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IMHA Standing Committee on Labor/ Productivity, Civil Service & Pension inaugurated
By Vivian Iwu
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The Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) Standing Committee on Labor/Productivity, Civil Service and Pension has been inaugurated at the Assembly Complex.

Performing the Inauguration Ceremony, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Emeka Kingsley Ozurumba, recalled that on the 16th of November 2023, the Speaker of Imo State House Of Assembly, Rt Honorable Chike Olemgbe, unveiled the 26 Standing Committees and its accompanied Chairmen, and having only been sworn-in as the member representing Isu State Constituency few weeks ago, to the Glory of Almighty God, he was named the Chairman of House Committee on Labor/Productivity, Civil Service and Pension, with his dear distinguished colleagues and brothers, as members.

Hon. Ozurumba, who is the member representing Isu State Constituency, described it as a privilege to work with his colleagues on the assignment, assuring them that they will not disappoint Government or fail the Workforce in the State.

“This is a very sensitive Committee, as it has to do with the welfare of the workforce in the State. It also has to do with how the workforce in the State is able to reciprocate Government good gestures with efficient and effective service delivery.

“Let me at this point commend His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma for approving the ongoing training of all Civil Servants and Professionalization of the Civil Service at the renovated training center. “

He stated, listing some of the Governor’s achievements like; Renovation and Beautification of the State Secretariat Complex, Reticulation of water supply in the State Secretariat, Provision of Buses to shuttle workers to and fro the State Secretariat, Approval and Payment of 13th month salary for workers, Promotion of workers to the next grade level and approval for the implementation of N40, 000 minimum wage, against what other State Governments are paying, Punctual payment of Pension to retired Civil Servants, The commendable ongoing sharing of Palliatives (Rice, Groundnut Oil and tomato) among Civil Servants in the State, etc.

According to him, with the accoutrement and metaphysics of people oriented leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Imo Civil Service is gaining strength and momentum, showing that the Governor has made the assignment of their Committee simpler and easier.

However , the Committee Chairman and members promised to strive to make Labor/Productivity, Civil Service and Pension matter enviable and more commendable, with the objectives; To fully oversight the Ministry of Labor/Productivity, Civil Service and Pension, To inject, through oversight, Disciplinary Control in the State Civil Service, To assist, through Oversight, in ensuring that the Retirement and Exit of Civil Servants from Civil Service is in line with Civil Service Regulations, To assist, through Oversight, in ensuring that Recruitment and Selection is in line with the Regulations, To assist, through Oversight, in the Protection of Pension Benefits for Retirees, To assist, through Oversight, in the Promotion of good governance, ethics and integrity in the Public service, To Identify and Review, through Oversight, the anomalies in the State Civil Service, To assist the Shared Prosperity leadership in the State to achieve the goal of building a Civil Service that would be effective, dedicated and result oriented, To regularly interface with the Office of Head of Service, by ensuring prompt ex*****on of their assignments, etc.

Other Members of the Committee are : Hon. Johnleoba Iheoha, who is the Vice-Chairman of the Committee and member representing Ikeduru State Constituency, and Hon. Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie, who is a member of the Committee and member representing Mbaitoli State Constituency, as well as the Clerk of the Committee, Mrs. Anne Martins-Ezirim.

Onuegbu heads Political Bureau in 3R Administration’s second term
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The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has appointed his pioneer Commissioner for Lands and Survey and subsequently, Commissioner for Power, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu as Head Political Bureau of his Administration.
According to a Press Release by the Chief Press Secretary Ogwuike Nwachukwu, Onuegbu’s appointment takes effect immediately.
Until recently when Governor Uzodimma dissolved his Cabinet, Onuegbu was the Chief Political Adviser and head Political Bureau.

Barr. Onuegbu, an Ex-officio member of the all Progressive Congress (APC), is not only a Committee member of the Party but has demonstrated capacity on its cause using his many years of active experience in his legal Practice.

He hails from Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.

In congratulating Barr. Onuegbu, Gov. Uzodimma urged him to continue to show commitment to the vision and mission of the 3 R Government of the State, deploy his wealth of Experience, in the Political, Traditional, and Legal Institutions entrusted in his care.

