As Hope Uzodimma Pushes for Lasting Impact in Governance

Donatus Eleko

Governance, at its core, is measured not by fleeting promises but by legacies that stand the test of time. In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma appears intent on etching his name in history through projects and policies designed to outlive his tenure.

From infrastructure renewal to institutional reforms, Uzodimma has made it clear that his vision for governance goes beyond immediate political gains, aiming instead at structural changes that can secure long-term development for the state.

Yet, building a lasting legacy is no easy feat in Nigeria’s fluid political environment, where short-term interests often overshadow sustainable planning. Uzodimma’s push for enduring impact demands not only bold investments but also a commitment to accountability, inclusiveness, and continuity. The real test lies in whether these initiatives will remain resilient in the face of political shifts and economic challenges.

That was why when, recently, Governor Uzodimma,  told media executives to freely go round the state to see what his government had done in catering to the needs of the people, he knew that he was staking his reputation.

The Governor knew that prying eyes of journalists could see the wrong things. But he was ready to take the risk, confident that his administration has done well in fulfilling its own side of the Social Contract.

Governor Uzodimma had told senior journalists, including executive members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors: “Take time to move around the state and see for yourselves, the progress we have made in building Imo into a model of excellence. As you do, you will notice that the flyover at Assumpta Roundabout was not there when last you were here. You will also see that the World-Class International Conference Centre at Orlu Road junction has since been completed.

“But above all, I urge you to interact with the management of the Orashi Electricity Company, so that you can be well appraised of how far we have gone in our determination, to provide 24/7 electricity across all 27 local government areas of the state in the coming months.

“I am confident that by the time you conclude your visit, you will agree with us that a new Imo is truly on the rise.”

True to the promise, some giant strides have been made in Imo State under the Uzodimma administration.  Right from the second term of the government,  massive infrastructure and welfare programmes have been unveiled and vigorously been pursued.

Nobody would lose sight of the Mgbe/Umuchima erosion site, in Ideato, where reclaim work is ongoing.

One of the engineers handling the project, Chibuzo Agwuamba, told media executives who took up Governor Uzodimma’s challenge of going round the state to see things for themselves, that the double lane and bridge would be completed in no time, adding that the Orashi River, which was diverted to enable construction work, would soon flow naturally, like before.

The joy on the faces of the indigenes of Mgbe and Umuchima is beyond comprehension, as they pray for the governor and his team, for not only keeping to the promise of fixing the road, but also for saving the community from being washed away by erosion.

The all-important road, which links Imo State and Anambra,  failed completely because of the poor construction by the Rochas Okorocha government and the neglect of the immediate past government,  before Uzodimma came to office.

At a place where a bridge was needed, the past government built a culvert across a river with high torrential waters. To make matters worse, it was a slope, where water from the higher parts, right and left, converged into the fast-flowing Orashi River. It was therefore not surprising that the road was washed away by flash flood and completely swallowed by erosion.

In the reclaiming job, the Uzodimma government is planning a concrete bridge across the river and to join the hilly parts of the road.

Already,  concrete drainages are being g constructed on either sides of the expressway.

As part of its programme to bring government close to the people, the Imo State Government House Annex in Eziachi, Orlu, is another cardinal project that thrilled visiting editors.

At a time when rural dwellers feel that Government House, which is situated at the capital city, Owerri, makes government look distant, the building of a Government House Annex in Orlu, gives the people a sense of belonging. Having a Government House Annex near rural dwellers brings them closer to government.

The ultra-modern Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, in Owerri, is standing as an edifice in the heart of Owerri.

Those who knew the old ICC would not believe their eyes at what is on ground now.

When Uzodimma assumed office, there was a poorly constructed “conference centre” on the spot. Soon after, the structure’s roof was blow off by wind and the walls started caving in.

Since the entire structure failed integrity test, Governor Uzodimma shut the premises and planned a befitting edifice. The old structure was brought down and cleared, while construction started afresh.

Now standing as a Colossus is a brand new ICC that would host international and local conferences, weddings, and other events.  With a massive parking area and ultra-modern facilities, the ICC is expected to make Owerri a conference destination, as part of the state’s tourism boost.

The Assumpta Flyover at the intersection of Owerri-Port Harcourt expressway, Owerri-Onitsha expressway, and Bank Road is a legacy project that would change the traffic situation in Owerri.

