Imo Unions Seek to Make Their Mark
As part of efforts to continue in the strides attained by the outgone executives of the Imo State Towns Development Association in Lagos, their successors have vowed to embark on more projects, writes Ugo Aliogo
She was chosen from the crowd as the people’s choice; her election into the presidential seat was one backed by grace and purpose from divinity. It was glaring from the people’s deposition that her assumption to this coveted position will not only inspire change, but chart a prosperous path. Mrs. Lilian Amakor beamed smiles of accomplishment as she worked to the podium to be sworn-in as the new President of Imo State Towns Development Association Lagos Women’s Wing (ISTDAL).
Amakor’s election was greeted with so much hope and expectation because of the vision the new administration was bringing into government. The people opined that she and her executives will not only chart a new beginning for the association, but also take the association to greater heights.
The new president said the administration would usher in a new dawn in the history of ISTDAL women’s wing while lauding the founding fathers, past and present leaders of ISTDAL and patrons for their immense support towards electing the new executives into office.
Amakor promised the people that the new executives will continue with the empowerment programme began by the past administration, while also embarking on their own projects. “We promise to continue with the good work you have started,” she said. “I having been an executive member of ISTDAL over the years, I was also the chairperson of the organising committee of the last empowerment programme in which over 67 communities benefitted and there are more items to give out.”
She added that a day would be declared to celebrate their husbands and family, while soliciting for the support of the women in order for the administration to deliver on its promises under the change mantra. “We promise not to let you down, but we strongly solicit your support and cooperation in pursuit of the change we hope for in the new administration.”
Speaking on the projects of the new executives, Amakor said ISTDAL women’s wing would embark on procuring a new bus which will be used to move members home during the Christmas period, the annual August meeting and other activities of the association in relation to the welfare of members. She stated that the idea was endorsed by the new administration and they are putting measures together through the ‘ISTDAL’s women wing bus appeal fund’ to ensure that the dream is realised.
According to her, “There is no denying the fact that the wife of the Imo State governor, Mrs. Nnoma Rochas Okorocha has played and is still playing a great role in providing succour for the less privileged in the state. The activities of SNARP, her pet project speaks volumes of her commitment to the well-being of our women particularly the widows and the orphans. Without mincing words, our leadership will support every initiative of our amiable governor’s wife to better the lots of women.
“We plead that you carry us along as your veritable partners in progress and remember our women some of who are striving to make ends meet in Lagos. ISTDAL women’s wing has already identified itself with the new liaison officer, Barr. Nze Steve Asimobi, just as it did with his predecessor Hon. Alfred Ononugbo, we pray that the wonderful relationship will continue to be the good of the state.
“We will continue with the empowerment and skills acquisition programme of ISTDAL women’s wing to equip our women to face the challenges of the present economic reality. We run an open door policy, ready to accept criticism and suggestions to help us grow. We will abide by the constitution of ISTDAL and by the grace of God our women will not labour in vain in the association.”
Some of the newly sworn in executives are: Lolo Chinyere Mmezi (First-vice president), Lady Ada Ofoegbu JP (2nd Vice President), Lady Celine Oguh (Secretary), Mrs. Uloma Nwosu (Inauguration chairperson) Mrs. Ifeoma Mmekagbulem (Public Relations Officer) and others.
In her address, the past president of the women’s wing, Mrs. Blessing Mbonu, congratulated the newly elected officers and prayed for God’s blessings as they begin their tenure.
Mbonu challenged the new administration to surpass the achievement of the past executives, stating that during her tenure they were able to empower over 70 ISTDAL women with various items such as sewing machines, grinding machines, (big and small), coolers, bags of rice, clothes, head and hand dryers, cash donations and other things were distributed on different occasions of women empowerment programmes to alleviate poverty and idleness. “We also held skills acquisitions to make beads, liquid and bar soaps, Dettol, custard, air-fresheners decorations and other items,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Special Assistant to the Imo State Governor on Lagos Liaison Office, Barr. Steve Asimobi, called on Imo citizens to always visit the liaison office and seek for assistance, noting that the office has been created by the state government to ease the stress of those who travel to the state in need of government assistance. “When our people come here, I will sign their letter and my predecessors will also sign their letter so that it will enable them do whatever they want to do,” he said.
Asimobi further stated: “The office handles the protocol of government, and we are concerned with networking with various stakeholders in Lagos State in order to assist Imo people in whatever challenges they are facing.
“We handle the protocols of the governor, senators, members of the federal house, some former governors and elder statesmen, we take care of them. For our children that are deported, they are brought here and we take care of them and re-orientate them on what is going on.
“Our duty here in the liaison office, is to give information to Imo indigenes about what is going in the state to those in Lagos. There was a time when some people were saying the state governor was retrenching workers. The information was false as the state governor did not do anything of such. Our office is open for people to come and ask whatever question that bothers them about the state.
“We are committed to keeping up with the change mantra of the All Progressives Party (APC) government. In collaboration with my staff we have changed about 43 doors in the liaison office, we have done nine new toilets; these projects were done in two weeks. As a result of the governor’s belief in prayer, he introduced 12pm prayer session for every Imolites and we have Victory Chapel in the liaison office where people can come for prayers.”
We will continue with the empowerment and skills acquisition programme of ISTDAL women’s wing to equip our women to face the challenges of the present economic reality. We run an open door policy, ready to accept criticism and suggestions to help us grow. We will abide by the constitution of ISTDAL and by the grace of God our women will not labour in vain in the association