Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, made this announcement on Thursday at the seventh Imo Stakeholders' Forum (2023) held at the Rear Admiral Ndubusi Kanu Square in Owerri.
He stated, "This administration's commitment to transparency has earned Imo State $30 million from the World Bank's State Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) project for the years 2021 and 2022.
"This is only one of the many benefits we stand to enjoy from the accountable and open system of government that I have established."
He asked the people to support his administration, stating, "I, therefore, appeal to our people to rise up and assist my administration in its efforts to reposition Imo State. I am determined, along with my team, to restoring ndi Imo's dignity."
In the same vein, numerous stakeholders have endorsed Uzodimma for a second term in the next November election. Henry Njoku moved the motion, and Ifanyi Agwu, a former state legislator, seconded it.
In the event chaired by Paschal Dozie, and attended by the Chairman of the Elders Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; the pioneer chairman of Seplat Energy Plc, Dr. A. B. C. Orjiakor; the Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly, Emeka Nduka, state and federal government officials, monarchs and people from all walks of life, academics, religious leaders, social groups, among others
Uzodimma pledged to have a greater influence on the lives of the people, particularly in the areas of agriculture, food security, infrastructure, and the development of rubber estates, among others.
"More than 140 hectares of palm seedlings we planted in Ohaji and Ngor-Okpala are flowering," he stated. We are still awaiting action from the federal government about the silting of Okigwe and Inyishi dams for dry season agriculture.
In partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Livelihood Residence Help Project (L-PRES), the government has secured a World Bank-assisted project to support agro-industrial development and improve food security.
The Acharaubo Livestock Farm was repaired, and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) (NALDA). In addition, I have approved the state's participation in the Special Agro-Industrial Zone (SAPZ) Project of the African Development Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)."
According to him, a modern slaughterhouse is close to completion in Naze, Owerri North Local Council.
"The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources is also collaborating with federal agencies on the procurement and distribution of enhanced seedlings to our farmers in an effort to increase their production.
"Efforts will also be undertaken to increase our farmers' access to and cost of fertilisers.
"With the standard road network already in place throughout the state, our farmers should be able to transport their produce to the market and realise the true rewards of their labour."
(Source: guardian.ng)