RAMADAN KAREEM: IZUNASO Salutes Muslim Faithful
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Distinguished Senator Osita Izunaso has enjoined Muslim faithful across the country, to use the season of the Ramadan to get closer to Allah and pray for Nigeria, especially as regards hard times currently facing the people.

The Distinguished Senator, representing the people of Imo West Senatorial District, said, Muslim faithful should use the season as a period of sober reflection, to offer prayers for citizens and leaders in the country; particularly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda administration, in his frantic efforts to lift the country out of its present challenges.

Senator Izunaso expressed best wishes to all faithful taking part in the fasting exercise, saying, "as the holy month begins, may your hearts be filled with peace, your homes with blessings, and your fasts be accepted by the Almighty Allah; may this Ramadan bring you closer to faith and strengthen your service to God and humanity.

Distinguished Senator Izunaso wishes Muslim faithful "a season filled with joy, spiritual growth, and abundant blessings".

I-CSPJ DECRIES THREATS ON JOURNALIST EBULE ANTHONY METSESE’s LIFE
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IPC'S Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), is greatly concerned about the alleged reported threats on the life of the Editor-in-Chief of Fresh Angle International Newspaper, Ebule Anthony Metsese.

Information reaching the I-CSPJ, states that Ebule Metsese raised alarm over alleged recurring threats to his life as a result of the controversial developments in Warri Kingdom.

Ebule stated that the most recent of such threats was connected to the incident that happened at Okere Community in Warri, Saturday, March 2, 2024.

In a report filed, Ebule stated that, “As an indigene of Okere Community and a seasoned Mass Communicator, who understands and practice the concept of Social Responsibility Theory of the Media, I decided not to publish the event that happened in my beloved Okere Community on that fateful day. Shockingly, despite our (Me and other members of Fresh Angle International Editorial Team) decision to play down on what transpired at Okere, there have been series of warnings, directly or indirectly targeted at me (Ebule Anthony Metsese) insisting that if I publish any report regarding the incident, I will be severely dealt with.”

He further stated, the threats are not unconnected with the patronage Fresh Angle International Newspaper gets from some persons. “Interestingly some persons in the quarters where the threats are coming from, occasionally patronize Fresh Angle International through proxies, whilst making remarks that impugn on the professional integrity of Fresh Angle International Newspaper in their private and social gatherings. A few others from the threat axis, have never bothered to patronize Fresh Angle International Newspaper, whenever they have need to do any form of publicity, rather they enjoy blackmail against Fresh Angle International and are on the trajectory of intimidating members of our Editorial Team, particular me, the Editor-In-Chief. I consider this a deliberate strategy to censor reports from this fast-growing Newspaper, enjoying increasing global appeal,” the report stated.

I-CSPJ is deeply worried about the situation of Journalist Ebule Anthony Metsese and hereby calls on the Nigerian government and the security agencies to ensure that he is not harmed in any way.

I-CSPJ enjoins anyone who may be aggrieved over the reports by the organization or its Editor-in -Chief to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help.

I-CSPJ believes the time has come to stop attacks on journalists in Nigeria so that the country would stop being counted among dangerous zones for journalists to practice.

IMHA Standing Committee on Health goes after Water Producers to safeguard Citizens
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The Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA ) Standing Committee on Health and the Executives of the Association of Table Waters Production (ATWAP) in Imo State met on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at the Assembly Complex and decided to go after Sachet and Bottled Water Production Factories to seal those found in Substandard Practices, which includes; failure to comply with Standard Provisions, vis-a-vis, Regulatory Provisions and Unhealthy Production Environment.

After the meeting, it was agreed that the Imo State House of Assembly, in conjunction with the State Ministry of Health and other Associated Agencies, moved by patriotism and the need and desire to safeguard Imo Citizens, as well as ensure they are not further subjected to the hazards of drinking unhygienic Sachet and Bottled Waters, would henceforth seal up any defaulting Factory.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Samuel Sam Otuibe, bemoaned the substandard practices of Table Water Producers in the State, which has caused a lot of health challenges to Imo Citizens on daily basis, promising that the unwholesome practice will no longer be allowed to thrive in the State.

Hon. Otuibe, who is also the member representing Ahiazu Mbaise State Constituency, promised that the Assembly Standing Health Committee is here to work for the people of Imo State and the 3-R Shared Prosperity Administration in the State.

