As Imo continues to celebrate the golden jubilee of its creation, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the Congo, Chief Greg Mbadiwe, has described Governor Hope Uzodimma as the father of modern Imo State, based on his sterling performance in office.
He said Uzodimma’s infrastructural revolution and human capital development—especially through the SkillUp Imo project, where more than 50,000 youths have received digital training—have marked him out as a purposeful and visionary leader whose tremendous impact on governance is unrivalled.
He noted that although Uzodimma’s administration came on board just six years ago, it has surpassed those of his predecessors.
“If you aggregate the success he has recorded in infrastructure, economic reforms and human capital development, it is clear that he is far ahead of his predecessors,” he declared.
He said Uzodimma’s prosperity agenda, woven around economic renaissance, digital technology, access to sea and air, and the strengthening of governance structures, has yielded significant results, such that the governor has emerged as the undisputed leader of modern Imo State.
According to him, the Uzodimma administration has also emerged as a benchmark of good governance in the state because of its achievements.
“If we are honest in our assessment, I think Uzodimma has surpassed his predecessors in all indices of governance, irrespective of the security challenges he encountered early in his administration,” Ambassador Mbadiwe submitted.
He described Uzodimma’s road revolution as unmatchable and cited the Orlu–Akokwa Road, which leads to his hometown of Arondizuogu, as an example.
Said he, “Although the road is not completely completed because of the stubborn bridge, which necessitated a diversion, I can testify that I got to my house in record time on my recent trip, compared to my frustrating experiences in the past.”
Mbadiwe, who is also a former Chairman of the Board of the Federal Road Safety Corps, noted with satisfaction the reconstruction of the Owerri–Mbaise–Umuahia Road, Owerri–Okigwe Road and the dualisation of the Owerri–Orlu Road, among others.
He also lauded the governor for massive investment in power and security, saying that by the time uninterrupted power supply fully takes root in the state, its economy will take a leap.
He said the improved security situation in Imo State will lead to increased investment in the state and, therefore, stimulate the overall economy.
While congratulating Uzodimma and the people of Imo State on the 50th anniversary of the state, Mbadiwe called on the people to continue to support the APC government in Imo State.
