Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has presented a budget of ₦1.439 trillion for 2026 to the state House of Assembly.
Details shortly…
Tag: Uzodimma
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Shettima hails Uzodimma at 67, praises progressive leadership, Renewed Hope commitment
Vice President Kashim Shettima has congratulated the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, on his 67th birthday, describing his leadership within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Imo State and the country as exemplary and worthy of emulation.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President said Governor Uzodimma has distinguished himself as a progressive leader, particularly in his capacity as Chairman of the PGF, the umbrella body of APC governors nationwide.
According to him, Uzodimma has demonstrated exceptional capacity to unite and galvanise APC governors around a shared vision for national development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Shettima described the attainment of 67 years as a significant milestone, noting that it reflects the governor’s journey so far and signals greater responsibilities ahead.
He said Uzodimma’s “exemplary leadership as Executive Governor of Imo State continues to inspire confidence and progress,” adding that the PGF chairman has remained a committed servant of Nigeria.
The Vice President also highlighted Uzodimma’s recent appointment by President Tinubu as a Renewed Hope Ambassador, describing it as a fitting recognition of his dedication to the ideals of the current administration.
“Your recent appointment by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Renewed Hope Ambassador is a well-deserved recognition of your unwavering dedication to the ideals of our administration and your proven ability to articulate and champion the transformative agenda of the Renewed Hope mandate across our nation,” Shettima said.
He noted that the appointment underscores President Tinubu’s confidence in Uzodimma’s leadership and commitment to national progress.
Shettima further observed that the Imo State governor’s strategic governance approach, infrastructural achievements and dedication to the prosperity of his state exemplify the kind of progressive leadership Nigeria requires at this critical time.
The Vice President prayed God to grant Governor Uzodimma continued wisdom, good health and strength to sustain what he described as his “remarkable service to Imo State and Nigeria.”
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Economic Summit: Uzodimma drew global attention to Imo, says Nwawuba
Former federal lawmaker Hon. Henry Nwawuba has lauded the scale and significance of the Imo State Economic Summit held in Owerri this week, saying the turnout of high-profile global figures and major investors underscored the state’s rising relevance.
The summit, hosted by Governor Hope Uzodimma, drew national and international attention, attracting former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Vice President Kashim Shettima, industrialist Aliko Dangote and several state governors.
Nwawuba said the gathering highlighted Uzodimma’s expanding national profile.
Analysts, however, noted that the governor’s increased visibility in recent months has also been shaped by strategic political alliances and his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as the South East Renewed Hope Ambassador, a role aimed at deepening federal–regional engagement.
Commenting on governance in the state, Nwawuba said Uzodimma’s second term has seen notable investments in infrastructure, including ongoing road projects, improved intra-state transport links and efforts to enhance electricity supply in emerging economic zones.
Policy experts argue that if these initiatives are sustained, Imo could strengthen its position as a manufacturing and logistics hub within the Southeast.
Nwawuba added that the summit demonstrated Imo’s ambition to seek deeper economic partnerships beyond the region.
Observers said the strong turnout reflects renewed interest in states positioning themselves for investment and development collaboration.
With global political leaders and prominent private-sector players in attendance, analysts believe Imo now has a valuable opportunity to translate the visibility generated by the summit into concrete investments.
They noted that the event also signalled the Southeast’s broader push to regain prominence in national economic discourse.
As Imo builds on the momentum from the summit, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the heightened attention leads to long-term projects and measurable economic gains.
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Economic climate now right, say Edun, Dangote, Uzodimma
- Boris Johnson, Ki-Moon, Boakai, others laud Nigeria’s progress
There was a convergence of opinion by the public and private sectors yesterday on the effect of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms on the people and the economic climate.
Prosperity has been created and the right ecosystem put in place to facilitate investment, they said in Owerri yesterday at the Imo State Economic Summit.
