Gov Ododo, Gov Otti Hail Hon. Iweha Empire For Water Projects, Youth Empowerment In Kogi And Abia*

By Our Reporter

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_LOKOJA_ — The Governments of Kogi and Abia States have jointly commended *Hon. Chief Iweha O. Empire*, Senior Special Assistant on Surveillance to the Kogi State Governor and President of Igbo Youth Congress [IYC] Lokoja, for his outstanding contributions to community development, water provision, and youth empowerment across both states.

The Kogi State Governor, *Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo*, gave the commendation in a message delivered at the commissioning of two boreholes initiated by his SSA on Surveillance in Lokoja. The Governor was represented by the *Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Uchiola Egwaba*.  described Governor Ododo as "Igbo-friendly" and a strong ally of the Igbo community in Kogi.  
Rt. Hon. Comfort Uchiola noted that Hon. Empire has completed five borehole projects — two in Abia State and three in Kogi State — and has also empowered many youths through scholarships.
 She highlighted unity in diversity, citing intermarriages and shared values between the Igbo and host communities. "When you reach out and impact citizens directly or indirectly, you are helping government. Our son Empire is giving a helping hand to government," she said. "As long as you are in unity with governance, all that is going to be  — added blessings," she added, while describing Hon. Empire as "a worthy son."

The Executive Governor of Abia State, *Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR*, was represented by the *Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini*. He conveyed the Governor’s warm greetings and thanked the Kogi Government for being hospitable to non-indigenes. Rt. Hon. Meregini said Chief Empire’s retention across two administrations in Kogi reflects both proficiency and integrity, especially given the sensitive nature of his surveillance role.  
He stressed that both Abia and Kogi practice merit-based appointments. Citing examples in Abia, he mentioned the Head of Service, *Mr. Benson Ojeikere* from Edo State, and the Provost of Alvan Ikoku College of Education, *Dr. (Mrs.) Idowu*, a Yoruba woman. "Governor Alex Otti places emphasis on merit and merit alone," he said. He added that about 11 Igbo sons and daughters currently serve in the Kogi Government, which he described as evidence of the confidence reposed in the community. He urged Igbo residents to remain law-abiding and fulfill civic duties.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Empire said he has fulfilled the promises made when he was sworn in as the 8th Igbo Youth President General on July 8, 2022. He stated that his administration executed five water projects and invested heavily in education. He offered scholarships to 50 Igbo students in Kogi and 15 across the five South-East states.  
He disclosed that six of the 15 South-East beneficiaries graduated with First Class, including the overall best graduating student. At the Federal University Lokoja, nine students received scholarships, with one graduating with First Class and three with Second Class honors. He also extended scholarships to nine dependents of journalists in Kogi State, drawn equally from the three senatorial districts.

Beyond education, Hon. Empire said his administration donated musical instruments to the Igbo Students Association and to communities in his hometown in Imo State, including Umuoshi, Umuofufe, Umueze and Okwelle. He also disclosed that renovation work has commenced at the Igbo Community Hall in Lokoja, focusing on the staircase and toilet facilities to make the hall more conducive for meetings and events. "By the special grace of God, I came to fulfill my promises. We will continue to do more for our people and for humanity," he stated.

In their goodwill messages, *Chief Mathew Nwafor*, President General of Igbo Community Association in Kogi State, commended Hon. Empire for his contributions and assured of the community’s continued support for Governor Ododo’s re-election bid. *Lady Mrs. Easter Nwaeke Adighije*, Igbo Community Woman Leader, also praised the initiative, saying it would ease the water challenges faced by residents.  
Other dignitaries present included *Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibiloye*, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja; *Hon. Barr. Anderson Kelechi Akaliro* of the Abia State House of Assembly; *Hon. Abu*, Member representing Ajaokuta Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly; and a representative of *Senator Chris Iheanyichukwu Adighije*
.

Highlights of the event were the formal commissioning of two boreholes — one at Crusher community by the Abia Deputy Speaker and the other at the Igbo Hall in Lokoja by the Kogi Deputy Speaker. The event attracted Igbo community leaders, youth groups, traditional rulers, and other well-wishers from within and outside Kogi State.


Hassan Abubakar- Editor.

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