Ohakim okays N1 billion micro-credit scheme for Imo youths

Posted by admin Imo, State News Friday, March 4th, 2011

GOVERNOR Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State has approved N1 billion micro-credit scheme for all youths in the state.

The development came as the 27- member Imo State House of Assembly, presided over by Goodluck Opiah, unanimously passed a motion expunging from their records the names and offences of five of their members suspended in 2008 and 2009.

In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. V.C. Awaeze and made available to journalists in Owerri yesterday, it was stated that the programme, tagged: “Imo Youths Empowerment Programme (IYEP)”, would commence with collection of application forms by interested youths in their various local councils of origin on or before March 20 when it is expected to lapse.

According to the statement, the motive of Ohakim is to give youths hope by “empowering, prospering and giving our youths a bright future”.

The statement read in part: “Interested Imo youths are by this announcement requested to go to their various local councils and collect the application forms at no cost and return same after proper filling and signing, to the local council on or before March 20, 2011. No form will be given after March 20”.

The state government had a few weeks ago begun disbursement of N2 billion loan package to real farmers spread in the 27 local councils.

According to the House of Assembly motion, which was sponsored by the Majority Leader, Dr. John Egbuchulam, the lawmakers would, by the action, clean anywhere the names of those who have suffered suspension problem appeared for future purposes.

Those affected by the decision included Ikenna Eme, Amaechi Nwoha, all lawyers, Larry Ajaero and Ugochukwu Nzekwe, who were suspended on September 25, 2008, for several months. On Tuesday, March 10, 2009, Ugochukwu Nzekwe and Onuora Olumba, were suspended. The records were also erased by the passage of the motion.

According to the members, though it was not out of place for suspension of alleged erring members to occur in the legislative business, there was need for peace and spirit of being “brother’s keeper” to take place.

-Guardianwp_posts