The event attracted eminent personalities from across the world, who converged on the heartland of the Southeast, for the event organised by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.
Among the dignitaries was Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu.
Liberian President Joseph Boakai; Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe Americo Ramos; former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson; former Secretary-General of United Nations Ban Ki-Moon and former Mauritius President Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim.
Seventeen governors were present to support Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF).
Ministers, including Wale Edun, Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Atiku Bagudu, Budget and Economic Planning and Minister of State for Industries, Trade and Investment, Owan Enoh also attended the Summit.
From the private sector were Alhaji Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Industies; Ben Oramah, past president of Afrexim Bank; Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Nneka Onyali-Ikpe; Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Technologies; Isha Sesay; and former CNN anchor, Ernest Nwapa; Dr. ABC Ojiakor; Ogbuagu Ernest Nwapa, Mr. Abdulrasak Isaiah, of Walmart, and Mr. Uzoma Dozie, of Sparkle Micro Finance Bank.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and Dr. Cletus Ilomuanya, Obi of Obinugwu, were also there.
Others who attended are All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, federal and state lawmakers, Deputy Governor, Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru, former Deputy Governors Placid Njoku; and Sir Jude Agbaso, members of Imo State Executive Council, Prof. Maurice Iwu, and former APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje.
President Tinubu’s reforms have created the right investment climate and fostered prosperity, Edun and Uzodimma said.
Edun, who alluded to the evidence of growth and an expanding fiscal capacity, described the regular power supply to the states as “the real game changer” that would transform the economy.
Edun said concerted efforts were being made to achieve “seven per cent growth rate annually;” urging the sub-national units to forge a critical partnership with the Federal Government.
Uzodimma lauded the Federal Government under Tinubu for creating centres of prosperity across the country.
We target 7 per cent growth annually, says minister
Edun lauded Uzodimma’s bold vision, noting that he has taken the advantage of President Tinubu’s economic reforms by developing an independent electricity project that will generate 24-hour power supply to the state.
He described it as “the real game changer” that will transform the economy of Imo State.
Painting a bright picture of growth, Edun said: “Nigeria’s economy is growing and its fiscal capacity expanding as efforts were being made to achieve seven per cent growth rate annually.”
Uzodinma said: “We have pursued aggressive, but progressive reforms from which early movers and investors can benefit.
“The state government has removed bottlenecks that previously made doing business difficult and has interconnected our communities with over 100 new roads.”
The governor highlighted ongoing infrastructure and energy projects, including the Orashi Power Project, which will soon be operational.
He also drew attention to the Skill-Up Imo Initiative, which is producing thousands of skilled workers for the economy.
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Uzodimma explained that the economic climate created by President Tinubu’s reforms made it possible for the sub-nationals to initiate developmental projects.
Uzodimma said land administration in Imo is now fully digitised.
He said: “The state government has digitised land administration, making it possible for Certificates of Occupancy to be issued within 24 hours.”
The governor emphasised the investment potential of the Orashi River Dredging Project, as well as the state’s mineral resources and the largest untapped gas deposits in West Africa.
He said: “Imo State is secure, ready and open for business. When opportunity meets preparation, good business happens. Bring your investments to Imo State now for higher investment returns.”
Dangote lauded President Tinubu for his bold policies that created the enabling environment for investment and prosperity.
Dangote described Nigeria as a “scratch card”, which one would scratch to access the potential.
He spoke of his huge plan to double the capacity of his refinery for 650,000bpd to 1.4mbpd, becoming the world’s largest.
He announced that his company would also become the largest producer of fertiliser in the world.
He urged Nigerian businessmen and entrepreneurs to invest in the country.
He drew attention to the abundant natural resources and potential in Nigeria, assuring the governor of Dangote Group’s partnership with the Imo State government.
Prof. Oramah highlighted the importance of the Orashi dredging project, emphasising its potential to enhance trade and improve the state’s economic infrastructure.
He announced the establishment of a multi-billion naira petro-chemical testing plant near the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.
