Gov Hope Uzodimma: The Infrastructural Genius Driving Imo’s Industrial Revolution

AMBROSE NWAOGWUGWU 

A few days ago, a respected elder statesman called my attention to some media noise from folks engaging in what I can only describe as premature political ejaculation—a desperate attempt to stir up succession politics long before its time. This statesman, deeply concerned, wanted me to write a rejoinder to set the records straight. But I told him what I tell everyone else: we are under strict instructions from the #PeoplesGovernor not to engage in such distractions — not to join issues with those trying to heat up the polity with talks of succession. The Governor is singularly focused on governance and delivering lasting legacies to Imo people. We are not distracted by petty politics; our mission is to build a better, stronger, and more prosperous Imo State.

And when history will be written, Governor Hope Uzodimma will be remembered as the infrastructural genius who set Imo State on the path of industrial greatness.

BEYOND ROADS: LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR AN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

The first step in the Governor’s master plan was fixing Imo’s infrastructure, particularly its road network. In his first term, Governor Uzodimma executed the most extensive road construction projects in the history of Imo State, opening up communities, enhancing connectivity, and facilitating trade. Today, Imo boasts some of the best roads in the country—an achievement that goes beyond political rhetoric to real, measurable impact.

This vision goes beyond roads. The Governor has set the wheels in motion for a full-scale industrial revolution, ensuring that Imo becomes a hub for manufacturing, exports, and international business.

But roads alone do not build economies. That is why the Governor has already set the wheels in motion for the next phase of development: industrialization. Recognizing that industries cannot thrive without stable power, he embarked on a bold and unprecedented project—the Orashi Integrated Power Project. This initiative will provide 24-hour electricity to Imo State, ensuring that businesses and industries have the energy backbone they need to operate efficiently. With stable power, Imo is set to become a hub for industrial and commercial activities.

UNINTERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY: ORASHI INTEGRATED POWER PROJECT

A major bottleneck for industrial growth in Nigeria has always been power supply. No economy can thrive without electricity. But Governor Uzodimma, in his characteristic problem-solving approach, has launched the Orashi Integrated Power Project, which will provide Imo with a 24-hour power supply. This project is a game-changer—industries, businesses, and investors can now count on stable electricity, eliminating the heavy reliance on generators. With stable power, industrial growth becomes inevitable.

THE EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE: IMO AS NIGERIA’S NEXT INDUSTRIAL HUB

Governor Uzodimma’s strategic vision has also secured the license for an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in four LGAs—Oguta, Ohaji-Egbema, Owerri West, and Ngor-Okpala. This is only the second EPZ in Nigeria, after Dangote’s Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos.

An EPZ is a special economic area designed to attract manufacturers, exporters, and multinational corporations. With this in place, Imo is on course to become the industrial hub of the South East and a major player in Nigeria’s non-oil exports. Companies will set up factories, create thousands of jobs, and boost the state’s economy—all thanks to the foresight of Governor Uzodimma.

ATTRACTING GLOBAL INVESTMENT: AFREXIM BANK’S AFRICAN QUALITY ASSURANCE CENTRE

To support industrial growth, Governor Uzodimma has partnered with the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank) to establish the African Quality Assurance Centre in Ngor-Okpala. This facility is a game-changer for businesses in the region. It will offer testing, inspection, and certification services to ensure that products meet international standards, making them competitive in the global market.

For years, Nigerian exporters faced trade barriers due to poor quality control and certification issues. With this Centre in Imo, businesses will now have access to top-tier quality assessment services without needing to send their products abroad. This initiative alone will drive massive industrial investments into the state, making Imo a top destination for manufacturers.

SUSTAINING INDUSTRIAL GROWTH: THE 20+ -YEAR IMO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN

A true leader doesn’t just build for today—he plans for the future. That is why Governor Uzodimma is laying the groundwork for sustainable development with the launch of the Imo State Economic Development Plan.

This ambitious roadmap will guide the state’s economy for the next twenty years and beyond, ensuring continuity, growth, and stability. The plan, which is nearing completion, will serve as the blueprint for an uninterrupted transformation of Imo into an economic powerhouse.

OPENING IMO TO THE WORLD:TURKISH AIRLINES PARTNERSHIP AND AIRPORT UPGRADES

Governor Uzodimma’s vision is not just about roads, power, and industries—it is about global connectivity. Recognizing the critical role of air travel, the Governor has an advanced talks to secure a partnership deal with Turkish Airlines to make Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport a pick-off point for international flights.

This is a game-changer for businesses and travelers in the South East, who will now have direct access to international destinations without needing to travel to Lagos or Abuja.

This development will be made possible by Governor Uzodimma’s recent upgrade of the light landing facilities at the airport, which had been nonexistent for decades. For the first time in years, the airport can now facilitate night flights, extending operational hours and enhancing air travel efficiency.

This global connectivity will attract multinational companies, boost tourism, and position Imo as a major economic and travel hub.

A GOVERNOR FOCUSED ON LEGACIES, NOT POLITICS

Governor Uzodimma’s unparalleled achievements have earned him Vanguard Newspaper’s “Infrastructure Governor of the Year” award—a testament to his transformational leadership.

The roads he has built are not just paths for vehicles; they are gateways to economic liberation.

The Orashi Power Project is not just about electricity; it is about industrial empowerment.

The Export Processing Zone is not just about trade; it is about positioning Imo as a global economic hub.

The Afreximbank partnership and African Quality Assurance Centre are not just about funding; they are about accelerating economic transformation.

The Economic Development Plan is not just a policy document; it is a promise of sustained prosperity.

Yet, amidst all these accomplishments, some jobless political players want to drag him into premature succession politics. But the Governor is not interested. He is not playing 2027 politics now. He is focused on governance because he understands that this is the time for governance not politics—on delivering tangible, life-changing projects that will outlive his tenure.

That is the mark of a true statesman. While others play politics, Governor Uzodimma is building the future of Imo. And when history is written, his legacy will stand tall as the man who turned Imo into an industrial giant.

This is not politics. This is governance at its finest.

– Ambrose Nwaogwugwu is the Senior Special Assistant to Imo State Governor on Electronic and Creative Media.