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Tag: Uzodimma

  • Imo now safe, Uzodimma assures citizens in America

    Imo now safe, Uzodimma assures citizens in America

    Governor Hope Uzodimma has assured Imo indigenes residing in the United States that there is improved security in the state contrary to what was obtainable at the inception of his administration.

    He said through collaboration with the Federal Government, the state government has embarked upon measures that resulted in the state being safe for both residents and investments.

    He spoke in Atlanta, Georgia, during the convention of Imo State Congress in America (ISCA).

    The governor, who was represented by Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, named such measures to include massive support to security agencies by way of logistics and the setting up and funding of vigilantes in all the communities in the state.

    Uzodimma added that  the state is enjoying relative peace with the resurgence of the hospitality industry and the attendant nightlife, unlike in the past.

    The governor further explained that his administration was not resting on its oars as it has gone far in ensuring 24-hour power supply in the 27 local government areas of the state to improve security through illumination of the towns and villages and creation of jobs for youths.

    He encouraged Imo citizens resident abroad to feel free to visit home regularly as the government has not only improved the state of security and other infrastructure but had put in place necessary logistics to ensure that they can fly home direct to Owerri through the Sam Mbakwe International Airport.

    He said apart from improved security, he was steadily rebuilding the state with first-class roads, including the Owerri-Okigwe Road, Owerri-Orlu Road, and Owerri-Umuahia Road.

    He also mentioned the iconic Assumpta Flyover, Owerri, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, and improved health and education sectors as steps taken by the administration to make Imo better.

    Uzodimma also revealed that he was recently in Spain at the invitation of the United Nations Global Compact to share with other world leaders the Imo homegrown economic initiatives for the enhancement of the state economy.

    Read Also: Constitution review: Uzodimma, Otti differ on new state creation

    According to him, through the OKOBI model, kindreds are encouraged to identify and set up businesses through the support of the state government.

    He also announced that more than 40,000 youths have been trained in digital technology to be self-employed or work for digital companies across the globe, saying that the target is to get 300,000 youths out of the unemployment market in the shortest possible time.

    Uzodimma assured them that with the advanced state of infrastructure in Imo coupled with improved security, investors were now flooding the state contrary to what obtained in the past.

    He said he was conscious of history and therefore determined to leave worthy legacies compatible with his mission and vision.

    One of the participants, Attorney Charles Onyirimba, acknowledged that he was actually aware of improved security in Imo State.

    The President of Imo State Congress in America, Frank Ekeigwe, commended Uzodimma for improving the living standards of Imo people through prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities and provision of critical infrastructure.

    He also applauded the governor for swiftly addressing the security challenges in the state, which he noted was a grave concern to citizens outside the country.

  • Imo is pioneering homegrown economic models, Uzodimma tells UN roundtable

    Imo is pioneering homegrown economic models, Uzodimma tells UN roundtable

    • 350 businesses with over 7,000 members created

    Imo State is using home-grown approach to economic development through a bottom up approach, Governor Hope Uzodimma said yesterday.

    He spoke before a United Nations audience in Seville, Spain, at the UN Global Compact event.

     Speaking at a high-level roundtable, the governors explained that through the Skill-Up Imo programme and the OKOBI business model, the state is actively working to bridge the financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    He detailed how the OKOBI (One Kindred, One Business) model, which encourages community groups to establish and co-own businesses with government support, is flourishing and creating thousands of new entrepreneurs. He noted that with a conducive environment established through significant investments in infrastructure like roads and power, these new enterprises are becoming self-sufficient.

    The Governor explained that his administration created these initiatives to tackle high unemployment, recognizing that short-term palliatives cannot create lasting prosperity. “The OKOBI structure is quite fascinating. Kindreds organise themselves into cooperative units. With technical support from my government, they identify a viable business, and we help them with planning and connecting them to seed funding,” Governor Uzodimma stated.

    He announced that since the model’s inception, more than 350 businesses with over 7,000 members have been created.

    Inviting global partners to invest in these enterprises, Governor Uzodimma described the model as a “paradigm shift in risk management,” noting that it “ensures community co-ownership, thus creating powerful social collateral”.

    Read Also: Uzodimma to showcase economic blueprints at global event

    The Governor also highlighted the success of the Skill-Up Imo programme, the state’s digital economy initiative, which has already trained over 40,000 youths.

    He noted that upon acquiring in-demand digital skills, many graduates are now engaged by multinational companies, while others work as international freelancers from their homes in Imo.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to train an estimated 300,000 youths before the end of his tenure, providing them with a clear path to escape unemployment.

    The Governor connected these human capital programmes to the foundation of physical infrastructure his administration has built over the last five years, including over 150 durable roads and revitalized health and education sectors.

