Just In : Uzodimma makes new appointment, Jets Out As Lobbying For Appointment Hots Up
.Okays Ogwudire As Special Adviser, Diaspora Sports
As expectations are high on the constitution of the new executive council of the Imo State Government, lobbyists who want to be appointed are suspected to have made the state governor leave the state.
Barely, a week after he was sworn in for a second term in office, the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma is reported to have left the state.
Though the destination was not specified for certain reasons, Trumpeta has it on good authority that his absence may not be unconnected to the activities of lobbyists seeking to be appointed into positions.
A day after he commenced his second term in office, Uzodimma sent packing appointees who had been with him before now.
According to the details, those appointed range from commissioners to advisers and special assistants. Also affected are the Sole Administrators of the Local Governments.
The vacant positions have attracted lobbyists to not only invade Government House, Owerri for connections, but also invade the privacy of the governor and family members.
Trumpeta learnt that in other to avoid the torrents of lobbyists using all means to attract attention, Uzodimma has made a move outside the state.
Apart from failing to be physically present, his absence may likely make him incommunicado to those seeking his face for the appointments.
This newspaper observed that at the church service to mark the victory of the second term in office inauguration and other functions of the governor since the November 11, 2023 election was conducted which Uzodimma won, many associates and politicians of APC family have been seeking the face of the governor.
Though, no Government House source revealed what may have taken the governor out of the state but the new interest from those suspected to be lobbyists could be the reason for his absence from the state.
In the absence of any official to react on the matter, it became difficult for Trumpeta to confirm the movement and reason behind Uzodimma’s moves.
Meanwhile, Uzodimma has approved the appointment of former professional basketball player, Mr. Kingsley Ogwudire as Special Adviser, Diaspora Sports.
His appointment takes effect immediately.
Ogwudire, a highly accomplished Senior Executive Officer and Advisor with over 19 years of triumph in sports, banking and organizational operations, also had a remarkable career in the Nigerian Basketball Association (NBA) and other International teams.
A strategic leader with proven track record in financial management, operations and entrepreneurial ventures, Ogwudire is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of XCEPTION LLC, an outfit with which he pioneers innovative platforms to transform the athletic recruitment and fundraising landscape of the country, particularly Imo State.
He is currently spearheading an unprecedented Football and Basketball Showcase in Owerri, the Imo State capital, an activity that aims to identify and select promising young ones, aged 14 to 19, nurture their talents for potential scholarship opportunities in American schools as well as provide a pathway for aspiring athletes to pursue both their athletic and academic dreams.
Ogwudire, 52, studied Business Administration at Montana State University – Northern, Havre, Montana, and Foothill College, Los Altos, CA respectively, and boasts of incredible dual professional competences in sport and banking.
Governor Uzodimma is confident Ogwudire’s appointment will add value to the Shared Prosperity 3R Government of Imo State.
