Kenneth Amaeshi, chief economic adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, has commended the Ohoba Community in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of the State, for successfully organising the inaugural Ohoba Community Business Development Strategy Summit.
Amaeshi, who was a special guest at the summit, commended Ohoba Community for their commitment to the development of their community.
Represented at the summit, by Okey Anukwuem, State’s commissioner for Special Duties, Amaeshi, expressed his enthusiasm for the summit, which aligns with the Shared Prosperity Vision of Governor Uzodimma’s administration in Imo State.
He stated that through the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser that the Government of Shared Prosperity has established a community development programme based on the Kindred Economic Empowerment Paradigm (KEEP) and its variant-the One Kindred, One Business Initiative (OKOBI).
He said that KEEP and OKOBI are programmes for communities to generate and sustain businesses for communal economic empowerment and the improvement of the Imo economy.
The Chief Economic Adviser also emphasised that the Governor’s 3R Mantra of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery is a comprehensive policy designed to uplift all citizens of Imo State.
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He acknowledged that while the government cannot fulfil every need of the people, it can create a conducive environment for communities to exercise their agency, grow, and thrive economically on their own.
He also acknowledged the historical significance of the Umunna, Onyeaghalanwanneya, and other community systems of socialisation in Igbo land, which has brought progress to families for centuries.
He commended Chijioke Okeke, the convener of the summit, and Ohoba Community for organising the business development strategy summit, which is the first of its kind in any community in Imo State, where the State Government was invited.
Chijioke Okeke, the convener of the summit, described the Ohoba Business Development Strategy Summit as a powerful “Umunna” initiative that provides a roadmap for community development. He emphasised the importance of wealthy individuals in the community coming together with a progressive mindset to pursue economic development collectively.
The convener also announced the formation of a think-tank forum, involving members of the diaspora, to brainstorm ideas and make Ohoba a developed community among others in Imo State and beyond.
He urged all citizens of the community to unite and harness the community’s raw materials to elevate Ohoba community’s status.
Prominent community leaders, including Augustine Chisomaga Unanma of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ohoba; Pharm. Okpara Marshal; Nwaghorim Ezeji; Henry Nwakire; and Nnamdi Odikanwa, president, Ohoba Youth , also expressed their appreciation for the convener and the community’s collective effort in embracing unity and peace, which will pave the way for expected development in the community.