….. doles out take off grant to 22 traders, Cow to Abattoir Chairman …….
The Imo State Shared Prosperity Government has once again reinstated its commitment to the economic and infrastructural development of Obowo Local Government.
This was made clear on Saturday, as the wonderful people of Okenalogho Obowo trooped out in their numbers to witness the grand event of the commissioning of the newly built Umuokeh Ultra Modern Market & Abattoir built by the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh.
The Ultra Modern Market which features 8 Lock up shops (fitted with standard protective doors) 40 open trading sheds, and a standard abattoir structure, aimed at uplifting economic activities, improving trading convenience, and ensuring improved accessibility to beef and other dairy produce.
The grand event was chaired by Sir B.U Agu and moderated by the Federal House of Representative Member, Hon Deacons Chike Okafor, the Crown Prince of Umuokeh.
The Federal Reps Member, Hon Chike Okafor, who served as the moderator, started the occasion by giving a vivid account of the symbolic history of the Afor Umuokeh Market. He explained with great joy, the fact that such a remarkable project which would further improve economic development in Umuokeh has been embarked upon by the Imo Speaker, Rt Hon Barr Kennedy Ibeh.
The Market Secretary, Barr Chinedu Anyanwu, in his opening remark on behalf of the Traditional Ruler of Umuokeh Autonomous Community , HRH Eze John Okafor, poured gratitude on the Imo Speaker and the 3R led Imo Govt. He buttressed that the great feat of constructing an Ultra Modern Market and Abattoir remains geared towards the development of Obowo. He further admonished the market Men & women to ensure proper and proficient use of the facility in order to maximize its utility to Ndi Obowo.
Representatives of the eleven villages in Umuokeh led by Chief Christian Ajaero proceeded to giving their appreciatory remarks. They lauded the Imo Speaker for the grand project and commended the Imo 3R led Government and reiterated the resultant boost in business activities and opportunities the development would give to Ndi Umuokeh and Okenalogho at large. He seized the opportunity to call for more Government intervention in the provision of job opportunities for youths and the further construction of good road networks within the community. He charged the people of Obowo present to continue to give their support to the Imo Speaker, and the Federal Reps Member.
Taking the podium, the Imo Speaker,
vividly gave a recount of his early days in Obowo politics and the very few prominent leaders that held sway as at that political era. He described how the political entry of Hon Deacon Chike Okafor, who started off as a commissioner, redefined leadership in Obowo via vast infrastructural development.
He explained how the Imo Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma took over the helm of affairs in Imo State, with the Shared Prosperity Mantra which came with its rapid redefinition of vast infrastructural strides. He noted that the Shared Prosperity Government has magnified the proper utilization of available resources to attain maximum service delivery and efficiency.
The Imo Speaker thanked the traditional ruler of Umuokeh Autonomous Community for his assent to the commencement of the project. In furtherance to the commissioning of the project, he announced that he would be giving a kick off financial grant to 22 Market women and a cow to the Market Chairman. He specially thanked Engr Chidi Ogbuehi who saw to the completion of the task of facilitating the program without seeking any benefit in return.
Moreso, he also thanked Mr Livinus, who he hitherto put in charge of the Market Abattoir as a reward
for his commitment to the project.
The SOLAD Obowo Local Government Area, Hon Pius Uwaleme in an while speaking at the event, lauded the Imo Speaker for this great feat and further
drummed for more support for him.
Also, The Hon Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Imo State, Hon Simon Egbegbulem, who gave a good will message from Imo State Governor expressed his gladness at the development and further enjoined the people of Umuokeh and Obowo to continue to ensure support for Gov Hope Uzodinma Led administration.
In her own remarks, the Honourable Commisioner for Housing, Hon. Dr. Love Ineh applauded the Imo Speaker for the quality structure of the project, and further called on all and sundry to ensure proper use of the facility.
She assured of the continous support of her ministry towards maintaining the project, and further proceeded to the cash disbursement to 22 Women.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mrs Tochukwu from Umuokoro Umuokeh, thanked Imo Speaker for the wonderful gesture and prayed for his continuous progress.
The member representing Okigwe South Federal Constituency, Hon Deacon Chike Okafor, who moderated the event, used the opportunity to introduce the winner of the just concluded Mr Universe Peagent Nigeria, who happened to be a son of Obowo and called for more support for him to enable him scale though the next phase of the Peagent.
The elated women of Umuokeh who were in hilarious mood, sang and heaped praises on the Imo Speaker and offered him large portrait as a token of their appreciation.
In his closing remarks, the traditional ruler of Umuokeh Autonomous Community, gave a clear account of how the Imo Speaker has continued to be a blessing to the great people of Obowo.
He called on all to support The Imo Speaker Rt Hon Barr Kennedy Ibeh and Rt Hon Deacon Chike Okafor, for the Obowo State Assembly , and Okigwe South Federal Constituency Elections Respectively.
Hon Deacon Chike Okafor and traditional rulers present led the commissioners, other government appointees and dignitaries present to on the spot inspection and assessment of the market facilities, which was followed by the official cutting of the tape.
The occasion was graced by the Commissioner, House of Assembly Commision, Hon Barr Nduleke, Chief of Staff to the Imo Speaker Hon Barr Kelechi Onyegbule,
Chief Protocol to the Imo Speaker, Hon Innocent Egueatu,
Obowo East and West Developmental Centers respectively, Hon Dr Eli Dibia & Hon CY Chukwu, Chairman Obowo Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Ngozi Patrick Uwalaka , HRH Eze BO Ihejirika, HRH Eze ThankGod, HRH Eze Uwajumogu, Chief SN Ogbenna, Hon Chief Vitalis Ebekunwune, Dr Ray Emerenini, Obowo APC Deputy Chairman, Chief Angus Nwankwor amongst many other dignitaries too many to mention.
Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke.
17th September 2022