Building resilient rural communities, promoting grassroots development, and creating inclusive economic opportunities for Imo citizens through strategic empowerment programs.
Welcome to the Imo State Ministry of Rural Development and Economic Empowerment. As a pivotal agency for sustainable growth and poverty reduction, our Ministry champions the development of rural infrastructure, skills acquisition, and microenterprise promotion to uplift every corner of Imo State. We are dedicated to empowering rural communities, fostering self-reliance, and enhancing access to basic amenities through strategic partnerships, innovation, and community-led initiatives. Through focused policies and actionable programs, we create enabling environments for agriculture, local entrepreneurship, and cooperative growth—ensuring that no community is left behind.
Honourable Ifeanyi Demian Oruh from Imo State serves as the Honourable Commissioner for Rural Development and Economic Empowerment. Appointed in June 2024, he is responsible for leading strategic interventions that drive rural infrastructure, community livelihood, and youth empowerment across the state.
In his role, Hon. Oruh spearheads programs under the ‘One Kindred, One Business (OKOBI)’ initiative, encouraging each of Imo State’s 655 autonomous communities to identify and develop business opportunities they can own and collectively benefit from. He collaborates with local leaders, cooperative groups, and development partners to ensure rural transformation through infrastructure, enterprise development, and inclusive economic policies. His leadership aligns with Governor Uzodimma’s agenda for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and recovery in grassroots communities.
The Okobi Initiative, pioneered by the Imo Ministry of Rural Development, stands as a gold standard in rural transformation and sustainable empowerment. What began as a vision to uplift underdeveloped communities has blossomed into a bold movement that is redefining what rural progress looks like. Through strategic interventions, infrastructure upgrades, and targeted skill acquisition programs, the Okobi Initiative has revitalized local economies, created jobs, and restored dignity to countless families.
Celebrated across Nigeria as a blueprint for effective governance, the initiative is more than a program—it’s a promise fulfilled. With innovation, empathy, and unmatched execution, the Ministry has proven that when leadership listens, development follows. The Okobi Initiative is not just a success story; it’s a legacy in the making.
Partner with us in building a stronger, more inclusive Imo State—where rural development fuels economic prosperity for all.
