The Governor of Imo state, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma on Thursday received a plaque of honour as he commissioned an ultramodern Town Hall and a newly installed 500KVA transformer for the people of Umuokoro Lowa, Uboma Community in Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of the state, donated by the Nigerian Navy in honour of one of their senior officers, Real Admiral Michael Igwe.
Uzodimma who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, described the projects as a major boost to community engagement and economic development.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his transformational reforms and leadership, and for approving budgetary support to the Armed Forces to enable them discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
The Governor also lauded the Office of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and his team for the intervention, noting that it reflects a strong commitment to community development and improved living standards.
He observed the Town Hall will provide a befitting venue for community activities while the new transformer will ensure reliable electricity to drive growth and social well-being.
The Governor specially acknowledged Rear Admiral Michael Igwe (Rtd), an illustrious son of Umuokoro, Lowa, Ihitte-Uboma, whose recognition led to the siting of the project in Imo State. He thanked him for his meritorious service to the nation and for being a true ambassador of the state.
Uzodimma urged the people of Umuokoro Lowa to take ownership of the facilities by protecting and maintaining them for present and future generations.
He however, reaffirmed the commitment of the Shared Prosperity Administration to partnering with federal agencies and communities to build stronger, safer, and more prosperous communities across Imo State.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Admiral C. Onyemobi expressed delight at the event, stating that civil-military cooperation is being reinvigorated under the Renewed Hope Agenda in line with President Tinubu’s vision.
He commended senior military officers and urged beneficiaries to maintain the facility while continuing to cooperate with the Navy.
Community Representative, Mr. Collins Nwachukwu, thanked the government for the intervention, noting that the community now enjoys uninterrupted power supply after years of blackout, and also appreciated the State and Federal Government for the erosion control project in their community, while asking the state for more intervention, especially in their rural roads.
The chief host, Rear Admiral Michael Igwe, warmly welcomed guests and said the project has brought light and greater military presence to the community. While thanking the federal government and Nigerian Navy for honouring him, he stated that the projects reflect the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to civil-military cooperation and improving the well-being of the people.
Also present at the occasion were the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso; Ihitte-Uboma LGA Chairman, Hon. Obioha Ndukwe; traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, women and youth groups.
