Wednesday, 29 May 2019

INAUGURAL SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. EMEKA IHEDIOHA, CON, KSC, GOVERNOR, IMO STATE, OWERRI ON 29TH MAY, 2019


“TOGETHER WE WILL REBUILD IMO”

INAUGURAL SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON.  EMEKA IHEDIOHA, CON, KSC, GOVERNOR, IMO STATE, OWERRI ON 29TH MAY, 2019.

Protocols:

Ndi-Imo ndi Nwem, it is with great humility and gratitude to God Almighty that I stand here before you today, grateful for the trust and confidence you have bestowed on me and the Deputy Governor, Hon. (Engr.) Gerald Irona, by entrusting the leadership of our dear State to us at this auspicious time in our history.

2.​It has been a long journey. A journey that has been guided by divine favour and the endeavours of so many.  We would not be here today but for the enormous sacrifices and prayers of our people. We are here, because Imo State citizens, from all walks of life; market men and women, professionals, students, farmers, artisans, organized labour, civil servants, Women, youths, senior citizens, traditional rulers, the clergy and indeed all segments of the society rallied round our cause and message for a new positive beginning for Imo. Yes, we are here today, because the Almighty God is deeply involved in this undertaking to bring change, peace and prosperity to Imo. And to Him belong all the glory.

3.​May I pay tribute to all those who suffered untold hardship, intimidation, violence and loss of life during the campaign period and the elections, your sacrifices will not be in vain. To all those who were involved in the conduct of the elections, I also thank you all, for giving Imo a credible, free and fair election.

To my children, my siblings and family members, in-laws, kith and kin, my friends, colleagues, associates, and all Imo people and stakeholders in the Imo project, I appreciate you for the uncommon dedication, and commitment to ensure that we arrived at this great opportunity for renewal and renaissance.

However, a day like this also belongs to two special people in my life: My wife, Ebere who has been a wonderful pillar of support as well as my mother, Dame Dorothy Nsomma Ihedioha. It was from my mother, I learnt very early in life that nothing is more ennobling than keeping faith with those who gave you their trust. That has guided my career in public office in the past twenty years and will remain my guiding philosophy in discharging my responsibilities as the Governor of Imo State.

I thank all members and leaders of our Peoples Democratic Party, both at the National, State, Local Government and Ward levels. Without nominating me to fly your flag, and supporting me as we traversed the nooks and crannies of Imo, this day would not have been possible. To my campaign team and the army of volunteers who worked so hard for our victory, please accept my sincere appreciation. I urge our party members and campaign team to be humble and magnanimous in victory as the task of re-building Imo is a huge and challenging one that requires the involvement of all Imo men and women of goodwill regardless of political leanings. To my 65 brothers and 4 sisters who contested the election with me. I extend my hand of fellowship and seek your cooperation in the monumental task of restoring our State to its former glory. I wish to appreciate also our Transition, Inauguration Planning and Handover Committee members for a job well done. We do not take all your sacrifices and support for granted.

4.​Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, though some may argue that today is not for a long speech, a brief assessment of where we are coming from is necessary in order to draw a realistic compass for tomorrow. It has been a tale of woes for the people of Imo State, these past eight years. The APC administration degraded and destroyed most of our institutions and values. Indeed, all aspects of governance were debased and desecrated. The Legislature, the Judiciary and the Civil Service, all suffered grievous assault. Imo State House of Assembly was made redundant, court orders were routinely disregarded and often times government appeared to act in breach of our Constitution and laws. Pensioners are owed for over 77 months, accruing fifty-seven (57) billion naira in Pension liability alone.

5.​Eight years of maladministration, policy inconsistencies and disregard for rule of law destroyed, literally, the foundations laid by our founding fathers, dis-articulated a thriving economy, lowered the educational standards, chased away investors, confiscated people’s lands, expropriated our commonwealth and threw to the dogs our collective esteem. Eight years of bad governance led to a mind-boggling decay of critical public infrastructure; a crippling debt burden without any meaningful infrastructural or institutional developments to show for such a humongous debt. The health sector fared even worse.

6.​ The absolute lack of transparency and due process in land administration and the distortion of the carefully laid out Owerri Master Plan resulted in many citizens losing their lands, houses, and business premises which they acquired legally while public open spaces and green belts were converted to unapproved uses.

7.​In the light of recent revelations by interest groups, various institutions and agencies of state, many have asked what becomes of those who recklessly plundered our commonwealth. My answer is simple: They will be held accountable. While this administration will be forward looking and not embark on any witch-hunting, those who have held positions of authority must prepare to render account of their stewardship to the people because our resolve to hold their feet to the fire of probity and accountability is iron-clad.

8.​ We must tell ourselves the ‘frank truth’ about the state of our State. We cannot play the ostrich pretending that all is well when indeed we are in a deep hole. Imo is broken and the climb out of the depths of despair will be steep, arduous and tortuous. Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious, and they are numerous. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time.
9.​But let no one underestimate our resolve to do what is right for the good of our people. There is nothing wrong with Imo which cannot be cured by all that is right in Imo. Imo State will, as always, endure. Imo will revive. Imo will prosper again. The task of rebuilding our broken State is a sacred one. It must be done. We are armed with the courage of our conviction. We are not captives of fear, for if we were, we would not have dared and if we did not dare, this day would not have come.

10.​I diligently sought this office, knowing not only the issues involved, but also the questions that agitate the minds of our people. We do not have all the answers, neither do we have the magic wand. But we promise you our honesty, sincerity and genuine commitment and candour.  We will strive to always tell you the truth. We promise a complete dedication to your service, and yes, my considerable experience and capacity would be brought to bear on governance issues with due humility. With God on our side, we shall prevail.

11.​One of the immediate actions of our government will be to take appropriate steps and measures to restore faith and confidence in government.

12.​We will not waste a day getting to work to renew the Imo promise of our founding fathers. The direness of the situation dictates that we hit the ground running. The fulfillment of the promises we made during the campaigns starts right now.

13.    Elections are over. Governance must now begin. Politics is over, development must now begin. We must now shove aside partisan political battles, petty bickering and quarrels and work together for the common good of our people. I pledge before you today, that I will be the Governor of all Ndi-Imo irrespective of your geo-political zones and political affiliations. We will run an accountable, transparent and inclusive administration.

14.​Our mission is to rebuild, reposition and transform Imo into a modern ecosystem for education, agriculture, industry, tourism, culture, sports, entertainment, human capital development, science and technology, and exploitation of our natural resources, thereby creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth and quality life for our people.

15.​In pursuit of the above objectives, we have articulated measures and activities which must be implemented immediately, some in the short term and others in the long term. These will be announced from time to time, as the situation demands.

16.​The manifesto I presented in the course of our campaign to the people of Imo, contains details of our contract with Imo people. I am once again making this document available to you today. A brief mention of some of the key salient points will be made here.

i. Good Governance, Democracy and Rule of Law

We are on a rebuilding mission and our pathway to success is good governance, human capital and integrated infrastructure development which will fast track job and wealth creation.

The engine of good governance must always be lubricated with the oil of due process, rule of law and fiscal discipline. We will abide by that philosophy. Our government will embark on Civil Service Reforms that will ensure a well-trained, well-resourced, well equipped and motivated civil service that will champion the efficient implementation of government policies. To ensure efficiency, achieve cost savings and promote good maintenance culture in government administration, we shall establish a Facility Management Agency to manage government facilities and assets.

We shall enthrone appropriate Due Process mechanism as a cardinal administrative tool of our government in order to achieve value for money and ensure fairness, transparency and competitiveness in the running of government business. To this end, we shall revive and revitalize the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in the State and strengthen enabling laws on the subject.

Without checks and balances and the dedication of the legislative arm of government to its oversight functions, the tendency of the executive arm, or even the judiciary, to make mistakes is high. As an accomplished lawmaker, my abiding faith is in the mutual respect and cooperation of the three arms of government. The principles of separation of powers and checks and balances will define the relationship of my administration with the State legislature.

