Owerri: The scale and quality of infrastructure development in Imo have been described as evidence of purposeful leadership and effective collaboration between the Federal and State Governments. Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, stated this during the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National Media Tour in Owerri.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dare remarked that the infrastructure development in Imo under the Hope Uzodimma-led administration is a revolution worthy of emulation by other subnationals in the country. The Tour, an initiative of the Uzodimma-led Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Communications Team, included members of the Presidential Communications Team and over 40 senior journalists, who toured several completed and ongoing projects across the state.
Dare commended Uzodimma for driving an infrastructure that is transforming the state into a hub for innovation, healthcare, education, and economic development. Among the projects inspected was the Imo Digital City, where smartphones and laptops are being assembled, providing employment opportunities and positioning the state as a centre for digital technology and innovation in Nigeria.
The team also inspected the ongoing construction of a 2000-bed capacity ultra-modern infectious disease centre in partnership with the NNPCL, expressing hope that the facility would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s public health preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks. Additionally, the ongoing construction of a world-class Heart Transplant Centre at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital in Orlu Local Government was inspected.
Other projects visited included the expansion of the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre in Owerri into a modern facility with over 2,000-seating capacity and the construction of a five-star hotel comprising more than 110 rooms by the state government. Dare noted that these projects align with the mission and vision of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the implementation of legacy projects across the state.
Dare emphasized the importance of these developments, highlighting the micro aspects of the Renewed Hope Agenda, such as infrastructure and human capital development. He noted the revitalization of a healthcare centre that had been abandoned for several years and deemed these projects impactful to the people, reflecting the essence of Renewed Hope.
The team also reviewed the strategic 19-kilometre Orlu-Akokwa-Uga Border Road project, which links Imo and Anambra States. The Presidential aide stated that this project would address gully erosion, provide a critical interstate transport corridor, improve connectivity, facilitate commerce, and promote regional integration.
Dare praised the state government’s efforts in resolving accreditation and certification challenges that previously hindered graduates of Imo medical schools from obtaining specialist recognition. He also lauded the ongoing construction of a world-class Heart Transplant Centre expected to expand access to specialized cardiovascular care and reduce the need for Nigerians to seek advanced medical treatment abroad.
Dare highlighted the establishment of the Imo State University of Innovation, Science and Technology in Imuma for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and innovation, aligning with President Tinubu’s agenda of developing a knowledge-driven economy.
He acknowledged that these projects demonstrated the impact of a strong partnership between the Federal and Imo State Governments in delivering people-centred development. This collaboration is facilitated by the increased FAAC allocation from the Federal Government to the state, providing extra funds for development projects. Dare noted similar developments in other states where APC governors have utilized these funds for infrastructural development.
Earlier, Mr. Declan Emelumba, Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, commended the fact-finding efforts of the Presidential Media Team under the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ National Media Tour. Emelumba stated that Imo would continue to prioritize people-oriented projects by aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.