He said the project would facilitate the testing of petrochemical products for export, positioning Imo State as a key player in the global petrochemical market.
Johnson: Nigeria is safe
Former British Prime Minister Johnson declared that Nigeria is safe and full of promise.
He added that Nigeria is set for remarkable economic growth.
He praised the quality of participants and the forward-looking agenda of the summit.
Johnson said: “It’s fantastic to be in Imo State. The summit has been very successful, judging from the stellar cast of guests. Nigeria has been acclaimed as the next country to witness increased FDIs because of its phenomenal growth potential.”
The former British leader, who acknowledged concerns about security, expressed satisfaction with what he observed during his visit.
He said: “I came with all the negative stories of security challenges, but I said I will come anyway.”
He added: “When I decided to come to Owerri, I read some stuff and some people say there may be some security problems and I said, well I’m gonna go anyway, but we are here today in this conference and we are all feeling safe and secured, and I feel perfectly safe, thank you Governor Hope Uzodimma for what you are doing.
‘Nigeria is Africa’s hope’
Liberian President Boakai, the Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe, Americo Ramos and the first female President of Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim agreed that Africa is the rising continent of hope; and Nigeria a power hub with talents and vibrant youth population, producing entrepreneurs that will rule the world.
They called for a stronger partnership to unlock potential of Imo State, Nigeria and Africa.
The former president of Mauritius promised to bring in potential of renewal energy to the state.
Ki-Moon: Africa is important to the world
South Korea’s Ki-moon emphasised Africa’s potential in addressing climate change its unique resources and capabilities that could play a vital role in global environmental solutions.
He called for the strengthening of global partnerships to foster progress in combating climate change.
Tinubu: Unity key to progress
Represented by Shettima, President Tinubu called for national unity, saying a nation’s progress is not driven by isolated success, but by harnessing collective strength and shared responsibility for its economic direction.
He stressed that a nation’s true ascent is not achieved when only one part prospers while others lag behind.
The President said every part of the federation must harness its economic potential.
President Tinubu added: “No nation rises because one corner of its map ascends while others remain dormant; nations rise when they harness their strength and take responsibility for their economic direction.
“This is the spirit that has animated the economic summits taking place across the country today. It is the conviction that completes the ground picture of national development. This is why I am genuinely excited to share this moment with you today.”
The President highlighted Imo State’s vast potential.
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ALGON, groups hail Uzodimma’s appointment as Renewed Hope Ambassador
Hundreds of leaders and groups across the country have applauded the appointment of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as the Renewed Hope Ambassador by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They described the appointment as well made given the track record of the governor.
The Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON) and groups such as Coalition of Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders of Nigeria (CENYLON), Arewa Youth Assembly, South East party leaders and business moguls, described Uzodimma as a great asset not only to All Progressives Congress (APC) but also to Nigeria.
According to the Ethnic Nationality Youth leaders in a congratulatory message to Uzodimma, the appointment represents more than a recognition of the governor’s capabilities but also a testament to his status as an indispensable pillar of APC.
In the message signed by the Chairman, Mohammed Aminu Danlami, the Coalition declared: “Your collaborative approach, your commitment to harmony and your dedication to ensuring that the benefits of governance reach every corner of our federation make you uniquely qualified for the assignment.”
They pledged their unwavering support and full cooperation to Uzodimma as he embarked on the assignment, saying that all Ethnic nationalities will partner with him through the mobilisation of youths across Nigeria.
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Similarly, the Arewa Youth Assembly eulogised President Tinubu for choosing Uzodimma to head APC’s mobilisation campaign ahead of the 2027 general election.
They described Uzodimma as one of the most distinguished figures in the progressive family, noting that his headship of the Progressive Governors Forum has strengthened APC and enhanced its policy coordination.
