By ADEZE OJUKWU
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has once again displayed his altruistic disposition, with the grand reception organized recently for the three gold Paralympians at Owerri, the state capital. The governor could not hide his joy and excitement, as he honoured the gallant lmo indigenes namely, Ndidi Nwosu, Roland Ezurike, and Josephine Precious Orji as well as the entire team of coaches and assistants. He rewarded each of them with a brand new car and one million Naira, at a convivial event attended by top government functionaries.
The trio clinched three out of the eight gold medals Nigeria won at the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This event has marked a turning point in the lives of these gold medalists, as the governor praised their dexterity and sportsmanship, while urging the citizens especially youths to emulate their zeal and doggedness.
Okorocha, by this gesture, has no doubt, boosted sports development in the state and offered the much-needed elixir to these challenged athletes. The governor’s hearty backing would undoubtedly, propel these ebullient Imo athletes and many others to embrace a winning spirit in future tournaments and life’s challenges.
He had every reason to be happy and proud, at the performance of his citizens, which catapulted Nigeria to the 12th position at the championship, and also earned the state an enviable position in the nation’s sports sector. They exhibited excellent sportsmanship as they beat other challengers to clinch the highly-coveted golden laurels. Their counterparts in many other states were not so fortunate as, many governors are not minded to invest in sporting activities for physically challenged indigenes.
Governor Okorocha is obviously different as he gave the Imo State Paralympic Squad with technical, financial and moral support, thus skyrocketing these athletes to international stardom.
This event is coming, few weeks after the militants, in the Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta oil-producing areas of the state, voluntarily surrendered their arms and embraced dialogue, following a successful disarmament programme spear-headed by Okorocha’s administration. This feat was well-celebrated across the country, as a clear indication of Okorocha’s well-horned leadership and managerial qualities. General Felix Omereji, leader of the militants, attributed the success of the initiative to the sincerity and fatherly approach of the governor.
As all humans, the governor has his fair share of weaknesses, vulnerabilities and enemies as well as his strengths, virtues and friends. His reaction to those who wish him dead was both pedagogic and controversial as he acknowledged his visit to the land of the unknown.
However he noted that he was not in a hurry to depart this earthly realm, because of his unfinished business particularly, his current assignment as governor of lmo State. His words: “I am not in a hurry to die; I will live to complete my assignment for Imo people. I went to the land of the dead and our ancestors turned me back saying it was not yet time.”
While acknowledging the affliction he suffered, he attributed the death rumour to the handiwork of his enemies. Indeed, life is transient and transitory, hence Okorocha must prove his enemies wrong by redoubling efforts on the sacred responsibilty to fulfill the yearnings and aspirations of his people, amidst the country’s economic recession.
In tandem with his campaign promises, Governor Okorocha has continued to initiate policies to ensure a turn-round in the socio-economic affairs of the state, through improved healthcare and education to citizens, as well as infrastructural development in the state. Many indigent students and patients attest to his humble mien and magnanimity.
Meanwhile, the Ochiedike Dialysis and Diagnostic Centre, which the governor commissioned two years ago in Owerri, has continued to provide excellent renal care to indigenes of the state and beyond. He reiterated the decision of his administration to improve the lives of lmo people, while urging the citizens from 40 years, to avail themselves of the services provided at the centre.
He said the facility, ‘which is 100 per cent Imo State Government-owned, is a 15-year contract with Israeli medical personnel to manage the establishment, while medical experts resident in Israel will monitor activities in the centre as to assist wherever necessary.”
Health care delivery and provision of critical social amenities for the most vulnerable in society particularly the elderly, women, children, destitute and physically challenged persons are clear development markers of good governance. Indeed, any administration that pursues policies that compromise and undermine this sacred humanistic commitment to the weakest in society, as prescribed by the United Nations (UN) is often dismissed as reckless and reprehensible.
Sadly, this aptly defines governance in Nigeria, as many political leaders and their cronies fritter the peoples’ wealth and pummel citizens to internationally unacceptable poverty brackets.
Governor Okorocha, no doubt represents a different breed, as his actions are a clear departure from the norm. Despite the controversies trailing some of his initiatives, due to paucity of funds, such as scholarships for the state undergraduates, his zeal to enhance the welfare and security of his people is apparent.
As he continues on this path of glory, his legacies in Imo state would, certainly earn him an indelible spot in the annals of the state and country in general.
Ojukwu, a Hubert Humphrey Fellow and journalist writes from India via [email protected]