Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has commended journalists in Imo for being objective in the reportage of events and issues since the inception of the current administration in the state.Governor Okorocha gave the pass mark at the 2013 NUJ Press Week held at the NUJ Press Centre Owerri.He described journalists as vehicles of information dissemination and advised them to embrace objectivity and fairness in the discharge of their duty.According to him the government is appreciative of constructive criticisms as it provides the administration the opportunity to take more positive decisions in governance which is manifest in the array of developmental programmes and projects of the administration.The Governor recalled that his predecessor had N4 billion taken away from the state coffers each year as security vote whereas the total school fees of all Imo students was not up to N1 billion, adding that it was upon the recognition of that fact that he decided to sacrifice his security vote to ensure that the children of the poorest of the poor could go to school through the provision of free and comprehensive education from primary to tertiary education.He further revealed that before the inception of the Rescue Mission government, the Imo State University(IMSU) was near collapse as the institution had borrowed up to N1.8 billion from Diamond Bank which his administration paid off and equally increased the subvention of the school.Okorocha enumerated some landmark achievements made by his government to include the massive road transformation in the state, the rehabilitation of Imo Palm Plantation and Concord Hotel, the development of Orlu and Okigwe into modern cities as well as development of other new cities.Other infrastructural projects, include, the 27 New General Hospitals, the 305 highrise primary schools, the International Conference Centre, the Odenigbo Guest Houses, the Heroes Square,
Ikemba Ojukwu Centre, Heroes Apartment, the Imo Traditional Council, among others.Earlier, the Chairman of the day’s occasion and the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency, Dr Eddie Mbadiwe, said the ceremony was to strengthen the fact that the Press is essential in the development of any nation and urged members of NUJ never to compromise their jobs but remain focused as watchdog of the society.In his address of welcome, the state chairman of NUJ, Sir Innocent Igwe said the Press week is a time set aside to review the activities of the union in the State and proffer critical solution where necessary to ensure that journalists carry out their constitutional duties uninhibited.The event was witnessed by notable politicians from the state and beyond while the highlight featured presentation of Grand Patron Award on His Excellency, Governor Okorocha for his exemplary leadership and passionate concern for others.
by CHRIS NJOKU
