‘You’ve started well’ — Osinbajo celebrates Uzodinma’s first year in office 

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has hailed the achievements of Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo, in the last one year.

He was speaking on Sunday in Owerri, the state capital, at a thanksgiving service to mark the governor’s first year in office.

On January 14, 2020, the supreme court declared Uzodinma as winner of the March 9, 2019 gubernatorial election in the state, sacking Emeka Ihedioha as governor of Imo.

Osinbajo urged Uzodinma to stay focused on delivering quality leadership in service to the people of Imo state, as well as ensuring their well-being remains a cardinal point for the state government.

“This is a state with a population of close to five million people. Since this state was created in 1976, there have only been 16 governors and you, Gov. Hope Uzodinma, are one of them.  Since 1999, only six elected governors and you are one of them, ” Laolu Akande, spokesperson of the VP, quoted him as saying.

“Morning shows the day, and you have started well. I am aware that over the past year, your administration has invested extensively in construction and rehabilitation of physical infrastructure, the rehabilitation of educational and health institutions, as well as markets.

“Some may say that you are here because you are the smartest, I am sure you know that being the smartest doesn’t mean you will get here.

 “Time and chance happens to them all. And the Almighty God controls time and chance. So you are here today by the grace of God. And so, my brother, life is a loan and public office is a loan of even shorter tenor.”

He commended the Uzodinma-led administration’s initiatives in power, health, education and infrastructure which are aimed at transforming the economy.

“I am aware that over the past year, your administration has invested extensively in construction and rehabilitation of physical infrastructure, the rehabilitation of educational and health institutions, as well as markets, ” Osinbajo said.

 “The administration is currently undertaking a number of measures aimed at restoring power supply to rural communities and increasing power supply to urban areas.

“I know that you have also issued an executive order reducing the right of way charges for telecoms companies laying broadband infrastructure – which bodes well for the use of technology and emergence of an innovation economy in this state.”