Imo at 50: Not a Failure, But Unfinished Business — Obi
By Patrick Mgbaja
As Imo State marked its Golden Jubilee on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, reflections on its journey, achievements, shortcomings and prospects dominated public discourse across the state.
Appraising the milestone, a United States-based philanthropist and media practitioner, High Chief Joseph Chinenyengozi Obi, has described Imo State as “not a failure, but an unfinished project.”
Obi, a Knight of the Church and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Perpetual Help Global Outreach Inc., USA, said that while progress has been made since the state’s creation in 1976, significant work remains—particularly in the areas of security, job creation, economic diversification and quality governance.
“Imo State at 50 is not a failure, but unfinished business,” he said.
Speaking via his WhatsApp platform, Obi said the Golden Jubilee offered an opportunity for sober reflection rather than celebration without scrutiny.
“As journalists, our duty is not applause but analysis. This review examines governance in Imo State from 1976 to 2026, compares administrations across key sectors, and outlines what must change if the next fifty years are to be different.”
Obi noted that the early years of Imo State, under military administrators Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Col. Adekunle Lawal, and Col. Sunday Adenihun, were essentially foundational.
According to him, the period focused on institutional survival: establishment of the capital, creation of ministries, and basic administrative structures.
“These years produced few signature projects but achieved stability. In historical terms, this was governance by scaffolding rather than architecture.”
Obi identified the administration of the late Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe as the most transformative in the state’s history.
Under Mbakwe, Imo witnessed massive road construction—estimated at between 500 and 800 kilometres statewide—as well as the establishment of key institutions such as:
Imo State University (initially at Ihitte-Uboma),
Avutu Modern Poultry,
Aluminium Extrusion Industry at Onyishi,
Paint Industry at Aboh Mbaise,
Rural electrification schemes,
Expanded access to education.
“Mbakwe governed with the conviction that government must build, even if it borrows. While critics question sustainability, few dispute the impact. No other administration has matched Mbakwe’s breadth of development ambition.”
From Ike Nwachukwu through Tanko Zubairu, Imo endured about fifteen years of military rule marked by austerity and limited innovation.
Obi observed that the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) constrained public investment, leading to stagnation in social services.
“Road maintenance replaced expansion. Governance focused on order rather than opportunity. These years preserved the state but did not grow it.”
With the advent of the Fourth Republic, expectations rose. Obi said Chief Achike Udenwa’s eight-year tenure brought relative stability and strengthened local government administration.
However, he noted that the administration failed to leverage Nigeria’s oil boom into transformative infrastructure, industrialisation or human capital development.
Obi credited Chief Ikedi Ohakim with notable road projects through the Imo State Rural Road Maintenance Agency (IRROMA), which engaged over 30,000 Imolites.
He also referenced the “Ten Jobs for Imo Youths” initiative, later discontinued by the succeeding administration.
According to Obi, Rochas Okorocha’s administration was visually dramatic and politically polarising.
“Roads, flyovers and urban renewal reshaped parts of Owerri. Education enrolment expanded, but governance style generated deep divisions.”
Obi described Emeka Ihedioha’s seven-month tenure as short but ideologically distinct.
“He prioritised due process, civil service discipline, procurement reform and budget realism. Whether he would have delivered more remains speculative, but the institutional focus was evident.”
Assessing Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration, Obi acknowledged extensive road construction—estimated at between 300 and 500 kilometres across the state’s three zones—and improved federal-state relations.
However, he warned that infrastructure alone is insufficient.
“Insecurity, economic fragility and public trust remain major challenges. Infrastructure cannot substitute for inclusive growth.”
Obi rated Mbakwe, Okorocha and Uzodimma relatively high in physical infrastructure delivery, while others scored lower.
He concluded that although Imo is politically viable, it remains economically vulnerable.
“Federal allocation is still the economic lifeline. Internally Generated Revenue is modest, industrial capacity is limited, and the promise of 1976 is only partially fulfilled.”
Obi identified Imo’s strengths as education, entrepreneurial culture, strategic South-East location, cultural cohesion and a strong diaspora network.
He proposed the following priorities for the next decade:
Improved security and rule of law,
Industrial clusters and agro-processing,
Youth employment linked to skills development,
Policy continuity beyond electoral cycles.
“Our prayer is that Imo State moves from promise to performance; that leaders build institutions, not just projects; and that the next fifty years align governance with the people’s potential.”
Beyond commentary, Obi highlighted his personal contributions to grassroots development, including:
Empowerment of 95 Eziudo indigenes, 60 petty traders and 30 youths,
Overseas sponsorship for 12 individuals,
Scholarships from primary to university level for three students,
Reconstruction of Umuore Market, Oriegbu,
Establishment of a palm oil mill and water projects in Eziudo,
Support for cultural festivals, women groups and youth organisations.
A Knight of St. Peter Claver (4th Degree), Obi has also served in leadership roles within the Mbaise Cultural Association of Michigan, USA.
He is married with four sons, all graduates.
