Okorocha appoints sister as ‘Happiness’ commissioner

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has sworn in 28 new commissioners and 27 Transition Committee Chairmen for the 27 local government councils in the state.

One of the commissioners sworn in by the governor is his biological sister, Mrs. Ogechi Ololo (nee Okorocha). She is now the state’s Commissioner for Happiness and Couples’ Fulfillment.

Ololo, married to Chuks, an engineer, has served in various capacities since Okorocha became governor in 2011.

She had, before her new appointment, served as her brother’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Special Adviser on Domestic Matters.

Swearing in the new commissioners and the Transition Committee Chairmen on Monday at the Imo International Convention Centre, Owerri, the governor charged them to leave their marks in their respective ministries and local governments.

He urged them to see themselves as men and women on a rescue mission.

Okorocha said, “You are the privileged group that has the opportunity to make names for yourselves. I want to remind all of you that this appointment is not business as usual. We shall not tolerate any sharp practice or corruption of any type. Neither shall we accept indolence or laziness. You have been called to duty to help us to achieve our vision in the Rescue Mission Project.

“At this moment, I charge you all to be good ambassadors of the Rescue Mission wherever you find yourselves. To the Transition Committee Chairmen, you must ensure that ongoing projects must be completed especially the schools, chapels etc.”

The commissioners sworn in and their portfolios are: Nnamdi Obiaraeri (Information); Ugochi Nnana-Okoro (Agric and Food Security); Gertrude Oduka (Primary and Secondary Education); Jones Uzoka (Niger Delta Affairs); Uchendu Mark (Public Utilities); and Gerald Okolie (Rural Development).

Others are Cyril Okafor (Tourism); Emmanuel Ojinere (Trade and Investment); Lasbery Anyanwu (Transport); Onwueyiagwu Valentine (Youth Development); Ngozi Njoku (Gender and Social Development); Josephine Udoji (Works); Achilike Nwawuike (Internal Resources and Pension Matters); Emenalo Chizoba (Tertiary Education); Nwamerenini Chukwuka (Labour); and Iyke Njoku (Planning, Budget and Statistics).

Transition Committee Chairmen sworn in include Okechukwu Onyechere (Ideato South); Anyehe Okeneme (Ikeduru); Julius Onyeneho (Isiala Mbano); Akas Paschal, (Isu); Steve Odoemena (Mbaitoli); Eke Chidi (Ngor Okpala); Aloysius Onwuegbuchulam (Njaba); and Paschal Onwukaike (Nkwerre).

Punch