Likewise, we shall respect the financial autonomy of the Judiciary by implementing the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as it is at the heart of judicial independence. This we know is the surest way to promote rule of law. In addition, for the advancement of speedy dispensation of justice, we shall overhaul the criminal justice administration and domesticate the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

ii.​Human Capital Development

Our administration shall commit to developing and harnessing the God-Given talents and potentials of Ndi-Imo at home and in the diaspora, towards preparing the present and future generations of our people to become world class leaders in various fields.

On Education, I wish to announce that we shall ensure the provision of qualitative education in Imo State by taking appropriate measures for quality control. We shall review the present, so called, “free education” to ensure that Ndi – Imo gets the best.

In our strong belief that development of a well-trained and motivated middle level manpower is critical for supporting our industries and for self-employment of our teaming youths, we shall pay special attention to Science, Technical and Vocational Education in line with our commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In this context, the four Technical Colleges in Imo State: in Owerri, Ahiara, Orlu and Okigwe will be re-furbished, re-equipped and provided with well-trained teachers within the first 180 days of this administration. Our ambition is that our artisans and craftsmen should be the best Nigeria can offer.

To support our educational objectives, we shall send a Bill immediately the 9th State House of Assembly convenes, to set up an Education Trust Fund. The Fund will mobilize the resources necessary to support the qualitative education and other educational initiatives in the State.

On Healthcare, within the first 100 days of our government, we shall conduct a critical needs assessment of the health institutions and service providers across the State, with a view to repositioning the sector for optimal services to our people. We are committed to providing sustainable free healthcare services for pregnant women, children under 5 years of age and senior citizens seventy (70) years and above.

Our government shall align State priorities with real healthcare needs and partner with the federal government, the private sector, civil society groups, development partners and other stakeholders alike, to promote universal access to affordable quality health care in a participatory and inclusive manner. We shall also explore the possibility of expanding a sustainable health insurance scheme for our people.

iii.​Industralisation, Job and Wealth Creation

Employment issues shall be tackled head-on. We shall by Executive Order, and where necessary by Legislation, make it mandatory that all those doing business in our State, and especially with the State Government, must employ qualified Imo citizens and establish functional offices in the State.

Our government shall undertake a massive investment in agriculture and public works programmes strategically designed to be labour intensive, as to absorb more people into the workforce.

To compliment this, a Job Register will be established to collate the particulars of unemployed people, and the jobs available in all sectors of the economy therefore bridging the information gap between jobseekers and employers. Thus, matching unemployed youths with opportunities, initiatives and partnerships.

We shall also explore and exploit the abundant solid minerals and mineral resources abundant in the State in partnership with the private sector and financial institutions.

v.​Agriculture and Food Security

Our government shall promote massive investment in agriculture with a view to reducing unemployment and tackling poverty in the State. This shall be done in collaboration with the private sector, multilateral agencies and development finance organizations in the agricultural value chain, in addition to leveraging on the various agricultural development programmes available in the financial sector as supported by the federal government.

Every community will be encouraged to set up functional cooperative societies which the State will support with agricultural loans, improved seedlings, and other support services.

An Agricultural City, in form of a layout, will also be established for our agro-allied industries and agricultural initiatives geared towards achieving self-sufficiency in food production and food security.

vi.​Peace and Security
We can only attract businesses and prosperity to Imo if the security of lives and properties are guaranteed. We wish to make it very clear that Imo State under our watch will have zero tolerance for crime.

We shall partner and support all federal security agencies and deploy the latest modern technology to detect and combat crime. To this end, I implore all who live and work in Imo to assist and cooperate with the law enforcement agencies in order to make our State safe, secure and attractive for investments.

The existing security infrastructure, including the Imo Security Network, will be overhauled, re-organised and confined to its constitutional roles.

vii.​Integrated Infrastructural Development

To address the many years of infrastructural decay, poorly executed, and uncompleted projects that litter the State. We shall do the following in partnership with appropriate federal government agencies and the private sector;
a. Introduce an integrated infrastructural development master plan that will include, constructing quality roads, dualisation of the four major roads linking Owerri Capital Territory namely; Owerri-Orlu, Owerri-Okigwe, Owerri-Umuahia and Owerri-Aba Roads.
b. The proposed Lagos-Benin-Onitsha-Owerri-Aba-Calabar rail line is critical to the economic development of the State, and we are committed to partnering with the federal government to actualize this project. We believe strongly that the realization of this project will ultimately develop our State as a multi-modal transport hub for the region.
c. We shall also partner with the 27 Local Government Councils in the State to construct rural access roads.
d. We shall upgrade the existing power infrastructure in the State. It is our firm conviction that we can only succeed in our industrialization drive with remarkable improvement in power supply. To achieve this, we shall work closely with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). We shall also explore private sector initiatives and other alternative sources of energy to improve power supply in the State.
e. Public Water Supply in both urban and rural areas is particularly non-existent in the State. We shall revive the State Water Corporation, and activate UNICEF assisted Rural Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) programs to make clean water available to our people once again.
f. In light of the above, we shall assess the quality and number of projects undertaken by the previous government to determine their viability, propriety and where necessary we shall complete them to ensure continuity and save funds for the State. In the same vein, those that fall short of established architectural and engineering design and standards will be discarded.

viii. Land Administration.
You will agree with me that the matter of land administration in the State has been a vexed issue over the past 8years, characterized by illegalities, lack of due process and transparency, or even near privatisation. To address this, we shall revitalize and reposition the moribund Imo State Geographic Information Agency (IGIA).

We shall also institute appropriate measures to review all land allocations made by the immediate past government, and of course, where necessary, revoke or revert to original purposes. I consider this an irreversible obligation to Ndi Imo.

ix. Smart Imo

My fellow citizens, the economic prosperity and inclusive development which we seek can only be attained if our people, especially our youths, are able to join and benefit from the global movement in Information and Communication Technology. To achieve these, we shall deploy internet broadband connectivity across the State. Our people should have access to the latest technologies and innovations to provide development solutions, which will improve their socio-economic well-being and competitiveness.

The entire government service would be computerized and an e-government platform will be established so that government activities can be conducted online for improved efficiency and transparency.

Within our transition period, we have attracted Google Cloud Engineer Certification Programme for Imo State University, which shall be pursued and implemented with vigour.
Also, within the first One hundred (100) days in office, we shall set up a Digital Incubation and Innovation Hub in collaboration with industry leaders to train thousands of our young people in IT Skills that are deployable globally.

x.​Sustainable Development Goals

We subscribe completely to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), and commit to making maximum efforts towards the implementation and achievement of the goals, targets and indicators agreed by all member States of the United Nations in 2015, to become the compass for achieving inclusive socio-economic development. In particular, we shall endeavor to alleviate abject poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy and other social problems and inequalities.

As a commitment to the above, a revamped SDG office will be dedicated to monitoring and tracking the progress made in implementing the goals. We shall leverage on programmes available in the financial services sector to improve access to finance to our people. Our government will align its development plans and programmes with the SDG’s.

I recall with nostalgia that in those good old days, Owerri was ranked the cleanest State capital in Nigeria. We shall once again aspire to attain that status in the coming months. Consequently, we shall promote a Go Green and Stay Clean environmental policy for the health and wellbeing of our people. Our government shall also embark on a waste-to-wealth environmental policy that creates jobs, promotes healthy living and international best practices.

xi.​Women (Gender), Youths and Vulnerable Groups/Sports Development

Our government shall be sensitive to gender issues, and ensure gender equity in government appointments and activities. We shall equip Imo women and youths with resources, micro-credits, skills training and entrepreneurship programmes to ensure productive undertakings. We shall offer opportunities to physically challenged persons in the State to ensure that their special needs are addressed. Our children deserve special care and attention which are enshrined in the Child Rights Act, passed by the National Assembly since 2003. We commit to promptly domesticate this statute in the State.

