Imo State concluded its Golden Jubilee celebrations in Owerri on Saturday with a grand event honoring past governors and distinguished citizens. While former governors Achike Udenwa and Rochas Okorocha were absent, General Ike Nwachukwu rtd, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, and Emeka Ihedioha attended and received the Grand Service Star of Imo State Award. The state’s first civilian governor, Samuel Mbakwe, was represented by his son and received the Golden Star Governor of Imo Award, the same honor awarded to incumbent governor Hope Uzodimma.
The week-long celebration featured activities including an academic quiz, cultural night, and interdenominational church service. Representing President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Imo’s growth in Nollywood, music, entrepreneurship, and education. Shettima also commended Governor Uzodimma as a game changer and urged stronger collaboration among stakeholders for sustained development.
Governor Uzodimma highlighted key achievements of his administration, including the construction of over 130 roads, implementation of a comprehensive health insurance scheme, approval of four universities by the National Universities Commission, and competitive civil service wages. He also disclosed that about 55,000 youths had been trained in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and technology under the Skill Up Imo programme, and noted that the recently commissioned Orashi Electricity Project marks the beginning of steady power supply in the state.
Uzodimma acknowledged the contributions of all past administrations, emphasizing that each governor played a role in Imo State’s progress over the past five decades.
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