The Presidency has commended the growing partnership between the Federal Government and the Imo State Government, saying the collaboration is delivering major infrastructure projects, expanding economic opportunities and advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The commendation came during the Presidential Media Tour of Projects in Imo State, where members of the Presidential Media Team and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) inspected key federal and state government projects. The three-day tour follows similar inspections in Ebonyi, Enugu and Abia states and is aimed at highlighting projects being executed under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, said the projects demonstrated the benefits of strong cooperation between the Federal Government and state governments. He noted that the Hope Uzodimma administration had undertaken several projects that ordinarily fall under federal responsibility, describing the approach as a practical example of collaborative governance.
Rahman also highlighted the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying the scheme is helping students remain in school despite financial constraints. According to him, the programme reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to education while easing the burden on families.
Defending the removal of fuel subsidy, Rahman argued that the policy has improved the financial capacity of state governments and created more resources for development projects. He said governors across states visited by the Presidential Media Team had acknowledged increased revenue, enabling greater investment in roads, public infrastructure and other critical sectors.
Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, described the Federal Government’s decision to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education to a Federal University of Education as a landmark achievement for the state. He said previous administrations had pursued the conversion without success, adding that the approval has already expanded educational opportunities and created new jobs.
Emelumba also pointed to the reconstruction of the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia and Owerri-Okigwe federal roads under a reimbursement agreement with the Federal Government, saying the projects have improved connectivity, reduced travel time and enhanced the movement of people and agricultural produce. He attributed the pace of development in the state to prudent financial management and increased allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy.
The tour also included an inspection of the ongoing expansion of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport. Airport Manager, Dr. Ann Nkechi Ihekwaba, disclosed that the runway extension from 2,700 metres to 3,200 metres has entered its final phase and is expected to be completed within two months, weather permitting. She said the upgraded runway will accommodate wide-bodied aircraft and international operations, while the cargo terminal, featuring eight warehouses and an Afreximbank-backed quality assurance centre, is expected to position Imo as a major logistics and export hub for the South-East.