Sports activities shall be given its pride of place, through supporting the State’s sporting associations and teams. We shall partner with the private sector to establish a football academy, and other sporting academies to train our youths and expose them to the best facilities. Inter-school sporting activities will be re-introduced. Also, a one-stop- shop for youths will be established in each Local Government Area which will contain, sports facilities, Arts Gallery, Library, ICT Centre, and Unemployment Data Capture Desk.

xii.​Other Associated Programs:

Functional engagement with Development Partners and Civil Society groups

My dear Ndi-Imo, I am encouraged by the outpouring of support and willingness to help our State navigate out of its problems by International Development Partners including the World Bank, UK Department of International Development (DfID), Agence for Francaise De Developpement (French Development Bank), Commonwealth Enterprise Investment Agency, the Government of German, amongst others.

To this end we shall dedicate an office with the sole mandate of attracting, and coordinating international development support and efficiently administering same. We pledge to meet all obligations as may be necessary to access such support and maintain a healthy relationship between us and the partners. Consequently, we shall enact enabling legislation as circumstances demand.

We shall promote citizens assess to government by holding regular consultative meetings with all segments of our society. This will serve as a feedback mechanism to ensure that our government remains that of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Relationship between government and civil society will be based on shared concerns and information exchange that is frank and respectful. It is in this regard that we shall establish an Imo citizens outreach and communication mechanism to deepen inclusive and accountable governance.

xiii Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Initiatives

May I use this opportunity to call on Ndi-Imo, living at home and in the diaspora, to think home and invest at home. Our citizens are leading industrialists and investors all over Nigeria and abroad. I shall spare no efforts in providing the necessary enabling environment at making Imo a preferred destination.

Imo is potentially a compelling investment destination, considering its location as a confluence State, and gateway to the South-East and South South. With an international cargo airport, abundant manpower and a hospitable people, we should take maximum advantage of these opportunities.

In this light, we shall develop our diverse cultural festivals, films, music and entertainment potentials as a major driver of investment and economic growth. We shall ensure that the tourism calendar of Nigeria, and indeed the world, contain events happening in our State.

xiv Trade, Investment and Commerce

Imo sons and daughters are well known all over the world for their entrepreneurial drive and activities. Our government shall partner with the private sector to develop industrial parks and clusters.

We shall revive and re-position the Imo State Investment Promotion Agency to drive and anchor investments in the State. Improving the ease of doing business index in the state, for which Imo is presently, shamefully ranked 34 out of 36 States in Nigeria, will be our priority.

In the Oil and Gas Sector, I wish to announce that we shall take full advantage of the ASA North gas processing project at Ohaji. We are committed to setting up a Petroleum Industrial Park, where oil and gas related businesses will be domiciled. This park will be provided with necessary facilities to make it functional.

Apart from the Onitsha Road Industrial Layout, which we shall revive, we intend to set up another Light Industrial Park to take care of other aspects of industries and commercial concerns.

Our government shall promote home grown initiatives and programmes that will support the development and growth of small and medium enterprises (SMES) across the State. We shall enter into partnerships with Markets’ and Traders’ Associations on one hand, and financial institutions on the other hand to support young trainees from these markets to startup businesses. We will set out a new policy for development and management of markets, in consultation with Local Government Councils, in the entire state.

I stand ready to personally interface and facilitate with any person or company willing to establish business in Imo.

xv Local Government /Community Development

In view of the role of the communities, in matters of security and governance at the local level, our administration shall reach the grassroots through partnership with town unions, the traditional institutions and local government councils. The town unions will thus be the fulcrum for community development efforts.

We shall revamp administration at the grassroots level by reinvigorating the local government system, by restoring the constitutional powers and responsibilities of the local councils as provided in the constitution. Good governance at the local government council level is critical for delivery of our anti-poverty and other developmental programmes.

Furthermore, every community and local government council shall be required within the first one hundred days of this administration, to carry out needs assessment of the projects they identify as priority for implementation by the State government. This will form the basis of the development of Imo Rural Infrastructure Development Plan.

xvi Funding Sources

On financing our ambitious projects and programmes, we shall introduce innovative strategies to optimize Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), through ICT platform solutions designed for complete revenue cycle management and business process automation. In doing this, we shall strive to balance revenue goals with social justice imperatives. We shall introduce a Treasury Single Account (TSA) where all government receipts and revenue will be domiciled. This will enhance transparency and accountability of government revenue and increase the IGR component of our financial standing.

Our government shall work out arrangements, in co-operation with the federal authorities, leveraging on our experience, contacts and competencies for various government programmes to our comparative advantage. We shall equally key into the other funds available at both the federal level and from the multi-lateral agencies.

Conclusion:

I conclude by once again, thanking all of you, Ndi-Imo, for making today possible and assure you of our resolve to rebuild our state. To make Imo work again. To make Imo prosper again. To make Imo triumph again. We have resolved that never again shall our Imo be neglected and abandoned to the forces of retrogression. Never again shall we succumb to forces of darkness. Imo shall rise again. With God on our side, we shall deliver on the promises we have made.  The Deputy Governor and I ask for your cooperation. We ask for your trust. We ask for your patience. Yes, we ask for your prayers. If we offend some of you or step on toes in the course of doing the people’s business, we ask for your understanding. For together we shall achieve the Imo of our dreams with all hands on deck.

Finally, while awaiting various actions and directives in the coming days, it is the responsibility of the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries and Chief Executives of the various Government Agencies to secure government properties and facilities at this transition period. I expect to immediately receive an accurate status of affairs in the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government under their watch.

Long live Imo State!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Thank you and God bless.
Imo. One State. One People. One Family.

“Imo wụ nke anyị niile”


Friday, 24 May 2019

AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY DR. [CHIEF] UZO’ ADIRIEJE, MNIM, ACIPM (Ahaejiejemba of Amaruru) – 5TH PRESIDENT GENERAL, IMO STATE TOWNS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION LAGOS (ISTDAL); DURING THE SWEARING-IN OF ISTDAL’S 6TH PRESIDENT GENERAL AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ON 27 JANUARY 2008