    He concluded by pledging his government’s continued dedication to closing the SDG financing gap through the consolidation of these innovative, homegrown economic models.

  • Uzodimma to showcase economic blueprints at global event

    Uzodimma to showcase economic blueprints at global event

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma will tomorrow in in Seville, Spain share his economic blueprint a global stage.

    high-level United Nations Global Compact roundtable., where he will showcase the state’s innovative economic models.

    The roundtable is organized by the UN Global Compact.

    The theme is: “Driving Business Leadership in Sustainable Finance in Uncertain Times.” Global finance and development leaders at the event will address critical challenges and identify investment opportunities to bridge the financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

    Read Also: Tinubu proposes formal Nigeria-OECS pact to deepen bilateral ties

    According to the invitation letter Uzodimma is to share Imo State’s experience in creating innovative economic opportunities. The invitation letter noted, “Given Imo State’s commitment to sustainable development and your leadership in fostering economic development, your insights would be invaluable.”

    Speaking on the upcoming event, Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, described the invitation as “well deserved,” attributing it to the “giant strides” the governor has recorded in the state’s economic and infrastructural development.

    He said the governor will share Imo State’s experience with its creative initiatives designed to stimulate the local economy, highlighting the Skill-Up Imo programme and the OKOBI business model.

    Emelumba noted that in the last five years, Governor Uzodimma has made palpable investments in infrastructure, leading to the construction of more than 150 durable roads and the revival of the health and education sectors, among other key achievements.

    The Commissioner added that the OKOBI model and the Skill-Up Imo programme represent a “bottom-up” approach to job creation and economic stimulation, which enhances indigenous capabilities and local development.

  • Imo IGR hits ₦4b, debt profile reduced by 60%- Uzodimma 

    Imo IGR hits ₦4b, debt profile reduced by 60%- Uzodimma 

    Imo State Government revenue generation efforts have yielded significant results, with the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) skyrocketing by 500% – from ₦400 million in 2020 to nearly ₦4 billion in 2025.

    Governor Hope Uzodimma disclosed this to House of Assembly members during the State of the State address to present the stewardship of his administration over the past one and a half years of the second tenure. 

    Uzodimma said this IGR has provided the state with the fiscal capacity to invest in infrastructure and services. 

    “The impact is visible: our monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown from an average of ₦400 Million in 2020 to nearly ₦4 billion in 2025, an increase of about 500%. This performance gives us the fiscal breathing room to invest in infrastructure and services, even as federal allocations continue to look up.

    “The state is also preparing for collaborative audits with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to further boost compliance and expand its revenue base,” he said.

    He disclosed that the digital reforms implemented by the state government have also created jobs, with nearly 1,000 Imo citizens benefiting from income opportunities through electronic ticketing and digitized market revenue collection.

    Additionally,  he said the state’s debt profile has been reduced by 60%, from ₦259 billion in 2020 to ₦99 billion in 2025, demonstrating prudent financial management.

    These developments are seen as a testament to the state’s commitment to building systems, eliminating waste, and ensuring benefits touch the lives of citizens.

    Uzodimma assured the people of the State of his administration’s continued commitment to progress and development. 

    Read Also: Uzodimma: Igbo should promote peaceful co-existence

    Speaking further, Uzodimma noted that his administration has constructed over 120 roads across the state, including the dualized Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe roads. 

    He also mentioned the completion of the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, the Assumpta Flyover, and the Concorde Hilton Hotel, which are set to be commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The Governor who hinted that most of the projects including the newly completed Owerri-Mbaise- Obowo- Umuahia road will be commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August, also thanked Mr President for his support that made most of the projects realisable. 

    He appreciated the President for approving a new Federal University to be cited in Okigwe for Imo State, with a take off grant of N30billion.

    The Governor emphasized the importance of education and healthcare in his administration’s development agenda. 

    He stated that Imo students now consistently rank among the best in national exams, and that the state’s tertiary institutions have achieved 100 per cent accreditation.

    In healthcare, Uzodimma highlighted the rehabilitation of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital and the upgrade of the former FMC, Owerri to a teaching hospital.

    Uzodimma also noted his administration’s efforts in developing the digital economy, including the establishment of the Imo State Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government, the SkillUp Imo program, which  he said has trained over 40,000 youths in critical digital skills.

    He revealed that his administration has made significant strides in power sector with the revive of the 380MW Egbema Power Plant, abandoned for over 18 years, to boost electricity supply and support industrial development in the state including signing into law the Imo State Electricity Law, enabling the state to manage and activate electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure, including the Amaraku power project and Egbema Power Plant.

    Earlier, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe welcomed the Governor and his entourage to their Chambers and lauded him for his superlative performance in all areas, noting that the State under his leadership has been transformed in many area.

