BY COLLNS OPUROZOR
In the complex and often turbulent landscape of Nigerian governance, few can match the audacity and transformative zeal that Governor Hope Uzodimma has demonstrated in Imo State over the past five years. His fifth anniversary in the administrative cockpit of the state which we now celebrate is, therefore, a harvest of testimonies. Under his watch, Imo has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development, particularly in road construction, and a renewed focus on human capital development. These efforts, it is now clear, have not just been about politics but a well-calculated strategy to secure lasting prosperity for Imo residents.
To understand the full scale of this transformation, one must look at the many initiatives that have not only reshaped the physical landscape but have also created an environment ripe for economic boom and social bliss.
Governor Uzodimma’s commitment to road infrastructure is perhaps the most glaring evidence of his audacious approach. When he assumed office in January 2020, the roads in Imo were in varying states of disrepair, with some major highways and rural access roads in dire need of attention. Fast forward to today, and hundreds of roads have been reconstructed or newly built, connecting Imo’s urban centers with its rural communities. Unlike some states where governors shy away from building roads due to their federal designation, Uzodimma has resolutely pursued the construction of all roads that serve Imo’s residents. This audacity in road development has not only improved mobility but has unlocked vast economic potential. These roads have made previously inaccessible parts of the state easier to reach, stimulating trade and enhancing cohesion.
But the impact of Uzodimma’s leadership extends far beyond just road revolution. The Governor’s ambitious plan for Imo State includes significant investments in energy infrastructure, particularly the Orashi electricity project. Though still a work in progress, the vision is clear: Imo is on track to achieve uninterrupted power supply in the near future. The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated, especially when one considers the crippling power shortages that continue to plague the country. Reliable electricity is a cornerstone for industrial growth, and Uzodimma’s efforts to improve this vital resource are already attracting businesses to Imo, a state previously overlooked by many investors.
In the health sector, Uzodimma has also made resounding strides. His administration has revived the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, ensuring that thousands of vulnerable residents now have access to quality healthcare. Under his leadership, Imo’s general hospitals have not only been refurbished but expanded, with many more general hospitals being built from the ground up. Moreover, his advocacy led to the upgrade of the Federal Medical Center in Owerri into a University Teaching Hospital, further cementing Imo’s status as a healthcare hub in the region. The Governor is also building an Infectious Disease Center in Orlu, which will serve as a major facility to combat future health emergencies. These are not just infrastructural investments; they are investments in the well-being of Imo’s people, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.
Education in Imo has also flourished under Uzodimma’s leadership. His efforts have led to the establishment of new institutions and the elevation of existing ones. One of the landmark achievements in this area was the upgrade of Alvan Ikoku College of Education into a Federal University of Education. This move has opened new educational opportunities for the youth of Imo, allowing them to pursue higher education without leaving the state. From Umuagwo to Omuma, towering new tertiary institutions speak to the educational vision of this uncommon leader.
Furthermore, the Governor’s emphasis on skill acquisition has seen thousands youths trained under the Skill-Up Imo Project, equipping them with digital and vocational skills and start-up equipment to thrive in the modern economy. Over 300,000 Imo youths are targeted under this lofty initiative. This proactive approach to education is an investment in human capital that will pay dividends for years to come. In view of that, Imo has emerged as the digital hub of the Southeast, and one of the biggest players in digital economy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In a state where civil service inefficiency was once the norm, Uzodimma has led significant reforms aimed at creating a motivated and effective workforce. Civil servants in Imo now benefit from full pay, free mobility, and a variety of fringe benefits, which have boosted morale and performance. The Governor’s civil service reforms have addressed the historical bureaucratic bottlenecks, resulting in a streamlined public sector that can better serve the people. These reforms, coupled with his investment in security, have laid the foundation for a state that is not only functional but also increasingly secure.
Security has long been a challenge in Imo, as in many parts of Nigeria, but under Uzodimma’s leadership, the state has made unimaginable progress. Through strategic investments in the security agencies —providing them with operational vehicles, modern technology, and smart devices—Uzodimma has enabled law enforcement agencies to effectively tackle crime. The Governor has also worked closely with the military and the intelligence community to ensure that the state remains safe, creating an environment conducive for both business and everyday life. The result has been a significant reduction in security breaches that once plagued the state, offering residents a renewed sense of peace.
The Governor’s business-friendly policies have made Imo a magnet for investment. Through his efforts to stamp out corruption in the public sector, streamline land administration, and eliminate multiple taxation, Uzodimma has by leaps and bounds improved the ease of doing business in the state. Investor confidence has skyrocketed, with multinational companies now eyeing Imo as a prime location for business expansion. The recent establishment of the African Quality Assurance Center by the African Export and Import Bank in Umuowa, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, is a testament to this transformation. Under Uzodimma, Imo is no longer just a state reliant on federal allocations but a thriving economic zone in its own right.
Let me mention that the introduction of the One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI) has been another game-changer. The initiative, aimed at industrializing Imo’s rural and suburban areas, has empowered communities to establish and run sustainable businesses. By fostering local entrepreneurship and creating an enabling environment for small and medium-sized enterprises, Uzodimma has ensured that economic growth reaches even the remotest corners of the state. This initiative, along with his broader policy of inclusive development, has meant that Imo’s residents are not mere bystanders in the state’s boom—they are active participants in its bliss.
Looking back over the last five years, it is clear that Governor Hope Uzodimma’s leadership has delivered tangible results. Roads have been built, healthcare and education have been revolutionized, and Imo has become a hub for business and investment. These efforts have transformed the state into a beacon of progress in southeastern Nigeria. And while the journey is far from complete, the blueprint for continued success is firmly in place. As Governor Uzodimma celebrates his first year of his second term in office, it is clear that his leadership has brought both boom and bliss to Imo—creating a legacy that will endure for many years to come.
*Opurozor is the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Electronic and Creative Media