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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
In recognition of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s leadership qualities in Imo State in the last five years, the Orlu Regional Assembly (ORA) United State of America (USA) branch has honoured him with an outstanding award.
Addressing a cross section of the group during a question and answer session at its 2025 annual convention in New York, Opiah, who was part of the delegation, highlighted the governor’s efforts in tackling security challenges, education, healthcare and enhanced rural infrastructure.
While thanking the group for showing interest in governance back home, Opiah noted that though the state was plunged into unprecedented insecurity by disgruntled politicians a few months after Uzodimma was sworn-in, expressed happiness that the situation had been put into check.
He said: “Insecurity is being addressed. The governor has drastically reduced occurrences of security breaches in the state, especially at communities in Orsu, Orlu, Njaba, Oguta, Isiala Mbano, Ehime Mbano, and Ihitte-Uboma council areas.”
Answering questions on herders operation in the state, Opiah, former Speaker of the House of Assembly emphasised that the government’s proactive approach had ensured that the problem remained permanently solved. He added the measures were extended to the state government proposal for ranching.
Notwithstanding, he expressed hope that the government arrangement of vigilantes to complement the efforts of the police would yield great results.
The former minister also commended the governor’s initiatives on rural road infrastructure, which he noted had improved connectivity and facilitated economic growth.
He said the governor had built more roads, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure in the Orlu Zone than his predecessors from the area.
Opiah expressed gratitude to ORA for its unwavering support and engagement with the state government. He assured the diaspora community of the administration’s commitment to their welfare and development.
Other members of the delegation to the ceremony were the former governor of the state, Chief Achike Udenwa, senator Osita Izunaso, Chief Greenbank Iheka, Canice Nwachukwu, Oyibo Nwaneri, Bishop Ukwuoma and Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, who received the award on behalf of the governor.