“The Arewa Youth Assembly recognises your steady and impactful contributions to the success of APC and the new assignment presents another opportunity for you to deepen engagement with citizens, enhance the visibility of government achievements and promote unity across all geopolitical zones,” the Arewa youths submitted in a letter to Uzodimma signed by the Speaker, Mohammed Salihu.
In his own Congratulatory message on behalf of APC members in the Southeast, the National Vice Chairman of APC, Dr Ijeoma Linus Arodiogbu, expressed profound gratitude to Tinubu for appointing Uzodimma as the Renewed Hope Ambassador.
He said the people of the Southeast were happy with the president because Uzodimma is a leader with sterling performance and capacity who will execute the new assignment with diligence.
In their tribute, Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria, ALGON, described Uzodimma’s appointment as placing a square peg in a square hole.
In the Congratulatory message signed by Engr Ikenna Adikaibe, Chairman of ALGON , Imo State, the local government chairmen pledged their unflinching support to Uzodimma to enable him succeed.
Among top business moguls who have Congratulated Uzodimma on his appointment as the Renewed Hope Ambassador are Chief Tony Chukwu, Chief Charles Amadi and Chief Alex Mbata. They also resolved to work with the governor in the discharge of his new assignment.
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Tinubu appoints Uzodimma as Renewed Hope Ambassador
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as the Renewed Hope Ambassador ahead of the national rollout of the Federal Government’s Ward Development Programme.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Governor Uzodimma will also serve as the Director-General for Party Outreach, Engagement and Mobilisation.
His appointment takes immediate effect.
Under his new mandate, the governor, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, will work with the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership and governors across the federation to “evangelise” the Tinubu administration’s programmes and achievements.
He will be expected to drive harmony, inclusiveness, and strategic coordination across party structures, while mobilising grassroots support.
President Tinubu said the APC governors will equally serve as “Ambassadors of Hope,” working collectively with Uzodimma to promote and disseminate the administration’s milestones since taking office in May 2023.
The President highlighted several policy gains recorded under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including seven consecutive months of eased inflation to 16.05 per cent in October, stabilisation of the exchange rate, and a significant rise in foreign reserves to over $46 billion, up from $32 billion and a net reserve of $4 billion inherited in 2023.
He added that investor confidence has rebounded, with rising foreign direct and portfolio investments, particularly in the oil and gas sector, alongside a booming stock market and growing economic diversification driven by solid minerals.
The government’s liberalised student loan scheme has so far enrolled over 700,000 beneficiaries, while passport processing timelines have been shortened nationwide to under one week.
President Tinubu tasked Governor Uzodimma with ensuring that Nigerians across all communities are informed about these achievements and fully understand the administration’s progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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More Imo communities embrace Uzodimma’s rural transformation initiative
The novelty initiated by the Imo State Government christened ‘One Kindred One Business Initiative (ÓKÓBÌ’) has continued to gather stronger momentum as not fewer than 104 communities in the state have embraced the project to establish community-based businesses.
ÓKÓBÌ, which was established by the Imo State Executive Council in 2024, is aimed at empowering people and alleviate their poverty through group-based entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
Speaking to newsmen in Owerri, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Imo State Government, Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, explained that the programme was designed to generate employment and ensure food security at the local level.
He expressed satisfaction that 104 communities in the state had responded to the government’s invitation, saying that the group-based entrepreneurship would create sustainable jobs in both rural and urban areas.
“The response marks the first phase of the free programme, which now moves into its second stage.”
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Continuing, he said: “Participants are refining their business concepts into bankable proposals ahead of formal registration and launch.”
Amaeshi said, “We are thrilled to see so many communities embrace this opportunity. The next step is to shape these ideas into viable enterprises that can attract funding and generate lasting employment.”
Furthermore, Amaeshi stressed that a complete list of the 104 participating communities was available on the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser’s website and social media channels, providing residents an opportunity to verify whether their community was among those already on board.
