Vice President Hails Governor Uzodimma as Imo Charts Industrialised, Digitised, Energy-Sovereign Future

Golden Jubilee of Imo State showcases 50 years of progress and unveils visionary plans for a trillion-dollar digital economy

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State as a “game-changing revolutionary” whose leadership ensures governance is focused on duty, not theatre. The commendation came during the grand finale of Imo State’s 50th anniversary celebrations on February 7, 2026, at the Government House, Owerri.

Governor Uzodimma outlined an ambitious vision for an industrialised, digitised, and energy-sovereign Imo, pledging a future driven by technology, human capital, and sustainable energy.

“The State has risen and come of age. Our future wealth will not come from the ground but from the minds of our people,” Uzodimma said, highlighting over 65,000 youths trained in digital skills through the Skill-Up Imo programme.

Recalling Imo’s early years since its creation on February 3, 1976, the governor noted that the first budget stood at just ₦259.4 million, heavily reliant on federal allocations. Today, the State’s budget has grown to ₦1.439 trillion, while internally generated revenue has surged from ₦226.6 million in 1976 to over ₦63 billion in 2023 — a more than 1,600-fold increase.

Uzodimma highlighted his administration’s achievements, including the construction of over 130 roads, the upgrade of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport to international standards, expansion of healthcare coverage through a state health insurance scheme, and the commissioning of the Orashi Power Project, aimed at reducing generator dependency.

The governor also launched the “Imo @50 Compendium,” chronicling the State’s history, and unveiled a 25-year development master plan targeting Africa’s leading digital hub status for Imo.

Vice President Shettima lauded Imo’s progress across education, agriculture, Nollywood, and technology, urging citizens to build on these foundations and embrace unity, innovation, and service-driven policies for the next 50 years.

Other dignitaries praised the governor’s leadership. Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku described Uzodimma as an “infrastructure governor” leaving an admirable legacy. Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji commended Uzodimma for service delivery and progressive governance, while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, celebrated his unifying leadership.

The anniversary also featured awards recognising contributions to the State, including the Golden Star Governor of Imo State award presented to late Chief Sam Mbakwe and Governor Uzodimma, as well as the Grand Service Star of Imo State and other honours for outstanding achievements in innovation, culture, and youth leadership.

The event attracted a host of national and state leaders, traditional rulers, clergy, captains of industry, political appointees, and other stakeholders.

Imo State’s 50th anniversary has been a showcase of resilience, growth, and visionary planning, setting the stage for what Uzodimma described as “an era of industrialization, digitalization, and shared prosperity.”