Imo PDP axes officers, reposes confidence in Ihedioha

•Gov releases N200m for youths’ training in modern agric
The Imo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Executive Committee (SEC) has ratified the suspension of three officers for anti-party activities. Besides, it passed a vote confidence on Governor Emeka Ihedioha for his “landmark administrative structures and achievements put in place” in his first 100 days in office.

In a statement yesterday in Owerri by state publicity secretary, Damian Oparah, PDP named the axed officials as Tony Mbaegbu, chairman, Ideato South council area and his Isu and Oru East counterparts, Anayo Udechukwu and Anayo Nwajiezi, adding: “The SEC reckoned that the measures were taken to maintain the party’s history of zero tolerance for indiscipline.”

On repositioning, the party’s highest organ resolved to set up a committee on rebuilding the political grouping, replacing officials who either lost their positions or resigned as well as putting in place mechanism for its financing.

Also, the governor has ordered the release of N200 million for the training of 500 youths in modern agriculture.During the unveiling of the Agricultural Road Map/ 2019 All Year Farming Programme in the capital, Ihedioha noted that the youths, for the Israeli Sustainable Agricultural Centre (ISAC), Nasarawa State, were carefully selected from the 305 wards of the state.

According to the governor, the first batch would leave anytime soon and get assistance in emerging business opportunities and other job openings at the completion of their training for self-sufficiency.

Ihedioha said his administration was interested in “agricultural production, processing, enhancement and empowerment of the youths.”He pledged support for farmers and stakeholders, urging the beneficiaries to leverage the opportunities to grow Imo economy, expand and diversify its revenue base as well as create jobs in the state.

In his welcome speech, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Emma Nworgu, expressed joy with the interest shown by the governor in the sector.The state chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr. Ayo Enwerem, said his members were poised to embrace the policy.