ISTDAL FLASHBACK 2005-2007
AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY DR. [CHIEF] UZO’ ADIRIEJE, MNIM, ACIPM (Ahaejiejemba of Amaruru) – 5TH PRESIDENT GENERAL, IMO STATE TOWNS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION LAGOS (ISTDAL); DURING THE SWEARING-IN OF ISTDAL’S 6TH PRESIDENT GENERAL AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ON 27 JANUARY 2008
[Protocols]
WELCOME
I am immensely delighted to welcome and address you all at this historic occasion. And it is in that light that I congratulate our brand new President General Mazi Tony Ohakwe and his rejuvenated Executive Committee members, about 90 percent of who also served with me – and indeed virtually ran the Association during my tenure.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
I became a representative of Amaruru Development Union in ISTDAL in May 1996. My tenure as ISTDAL President General officially ended today, 27 January; and I recall that my tenure as Secretary General of ISDTAL also ended on 27 January (2002).
Three years ago this Sunday, I was inducted as the leader of this great Association, along with my Executive members. On that day, our administration gallantly embraced all the assets and liabilities of our predecessor since governance is a continuous exercise, and undertook to harness all the human and material resources possibly available, to provide a compass of development for our members and the large population of Imo people in Lagos and Diaspora. We chose not to cry over any spilt milk, but to focus/concentrate on whatever we could do to improve on what we met on the ground and it paid off.
ON THE MARBLE AND SANDS OF TIME
The following itemize some of our accomplishments within our 3-years tenure:
1. Developed Vision, Mission Statement and core Values for the Association
2. Paid all the debts inherited from our predecessor
3. Awarded the Association’s scholarships to indigenes of Imo State in secondary and tertiary institutions, for the first time in our history (2005 and 2007)
4. Secured financial/material support and empowerment to seventy-two [72] ‘poorest of the poor’ women of Imo state origin, through the provision of sewing machines, grinding machines, clothes, coolers, cash and other valuable household goods that enabled them to start petty businesses of their own, and became job givers instead of job seekers (2005). We acknowledge the support received from Eze Hyacinth Ohazulike, OON, Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State in this regard.
5. Elected Trustees and formally incorporated ISTDAL as a legal entity in perpetuity in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are currently awaiting our certificate of incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja (2006-2007)
6. Established the Istda Cooperative, Thrift & Credit Society Ltd which has been registered by the Lagos State Government, and was formally inaugurated by the last Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Senator Bola Tinubu. ‘Istda Coop’ currently has fifty-two registered members comprising individuals and town unions (2006)
7. Secured more than one dozen luxurious buses from the Imo State government, to convey ISTDAL members and Imo people in Lagos, to and from Imo state during the 2007 Christmas and new year celebrations
8. Produced a six-page spiral-bound all colour calendar (2007)
9. Organised three cultural carnivals/Imo day (2005, 2006 and 2007); the last of which was used to organize a befitting grand civic reception for the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Chief Ikedi Ohakim (Ochinanwata)
10. Organized a press conference in Owerri, on ‘Progress Report and State of Affairs’ in Imo State (2007)
11. Improved the Association’s relationship with the governments of Imo state, and supported the government’s participation in major activities in Lagos including the international trade fairs
12. Sponsored some members of the Executive Committee to a leadership training/capacity building programme in Otta (2006)
13. Set up a committee to review our constitution which report has been received and is handed over to the new administration for subsequent discussions before adoption by the general meeting
14. Provided a crisis-free environment for the conduct of the Association’s meetings and other activities all years-round
15. Organized joint meetings with our Grand Patrons, Patrons and leaders of member-town Unions
16. Produced annual reports of the Association’s activities (2005 and 2006) for the first time in its history. The 2007 annual report is already being concluded
17. Produced annual financial statements of the Association’s (2005 and 2006) for the first time in its history. The 2007 financial statement is already being prepared
18. Participated in the activities of other Igbo groups in Lagos
19. Set up an audit committee whose report is still being expected
20. Conducted what is arguably the most peaceful election in the history of ISTDAL, where all the candidates emerged by consensus without a single voting done
21. Published ISTDAL’s magazine, the Searchlight
Your Excellency, today also marks the end of the transition period which commenced with the election of a new Executive Committee in September 2007.
YOU MADE IT POSSIBLE
As I step out and march forward/ahead, I must not fail to acknowledge and thank some of the persons and institutions who have contributed in the form of support, encouragement, criticisms and or even outright opposition, which have all made it possible for us to accomplish the above under my leadership. Indeed, when harnessed well, the opposition is one of the greatest assets a leader may have. It is in the opposition that great leaders find growth, while their comfort lies in their supporters.
‘Gidi gidi bu ugwu Eze’, so says the Igbo adage. Grant me your indulgence to convey my appreciations and that of my family and friends and well-wishers, to some of the persons and institutions – in no particular order - who contributed to the successes recorded in the course of my tenure.
I am grateful to my Governor, His Excellency Chief Sir Ikedi Ohakim (Ochinanwata) and Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Ohakim, for all the kindness they showed and good things they did for this Association, and the greater things they continue to do in Imo State; to His Excellency Chief Achike Udenwa (Onwa), who most kindly inaugurated me as leader of this Association on 23 January 2005. I am immensely encouraged by the support received from my ‘Big brother’ and Governor’s Special Adviser and Liaison Officer, High Chief Bonny Ebili (Odokara omee) – the one who made things to happen – for being a pillar of support and our strongest bridge to Government House and our governor’s heart. I appreciate his predecessors – Sir George Egu, Mr. Alfred Uzoaru and Mr. Charles Osigwelem, and other members of the Lagos liaison office. I appreciate the immense supporting team that High Chief Ebili recruited for me in the governor’s office and Abuja. In particular, may I request you sir, to convey my appreciation to Chief Elvis Agukwe, Governor’s Special Adviser/liaison officer Abuja, Chief Ethelbert Okere, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi, Special Adviser on Communications and Barrister A.C. Otuokere, Director of protocols, for their help and considerations. I thank my predecessors in office – Chief Barrister L.C. Anucha (Akuruo Ulo 1 of Uvuru) and Chief Barrister George Nnamdi Umunnakwe for their contributions to the growth of this Association and in particular for their contributions to the successes recorded during my tenure.
Thank you very much, members of the ISTDAL Executive Committee who always held forth, officers of our women wing, representatives of member-Town Unions, our Life Patrons, Grand Patrons and Patrons; and Chairmen and Secretaries of the member-Town Unions, including their women wings. Permit me to single out for appreciation, the tremendous support received from Grand Patrons Eze Hyacinth Ohazurike, OON, Eze Mkpume, Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State; Chief (Dr.) M.I. Okoro (Ohia Ndigbo), Chief A.E. Anozie (Oduenyi of Imenyi) and Chief Dr. Sam Opara.
‘Oku ahunyere nwata n’aka a naghi eregbu ya’. I am very thankful to the leadership of my local government Orsu and community Amaruru for standing solidly by me during my tenure: the former Chairman of Orsu LGA Chief Charles Okeke (Odiukonamba) who sent a representative during my inauguration, my traditional ruler His Royal Highness Eze W.O. Igwe, Ozuo omee I of Amaruru, President General of Amaruru Development Union Chief Okpara D. Okpara (Omereoha) and members of the Amaruru Council of Chiefs and Ndi Ichie, for the chieftaincy title conferred on me; for traversing the length of the East and West of this country to witness my inauguration, and for blessing me, in 2005.
But could this have been possible without a Lagos base? Not at all! Which is why I am grateful to the Chairman of Amaruru Development Union (ADU) Lagos Branch - Mr. Vincent Dimanozie and his executive members; former Chairmen of the branch including Chief Ezeifeadigo F.E. Ezeh who sent me to ISTDAL, late Nze Jason Okpara and Mr. Okechukwu Ogbuehi, and indeed all Amaruru sons and daughters and friends, for taking pride in my responsibilities and accomplishments. I am indebted to my friend and brother, Honourable Chief Dr. Geff Chizee Ojinika (Emezioha) - former member of the Federal House of Representatives and his amiable wife Chief Mrs. Comfort Ojinika for their incredible support during this period.
Oh! I am forever thankful to God for his grace during this period and always, for my wife and best friend Chief Mrs. Edith UzoAdirieje (Eziadaukwu) and our children, and for all the resources, strength and spirit which enabled them to cope with the lonesomeness that the exigencies of my service period brought upon them. My darling wife and jewel of inestimable value, I thank and love you.
Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, ndibe anyi si na onye amaghi ebe mmiri bidoro maa ya, a naghi ama ebe okwusiri a. One great man ‘brought’ me to Lagos in 1990, and encouraged me to enroll and participate in my town union, from whence I was sent to ISTDAL. His name is Chief Eddor E.C. Dimanozie (Onyechimere eze). Unfortunately, he did not live to see me become the leader of this Association. I want to continue to thank and appreciate him. In his honour, my wife and I have instituted an annual award in ISTDAL - the Chief Eddor E.C. Dimanozie prize for the Best Overall Performing Town Union in ISTDAL, at a value of N20, 000.00 (Twenty Thousand naira only) yearly. This award shall be presented during every Imo Carnival and it is my wish that the ceremony brochures will reflect it accordingly. Mr. President General Sir, here is a first cheque for N60, 000.00 (sixty thousand naira only) to cover this award during your first tenure/three years in office. You are at liberty to set out any modalities for choosing the winner(s).
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE GONE
Across the length and breath of this country, we lost some of our representatives, patrons, town union leaders, relations, friends and statesmen during this period. In their honour, may I request you to observe a minute silence…. May their souls rest in perfect peace! Amen.
Long live ISTDAL
Long live Imo State
Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria
Thank you and God bless you all. Good bye!
Uzo’ Adirieje
President General, 23 Jan. 2005 – 27 Jan 2008
1st Vice President, 27 Jan. 2002 – 23 Jan. 2005
Secretary General, Jan. 1999 – 27 Jan. 2002
Mob: 0803 472 5905
Email: ahaejiejemba_amaruru@yahoo.com
Blog: http://uzodinma-adirieje.blogspot.com/
Mails: P.O. Box 8880, Wuse Abuja (from 1 February 2008)



