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… Says Imo Now Model for Industrial Growth
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Renewed Hope Ambassadors have wrapped up their 27-LGA tour in Ohaji-Egbema , with the Imo State Coordinator Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah defending President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and touting Imo’s development under Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Speaking at the finale in Mmahu, Opiah said the statewide engagement bridged the gap between policy and public understanding amid national debate over Tinubu’s reforms. He described the group as a movement “born out of patriotism” to demystify government policies through direct grassroots interaction.
“From Aboh Mbaise to oil-rich Ohaji-Egbema, people were eager for clarity. We spoke in the language of everyday life, and the response shows the people understand and are ready,” Opiah said.
Opiah called the fuel subsidy removal “long overdue,” arguing past regimes enriched elites while draining national resources. He said the Tinubu administration’s decision had already boosted state allocations, freeing funds for infrastructure and social services.
“In Imo, the impact is visible,” he said, citing over 130 road projects that have unlocked rural economies. He also listed health sector gains, including revitalized general hospitals, expanded primary healthcare, and upgrades at IMSU Teaching Hospital Orlu, where a new oxygen plant now handles critical cases locally.
Improved electricity supply in parts of Owerri, he added, is cutting production costs and laying a base for industrial growth.
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Speaking on Orashi Free Trade Zone,
Opiah said Imo’s economic future hinges on transforming the Orashi region into an industrial cluster. Plans to dredge the Orashi River for Atlantic access, alongside a proposed Export Free Trade Zone, aim to slash logistics costs and attract manufacturing investment.
“This is a deliberate shift from consumption to production,” he said. “It’s a blueprint for jobs and sustainable prosperity.”
He credited fiscal discipline for Imo’s stability, noting regular payment of salaries and pensions, reduced domestic debt, and improved liquidity. Recent data showing low poverty incidence, he said, reflects “discipline, vision, and commitment to welfare.”
Opiah also seized the opportunity to predict victory for APC ahead of 2027.
He said the party would repeat its 2023 sweep in 2027, saying “performance inspires confidence.” He urged Ndi Igbo to align strategically with the federal government to advance political inclusion.
The group Opiah noted will now move into town hall meetings to deepen grassroots participation .
Earlier, Ohaji-Egbema LGA Chairman Hon. Prince Marcel Amadioha praised Opiah for “changing the political history” of the area. After inaugurating 12 ward coordinators, Amadioha said defections to the APC were already rising due to the group’s messaging.
Former state lawmaker Dr. Esom Obodo also lauded Opiah’s record, citing his rise from Speaker to federal lawmaker and minister: “He knows his onions. We are not surprised he leads this key advocacy group.”
