President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the efforts of Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma at developing infrastructures to promote economic development in the state.
Buhari who on Tuesday commissioned the Owerri/Orlu dual carriage, Owerri/Okigwe road and the renovated House of Assembly Complex said to Uzodinma “you have written your own history,’’ after he saw the ultra-modern chamber of the rebuilt House of Assembly.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Femi Adeshina, Buhari reiterated his administration’s goal to leave a legacy of major developments across the country, applauding the Imo State governor for giving more attention to constructions and institutional reforms that will benefit the people.
“I am delighted to be back in Imo State – the Eastern Heartland – to commission a number of projects executed by the administration of His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma.
“I am happy to note that within just three years of the administration of Governor Uzodimma, I have made two official visits to Imo State to commission projects in the state.
“On each occasion, I have received a very warm hospitality of Imo people, for which I am always appreciative. Ndi Imo, Ndewo!
“As it is often said in local Igbo parlance, a good road deserves a second passage. It is a pleasant coincidence that the name of your governor, “Uzodimma” is derived from this same idiom. Little wonder, therefore, that he has made the provision of good roads one of his top priorities,” the statement reads.
The President said his administration recognizes the importance of critical infrastructure in economic development and was determined to drive the economic development of Nigeria through the provision of vital infrastructure across the length and breadth of the country.
He encouraged Imo State indigenes to keep supporting the Governor to actualize his dream for the state, particularly on good governance.
On his part, Uzodinma noted the significant economic value of the Owerri/Orlu dual carriage and Owerri/Okigwe road as they connect to the state and other neighboring states.
Uzodinma said, “Each of the projects has a remarkable history. Behind the dualized road has been a nightmare for decades,’’ he said, adding that erosion made the construction more difficult.
“To the glory of God we have found the courage, dedication and means to fix the road. The seemingly intractable challenges have been addressed.’’
He added that the renovation of the House of Assembly had made it more befitting for the lawmakers after it was abandoned for many years.
The Governor appreciated the President for his interventions to ensure that the South East is dotted with significant development like second Niger Bridge, which is set to gulp the highest single investment in the zone of more than N360 billion.