Imo Lawmakers Approve Renaming of Historic Douglas Road in Honour of Governor Uzodimma

… Assembly describes Uzodimma as a transformational leader deserving of lasting recognition

By Douglas Princemola

The Imo State House of Assembly has approved a motion to rename the iconic Douglas Road in Owerri after the sitting governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma. The decision came during plenary on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, marking the House’s first legislative sitting following a three-month recess.

The motion, sponsored by Hon. Barr. Ted Chisom Ojukwu, member representing Nkwerre State Constituency, called for the official renaming of the road as “Governor Hope Uzodimma Road.” The Assembly directed the Executive Chairman of Owerri Municipal Local Government Council to implement the resolution, while state agencies were tasked with updating all official signage, maps, and documentation accordingly.

In his submission, Hon. Ojukwu stated that the renaming was both timely and appropriate, noting that the road’s original name—Douglas Road—memorialized a colonial administrator, Harold M. Douglas, whose tenure in the early 1900s was marked by reports of forced labor, repression, and violence against local communities.

He argued that public infrastructure of such prominence should instead bear the names of individuals whose leadership has directly contributed to the growth and modernization of the state.

Governor Hope Uzodimma has demonstrated uncommon commitment to infrastructural renewal, economic development, and institutional reforms in Imo State, Ojukwu said. It is only fitting that we recognize and preserve his legacy through this symbolic act.

The motion received widespread support from members of the House. Contributing to the debate, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu described Governor Uzodimma as “a transformational leader whose impact will be felt for generations.”

From road construction and urban renewal to healthcare and security, the governor has touched every sector. This renaming is not just symbolic it is a well-deserved honour, Iwuanyanwu added.

Other lawmakers echoed similar sentiments, commending Uzodimma for what they described as a hands on approach to governance, particularly in addressing long standing infrastructural deficits in the state capital and beyond.

The motion was unanimously adopted and is now pending execution by the relevant local and state authorities. Once implemented, the former Douglas Road an arterial route in the heart of Owerri will officially become Governor Hope Uzodimma Road.

The decision is expected to generate public debate, particularly regarding the practice of naming landmarks after sitting political officeholders. However, Assembly members maintained that the gesture reflects the appreciation of the people of Imo State for what they consider an era of visible progress and leadership.