 |
| Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, Owerri |
Recently, Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma invited media executives to tour the state freely, confident in showcasing the strides his administration has made in improving the lives of the people. By urging journalists to witness firsthand the developments, he boldly placed his reputation on the line.
Aware that scrutiny could reveal flaws, Governor Uzodimma welcomed the challenge, fully assured that his government has honored its commitment to the people.
Key achievements on display include the iconic International Conference Centre (ICC), the newly completed Government House Annex, the dualized Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Road, and the impressive Assumpta Flyover, among other transformative projects.
These landmarks stand as testaments to a government pressing forward steadily in governance and development.
The governor had told senior journalists, including executive members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors: "Take time to move around the state and see for yourselves, the progress we have made in building Imo into a model of excellence. As you do, you will notice that the flyover at Assumpta Roundabout was not there when last you were here. You will also see that the World-Class International Conference Centre at Orlu Road junction has since been completed.
"But above all, I urge you to interact with the management of the Orashi Electricity Company, so that you can be well appraised of how far we have gone in our determination, to provide 24/7 electricity across all 27 local government areas of the state in the coming months.
"I am confident that by the time you conclude your visit, you will agree with us that a new Imo is truly on the rise."
True to the promise, some giant strides have been made in Imo State under the Uzodimma administration. Right from the second term of the government, massive infrastructure and welfare programmes have been unveiled and vigorously been pursued.
Nobody would lose sight of the Mgbe/Umuchima erosion site, in Ideato, where reclaim work is ongoing.
One of the engineers handling the project, Chibuzo Agwuamba, told media executives who took up Governor Uzodimma's challenge of going round the state to see things for themselves, that the double lane and bridge would be completed in no time, adding that the Orashi River, which was diverted to enable construction work, would soon flow naturally, like before.
The joy on the faces of the indigenes of Mgbe and Umuchima is beyond comprehension, as they pray for the governor and his team, for not only keeping to the promise of fixing the road, but also for saving the community from being washed away by erosion.
The all-important road, which links Imo State and Anambra, failed completely because of the poor construction by the Rochas Okorocha government and the neglect of the immediate past government, before Uzodimma came to office.
At a place, where a bridge was needed, the past government built a culvert across a river with high torrent. To make matters worse, it was a slope, where water from the higher parts, right and left, converge into the fast-flowing Orashi River. It was therefore not surprising that the road was washed away by flash flood and completely swallowed by erosion.
In the reclaiming job, the Uzodimma government is planning a concrete bridge across the river and to join the hilly parts of the road.
Already, concrete drainages are being constructed on either sides of the expressway.
As part of its programme to bring government close to the people, the Imo State Government House Annex in Eziachi, Orlu, is another cardinal project that thrilled visiting editors.
At a time when rural dwellers feel that Government House, which is situated at the capital city, Owerri, makes government look distant, the building of a Government House Annex in Orlu, gives the people a sense of belonging. Having a Government House Annex near rural dwellers brings them closer to government.
 |
| Owerri-Umuahia express road |
The ultra modern Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, in Owerri, is standing as an edifice in the heart of Owerri.
Those who knew the old ICC would not believe their eyes at what is on ground now.
When Uzodimma assumed office, there was a poorly constructed "conference centre" on the spot. Soon after, the structure's roof was blown off by wind and the walls started caving in.
Since the entire structure failed integrity test, Governor Uzodimma had shut the premises and planned a befitting edifice. The old structure was brought down and cleared, while construction started afresh.
Now standing as a Colossus is a brand new ICC that would host international and local conference, weddings and other events. With massive parking area, and ultra- modern facilities, the ICC is expected to make Owerri a conference destination, as part of the state's tourism boost.
The Assumpta Flyover at the intersection of Owerri-Port Harcourt expressway, Owerri- Onitsha expressway and Bank Road is a legacy project that would change the traffic situation in Owerri.
Located at the "Control" area of Owerri, in front of the Assumpta Cathedral of the Catholic Church the flyover rises from two points and Port Harcourt Road end, into Onitsha Road end and Onitsha-Owerri road end into Bank Road. When completed, vehicles from the Onitsha road end to Port Harcourt road will use the bridge as well as vehicles from inside town (Bank Road) Onitsha-Owerri road. With this bridge, the hitherto traffic congestion at "Control" round about will be solved.
