Uzodimma: Breaking Barriers, Expanding The Horizon - Simon Ebegbulam

 

A protege of the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma and former commissioner for Trade and Investment under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, Comrade Simon Ebegbulem, in this write-up catalogues some of the milestones attained in the delivery of roads and other infrastructural development projects in a little over five years in the South East state

During one of our informal discussions about a fortnight ago an acquittance of mine almost sent me reeling off the sturdy chair I sat on when he interjected thus: "To me ONWA (Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma) is also our Works Minister!" "Why do you say that?" A number of others at gathering shot out at him, following which he marshalled what almost all agreed were compelling reasons the chap cladded the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, 'Minister of Works.'

Analysing what Governor Uzodimma has thus far ploughed into the infrastructural architecture of Imo State in about six years on the saddle reveals a mind bugging narrative of unparalleled achievements, so gargantuan in shapes, spread and sizes, one cannot but agree with the aphorism that there's a 'Lucky Turn' for every setting, no matter how long it takes to come. And, in Governor Uzodimma has Imo State come into her own authentic lucky turn and era.

Governor Uzodimma who has no doubt keyed into the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's-led Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda, has continued to double up in the delivery of the dividends of democracy across the nooks and crannies of the state. The President who has ceaselessly harped on the role of the sub entities in the discharge of good governance to Nigerians has gotten such men of sterling qualities to drive and deliver on his administration's promise of moving the country away from stagnation, and forward towards fulfilling it's potentials as the true giant of Africa; economically, socially and politically, all through which her industrial capabilities is sure to blossom both in strength and ground breaking innovativeness.

The Imo State Governor for sure has become the 'Poster Man' in selling the good people of the South East far and beyond, endearing and showcasing Ndi Igbo to all and sundry.

Giving some snippets into what drives his resolve towards placing Imo State on higher pedestals, Governor Uzodimma whose focus appears beyond immediate horizon in an address titled: "APC’s (All Progressives Congress) Transformative Leadership in Imo State," on Thursday, during the inauguration of another set of road projects newly delivered, one of which was named after the ruling party's National Chairman, Dr Abdullah Umar Ganduje, stated thus:

"I can testify to you, Mr. Chairman, that as a party, we have won the hearts of Imo people through our superlative performance in the last five years," the The party has been fully entrenched here because the people can relate to our developmental initiatives."

He emphasized that the once-thriving opposition parties in the state have faded away due to the visible progress brought about by the APC administration. 

"What used to be an opposition or opposition parties in this state have all disappeared because the people can see tangible progress. They can see that they are no longer in the bush. The APC government in Imo State has brought the state back on track, and moving forward is progress, progress, progress," he added.

Reflecting on Imo’s transformation, the Governor recounted the challenges faced by residents before his administration came into office, "If you had come to Owerri, before I became the Governor, you would appreciate the quantum impact we have made in the last five years. I recall how to go to Relief Market, you needed a canoe. How Chukwuma Nwoha was impassable. How to get to Orlu, you must spend four hours, and Okigwe, of course, it had to be in days. Today, the story is no longer the same."

In his bid to advance ongoing road infrastructure revolution and delivery in Imo State, the Governor on Thursday, alongside the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commissioned two strategic road projects in the state.

They include the 18km Mgbidi/Oguta Road with inner ring roads in Oguta Ameshi Community - Nzimiro Road, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Road, and Nwapa Road, as well as the newly reconstructed DSS Road, now renamed Ganduje Drive.

The Governor during the inauguration highlighted the socio-economic significance of the roads, emphasizing that since assuming office, his administration has successfully constructed and delivered on over 120 roads, reiterating his administration's unwavering commitment to enhancing Imo’s infrastructure, just as he noted that the projects align with his Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery (3Rs) agenda for the state.

Dr. Ganduje commended Governor Uzodinma for his visionary leadership and dedication to the development of Imo State, and urged the people of Imo to continue supporting the administration to foster more developmental strides.