Friday, 17 May 2019

Group Draws Attention of Govt. to Dilapidated Urasi Bridge in Orsu LGA Imo State

https://urbanpaparazzionline.com/2018/05/31/group-draws-attention-of-govt-to-dilapidated-bridge-in-orsu/

By Comrade Chukwuma Nze:
The National Coordinator/CEO, Afri-Health Optonet Association, -a CSOs network and think-tank for Health, Community and Development Systems Strengthening, Dr. Uzo Adirieje, has called on the Federal, Imo State and Orsu, Local Government to the collapsed  bridge at Urasi river, Amaruru, in Orsu, LGA, of Imo state, that has has affected movement and the economy of the locals who are mostly farmers.
Dr. Adirieje, who also doubles as the Ugwumba I, Ahaejiejemba of Amaruru and Ebenasaa Ozuomee, made this known recently  in statement made available to journalists in Owerri, the Imo state capital.
He called on the Transition Committee, TC, Chairman, Orsu LGA, the Hon. Members in Imo State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Advisers to Governor Okorocha, to visit Amaruru to save lives and livelihoods by constructing a concrete bridge over the Urasi River, in place of the collapsed bridge to has reached its elastic limit and bowed to pressure.
He said a truck carrying cement caused the collapse and sank into the Urasi river and must have deposited toxic properties into the water which serves, a source of water for domestic uses to the community and neighbouring communities.
According to him this is an appeal for responsive representation, urging those involved not to ignore the plights of the people but act now to bridge this obvious gap.
Another also in Amaruru
Group draws attention of govt. to dilapidated bridge in Amaruru
A community leader in Imo State, the Founder, President of Dr. Uzo Adirieje Foundation, DUZAFOUND, Dr. Uzo Adirieje, has called on the Federal, Imo State and Orsu, Local Government to the collapsed  bridge at Urasi river, Amaruru, in Orsu, LGA, of Imo state, that has affected movement and the economy of the locals who are mostly farmers.
REPORT THIS AD

Dr. Adirieje, who also doubles as the Ugwumba I, Ahaejiejemba of Amaruru and Ebenasaa Ozuomee, made this known recently  in statement made available to journalists in Owerri, the Imo state capital.
He called on the Transition Committee, TC, Chairman, Orsu LGA, the Hon. Members in Imo State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Advisers to Governor Okorocha, to visit Amaruru to save lives and livelihoods by constructing a concrete bridge over the Urasi River, in place of the collapsed bridge to has reached its elastic limit and bowed to pressure.
He said a truck carrying cement caused the collapse and sank into the Urasi river and must have deposited toxic properties into the water which serves, a source of water for domestic uses to the community and neighbouring communities.
According to him this is an appeal for responsive representation, urging those involved not to ignore the plights of the people but act now to bridge this obvious gap.

Traditional ruler of Ebenasaa sends SOS to Imo govt over amenities for community

Traditional ruler sends SOS to Imo govt over amenities for community

Vanguard newspaper ON MARCH 16, 20163:45 AM

Read more at: 
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/traditional-ruler-sends-sos-to-imo-govt-over-amenities-for-community/

