Imo Now Ready for Business

mdirim, an experienced security intelligence administrator and expert who served in the nation’s security service for thirty five years, rising to the position of Director of Operations in the State Security Service (SSS), to be his Adviser on Security Matters. An alumnus of the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Mr. Nkemdirim holds Bachelors’ Degrees in Law (LLB) from the University of Abuja, and B.Sc in Education and Sociology from Abia State University. A Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) he is a Fellow of the Security Institute.

In terms of strategy, the plan of action to achieve the overall “rebuild agenda”, the Governor, in a process-driven manner has set-up simultaneous activities that are developing the frameworks for action. These include the Financial Advisory Committee headed by a former Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Abraham Nwankwo; Committee for the Review of Appointments, Recruitments and Retirement; and an Interim management Committee for Imo Transport Company. Of strategic importance is the Financial Advisory Committee, apparently a standing committee, which signposts the Governor’s disposition for stringent fiscal discipline. Its mandate includes a review of all financial transactions, including forensic audit to ascertain sources of funds and application in the past; and recommending measures to strengthen internal controls and enhance the performance of agencies of government.

To put his words and promises to action and assure Imo people and potential investors that truly his word is his bond infrastructural development has already kicked-off. True to his commitment not to use the state’s paucity of funds as excuse for non-performance it is obvious to the discerning constituents and stakeholders that Governor Ihedioha is reaching out to do the needful.

Two weeks after being sworn-in as Governor of Imo State, emergency repair works have already commenced on the ever-busy Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia road, arguably the second busiest inter-state road in the state, which has been a traveler’s nightmare in the past eight years. Simultaneously, as part of the integrated infrastructure development of the “Agenda To Rebuild Imo”, reconstruction works have also commenced on the roads connecting Protea Hotels to Ahiajoku Convention Centre to Port Harcourt Road, all in New Owerri. Though the projects are being executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), it is apparent that these critical infrastructures redevelopment reconstruction that did not happen in the past eight years, are at the behest of the new state government which is committed to make the first 100 days count for something.

And for the first time in over three years Imo State civil servants have received their May 2019 salary which, was paid in full as against previous practices of owing full months or paying paltry percentages under the out-gone administration. Recall that the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) had been on strike until Governor Ihedioha in his first week in office prevailed on them to call-off the strike.

The early, quick, and sure-footed steps of the Governor are an affirmation of his resolute commitment to ndi Imo and his strong desire for them to own and control their resources and key means of production, as he promised before being elected as Governor.

Because morning shows the day, the new Imo State led by Emeka Ihedioha is steadily assuming positive brand association that Ndi Imo can proudly relate to. Ndi Imo can now identify with such noble attributes of a Governor who speaks in characteristic measured tones, with candour and decorum befitting of the office; a Governor who thinks before he speaks; a Governor who does not frivolously make promises that he hardly keeps, but one whose word is his bond; and overall, a leader who is guided by rule of law.

Above all, to deepen the evolving amity between the government and Ndi Imo, the Government as a brand has to entrench the new-found connection with Ndi Imo which ensures that they will defend the government vigorously even in the face of obvious weakness against opposition and detractors; the administration should communicate effectively by framing its issues properly and telling its story proactively; and ensure that the state lives up to and consistently delivers on its promise to the people.

Odibo is a Marketing and Communications Practitioner