Uzodimma Approves N500m To Resuscitate Aluminum Industry

The Imo State government has approved N500 million for the resuscitation of Nyishi Aluminum Industry and the rehabilitation of rural roads across local government areas of the state.

According to the state government, the projects are geared towards contributing significantly to programmes that will facilitate improvement of the rural communities.

This was made known during the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, presided over by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, disclosed the key highlights from the meeting while briefing newsmen.

He said the council made significant decisions aimed at enhancing development in rural areas, alongside various initiatives to improve government services.

He was flanked by his colleagues from Power and Electricity (Eng. Nwabueze Ogushienti), Digital Economy (Chimezie Amadi), Lands and Survey ( Enyinnaya Onuegbu), Finance (Chuck Chuckmeka), and the Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor (Oguwike Nwachuku).

Emelumba further disclosed that a 15 percent consultancy fee was approved for payment to Trace Wide Consult for successfully reviewing and recovering unmerited liquefied natural gas dividends and oil revenue from January 1999 to date.

He equally noted that recruitment for Cohort 4 of the Skill-Up Imo Project has begun, with applicants encouraged to apply through the My Imo App. The application is free.

According to him, a contract was awarded to Imo Digital City to manage Land Information Services and digitalization of all land transactions over the next 25 years, pointing out that all land transactions in the state shall henceforth be cashless and online too.

On roads, he said Council approved 40 new road contracts across the three zones in Imo State – Owerri, Orlu, and Okigwe – with an inter-ministerial committee formed to create a blueprint for massive development in the rural areas for the purpose of creating a balanced growth after urban renewal effort.

The establishment of a committee for the Imo Investment Summit was also approved, just as Council hinted of the participation of over 13 banks as co-sponsors/ participants.

The Information Commissioner also disclosed that Imo Concord Hilton Hotel is set to be opened by Christmas for public use, assuring that the place will be a delight to visitors and those returning home for the holidays from the Diaspora.

On Imo State electricity Improvement Projects, the Commissioner for Power and Electrification, Engr. Nwabueze Ogushienti added that ongoing upgrades to electricity transmission across the State are underway, with a pilot scheme in Owerri featuring newly installed 15 MVA transformers.

The Council regrettably expressed condolences over the sudden passing of Dr. Daniel Ogacheke, a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Investment, disclosing that government delegation will attend the burial in Kogi State and provide financial assistance.