The Owerri-Umuahia express Road is a project that gladdens the hearts of many. Just like the Owerri-Orlu Road and Owerri-Okigwe road, the Owerri-Umuahia road is an important gateway. Hitherto in bad shape, the road, which passes Mbaise, Obowo and running all the way to Onuimo, the border bridge between Imo and Abia, is wearing a new look following the complete makeover or reconstruction by Gov Uzodimma government. The road is dualised with streetlights along the stretch, passing major villages as Mbaise and Obowo.
Expressing happiness at the level of infrastructure put on ground by Governor Hope Uzodimma, the President of Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba said: “The most impressive of the projects that I saw was the road linking the former governor's place. It is very impressive. The narrative was that, it is a Federal Road that had been abandoned for a while, but it’s the people of the state that use the road.
"A significant part of the state had been cut off; so the fact that the governor deemed it fit to link the two together is highly commendable. I even learnt that one can connect Anambra, using the road and it makes it more impressive."
Anaba also has some kind words fir Governor Uzodimma. He declared: "I want to congratulate the governor because, that’s what is called good governance. If people are able to move about, it will encourage commerce, improve well-being and that’s what governance is all about, that’s what we call democracy, to let people enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“We saw the flyover, too, it’s another significant project. On the international conference centre, we had earlier seen what was constructed in the past, when the Guild came to Owerri two years ago for our biennial convention. But this is in a class of its own. The Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference is excellent. It will attract a lot of business and revenue to the state. A whole lot of business can be done; a whole industry can open up. Conferences will hold, and you will see things beginning to happen for good. It’s quite impressive.”
Anaba described the fallacy of Imo State being insecurity destination as politics. He said though, unqualified to speak on the issue having been in the state for just two days, “with what I’ve seen so far, and where I’ve been, peoplexare going about their business without fears. My prayer is that peace is for everybody, let the people breathe.
"Let there be peace in the South East, so that people can live, so that development can come. We should not escalate the fear, that the South East is unlivable. It’s not good for anybody. My plea is, let there be peace in the South East.”
On road infrastructure, the NGE helmsman posited that the governor has done excellently well on road construction, adding that the worst democracy is far better than the best military administration.
“If a civilian government decides to work, just the way Governor Uzodimma is working, the people will benefit, and in Imo State, the people are benefitting. So, I can only encourage the governor to keep it up," NGE president concluded.
Governor Uzodimma had come to office with "3-R programme," standing for Reconstruction, Recovery and Rehabilitation.
The tripod programme of action of Uzodimma's administration is not merely existing on paper, as he also matches his words with action. His good works of re-constructing, recovering and rehabilitating are noticeable in all sectors, including road constructions, Health, Education, prompt payment of salaries and pension, security, rehabilitation of decayed infrastructure.
Addressing members of Imo House of Assembly and Imo indigenes on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in what was tagged, "State of the State Address," Governor Uzodimma said: "When I assume office, I was immediately confronted with two pressing issues: widespread infrastructure decay, and the near-total breakdown of state institutions."
"Most roads were either, impassable or outright death traps. Governance was paralyzed. The civil service, often referred to as the engine room of government, had lost both its form and function. Even, the Government House had been reduced to a laughable caricature, with official business often conducted in Bush Bars or Guest Houses."
Confrontated with the mirads of challenges, the Governor rolled up his sleeves and swung into action in what many referred to, as "Infrastructural Revolution."
Governor Uzodimma recalled: "We began our rebuilding efforts with the civil service and critical road infrastructure within the Owerri Capital City. The choice was deliberate. A functional civil service is the backbone of good governance, and motorable roads are essential for commerce, public mobility and adminstrative efficiency."
Elaborating further on his efforts to respond to the needs and yearnings of Imo people in his first eighteen months of his second tenure, Uzodimma told the Assembly members; "Our commitment to infrastructure remains resolute."
