When Hon. Uche Nwosu was redeployed by Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha to the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Urban Development, those who know his professional competence and managerial acumen heaved a sigh of relief that indeed, a Daniel has come to judgment.
The reasons why his appointment is apt and commendable are legion. Hon. Nwosu is a graduate of Urban and Regional Planning, Imo State University, Owerri and was elected as the premier Director of Transport, Imo state University Students Union Government in 1999. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Administrators of Nigeria.
Apart from his professional competence and expertise, Nwosu is a well grounded administrator, team player, good listener and humble gentleman.
The Ugwumba of Eziama Obaire in Nkwerre Local Government Area arrived at the Ministry of Lands at a time the image and rating of the ministry was at its lowest ebb arising from the activities of past administrators before him especially in past regimes. The place was akin to a beehive of activities for land racketeering and malfeasance. Some staff and their agents engaged in the illegal trade in land. The staff had low moral, and some engaged in personal ventures at the detriment of government business.
On his arrival at the ministry, the young dynamic commissioner sounded it clear that it would not be business as usual and called for the cooperation of all to achieve the Rescue Mission Agenda of the present administration. He assured them that their welfare and entitlements would be uppermost in his mind.
In about a year of being on the saddle, Nwosu has achieved the following:
- Introduced transparency in the allocation of land and the elimination of sharp practices.
- Opening of layouts which ensure that allotees can develop their land without hindrance.
- Payment of compensation to original land owners. This has reduced and diffused the tensed situation he met arising from protest from land owners crying for compensation. He has been able to clear the backlog of claims inherited from past administrations.
- Renovation and reactivating the Zonal Offices of the ministry which was in a parlous state.
- Provision of office furniture and work tools to staff of the ministry
On staff welfare, the workers of the ministry has never had it so good, no wonder they engaged in prayer sessions for the return of Nwosu to the ministry. Amongst other things, Chief Nwosu:
- Donated a brand new bus to the Staff Welfare Committee of the ministry
- Makes a monthly contribution of 100 thousand Naira to the staff welfare committee as his own contribution to their activities.
- In December 2012, he gave every individual staff of the ministry half bag of rice
- 7 members of staff won various prizes like LCD TV, Deep Freezers through balloting.
- 5 staff of the ministry were allocated lands through balloting to motivate them.
- Operates an open door system with staff having access to him as at when due.
In many ways, the young, dynamic, urbane, humble gentleman has imbibed the philanthropic virtues of his boss with unrivalled compassion for the less privileged attracting neither attention nor media coverage. Even with his privileged position of being a son-in-law to the Governor, Nwosu maintains a calm mien, he would neither drop name nor intimidate others.
In appreciation of his efforts in moving the ministry forward, he has won accolades from various groups, churches and youth bodies. He has also been a true son to his people of Eziama Obaire and has attracted a lot of developmental projects to his community; he was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Ugwumba.
The staff of the ministry of lands, survey and urban development are appreciative of the Governor for returning Uche Nwosu to the ministry and are praying for his success and that of the state government.
To God be the glory.
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Ik Ogbonna, is the Media Consultant to the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Urban Development and is the Secretary, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Imo State Chapter.
