The deputy governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere has enjoined communities in the State to join hands with the Owelle Rochas Okorocha led administration to bring about the desired economic development in the State and in the country at large.
The deputy governor made this remark during the inauguration of the elevation of Umualoma-Umuagii kindred to a village status by the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha through Dr. Ifeanyi Ekenasi, his Special Adviser on Public Affairs who represented him at the event.
According to a press release signed by the Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Media, Uche Onwuchekwa, the number 2 citizen implored the people of the Umualoma to be developmentally conscious as their elevation to a village status by the governor is development oriented.
Speaking further, he urged them to brace up with the present economic reality, which he said elicits the need to refocus Nigeria’s means of revenue generation to non-oil sector, saying the reason for creating communities is for administrative convenience with a view to moblizing the people at the rural areas towards attainment of economic development.
He used the forum to remind them of the effort of the Rescue Mission Government to achieve economically viable communities through the Community Government Council, which their son, Chief Gerry Okolie is superintending, while enumerating the gains of well-organised communities, which security of life and property topped the rest.
He therefore hammered on the need to refocus energy on agribusiness and called on all and sundry to create time for agriculture saying the government effort towards industrializing the State will be agro based.
He also charged the academic dons in the State to research into those areas of comparative advantage so as to redirect the effort of farmers and help them with quality techniques and profitable yields
He stressed the priority-need of State being able to feed itself rather than relying on imported farm produce to feed its citizenry. He said this effort will make youth self-reliant, earn relatively good income and lead a decent life with dignity.
Speaking, one of the illustrious sons of Umualoma, Chief Gerry Okolie, the immediate past deputy chief of staff and Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs thanked the deputy governor for coming to show love to the people of Umualoma community while extolling the giant strides of the Owelle Rochas Okorocha led rescue mission.
High point of the occasion was the inauguration of the new leaders of the village by HRH Eze S .N. Okeke, The Durukaoma IX of Ihioma ancient Kingdom, Obi of Ihioma autonoumous community.