GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

Uzodimma tasks Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority Board on impactful programmes

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has challenged the Board and management of the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority to work hard to close the gaps that exist in water sector, agriculture, power, food security, livestock among others in the South East in particular and Nigeria at large in the course of discharging their duties.

He did on Friday, October 3, 2025 when he received the Agency’s new team led by the Chairman, Sen. Emmanuel Anosike, on a courtesy call at Government House Owerri.

Governor Uzodimma urged the Board and Management to galvanise the Agency’s programmes to be able to address critical areas that exist in the areas within their mandate.

The Governor who congratulated members of the team on their appointments advised them to avoid project duplication, but cooperate with State government-owned Agencies to harmonise their projects to get the SMEs, adding, “and call us for any possible assistance or support.”

He expressed confidence in the integrity of the new Board, given the background of the Chairman, Sen. Anosike, and the Managing Director of the Agency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka who, he said, “are very conversant with the original objectives for setting up that platform and the expectations of the people, and how the organisation will, in collaboration with other agencies, facilitate development in all sectors of the economy.”

Governor Uzodimma advised the Board to avoid project duplications and cooperate with State governments to address the needs of the people. ‘’As you do that not only Imo State, the South East but Nigeria will be better for all of us,” he stressed.

He further urged the Board to hit the ground running as Imo State is indeed happy to play host to the Agency and has them as partners.

“If you desire more land, don’t hesitate to approach the government. We need to plant what we eat and eat what we plant,’’ Governor Uzodimma noted.

Earlier in his remarks, Senator Anosike said their visit was “to pay courtesy call on the host Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma after the inauguration of the Board in May, 2025.”

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding them worthy of the appointment and to Governor Uzodimma for his magnanimity, recommendation, and facilitating their appointments in November last year.

He assured that the new Board will deliver on its mandate and provide a road map for the organisation.

“We are here today because we know that we have a very strong technical adviser, a very strong coach, and very strong person that can direct us on where to go and where not to go,” he noted.

Present at the event were the Managing Director/CEO of Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority, and the Executive members of the Board, the Secretary to Imo State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Barr Paul Obinatu, members of the Imo State expanded Executive Council, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Chima, the Head of Service Imo State, Mrs. Chikodi Emenalom, a ranking traditional ruler in Imo State, HRH Eze Oliver Ohanwe, among others.

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor
October 3, 2025.