From Joshua Chibuzo Andrew
Governor Hope Uzodimma made the disclosure during an expanded meeting of the Imo State Executive Council held on Saturday, where he gave an extensive update on his administration’s developmental strides and outlined new policy initiatives.
Loading ...The meeting, which brought together commissioners, aides, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders, was aimed at reviewing the state’s progress and addressing critical governance issues.
The development was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu.
According to Uzodimma, his administration has taken on major road projects traditionally under the purview of the Federal Government.
“We have done the Owerri–Okigwe Road, Owerri–Mbaise–Umuahia Road, Owerri–Orlu Road, Orlu–Ugah–Akokwa Road, and we are currently working on the Owerri–Omarelu Road, but the Federal Government has not refunded a kobo.
“The governor after me might even be the one to receive the refund if I do not get it. Of course, I didn’t build the roads because of refunds; I built them so that Imo people can use them,” the governor said.
He explained that his decision to embark on the reconstruction of federal roads was driven by the urgent need to ease movement, attract investment, and improve the living conditions of Imo residents.
The governor also unveiled plans to launch a 24-hour power supply in Owerri by November 2025, noting that the initiative would later be extended to Orlu, Okigwe, and Mbaise. The project, he said, aligns with his administration’s vision to create a more business-friendly and economically active environment.
In another major policy announcement, Uzodimma disclosed that workers earning below ₦150,000 per month would soon be exempted from personal income tax, adding that oil companies operating in the state would help cushion the effect of the policy on government revenue.
He also announced plans to introduce free transportation for students and pensioners, covering major routes such as Owerri–Okigwe, Owerri–Orlu, Owerri–Aba, Owerri–Onitsha, and the Port Harcourt Road corridor, using newly procured CNG-powered metro buses.
Speaking on youth inclusion in governance, the governor said his administration is deliberately grooming a new generation of leaders capable of sustaining the state’s progress.
“We need a new generation of politicians to run the affairs of Imo State,” he declared, adding that mentorship and capacity-building remain key components of his leadership model.
On infrastructure, Uzodimma revealed that a new Revenue House is under construction to centralise and enhance revenue collection. He disclosed that about 50 per cent of the contract sum has already been paid to accelerate completion.
The governor also spoke extensively about the state’s preparedness for a State Police Force, noting that the existing vigilante structure would evolve into a formal police outfit once the Federal Government completes the constitutional framework.
“The outfit will be well-equipped to the standard of any military to effectively combat insecurity,” he assured.
On political accountability, Uzodimma reminded elected officials and appointees of their responsibility to support the ruling party financially, stressing that state funds meant for public development cannot be diverted for partisan use.
He further urged Imo representatives at the National Assembly to actively champion the state’s interests in federal budgeting and project allocations, highlighting that experienced lawmakers are better positioned to attract meaningful development.
The governor concluded by reaffirming his commitment to transparency and accountability.
“When I finish my tenure, call EFCC or ICPC — I will answer every call because I have nothing to hide,” he said confidently.
Uzodimma reiterated that his government remains focused on good governance, youth empowerment, infrastructure renewal, and economic stability, stressing that all his policies are aimed at building a sustainable and prosperous future for Imo people.