BRIEF ANSWERS TO SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT IGBO

BRIEF ANSWERS TO SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT IGBO
...Copied and shared courtesy of the
Dr Uzo Adirieje Foundation (DUZAFOUND)
*Question: Is Southeast and Igboland the same thing?*
*Answer* : Not at all. Southeast is only about 3/5th of Igboland. Igboland covers the whole of Southeast, parts of Rivers, Delta, Edo, Cross river, Benue, Kogi and Akwa Ibom states.
*Question: Why were we taught in school that Igbo people are easterners?*
*Answer* : It is both an unfortunate parroting by teachers and careless adoption by Igbo educated class. Igbo people come from Southern Nigeria and not Eastern Nigeria. It may be correct to say that the Igbo are found predominantly in eastern Nigeria. However, by saying that the Igbo are easterners, the implication is that the Igbo in western Nigeria, numbering about 2.5 million (Agbor, Ogwashi Ukwu, Ibuzo, Okpanam, Asaba, Orimili, Ndokwa, Anioma, etc) are not Igbos. The best known Igbo anthropologist Professor Mike Onwuejeogwu is from the western part of Nigeria, Chukwuma Nzeogwu, Dennis Osadebe, Okonkwo Adibe (the famous musician), Sony Odogwu, etc. are all from the western part of Nigeria. They are no less Igbo than those who live in the eastern part of Nigeria. The correct answer to your question is “the Igbo come from Southern Nigeria.”
*Question: Why do some Igbo refer to themselves as “core Igbo?”*
*Answer:* That is clearly arrant nonsense. Nobody is core and others peripheral. All Igbo are the same. It is both arrogant, thoughtless and insensitive for anybody to regard others as marginal.
*Question: Is Igboland landlocked?*
*Answer:* Not at all. Igboland stretches from Port Harcourt to Agbor. The Atlantic ocean washes the shores of Igboland at the islands Opobo and Bonny, Africa’s second largest river – River Niger, traverses Igboland with one part of Igboland in the east and another part in the west of Nigeria. Oguta Lake has the potential of accommodating large ships and could be made a navigable port. If Igboland is landlocked, then all Nigeria is landlocked.
*Question: Is there oil in Igboland?*
*Answer:* Yes, indeed. There is a lot of Oil & Gas in Imo, Abia and currently in Anambra states, and Igbo areas in Rivers and Delta States. Besides, Igboland has many other natural resources, including Coal, Iron ore, Limestone, Lead, Zinc, Brine, Glass etc.
*Question: Are the Igbo a nation or a tribe?*
*Answer:* The Igbo are a nation, and a very large one. There are many dialects or tribes in Igbo nation, just like you have many tribes within Israel.
*Question: Why do some Ikwerre people and other non southeastern Igbo say they are not Igbo?*
*Answer:* First, it is not up to them to say what they are and what they are not. When God created them, He did not ask them who they wanted to be. He just created them Igbo. The only way you’ll know who belongs to what ethnic group in Nigeria is the name and what language the name comes from. Anybody whose name is Amadi or Onyeri, or Eke, or Odili, Wanodi (Nwanodi) does not need to tell you who he is. He is Igbo, notwithstanding their politics.
*Question: But they claim that their language is Ikwerre, not Igbo.*
*Answer:* That is politics. Ikwerre is a dialect of Igbo language. Just like an Ngwa man speaks Ngwa Igbo, Arochukwu speaks Arochukwu Igbo, Ika speaks Ika Igbo, Ibani speaks Ibani Igbo etc.
*Question: Some people say that Igbo language is not complete, is it true?*
*Answer:* No language is complete. All languages borrow from each other. Igbo language is very rich. It has inexhaustible and rich linguistic features like idioms, proverbs, aphorisms, sayings, anecdotes, riddles, folklores, etc. Igbo language is one of the major languages of the world, being spoken by millions of people.
*Question: How many are the Igbo?*
*Answer:* The Igbo are very numerous. There is educated guess that if Nigeria’s census is properly enumerated, the Igbo could easily be the largest ethnic group in the country. They may number up to 40 million. Everything right now, is speculation. Nobody knows the true stratification or ethnic populations in Nigeria. The Igbo are the only ethnic group found in large numbers everywhere in Nigeria, and foreign countries more than any other ethnic group in Africa.
*Question: Do the Igbo have a culture of their own?*
*Answer:* Yes, indeed. Igbo culture is perhaps, one of the richest and all-encompassing cultures in this world. Igbo culture always observes the temporal and the spiritual aspects of cosmology. The study of Igbo culture reveals that it is extremely deep and original.
*Question: Why do the Igbo wear Yoruba Agbada and Hausa babban riga but the Yoruba and the Hausa do not ever wear Igbo national dress?*
*Answer* : Unfortunately this is the case. The Igbo have very attractive and resplendent national dresses. And they come in assortments that are extremely dignifying. The Igbo take up foreign cultures more readily than other Nigerians, and they seem not to care that nobody reciprocates their carefree attitude to life. Most ethnics promote their cultures and show off what makes them unique. Actually, it is still the same so-called educated Igbo class who behave in such disgraceful and the devil-may-care attitude.
*Question: Why do the Igbo call themselves Biafrans?*
*Answer:* Great question. Some people have the idea that Biafra originates from the Bight of Biafra. But that is wrong. Biafra was the National name of Igboland given to Igbo by the Portuguese, just as Nigeria was named by the English of Britain. There was the Kingdom of Biafra that ruled most of the ancient subtropical Africa about 50,000 years ago. Unfortunately, nobody talks about it, for whatever reason (maybe because Portugal lost the colony right of Biafra to Britain who buried it, in other to promote Nigeria amalgamation), "I do not know". But, it is in the ancient maps of the world. If you wish search it in Google.
*Question: Were the Igbo also taken into slavery during the slave trade?*
*Answer:* Yes. The Igbo slaves themselves gave account of their travails in slavery. Olauda Ekwuano an Igbo ex-slave who bought his freedom in Britain was the first slave to write about his experience in slavery. His book has become a classic. You ought to find it and read it. Also, other Igbos who were brought to America revolted and some walked back on water and were said to have returned to Africa. Several books have been written about them. One of such books is “Ibo Landing.” It is available in bookstores like Barnes & Noble. In Haiti, the Igbo settled there and refused to be colonized by anybody. There are many places where the Igbo left their mark or their signature.
*Question: How did the Igbo know days and years?*
*Answer:* The Igbo invented an accurate, if not the most accurate calendar called “Iguafo Igbo (Igbo Calendar).” In Igbo calendar, there are four market days – Eke, Afor, Nkwo, Orie that make one week. Four days make one week, seven weeks make one month, and thirteen months make one year. There are 28 days for each month, with the last month having 29 days. Each month starts the same day as the previous. Igbo calendar forms the perfect astronomical alignment with the cosmos, and regulates the seasons, agriculture, navigation, astrology, geography, mathematics, travel, etc.
*Question: Did the Igbo have their own alphabet?*
*Answer:* Yes, indeed. It is called “Nsibidi.”
*Question: How about mathematics; did the Igbo know mathematics?*
*Answer:* Yes, indeed. There are such inventions as “Okwe” and “Mkpisi” which the Igbo used to resolve figures.
*Question: Did the Igbo know anything about banking?*
*Answer:* Yes. Igbo banking was more in the nature of Savings and Loans. The authentic Igbo savings and loans invention called “Isusu’ in which contributions are pooled each week and one person, who has the need, collects, is still in practice. Igbo slaves took this invention to the Caribbean Islands where they still practise it and call it “Sue Sue.”
*Question: Some people say that Igboland is too small for the Igbo, that they have no alternative than to live as Nigerians: is this true?*
*Answer:* False. Igboland is a large country. Do every Igbo need to stay and work in Igboland? No. Everywhere in the world, some will stay home while others venture abroad in search of opportunities. Igboland is large enough for the Igbo. And it is a very rich and hospitable part of the world. It has rich soil for agriculture, abundant rainfall, good sunshine, and table land in many parts. Its land space and population are more than that of over half of the present countries in the world.
*Question: Where did the Igbo come from?*
*Answer:* That question is still being asked. There are very intriguing theories or histories now being studied. You may have heard of the Jewish angle & the Egypt angle which are connected, and the Origin of man angle. This twenty-first century, hopefully, will resolve the mystery.
Share to educate others if you love Igbo.

Tuesday, 14 May 2019

SUMMARY OF THE ‘SUSTAINABLE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION (SCP) IN NIGERIA’S NIGER DELTA’ PROJECT IMPLEMENTED BY AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION DURING 2017-2018

AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION
Civil Society Organizations [CSOs] network and think-tank for Health, Community and Development Systems Strengthening
Suite 216, Blk G, FHA Cornershop,
Lugbe,  Airport Rd, Abuja, Nigeria
Ph: +2348034725905 www.afrihealthcsos.org

SUMMARY OF THE ‘SUSTAINABLE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION (SCP) IN NIGERIA’S NIGER DELTA’ PROJECT IMPLEMENTED BY AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION DURING 2017-2018

by: Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, SCP Project Director & CEO, Afrihealth Optonet Association 


INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND:
In 2016, the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) approved to fund a proposal by Afrihealth Optonet Association [a CSOs network] to implement its ‘Sustainable Citizen Participation (SCP) in Nigeria’s Niger Delta’ programme. SCP means that citizens would be able to democratically engage with their governments on a regular and sustained basis. Prior to this, ordinary citizens in Niger Delta were only able to interact with leaders and politicians at the leaders’ leisure. Formal involvement and participation of civil society organizations [CSOs] and women groups [WGs] in local governance in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria was virtually non-existent, at best very poor. For example, during elections, the candidates campaigned for the peoples support by visiting and meeting with the citizens/people, speaking with them and being open and available to them. But once in office, these leaders who once had so much time for the people became unaccountable and cold. They wanted the people to vote for them but once the elections were over, the people’s voice meant nothing. This project sought to change that in the communities/local governments where the project was implemented, and significantly achieved so. By pushing for SCP this project hoped to make leaders accountable every day they are in office. Not just during elections; so that elected offices were held accountable in order to result to better politics and more promises being kept beyond the elections and political campaign periods. This compelled these groups to resort to violence and unconstitutional means in their uncoordinated efforts to benefit from governance and corporate development in Nigeria. This project promoted the institutionalization of citizen participation in local governance decision-making, development and democracy/democratic processes in 81 communities/LGAs in nine states in Niger Delta namely Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers States.
AFRIHEALTH was the Implementing Agency (IA) with support from nine of its member-CSOs/women’s groups (WGs) as the Implementing Partners (IPs) for their respective States. 81 selected Afrihealth member-CSOs/WGS served as sub-IPs for each target community/LGA respectively.  
MAIN GOALS/OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT:
The aim of the SCPP was to institutionalize sustainable citizen participation in communities in the 9 Niger Delta States; so as to make governments more accountable to the citizens. This project will train 198 citizens such as civil society/women groups leaders as change agents; organize 81 Town Hall Meetings and hold quarterly community consultative committee meetings. It will also mobilize 1,620 citizens to formulate community plans of action, democratically select key development activities, and engage with government stakeholders in the target areas to implement and fund activities.

