Infrastructure Governor of the year: How Uzodimma is keeping Imo in limelight 

     BY JENNIFER JOHN / OWERRI

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With Governor Hope Uzodimma on the saddle as Governor, Imo State has continued to shine brighter, taking center stage in the committee of states in Nigeria.

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There is hardly any spectacular thing about Nigeria currently that Imo State will not be in the forefront. This was not the case before the emergence of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

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The rave of the moment is the addition of the Vanguard Newspapers Infrastructure Governor of the year to his avalanche of national and international awards and recognitions. The Imo Governor was Friday, April 11, in Lagos State, recognized by Vanguard Newspapers as the Infrastructure Governor of the Year, during the Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards.

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Prior to the present award, Givernor Uzodimma’s exceptional performance had attracted avalanche of awards from renown national and international bodies, groups, associations, corporate bodies and institutions.

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Some of such awards include; The Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year Award 2021,

United Nations (UN) Peace Award 2022, for his effort in promoting inter-ethnic harmony in Nigeria and good governance in Imo State,  Most Prolific Governor of the Year, 2023, from The Face of Democracy Nigeria (FDN).

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Others were; Digital Governor of the Year, 2024 at the National Information Technology Merit Award, organize by the National Computer Society (NCS), for his impact on the Nigerian society, leveraging Information Communication Technology (ICT), Zik’s Award for Industrial Development, as the most outstanding Governor in industrial Development and Inter Ethnic Relations.

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Also, the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the Presidency of President Muhammadu Buhari bestowed on Senator Hope Uzodimma, the prestigious national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), While the Rivers State Government, under the Governorship of Nyesom Wike bestowed on him, the Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS), which is the highest honour of Rivers State.

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Vanguard is an outstanding Newspaper establishment that has carved a niche for itself with its objective stand on topical national and international discuss. It is a purely independent media outfit which opinion on issues are largely unbiased, devoid of any external influence and manipulation.

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The award on Governor Uzodimma has attracted wide spread commendation from Nigerians and people of other countries who attest to its merit. National and international news media are awash with congratulatory messages from people who have aligned themselves with the decision of Vanguard Newspapers to honour the Imo’s number one citizen as the Infrastructure Governor of the Year.

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Meanwhile, in his response to the award, Governor Hope Uzodimma dedicated it to God and humanity.

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“As you know, the voice of the people is the voice of God, so the only thing we will do is to continue to give God all the glory and pray that He continues to give us the sustaining strength to keep doing the good things that attracted this award.

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On what Imo people should expect in the remaining three years of his governance, the Governor summed it up Thus: “Like Americans will say, you haven’t seen nothing yet”.

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The latest award of Infrastructure Governor of the Year by the Vanguard Newspapers is an eloquent affirmation of the popular voices of Nigerians and citizens of the world who have already tagged the Governor “The Road Master” for his road revolution projects in Imo state.

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Among the over 90 completed road projects by the present government include the Owerri _Orlu road, Owerri -Okigwe Road, Owerri _Mbaise_Obowo_Umuahia Road, Orlu_Urualla_Akokwa Road, which are gigantic Federal Government roads, but very critical for the economic advancement of Imo State.

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Some of the other outstanding infrastructural projects of Uzodimma’s led government include; the rebuilding of Imo State House of Assembly complex, bringing it back to the status of best state House of Assembly complex in Nigeria, with state of the art digital facilities, renovation of Imo State Secretariat Complex, building of Magistrate, Customary, High Court and Appeal Courts across the state, renovation of 305 Primary Health Care Centres in the 305 Political Wards of the state.

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Others include; new ultra modern General Hospitals in the three oil producing areas of; Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru East, the over 90 percent completed new ultra modern Imo  International Conference Center (IICC), now renamed Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Center, Owerri.

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Also; the Balloon Technology Erosion Control System, the Urban Renewal Projects, the ongoing, ongoing Control Post/Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout flyover, among numerous others are eloquent testimonials of the infrastructural masterclass of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

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No other time in the history of Imo State, had the state witnessed the presence of national and international figures like the during the time of Governor Uzodimma, bringing it to forefront of national polity.

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Under Governor Uzodimma, Nigerian Presidents, including the current President Tinubu have visited Imo State on several occasions, to Commission some transformational projects. Also other federal figures, including the Vice President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Senate President, National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have been in the state at different times to commission projects executed by the Uzodimma led administration.

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WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE VANGUARD INFRASTRUCTURE GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR AWARD:

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This award is expected to spur the Governor’s commitment to infrastructural development and good governance, to continue driving the state’s progress. It is likely that Uzodinma’s administration will prioritize projects that drive economic growth, improve living standards, and enhance the state’s overall infrastructure.

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Upcoming Projects and Initiatives

Some potential areas of focus for Uzodinma’s administration may include

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Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure*: Building on the rehabilitation of over 305 health centers. The Governor might prioritize upgrading medical facilities, recruiting more healthcare professionals and improving access to quality healthcare services.

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Road Network Expansion: With over 90 roads constructed during his tenure, Uzodinma’s administration may continue to invest in road infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic growth.

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Security Enhancements: The “Search and Flush” security operation and provision of over 100 security pickup vans demonstrate Uzodinma’s commitment to safety. Future initiatives might focus on further bolstering security measures and community policing.

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Potential Challenges and Opportunities

As the administration moves forward, potential challenges may arise from:

Infrastructure Maintenance: Ensuring the sustainability and maintenance of newly constructed infrastructure will be crucial to long-term success

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Economic Growth Attracting investments, promoting entrepreneurship, and diversifying the state’s economy will be essential for driving growth and job creation.

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Governor Hope Uzodinma’s vision for Imo State’s future appears promising, with a focus on infrastructural development, good governance and economic growth. As his administration continues to implement projects and initiatives, the state’s residents can expect improved living standards and increased opportunities for economic advancement.