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Imo State Govt reintroduces Traffic Management Agency
The Imo State Government has officially reintroduced the Imo State Traffic Management Agency, ISTMA, to ensure strict adherence to traffic rules by road users.
The return of the agency, which had been suspended for a few years by the State Government, became feasible following its recent inauguration by the Commissioner for Transport, Emeka Okoronkwo, who charged the new management of the agency to carry out their duties with a human face while ensuring road orderliness.
The inauguration of the new ISTMA teams, held at Arugo Motor Park along Onitsha Road in Owerri, was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Mrs Moneme Judith, the Head of Transport, and other key stakeholders.
In his speech, the Commissioner stated that ISTMA will now serve as the sole government agency responsible for traffic control and management in the state.
He emphasised that the new phase of operations is designed to foster a friendly working relationship with drivers while strictly enforcing traffic regulations, particularly around sensitive areas such as the Assumpta Cathedral–Control Post flyover.
Okoronkwo explained that the enforcement became necessary following the state government’s ban on the indiscriminate loading and offloading of passengers and goods around the Flyover, noting that the measure aims to preserve the newly commissioned infrastructure and ensure smooth traffic flow within the area.
“The commencement of this operation has become expedient to guarantee safe road usage and protect such critical infrastructure as the Assumpta Flyover recently commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
The commissioner further disclosed that the ministry has made available three public distress phone lines for feedback and complaints on the conduct of ISTMA officials, warning that any form of misconduct or abuse of duty would attract strict disciplinary measures.
Okoronkwo, while commending Governor Hope Uzodinma for what he described as his commitment to modern transport infrastructure, further noted that the Governor holds drivers in high regard as key contributors to the State’s economy.
Delivering a lecture during the event, the Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Imo State Sector, Mr David Egejuru, urged ISTMA operatives to be courteous, disciplined, and law-abiding.
He reminded them that road safety is a shared responsibility and cautioned against alcohol consumption, aggression, or violation of motorists’ rights.
Commercial drivers and transport operators in the state expressed joy over the reintroduction of the agency and described the newly constituted management team as human-friendly.
They expressed optimism that sanity and orderliness would once again define traffic management in the state capital as the agency resumes its role as a bridge between the government and road users.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security, saying he feels perfectly safe during his visit to the country. His remarks come amid ongoing reports of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, making his statement a notable endorsement of the nation’s stability in certain regions.
Johnson made the declaration on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while addressing participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, the state capital. He acknowledged having read travel advisories and news reports highlighting security concerns prior to his trip but said his experience has been reassuring.
He said he feels perfectly safe in the country and emphasized that the summit environment and local hospitality contributed to his sense of security. He also asked the audience if they felt safe, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.
During his visit, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their development initiatives, particularly efforts to provide 24-hour electricity. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth, noting the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
While his statements have been welcomed by some as a boost to international confidence in Nigeria, analysts caution that the former prime minister’s experience reflects only a controlled and secure environment within Imo State. Several parts of the country continue to face challenges, including banditry, communal conflicts, and kidnappings.
Nonetheless, Johnson’s visit and remarks are significant, sending a positive message to investors and global observers about Nigeria’s potential for stability and progress. They also underscore the contrast between localized experiences of safety and broader security challenges across the country.
By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI
The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.
Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.
The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.
Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.
“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.
He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.
“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.
Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.
Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria, Praises Imo State’s Progress
Dangote to Uzodimma: Just show me where to invest
Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance
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