A Letter To My Dearest Imo

 Joy Udeokoro

Dearest Imo,

The heartland of Africa,

A land most important than all,

A land so enterprising,

One from whom every other tap,

You're not without fun, always welcoming, as your capital is known for great entertainment and relaxation; spanning from ofe owerri to egwu owerri.

Wow! 48 is a whole lot of steps to have climbed already.

How time rolls out so quickly! 

Imo, my mix of fun and knowledge...

Can I ever forget?

I still remember how I walked and played all over you on my bare feet, I can remember how I sat under you to learn, unlearn and relearn. So many things I know today, their foundation were formed under you. How proud I was of you, boo. I remember singing your praise too, seeing nothing but a brighter and happier future in you, trusting that things would only get better with and for you. However, you let down your guards, letting the little foxes in, and today your vines witness spoils and dryness.

My innocent is corrupt,

My stainless is bloodstained,

My pride is shameless,

My highly priced losing its worth.

You've swerved and swerved until you've lost your bearing!

Who says you can't eat from your wares, but eating your children alongside their future isn't wisdom!

You've negotiate with your enemies and sold your kids for a price, leaving your gates so vulnerable for your enemies!

Giving their armies room to molest you!

Just like the proverb of Solomon, what can we do to help our Imo?

Do we still have a little hope to hinge on?

Could there still be a little fire left in the woods to blow up?

Is there still balm in our Gilead? 

I ask on behalf of Sam Mbakwe (Late His Excellency).

 

I miss the owerri beats so badly, 

I miss the constant buzz on TVs and radios, "heartland fm owerreee"!

I miss "the committee nchere oge" part of your news!

Now,

It's all about greed, hate, death, fear, jealousy, wealth and power tussle birthing enmity!

Brother against brother, Kinsmen against kinsmen, 

All for wealth and power!

 

Oh! Dearest Imo,

I miss the joy of home coming!

I miss your gentle breeze that reminds me I'm home!

I miss your various veggies that grace the looks of our delicacies!

I'm now scared of coming to my once delight! Let's I become a prey in the hands of he who's supposed to shield me!

I'm not giving up on you, nonetheless!

The acclaimed strong grips will definitely grow weak one day and let go, 

My Imo will heal again!

My Imo will rise again!

My Imo will be my pride again!

*Cheers To A Blissful, Beautiful and Fruitful 48.*

 

High cost of living: Imo residents groan under astronomical rent increase

 Nneoma Ahukanna and Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Shelter is a basic need of man but, recently, finding an affordable home in Nigeria has become increasingly difficult, especially in big cities where rents are rising astronomically daily.

A decent 3-bedroom flat in Owerri now goes for between 600 to 800 thousand Naira, 2-bedroom, one-bedroom and what is popularly referred to as ‘self-con’ (which describes a room with ensuit toilet/shower and kitchen), are currently rented for between N450 thousand, N350, and N250thousands, respectively.

The obvious direct consequence of this is that very soon there will be an unprecedented explosion in the population of homeless people in Nigerian cities and towns.

A walk around Owerri town and environs has shed some light on this current state of affairs as it affects tenants and their Landlords.

In light of this, what role can government at the three tiers do to regulate or properly ensure  price control as it concerns house rents, or provide affordable housing , low cost housing schemes for the masses especially low income workers both public and private sector ( government and non-government workers).

Recall that in October 2023 , the minister of Housing and urban development Ahmed Dangiwa had unveiled Federal government's plans to develop cost effective housing schemes and promote the construction of quality and affordable housing for Nigerians which would cater to the housing needs of 80% of low and medium income earners.

The minister dis closed that an affordable housing design committee was created within his first week in office to develop more efficient design options to meet the income profiles of Nigerians in that bracket. January this year, the federal government confirmed through Mr. Martin Gyado, Federal controller of Housing in Adamawa, that it has commenced allocation of affordable housing to Nigerians. In an interview with News Agency of Nigeria NAN, Gyado said President Bola Tinubu has improved the National Housing Program NHP, and introduced renewed hope cities and estates.

He opined ‘The renewed hope cities and estates were introduced to make the houses more affordable to common Nigerians. To that effect, the federal ministry of housing has written a request to all state government to provide 50 hectares of land for that purpose.’

In the first term of his administration, Gov. Hope Uzodimma announced plans to develop mass housing schemes in three zones - Umuoma Nekede in Owerri west, for Owerri, Anara, Isiala Mbano for Okigwe and Mgbidi  Oru West for Orlu zone of the state.