In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ralph Nwosu, described the Mgbidi/Oguta Road as long overdue for attention, stressing that its reconstruction will stimulate economic growth and attract further development to the region.

On the 3.4km dual carriage Ganduje Drive, the Commissioner noted that the project has eliminated the persistent potholes and structural failures that plagued the road due to poor foundation and substandard materials used in the past. He emphasized that the road now serves as a veritable gateway, improving connectivity and providing a seamless driving experience for commuters entering and exiting the state capital.

The Commissioner expressed his profound gratitude to the Governor for approving the reconstruction of these critical roads and commended Autograph Construction Company, the indigenous contractor, for delivering quality work that meets international standards, complete with road furniture and appurtenances.

Gracing the commissioning ceremony were top government officials, traditional rulers, industry leaders, and other distinguished personalities from across the state.

A compendium of some of the road projects completed across the state under Governor Uzodimma's watch include: Construction/rehabilitation of Okigwe Roundabout - St. Mary Church Okigwe (Okpala Road) 5Km (2.5KM dual carriage), construction/rehabilitation of Control Post (Assumpta) - Ibari Oga (Port Harcourt) Road 3.6KM (dual carriage) and the construction/rehabilitation of Warehouse Junction - Umezuruike Hospital - Emmanuel College Roundabout with Eddie/Royce Road Junction and Emmanuel College Layout Slip Roads (7.2KM).

Others are construction/rehabilitation of Onitsha -Orlu Road (Egbada Bypass) 2.5KM, construction/rehabilitation of Akachi Road (1.35KM dual carriage), idealization of Chukwuma Nwaoha Street (1.350KM) and construction/rehabilitation of Dick Tiger Road (1.6KM) and Dick Tiger Street - 500M (tunnelling to Otamiri River) 1.7KM... but for the constraint of space, the number goes on and on, all of which have continued to ease the ease of life and the ease of doing business across Imo and even beyond.

During the last outing and road commissioning, Governor Uzodimma expressed pride in the APC’s leadership, vowing to continue delivering critical infrastructure and human capital development. 

"I am very proud to report to you that Imo State under the leadership of APC will continue to be a model of good governance. This road we are commissioning today is part of that commitment. We will not relent until we've taken our dear state to our dream destination, which is the enthronement of an industrial, self-reliant sub-national economy that will be the pride of all Imo people and indeed Nigeria," he asserted.

He further highlighted his administration’s focus on economic stimulation and industrialization, while also revealing plans to establish the 'Imo Digital City,' aimed at fostering innovation and job creation for the budding youth population.

"We are trying to stimulate the economy. We are trying to restore the dignity of governance. We are trying to industrialize the state. We want to engage our young men and women.

"We have set up an Imo Digital City, where startups will be created in millions. I want to bet you that in the next two to three years, every young and employable indigene of Imo State will be busy with one form of business or the other," he enthused.

As Imo State under His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma continues to witness monumental growth and development, the message resonates with hope and determination, promising a brighter future for all residents.

In his bold declaration of achievements, Governor Uzodimma continues to reaffirm the APC government’s commitment to transforming Imo State into a model of good governance and economic prosperity, highlighting the party’s success in winning the hearts of Imo people through tangible developmental initiatives over the past five years.

Commissioning the newly constructed Mgbidi-Oguta Road, a project that forms part of the governor's relentless quest to provide an enabling environment for rapid economic growth in the state, and marking a major achievement in the state's infrastructure development, Senator Uzodimma explained, "We are on a relentless quest to provide the enabling environment for rapid economic growth in the state... quality and durable motor roads are critical to our shared prosperity agenda. With yet another milestone, Imo State takes another step towards achieving its vision of reconstruction, rehabilitation, and recovery.

"This is driven by our shared vision to diversify the economy and industrialize the state... to engage our teeming youth population; our young men and women, into meaningful businesses."

It is but difficult not to agree with our friend who instinctively likened His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma as 'Minister of Works,' going by the frenzy he goes about in the delivery of high net worth road infrastructure and other development projects, all to the admiration of the good people of Imo State.