Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma has distributed 2,700 smartphones and two cars to Imo youths as part of the St Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Uzodimma, who handed out the gifts at Saturday’s ‘Hope for Imo’ Valentine Concert in Owerri, also promised the recipients free airtime and data subscriptions.
Mr Joshua Okeke of Orlu LGA and Miss Blessing Emekwe of Ikeduru LGA were presented with the two brand new Greely cars after winning a lucky draw at the program’s venue.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment through job creation and urged youths to assist in rooting out criminal elements disrupting the state’s peace.
He promised to replicate the gesture in the state’s three senatorial zones so that all of the state’s youths would benefit from technical empowerment.
“I have come to give the youths the opportunity to be part of government and governance, to stop unemployment by empowering the youths. My government belongs to you, it is your government.
“Imo youths and Imo people in general will in 18 more months see the magic on development,” he said.
Mr Paschal Okechukwu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Social Media Influence and the concert’s organizer, thanked the governor for his approval of the event earlier in his speech.
According to him, the program is aimed at educating Imo youths about technology and bringing them up to speed with their global counterparts.
“Imo youths are ready now, more than ever before, to work with the governor and contribute their quota to the good governance of the state,” he said.
Mr Flavour and Chinyere Udoma were among the musical acts who performed at the concert.
Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, members of the Federal and State legislatures, top government officials, and business moguls were among those in attendance.
