Abuja: President Bola Tinubu’s reform policies are reportedly spurring significant infrastructural development, setting the stage for national progress. Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo highlighted this during a dinner organized for the Renewed Hope National Media Tour team at the Government House, Owerri.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the team, which includes Renewed Hope Ambassadors and officials from the Presidential Communications, has been inspecting federal and state projects in Imo since Wednesday. During his address to the team, Uzodimma emphasized that Tinubu’s policies, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, have notably increased state allocations and internal revenue.
“The projects you have seen in Imo were only possible because of the reform policies of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu,” Uzodimma stated. He further disclosed that Imo’s monthly internally generated revenue surged from N400 million to N6 billion, while the state’s substantial debt profile decreased from over N280 billion in 2020 to under N90 billion currently.
The governor explained that the enhanced allocations were promptly invested in essential infrastructure to benefit the local populace directly. He noted that significant road construction has reduced intra-state travel times, with typical journeys of two to three hours now taking less than 45 minutes.
Additionally, Uzodimma mentioned advancements in the energy sector through the Orashi Power Plant, which is enhancing electricity generation, transmission, and local distribution. He assured the visiting delegation that the power plant would broaden its distribution to more Local Government Areas by the end of the year.
“In Tinubu, I see another Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore who came to power with strong oppositions but became a reference point, in terms of quality leadership and development,” Uzodimma remarked. As chair of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, he expressed confidence that fellow All Progressives Congress (APC) governors are similarly utilizing their increased subsidy revenues to develop their respective states.
Uzodimma asserted that the populace is already convinced of the need for Tinubu’s re-election, attributing the current favorable environment to his policies. He cited Tinubu’s reforms since May 2023 and the APC’s national population, exceeding 13 million, as compelling reasons for a second term campaign.
He praised the media tour team, emphasizing the integral role of media in validating sustainable development within a democracy. Earlier, the presidential delegation, led by Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, lauded Uzodimma for his clear vision and dedication to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dare also recognized Uzodimma’s strategic leadership role in the Progressive Governors’ Forum, which has expanded the party’s influence to 32 governors nationwide. He highlighted that the bold economic decisions since the administration’s start in May 2023 have steered Nigeria’s governance in a positive direction.
Dare revealed that the 58-member delegation has already toured the seven states of the North West, evaluating critical state and federal projects linked to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Extending their review to the South East, the team visited Ebonyi, Enugu, and Abia states to inspect developmental infrastructure projects.
The presidential aide explained that the team engaged with the public by providing live commentaries and capturing real-time photographs at the project sites. “We saw quite a number of mind-boggling projects, but when we got to the Imo Digital City, we all took a pause,” Dare noted. He described the digital hub as an innovative concept that transcends basic brick-and-mortar structures.
“The facility operates on a public-private partnership model covering cutting-edge artificial intelligence, drone technology, and a telecommunications phone manufacturing sector,” he explained, emphasizing that this intentional design equips regional youth with crucial digital skills for the 21st century.
He stressed the importance of the APC actively promoting these governance achievements through its state governors, particularly during critical election periods.