Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has declared that the state is no longer defined by ambitious policy announcements but by measurable results, saying Imo is now developing governance models that other states can replicate.
Uzodimma made the remarks while speaking at the House of Lords in London during an event organised by the African Leadership Organisation. Addressing political leaders and policymakers on the theme, “From Vision to Velocity: Driving Africa’s Next Wave of Growth and Leadership – The Imo Experience,” the governor highlighted his administration’s efforts in job creation, digital innovation and infrastructure development.
According to him, strategic government initiatives have generated about 80,000 jobs across the state. He said more than 20,000 jobs were created through the One Kindred, One Business initiative, while another 60,000 young people secured opportunities after receiving digital skills training through the SkillUp Imo programme and the Imo Digital City project.
“The government understands that the next economy will be built by young people with skills. Through Imo Digital City and the SkillUp Imo initiative, more than 60,000 young people have been trained for the digital economy,” Uzodimma said.
The governor also outlined major infrastructure projects undertaken during his administration, revealing that more than 140 roads have been constructed across the state in the past six and a half years. He described improved infrastructure as a critical driver of investment and economic growth.
Uzodimma said the state is positioning itself as a regional energy hub by developing the Orashi Special Energy Free Zone, where 140,000 hectares of land have been earmarked to attract investors in the gas and energy sectors.
“When power becomes reliable in Imo, the face of industrialisation changes across Nigeria’s South East. That means jobs in a state where too many young people have waited too long for one,” he said.
Reflecting on Africa’s development journey, the governor argued that the continent’s biggest challenge has not been a shortage of ideas but the inability to execute them quickly.
“Our founding fathers dreamed big. What we have lacked is velocity—the speed to turn our lofty plans into changed lives. That distance between the vision and the delivery is where several generations of African development have quietly died,” he stated.
He added that Imo’s development strategy rests on four key pillars: strong institutions, quality infrastructure, innovation and public safety, insisting that governments achieve meaningful progress when these elements work together.
During the event, the African Leadership Organisation presented Uzodimma with its African Leadership and Good Governance Award in recognition of his administration’s initiatives. He described the honour as deeply meaningful and commended the organisation for promoting African perspectives on governance and development.
The governor’s London engagement comes as Nigerian states intensify efforts to attract foreign investment, expand digital economies and reduce dependence on federal allocations through locally driven economic initiatives.