  • Igbo should promote peaceful co-existence, says Uzodimma

    Igbo should promote peaceful co-existence, says Uzodimma

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has urged Igbo communities in Lagos State and across the country to actively promote peaceful coexistence.

    He also enjoined them to deepen their belief in the Nigerian project and contribute meaningfully to national unity.

    Uzodimma, who chairs theProgressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), emphasised that the Igbo have historically invested in the unity and development of Nigeria, often settling and thriving in communities far from their ancestral homeland. 

    He spoke at a programme: ‘Conversation with Ndigbo resident in Lagos State’ held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island. 

    The forum, chaired by Prof. Anya O. Anya, a former National Merit Award winner, was witnessed by Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Senator Ben Obi and other notable personalities. 

    Uzodimma, who is also the Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum, said it is time for Ndigbo to begin to reap the benefits of the sacrifices and nation-building efforts made by their forebears.

    He said: “Our people have always believed in Nigeria. We have invested in her unity, not just with words, but with action, through commerce, culture, and community building across the length and breadth of this country.

     “That investment must not be in vain. We must continue to work together in peace, with confidence in our collective future, knowing that unity is our greatest strength.”

    Uzodimma urged Nigerians to recognize the contributions of the Igbo to national progress and called for an inclusive Nigeria where all ethnic groups feel a sense of belonging, justice, and opportunity.

    The governor is an active supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He recently moved the motion that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors should endorse him for a second term.

    Uzodimma has been an advocate of national unity who has always preached inter-ethnic understanding, tolerance and accomodation. 

    In particular, he has in the past called for peaceful co-existence between Yoruba and Igbo resident in Lagos in the spirit of national integration and unity.

    He also called for cordial and peaceful inter-ethnic relations in the former federal capital, based on mutual respect. 

    Uzodimma met with his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo Olu, and other stakeholders to broker an enduring peace between Igbos and their Yoruba brothers.        

    Uzodimma reflected on the Yoruba/Ndigbo relations when he met with different Igbo interest groups in Lagos amid rising tension as a result of the fallout of the 2023 general election.   

    Read Also: Uzodimma shuts down mining sites in Owerri

    The governor described as unfortunate the misunderstanding among some Yorubas and Igbos as a result of political differences, assuring that the situation would normalise.           

     He noted that although the constitution of Nigeria guarantees the right of any Nigerian to reside in any part of the country, the owners of the land must be accorded the necessary respect. 

    He traced the relationship between Igbos and Yorubas to many decades, resulting in marriages and business partnerships, saying that he would work towards the renewal and strengthening of that relationship.

    Uzodimma urged them not to panic as he would lead a delegation of Igbo intelligentsia and other stakeholders in Lagos to meet with the Lagos State government and stakeholders from Lagos. 

    Representatives of the various groups in Lagos had also commended the governor for answering their distress call to wade into the crisis of confidence between them and their Yoruba brothers living in Lagos.

  • Uzodimma shuts down mining sites in Owerri

    Uzodimma shuts down mining sites in Owerri

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has ordered the closure of mining sites within the Owerri capital territory. 

    The state Commissioner for Industry, Mines, and Solid Minerals, Rt. Hon. Ernest Ibejiako, made the announcement on Tuesday at the state Secretariat in Owerri.

    Ibejiako, said the state government will no longer tolerate mining activities within the capital territory, citing concerns for safety and environmental impact.

     “Today marks the end of mining activity within the capital territory of the state,” he declared.

    He said the ban extends to areas such as Army Barracks and Obinze and other parts of Owerri West LGA. “Anyone outside the capital territory, we can allow it, but anyone within the capital territory, we will not allow it, including Army Barracks,” Ibejiako emphasized.

    Read Also: Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway to boost Nigeria’s economy by $12bn annually – Uzodimma

    “This is governor’s directive, it will be executed to the latter,” he added 

    The commissioner further disclosed that a monitoring team has been established by the state government to enforce the ban, warning that anyone found violating the directive, regardless of their status, will face prosecution.

    This move, he said is aimed to protect the environment and prevent potential hazards associated with mining activities in the capital territory.

  • Uzodimma merges two ministries, directs commissioner to hand over

    Uzodimma merges two ministries, directs commissioner to hand over

    The Imo state government has approved the merger of the Ministry of Tertiary Health and the Ministry of Primary Health into a single, unified structure to be known as the Imo State Ministry of Health.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, announced the development on Thursday, stating that the move is part of a broader government effort to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance healthcare service delivery across all levels in the state.

    Dr. Vivian Egu will continue as Commissioner in charge of the newly consolidated ministry.

    Read Also: Uzodimma sacks Attorney-General

    He said that as part of the reform, all staff and equipment previously under the two former ministries are to be transferred and fully integrated into the new Ministry of Health structure.

