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It was an English-born American Author and Inspirational Speaker on Business Leadership Simon Sinek that once said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”

Indeed, this timeless quote aptly encapsulates the visionary leadership of His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo State. Over the last five years, Governor Uzodimma has exemplified this principle, translating the 3R Mantra of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery into tangible, transformative progress across Imo State. Today, as we celebrate this monumental milestone, it is imperative to appraise the remarkable strides he has made in all three senatorial zones of the state—each a testament to his unwavering commitment to the prosperity of Imo people.

Governor Uzodimma’s tenure has brought unprecedented infrastructural transformation to Owerri Zone, solidifying its place as the economic and administrative hub of the state. Accordingly, the achievements of the Governor’s Administration in the zone are but not limited to the following:

Road Infrastructure and Critical projects: The Governor prioritized road reconstruction, addressing long-neglected critical infrastruvtures such as the Balloon Technology Drainage system that mitigates flooding, and the complete overhauls of Douglas Road, Chukwuma Nwoha Road, and the Junction Improvement at various junctions in addition to the signature project which is the ongoing construction of the multipurpose Control Post Flyover as well as the recently completed total rehabilitation of the DSS road Owerri with solar street lights. These projects have restored the functionality and aesthetics of Owerri the State Capital.

Rehabilitation of Strategic Roads: The once-dilapidated Nekede-Ihiagwa Road, Federal Secretariat Road, the popular MCC road and Okigwe Road Owerri among so many others have been transformed into motorable pathways, while the Port Harcourt Road has been completely revitalized, enhancing intra-city and inter-city connectivity.

Landmark Structures: The Governor undertook the massive reconstruction of the ongoing Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre, formerly Imo International Convention Centre (IICC) after its pioneer construction by past Administration of former Governor Rochas Okorocha but collapsed just after a few years.

Improved Accessibility: The reconstruction of roads such as the Airport Road in Ngor Okpala LGA, Orji/Toronto/Road Safety Road that cuts across Owerri North and Ikeduru LGAs, the 3rd Inland Road, and the Emmanuel College Road in Owerri Municipal Council, have eased the challenges of navigating the state’s capital.

Federal Road Interventions: Despite being federal roads, the Owerri-Okigwe Road, Owerri-Orlu Road, and Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road have been reconstructed to cater to the needs of Imolites. These roads have become symbols of Governor Uzodimma’s pragmatic approach to governance—putting the welfare of the people above jurisdictional constraints.

Orlu Zone has experienced a significant boost under Governor Uzodimma’s administration, becoming a focal point of developmental initiatives. In this regard, these infrastructures and so many unnamed ones have received attention.

Dualized Roads with Solar Lighting: It is a common knowledge that the Owerri-Orlu Road now boasts dual lanes and solar-powered streetlights, enhancing safety and reducing accidents.

Strategic Roads: Projects such as the Orlu-Mgbee-Akokwa Road, Mgbidi/Omuma/Okporo Road, and the Imo State University College of Health Road have unlocked the economic potential of the zone, connecting rural areas with urban centers.

Educational Infrastructure: The Governor has bolstered the educational sector with the establishment of the Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo in Ohaji Egbema LGA and the Imo State Polytechnic Omuma in Oru East LGA all in Orlu Zone. These institutions are poised to produce skilled graduates to drive the state’s economy.

Healthcare Development: It is germane to note that Governor Uzodimma’s Administration has in the course of the 5 years in office constructed three modern general hospitals for the oil-producing LGAs—Oguta, Ohaji Egbema, and Oru East—providing residents with access to quality healthcare services.

Community Development: The Government of His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has seen to the dualization and beautification of key roads such as the Mgbidi/Omuma/Okporo Road have brought socio-economic transformation to rural communities in addition to so many other infrastructures that cannot be captured due to time and space.

Under the Administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Okigwe Zone has not been left behind in the massive developmental blueprint which has rented the air in the last five years. Expectedly, a good number of infrastructures have received the much needed attention and they are as follows:

Road Expansion: The Owerri-Okigwe Road has been expanded and fitted with solar streetlights, drastically improving travel time and enhancing night-time safety.

Strategic Road Projects: Ongoing reconstruction of the Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road and completion of the Express Roundabout to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Road have greatly improved accessibility within the zone.

New Constructions: The Governor embarked on the construction of the Stadium Road in Okigwe LGA and the Ogwogoroanya-Umuariam-Avutu Road (Mbakwe Road) in Obowo LGA. These roads are critical to opening up the region for economic growth.

Future Projects: Plans for more road projects and other developmental initiatives demonstrate the Governor’s long-term vision for the zone, ensuring sustained progress.

From the foregoing, it is a clear fact that the 3R Mantra of the Executive Governor of Imo State His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has transcended rhetoric to become the foundation of governance in Imo State. Through Reconstruction, he has rebuilt critical infrastructure; through Rehabilitation, Governor Uzodimma has restored the dignity of Imolites; and through Recovery, he has repositioned the state for economic growth and social harmony.

Undoubtedly, the Governor’s legacy is not only in the structures he has erected but in the hope he has restored in the hearts of the people. From transforming flood-prone areas in Owerri the State Capital to enhancing connectivity in Orlu Zone and expanding economic opportunities in Okigwe Zone, every corner of Imo State bears the hallmark of purposeful leadership.

Veritably, as we celebrate five years of Governor Uzodimma’s administration, it is clear that Imo State is on an upward trajectory. His visionary leadership, embodied in the 3R Mantra, has laid a solid foundation for sustainable development. The story of his governance is one of resilience, determination, and an unyielding commitment to the welfare of Imo people.

Indeed, as Simon Sinek’s quote reminds us, leadership is about taking care of those in your charge. The Executive Governor of Imo State His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has done exactly that—transforming Imo State into a symbol of progress and prosperity.

Congratulations, Your Excellency, on this milestone achievement. May your legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

Engr. Francis Chukwu is the General Manager, Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (Imo ENTRACO)