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By Henry Umahi
One of the highpoints of the Hope Uzodimma administration in Imo is the construction of roads all over the state. From the state capital to the rural areas, an impressive network of roads is emerging.
While existing roads were rehabilitated where necessary, new ones were constructed, thereby opening up the state.
Before Uzodimma assumed office, the entire road infrastructure was in shambles. At some point, Owerri, the capital of the state, could not be accessed from other parts of the state and neighboring states. The roads were washed away by “acid rain.”
In fact, they were derisively christened “China roads” by the residents of Imo State because of the poor quality of work by the previous administration. However, the narrative has changed as the Uzodimma administration has invested heavily in critical infrastructure.
Most of the roads have been fixed, with Owerri municipal now wearing a new look. The once impassable Douglas Road has been reclaimed from the filth and blockade, which street traders turned it into. Today, the iconic Douglas Road has been recovered for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Between January 15, 2020, and now, Imo has been turned around. People are wondering at the magic wand which Uzodimma employed to achieve the massive transformation under just three years.
Putting the matter into perspective, the state commissioner for information and strategy, Chief Declan Emelumba, volunteered that the 3R mantra of Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction is the key. He said it is a holistic approach to fixing the state.
Not too long ago, President Muhammadu Buhari was in Imo State for the second time in one year. Buhari’s mission was to inaugurate some signature projects conceptualized and completed by Uzodimma. Among the projects are two major gateways – the Owerri – Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe dual carriage ways. These two roads which feed into the capital city like major arteries – connecting the three senatorial zones of Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe are very significant as they are solidly built as legacy projects to serve the test of time.
Buhari said: “I commend Governor Hope Uzodimma for these wonderful projects and I do hope that it will improve movement of goods and services as well as positively impact the socio-economic activities of the state.”
Shortly after Buhari’s visit, Uzodimma embarked on another audacious infrastructure drive with the flag-off of the reconstruction and dualization of another two all – important arteries Orlu -Mgbee – Akokwa- Uga and Owerri – Mbaise – Obowo – Umuahia roads. The people are amazed at the fast pace of these projects which are being executed by reputable contractors, and are looking forward to the breath of fresh air in vehicular movement that will come with their completion.
According to Uzodimma, the Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe dual carriage ways would serve as great stimulant to the economy of the state when completed.
He said: “We have remodeled roundabouts in Owerri and environs to ease traffic and open up the city for more businesses and investments.
“The overall objective of this massive road construction and reconstruction is to strengthen the state’s economy by boosting commerce, industry and tourism.”
Another area where the 3R mantra has yielded so many dividends is education. In fact, the history of Uzodimma’s tenure will always be remembered for his giant strides of taking Imo State further ahead as the education capital of the South East. According to Emelumba, the numerous achievements in this sector include recovery of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ideato, which was allegedly converted into private ownership. The institution was formerly known as Eastern Palm University.
The Uzodimma administration also established the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo at the site of the former Imo State Polytechnic now re-located to Omuma in Oru East LGA. The brand new Imo State Polytechnic at Omuma is in a very scenic, spacious environment with state-of-the-art buildings and facilities.
The government donated 17 containers of books to schools in the state. It also approved 89 new Secondary Schools; updated rendition of annual school census of 1275 public ECCDE/primary, 300 public junior secondary schools, 301 public senior secondary schools, 1533 private primary schools and 408 private senior secondary schools. Among the achievements of the government in the education sector is the ongoing rehabilitation of public schools. The state participated in the 2022 edition of NNPC competition and came second at the zonal level at Enugu.
The government has also sustained distribution of science equipment, chemicals/reagents to public schools.
The transport sector in Imo State is among the best managed in Nigeria, especially with the innovations adopted by the Uzodimma–led administration. Other major achievements of the ministry is the resuscitation, recapitalization and remodeling of the Imo Transport Company at Arugo Layout; revival of Imo State Traffic Management Authority (ISTMA); establishment of mobile courts; installation of traffic lights, traffic signages and bus stops within Owerri metropolis; resuscitation of Imo State Waterways Transport services; closure of all illegal parks and establishment of biometric capture/fleeting/painting and routing of public transit vehicles to ensure safety and security of commuters.
On other fronts, Uzodimma has continued to achieve feats hitherto thought to be impossible. The recovery of the famous Imo Standard Shoe factory from the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) after paying off the huge debt of over N1.6billion incurred against the company by previous administrations is a milestone in his drive to re-stimulate the economy of the state. With the recovery of the company, huge dividends in employment, both direct and indirect, have been activated.
Secondly, with the anticipated dredging of Orashi River and the establishment of a functional naval base at Oguta, maritime-based economic
