By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
7- NOV-2025

In an explicit show of unity and collaboration between traditional institutions and political leadership, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, on behalf of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council, led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, at the Government House, Owerri.

The visit, which reflected the deepening synergy between traditional rulers and government authorities, centered on strategies to consolidate national unity, strengthen cultural values, and support the ongoing transformation efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Governor Hope Uzodimma, while warmly receiving the revered monarchs, expressed his profound appreciation for their visit and lauded their unwavering commitment to preserving peace, morality, and cultural identity at the grassroots. He described traditional rulers as “pillars of moral conscience and stabilizers of community governance,” noting that their collective influence remains vital to sustaining social harmony and fostering ethical rebirth across Nigeria.

The Governor reiterated that the transformative agenda of President Bola Tinubu deserves the total support of all patriotic citizens, particularly those entrusted with leadership at both traditional and political levels. He maintained that the President’s Renewed Hope Vision is not only redefining governance but also laying the foundation for sustainable national renewal and inclusive development.

Governor Uzodimma commended the Southern Traditional Rulers Council for aligning themselves with the President’s vision, emphasizing that such solidarity would fast-track progress and strengthen Nigeria’s unity in diversity. He pledged continued collaboration with traditional leaders across the South in advancing peace, development, and responsible governance.

In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, who led the delegation, extolled Governor Uzodimma’s leadership qualities and his efforts in promoting peace and infrastructural transformation in Imo State. He acknowledged the Governor’s commitment to inclusive governance, describing him as “a bridge between the government and the traditional institution.”

Highlighting the importance of partnership, the Ooni stated that traditional rulers are ready to work closely with state and federal authorities to promote unity, protect cultural heritage, and advance the welfare of Nigerians, especially at the grassroots level.

One of the high points of the visit was the formal announcement of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s appointment as the Coordinator of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council. The declaration was made by the Ooni of Ife on behalf of the Council, in recognition of Uzodimma’s visionary leadership, dedication to unity, and consistent engagement with traditional rulers across the region.

The appointment positions the Governor as a key facilitator in enhancing collaboration among traditional institutions across the 17 Southern states, strengthening dialogue with government authorities, and championing policies that safeguard cultural identity and grassroots development.

Responding to his new role, Governor Uzodimma expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him and assured the Council of his total commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities that come with the position. He reaffirmed his administration’s active pursuit of constitutional recognition and defined roles for traditional rulers, noting that this effort is already gaining national attention and will soon yield the desired outcome.

The Governor stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends on strong moral foundations and the active involvement of traditional institutions in governance, particularly in addressing moral decadence, communal disputes, and youth restiveness. He vowed to continue working with traditional rulers to promote social order and shared prosperity.

The event was a convergence of royal dignity and political leadership, symbolizing a renewed bond between governance and tradition. It also reaffirmed Imo State’s growing reputation as a hub of progressive dialogue and a rallying point for Southern unity under the capable leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
7- NOV- 2025

As part of the Imo State Government’s renewed commitment to transforming the health sector and expanding access to quality healthcare across rural communities, an inspection team has visited the ongoing construction site of the Akpodim Health Centre in Ezinnihitte Mbaise Local Government Area.

The inspection exercise, carried out by the Imo State Commissioner for Health Dr. Chioma Egu and the Executive Secretary of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency Dr. Uchenna Ewelike, is in line with Governor Hope Uzodimma’s vision to ensure that all health facilities being built under the state’s primary healthcare revitalization initiative meet world-class standards.

During the visit, the team assessed the level of progress, compliance with technical specifications, and quality of materials being used. They also emphasized the importance of timely completion to enable the residents of Akpodim and neighboring communities to begin benefiting from the facility’s essential medical services.

The Akpodim Health Centre is one of the several modern primary healthcare projects currently underway across Imo State under the first phase of the government’s Health Infrastructure Expansion Programme. When completed, it will provide vital services such as maternal and child health care, emergency response, and preventive medical services to the people of the area.

Below are photos from the inspection visit, capturing the steady pace of construction and the Imo State Government’s steadfast commitment to delivering accessible, reliable, and community-centered healthcare facilities across the state.

Read More: Uche Ewelike Hope Uzodimma Imo State Health Insurance Agency Imo State New Media Imo State Ministry Of Health World Health Organization (WHO)

For his selfless desire to reposition the Education sector in Imo State, including building a knowledge driven economy and establishing new Tertiary Institutions, and having them approved by the National Universities Commission, (NUC), like the Imo State University Of Science, Innovation And Technology, Omuma, the Imo State House Of Assembly has commended Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The House made the commendation during its plenary on Thursday, 06/11/2025, following a Motion moved by the Chief Whip and Member Representing Oru-East State Constituency, Hon Chigozie Nwaneri and Seconded by Hon Chisom Ojukwu, Member Representing Nkwerre State Constituency.

Presenting the Motion, Hon Nwaneri commended the State Governor for improving the Education system in the state, by not only making provision of basic education infrastructure and other facilities, but going ahead to establish new Tertiary Institutions, of which one of them is the Imo State University Of Science, Innovation And Technology, in Omuma, Oru-East Local Government Area.

Hon Chigozie Nwaneri further explained that with the establishment of the University, sons and daughters of the State who are in search of University Admissions, would have a better and secure future, as a University is now by their doorstep. In his words, Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, who is also the House Committee Chairman On Works And Public Accounts said, *”Education is the best legacy any Government will use to secure the future of its teaming children, as well as the fulcrum of children’s foundation in life. With the establishment of this new Tertiary Institution in Omuma, Oru-East, which has gotten the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC), the academic horizon of the State will broaden and Imo State will be a Hub of scientific innovations and technological advancements, within and outside the country. The new University of Science, Innovation And Technology in Omuma is strategically positioned to push Imo State to the Pinnacle of Science, Innovation And Technology, as it would engender opportunities for research, training and development for use globally. Thanks to Governor Hope Uzodimma for demonstrating that he is an Education Friendly Governor”.*

The Motion was cosponsored by the following lawmakers :

1. Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu.

2. Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi.

3. Hon Chisom Ojukwu.

4. Hon Bernard Ndubuisi Ozoemelam.

5. Hon Johnleoba Iheoha.

6. Hon Kelechi Onumajuru Ofurum.

7. Hon James Uba Esile.

8. Hon Emeka Kingsley Ozurumba.

9. Hon Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie.

10. Hon Clinton Amadi.

11. Hon Ikenna Martin Ihezuo.

The Motion received overwhelming support, as the following Honourable Members spoke in unison and praised Governor Uzodimma for this landmark achievement in education :

1. Hon Chief James Uba Esile (Onuimo).

2. Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi, Majority Leader (Owerr-West).

3. Hon Barrister Dominic Ugochukwu Ezerioha (Oru-West).

4. Hon Barrister Chisom Ojukwu (Nkwerre).

Following extensive debate in support of the Motion, the Speaker, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, who presided, put it to vote and it was unanimously adopted. Thereafter, he Ruled as follows :

* Be It Resolved By This Honourable House To Congratulate His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor Of Imo State, On This Well Deserved Approval And Recognition By The National Universities Commission (NUC).

* Be It Also Resolved By This Honourable House To Name His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor Of Imo State, As The Most Education Friendly Governor In Nigeria.

The Clerk was directed to communicate the Resolution of the House to His Excellency the Governor.

Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha
06/11/2025