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- Thanks him for the opportunity to serve Imo State as SA Diaspora
Dear Imo Diasporans and Imolites at Home, today the 4th of June 2021, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State has dissolved the Expanded Imo Executive Council. This means all Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants are all affected. Consequently I am now your ‘Former’ Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Diaspora Affairs. Here are a few reflections of mine below including some of my achievements.
“I had no Godfather or no Godmother neither did I have any special relationship with him yet he, Governor Hope Uzodimma appointed me into the most ‘sort for’ position to serve my dearest State of Imo. The only thing I had was my CV. Governor Uzodimma read it and said to me, “well if you can do this in the U.K then I believe you’re capable of doing this Diaspora role”. He proceeded in telling me that His Chief of Staff will sort out the paperwork. After this, I became the first ever Female Special Adviser on Diaspora Imo State, may I add that I am also in my 30’s. So this is ground breaking in the political landscape in Imo, in fact in Nigeria; where a young woman is entrusted with a top position without having to compromise herself!
Read Also: I’ll Deal With People Making Imo Ungovernable – Uzodinma
So when I tell people the version of Governor Hope that I know I am speaking frankly, devoid of sycophancy. He is forward thinking, humane, gender equality champion, he is a disability champion, he believes in environmental protection, he believes in the right to peaceful protest; all of this matters to me, coming from a 1st world country. He also listens, he puts people first before himself and does think about community first before what is personally expedient. This is my sincere analysis of the current Governor of Imo State.
Unfortunately, we have a dark cloud with us at the moment in Imo, but as we exist, I urge everyone to put aside their differences and come together to actively engage with the Government to find solutions to our problems. For the lives we have lost, again I join the Governor to express my heartfelt condolences. For the livelihoods and properties destroyed, I also join the Governor to express my deep regrets, yet again. Hopefully, soon old things shall become new again and we will all be able to sit on the same table of sisterhood and brotherhood in faith that we can resolve our problems amicably and forge ahead collectively.
Thank you, thank you and thank you all.
Below are a few landmark achievements of mine during my 17months as Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Diaspora Affairs:
LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS OF HON. CLLR. CELIA OSAKWE-HIBBERT (S.A DIASPORA)
Attracted diasporan investors of various categories both individuals and groups
Raised interests of Imo Diaspora Athletes to look homewards
Employed staff on merit and paid Staff Country’s minimum wage of 30 thousand Naira or more
Opened up conversation about the Diaspora Village Project with investors
Introduced transparent, open and non politically bias engagement on my media platforms
Organised various Medical outreaches powered by Imo Diasporans
Joined forces with locals to fight Coronavirus and its effects in Imo. Coordinated several palliatives distribution both food and non food items
Supported youth activities throughout the state especially my own local Government area of Isu
Raised awareness on social issues, through well coordinated and well attended events
Collaborated with almost all Appointees of the 3R Government
Collaborated with charities, NGOs, Civil rights organisations etc For example my office sponsored and took part in a 3 weeks active campaign against gender violence ‘Orange Campaign’.
Made presentation in support of VAAP Bill in Imo National Assembly
Organised zoom meetings with Diasporans to discuss pertinent issues plaguing the State
Facilitated Imo Deaf Association to attend for the first time ever the ‘National Deaf Conference’ held in Kano. All sponsored through the Diaspora Office.
Collaborated with other Diaspora desks across the states in Nigeria and especially with activities organised by Rt. HON. ABIKE DABIRI-EREWA
Always contactable and took great interest in objective opinions, very approachable and dealt with inquiries both on public platforms and private questions
Attended interstate Diaspora events and attended seminars in the Capital city where I was the key State Diaspora Officer who spoke
Regular communication to Imo Diasporans about the achievements of the 3R Government, thus liaising and helping to reduce fake news
Coordinated material donations from Diasporas, and have assisted with physical distribution of these items
Used my Government platform to challenge ill practices whether perpetrated by establishment or institutions
Successfully opened up need for gender and disability inclusion through actions and words
Served as role model, mentor and guarantor to several young girls and men in Imo
Championed international objectives like environmental issues, mental and health issues, gender equality, inclusion and diversity, law and order, and transparency.
The above list is only a few…
Signed: Hon. Cllr. Celia Osakwe-Hibbert
Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Diaspora Affairs (Former).
04/05/2021
THE EASTERN UPDATES
