SAGE Journals

PRESS STATEMENT The Forum of CPS/Special Advisers on Media and Publicity Celebrates Hon. Chief Oguike Nwachukwu A Seasoned Media General and True Bridge-Builder The Forum of Chief Press Secretaries and Special Advisers on Media and Publicity to the 27 Local Government Executive Chairmen across Imo State heartily celebrates a man of rare wisdom, integrity, and visionary leadership Hon. Chief Oguike Nwachukwu, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Imo State, on the glorious occasion of his birthday. Hon. Chief Oguike Nwachukwu is not just a communication strategist; he is a refined leader who inspires excellence, uplifts others, and embodies humility in leadership. His passion for truth, professionalism, and the image of Imo State Government has set a standard of media engagement worthy of emulation. He has shown that true leadership is not about position but impact; not about title but service. He carries people along with wisdom, builds bridges of unity across institutio...

The Forum of Chief Press Secretaries and Special Advisers on Media and Publicity to the Executive Chairmen of the 27 Local Government Areas in Imo State, with one voice, extend our profound commendation to our dear Governor, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator (Dr.) Hope Odidika Uzodimma, CON, GSSR (Onwa Oyoko), for his uncommon vision, purposeful leadership, and remarkable achievements that have continued to transform Imo into a true land of prosperity. We celebrate His Excellency’s signature legacy projects that have redefined the infrastructural landscape of Imo State—the ongoing massive road construction and rehabilitation reconnecting towns and markets; the world-class Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC), a hub for tourism and global engagement; the iconic Control Flyover in Owerri, a wonder of engineering redefining urban renewal; and the monumental renovation of the Concorde Hotel, restoring Imo’s pride in hospitality. Beyond infrastructure, we equally ...

𝘉𝘺: 𝘋𝘰𝘯𝘞𝘪𝘴  Every August, the ancient town of Obohia Ekwerazu in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Imo State, comes alive with the vibrant celebration of Eyiri-Eyi, a sacred cultural festival passed down by generations. This annual event is more than a mere gathering — it is the heart of Obohia’s identity, a time-honoured tradition that serves as a spiritual, cultural, and communal compass for its people and even for neighbouring communities. But this year’s edition has sparked unrest and controversy, as a faction within the organizing committee—allegedly influenced by political interests—has unilaterally shifted the festival date to August 16th, defying the age-long custom and provoking the outrage of cultural custodians, elders, and true sons and daughters of Obohia. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗡𝗸𝘄𝗼 𝗢𝗯𝗼𝗵𝗶𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 Historically, Eyiri-Eyi Obohia is celebrated between the 𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁, anchored around 𝗡𝗸...

As part of its strategic engagements to foster synergy and strengthen the dissemination of government policies and programs at the grassroots, a delegation of the Forum of Chief Press Secretaries and Special Assistants on Media and Publicity to the 27 Local Government Executive Chairmen in Imo State paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor, Hon. Oguwike Nwachuku on Wednesday,  18th June 2025. The delegation, led by the State Coordinator of the Forum, Comr. Solomon C.J. Chimezie, was warmly received at the Government House, Owerri. In his opening remarks, Comr. Solomon introduced the delegates and briefed the CPS on the purpose of the visit. He emphasized the critical need for accuracy, timeliness, and consistency in the dissemination of government programs at the local government level. He also reiterated the Forum's commitment to aligning with the vision of the 3R Government and the "Shared Prosperity" agenda of His Excellency, Disting...

It is quite unfortunate that some stakeholders of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), have chosen to ignite public controversy over the zoning of elective positions in Ahiazu Mbaise. If these individuals are indeed loyal to the administration of our dear Governor, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, and submissive to the leadership structure of our party in Imo State, they ought to propose a clear, consensus-driven Charter of Equity through our statutory political leaders rather than heightening tensions in the public domain. Thankfully, the APC in Ahiazu is blessed with legitimate political leaders who are not only party members but also hold the strategic authority to steer this conversation: *our Executive Chairman, our Honourable Member in the Imo State House of Assembly, and several government appointees*. These leaders must rise to the occasion—just as our Governor has consistently championed equity at the state level—and lead the push for a loca...

