Six Years Of Renewed Hope: Celebrating Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Transformative Leadership In Imo State

In infrastructure, Governor Uzodimma’s administration has orchestrated one of the most ambitious road networks ever seen in the state’s history, completing over one hundred and thirty major roads that connect communities, stimulate commerce, and reduce the hardships of daily travel. Projects like the dualization of key corridors, including the Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia road, the Assumpta twin flyovers, and numerous urban renewal initiatives in Owerri, have not only eased congestion but also restored aesthetic beauty and economic vitality to once-neglected areas. These roads serve as lifelines, enabling farmers to transport produce swiftly to markets, businesses to expand, and families to move with greater ease and safety. Complementing this, the expansion of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, with enhanced facilities including night landing capabilities, has positioned Imo as a regional aviation and cargo hub, attracting investments and creating opportunities for trade that extend far beyond state borders.

The commitment to reliable power supply stands as another pillar of his legacy. Through the Light Up Imo Project, the state is steadily moving away from generator dependency toward sustainable energy solutions, with the establishment of special energy-free threat zones and the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission driving consistent electricity to homes, industries, and public facilities. This shift has unleashed industrial potential, reduced operational costs for businesses, and improved quality of life for ordinary citizens who no longer endure the constant hum of generators.

Moreover, healthcare transformation under Governor Uzodimma has been nothing short of revolutionary. The Imo State Health Insurance Agency has achieved unprecedented coverage, managing hundreds of thousands of cases under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund with the highest national utilization rates. Maternal and child mortality have plummeted dramatically, thanks to programs that ensure affordable, quality care reaches even the most remote areas. The establishment of six functional tertiary hospitals, coupled with plans for Nigeria’s first robotic surgical centre, signals a bold leap toward advanced, technology-driven medical services that will reduce outbound medical tourism, train professionals, and position Imo as a destination for specialized healthcare. These initiatives reflect a deep compassion for human dignity, ensuring no woman dies giving birth and no family faces ruin from medical expenses.

Education and youth empowerment have also received equal priority. The construction of modern primary schools in underserved oil-producing communities, upgrades to higher institutions like the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, and the SkillUp Imo program have empowered tens of thousands of young people with digital skills in software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and fintech. Graduates receive laptops, vehicles, and automatic civil service employment, turning potential unemployment into entrepreneurship and innovation. This unmatched initiative positions Imo as a potential digital hub for Africa, fostering a connected, smart economy that attracts global interest and creates lasting wealth.

Economically, the administration’s reforms have boosted internally generated revenue through transparency and efficiency, while securing Imo’s place in gas derivation benefits to unlock vast natural resources. The Orashi Free Trade Zone, urban renewal efforts, and the reclamation of public assets like the Eastern Palm University demonstrate fiscal prudence and a resolve to protect public wealth. Welfare measures, including the audacious increase of the minimum wage to one hundred and four thousand naira, timely salary payments, pension settlements, and support for the elderly, traditional rulers, and persons with disabilities, underscore a people-centred approach that prioritizes inclusivity.

Furthermore, security, once a major barrier to progress, has seen dramatic improvement. Through collaboration with agencies, community engagement, and the inauguration of the Imo State Vigilance Services Organisation involving thousands of youths, Imo has moved from instability to relative peace, restoring nightlife, commerce, and investor confidence. These efforts have earned national recognition, including awards for excellence in health insurance, fiscal transparency, and overall leadership.

Governor Uzodimma’s influence extends beyond Imo as Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, where he has fostered unprecedented unity among the five states. Since taking the helm, he has championed regional collaboration on security, economic integration, and infrastructure, interfacing directly with the presidency to address challenges and advocate for the zone’s needs. His proactive leadership has elevated the South East’s voice in national affairs, promoting inter-ethnic harmony, supporting the South East Development Commission, and organizing summits that attract global investors. By emphasizing shared history and collective aspirations, he has transformed the forum into a dynamic platform for sustainable development, ensuring the region moves forward as a cohesive force.

As Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Uzodimma has guided APC governors with wisdom and inclusiveness, uniting them around common goals of national stability and progress. His tenure has strengthened party harmony, facilitated engagements on workers’ welfare, security reforms, and decentralization, while endorsing key federal policies that drive economic recovery. This role has positioned him as a unifying figure in progressive politics, galvanizing governors toward a shared vision.

These extraordinary accomplishments inspired President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint him as Renewed Hope Ambassador in November 2025, a well-deserved recognition of his ability to evangelize the administration’s programs, mobilize support, and promote milestones since 2023. Serving also as Director-General for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation, he leads efforts to disseminate the Renewed Hope message nationwide, particularly through the Ward Development Programme, ensuring harmony, inclusiveness, and strategic coordination. This appointment reflects profound trust in his broadmindedness, capacity to rally diverse groups, and unwavering commitment to national unity and prosperity.

The All Progressives Congress, especially in the Southeast, stands firmly behind him, pledging continued support for his giant strides in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda. Party stakeholders remain unified in endorsing the president’s vision, mobilizing for greater victories, and aligning regional progress with national goals of equality, social justice, economic diversification, and inclusive growth. Under Governor Uzodimma’s guidance, the APC in the Southeast has repositioned itself as a force for positive change, ready to deliver on promises in infrastructure, youth empowerment, agriculture, and security.

As six years draw to a close, Governor Hope Uzodimma’s journey inspires awe and gratitude. From a state once burdened by neglect to one brimming with potential, his leadership has restored hope, rebuilt foundations, and ignited aspirations. The Imo of today, with its thriving infrastructure, empowered youth, secure communities, and forward-looking economy, stands as testament to what visionary governance can achieve. His legacy will endure, guiding the state and region toward even greater heights, proving that true progress comes from dedication, innovation, and an unyielding belief in the people’s potential. In celebrating this milestone, ndị Imo and progressives everywhere salute a leader whose service has truly renewed hope for generations to come.

Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu is the National Vice-Chairman (South-East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).