By Chinyere Nnaemeka
The Imo State House of Assembly Committee on Works on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, embarked on an inspection tour to the Imo International Conference Center, IICC, which is under construction to ascertain the level of work accomplished at the site, and how long it will take for the center to be fully functional once again.
The committee led by its Chairman, and Chief Whip of the House, Rt Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri, with the Vice Chairman of the committee, and Member Representing Ohaji Egbema; Hon. Francis Osuoha, a member of the committee, and Majority of the Assembly; Rt. Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi, went in company of the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chyna Iwuanyanwu, among other lawmakers, including the Clerk of the Committee.
It would be recalled that the IICC was demolished by the Imo State Government under the leadership of Senator Hope Uzodimma, for its dilapidated state, and was awarded for construction which has been ongoing for months. So the Imo Assembly House Committee on Works as part of its oversight function visited the site for progress report.
The Contractor of the project, and Executive Officer of Benicoux Group Limited, Chief Benneth Nwokejiobi, who with his team, warmly welcome the legislators, expressed joy that they came for the inspection, saying his was ready to take them round the building.
Nwokejiobi based on the building plan which he presented to the lawmakers, pointed out that they were almost through with the construction, adding that Governor Hope Uzodimma is a man who loves to do things perfectly, and that he is out to give the state a world class convention center.
Averring that the governor should be ‘greatly’ commended for the project, the contractor disclosed that the governor gave a time frame of November this year for them to complete the project, which according to him, they may even finish before then if the rain falls lesser.
Addressing the newsmen after being taken round the building, the Chairman of the Committee, and Chief Whip of the House, Rt. Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri averred, “we are satisfied with what we have seen here today. This is indeed a world class project, and I commend the contractor and his team for a job well done,’Nwaneri stated’.
Hinting that it is part of the oversight function of the committee to ensure that projects in Imo State are completed to the highest standards and on time, Nwaneri expressed joy that the centre will soon be completed to be fully in use just as the contractor opined.
He further lauded the governor of the state, saying,” I want to earnestly appreciate His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma for always executing laudable projects in the state. He did this with the Imo State House of Assembly and he is now erecting another State-of-the-art complex as the Imo State International Convention Center, ‘Nwaneri asserted’.
Other lawmakers who were part of the inspection were Deputy Minority leader of the House, and Owerri Municipal legislator, Rt. Hon. Clinton Amadi, and members representing – Ngor Okpala; Rt. Hon Obinna Egu, Ideato South; Rt. Hon. Duru Iheonukara Johnson, and Mbaitoli; Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie.
The Imo State International Convention Centre according to the Contractor when completed will provide a world-class venue for conferences, events, and exhibitions.
“It will features a 7,000 Seater capacity International conference center designed to accommodate large events, with smaller halls for workshops, seminars, and panel discussions, a spacious exhibition area for trade shows, exhibitions, and displays.
“Catering facilities with on-site kitchens and dining areas for serving meals, coffee breaks, and refreshments, a business center facility to serve attendees needing to conduct business during an event, adequate restroom facilities strategically located throughout the venue. It will have a lift, an escalator, and ample parking space for visitors.
These elements he said will collectively contribute to a functional and versatile environment for hosting international conferences and large-scale events in the state.
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