By Saby Elemba, in Owerri
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State appears to be winning the quiet vote of confidence of some industrialists in the state ahead of the November 2023 governorship election in which he will be seeking a second term in office.
Such a vote of confidence has long been scarce in the state as millions of its citizens had learnt not to build hope in their political leaders after several years of failed promises. But it would seem Governor Uzodimna is being given some benefit of the doubt over what some industrialists point to as “… judging from the road and infrastructure his government promised and some of which have been fulfilled.”
Some industrialists members of the Owerri Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OCCIMA) who chose not to be named for this story expressed their thoughts to Business A.M. in Owerri.
The industrialists were also reacting to the recent hint given by Uzodinma to Imo people that they should look forward to massive investments and consolidation of infrastructure, if he gets reelected for a second term in office in the November election.
Uzodinma had said that he desired to have Imo State industrialised by way of engaging private bodies and investors that will take advantage of the public private partnership (PPP) arrangement which he said, is already yielding results in some areas.
In three years and half of being in office, despite mounting challenges, the governor said his government has turned Imo State around to the joy of the people and to the surprise of his political opponents.
He has, therefore, made a firm promise to consolidate on his people oriented programmes and projects in Imo if he is elected for a second term in office.
And in a recent television programme, he highlighted how he pulled Imo State out of economic doldrums, noting that today, the story is quite different.
Asked what the people should expect if he is reelected, he was very enthusiastic to say that industrialisation of the state and consolidation of infrastructure are key to the next level of development in the state.
“Imo State is a work in progress and do not be deceived, it is not possible that within a four-year tenure, the state can be emancipated from the level of decay it was submerged into prior to my assumption of office, considering the various interjections my administration encountered.
“For the past three and half years, my administration has embarked on tangible and intangible projects in salvaging the state from the deplorable condition it was [in]. The reconstruction of major economic roads in the state has given a facelift to commercial activities across the state, thereby giving rise, not just to state internally generated revenue (IGR) but also, to personal income of Ndi Imo and residents.
“The reduction in travel time from Owerri to Orlu and Owerri to Okigwe has led to a reduction in transportation cost along these routes and we aim to achieve the same after the reconstruction of Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia road. Our road revolution is not limited to federal roads as we have restored the state capital to its glory while rebuilding many other rural roads,” he said.
Explaining further, Uzodinma said: “Our industrial policy framework which is in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) was formulated to consolidate government’s efforts in the industrialisation of the state. The private sector is armed with great potential for economic growth and we are leveraging this to grow our GDP.
“Thanks to the enabling environment which we have provided for businesses and governance, while we anticipate a thriving economy through these partnerships, the support of “Ndi Imo nile” and residents is highly sought after for the success of my projections.”
