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By Henry Umahi
It was a day many will not forget in a hurry. Even President Muhammadu Buhari said on that day that Governor Hope Uzodimma had entered the history books, never to be forgotten, because of what he termed “infrastructure revolution” in the state.
Last Tuesday, Imo State was agog as Buhari came to inaugurate some soul-lifting projects executed by Uzodimma’s administration.
Indeed, over the years, some major roads in Imo were death traps. They were gully-infested, destroying man and machine. It was gathered that one of the most popular roads linking Owerri, the capital of the state, was so bad that one of the former governors used to go to his country home with a chopper.
The projects commissioned included the dualised 36-kilometre Owerri-Orlu Road, the first phase of the dualised 53-kilometre Owerri-Okigwe Road and the newly reconstructed Imo House of Assembly Complex.
Buhari said: “I am delighted to be back in Imo State – the Eastern Heartland – to commission a number of projects executed by the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
“As it is often said in local Igbo parlance, a good road deserves a second passage. It is a pleasant coincidence that the name of your governor, ‘Uzodimma’ is derived from this same idiom. Little wonder, therefore, that he has made the provision of good roads one of his top priorities.
“I am happy to note that within just three years of the administration of Governor Uzodimma, I have made two official visits to Imo State to commission projects in the state. On each occasion, I have received a very warm hospitality of Imo people, for which I am always appreciative. Ndi Imo, Ndewo.
“I commend Governor Uzodimma for being able to do so with the limited resources at the disposal of the state government. This proves that when leaders are dedicated and focused, much can be achieved for our people.”
Buhari, who noted that the previous administrations in the state were unable to fix the roads because of their treacherous terrains, added: “It took the sheer determination and courage of the current government to fix these roads. So, I say bravo to the governor of Imo State, whose name I was informed means ‘good road’.
“I was also informed that the House of Assembly complex, which I have just commissioned, was dilapidated and abandoned for over 10 years before the intervention of the present administration.
“This is equally commendable, because of the importance of the legislative arm of government in the sustenance of democracy. I, therefore, applaud the governor for according due respect to this arm of government which is at the heart of our democracy.”
Buhari further said his administration will continue to support the Imo State government so that it will continue to make life better for the people.
According to him, “this support is equally available to all the states of the federation, irrespective of the differences in political party affiliations.”
Buhari noted that his administration recognized the importance of critical infrastructure in economic development and was determined to drive the economic development of Nigeria through the provision of vital infrastructure across the length and breadth of the country.
He said: “This can be seen in our commitment to certain critical projects such as deep sea ports, new airport terminals and buildings, various railway projects, a network of gas and power infrastructure, roads and bridges, including the Second Niger Bridge, telecommunications infrastructure to mention but a few.
“I am, therefore, happy to see that the APC administration of Governor Uzodimma is doing similar improvement here in Imo State.
“I commend the governor for being able to do so with the limited resources at the disposal of the state government. This proves that, when leaders are dedicated and focused, much can be achieved for our people.”
In his remarks, Uzodimma noted that the Owerri/Orlu dual carriageway and Owerri/Okigwe road had significant economic value to the state and neighbouring states.
According to him, “each of the projects has a remarkable history. The dualised road has been a nightmare for decades.
“To the glory of God, we have found the courage, dedication and means to fix the road. The seemingly intractable challenges have been addressed.”
He noted that the renovation of the House of Assembly had made it more befitting for the lawmakers, after it was abandoned for many years.
Uzodimma thanked Buhari for his interventions to ensure development in the South East, with historic projects, like the Second Niger Bridge, which would gulp the highest single investment in the zone of more than N360 billion, approval for upgrading of the Federal Medical Centre to a teaching hospital and establishment of a naval base in Oguta, Imo State.
According to residents, Uzodimma has wiped away their tears, and they are happy for the turnaround of their situation.
In a goodwill message on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the president-general, Amb. George Obiozor, thanked the President for his encouragement and support to Imo State and the South East zone and reminded Buhari that ” Uzodimma is indeed a committed and development- focused administrator.”
In his welcome remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, thanked Buhari for coming, saying: “Governor Uzodimma has made Imo proud by fulfilling his several campaign promises despite all the distractions and inconveniences he has so far encountered.”
The deputy governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, in his vote of thanks, assured Buhari that, soon, he would be invited again to inaugurate more projects in the state.