The immediate past commissioner for Housing, and Urban development, Lady Love Ineh was appointed chairman of the mass housing committee to oversee the projects. Other members included the Lands, survey and physical planning commissioner, the general manager Imo Housing Corporation, among others.

The committee was created to fast track the realization of the Imo state mass housing schemes in line with the Shared prosperity government mantra.

Lady Love Ineh, the former Housing Commissioner, commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma for having the welfare of Imolites at heart, and opined that ‘IMO Mass Housing projects.

With the process started in the first tenure of the Uzodimma administration having gone underway is expected to reach satisfactory conclusion.

Following the allegations of purported fraudulent activity carried out by some members of the committee, namely Commissioner for Lands, survey and physical planning, and the GM Imo Housing Corporation, and their subsequent suspension just before the dissolution of the State expanded executive council by Gov. Uzodimma, hopefully with a fresh appointment, there will arise a new reinvigorated and transparent committee to realize the objective of affordable housing for the people.

The excruciating pains presently being felt by Nigerians in the area of renting affordable decent shelter. Various reasons were given for this. According to a concerned citizen, ‘In the capital cities, many people are searching for better opportunities, but the number of houses being built hasn’t kept up with the growing population. This shortage of comfortable available units leads to increased competition and higher prices.

As people build new houses every day, the cost of materials keeps going up. This is mainly because the Naira is losing value, and high inflation rates significantly increase the cost of building materials, maintenance, and property taxes. Unfortunately, landlords then pass on these extra costs to tenants by increasing the rent.’ She posited.

‘Due to these increases, many people who haven’t been able to build their own houses yet struggle to find a good place to live. They often have to settle for lower quality, less convenient locations, or even share small spaces with others. Some end up living in a ghetto just to fit into their family budgets for the month or year, aiming to avoid eviction and displacement as rents become unaffordable, which can be humiliating.’

George Nwokoro, popularly known as M.C. Bush, shed more light on rising house rents in Mbaitoli, emphasising the daily escalation of prices. He explained, ‘The reason for the high increase in rent is because everything is increasing every day. For example, a bag of cement now costs 6500 naira, while in Benin Republic, it’s only 2500 naira. Petrol here is 700 naira per litre, and we face power outages. The NEPA bill is 6000 naira per month, contributing to the overall increase. Even garri has become expensive, making it difficult for the poor. To meet our needs, we need to increase rent to take care of our families. Before pumping 1000 litres of water, you must spend 8000 naira on petrol. People are leaving Nigeria because of the rising costs.’

M.C. Bush’s plea for assistance from leaders aligns with Kelechi Ohaji, another landlord from Ebom Mbieri, who stated, ‘The increase in house rent is due to the country’s situation. Before, we bought cement for 2500 naira, but now it’s 6500, and iron, which used to cost 1500 for 12mm, is now 4500. These changes made me increase the house rent to cope.’

According to a resident in  Ubommiri rent for various  apartments , 1,2,3, bedrooms now go forN450, For 3, bedrooms, self-conclose to  N200A teacher said she found a selfcon around Nkwo Ubommiri for N70k but cost of transport made her consider renting one for N200k at Akwakuma where she teaches at a private primary school.

Erimbe Jonah, a tenant from Cross River State living in Imo State, expressed a broader understanding, linking the problems in Nigeria to the high increase in rent. He said, ‘All these problems in Nigeria result from the high increase in rent. Food and fuel increments are major causes of house rent increase. Although I complain, I understand the reasons behind the increase.’

Onyewuchi Uche, a tenant in Imo State, gave voice to the challenges faced by residents due to the high cost of living. He shared, ‘Things are costly in Imo State, especially foodstuff. It’s not the landlord’s fault, but we, the ones bringing in money, find it challenging. Food sellers should reduce prices because without us, they won't sell. The government should help us by regulating what is sold. If they pay us monthly or provide half a bag of rice or beans, it will reduce our market expenses, and the payment of house rents won’t be a problem.’

Comrade Nwaiwu Chinoso, Chairman of the United Imo Youth Movement and currently serving as the Chairman of Nwaorieubi City Market, a landlord from Mbaitoli, concluded the interview by emphasising the relationship between the high cost of living in Imo State and the increased cost of building materials. He said, ‘Simply put, the high cost of house rent is based on the high cost of living in Imo State, linked to high building material costs. As a landlord, I believe all houses are the same. When someone collects four hundred and fifty thousand, it could be due to the location. Location matters, and a landlord in the village wouldn’t charge the same as those in the town.’

