After viewing the ultra-modern chamber of the reconstructed House of Assembly, President Muhammadu Buhari said to Gov. Hope Uzodimma in Owerri, Imo State, “You have created your own history,” in praise of his efforts to build the state.
The president praised the governor of Imo State for paying more attention to building projects and institutional reforms that will improve people’s lives and declared that his government would leave a legacy of significant development projects across the nation.
President Buhari highlighted that the Imo State administration has achieved impressive progress with infrastructure in three years when he officially opened the Owerri/Orlu dual carriage, Owerri/Okigwe road, and rebuilt House of Assembly Complex.
“I am delighted to be back in Imo State – the Eastern Heartland – to commission a number of projects executed by the administration of His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma.
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“I am happy to note that within just three years of the administration of Governor Uzodimma, I have made two official visits to Imo State to commission projects in the state.
“On each occasion, I have received a very warm hospitality of Imo people, for which I am always appreciative. Ndi Imo, Ndewo!
“As it is often said in local Igbo parlance, a good road deserves a second passage. It is a pleasant coincidence that the name of your governor, “Uzodimma” is derived from this same idiom. Little wonder, therefore, that he has made the provision of good roads one of his top priorities,” he said.
The President stated that his administration understands the significance of crucial infrastructure for economic development and that it is committed to promoting Nigeria’s economic growth through the provision of essential infrastructure throughout the entire nation.
“This can be seen in our commitment to certain critical projects such as Deep Sea Ports, new airport terminals and buildings, various railway projects, a network of gas and power infrastructure, roads and bridges including the Second Niger Bridge, telecommunications infrastructure to mention but a few.
“I am therefore happy to see that the APC administration of Governor Uzodimma is doing similar improvement here in Imo State.
“I commend the Governor for being able to do so with the limited resources at the disposal of the State Government. This proves that when leaders are dedicated and focused, much can be achieved for our people, “ he added.
The President stated that the federal government would help the Imo State government in its efforts to continue giving the populace the benefits of democracy.
Despite differences in political party affiliations, President Buhari reaffirmed, “This support is equally available to all the states of the Federation.”
The Governor’s dream for the state, particularly in terms of good administration, was applauded by the President, who urged Imo State residents to continue supporting him.
“In my last visit here, I encouraged you all to support your Governor so that he can do more for the people of Imo state. I am happy that you took my advice and today, he has presented to me three key projects for commissioning.
“I have just commissioned the dualized Owerri – Orlu road, the Owerri Okigwe road (Phase 1) and the rebuilt House of Assembly Complex.
“I am told that these two major roads, which I commissioned, cut through several local government areas of the state. The roads will therefore serve as major stimulants to the local economy of these parts of the state,” the President stated.
President Buhari noted that previous administrations in the state were unable to fix the roads because of their unique and difficult terrains, which were complicated by erosion.
According to him, “it took the sheer determination and courage of the current government to fix these roads. So, I say “Bravo” to the Governor of Imo State, whose name I was informed means “good road”.
“I was also informed that the House of Assembly Complex which I have just commissioned was dilapidated and abandoned for over 10 years before the intervention of the present administration.
“This is equally commendable, because of the importance of the legislative arm of government in the sustenance of democracy. I, therefore, applaud the governor for according due respect to this arm of government which is at the heart of our democracy, “ he said.
The Imo state government was praised by President Buhari for “the road revolution,” which he called a “infrastructure revolution.”
The Owerri/Orlu dual carriage and Owerri/Okigwe roads have substantial economic significance for the state and other adjacent states, the governor of Imo State said in his speech.
“Each of the projects has a noteworthy past. Since decades, the area behind the dualized road has been a nightmare,” he claimed, adding that erosion made the construction more challenging.
“To the glory of God, we have found the bravery, commitment, and resources to fix the road,” declared Governor Uzodimma. The problems that seemed insurmountable have been solved.
The House of Assembly was renovated after being abandoned for a long time, according to the governor of Imo State, making it more appropriate for the lawmakers.
The Governor thanked the President for his efforts to ensure development in the South East through historic projects like the second Niger Bridge, which would require the highest single investment in the region of more than N360 billion, approval for the Federal Medical Center’s conversion to a teaching hospital, and the construction of a naval base in Oguta, Imo State.
