Imo Assembly Lauds Uzodimma Over $1.5 Billion Investment From AFREXIM Bank for Infrastructural Devt

Impressed with the continued  patriotic commitment to make Imo State the Economic Hub of the Southeast in Nigeria and for stability, especially with the latest move to inject $1.5 Billion infrastructure investment from African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank),  the Imo State House Of Assembly has commended the State Governor, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma.

Moving the Motion, the Member Representing Ngor-Okpala State Constituency, Rt Hon Prince Obinna Egu, PhD,  described the latest action of Governor Uzodimma as a move aimed to spur economic growth, infrastructure development and job creation in the State,  and by extension,  the entire Southeast.

Hon Obinna Egu, who described Governor Uzodimma as a great thinker who thinks outside the box, stated that since Imo State has the highest gas deposit in the country, there would be industrial clusters, with the current initiative,  and electricity challenges  will be a thing of the past.

In his words, Hon Egu,  who is also the House Committee Chairman On Science And Technology, said,  *"the Governor's goal is to accelerate the pace of development in Imo State and create opportunities for Imo people and its  residents, hence partnering with Afrexim Bank unveils a unique opportunity to achieve this goal that will unlock the full economic potential of the State".* 

Hon Obinna Egu, while further explaining the benefits of the collaboration between the State Governor and Afrexim Bank expressed joy that his Ngor-Okpala Constituency would be one of the beneficiaries,  as the Imo Airport (Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport) would be upgraded and that the Internally Generated Revenue Base of the State would also experience an increase. *"The collaboration holds immense promise for the prosperity and geometric growth of Imo State, economically, socially and competitively. This is a Win-win situation for Ndimo. We must also note that in the governor's first term, he attracted a lot of investment from development partners, taking advantage of his background in the private sector. We saw his commendable achievements in all sectors of the economy. During the inauguration for his second term, just two months ago, His Excellency assured us that he would intensify efforts to explore other avenues that would make the abundant human and natural resources in the state exploitable.  Two months later, we have seen the ongoing construction of flyover in the State capital, the construction of Imo International Conference Center, IICC,  and the dredging of Urashi river into the Atlantic ocean. It is therefore evident that Governor Uzodimma's second term  administration is focussing more on  the commitment to the vision of transforming the state into a beacon of hope and changing the economic landscape for good".* Rt Hon Obinna  Egu Submitted.

He thereafter called on his distinguished honourable colleagues to join him in supporting the Motion by commending The people-oriented governor. 

The Motion which was seconded by the Chief Whip and Member Representing Oru-East State Constituency, Rt Hon Chigozie Nwaneri was co-sponsored by seven lawmakers as follows; Rt Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu (Deputy Speaker), Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi, Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, Hon Henry Agbasonu, Hon Sam Ikechukwu Osuji, Hon Dominic Ezerioha, Hon Chisom Ojukwu.

The Motion was supported by almost  the Honourable Members present at plenary, with commendable contributions, in what could be described as a VOTE OF CONFIDENCE on the capacity and visionary leader, Governor Hope Uzodimma, as follows; Rt Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu (Nwangele), Hon Uzoma Francis Osuoha (Ohaji/Egbema), Hon Okey Udeze (Ideato North), Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi (Owerri West), Hon Johnleoba Iheoha (Ikeduru), Hon Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie (Aboh Mbaise), Hon Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie (Mbaitoli), Hon Johnson Duru (Ideato South), Hon Dominic Ezerioha (Oru West), Hon Sam Osuji (Isiala Mbano),  Hon Kelechi Ofurum (Owerri North), Hon Sam Otuibe (Ahiazu Mbaise), Hon Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu (Oguta), Hon James Uba Esile (Onuimo),  Hon Chisom Ojukwu (Nkwerre), Rt Hon Kennedy Chidozie Ibe (Obowo), Hon Samuel Chidiebere Ogbunikpa (Okigwe), Hon Clinton Amadi (Owerri Municipal), Hon Ikenna Ihezuo (Orlu), Hon Uche Francis Agabige (Orsu).

In their submissions,  they agreed that Governor Uzodimma,  having put the State on the world map, needed all the legislative backings to succeed, so as to consolidate on the New Imo vision.  Also, the Honourable Members agreed that if a part of the investment coming from Afrexim  Bank,  when channeled into electricity generation,  would make the State to be in a position to sell to other States and for export.   Insisting that the collaboration with Afrexim Bank was what the State needed at this time, the Honourable Members  expressed happiness that  His Excellency has shown serious commitment to transform the State's vast arable Land, Gas reserves and many other natural resources into  a multi-revenue streams and employment opportunities for some of our unemployed population.

Satisfied with the quality of contribution from the Honourable Members, the Speaker of Imo State House Of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe put it to vote and it was unanimously endorsed. Thereafter,  he ruled  with one prayer, as follows;

 "BE IT RESOLVED By This Honourable House To Commend  The Governor Of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, For Securing A $1.5 Billion Dollar Investment Into Imo State Through Afrexim Bank, For Rapid Economic Growth And Stability", the prayer read.