Located at the “Control” area of Owerri, in front of the Assumpta Cathedral of the Catholic Church the flyover rises from two points and Port Harcourt Road end, into Onitsha Road end, and Onitsha-Owerri road end into Bank Road. When completed, vehicles from the Onitsha road end to Port Harcourt road will use the bridge as well as vehicles from inside town (Bank Road)  Onitsha-Owerri road. With this bridge, the hitherto traffic congestion at “Control” roundabout will be solved.

The Owerri-Umuahia express Road is a project that gladdens the hearts of many. Just like the Owerri-Orlu Road and Owerri-Okigwe road, the Owerri-Umuahia Road is an important gateway. Hitherto in bad shape, the road, which passes Mbaise, Obowo and running all the way to Onuimo, the border bridge between Imo and Abia, is wearing a new look following the complete makeover or reconstruction by Gov Uzodimma government.  The road is dualised with streetlights along the stretch, passing major villages as Mbaise and Obowo.

Expressing happiness at the level of infrastructure put on ground by Governor Uzodimma, the President of Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba said: “The most impressive of the projects that I saw was the road linking the former governor’s place. It is very impressive. The narrative was that it is a Federal Road that had been abandoned for a while, but it’s the people of the state that use the road.

“A significant part of the state had been cut off; so the fact that the governor deemed it fit to link the two together is highly commendable. I even learnt that one can connect Anambra, using the road and it makes it more impressive.”

He added: “Let there be peace in the South East, so that people can live, so that development can come. We should not escalate the fear, that the South East is unlivable. It’s not good for anybody. My plea is, let there be peace in the South East.”

Governor Uzodimma came into office with  “3-R  programme,”  standing for Reconstruction, Recovery  and Rehabilitation. The tripod programme of action of Uzodimma’s administration is not merely existing on paper, as he also matches his  words with action.  His good works of re-constructing, recovering and rehabilitating are noticeable  in all sectors, including road constructions,  Health, Education, prompt payment of salaries and pension, security, rehabilitation of decayed infrastructure.

 Addressing members of  Imo House of Assembly and Imo indigenes on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in what  was tagged,  “State of the State Address”, Governor Uzodimma had said: “When I assume office, I was immediately confronted with  two  pressing issues: widespread infrastructure decay,  and the near-total breakdown of state institutions.”

“Most roads were either,  impassable or outright death traps. Governance was paralyzed. The civil service, often referred to as the engine room of government, had lost both its form and function. Even, the Government House had been reduced to a laughable caricature, with official business often conducted in Bush Bars or Guest Houses.”

Confrontated with  the mirads of challenges, the Governor rolled up his sleeves and swung into action in  what many referred to,  as “Infrastructural Revolution.”

Beside infrastructure, another sector the Governor has etched his name in gold is education. According to him, education remains the foundation of any sustainable society.

He explained that it was the reason he took deliberate steps to reposition the educational sector from the very beginning of his administration.

Uzodimma said: “When we assumed office, the situation in our educational system was dire. Teachers were demoralised due to months of unpaid salaries and years of delayed promotions. Instructional materials were also scarce. Our flagship institution, Imo State  University, was not left out. It had lost a number of both staff and students, and academic standards were in free fall.” 

At the  tertiary level, he said Imo State stands out as one of the few states successfully funding five institutions simultaneously: Imo State University, Owerri; K.O. Mbadiwe University, Ogboko; University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo; Imo State Polytechnic and Ben Uwajumogu College of Education, Ihitte Uboma.

Other areas the governor has also left his imprints are:  Health, Sports, Digital Economy and e-Governance, Transport, Agriculture, Environment, Information, Dredging of Orashi River, Security, among others.

With two and a half years to go, Uzodimma is pressing forward to prove his critics wrong. Recently, he announced a minimum wage of N104, 000 for state workers and he is passionate about his electrification programme, with the Orashi Electricity Company.

In the end, Governor Uzodimma’s push for lasting impact in governance will be measured not just by the projects he completes, but by the depth of transformation they bring to the lives of Imo people. Legacy is not built on mere political rhetoric, but on policies and infrastructures that stand the test of time and serve generations yet unborn. If his administration can sustain its momentum, institutionalise reforms, and prioritise people-centered development, Uzodimma will not only etch his name in the annals of Imo’s history but also set a benchmark for purposeful governance in Nigeria.