According to Amaeshi, the ÓKÓBÌ programme, which was initiated less than 24 months ago, has galvanized over 500 group-owned businesses with 20,000 associates in Imo State within this short period.
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Heartland applauds Uzodimma for clearing club’s debts ahead of NNL kick-off
Heartland Football Club of Owerri have been officially cleared of all outstanding debts that had previously threatened their participation in the 2025-26 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
The cheering news comes ahead of their weekend’s fixture against Crown FC of Ogbomosho at the Soun Township Stadium, following the decisive intervention of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, whose support made the full clearance possible.
It will be recalled that the debts were incurred before the advent of the present club administration, and had posed a major obstacle to the team’s registration and smooth operation in the new league season.
Speaking on the development, Heartland FC Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Uzodimma for his unwavering support and commitment to the progress of the club.
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“We are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for coming through for Heartland FC once again. His intervention has brought relief and renewed motivation to the entire team. We can now fully focus on our football and deliver the results that will make Imo people proud,” Amuneke
He also reaffirmed the club’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, and accountability as the Owerri side embarks on the new campaign.
Heartland FC, who were on the brink of being disqualified due to the inherited debt burden, now have the all-clear to compete in the Nigeria National League this season, and the team is in high spirits ahead of their clash with Crown FC.
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Ex-minister lauds Uzodimma’s leadership
Former Minister of State for Transport, Ademola Adegoroye, has described Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as a pride to All Progressives Congress and Nigeria.
He said the governor, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, has demonstrated effective leadership in Southeast.
Adegoroye, in a statement on APC and Anambra governorship poll, said Uzodimma represent the progressives with his style.
He lauded the governor’s projects and programmes, saying he is renewing their hope in governance in APC and Nigeria.
Adegoroye said even former critics of the governor from other parties are acknowledging his progressive work in Imo.
“I am excited my elder brother, Governor Uzodimma attracts commendation from even non-APC members, a confirmation that he is doing much more than he promised his people”
Adegoroye, director general of Tinubu Support Group in Ondo State, noted that Uzodimma’s performance as APC governor is changing the direction of politics in Southeast.
He thanked Uzodinma for showing that the people will naturally gravitate towards good governance and promised that APC under President Bola Tinubu will intentionally rebuild the foundation of Nigeria for its future stability and prosperity.
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The former minister stressed that Uzodimma is an apostle of Renewed Hope Agenda, noting despite APC coming second in Anambra, he has raised the rating of APC in the state, like others.
He also said the influx of former opposition governors, even outside the Southeast, into the APC cannot be taken off Uzodimma.
Adegoroye appreciated Uzodinma for being a close and dependable ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC marches on again to take Nigeria to the promised land.
He urged the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum not to rest on his laurels and work even harder in order for the APC to achieve more success.
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Uzodimma suspends ENTRACO operations over alleged harassment, killings
In a decisive move to protect citizens and restore order, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of all field operations by the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) and its affiliated task forces.
The directive followed multiple reports of harassment, intimidation, and extortion targeting motorists and traders, as well as alleged killings by ENTRACO personnel during recent operations across the state.
Governor Uzodimma emphasised that the suspension takes effect immediately and warned that any violators would face arrest and prosecution.
The announcement, made on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, also directed the Commissioner of Police to swiftly detain and charge any individual or group harassing residents under the ENTRACO banner.
The statement stressed, “No individual or group may conduct operations under the ENTRACO banner or any related task force. Violators will face arrest, prosecution, and the full force of legal consequences for impersonation and criminal behaviour.”
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“To ensure accountability, a comprehensive investigation into ENTRACO’s operations and affiliated entities is underway. Governor Uzodimma assured that culprits, regardless of status or connections, would be prosecuted without mercy.
“Residents are urged to report any misconduct by ENTRACO personnel or agents to the police or the forthcoming investigative panel, details of which will be publicised soon.”
The governor described the action as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to lawful governance and the safety of Imo citizens.