At the launching of the ‘Udo Chia’ unity album by the Owerri Stars Musicians Organization [OSMO], Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha confessed that there is no need going outside the state to pay artistes millions of Naira when those in the state have better abilities.
The governor made the statement after being thrilled with a ‘back to back’ mixed performances by Imo State based bongo and hip-hop artistes at Bongo Center Owerri on Saturday, December 17, 2016 during the launching a joint album by all Bongo musicians in the state.
The governor who was present with members of his cabinet, confessed that the wonderful talents in the state is the reason he has vowed to ensure that the entertainment industry in the state grows to the next. Governor Okorocha further stated that night life which Owerri is known for will only be back to its fullest if the entertainment industry in the state is grown to the fullest.
He pledged to support the bongo musicians through the project, hailing their initiative to unite Imo State through music. He then took time to appreciate some artistes who fought for his reelection via cash donations with Ababanna and KC Voice being among the fold.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of OSMO, Mr. Bismarck Ekeocha, hailed the governor for his giant strides, adding that the association which was established in 2010 with Mr. Promise Ihemtuge aka Okwesilieze Nwanonyeigbo as the pioneer president, have worked towards bettering the welfare of her members irrespective of the constraints they have been facing.
Mr. Bismarck then hailed members of the association for their commitment amidst various engagements, adding that without them and everyone who had attended the event, the venue would have been an empty arena.
Meanwhile, it was multiple accolades for Hon. Chukwunonye Iruno, the SSA to Governor Okorocha on Entertainment and Public Affairs whose office had partnered with the bongo musicians on the project. The governor hailed him for the tremendous achievement he had recorded, urging him to ensure that the entertainment sector of the state sees more transformation.
While announcing the Chrismas programmes of the state government to the thousands of people who graced the event, Governor Okorocha urged the artistes to join in all of them as ‘there is no other state we can call our own, other than Imo’.