“The Committee is crucial because it has to do with the Health of Imo people. We are alarmed that the taste of water produced in Imo State is nothing to write home about. You cannot be poisoning Imo people in the name of doing business and making money.

“This is very sad, alarming and should be condemned by all reasonable members of the Public. How often do you treat your water? Majority of table waters in the state have iron, that is why there is very high rise in kidney and liver infection and related diseases in Imo State.

“You cannot be reaping people off, while they are dying of bad and poisoned water. Since some of your Water Factories are not following laid down regulations, we will seal them to protect Imo citizens.”

He promised, adding that only very few Table Waters are safe for Imo Citizens to drink, like Eva Water, Mangero Water and very few others, that those one who don't have NAFDAC Registration numbers and have been operating illegally, will understand their crimes.

“Moving forward therefore, every table water company in the State will undergo laboratory tests. Those that fail the test will be sealed, the names made Public and owners prosecuted. We will also publish Table Waters that passed the tests, for Imo Citizens to take note. We are recommending the Company that carries out test on Eva Water to all of you”.

Hon. Otuibe stated, adding that Certificates will be issued to those Companies that will pass the tests.

Meanwhile, in their separate remarks, other members of the Committee; Hon. Dominic Ezerioha, who is also the member representing Oru-West State Constituency, and Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri, who is also the member representing Oru-East State Constituency, informed the Table Water Producers that investigations have been carried out on what they are producing as "Table Water”, for Imo citizens and they have been confirmed to be substandard, hence they were summoned to appear before the Committee on Health.

They informed the Water Producers that the first parameter to their Committee is the safety of Imo citizens, and their Relatives might be the ones drinking the poisoned water without them knowing it, stressing that as Lawmakers they would not allow the Water Producers to keep exploiting Imo citizens and at the same time endangering their lives.

The Lawmakers lamented that there are more casualties in Hospitals in the State, as a result of drinking bad water that are in Sachets and the ones bottled, than can be imagined, pointing out that most Water Factories in the State are producing with untreated Tap Water.

They made it clear to them that the PH value for the Water sample range from 5.10 to 6.63, with a mean value of 6.05, pointing out that exposing Sachet and bottled water to Sunlight is very dangerous and injurious to Health, causing Cancer and Leukemia, which damages body tissues, typhoid fever, diarrhea etc.

Responding, The President of the Water Association, Mr. Lunanze Bismarck, explained that they were newly elected, in December 2023, and have 292 registered members Water Producers in the State. He equally said that there are still others operating in the State who are yet to be registered with the Association.

The Association of Table Water Production (ATWAP) pleaded with the House Standing Committee on Health to give them time to reach out to their members to take precautionary measures and ensure that, production of Table Waters are done in hygienic environment, while observing other regulatory provisions, henceforth.

He pointed out that some of their members have closed shop due to the rise in the cost of Production.

Also, the Vice President of the Association, Mrs. Joy Uwakwe, also pleaded with the Committee to give them time to get it right, pointing out that as an Association, they had fought against everything they pointed out since they were elected in December 2023, adding that they treat their Water every 6 months, according to NAFDAC regulations.

On his part, the Secretary of the Association, Mr. Shamobi Stephen, pleaded for more time.
But the Chairman of House Committee on Health, Hon Sam Otuibe, insisted that the right things should be immediately done, so as to safeguard Imo citizens from the hazards associated with drinking substandard and unhygienic sachet and bottled waters in the State.

He emphasized that Imo Lawmakers cannot substitute the lives of Imo citizens with drinking substandard and unhygienic waters, adding that the Committee will get the leadership of the Ministry of Health to issue an order, to direct the water producers to register with them, and individual water factories who cannot register with the Ministry of Health must be member of the Association.

“His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma is already getting it right in the State, on all sectors. So we will not standby and allow you people to derail the system and continue to endanger the lives of Imo citizens, with your substandard and unhygienic products", Hon Sam Otuibe declared.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: Imo first Lady salutes Women
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The First Lady of Imo State, Founder of GoodHope Flourish Foundation and Secretary of Renewed Hope Initiative, Chief Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma, has celebrated the resilience, strength, and grace that defines the remarkable Women of Imo State.

