Uzodimma Showcases ‘Midas Touch’ as Imo Repositions for $1 Trillion Economy
Ugo Ewa
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has continued to attract national and global attention for what many describe as his “Midas Touch” in governance transforming Imo’s infrastructure, economy, and security landscape since assuming office in 2020.
This reputation was further reinforced at the Imo Economic Summit held from December 4–5, 2025, in Owerri, where the governor hosted world-renowned leaders including Aliko Dangote, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and presidents of Mauritius, Liberia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. The summit projected Imo as a rising investment destination in the Southeast.
Upon taking office, Uzodimma inherited a state burdened by debt, insecurity, and decayed infrastructure. His administration halted contract payments, conducted audits, and launched the Shared Prosperity Agenda, which has since driven massive reforms across the state.
A cornerstone of his achievements is infrastructure development. The Uzodimma administration has constructed or rehabilitated over 1,000km of roads, including strategic federal highways such as the Owerri–Mbaise–Umuahia Road, Owerri–Okigwe Road, and the Orlu–Mgbee–Akokwa–Uga Expressway. Owerri has also undergone major urban renewal under the Light Up Imo project.
The governor is further expanding Imo’s economic base through key projects such as the Orashi River dredging, the Orashi Electricity Project, and upgrades at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, now equipped for night and all-weather operations.
Uzodimma’s youth empowerment initiative, SkillUp Imo, has trained over 50,000 youths in digital and AI-driven skills, significantly reducing unemployment. In health, the Imo State Health Insurance Agency has grown coverage from 0% to 3.4%, earning him national recognition. Security has also improved considerably, with a 70% drop in crime by 2023.
His leadership has earned multiple accolades, including the UN Peace Award, ICAN’s Fiscal Transparency Award, and his recent appointment as Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Ambassador by President Bola Tinubu.
Governor Uzodimma’s governance model rooted in vision, discipline, and project delivery is increasingly being held up as an example of transformative leadership capable of steering Imo toward a trillion-dollar economy.
