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.

The representative of the Minister of National Planning, Mrs. Bagaiya presented the MoU to the Governor Chief Dr. Ikedi Ohakin (KSC) for signing. The Governor responded by stressing that the people of his State were hardworking, and so need a system to empower people to overcome their poverty.. The Governor also emphasized on the need for harmonization of projects with other agencies operating in the State and the State Government to avoid duplication of projects. He mentioned that the Imo State Government was embarking especially on a rural roads programme and solicited for collaborations with MPP9 in this regards. He then handed over the MoU to the Imo State Commissioner for State Planning and Economic Development Dr. Ngozi Anyikwa for her signature, on behalf of the Imo State Government.