In her live Broadcast on Facebook, to mark the day, she poured out words of love and encouragement to Women based on this year’s theme: “Invest in women: accelerate progress” , defining it as an inclusive moment in the lives of Imo Women by all Stakeholders , in order to accelerate development.

“From the depths of our shared experiences, you have stood tall, shaping the very fabric of Imo Communities with your boundless Spirit and your limitless compassion inspire us all.

“As we honor Women across the Globe today, I recognize the invaluable contributions you make to our families, our communities, and our world. Let us continue to uplift one another, support each other’s dreams, and champion the rights and dignity of every woman among us”.

She said, describing Imo women as extraordinary women, praying for their lights to continue to shine bright, illuminating the path for all.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: Nigeria must urgently accelerate the inclusion of women at decision making levels _ IPC
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The International Press Centre (IPC) in Lagos, Nigeria aligns with the Global Community in advocating for increased female political representation at both national and subnational levels within Nigeria.

In a Press Release signed by Olutoyin Ayoade, Communications Officer, IPC reflected on the United Nations theme for this year, "Invest in women—accelerate progress," IPC emphasizes the importance of empowering and investing in women by promoting their active participation in political leadership and decision-making roles. This is seen as a crucial strategy to swiftly address the democratic challenges facing the nation.

IPC draws attention to the inadequate representation of women in political positions in Nigeria, despite constitutional provisions and international agreements advocating for their inclusion. Persistent systemic and societal barriers hinder women's engagement in politics.

The concerning trend persisted during the 2023 elections in the country, resulting in adverse implications for women's representation and impact within the government. Notably, the proportion of women in Nigeria's National Assembly decreased by 19% compared to the previous assembly.

Presently, women hold only 3% of Senate seats and 4% of seats in the House of Representatives.

In a statement, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of the IPC, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the significant perspectives and contributions that women offer to governance in Nigerian society.

He noted that empowering women in politics not only promotes fairness and equality but also enhances the overall effectiveness and legitimacy of governmental institutions.

“Through concerted efforts to address these disparities, by dismantling barriers and fostering inclusivity in political arenas, Nigeria can pave the way for a more inclusive and representative democracy that truly reflects the voices and needs of all its citizens”, he stressed.

He also noted that IPC's initiatives in the realm of democracy have significantly contributed to enhancing the media's pivotal role as a primary influencer in elections.

These efforts have focused on enhancing the capabilities of both the media and female candidates nationwide, empowering them to effectively leverage the media's influence in promoting democracy.

Notably, these endeavors have yielded commendable results, with some beneficiaries, particularly female lawmakers, successfully securing seats in the States House of Assembly during the 2023 Elections.

To mitigate the high attrition rates of women in elections, Mr. Arogundade emphasized the importance of key stakeholders advocating for gender-equitable policies, initiating voter education campaigns on gender equality, and addressing feminized poverty through economic equality initiatives.

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Lemi Boru, Ivanna Olena

NAWOJ National Chairperson advocates prioritization of gender equality
By Vivian Iwu
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The National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Aisha K. Bura, on behalf of Women Journalists in Nigeria, has urged stakeholders to prioritize Gender Equality in Policies and Programs, promote Women’s participation in leadership roles, and provide resources to support women-owned businesses and initiatives.

This was contained in a Press Release signed by the NAWOJ National Secretary, Wasilah Ladan to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration with the theme: “Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress."

According to the Statement, the theme resonates deeply with Women’s commitment to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, pointing out that in Nigeria, Women continue to play pivotal roles in various Sectors, from Politics and Education to Healthcare and Entrepreneurship, yet challenges such as Gender-Based Violence, limited access to Education and Healthcare, and unequal representation in decision-making positions persist.

“As we commemorate the 2024 International Women's Day, NAWOJ stands in solidarity with Women in Nigeria and across the globe, in celebrating their resilience, achievements, and contributions to society.”

The NAWOJ Chairperson stated, and called for concerted efforts to address these issues in order to create an enabling Environment where every Woman and Girl can thrive.

“On this year's International Women's Day, let us envision a future where Gender Equality is not just a goal but a reality.

“Together, we can empower Women, empower humanity, and create a more inclusive and equitable world for all. Women have always been the epitome of strength and resilience”.
She stated, wishing the womenfolk “Happy International Women's Day.”