Uzodimma Pledges Accelerated Development In 2025

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has assured the people of accelerated development in all parts of the State this year.

He said that with the planned industrialisation of the State and the level of infrastructural development already achieved by his administration, Imo will experience an economic boom this year.

In his new year message to the people,  the Governor, however, asked them to support the administration and re-dedicate themselves to the service of the State.

He also tasked them to love one another as brothers and sisters and “avoid negative tendencies  that hinder the spirit of togetherness needed to foster the growth and development of the State.”

He also urged the people to reaffirm their hope in a better tomorrow, saying that Nigerians will emerge stronger from the current economic challenges if they have faith in God.

Reflecting on the economic growth of the State, Uzodimma disclosed that with the faithful implementation of the 2025  budget of N807 billion, he would have set Imo on an irreversible path of sustainable development.

He described the budget as “a clear statement of my determination to vigorously pursue the industrialisation of the State by strengthening our infrastructure.”

According to him, apart from the completion of his legacy projects started last year, especially the iconic Assumpta Flyover, the Owerri-Umuahia road, and the provision of uninterrupted power supply, the communities in the State will experience “renewed vitality as my administration will assist them in implementing various projects.”

Senator Uzodimma  expressed confidence that the newly democratised local governments will also assist the communities in achieving rapid growth.

The Governor assured civil servants and pensioners in the State of sustainable payment of salaries and pensions and gratuities to make lives more meaningful for them.

Uzodimma pledged his unwavering commitment and dedication towards serving Imo people diligently and honestly to justify the confidence they reposed in him through his reelection.

He accordingly charged those working with him in the Executive to redouble their efforts to ensure that Imo people receive first class service this year.

Said he: “This year, 2025, is a defining year for all of us to prove our mettle in serving the people of the State. Laxity and corruption will not be tolerated. Let it be clear that those called to serve Imo State in my administration must either serve with dignity and integrity or face the consequences.”

Governor Uzodimma’s message reads:

“My esteemed Imo people, my brothers and sisters, I address you on this New Year’s Day of 2025 with a heart full of joy and gratitude to God. Please join me in thanking and praising God, the giver of life, for the privilege of beholding another New Year’s Day.

“This new year brings with it great promise of hope, peace, and progress for all Imo people. It is worthy of celebration that we are alive to behold the new year, inspite of  all odds and challenges, including the harsh global economic environment.

“Those of us who are blessed to see this new year should be filled with gratitude to God. We are aware that many of those who started last year with us are not here today. While we thank God for sparing our lives, we should spare a thought for all those who have departed .

“Indeed, I can say that God was good and merciful to Imo State and its people in the preceding year of 2024. Security-wise, it was a year of God’s mercy. We had a relatively calm and secure year in which serious security breaches and associated senseless killings of the past were kept at a minimum.

“While we give God all the glory, I must also thank the security agencies for their sacrifices and proactive responses to these security challenges. I also appreciate the members and leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria for their relentless prayers for peace in our state.

“To those who promote insecurity and social tension in the state, I urge you once again to repent and embrace peace. Take advantage of this new year to make peace with God and your conscience. If you persist, the long arm of the law will catch up with you, and you will be held accountable for your evil deeds.

“Let me also use this auspicious occasion to urge all Imo people, regardless of political affiliations, to work with the government in our relentless quest to bring more development to our dear state.

“With the signing into law of our administration’s Eight Hundred and Seven Billion Naira Appropriation Bill on Monday, I can confidently say that I have set the state on an irreversible path of economic growth. As you know, 86.09% or  Six Hundred and Ninety-Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Six Million, Forty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and twenty naira( N694,786,04,220) of the budget is allocated to capital projects. This is a clear statement of my determination to vigorously pursue the industrialization of the state by strengthening our infrastructure.

“Several legacy projects initiated last year will be completed this year. These include, but are not limited to, the iconic Assumpta Flyover, the Owerri-Umuahia Road, the provision of uninterrupted power supply statewide, the Imo Concorde Hilton Hotel, and the iconic Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre.

“Equally, the Orashi Free Trade Zone and other ancillary projects, such as the dredging of the Oguta/Orashi rivers to the Atlantic, will be expedited to attract foreign and domestic investors.

“As we open our doors to investors by providing essential infrastructure like roads, electricity, and a conducive business environment, we are creating significant job opportunities for our youth and women. I am confident that these measures will bring us closer to industrializing the state than ever before, and we will soon have a robust economy and sustained development that will put us on the global map of industrialized economies.

“In this regard, I recommit myself to working harder and maintaining transparency in the allocation of your resources for the maximum benefit of the people. I assure you that the 2025 budget will be faithfully implemented to address the needs of our people and achieve the administration’s goals.

“As I promised during my second-term inauguration speech, the pace of governance will continue to accelerate, and service delivery will be enhanced. I am committed to serving Imo people diligently and honestly. Your overwhelming support in the 2023 elections has further strengthened my resolve to serve you better. I urge those serving Imo people with me to redouble their efforts.

“This year, 2025 is a defining year for all of us to prove our mettle in serving the people of the state. Laxity and corruption will not be tolerated. Let it be clear that those called to serve Imo State in my administration must either serve with dignity and integrity or face the consequences.

“Our civil servants and pensioners can expect more welfare packages from the government as we strive to improve their lives. I am aware of the general hardship in the country. Therefore, I will ensure that our civil servants and pensioners are supported to live meaningful lives as a reward for their service to the state. Last year, we began paying gratuities to our pensioners. Those who were omitted last year will be paid this year. No one will be left behind.

“Similarly, this year, our communities will experience renewed vitality as my administration will assist them in implementing various projects.

“With the democratization of local governments, we expect to see rapid economic growth and social development in rural communities. I have instructed traditional rulers to reside in their domains to oversee the development and security of their communities. I hope they heed this directive.

“My good people of Imo State, as we embark on this new year, let us rededicate ourselves to serving our state. Let us love one another as brothers and sisters. Let us avoid negative tendencies that hinder the spirit of togetherness needed to foster the growth and development of the state.

“As we do this, let us reaffirm our hope for a better tomorrow. Remember, it is darkest before dawn. I believe that we will emerge stronger from these economic challenges if we have faith in God and our leaders.

“As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated in his Christmas message, the federal government’s economic reforms are already bearing fruit. We need a bit of patience as we will soon reap the full benefits of these reforms.

“Finally, I urge us to approach this year with hope and faith that Nigeria and Imo State will have a brighter future. But, as the Bible teaches us, we should back our faith with good work. If we do, the sky will be our limit.

“I wish all of us a prosperous New Year.

“Thank you, and God bless all of us.

“Sen. (Dr.) Hope Uzodimma, CON
Governor.”