Imo Govt directs Petroleum Ministry to stop illegal oil bunkering

. . . Awards contract for more roads

The Imo State Government has directed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to put in place measures that would deter illegal oil bunkering in any part of the state.

Rising from her regular State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting Wednesday, April 6, 2022 presided over by Governor Hope Uzodimma, the government also disclosed that approval had been given for the award of contract for the construction of more roads in different parts of the state.

Briefing newsmen on decisions reached by the Exco, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, said Council also empowered the Petroleum Ministry to forward a Bill to the House of Assembly for the Creation of Local Content Management Agency with a view that it would help to generate revenue for the State.

The Commissioner said the Council also frowned at reports that at some ongoing construction sites in the state, hoodlums have continued to disrupt activities and therefore called on the leaders of those areas to wade in by controlling, cautioning and calling their youths to order and to educate them on the need to cooperate with those who are bringing development to their area.

Emelumba informed that the Council expressed delight that Imo State took the first position in the States Category of the recently concluded Technology and Innovation Expo 2022 organized by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology between 14th and 18th of March 2022.

He said the Governor has already received the plaque and letter of award from the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prof Boniface Nworgu during the Exco Meeting and urged all the ministries to prove the stuff the State is made of.

Furthermore, Emelumba noted that the Council received commendable reports of appreciation from Communities that reside along the areas where construction of the government’s ongoing flagship roads – Owerri/Okigwe and Owerri/Orlu roads are located because of their quality and speed of execution.

Accompanied by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prof. Boniface Nworgu; Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Rex Anunobi; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Ruby Emele; Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah and the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor, Oguwike Nwachuku, Emelumba explained that the Council noted with delight the completion of work on 10 roads earlier awarded by the government which are awaiting commissioning soon.

It was also an opportunity for the Commissioner to explain to the media how excited the Council was over report of the nomination of Governor Uzodimma as the Governor of the Year 2021 by the Sun Newspapers in recognition of his sterling performance in road and other infrastructural development programmes in Imo.

•PHOTO: Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma ( 2nd right) US Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria Kathleen fitzgibbon ( right) Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku ( 2nd left) Ag Chief Judge Justice Theresa Chiemeka(left) and others after the Imo State COVID-19 Stakeholder Engagement Meeting held at Government House Owerri