Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha (CON) has taken a step further in demonstrating his commitment towards making the state, the cleanest and healthiest in the country.
Governor Ihedioha, who distributed refuse bins to residents in Owerri, participated in the exercise in the company of former Governor of the state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim and other relevant stakeholders.
Addressing the people shortly after personally evacuating refuse at various points, Governor Ihedioha reiterated the commitment of his administration at ensuring that the state reclaims its position as the cleanest in the country.
He commended residents for coming out in their numbers to participate in the exercise and urged them to sustain the renewed spirit of keeping their environment clean, while stressing the inherent benefits of a healthy environment.
The governor commended the Chief Ikedi Ohakim led Sanitation Committee for a job well done and assured that the exercise will continue to receive the necessary support from his administration, until the lost glory of the state is restored.
He said, “I am happy that this exercise from the reports we are getting across the state, is a huge success and we urge everyone to continue in this renewed spirit. We understand the importance of a clean environment. Aside the health benefits, it encourages commercial activities. This exercise is deliberately designed, such that the Brigade Commander is leading the team in Okigwe zone, while the Commissioner of Police is leading the team in the entire Orlu zone, with the stakeholders in these areas actively involved.
“The commitment that has been demonstrated by our people gladdens my heart. Interestingly legislature, judiciary, civil servants, security agencies, students, market women and traders, the youths, religious leaders and the traditional rulers are all involved in today’s exercise. We are also working towards tackling the flooding in the Owerri and other parts of the state.
Speaking, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Chairman of the Imo State Planning, Sensitization and Implementation Committee on the Cleanup and Sanitation disclosed that the government engaged over 470 trucks and 120 pail-loaders as well as over 5000 volunteers for the exercise across the state.
The former governor expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance, adding that the present government has shown capacity to rebuild the state and promised that more work will be done to recover the environment once the rain stops. He also disclosed that the Governor Ihedioha is poised to rewarding hardwork and commitment to the exercise through the Governor’s Prize.
On his part, Hon. Alex Emeziem, Secretary of the Committee and Special Adviser Environment and Sanitation and General Manager, Imo ENTRACO, expressed great delight at the level of success the exercise recorded across the state.
He disclosed that the Governor Ihedioha led administration is committed to ensuring that the exercise is sustained for the overall good of the people and urged the continued cooperation of the entire citizens.
