By Our Correspondent
An APC stalwart and patriotic indigene of Ogwa in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, Chibuzom Joshua, has called on the Imo State Government to give qualified home-based professionals greater opportunities to execute major government contracts.
Chibuzom made the call while speaking with journalists in Owerri on Saturday, where he also expressed concern over what he described as the poor performance of several elected public office holders across the state.
He particularly criticised the 27 local government council chairmen, members of the Imo State House of Assembly, House of Representatives members and senators, urging them to do more to improve the living conditions of their constituents.
According to him, many rural communities across the state are still struggling with deplorable roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, poor electricity supply and deteriorating public infrastructure.
He said the situation is particularly worrying in Ogwa and other communities in Mbaitoli LGA, where residents continue to grapple with poverty, unemployment, hunger and limited access to basic amenities.
Chibuzom said local government administration must become more effective and responsive to the needs of people at the grassroots.
“The autonomy of local governments in the state should be realistic. The LGA council chairmen should be able to address matters concerning the rural areas to reduce poverty, hunger and crime,” he said.
He urged elected representatives to channel public resources towards projects that directly benefit the people, including roads, hospitals, schools, markets, boreholes and electricity.
He also called for increased investment in youth empowerment, vocational training, ICT skills and employment opportunities.
Chibuzom said human capital development should remain a major priority of government, arguing that empowering young people with relevant skills would help reduce unemployment, poverty and crime.
He further appealed to the Imo State Government to engage more qualified professionals from the state in the execution of major contracts.
According to him, awarding contracts to competent Imo-based professionals would create employment, strengthen local businesses and ensure that government funds continue to circulate within the state’s economy.
He said Imo has many professionals with the capacity to execute major projects and should be given opportunities to contribute to the development of their home state.
He urged the electorate to carefully assess the performance of their representatives ahead of future elections and demand accountability from those entrusted with public office.
Chibuzom also criticised the Commissioner for Youth and Talent Hunt, Dr. Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu, over what he described as inadequate practical results in youth empowerment and development.
He advised the commissioner to improve his performance or consider resigning from office.
While commending Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration for its 3R agenda of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery, Chibuzom urged the state government to expand development projects across rural communities.
He specifically called for the construction of more ring roads across communities in Imo State to improve transportation, boost economic activities and connect rural areas to major centres.
Chibuzom also reminded the state government of its proposed plan to send about 4,000 Imo youths overseas for skills acquisition, employment, scholarships and other opportunities.
He said the full implementation of the programme would provide young people with valuable skills and opportunities while contributing to the state’s long-term economic development.
The APC stalwart said true development must go beyond physical infrastructure to include investment in people.
He therefore urged political leaders at all levels to focus on practical projects and programmes that will improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
According to him, empowering the people, developing rural communities and engaging qualified home-based professionals are important steps towards building a stronger and more prosperous Imo State.
