The Chairman, Ngor Okpala Local Government Council, Hon Obinna Nweke, has applauded the Governor of Imo State, Chief Hope Uzodinma, for embarking on people-oriented and youth empowerment programmes in the State.

The Chairman made the statement during a meeting of Ngor Okpala Stakeholders and Leaders of Thought designed to address the security challenges of and finding lasting solution to the current infiltration of the #End SARS protest in the local government area.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Traditional Rulers, Presidents-General and youths of various communities who conducted security watch to ensure that #End SARS infiltrators and hoodlums did not destroy government property located in their communities.

He noted that the infiltrators and hoodlums destroying government property are those contracted to do so.

Chief Nweke highlighted the need for all youths to rally their various communities to secure government property in their locations.

He stressed the fact that those government property are theirs.

He pointed out that the Governor has approved the sum of N2 billion for youth empowerment programme in the State while encouraging the youths to queue into various youth empowerment programmes of the State Government as various forms are made available to that effect.

Chief Nweke informed Ngor Okpala stakeholders that he is committed to ensuring rapid development of the LGA, adding: “Right now investors have arrived Ngor Okpala to partner with the Local Government Council, and an Industrial Area Development Project is currently taking shape. Three banks have already indicated interest to join in the Industrial Area Development.

“The project, when completed will attract One thousand, seven hundred jobs and around three thousand, five hundred jobs in the value chain. This is part of my efforts to bring development in Ngor Okpala,” the IMC chairman said.

Chief Nweke said his administration will continue to implement government policies and programmes that will reflect on the aspirations of Ngor Okpala Youths.

He also informed stakeholders that the fifth palliatives were shared to 65 churches in Ngor Okpala.

The Special Assistant to the Governor, Okenze Blyden Amajirionwu, emphasized that though government built the property being destroyed in Ngor Okpala, the property belongs to them.

He admonished Ngor Okpala youths to abstain from such habits if they were involved and expressed delight that majority of Ngor Okpala teachers have received their salary arrears of seven months while the remaining few received two months.

Chief George Ekeh emphasized more on the attitude of damaging government property, stressing that they should not allow hoodlums to infiltrate their circle. He pleaded with Ngor Okpala politicians not to use the youths for political thuggery.

On his own part, Chief Eustace Ekeh urged Ngor Okpala people to maintain the peace they are known for and thanked the IMC Chairman for convening the meeting at the appropriate time.

The Director, Imo Orientation Agency, Dr. Etelbert Okere, encouraged the youths to ensure peace at this trying time and guide their various communities not to allow infiltrators use their name to commit crimes.

The Chairman, Ngor Okpala Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Geoffrey Okoro, challenged the youths to resist any hoodlum or End SARS infiltrators trying to damage government property in their locations. He called on the IMC Chairman to advise the Town Union Presidents to respect their Traditional Rulers.

The President, Ngor Okpala Patriots youth wing, Hon. Emma Agbakwuru, who spoke on behalf of the youths promised that the youths are determined to deal with any group of people who will use the name of youths to forment trouble or cause damages in the LGA.

Other dignitaries present at the meeting include, the SSA to the Governor on Community Relations, Hon. Mrs Chika Ibekwe; the SSA to the Governor on Road Rehabilitation, Hon. Chimezie Nwaeke, Hon. Obinna Egu, Chief Vitalis Opara, Hon. Fmr T. C. Chair, Chief Sylvesta Chidi Ekeh, Chief Sam Anukam, Chief Cliff Ogbede, Chief Bona Nlemadim, Chief J. C Onuoha, Chief C.C Nwigwe, Engr Jude Ukaegbu, Lolo Adimchi Chima Onwukwe, HRH Eze Geoffrey Okoro, Pst. Dan Anyanwu, Rev. Paul Okere, amongst others.

•PHOTO: A cross section of dignitaries at the meeting of Ngor Okpala Stakeholders and Leaders of Thought