Governor Okorocha partners with President Zuma, honours him with titles, names a road after him in Imo State

By ThankGod Emeh.

The President of South Africa Republic, Mr Jacob Zuma, has been conferred with the Imo Merit Award by Imo state governor Rochas Okorocha, during the weekend in a visit to the state.

The” Imo Merit Award” is the highest award in the State conferred on distinguished personalities who have made a difference in the development and growth of their communities, Imo and humanity in general.

The South African President also had a road – Jacob Zuma Road – named after him and a giant statue of him erected in his honour in the capital city, Owerri, Imo state.

Mr Zuma was also conferred with a traditional chieftaincy title by the state governor, “Ochiagha Imo” presented by Eze Imo, HRH Samuel Ohiri.

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The Governor Okorocha had earlier revealed prior to the visit that the South African president will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between his Zuma Foundation and Okorocha’s Rochas Foundation to see about education of less privileged in society.

Presenting the Award after the Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to him, Governor Okorocha remarked his happiness for the kind of person Zuma is despite oppositions and criticisms; he still remain a dogged freedom fighter in Africa especially in SA.

He said “We in Imo State have chosen to identify with this great leader who meant well for his people; who had to toil, struggle and fight for the liberation of his people, not minding the consequences thereafter. This to me is courage and strength of character. Very importantly, Mr. President, you are a man with uncommon history. One who never saw the four walls of a classroom and who in the course of struggling to liberate his people, landed in prison for 10 years and still counting”.

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Governor Okorocha added “Today, we have decided to honour you for your love for education, though you were deprived in your early days in life but you are working to make sure that every poor child went to School. Your love for education to us is the connection between you and government and the people of Imo State. The only industry we have and we can truly be proud of is education in Imo State. This is another reason why we have chosen to honour you”.

President Zuma who spoke after being honoured with the Award said political freedom without economic freedom is not enough freedom. He stressed the need to have a government that will begin to make economic laws, noting that if economic power is not there, there is very little one can do for the poor and the oppressed.

“I have also realized from the state of Imo the need to encourage by legislation, these efforts of our heroes. Also, I may suggest that nations in the African Union begin to replicate these types of foundations for the less privileged of society in their various countries and set aside special funds for the running of these foundations. Now this Merit Award says to me, You are encouraged by the Nigerians, work with them together to address African problems”.

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He Continued “I’m so passionate about the School established by the governor of this State and saw the Children coming from all over Africa, and the majority of Countries who are here because whoever they were, their future would have been silent and adamant. They come from difficult situations, many of them orphans. I have learnt a lot from my brother, His Excellency, the governor of Imo State and had discovered more than I think I know about these emotions, about empowering the African Child and signing the coming together of our foundations influenced by the desire and need to empower the African Children”.

There are indications that the Governor will subsequently attract more leaders to the state as there are more statues to be unveilled.

See more photos from the ceremony below: