As anticipation builds for Governor Hope Uzodimma’s scheduled State of Imo address, a cross-section of Imo citizens has expressed varied expectations, focusing on critical issues affecting the state.
The address, announced by the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, is set to take place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Imo State House of Assembly complex and is modeled after the State of the Union address delivered by U.S. Presidents.
Analysts and residents in the State have lauded the move, describing it as a groundbreaking opportunity for citizens to evaluate the government’s performance and future plans.
An Owerri-based analyst, Mr.Chike Onyeka, described it as a refreshing development, saying, “It allows for a direct and comprehensive dialogue between the governor and the people.”
However, Owerri residents such as, Mazi Anselm Onuoha have cautioned against turning the address into a mere recital of government accomplishments.
“The Governor must go beyond listing his achievement.This State of the State address, which iis historical should tackle core concerns like the growing insecurity in the state” he noted.
Insecurity remains a pressing issue, with recent attacks by suspected Fulani terrorists in Agwa community, Oguta Local Government Area, leaving scores dead.
Also, an alarming increase in kidnapping incidents along the Owerri-Aba road has heightened fears. Tales of organ harvesters have also emerged, adding to the climate of fear across the State.
“Imolites are looking for reassurance and actionable plans. The Governor must use this platform to outline clear strategies to combat insecurity,” said Mazi Onuoha
While commending the state government’s strides in infrastructure development, particularly road renovations and construction in some parts of the State, Mr Uche Nwadike, another resident in Owerri emphasized the need for more focus on roads in rural areas.
He told INNONEWS “The urban areas have seen improvements, but the hinterlands remain largely neglected. Good roads act as arteries of the economy. If they are in bad shape, it affects economic development. Governor Uzodimma should use the State of Imo address to unveil plans on how to expand road rehabilitation to these underserved areas”
Economic challenges also feature prominently in Imo citizens’ expectations from Uzodimma’s address.
Ken Nwosu, an economic analyst, highlighted the pressing need for an Imo Marketing and Commodity Board to stabilize food prices.
“During a stakeholders’ meeting in 2024, the Governor promised to set up such Board and market clusters in the 27 local government areas, but it’s yet to materialize. Now is the time to act, as Imolites are struggling under the weight of soaring food costs after the removal of fuel subsidy by the Tinubu Administration” he stated.
Health concerns have further added to the list of urgent issues, despite the State government recent programme on free medicare for the vulnerable across the 27 local government areas.
James Ibe, a health expert based in Owerri stressed the importance of addressing the recent outbreak of diphtheria in Aboh Mbaise and parts of Orlu.
“The government needs to outline a comprehensive health plan to curb the spread of this deadly disease that is gradually spreading across the State. There should be more information about this disease” Ibe stated.
Another area of contention is the Imo Charter of Equity, which advocates for equitable rotation of the governorship among the state’s three geopolitical zones.
Frank Iwu, a member of the Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), one of the groups leading the quest for an Imo governor of Owerri zone extraction, called on Governor Uzodimma to use the address to clarify his stance on the zoning arrangement.
“Imolites are eager to know which zone will produce the next governor. “I don’t subscribe to the opinion that it is premature to discuss succession. In Lagos State, the succession race has began. Those who want to take over from Governor Baba Jide Sanwo Olu in 2027 have began preparations. It is an open discussion in Lagos State.
“Succession politics has started in full swing in Lagos and in other states the Governor(s) are leaving. Imo should not be an exception” Iwu told INNONEWS.
This newspaper observed that the planned address has sparked widespread curiosity and cautious optimism among the Imo populace.
While some view it as a platform for mere rendition of the administration’s achievements, others see it as an opportunity for the Governor to reset his administration’s priorities as he enters the second half of his second and final term.
“It’s not just about addressing issues but also about inspiring confidence in governance, especially in the face of growing insecurity,” said another political observer, Miss Nkechi Onukogu
“The Governor must seize this moment to prove he is truly in touch with the people’s concerns. Imolites wait with bated breath for what could be a defining moment for this administration.
“The success of the address will likely hinge on its ability to meet the high expectations of a populace yearning for security, safety and reassurance.
“This is the time for Governor Uzodimma to deliver a message of hope and action” Onukogu concluded.
*NB: The State Of Imo Address has been postponed*