    Chief Iwu further directed the former Commissioner for Tertiary Health, Prof. Chukwuma Ubakah, to ensure a smooth transition and formally hand over responsibilities to Dr. Egu.

    “The Government appreciates the contributions of Prof. Chukwuma Ubakah in steering the Ministry of Tertiary Health and counts on his continued cooperation to ensure a smooth and effective transition,” Iwu stated.

    He added that all merger and handover processes must be completed no later than the close of work on Monday, June 2, 2025, and urged all affected officials to comply with the directive without delay.

  • Africa should integrate air power to tackle insecurity, says Uzodimma

    Africa should integrate air power to tackle insecurity, says Uzodimma

    Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has urged African nations to adopt a unified aerospace doctrine anchored on local capacity, regional collaboration, and political will to address the continent’s rising security threats. 

    Adding that the time for Africa to take full ownership of its defence architecture is now.

    The governor made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 4th Africa Air Forces Forum, which opened yesterday in Lagos.

    The two-day forum, themed “Strengthening Collaboration in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security,” convened top military leaders, aerospace technology experts, defence manufacturers, and policy stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.

    “I am deeply honoured to be part of this historic gathering,” Uzodimma said. “Africa is at a pivotal moment where the nature of threats has evolved; terrorism, cyber incursions, cross-border banditry, and resource conflicts now defy geography and time. Our response must match this complexity in both strategy and solidarity.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: Uzodimma sacks Imo Attorney General

    He pointed out that airspace today is not just a domain of defence but a symbol of sovereignty and national resilience. “Airpower offers unmatched speed, reach, deterrence, and intelligence superiority. It is no longer a privilege but a necessity for peace and sovereignty,” he said.

    While countries like Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria boast sizeable air fleets, Egypt with over 1,000 military aircraft, Algeria with more than 600, and Nigeria with 163, Uzodimma stressed that capacity alone was not enough. “We need not only more aircraft but smarter integration of our air assets into a collective security architecture,” he said.

    The governor warned that Africa’s continued reliance on foreign suppliers for critical aerospace and defence needs leaves it vulnerable to both market volatility and external manipulation. However, he acknowledged the continent’s growing capacity in indigenous production and innovation.

    “Across Africa, signs of transformation are emerging. Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation is producing small arms, while companies like Proforce are manufacturing Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles that are already deployed in Chad, Niger, and Rwanda,” he noted.

    He celebrated the continent’s remarkable progress in drone technology, revealing that at least 35 indigenous drone models are either under development or in service across Africa.

     “Nigeria leads this innovation with 28 drone systems currently operational or undergoing trials. This is a powerful signal; we are not passive consumers of defence technology. We are becoming the architects of our solutions.”

    Uzodimma also commended South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria for their strides in aerospace manufacturing and export, highlighting that Morocco now manufactures for Airbus and other global aerospace giants, while South Africa has doubled its defence exports since 2020.

    He emphasized that successful initiatives like the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a joint military effort among Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger to fight Boko Haram, prove that collaboration yields tangible results.

    “We’ve seen real gains: terrorist strongholds neutralised, communities restored, and displaced persons resettled. But there are still gaps in intelligence sharing, operational interoperability, and logistics. These gaps must be closed, not through theory but through mechanisms we design and execute together.”

    He urged African leaders to move beyond rhetoric and commit to actionable frameworks. “We must translate our shared aspirations into binding instruments, mutual defence agreements, co-development pacts, pooled logistics, shared research infrastructure, and joint training protocols. These are not luxuries; they are instruments of our survival.”

    He stressed that current increases in defence budgets, $25 billion in Algeria, $13.4 billion in Morocco, and $3.1 billion in Nigeria, must be strategically aligned with long-term goals like technology transfer, innovation, and skills development.

  • Uzodimma sacks Attorney-General

    Uzodimma sacks Attorney-General

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has sacked the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Cyprian Akaolisa.

    This was contained in a statement signed yesterday in Owerri by the  Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Mr Declan Emelumba.

    The statement, made available to reporters, however, did not disclose reasons for the removal of Akaolisa.

    Read Also: Africa needs home-grown solution to insecurity, says Uzodimma

    The former commissioner was directed to hand over all government property under his care to the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, immediately.

    Emelumba said the sack was part of moves to rejig the executive council (exco).

  • JUST IN: Uzodimma sacks Imo Attorney General

    JUST IN: Uzodimma sacks Imo Attorney General

    Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has approved the immediate dismissal of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, C.O.C. Akaolisa.

    The announcement was made on Monday via an official statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Chief Declan Emelumba.

    Read Also: Africa must integrate air power to tackle security threats — Uzodimma

    The statement directed Akaolisa to immediately hand over all government properties and official documents in his possession to the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice.

    While no official reason was given for the removal, a government source told ‘The Nation’ that the governor reserves the right to appoint and remove any official at his discretion.