By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
7-OCT- 2025

The Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Monday embarked on an extensive inspection tour of several ongoing projects across Owerri, the state capital, In a remarkable move that reflects his administration’s dedication to infrastructural excellence and urban transformation

The inspection exercise was part of the Governor’s continuous monitoring of strategic development projects aimed at ensuring timely delivery, adherence to standards, and alignment with the State’s comprehensive urban renewal scheme.

During the tour, Governor Uzodimma visited key project sites including the construction of the Ultra-Modern Bus Terminal at Onitsha Road, the Imo Recreation Park, the headquarters of the Imo Internal Revenue Service (IIRS), and the Imo Drug Warehouse. Each of these projects represents a vital component of the administration’s broader vision to modernize Owerri, strengthen public services, and promote economic vibrancy within the State.

According to the Governor, the on-site inspection was not just an assessment exercise but a strategic review session aimed at identifying gaps and ensuring that contractors maintain both speed and quality in project execution. He emphasized that his observations during the visit would inform prompt and targeted interventions to accelerate delivery timelines and enhance the efficiency of infrastructure development.

Governor Uzodimma reiterated that his government remains focused on sustainable urban development, with projects deliberately designed to improve the living standards of citizens, decongest urban traffic, enhance environmental aesthetics, and boost tourism and commerce in the capital city.

The Governor’s hands-on leadership style continues to reflect his resolve to deliver on the 3R Government Agenda of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Recovery, transforming Imo into a modern, functional, and investor-friendly state.

The Northern Elders Forum and the Northern Governors Forum have established a new body known as the Northern Nigeria Development Council, NNDC, to coordinate and drive the region’s economic transformation agenda.

The decision followed the signing of the Northern Nigeria Economic Development Charter at the end of the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit, which ended in Abuja on Monday.

NEF Convener, Prof Ango Abdullahi, who signed the communiqué after the summit, pointed out that the proposed council will operate under the joint supervision of the two forums and serve as the institutional framework for implementing the region’s long-term development masterplan.

The communiquè said, “The charter signed by the Northern Governors commits them to establish the NNDC as the dedicated coordinating agency for the region’s economic agenda.”

It further revealed that the NNDC will “serve as the institutional and programme management body to midwife the Regional Integration Agenda of Northern Nigeria.”

It will consolidate strategies in mining, agriculture, power, industrialization, technology, and related sectors.

The summit, themed “Unlocking Strategic Opportunities in Mining, Agriculture, and Power,” brought together governors, investors, and development partners to explore ways to accelerate growth in the region.

The forum disclosed that over $10bn in investments were pledged across key sectors for implementation over the next five years.

It also emphasized the need for regional economic integration, improved infrastructure, and clear investment policies to attract private capital.

Participants further recommended reforms to ease doing business, standardise public-private partnership frameworks, and institutionalise land administration reforms.

They also proposed the creation of a Security-Investment Coordination Task Force to safeguard critical projects.

The communiqué traced the vision for the new council to the North’s historical industrial base, recalling the 1960s and 1970s when agriculture and agro-processing anchored the region’s economy.

It noted that the new initiative aims to revive that legacy through a modernised, coordinated framework for sustainable growth.

The Igbo communities in Canada have called on President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate and unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.