…Iwu lauds initiative
From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
Imo state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma says the One Kindred, One Business Iniative ( OKOBI ) is part of his administration’s strategies to address the challenges of rural poverty and unemployment in the state.
This is as he noted that the role of good governance is to improve the quality of the lives of the citizens of the state.
Uzodimma pointed out that his administration has also initiated other youth empowerment programmes such as the Skillup programme in which over 15 ,000 youths have been trained in different aspect of ICT and digital economy .
Speaking at the OKOBI summit organised by the office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the government of Imo state at the weekend, Governor Uzodimma said : ” As you maybe aware , One Kindred One Business Initiative ( OKOBI) is one of the strategies of our 3R Agenda for grassroot economic empowerment. It is not doubt that our people are going through a lot of challenges, and the role of good governance is to enhance the quality of life. The goal of OKOBI is to address the challenges of poverty, informality, and unemployment in a way that meets the people where they are.”
Continuing, He said ” the OKOBI summit provides a platform to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange innovative ideas, and forge partnerships that will undoubtedly propel our communities and our nation towards unprecedented heights. Let this summit be a testament to our shared determination to surmount challenges and embrace opportunities. United , we can plot a course towards the future defined by unity, innovation, and sustainable progress . Let us strive for a harmonious coexistence, recognising that our survival and prosperity are intricately linked to one another “.
Also, the deputy governor, Prof Placid Njoku pointed out that the initiative has served the Chinese well where a community is noted for a single project and said it has been an age long culture of the Igbo to pull resources together to execute a common project like building of schools or healthcare centres .
He said that there is also a ready market for any product produced by the community.
Also, speaking at the summit, former National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral commission ( INEC) Prof Maurice Iwu lauded the initiative , noting that OKOBI has been part and parcel of the Igbo culture .
” OKOBI has a unique characteristic because it is kindred based. The communities should take any project that is sustainable . Every has a resource that it can survive on and the government can assist with some funds for the communities which they have identified.We are also ready to partner with any community. OKOBI may sound new but it has been through that was the way that old Imo state became the first state in Nigeria to build an Airport . We have many graduates through community effort and same for the schools in the communities.”
Earlier, Prof Kenneth Amaeshi , Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor said that the initiative envisions a future where kindreds collaborate as economic keepers, creating communal businesses that embody their passion, skills and resources.
” True to the spirit of ” Igwebuike ” , the power of collective action, OKOBI embraces the kindred spirit shared by diverse groups , including friends, social clubs , and co- workers. These groups , United by common pursuit for collective prosperity, embody the inclusive spirit of the OKOBI initiative. This summit is a testament to the Igbo people’s character and resolve, their hard-working nature, and their commitment to rising above the challenges they face .
We must acknowledge the pioneering efforts of OKOBI in Imo state under the visionary leadership of Senator Hope Uzodimma. The businesses emerging from kindreds in farming , livestock , services, and manufacturing are only tapping into hitherto untapped financial resources but are also demonstrating the vast potential for growth in local and even global markets.”
He added, ” this is a pragmatic public policy tool that can be adopted and adapted across diverse communities to address unemployment, poverty, and rural development at the grass root level. ”
Present at the summit were heads of financial institutions and entrepreneurs.