The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba , has pledged to ensure that grassroots communities are actively engaged and well-informed about government activities and initiatives in Imo State. Hon. Emelumba made this commitment while receiving a delegation of the Association of Chief Press Secretaries/Special Assistants on Media and Publicity to Local Government Chairmen in Imo State. The visit took place at the Ministry's office in the State Secretariat Complex, Owerri. During the interaction, the Commissioner called for effective collaboration between the Ministry and the association to ensure that credible and timely information about government policies, programs, and projects reaches the grassroots. He further promised to support the association by facilitating the publication of their activities through any of the government-owned media platforms. According to him, showcasing the achievements of LGA Chairmen also serves t...

The long-awaited Mbaise USA Health Insurance Program officially commenced its beneficiary enrollment and data capturing today, Tuesday, 22nd April 2025 , at Umuihuocha Civic Hall, Obohia/Ekwereazu Ward , Ahiazu Mbaise LGA. This landmark program, a partnership between Mbaise USA Inc. and the Imo State Government through the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA) , aims to deliver quality and free healthcare to thousands of residents across Mbaise. Comr. Uchech’ukwu Wisdom , the Ahiazu Mbaise LGA Coordinator of the program, mobilized over 80 beneficiaries and was fully on ground to ensure smooth coordination and successful enrollment. Mrs. Vicky Jennifer , the Ahiazu Mbaise Liaison Officer of IMSHIA, led the data capturing process with utmost diligence, successfully enrolling 82 lives on the spot. The atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude as beneficiaries celebrated the opportunity and prayed for God’s blessings upon the sponsors in the USA , whose love and sacrifice...

Mbaise USA Health Insurance Capturing Begins Tuesday in Umuihuocha The highly anticipated Mbaise USA Health Insurance Program will kick off its information capturing for beneficiaries on Tuesday, 22nd April 2025 . Venue: Umuihuocha Civic Hall, Eke Umuihuocha Time: 9:00 AM All selected beneficiaries are advised to come with a passport photograph and any valid form of identification. Notably, Nze Greatman Ezendieze Ugwuadi is a major sponsor for beneficiaries from Obohia Ekwereazu Town Ward, supporting this life-changing initiative in partnership with the Imo State Health Insurance Agency and Mbaise USA . This program is a major step toward providing accessible healthcare to our people. More updates to follow.

The Forum of Chief Press Secretaries and Special Assistants on Media and Publicity to the Executive Chairmen of the 27 Local Government Areas in Imo State heartily congratulate our dear Governor, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator (Dr) Hope Odidika Uzodimma, CON, GSSR (Onwa Oyoko), The Executive Governor Imo State, On his meritorious recognition as Infrastructure Governor of the Year 2024 by the Vanguard Newspaper. In a statement signed by the Forum,  Media Aides to the 27 local government Executive Chairmen described the award as a “Resounding Validation of Governor Uzodimma’s transformative leadership and infrastructural revolution” under the Shared Prosperity administration. The statement further lauded the Governor’s outstanding achievements in the areas of road construction, urban renewal development, healthcare, education, digital economy, and institutional reform, which have collectively redefined governance across Imo State. “As communication strategists and image ma...

On behalf of the good people of Umuihuocha Obohia Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, I, Nze Greatman Ezendieze Ugwuadi, the Eze-elect of our cherished community, heartily congratulate His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma, CON , Executive Governor of Imo State, on his well-deserved recognition by Vanguard Newspapers as the Infrastructure Governor of the Year 2024. This honour is a reflection of your unwavering commitment to development, driven by the philosophy of your administration’s 3R mantra: Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery. Your Excellency, your transformative leadership has reshaped the narrative of Imo State, from neglected infrastructure to thriving urban and rural renewal. The roads you have built, the institutions you have revived, and the systems you have restructured are testimonies written not just in concrete and steel, but in the hearts of Ndi Imo and all who believe in purposeful governance. Your vision has...

