By Collins Opurozor
Upon taking office in January 2024, Governor Hope Uzodimma promised to deliver achievements that would surpass those of his first term. Barely nine months later, it is heartwarming that his administration is already marked by a series of impactful projects and partnerships that have put Imo State on a transformative path. From infrastructure development and foreign investment to educational reforms and energy initiatives, this pro max version of the 3R administration has revitalized the state, laying the foundation for sustained growth and prosperity.
On his inauguration day, Governor Uzodimma set a high bar by commissioning the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport link road, now renamed Bola Tinubu Drive, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This dual-carriageway road, complete with double drainage systems and street lighting, has since become a symbol of his commitment to quality infrastructure and economic boom. By early February, the governor had completed the Federal High Court Road in Owerri—previously impassable, but now transformed into a durable and visually impressive thoroughfare.
Continuing this momentum, Governor Uzodimma completed the Toronto-Uratta-Uzoagba road just days after the Federal High Court Road, further enhancing the state’s transportation network. In March, his administration reactivated the Imo Marketing Company, a strategic move towards self-sufficiency and economic empowerment for the people. Shortly thereafter, he secured a landmark $1.5 billion investment from AfriExim Bank. In alignment with his vision for Imo’s industrial future, Governor Uzodimma held discussions with industrial giants in Egypt—including Hassan Allam, Elswedey Electric, and ADES—laying the groundwork for partnerships aimed at bolstering the state’s economic base, particularly through the Orashi Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone.
This commitment was further underscored when Uzodimma signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with companies in Cairo to advance the Orashi Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, with AfriExim Bank as a key partner. In April, he visited the Control Post Flyover construction site, where a major infrastructure project is nearing completion. Designed to ease congestion on routes connecting Owerri, Anambra, and Rivers State, the flyover promises significant relief for motorists and a boost to commerce.
Governor Uzodimma’s efforts to strengthen governance were evident in May, when he signed two crucial bills that originated as Executive Bills: the amendment to the Imo State Polytechnic Law, consolidating operations onto a single campus, and the Imo State Electricity Law, which allows for greater power generation and distribution across the state. These legislative reforms are expected to optimize educational resources and provide the entire state with reliable electricity, thus spurring economic activities in the remotest hamlets across the state.
In the same month, he formalized a public-private partnership to construct a 200-room Imo Marriot Hotel in Owerri, an ambitious project financially backed by AfriExim Bank and Fidelity Bank Plc. Set to be completed within 24 months, this initiative demonstrates his dedication to expanding the state’s hospitality industry and positioning Imo as a destination for business and leisure travelers alike.
On June 1, the governor signed an MoU with the Madkour Group for the development of the Orashi Electricity Company, an endeavor aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply across Imo State. This partnership addresses both immediate energy needs and long-term industrial growth, underscoring Uzodimma’s commitment to sustainable development. On June 3, the Governor hosted AfriExim Bank’s President for the groundbreaking ceremony of the bank’s Quality Assurance Center in Umuowa, Ngor Okpala LGA. This center is expected to boost the local economy by creating jobs and enhancing export capabilities, proving that the governor’s economic vision extends well beyond Imo’s borders.
In early June, he also inaugurated the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC) to oversee the burgeoning energy sector, ensuring accountability in what is anticipated to be a game-changing industry for the state.
Governor Uzodimma’s transformative vision continued on June 21, when he invited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to lay the foundation for the Imo Central Market in Owerri. Designed with 6,000 shops, security units, and essential facilities, the market will not only serve local needs but also cater to the broader sub-Saharan region. The governor’s commitment to transportation infrastructure remained a priority as well, with the completion of the Toronto/Ekemegbuoha road and the 8.4 km Toronto/Orji road in July. Equipped with solar-powered street lights and drainage systems, these roads reflect Uzodimma’s focus on safety, sustainability, and flood control.
In August, this Governor “wey no dey rest” turned his attention to sports by appointing football legend, Emmanuel Amuneke, as the Head Coach of Heartland FC, a move aimed at reviving the club and uplifting the state’s sports sector. By the end of the month, the governor’s achievements were duly recognized with the prestigious Grand Prize, Gold Plaque Category award at the Michael Okpara Leadership Prize awards in Abuja. During the ceremony, Uzodimma emphasized that Nigeria’s future prosperity and governance would benefit from adopting the Michael Okpara Leadership model.
In October, Governor Uzodimma launched the Imo State Scholarship Board, cementing his commitment to accessible education. This initiative will ensure that indigent children across the state can pursue quality education, creating pathways for them to become future leaders.
As he continues to steer Imo State towards development, Governor Uzodimma’s second term stands as a testament to what visionary leadership can achieve. Through these landmark accomplishments, he has laid a robust foundation for a prosperous, self-sustaining Imo State, offering the people a future brimming with hope and opportunity.
*Opurozor is the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Electronic and Creative Media