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.

A total of two hundred and ninety six (296) persons registered for participation.

Activities:

Major activities for the day include

•    Reading of the PMU Team Leaders address by her representative, the PMU Gender Expert.

•    Reading of the welcome address of the Honourable Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development Dr Mrs. Ngozi Anyikwa. The address was read by the Permanent Secretary, Imo State Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Mr. Callistus Ekenze.

•    Presentation of the keynote of His Excellency the Governor of Imo State, Chief (Sir) Ikedi Ohakim by the Hon. Comm. For Planning and Economic Development who represented the Governor. The Governor was outside the State on official assignment.

•    Declaring the programme launched and the symbolic cutting of inauguration cake.

•    Plenary session – power point presentation of MPP9 followed by comments, questions and answers.

•    Participants expressed joy that the awaited programme finally took off in the state.

•    Questions centered on the actual time of micro project implementation take off.

•    Fears were expressed on the possibility of local Government involvement delaying the implementation of micro projects.

•    MPP9 Team responded to issues raised.