By Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
As Imo State marked its 50th Golden Jubilee today, Tuesday 3rd February, 2026, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Dr. Mrs. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, has commended the Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma (Onwa Imo), for what she described as purposeful, people oriented and visionary leadership that has continued to redefine the state’s development trajectory.
Dr. Igbokwe made this known during an interview covered by Niger Delta Television (NDTV) on Friday, 30 January 2026, to commemorate the historic milestone of Imo State’s creation.
“Imo State Is Not Doing Badly”
Reviewing the state’s journey over the years, the Rector noted that under Governor Uzodinma’s administration, Imo State has recorded remarkable progress across critical sectors, stressing that the state is “not doing badly at all.”
She particularly applauded the Governor’s massive investment in infrastructure, which has earned him the recognition as Infrastructure Governor of the Year. According to her, the expansion and rehabilitation of road networks across the state, coupled with the installation of strategically placed solar-powered security lights, have significantly improved mobility, safety, and economic activities.
Security, Youth Empowerment and Welfare
Dr. Igbokwe further highlighted the Governor’s proactive approach to security management, noting that the empowerment and support of security agencies have helped address security challenges and restore confidence across communities.
On youth development, she praised the administration’s Skill-Up Imo Programme, through which over 40,000 youths have been trained and empowered, describing it as a deliberate strategy to reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance.
The Rector also commended the Governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare, citing the provision of transportation logistics for civil servants, implementation of salary increments in line with the Federal Government pay structure, prompt payment of salaries, and steady settlement of pensions. She added that the administration’s focus on urban sanitation, including the establishment of modern terminal bus stops, has enhanced the state’s environmental outlook.
Education as a Pillar of Development
Describing education as one of the strongest pillars of Governor Uzodinma’s administration, Dr. Igbokwe applauded the heavy investment in tertiary education, including the establishment of the University of Innovation and Technology, Omuma, and the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo .
She further noted the securing and revitalization of state educational assets at Ogboko, the functionality of Kingsley Mbadiwe University , and the historic transformation of Alvan Ikoku College of Education into Alvan Ikoku University of Education, which she described as a bold step towards expanding access to quality teacher education.
Goodwill Message to Ndi Imo
In her goodwill message, Dr. Igbokwe congratulated Ndi Imo on the state’s 50-year journey, urging citizens to continue supporting the Governor and to safeguard public facilities provided across the state for sustainable development.
Standing with Imo at 50
She concluded by affirming that Federal Polytechnic Nekede proudly identifies with the Government and people of Imo State, as the state celebrates 50 years of resilience, progress and promise. According to her, the institution stands in solidarity with Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, expressing confidence that the state is firmly positioned for greater achievements in the years ahead.
As Imo State clocks 50, the Golden Jubilee stands not only as a celebration of history, but as a renewed call to collective responsibility and sustained development for future generations_.
