MPP9 was formally launched in Imo State by his Excellency the Governor of Imo State, Chief (Sir) Ikedi Ohakim on Tuesday 15th December, 2009. The venue of the launch was the Banquet hall of Newcastle Hotel Owerri.

Participants were made up of local Government officials, state Government functionaries, Town Union executives, members of civil societies, Traditional rulers and representatives of the electronic and print media.

The MoU signing ceremony between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Imo State Government was held in Government House, Owerri on the 15th of September, 2009. The Governor of Imo, Chief Dr. Ikedi Ohakin (KSC), and his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Ada Okwuonu received the team from NPC, EC Delegation and MPP9. Mrs. L. D. Bagaiya,who was leading the Team represented the Honorable Minister of National Planning Commission – Dr Shamsudeen Usman.  The visiting team was also comprised of Dr Maryam Abdu Project Officer - Rural and Social Development EC Delegation. She represented the Head of EC Delegation and in an address, Dr Abdu introduced the MPP9 program to the State Government emphasized on the co-funding formula of 25% for the Community, 25% for the LGA and 50% for the EU.