The Leadership Philosophy Of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma

BEN AHANONU

When Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma talked about Shared Prosperity and instituting a new paradigm during his inaugural speech as Governor of Imo State in January, 2020, he was actually unveiling his leadership philosophy, which is egalitarian and predicated on sacrificial service to Imo people, determination, ruthless financial probity, transparency, creation and redistribution of Imo wealth through a clear-cut empowerment programme for Imo people and the 3R Agenda of Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

For the past four years, Governor Uzodimma has been able to change drastically, the Imo narrative of stagnation, redundance including complete failure of road infrastructure with unparalleled gravitas and turned it into that of a State, (which was literally taken away from the mortuary of incapacitation – using his words but now) repositioned on the irreversible trajectory of sustainable economic prosperity, reinforced by vastly improved internal revenue generation, which finds expression in the incredible and transformational accomplishments and intentional delivery of democratic dividends to Imo people, which have earned him both national and international accolades.

Governor Uzodimma’s leadership philosophy is grounded in unwavering integrity and conviction. He believes in standing up for what is right, even in the face of spiteful opposition and destructive criticism.

The 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, who oversaw the Union through the Civil War and signed the Emancipation Proclamation that stopped slavery, is often seen as an example of how great leaders seem to be born with specific skills that make them destined to lead just like Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma, who has a clear vision, zeal to make exponential difference with tenacity, a sense of purpose and the ability to communicate this vision effectively to his team and Imo people.

Throughout his first term of office as Governor of Imo State, which was greeted with COVID-19 Pandemic early on, nation – wide anti SARS protest and politically-motivated insecurity, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma practiced an open-door policy and was always accessible, even to his lowest-rank subordinates. With this approach, Uzodimma continues to engender trust and respect in his team – making him the exemplary leader, he is today.

Indeed, Gov. Uzodimma’s resilience, wisdom and vision, which are essential parts of his leadership philosophy have made him utter inspiration in the efforts towards Imo rejuvenation.

Mahatma Gandhi’s: “You have to be the change that you want to see,” are as relevant today as they were many years ago and conscious of it, Governor Uzodimma has administered Imo State in a way and manner that has never been seen before in the history of the state, bringing change and being the change with his leadership philosophy.

For the first time in the history of Imo State, there is a conscious effort to take development to the rural areas, create wealth for all Imo people through a radical approach to revenue generation and transparent utilization of same to regenerate wealth.

For the first time in Imo State and with the activation of the 3R policy of Recovery Rehabilitation and Reconstruction there is an upsurge in the development and fortunes of the state.

Strategic assets like the K.O. Mbadiwe University, Ogboko, the Imo Standard Shoe Factory, Royal Spring Palm Hotels and Apartments, IBC staff quarters, illegally acquired for the purpose of Rochas Foundation College,
Owerri Magistrate Quarters and over 800 hectares of land among others have been recovered and hectares of land have been restored to the rightful and original owners.

The Imo Urban Renewal Project that has turned the three major cities of Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe into real modern cities with good road network and traffic light system forms part of the rehabilitation programme of the Uzodimma administration.

In terms of reconstruction and infrastructural development, the Shared Prosperity Administration of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has proven that with sheer determination, probity and passion for service, a lot can be done even with limited resources.

On youth empowerment, Governor Uzodimma has been phenomenal setting a record as never before in the history of Imo State. In fact, that Distinguished Uzodimma is the most youth-friendly Governor in Nigeria is not debatable and it is so much so that many Imo youths now call him ” Mr Empowerment.”

Imo women, pensioners and the elderly have also benefitted immensely from the various poverty alleviation programmes of Uzodimma administration.

It is on record that for the first time since the creation of Imo State, civil servants and other genuine Imo workers including teachers receive 13th-month pay every end of the year – thanks to the caring Governor Uzodimma and their salaries are paid promptly because the payroll system is automated. It is also on record that for the first time in the history of Imo State, Imo Civil Servants go to work with a mass transit system provided by Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma and enjoy one free meal everyday.

For the first time in the history of Imo State, there is a Governor, who is uncompromising about probity and accountability; a Governor, who is not appropriating land, acquiring assets or using his position to enrich himself and his family.

Under Governor Uzodimma, Imo State now has Federal University of Education and Federal Teaching Hospital. The list is endless.

It is obvious that Governor Uzodimma could achieve so much in his first term of office because of his service – oriented, altruistic and egalitarian leadership philosophy.

According to Historian Thomas Carlyle: “The history of the world is but the biography of great men. Effective leaders are those gifted with divine inspiration and the right characteristics.”

Without doubt, Governor Uzodimma’s leadership philosophy encompasses divine inspiration, perseverance, resilience, optimism, transparency, integrity and other right characteristics.

His unwavering determination, ability to adapt, and positive mindset remind one of the importance of doggedness, purposefulness and focused optimism in navigating the intricate challenges of democratic governance.

By embracing his leadership philosophy, elected officials and appointees can cultivate transformational leadership skills underpinned by the spirit of service, ability to persevere in the face of adversity, and stay true to core values by rising above the temptation of corruption and self- aggrandizement – with the goal of making a positive impact.

Mahatma Gandhi posits that the spirit of service and sacrifice are key to leadership but for the spirit of service to materialize, we must lay emphasis on our responsibilities and duties and not on rights.

Within four years at the helm, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has emphasized on responsibilities and proven beyond reasonable doubt that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach but a dynamic mechanism that demands different leadership styles, which is possible with the right Leadership philosophy as it provides consistency in the behaviour and actions of a leader especially regarding the attainment of people – oriented goals.

I am optimistic that in his second term of office, Governor Uzodimma will make much positive impact and ultimately make Imo people happy and proud even beyond the duration of his performance – driven administration.

Let those in support say aye, the ayes have it.

God bless Imo State!

– Hon. Prince Ben Ahanonu is Special Adviser (CSDP) to the Governor of Imo State.