ACHIEVEMENTS: After 24 months of implementation, the Sustainable Citizen Participation (SCP) in Nigeria’s Niger Delta Project had:
1. Raised awareness on sustainable citizen participation (SCP) concept and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and secured support from stakeholders (citizens’, NGOs, CSOs, Women Groups, Communities, Local government and State government officials) in 81 LGAs and 9 states;
2. Empowered 162 CSO and women’s group leaders from 81 CSOs/WGs as change agents (CAs) for democracy and good governance through training, sub-granting and technical assistance to promote the institutionalization of SCP;
3. Organized 81 Town Hall Meetings (by 81 CSOs) and mobilized 4050 community members (50 per community, 25 men and 25 women including youth, girls and adolescents) to undertake community needs assessment and contribute their voice to the development of their communities,
4. Established 81 Community Consultative Committees (CCCs) comprising 1620 community members (20 per community) that formulated 81 SCP Plans of Action (POAs);
5. Reached more than 100, 000 citizens and residents of the Niger Delta Regions with news, information, education and activities that promote SCP through the various media; and
6. Implemented the Plans of Action (POAs) and the community development initiatives in 81 communities/LGAs in 9 Niger Delta States to realize the SCP and disseminate the successful experiences in the Niger Delta Region.
7. One of the CCCs (Okitipupa) has been formally registered as an entity by the Government
8. Empowered communities and women groups with voice and they are able to speak to power, as well as plan/contribute to and take ownership for their own development
9. Successfully promoted and or monitored 84 SDGs ventures/activities/projects across the region
10. Achieved 78% completion rate in the Project’s activities from a target of 60% completion (above expectation)

MEDIA REPORTS: By the time the SCP project closed on 31 December 2018, it had received extensive media coverage (seventy-five online and several radion/TV coverages) because it was pro-people and contributed to the efforts of the government and citizens towards achieving the SDGs. They all saw in the SCPP something they always wanted but hardly had including the opportunity to take charge of their development aspirations and speak-to-power about them. State governments called in the media during our advocacy visits to listen to us deliver our UNDEF-funded SCPP ‘gospel’. Their curiousity arose because the SCPP’s approach was something they were not used to and probably never believed could be achieved. So from State to State, the media kept virtual ‘virgil’ on the implementation of the SCPP interventions. And we because they found it as an uncommon approach to development activities in our clime, it was always newsworthy and worthy of emulation. The community-level SCPP interventions were stakeholder-and-community-initiated, implemented, managed, monitored and reported. There was an unsual sense and demonstrationm of community-ownership.

RELEVANCE: The relevance of the SCPP is its connection to the life and wellbeing of the communities and all inhabitants of their ecosystems. All the activities undertaken under this project are within the confines of the sustainabledevelopment goals (SDGs) and contribute towards the achievement of the SDGs in Nigeria. The SCP Project clearly demonstrated its relevance to the achievement of the wellbeing of the communities and its implications for human and ecosystem development efforts in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. As a result, its relevance persists long after its life span.

EFFECTIVENESS: The effectiveness of the SCPP intervention is underscored in its achievement of the very objects for which it was implemented in the communities. In addition to having raised awareness on the concept of SCP, this project secured the support of stakeholders including citizens, NGOs, and local government officials in the 9 States; empower 162 CSO and women’s group leaders from 81 CSOs/WGs as change agents (CAs) through training, sub-granting and technical assistance to promote the institutionalization of SCP; organised Town Hall Meetings, mobilized community members, establish Community Consultative Committees (CCCs) that formulated perculiar and community-sensitive Plans of Action (POAs); and implement the POAs and community development initiatives as well as shared experiences/reports of the interventions in the Niger Delta Region.

EFFICIENCY: In most of the communities, SCPP achieved more than the equivalent of the funds allocated and disbursed for it. Sub-IPs and CCCs were empowered and supported use the allocated and fully disbussed subgrants to mobilise the goodwill of community members to directly provide seats in schools, repair bridges to aid movement of people, repair roads, clear the environment, support healthcare facilities, etc far beyond the values of the funds allocated and fully disbussed to them by the project. The intervention became community-owned, community-conceptualised, community-planned, community-implemented, community-monitored and community-reported. Division of labour among the CCC members ensured that the implementation of the POAs did not weigh anyone down. A good example was the provision of seats by the CCC’s effort at Afaha Offot Primary School Uyo, Akwa Ibom State which was done without any money from the government, and ofcourse the cost of the seats is far beyond the fund subgranted to the sub-IP from the UNDEF grant.

IMPACT: This project had a very strong and positive effect on the ability and perception of the community to initiate and participate in development processes, and to speak to power. The involvement of 50:50 ratio of women and men in the CCCs was very new and unsual in all the communities where the SCPP was implemented. Ditto for the deliberate involvement of young people. Through the contributions of the women and young persons in the CCCs, the testimonies/perceptions of their male coounterparts and adults members change significantly in favour of greater involvement ofwomen and young persons (including physically challenged persons) in development processes.

SUSTAINABILITY: The sustainability of the SCP interventions is underscored by the facts that in all the communities where these activities were implemented, they (the activities) not only met the needs of the present populations, but also assuredand laid solidfoundations for the well-being of their future generations. The capacities developmed in CCC members, roads constructed, bridges built, farms cultivated, foods produced, education facilitiesprovided, etc willcontinue to be used by generations beyond now, while at the same time having the capacities to be expanded in scope and utility. These largely have the ability to be sustained, supported, upheld, or confirmed, and shall meet the needs of the present populations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, economically, socially and environmental sustainability factors in equal harmony. The CCCs were also established as ‘Standing Committees’ in the communities to live beyond the project. Indeed, in Okitipupa in Ondo State, the CCC for the SCPP has already transformed into a living organization and received formation registration from the government.

MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THE ‘UNDEF’-FUNDED SUSTAINABLE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION (SCP) IN NIGERIA’S NIGER DELTA PROJECT BY AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION, 2017-2018



AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION
Civil Society Organizations [CSOs] network and think-tank for Health, Community and Development Systems Strengthening
Suite 216, Blk G, FHA Cornershop,
Lugbe,  Airport Rd, Abuja, Nigeria
Ph: +2348034725905 www.afrihealthcsos.org

MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THE ‘UNDEF’-FUNDED SUSTAINABLE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION (SCP) IN NIGERIA’S NIGER DELTA PROJECT BY AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION, 2017-2018

