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to the audience.
Accompanied by Ajao Adewale, the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, and Caleb Mutfwang, the Governor of Plateau State, General Musa emphasized the ongoing bureaucratic obstacles in acquiring military equipment from abroad.
Governor Mutfwang stressed the urgency for decisive measures against insecurity, calling on leaders to prevent any entity within the nation from possessing military capabilities.
The operational features of the UAVs were also demonstrated, with General Musa expressing satisfaction with this advancement, labeling it a pivotal step in combating insecurity in the country.
A coalition of youth organisations has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to reconsider its wanted tag on socialite, Dr Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, OFR.
The organisations, Niger Delta Youth Council for Good Governance and Middle Belt Youth Stakeholders’ Initiative said this in a joint press statement they issued on Thursday in Abuja.
According to them, the declaration of Achimugu wanted by the anti-corruption agency came to them as a rude shock.
The joint statement was signed by Comrade Emma Niboro and Ali Ameh for Niger Delta Youth Council for Good Governance and Middle Belt Youth Stakeholders’ Initiative, respectively.
They described Achimugu as a dedicated friend of the youths, who had always shown commitment to the welfare and care of the downtrodden.
According to the youth coalition, “we know the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, as a man who came with utmost zeal to sanitize the agency. He has already demonstrated this and we are proud of his achievements so far.
“However, we urge him to resist pressure from politicians, which is a plague that has dwarfed EFCC for several years of its existence.
“The commission had hitherto remained a tool for politicians to undue their perceived political foes and this has always rubbed off on the credibility of the agency.
“The case of Achumugu doesn’t appear to be different in any way, as the haste with which she was declared wanted showed there is a hand of Esau and voice of Jacob.
“Our appeal is that the commission should withdraw the wanted tag on her and give her ample time to report to the commission, as she has never been indicted of any offence whether in Nigeria or outside the country.”
While noting that Achimugu is a global figure, they added that they can always vouch for her integrity.
“We know her, she has always been of immense help to the youths and other members of the society.
“Her closeness to certain politicians should not be used as a tool to persecute or harass her,” the youths further stated.