Okigwe Elders Forum has expressed gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state for carrying the zone along in the scheme of things and has assured him of the continuous support of the people to his administration.
The Group equally donated four different parcels of land to the Government of Imo state for the purpose of building a Housing Estate which Governor Uzodimma promised to build in the three zones of the State, including Okigwe.
Addressing the Elders who came to hand over documents of the four parcels of land to him at the Executive Chambers, Government House Owerri,on Tuesday, Governor Uzodimma expressed happiness at the support of the Okigwe people and their understanding of the policy direction of his administration.
The Governor reiterated that he will not relent in seeing that all the laudable promises and policies of his administration are implemented to the later.
Governor Uzodimma noted that on assumption of office, he promised that he will build Housing Estates for Civil Servants and low income earners in the State and told his visitors that he is committed to actualizing the promise.
While thanking the leaders of the zone for providing the lands without Government asking, the Governor assured them that Government will do the needful by ensuring that work start immediately on any of the lands chosen for the Housing Estate.
The Governor called on other zones in the State to emulate the people of Okigwe, stating that Government will need more lands to invest, especially in agriculture, as a way of empowering the youths and ensuring food security for Imo people through mechanized agriculture.
Earlier, the Chairman of Okigwe Elders Forum, His Royal Highness, Eze Oliver Ohanwe applauded the governor for his proactive actions in governance since he assumed office.
He noted that Okigwe people are happy with the government hence, they all agreed in to donate the four parcels of land situated in different parts of the zone for the Housing Estate.
Adding his voice, a leader of the zone, Prof. Maurice Iwu stated that the four parcels of land which are 9,000 hectares, especially the one at Umuna in Onuimo LGA, is adjacent to the Imo State University School of Engineering. The other parcels of land are located at Amaraku bordering Anara, Obolo in Isiala Mbano and at Obowo, near the Abadaba Lake.
Prof. Iwu assured that the sites were painstakingly chosen so that government will not have any community issues on entering the lands, adding that the community leaders agreed and are in support of the programme.
Eulogizing the Governor and his style of administration, an apex leader of the zone, Chief Tony Chukwu said the Governor has performed above people’s expectations. ”People thought on assumption of office that he may not be able to handle the intricacies of government but on the contrary, he has surpassed all expectations.”
The event which was graced by some members of State executive Council had notable leaders of Okigwe zone including the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins, the Secretary to Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu and other prominent traditional rulers present.