Imo people resident in the United Kingdom have expressed satisfaction with the development initiatives of Governor Hope Uzodimma, especially in the area of road revolution and good governance.
In a communique after a meeting in London, the indigenes under the aegis of Oru Nation in UK, commended the governor for the infrastructure transformation he has executed since he assumed office.
The communique endorsed by the Chairman of Oru Nation in UK, Emmanuel Aghaluke, the Patron, Jude Ibe and the facilitator of the meeting, Benji Agwunobi, among others, however urged Uzodimma to adopt more of diplomacy against force in the resolution of the security crisis in the state, especially in Orlu zone.
They were happy that Governor Uzodimma is arresting the infrastructure deficit which hitherto bedeviled the State.
“We are happy with the information from home that bad roads, dilapidated and moribund industries are being addressed, the communique said.
They averred that Imo State will make rapid progress in development if the security crisis is contained.
While promising to sensitize all Imo residents in the UK concerning the efforts of the government in recent times, they pledged to support Governor Uzodimma to do more for the State.
Earlier in his speech, the Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba told the gathering that Governor Uzodimma has changed the landscape of Imo through infrastructure and good governance.
He informed them that four key roads that had defied the efforts of previous administrations in the State since 1999 to fix have been handled by Governor Uzodimma.
He listed the roads to include: Owerri- Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe roads which have now been dualized and completed and Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road and Orlu-Mgbe-Akokwa-Uga road which are under construction.
Emelumba said those four roads are the fulcrum of economic development of the State, hence the attention paid them by Governor Uzodimma.
He also informed them that the Imo State University Teaching Hospital which had collapsed had been revived by Governor Uzodimma with state of the art equipment and requisite personnel.
According to him, for the first time in five years, the hospital has been able to graduate medical doctors and perform other functions expected of a tertiary health institution.
The Commissioner also told them that the governor has begun the rehabilitation of key industries abandoned by previous administrations.
He said such industries include Adapalm Nig Ltd, Imo Standard Shoe Company and the Owerri Water Works.
He said Governor Uzodimma has attracted a refinery to the State as well as creating a conducive environment that led to the return of Shell Petroleum Development Company to Imo.
Emelumba noted that the more than 100 roads built by Governor Uzodimma within two years in office was meant to stimulate the economy of the Imo State.
He said contrary to what the opposition has been promoting, Imo State is actually safe for investment.
Emelumba therefore urged Imo indigenes in the Diaspora to invest in the State and support Governor Uzodimma to rebuild the State.
According to him, the transparent manner the government is being run under Governor Uzodimma does not condone any form of corruption.
Others who attended the event included leaders and patrons of Oru Nation from across cities in the United Kingdom.