By Salisu Sani-Idris
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has commended Imo’s exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s political, intellectual, and economic development in the past five decades.
Shettima made the commendation on Saturday during the Golden Jubilee celebration of Imo State, held in Owerri, the state capital.
The Vice-president, who described the state as a critical partner in the nation’s progress, lauded the state’s political leadership and intellectual contributions.
Similarly, Shettima applauded Imo’s talents in the creative industry, and strength in agriculture, particularly palm oil production, saying the Southeastern state has consistently enriched Nigeria.
He extended President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill, assuring the state of its front-line seat at the national table.
Shettima praised Gov. Hope Uzodimma, whom he described as a game-changing revolutionary in Imo’s modern political history.
He credited the governor with restoring discipline, planning, and institutional strength to governance in the state.
“Gov. Uzodimma has distinguished himself as more than a custodian of the present. He is a leader who understands that governance is not theatre, but duty.
“Under his watch, Imo has rediscovered the discipline of planning, the courage of reform, and the confidence to re-enter the national conversation as a state prepared for relevance,” he said.
Shettima traced Imo’s legacy of leadership from Dr Kingsley Mbadiwe, whose “flamboyant command of language enriched Nigeria’s political memory.
He highlighted Imo’s intellectual and cultural influence, particularly through Chief Flora Nwapa, whom he described as “the mother of modern African literature, who gave African women “a literary voice at a time when silence was expected of them.”
Shettima also celebrated the state’s contributions to Nollywood through actors such as Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, and Kanayo O. Kanayo.
“As well as music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, who “placed the Nigerian sound on the world stage with grace and conviction.”
On economic development, the Vice-President acknowledged Imo’s strengths in agriculture, particularly palm oil production at the historic Ada Palm Plantation.
He further spoke on the state’s educational infrastructure, including the Federal University of Technology Owerri and Imo State University, describing education as Imo’s greatest industry.
“Literacy rates remain among the highest in the nation, and graduates from Imo compete confidently across every field,” VP Shettima stated.
He highlighted emerging opportunities in Imo’s oil and gas sector in Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta, as well as growth potential in agro-processing, renewable energy, mineral processing, tourism, and the digital economy.
The Vice-President praised the emergence of Owerri as a major hospitality hub with one of the highest concentrations of hotels and entertainment centres in Nigeria.
He urged the state to use the golden jubilee as a launching pad for the next 50 years, saying unity must be renewed.
Responding, Uzodimma said Imo would continue to grow as well as embrace digital transformation in the next 50 years, noting that the creation of the state in 1976 enunciated freedom.
The governor thanked God for sustaining the state for 50 years, expressing strong conviction that ahead lies a great hope for the State.
“We have made significant progress both as a people and as a state. There is no doubt that we are growing fast in unity, resilience and reliance on God.
“We have seen Owerri transform from a town into a hub. What has kept us united is the indomitable spirit of the Imo people,” Uzodimma stated.
On his part, Chairman of the occasion and former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, commended the hard work of Uzodimma in transforming the state through the execution of various developmental projects.
“His administration has impacted Imo State in many ways. For example, in transportation, finance, agriculture and other key sectors.
Uzodimma’s administration has left an admirable legacy in Imo State, making a significant contribution to the wider Nigerian economy,” he said.
Chief Anyaoku prayed for progress in Nigeria’s political evolution, depicting more of unity, just as he said election constitutes a fundamental process of democracy.
On his part, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi), thanked Imo for helping in moulding his life, having spent the early part of his life in Imo State.
The traditional ruler praised governor Uzodinma “for showcasing Imo State to the World.”
Also, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, prayed for the progress of Imo State and Nigeria as well as sustained unity across the country. (NAN)