Governor Hope Uzodimma has assured citizens of the state resident in America that there is improved security in the state contrary to what was obtainable at the inception of his administration.
He disclosed that through the collaboration of the Federal Government, the State Government has embarked upon measures that resulted in the state being safe for both residents and investments.
He spoke in Atlanta, Georgia, in America during the convention of Imo State Congress in America (ISCA).
The Governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, named such measures to include massive support to security agencies by way of logistics and the setting up and funding of vigilantes in all the communities in the state.
Uzodimma was happy that currently, the state is enjoying relative peace with the resurgence of the hospitality industry and the attendant nightlife, unlike in the past.
The governor further disclosed that his administration was not resting on its oars as it has gone far in ensuring 24-hour power supply in the 27 local government areas of the state to improve security through illumination of the towns and villages and creation of jobs for youths.
He encouraged Imo citizens resident abroad to feel free to visit home regularly as the government has not only improved the state of security and other infrastructure but has put in place necessary logistics to ensure that they can fly home direct to Owerri through the Sam Mbakwe International Airport.
He said that apart from security, he was steadily rebuilding the state with first-class roads, including the Owerri-Okigwe Road, Owerri-Orlu Road, and Owerri-Umuahia Road.
He also mentioned the iconic Assumpta Flyover, Owerri, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, and improved health and education sectors as steps taken by the administration to make Imo better.
Uzodimma also revealed that he was recently in Spain at the invitation of the United Nations Global Compact to share with other world leaders the Imo homegrown economic initiatives for the enhancement of the state economy.
According to him, through the OKOBI model, kindreds are encouraged to identify and set up businesses through the support of the state government.
He also announced that more than 40,000 youths have been trained in digital technology to be self-employed or work for digital companies across the globe, saying that the target is to get 300,000 youths out of the unemployment market in the shortest possible time.
Uzodimma assured them that with the advanced state of infrastructure in Imo coupled with improved security, investors were now flooding the state contrary to what obtained in the past.
He said he was conscious of history and therefore determined to leave worthy legacies compatible with his mission and vision for the state.
In his remarks, one of the participants, Attorney Charles Onyirimba, acknowledged that he was actually aware of improved security in Imo State.
In his remarks, the President of Imo State Congress in America, Frank Ekeigwe, commended Uzodimma for improving the living standards of Imo people through prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities and provision of critical infrastructure.
He also applauded the governor for swiftly addressing the security challenges in the state, which he noted was a grave concern to citizens outside the country.