One year in office: Eze Ndigbo Ghana Eze Ihenetu commends Gov

As Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, marks his one year in office, encomium has been pouring in from eminent Nigerians. The latest of such comments is from the Imo State- born Eze Ndigbo of Ghana, HRH Eze Dr Chukwudi Ihenetu who after assessing the governor in areas of roads construction described him as blessing to Ndimo.

In a statement, Eze Ihenetu quoting Imo State commissioner for Information, Chief Declan Emelunba recent interview with the media, on some of the achievements of Gov. Uzodinma said: “Shortly after Governor Uzodinma was inaugurated, he unveiled his prosperity agenda anchored on the three Rs of recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation.

He started with the civil service where physical rehabilitation of the state secretariat and provision of water and power supply was rounded up with provision of official cars for permanent secretaries and free buses for civil servants.

“The Governor also embarked on a holistic review of nominal roll of both civil servants and pensioners. This was followed by automation of government financial services.

Thereafter Uzodinma moved quickly to address the sorry state of the roads neglected by past administrations. As at today, a total of 57 road projects have been embarked upon by Uzodinma. Out of these, 8 have been completed and commissioned, 25 are nearing completion while the rest are actively on going, including the dualization of Okigwe.. Owerri road and Owerri…Orlu road.

Just as the roads were being done, the Governor who was welcomed into office by the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic saw to it that the lives of Imo Citizens were secured against the virus. It is to his credit that through his dogged efforts, which gulped billions of naira in provision of health facilities, Imo is one of the states with least infection rates and death.

Arising from that, the Governor also launched free mobile clinics services for the rural people in addition to the on going rehabilitation and equipping of the 305 health centers in all the wards in the state.

The government has put in place an Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) at Umuguma General hospital, adjudged as one of the best in the country by the federal government. There is also an on going 250 bed Specialist hospital for infectious deceases at Orlu attracted by the State government from the federal government agencies. The government has built 4 state of the art Isolation and treatment centers in different parts of the state in addition to the provision of 34 ambulances for the 27 local governments and Abuja
On education, the governor has secured a new university for the state, the University of Agriculture and environmental sciences, while Imo State University is being repositioned to return it to its premiership position among the comity of institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.

The building of 305 classroom blocks in all the wards in the state is ongoing while all the schools of nursing in the state de- accredited since 2005 have been re- accredited under Uzodimma’s watch.

It is instructive that long before the endsars protests and the attendan government’s response, Governor Hope Uzodinma had seen the need to empower the youth to end restiveness and criminality. As at the last count, no fewer than 10,000 youths have undergone skills acquisition programme and empowered by the administration.

The governor also rehabilitated the moribund Adapalm Nig Ltd, thus creating jobs for Imo youths and stimulating the state’s economy. Through his network of connection, Senator Uzodinma attracted the establishment of a modular refinery in the state, with the attendant employment and economic benefits to the state. A gas plant by SEPLAT was also attracted to the state by the government.”

Besides these achievements, the royal father also noted that the recent face-off between South East Security Network and the military raises tension in the state, he thanked God that peace is gradually returning to the state.

While congratulating the governor as he begins his 2nd year in office, Eze Ihenetu call on the governor to build a political bridge between his political camp and the opposition so as to reduce political tension as displayed recently, between him and his predecessor, Senator Rochas Okorocha.

The royal father who has won several awards at home and the Diaspora as peace ambassador urges the governor to be father to all in the state.