According to him, Imo now boasts of one of the most extensive and impactful road networks in Nigeria, revealing that his administration has constructed more roads than all previous administrations since 1999, combined. These ranged from the finalized Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe roads, to the MCC-Toronto-Uratta corridor, which connect communities, boost trade, reduce travel time and stimulate productivity.
Governor Uzodimma said: "To date, we have completed over 129 roads across the state. In the past 18 months alone; we delivered 37 brand new roads, an iconic edifice, International Conference Centre and befitting Government House Annex, Orlu.
"We also have the Assumpta Flyover and the new Concorde-Hilton Hotel as landmark legacy projects."
He listed the new roads to include; Toronto-Orji Road, Naze-Ogbosisi Road, Orlu-Nkume-Umuowa Road; Oru West LGA Road, Mgbidi-Omuma-Okporo Road, Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Road, among numerous others.
Besides infrastructure, another sector the governor has etched his name in gold is education. According to the action governor, education remains the foundation of any sustainable society.
He explained that it was the reason he took deliberate steps to reposition the educational sector from the very beginning of his administration.
 |
| Assumpta Flyover at Control area of Owerri |
Uzodimma said: "When we assumed office, the situation in our educational system was dire. Teachers were demoralised due to months of unpaid salaries and years of delayed promotions. Instructional materials were also scarce. Our flagship institution, Imo State University, was not left out. It had lost a number of both staff and students, and academic standards were in free fall."
At the tertiary level, he said thst Imo State stands out as one of the few states successfully funding five institutions simultaneously: Imo State University, Owerri, K.O. Mbadiwe University, Ogboko, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State Polytechnic and Ben Uwajumogu College of Education, Ihitte Uboma.
Other areas the governor has also left his imprints are: Health, Sports, Digital Economy and E-Governance, Transport, Agriculture, Environment, Information, Dredging of Orashi River, Security, among others.
Giving more insight into how his administration values free flow of information, the governor recalled how he immediately revived the state-owned newspaper, which went underground under past governments. He did not only revive the newspaper, but also continued to ensure that it is published every day.
"As you are aware, one of our enduring legacies is the restoration of the Statesman newspaper. From Day-one of my administration, we revived the moribund newspapers and made them a daily. It has remained so till date. I am happy to inform you that the Statesman now has presence in Abuja, the capital of our country. It will be about only state-owned Newspaper that has presence in Abuja," Uzodimma said.
The governor's love for, and encouragement of the media did not just stop at promoting and encouraging media practice in the state. It is on record that more than other governors in the country, he has supported the activities of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and that of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Uzodimma had commended NGE for election a few weeks earlier. He stated: "As a microcosm of Nigeria, you have demonstrated that credible elections are possible, and pointed the way forward as we approach 2027. Indeed, as we move closer to the next general elections, the role of the media becomes even more critical to the stability of our democracy.
"As I’ve said before, we rely on you to show us the path to follow. As gatekeepers of public information, what you choose to publish will shape how Nigerians interpret and respond to unfolding events."
He challenged the Editors: "As you have the power to permit divisive and inflammatory content that could lead to hatred, unrest, and disunity, you also have the power to amplify voices of peace, unity, and reason. The choice is yours, but I trust that your patriotism will guide you to make the right call.”
He, however, noted the negative influence that social media weighs on the society if unchecked, while calling on the Editors to prevent a situation, where accuracy is thrown to the dustbin and falsehood elevated.
He said: "And while I commend the steps you’ve recently taken to sanction members, who breach your codes, particularly, your action against those who violated confidentiality, it must not stop there. I believe the Guild, working in synergy with the NUJ, has, both the authority and the responsibility to address the broader issue of the reckless use of social media.
"I hope to see even more decisive actions in that direction. I’ve taken note of your concerns and suggestions. Let me assure you that this government remains committed to supporting the journalism profession, in fulfilling its role as the Fourth Estate of the Realm. My doors remain open, and so do those of my officials, many of whom are your professional colleagues. We are ready to work with you and make your job easier.”
With two and half years to go, Uzodimma is pressing forward to prove his critics wrong. Recently, he announced a minimum wage of N104, 000 for state workers and he is passionate about his electrification programme, with the Orashi Electricity Company.
0 comments:
Post a Comment