Gov Hope Uzodimma of Imo has pledged to sustain the tempo of physical development in the state in a bid to impact positively on the people.
Uzodimma made the pledge in a state-wide broadcast on Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of his second term in office in Owerri.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anniversary marks Uzodimma’s fifth year in office, having assumed office in January 2020.
In the broadcast, entitled “I will continue to make a difference”, he expressed gratitude to God and Imo people for giving him the opportunity to pilot the affairs of the state as their governor.
He said: “I have a covenant with God to render honest, accountable, and transparent service to you.
“My hands have always been on the plough since my inauguration, and I don’t intend to look back.
“My goal is to finish as strong as possible,” he said.
The governor said he had already made a difference in governance, infrastructure, human capital development, education, health, and other sectors of the economy.
“Let me also add that I will continue to make that difference until the end of my tenure as governor of Imo,” he said.
Uzodimma emphasised that extensive progress had been recorded on projects, including Assumpta Flyover, the Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road, and the Orlu-Mgbee-Akokwa-Uga Road.
He also said that work had been accelerated on the industrialisation of the state, while the payment of pensioners’ gratuities had been implemented, among other government responsibilities.
He said that the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre would soon be inaugurated.
He also said he had constructed and reconstructed more than 120 strategic roads across the state in the last five years with some lined up with solar-powered streetlights and drainages to protect them from erosion.
The governor further said that other completed roads, including Toronto-Ekemgbuoha Road, Toronto-Orji Road, Oguta Junction-Omuma- Oleporo Road and Mgbidi-Oguta Road, would also be inaugurated soon.
“Also, in the next two months
Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Road, with bridges, would be inaugurated.
“The same goes for Ihiagwa-Obinze, Road, as the bridge is almost completed,” he said.
He expressed confidence that in the next few months, residents would begin to enjoy uninterrupted power in all the Local Government Areas (LGAs).
He hinged his optimism on the impending outcomes of the series of MoUs signed by government with reputable foreign firms, and having kick-started work on the designated projects.
The governor said that rehabilitation work had begun on the Concorde Hotel to return it as the flagship of hospitality industry as Imo Concorde Hilton Hotel.
“The dredging of Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean is ongoing.
“We have started enjoying the dividend of the project through the inauguration of Orashi Energy Free Trade Zone.
“Work on the Digital Village is also progressing rapidly.
“With a Digital Village in the bag, we would have positioned our dear state as the indisputable hub for digital skills acquisition in the country,” he said.
The governor said the Digital Village project, being constructed in partnership with Microsoft Cisco, European Union, digital SME alliance and some indigenous tech companies, like Zinox, tchs/Konga, among other key partners, would become the Silicon Valley of Nigeria, when completed.
He said his administration procured and installed night-landing facilities for the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri to ensure unimpeded access to the state.
He said that the road to the airport had been dualised and named after President Bola Tinubu.
The governor said that majority of retirees in the state had been paid their gratuities, which are over 26 years.
“The few who have not received their entitlements will receive theirs in the first quarter of this year.
“This gesture is to appreciate their services and contributions to the building of Imo.
“They will also continue to receive their monthly pensions promptly,” he said.
The governor further assured civil servants that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare “because of their critical role in government”.
He said that the civil service reforms embarked upon by his administration had yielded desired results with a reward of four million US Dollars by the World Bank recognising its efforts for running an accountable and transparent government.
Uzodimma said he made great progress on a number of man-made challenges, like the politically-contrived insecurity as well as the natural disaster of COVID-19.
He also said he had within five years in office increased the number of tertiary institutions, and promised to give primary and secondary schools increased attention this year.
He said the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu had produced four sets of medical doctors, following the rehabilitation and retrofitted the hospital to international standards.
“The Imo Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, has recorded the same feat, while three brand new general hospitals have been added to the existing ones that have equally been brought back to life.
“Our schools of nursing and midwifery, which had their accreditation withdrawn prior to my emergence as governor, are carrying out their core mandate today because of the same attention.
“The 305 health centres in the 27 LGAs have been rehabilitated and equipped to discharge their responsibilities in the rural areas,” he said.
The governor said his administration had made a difference in agriculture, urban renewal, land administration, administration of justice, and revival of industries.
According to him, no fewer than 40,000 of our projected 300,000 youths are now experts in digital technology.
“The administration has also, through various empowerment programmes, assisted our youths to become successful entrepreneurs,” he said.
The governor pledged to sustain the relationship between the executive and judiciary and legislative arms.
He commended the president Bola for judiciously managing the proceeds from the removal of oil subsidy, leading to an increase in accruable revenue to the states.
“This increased revenue profile has been helpful in the execution of our ongoing legacy projects,” he said.
Later in an anniversary service at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral Church, Owerri, the Archbishop of Owerri Diocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, congratulated the governor on his fifth anniversary.
Ugorji reminded the governor of the sacredness of his oath to serve the state with utmost commitment and humility.
He underscored the importance of peace in Nigeria, and particularly in the state.
“Reflect on the true meaning of peace, which is built on truth, justice, love as well as development,” he said.
He urged Christians to embrace peace as a divine mandate, treat others with love, promote justice for all and remain loyal to the country. (NAN)