In essence, the shared concerns about rising costs, whether from landlords or tenants, build a narrative that underscores the intricate relationship between the increasing cost of living, the challenges faced by both parties, and the call for intervention to alleviate the economic hardships in Imo State and the country at large.’

 

Despite a few hitches, the Imo of our dreams is emerging: Imo citizens affirm

Nneoma Ahukanna and Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

In the face of socioeconomic and security challenges within Nigeria, and the prevailing hopelessness felt by the citizens in the 36 states of the federation, many people in Imo state are  seeing a beacon of light flickering at the end of the tunnel.

Not long ago, a month precisely, the state marked her 38th anniversary since creation on 3rd February 1976 by late Military President, Murtala Muhammed.

A sampling of opinion of a cross section of citizens,  by the Statesman Newspaper  on whether the Imo state of their dreams has been actualized  or not,  revealed that despite the obvious general disenchantment all around, there are those who still hold on to a renewed hope in the emergence of an Imo state of their dreams.

The general consensus by the people is that apart from the now declining spate of insecurity in parts of the state, the Imo of their dreams was slowly but surely emerging under the shared prosperity government of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Among those who spoke to the Statesman Newspaper, was Francis Minaj, who expressed his concerns, stating, ‘The masses in the state are not happy because of insecurity everywhere. The way the masses or young youth are being kidnapped, incessant arrest for doing nothing in the name of Ebubeagu and Tiger Base is not occurring well. The hunger or starvation aspect, no food for people to eat and survive, no good water, no good road apart from these major roads that are built properly. On that road issue, the roads that link inside some villages like Awo, Afara, Nkwo Orodo area, are not done.’

George Nwokoro

George Nwokoro, known as Mc Bush, the general secretary of Obiechendu, Umueze Ofekata, Orodo, shared, ‘Actually, everybody is happy because we are born and brought up in Imo State. But we are not happy with what people are doing inside there like all these police people. Because of the hardship in Imo State, they will arrest youth like that without any crime. They use to arrest people any how without any crime. Some they use three hundred thousand to four hundred thousand naira to bail themselves. The only happiness we are having here is because we are indigenes. Most of our graduates are riding okada. Some are driving buses so as to keep body and soul together. The governor needs to watch the Tiger Base people; the way they are working is bad. Another people he should watch are these Fulani people. They import dogs into Imo State about 150 or 200 dogs. What are they doing with those dogs? But I will commend the governor for the good roads, street lights he has put in place. We are truly enjoying it.’

Dr. Nelly reflected, ‘Despite the insecurities everywhere, with Fulani herdsmen killing people, I am grateful for the simple fact that we are alive. Given the tumultuous state of affairs, just being alive at 48 is reason enough to find happiness.’

Mrs. Iwu Leticia Adaku, Director of Environment Services in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, highlighted, ‘Imo state has clocked 48years, at least we are enjoying good roads, free water from water board in Owerri Municipality, and I’m also enjoying street lights. Imo state has come up to be one of the cleanest states in the federation because all the refuse heaps along the road are being taken care of. We are enjoying fresh air and good breeze. The atmosphere is not harsh on us due to constant evacuation of refuse both along the road in Owerri Municipality. Last week we did clean-up along Douglas Road; such an exercise will give room for good environment.’

Nnoso Nkem 

Nnoso Nkem (The Youth Mayor) remarked, ‘I am happy. If you give birth to a child, you nurture the child to grow. In the course of trying to nurture the child to grow, there are things you would need for a child to grow. The stage the state is in is the stage of development. Imo at 48 is at the developing stage or its developing stage. But whatever thing that is going on in Imo State to us (the realists), we believe that every stage carries its challenge. And the challenges we are facing in Imo State are the challenges that can only bring development. It’s the challenge that can make people think out of the box in order to fathom what can benefit the state. So when I say that I am happy, in the sense that the state is growing economically in my front, in my present, and as such, I am contributing my quota towards making it a reality in our time. So, on the other side of it, I believe that the strength that we are putting will bring down the negative aspect of it in order to give way for the positivity to have its course.’

Basil Ohanaka, a respected leader in Umudurumba, Uba Ifakala, shared his perspective, stating, ‘I am happy in Imo State. Before, incidents of kidnapping were rampant, but I've noticed a decline lately. I appreciate what the governor is doing to address the situation. However, I must appeal for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader. I believe his imprisonment fuels violence in Imo State. Perhaps, his release could help calm the youth. Nonetheless, I commend the governor for his efforts in the state.’