1.      Afrihealth Optonent Association Visits Bayelsa <http://evolvecaregiver.org/afrihealth-optonent-association-visits-bayelsa/>
2.      Group Encourages Self Help Projects  To Develop Imo  Communities <http://www.newnigeriannewspaper.com/group-encourages-self-help-projects-to-develop-imo-communities/>
3.      Group Laments Nonchalant Attitude Of States Towards SDGs <http://uncova.com/group-laments-nonchalant-attitude-of-states-towards-sdgs>
4.      NGOs Harps on the Need for Communities Participation in Governance <http://www.ndokwareporters.com/2017/08/23/ngos-harps-on-the-need-for-communities-participation-in-governance/>
6.      Adirieje: UNDEF spends N75 million on Niger Delta Development <http://ndlink.org/2017/08/07/adirieje-undf-spends-n75-million-on-niger-delta-development/>
7.      Afrihealth Ends Capacity Workshop For Duty Bearers <http://www.pioneernewsonline.com/news/afrihealth-ends-capacity-workshop-for-duty-bearers>
8.      Afrihealth to train 1,220 youths on capacity building, community development <https://youthrevolutionaryparty.wordpress.com/2017/07/19/afrihealth-to-train-1220-youths-on-capacity-building-community-development/>
9.      Bayelsa govt tasks youth on safeguarding infrastructure in rural communities <http://tribuneonlineng.com/bayelsa-govt-tasks-youth-safeguarding-infrastructure-rural-communities/>
10.  CSO Earmarks N76 m to Facilitate SDGs Implementation in Niger Delta <http://sundiatapost.com/2017/07/27/cso-earmarks-n76-m-to-facilitate-sdgs-implementation-in-niger-delta/>
11.  Delta State Government conclude plans to partner AFRIHEALTH <http://www.rizefmradioblog.com/2017/05/delta-state-government-conclude-plans.html>
12.  Group Moves to Tackle Problems of Communities in Imo <http://independent.ng/group-moves-tackle-problems-communities-imo/>
15.  NGO Harps on the Need for Communities Participation in Governance https://www.ndokwareporters.com/2017/08/23/ngos-harps-on-the-need-for-communities-partici
17.  Niger Delta youths undergo UN-sponsored training on sustainable participation in govt. <http://www.oraclenews.ng/niger-delta-youths-undergo-un-sponsored-training-sustainable-participation-govt/>
18.  Organisation earmarks N76m to facilitate SDGs implementation <http://thenationonlineng.net/organisation-earmarks-n76m-facilitate-sdgs-implementation/>
19.  SDGs: Afrihealth ends 3-day workshop on sustainable citizenship participation in Owerri <https://www.hornnewsnigeria.com.ng/lifestyle/health/sdgs-afrihealth-ends-3-day-workshop-on-sustainable-citizenship-participation-in-owerri/>
20.  UN kicks off training of Niger Deltans on Sustainable Citizen Participation <http://www.oraclenews.ng/un-kicks-off-training-niger-deltans-sustainable-citizen-participation/>
21.  UN, NGO search for peace in oil communities <http://www.irokopress.com/un-ngo-search-for-peace-in-oil-communities/>
22.   UN, NGO search for peace in oil communities <https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/un-ngo-search-peace-oil-communities/>
23.  UNDF Spends N75m On Devt In Niger Delta –Adirieje <http://thepointernewsonline.com/?p=54871>
24.  UN, NGO search for peace in oil communities <http://revolutionnews.com.ng/un-ngo-search-for-peace-in-oil-communities/>
25.  UN, NGO search for peace in oil communities <http://www.updaterng.com/un-ngo-search-for-peace-in-oil-communities/>
26.  UN, NGO search for peace in oil communities <https://niyitabiti.net/2017/08/un-ngo-search-for-peace-in-oil-communities/>
32.  Bayelsa govt tasks youth on safeguarding infrastructure in rural communities <http://press.com.ng/news/bayelsa-govt-tasks-youth-on-safeguarding-infrastructure-in-rural-communities/>
33.  Monarch Commends Dci-Afrihealth Leadership Over Town Hall Meeting <http://thepointernewsonline.com/?p=55763>
34.  FG Urged To Invest On Policies That Promote SDGs; Independent newspaper, September 13, 2017
35.   Group tells FG to support SDGs to logical conclusion <http://healthreporters.info/group-tells-fg-to-support-sdgs-to-logical-conclusion/>
36.  SDGs: Afrihealth ends 3-day workshop on sustainable citizenship participation in Owerri <https://www.hornnewsnigeria.com.ng/lifestyle/health/sdgs-afrihealth-ends-3-day-workshop-on-sustainable-citizenship-participation-in-owerri/> 
38.  United Nation Affiliate: AfriHealth to Partner Delta State Government for Development in Nine LGA’s <http://www.gt9ja.com/united-nation-affiliate-afrihealth-to-partner-delta-state-government-for-development-in-nine-lgas>
39.  Oil community unrest: UN, CSOs organize participatory training for youths< http://www.nigeriatoday.ng/2017/04/oil-community-unrest-un-csos-organize-participatory-training-for-youths/>
40.  Organisation Urges Niger Deltans To Embrace Its Project <https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2017/04/17/organisation-urges-niger-deltans-embrace-project>
41.  Organisation Urges Niger Deltans To Embrace Its Project <https://breaking.com.ng/nigeria/organisation-urges-niger-deltans-to-embrace-its-project>
42.  Organisation Urges Niger Deltans To Embrace Its Project <http://nigeria.shafaqna.com/EN/NG/4615452>
45.  UN, CSO, to train youths from oil communities <http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/04/un-cso-train-youths-oil-communities/>
46.  SCP: Community Spends N2M on self-help Projects. The Oracle newspaper, 18 Nov. 2018, p.5
47.  NGO Partners AKSG, Afaha Offot Community for Sustainable Dev’t. Midweek Pioneer, 21-22 Nov. 2018
48.  Afrihealth Optonet concludes UNDEF Community Projects in Akwa Ibom. The Sensor, 14-15 Nov. 2018
49.  Community-Led Advocacy and Resource Mobilization for Primary Health Care (PHC) in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria <https://medium.com/health-for-all/community-led-advocacy-and-resource-mobilization-for-primary-health-care-phc-in-akwa-ibom-state-3ca9195bfd48>
50.  Why SDG projects failed in oil communities of South-East, South-South <https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/why-sdg-projects-failed-in-oil-communities-of-south-east-south-south/>
51.  Human Rights Activist profers Solutions to SDG Challenges. The Independent, 20 Dec. 2018, p.41
52.  FG, States paying lip service to SDGs – Advocacy Group. Telegraph, 15 Dec. 2018, p.38
53.  UNDF conducts community project monitoring training for Bayelsa indigenes <https://dailywatchng.org/undf-conducts-community-project-monitoring-training-for-bayelsa-indigenes/>
54.  AfriHealth, COHDAT Takes Anti-Water Borne Diseases to C’River. Thisday Live, December 13, 2018 1:14 am
55.  Community targets projects for erosion control <https://guardian.ng/property/community-targets-projects-for-erosion-control/>
57.  SCP: Community Renovates Classroom Block in Imo Council. The Oracle, 21 Nov. 2018
58.  AFRIHEALTH’S Sustainable citizen participation project in Omudioga Community in Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State Okitipupa <http://ph-microscope.com/2018/11/21/sustainable-citizen-participation-report/>
59.  AFRIHEALTH’S Sustainable citizen participation project in Okitipupa,  Ondo State <https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/sustainable-citizen-participation-project-in-okitipupa/>
60.  UNDEF/Afrihealth sponsors sustainable citizens project in Rivers State <http://authorityngr.com/2018/11/14/undef-afrihealth-sponsors-sustainable-citizens-project-in-rivers-state/>
61.  Donor agencies to execute projects in Nyangasang community, Calabar <https://guardian.ng/news/donor-agencies-to-execute-projects-in-community/>
62.  Community targets projects for erosion control <https://guardian.ng/property/community-targets-projects-for-erosion-control/>
63.  ROTDOW Partners Afrihealth Optonet Association To Develop Okitipupa LGA, Ondo State <https://newnigeriannewspaper.com/rotdow-partners-afrihealth-optonet-association-to-develop-okitipupa-lga/>
64.  BDI, Afrihealth, Others Extend Development Efforts To Otuasega Community <https://www.independent.ng/bdi-afrihealth-others-extend-development-efforts-to-otuasega-community/>
65.  Imo Community hails UN on sustainable Citizen Participation Project <http://www.imostateonline.com/news/nigeria/3685-imo-community-hails-un-on-sustainable-citizen-participation-project>
66.  Towards sustainable citizens participation in Niger Delta devt <https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/towards-sustainable-citizens-participation-in-niger-delta-devt/>
68.  Improving Health Care Services in the Rural Communities in Nigeria <http://www.hifa.org/dgroups-rss/improving-health-care-services-rural-communities-nigeria>
69.  Health Experts Admonish PMB on Combating Tuberculosis Ahead UNHLM <http://timenigeria.com/health-experts-admonish-pmb-on-combating-tuberculosis-ahead-unhlm/>
70.  Int’l Day of the Girl Child: Afrihealth Optonet urges policy makers to show commitment to immunization, accountability <https://urbanpaparazzionline.com/2018/10/15/intl-day-of-the-girl-child-afrihealth-optonet-urges-policy-makers-to-show-commitment-to-immunization-accountability/>
71.  NGO Partners Afrihealth Optonet on Sustainable Ddev’t Goal. Telegraph, 25 Nov. 2018, p.28
72.  Towards sustainable citizens participation in Niger Delta devt <https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/towards-sustainable-citizens-participation-in-niger-delta-devt/>
73.  Sustainable Citizen Participation project in Okitipupa. The Hope, 21 Nov. 2018, p.12
74.  Group Trains Community nin Project Execution. The Hope, 21 Nov. 2018, p.21