By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke

6- NOV- 2025

The Imo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, has announced a strategic financial intervention to revive the long-abandoned Inyishi Aluminium Company in Ikeduru Local Government Area. The State Executive Council approved a N500 million lifeline to restore operations at the industrial facility, which has remained inactive for several decades, signaling a renewed commitment to industrial rejuvenation and job creation.

At a press briefing following the council meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, disclosed that the approval reflects the government’s plan to stimulate economic activity through resuscitation of dormant industries, particularly those capable of revitalizing local manufacturing and employment.

In addition to the revival fund, the council also approved the construction of 40 strategic roads across the three senatorial zones — Okigwe, Orlu, and Owerri. This move forms part of the administration’s comprehensive rural development agenda, focused on enhancing accessibility, improving transportation networks, and stimulating grassroots economic growth in all 27 local government areas.

To further enhance public sector efficiency, the council sanctioned the procurement of new government vehicles to support seamless administrative operations across ministries and agencies.

Emelumba noted that the administration has set up an inter-ministerial committee tasked with designing a development blueprint to ensure equitable infrastructural deployment, bridging the gap between urban and rural communities and ensuring balanced growth.

He further disclosed that the council has approved a 15 percent consultancy fee to Trace Wide Consult for its successful efforts in the review and recovery of unpaid liquefied natural gas dividends and oil revenues dating back to January 1999.

Speaking on digital innovation, the Commissioner announced the commencement of recruitment for the fourth batch of the Skill-Up Imo Project. Interested applicants were encouraged to apply through the MyImoApp, which is available free of charge to residents.

In a related development, the state government awarded a contract to Imo Digital City for the management of Land Information Services and the digitalisation of all land-related transactions for the next 25 years. All land transactions in the state, he said, would now be conducted electronically and through cashless systems.

On preparations for the upcoming Imo Economic and Investment Summit scheduled for December 4–5, Emelumba revealed that a dedicated committee has been inaugurated, and at least 13 financial institutions are expected to participate as partners and sponsors.

He also confirmed that the newly refurbished Imo Concord Hilton Hotel would be opened to the public before Christmas. The iconic hospitality facility has been redesigned to attract visitors and holidaymakers within Nigeria and the diaspora.

In a solemn announcement, Emelumba conveyed the council’s sadness over the death of Dr. Daniel Ogacheke, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Investment. He stated that a government delegation would attend the burial and offer financial support to the bereaved family.

Providing an update on the state’s electricity infrastructure, the Commissioner for Power and Electrification, Nwabueze Ogushienti, informed the public that the upgrade of power transmission infrastructure is in progress. The first phase includes the