Amby Uneze in Owerri
The people of Ideato North local government of the Imo State have expressed their displeasure over the lack of development in their area despite the huge allocation of over N19.8 billion that accrued from the Federation Accounts Allocation Commission (FAAC) to the area since the inception of the present democratic dispensation in 1999.
This was contained in a communiqué that was read after the inaugural meeting of Ideato Federal Constituency Forum made up the Mbanasa, Arondizougu, Nwabosi Association which is a think-than for economic and political development initiative devoted to the pursuit of the collective interests, aspiration and welfare of its members in the promotion of the ideals of good governance , responsibility, innovation creativity and accountability for the people of Ideato nation.
According to the people, despite the N19.8 billion that accrued to Ideato North from FAAC allocations since 1999, the living standard of the people of the area is yet regrettably low with proportionate rise in poverty which is being worsened by the removal of the area from the national power grid.
In a keynote address presented by the member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly Hon. Austin Chukwukere, he captured thoughts on the Economic and Political rebirth of Ideato nation which was the focus of discourse and urged the people to maintain unity in order to achieve their set goals.
Coordinator of the programme, Dcn Ideato Okoli and lead paper presenter, Sir Phil Ezeugo dwelt on the topic ‘Ideato take back your communities’ and gave an expose on how politicians ignore the core needs of their constituents/followers and instead supply mundane articles which they brand as ‘empowerment’ but which in most cases do not really empower the people.
HRH Gerald Ezeihekaibeya, who is the chairman, Council of Ndi-Eze Ideato nation, noted that the incidences of kidnapping or restiveness in any area were factors directly connected to lack of acquired skill as well as lack of employment among youths. He urged the forum to emphasise employment and skill acquisition within the Ideato nation.
The Federation of Ideato Students Association (FISA) led by its National President, Comrade Chukwunonye appreciated the convener for displaying the wisdom and initiative to put together such a forum that would have its long term goal to galvanise the collective interests of the people of Ideato people.
The forum agreed to mobilise Ideato sons and daughters, irrespective of political party affiliations, to deploy their individual skills and intellectual resources as well as team spirit for the re-invention of the political, social and economic activities in the area.
The document, signed by Chairman Organising Committee, Chief M. I. Okoro, also agreed that the summit shall attempt to come up with a blueprint of Ideato agenda which shall become the policy statement of the people and shall serve as exchange contract with politicians with aspirations to occupy political offices in the area.
