By Engr. Francis Chukwu
The South African anti-apartheid activist and iconic statesman who later emerged from jail as the President of his country, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, was indeed right when he said: “A leader is like a shepherd; he stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realising that all along they are being directed from behind.”
Similarly, the legendary Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu was very correct when he profoundly stated that: “A leader is best when people sometimes barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aims fulfilled, they will say: We did it ourselves.”
These carefully selected maxims unarguably define and exemplify the leadership capacity and governance philosophy of the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma, who has indeed PROVEN BEYOND SHADOWS OF DOUBT THAT HE IS NOT PLAYING POLITICS WITH IMO PEOPLE.
From assumption of office in the face of unprecedented challenges ranging from insecurity to economic meltdown, global COVID-19 restrictions, revenue fluctuations, and infrastructural decay, Governor Hope Uzodimma has remained calm, courageous, strategic, and exceedingly purposeful. His leadership has demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt that he came prepared, focused, and determined to serve the people of Imo State with sincerity and transparency.
Indeed, a cursory look at the most recent and ongoing monumental achievements of the Governor will compel even the most hardened doubters to embrace the undeniable truth that the Governor means well for Imo people and has pursued transformational governance with a sense of urgency, clarity, and responsibility. Some of the most captivating projects completed or approaching completion include:The phenomenal multipurpose flyover at Control Post Owerri, a first-of-its-kind engineering innovation in the state, commenced and completed under his watch, Owerri–Mbaise–Obowo–Umuahia road, a historically strategic road abandoned for decades, but conceptualised and completed by Governor Uzodimma,the widely celebrated MCC–Uratta road, reconstruction of Orji–Toronto road, restoring a major gateway and easing traffic, the Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre (EIICC) and the ongoing Imo State Internal Revenue House, a multi-level structure.
Others include: the total reconstruction and remodeling of Imo Concorde Hotel Owerri, the ongoing Imo State Beach Development Project, Orlu city roads, many completed and functional, boosting mobility and commercial activity, the ongoing Orlu–Urualla–Akokwa–Uga Road, and the Regional Government House, Orlu among others.
On Education, Governor Uzodimma’s administration has expanded the landscape of education with the establishment of three additional state-owned universities viz: Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Ohaji/Egbema, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU), Ideato, University of Creativity, Innovation and Technology, Omuma. These institutions have repositioned Imo as a centre of academic excellence, innovation, research, and human capital development, preparing graduates who can compete globally.
Notably, in the aspect of workers welfare, Governor Uzodimma stands tall as one of the few Nigerian governors to implement a significantly increased minimum wage of ₦104,000, far above the national benchmark of ₦70,000. This bold, people-focused decision affirms one fact: the Governor prioritises the welfare, dignity, and motivation of workers.
Veritably, on the Health Sector of the State, the Governor has shown that he believes in the popular saying that “Health is Wealth and that has necessitated the priority attention he has accorded to providing quality healthcare for Imolites. Accordingly, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Imo has witnessed: the construction of three brand-new General Hospitals in Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, and Oru East LGAs in addition to the massive enrolment of thousands into the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme as well as the rehabilitation of numerous primary and secondary healthcare facilities. These interventions are saving lives, reducing medical tourism, and improving the state’s health indicators.
It is germane to point out other notable projects and policies. Thus, the administration of His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has also excelled in: Strengthening security architecture, leading to restoration of relative peace across many hitherto troubled communities across the state, digitalizing government operations, including biometric verification and e-governance systems, agricultural reforms, with livestock programmes, farm settlements, and investor partnerships, youth empowerment, through digital training, SME support, and startup incentives, public financial management reforms, which have made Imo one of Nigeria’s most fiscally disciplined states, reviving urban water supply schemes, notably the Otamiri Waterworks, sports development, including stadium upgrades and youth tournaments, improved environmental management, waste disposal, and urban renewal.
Undeniably, second terms in Nigeria are often characterized by slow performance and political distractions but Governor Uzodimma has rewritten the script. Evidently, instead of slowing down, he has accelerated development, instead of relaxing, he has intensified governance, instead of relying on past achievements, he is breaking new ground daily. Obviously, his second term has remained very strategic and awesomely impactful which is an approach and achievement that are rare in Nigerian political history.
Of a truth, the actions and inactions of Governor Hope Uzodimma has demonstrated that he is not playing politics with the future of Imo State rather he is investing in it, he is shaping it just as he is securing it. His achievements speak loudly the commitment he has for the progress and development of the State remains, unwavering and the results are visible.
Given the giant strides he has achieved so far in office, it’s only proper to boldly assert that Governor Hope Uzodimma has proven beyond every shadow of doubt that he came to work, to serve, and to transform and Imo State will never remain the same again.
Engr. Francis Chukwu, the Special Adviser on Livestock writes from Ehime Mbano LGA