Hon. Charles Obinna Chiemelem addresing his people of Mpam  In a moment filled with excitement, unity, and hope, the people of Mpam Autonomous Community witnessed history as their illustrious son, Hon. Charles Obinna Chiemelem, officially declared his aspiration to contest for the position of Executive Governor of Imo State. The declaration, which took place today in the heart of Mpam, was nothing short of a homecoming filled with immense pride and purpose. Sons and daughters of the community, both young and old, turned out in their numbers to receive their own with a resounding show of solidarity and support. The atmosphere was electrifying, charged with the passion and expectations of a people whose hopes are anchored on one of their best. Hon. Chiemelem, known for his integrity, competence, and undiluted passion for development, took the stage and unveiled his vision for a new Imo State—an Imo where equity, infrastructure, youth empowerment, healthcare, and good governance will ...

Introduction Town unions in Imo State have traditionally served as pillars of grassroots governance, fostering development, unity, and community leadership. However, in recent times, opposition political parties have resorted to desperate moves to hijack these structures, especially in communities without recognized traditional rulers. This phenomenon is particularly evident in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, where many communities lack substantive traditional rulers, creating a vacuum that politicians now seek to exploit. Their goal is not community development but to install political loyalists who will serve as their foot soldiers ahead of upcoming elections. This article highlights the implications of this dangerous trend, the legal framework governing town unions in Imo State, and why the government must urgently intervene to prevent a political takeover of grassroots governance. Case Study: The Manipulation of Town Unions in Ahiazu Mbaise 1. Absence of Recognized Traditional Rulers Many commu...

  By: DonWis   The role of Local Government Councilors is crucial in grassroots governance, as they are responsible for legislation, policy-making, and oversight within their constituencies. However, effective legislation requires adequate knowledge, capacity, and training—something that many newly elected or serving councilors may lack. A Call for Legislative Training We call on the Imo State Government, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and all relevant authorities to prioritize structured legislative training for the current councilors across the 27 LGAs of the state. Training programs should be compulsory and continuous to ensure that councilors develop the necessary skills to deliver effective governance to the people at the grassroots. Why Legislative Training is Essential 1. Understanding Legislative Procedures Councilors need to understand how to draft, debate, and pass motions and by-laws that directly impact their local communities. Without pr...

Formation of the Umuihuocha Intermediate Committee (UIC) In adherence to the customs and developmental framework of Umuihuocha Autonomous Community, the Traditional Prime Minister (TPM), Chief Magnus Okoro , in collaboration with the Umuihuocha Development Union (UDU) , initiated the Umuihuocha Intermediate Committee (UIC) . This committee was envisioned as a neutral mediator to foster peace, resolve disputes, and uphold constitutional order within the community. However, concerns quickly emerged regarding the legitimacy of the committee’s formation , the selection of representatives, and potential manipulations surrounding the leadership succession process. Emerging Concerns Over the Legitimacy of the Committee What was initially perceived as a unifying step soon became a subject of controversy . High Chief Dandy Canice Orji and others who had submitted nominees for the committee discovered that the original list had been altered without consultation . Key concerns included: ...

 By: DonWis  Introduction Local government legislators, particularly ward councilors, play a critical role in grassroots governance. They serve as the bridge between the people and the government, shaping policies that directly impact communities. However, many councilors assume office without adequate knowledge of legislative procedures, governance frameworks, or policy-making. This knowledge gap can hinder effective representation and service delivery. To address this challenge, legislative training for local legislators should be a priority for every Local Government Area (LGA). A well-trained councilor is better equipped to advocate for constituents, develop meaningful policies, and contribute to democratic governance. Why Legislative Training is Essential 1. Enhancing Legislative Knowledge and Skills: Legislative processes are complex, requiring councilors to understand procedures such as drafting bills, motions, and resolutions. Training equips them with the knowledge of...