…describes Uzodimma as “game-changing revolutionary”
…as Anyaoku, monarchs, Oyebanji join golden jubilee
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday applauded Imo State’s exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s political, intellectual and economic development over the past 50 years, assuring the state of stronger Federal Government support as it charts a new course for the next five decades.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of Imo State’s creation, Shettima conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill message and described the state as a critical partner in Nigeria’s progress, citing its leadership footprint, creative talents and agricultural strengths.
He reserved special praise for Governor Hope Uzodimma, whom he described as a “game-changing revolutionary” in the state’s modern political history, crediting him with restoring discipline, planning and institutional strength to governance.
In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “Governor Uzodimma has distinguished himself as more than a custodian of the present. He is a leader who understands that governance is not theatre, but duty.
“Under his watch, Imo has rediscovered the discipline of planning, the courage of reform, and the confidence to re-enter the national conversation as a state prepared for relevance”, Shettima said.
Tracing Imo’s legacy of leadership, the Vice President recalled the towering roles of Dr Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, whose “flamboyant command of language enriched Nigeria’s political memory,” and the late Sam Mbakwe, fondly remembered as the “Weeping Governor.”
He also described former governor Rochas Okorocha as a pan-Nigerian archetype for his humanitarian work with orphaned children across the country.
On intellectual and cultural influence, Shettima hailed Chief Flora Nwapa as “the mother of modern African literature,” who gave African women “a literary voice at a time when silence was expected of them.”
He further celebrated Imo’s imprint on Nollywood through Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic and Kanayo O. Kanayo, and praised music icon Onyeka Onwenu, who he said “placed Nigerian sound on the world stage with grace and conviction.”
On economic development, the Vice President acknowledged Imo’s strengths in agriculture, particularly palm oil production at the historic Ada Palm Plantation, as well as thriving commercial centres from Nkwo Orji to Orlu International Market.
He also highlighted the state’s educational infrastructure, including the Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Imo State University, describing education as Imo’s greatest industry.
“Literacy rates remain among the highest in the nation, and graduates from Imo compete confidently across every field,” he stated.
Shettima pointed to emerging opportunities in Imo’s oil and gas sector in Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta, and identified growth potential in agro-processing, renewable energy, mineral processing, tourism and the digital economy.
He noted the emergence of Owerri as a major hospitality hub with one of the highest concentrations of hotels and entertainment centres in the country, stressing that “security has been an economic asset and peace, when nurtured, yields prosperity.”
Urging the state to use the golden jubilee as a springboard, Shettima said, “Unity must be renewed. Innovation must be encouraged. Governance must remain humane and disciplined. Politics must return to service.”
Earlier, Governor Uzodimma said Imo would embrace digital transformation in the next 50 years, describing the creation of the state in 1976 as a moment that “enunciated freedom.”
He thanked God for sustaining the state for five decades and expressed optimism about its future.
“We have made significant progress both as a people and as a state. There is no doubt that we are growing fast in unity, resilience and reliance on God,” he said.
“We have seen Owerri transform from a town into a hub. What has kept us united is the indomitable spirit of the Imo people.”
Chairman of the occasion and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, commended Uzodimma for what he described as far-reaching developmental projects across key sectors.
“His administration has impacted Imo State in many ways. For example, in transportation, finance, agriculture and other key sectors, his administration has left admirable legacy in Imo State, making a significant contribution to the wider Nigerian economy,” Anyaoku said.
In a goodwill message, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, described Uzodimma as a “reference point” among governors, noting that his colleagues were increasingly emulating his approach to governance.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Agbogidi), thanked Imo State for shaping his early life and praised Uzodimma “for showcasing Imo State to the world.”
Also present, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Oba Ojaja II), offered prayers for the continued progress of Imo State, Nigeria and sustained unity across the country.