He continued, ‘The government should pay closer attention to the youth. Excessive phone usage is leading many astray. We're witnessing a troubling trend where hungry youths are resorting to destructive behaviors instead of seeking employment. Implementing age restrictions on phone usage could alleviate these issues, including theft and kidnapping. Additionally, the government needs to monitor burial practices closely. The extravagant spending on burials has become excessive. There should be regulations to limit expenses, along with strict timeframes for mortuary stays, to prevent unnecessary financial strain on families during burial ceremonies.’

Rev. Cyril Akekuator Akuoma 

Rev. Cyril Akekuator Akuoma, the General overseer Grace Covenant Gospel Church, commented, ‘it’s congratulations to Imo State at 48. But the visions of our founding fathers, I don’t think it is working. I look at the plan for the first civilian governor of Imo State. Let me not key into the military administration of Imo State because Imo State is the creation of Murtala Mohammed. The governor then was a military. But I will look at Sam Mbakwe who actually created a vision for Imo State which was industries, that is why he created the industrial cluster. Look at the shoe industry at Shell Camp. At a point, the shoe industry was indebted but I thank God for the governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma who recovered the industry by paying off the debt, but then the industry is remaining dormant. What we see mostly in Imo State are hotels and filling stations. These are consumption industries. We need productive industries. We should harness our oil palm. If we concentrate on oil palm we will expand our ideas.’

Rev. Cyril added, ‘We should seek an industry and see how to empower our young men. In each local government, the government should be able to set up the cottage industries in every local government at least for a start. When cottage industries are set up there would be employment. If you got most of our rural men you would find them in Okada business. There are areas you would get okada riders more than the passengers, and you will find them whiling away their time, and this might lead to crime. But if there are industries, the crime will reduce. At 48, Imo State is now an adult. We don’t have good roads. Most of the roads built by Sam Mbakwe are in the 70s. The roads that are built now are federal roads but the state roads are in deplorable conditions apart from the Owerri Metropolis which are fine and motorable. Owerri-Orlu road, Umuahai road are all federal roads are good. It is good for the state to be connected to other states. But the rural roads are bad. Going to the other state outside the state capital, the roads are motorable but here in Imo State, the rural roads are not motorable. At 48, we should be matured enough to be an industrious state. The government should be able to sit up industries that would absorb our teeming unemployed youth.’

Joy Udeokoro

Joy Udeokoro reflected on the state's challenges, stating, ‘Having recently marked the milestone of our beloved state's 48th anniversary, it's imperative that we take a moment to reflect on where we stand today and where we aspire to be in the future. Imo, once celebrated for its vibrancy, warmth, and resilience, now finds itself grappling with a myriad of challenges that threaten to overshadow its inherent beauty and potential.’

Joy Udeokoro continued, her voice tinged with concern and determination, ‘In recent times, our state has witnessed a concerning shift—a departure from the spirit of unity and progress that once defined us. Instead, we are confronted with divisions fueled by greed, hate, and power struggles. The very essence of our identity as a community, as a family, seems to be eroding as we witness brother turning against brother, and kinsmen against kinsmen, all in pursuit of fleeting gains.’

‘This reality pains me deeply, as I reminisce about the days when Imo was synonymous with joy, hospitality, and opportunity. Our streets echoed with the rhythms of life, our air carried the scent of home, and our hearts brimmed with hope for a brighter tomorrow. Yet, today, we find ourselves hesitating to embrace our own homecoming, gripped by fear of becoming prey to those who should protect us.’

‘But amidst the darkness, let us not lose sight of the flicker of hope that remains. Let us draw inspiration from the resilience of our forebears and the legacy of leaders like Sam Mbakwe, who envisioned a better future for our beloved state. Despite the current challenges, I believe in the indomitable spirit of Imo—the same spirit that has weathered storms and emerged stronger time and again.’

‘Together, we must reclaim the essence of Imo—the spirit of community, compassion, and collective progress. We must resist the forces of division and strive to rebuild our state on the pillars of justice, integrity, and unity. It won't be easy, but I am confident that with determination and solidarity, Imo will rise again, reclaiming its rightful place as a beacon of pride and prosperity.’

She concluded by stating, ‘Having commemorated our 48th anniversary, let us not only celebrate our past but also reaffirm our commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. Imo may be facing challenges, but it is also brimming with untapped potential and resilient spirit. Let us harness this potential and work together towards a future where every resident can thrive and find pride in calling Imo home.’