The Chairman of the Imo Roads Maintenance Agency (IROMA), Hon. Barr. Kingsley Ononuju, has commended Governor Hope Uzodinma for what he described as a bold and transformative leadership style that has changed the landscape of Imo State. This came after President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s working visit to the state, during which he commissioned a series of landmark projects amid scenes of jubilation.
President Tinubu, during his one-day visit, inaugurated the 52km Mbaise–Umuahia Road, the Control–Assumpta Twin Flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC). These projects, now open for public use, were unveiled in colourful ceremonies that featured traditional dances, musical performances, and overwhelming excitement from citizens. For many, it was not just about new infrastructure, but about a renewed sense of pride in the state’s developmental trajectory.
Hon. Ononuju, speaking shortly after the events, praised the governor for his vision and determination in reshaping Imo’s infrastructure.
“Governor Uzodinma has once again proven that governance is about impact, not rhetoric. These projects are monumental in both scale and importance. The Mbaise–Umuahia Road, which connects communities across two states, will ease transportation, boost trade, and reduce travel time significantly. The Twin Flyover is a modern engineering feat that will decongest traffic and redefine the cityscape of Owerri. And the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre will become a hub for commerce, diplomacy, and global interaction. These are not just projects; they are legacies,” he said.
The IROMA Chairman stressed that the projects commissioned by President Tinubu form only part of Governor Uzodinma’s wider developmental agenda. He highlighted the Owerri–Orlu Road, the Owerri–Okigwe Road, and the newly completed Owerri–Umuahia Road, among others, as critical arteries that have already opened up rural and urban areas for economic activity.
“As the head of the state’s Roads Maintenance Agency, I can testify to the depth of the governor’s commitment. What we have now is not patchwork governance, but systematic infrastructure renewal. Roads that were once death traps are now highways of opportunity, linking communities and driving development. The people of Imo can see the difference, and so can visitors to our state,” Hon. Ononuju stated.
He added that Governor Uzodinma’s focus on durable projects reflects a leadership style that is conscious of sustainability and legacy.
“The governor is laying foundations that will last beyond his tenure. He is investing in projects that not only meet present needs but anticipate future growth. This is the kind of leadership that transforms societies,” he noted.
In a more personal reflection, Hon. Ononuju offered prayers for the state’s continued progress, calling for leaders of equal vision to succeed the current administration.
“Governor Uzodinma has raised the standard of governance in Imo. My earnest prayer is that when his tenure comes to an end, Imo will be blessed with another leader who possesses the same clarity of vision, the same courage to act, and the same passion for the people. Continuity is essential if we are to preserve and build upon the gains we are celebrating today,” he concluded.
The commissioning events, attended by top government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, and enthusiastic citizens, have been widely described as a turning point in the state’s march towards modernity. Observers noted that the projects, especially the 52km Mbaise–Umuahia Road and the Assumpta Flyover, are among the most ambitious ever undertaken in the state, symbolizing a new era of infrastructure-driven growth under the Uzodinma administration.
For the people of Imo, the day was not just about the presence of President Tinubu or the cutting of ribbons—it was about witnessing the fruits of a governance agenda rooted in delivery and development. And for Hon. Barr. Kingsley Ononuju and the Imo Roads Maintenance Agency, it was also a reaffirmation that the work of sustaining and maintaining the state’s infrastructure has been given fresh momentum.
As Nigeria prepares to mark its Independence Day celebration tomorrow, Hon. Ononuju urged Imo people to reflect with gratitude on the nation’s journey while commending Governor Uzodinma for ensuring that Imo continues to stand tall in unity, development, and progress. He noted that celebrating Independence under the backdrop of these historic achievements gives the people renewed hope and pride in their state.
