Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State (file image)
By Anolu Vincent
Imo State, no doubt, remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria despite the security challenges worldwide.
The lifestyle and nature of citizens and residents propelled the state to the enviable standard it is today.
With a cool weather, a viabrant airport built by the people, and a highlevel security network in the state, business has continued to flourish.
The journey to the present level was not sudden; but the foresight of its leaders.
The state, with 27 local government areas, was created by the military administration of the late General Murtala Mohammed in 1976 from the defunct East Central State (ECS).
In 1991, Abia State was carved out from Imo State to further take governance to the grassroots.
The geographical location of Imo State, its bounteous human and material resources which include but not limited to the famous Abadaba Lake in Obowo, Oguta Lake, Monkey Colony in Lagwa, Aboh Mbaise, Streamlets rich agricultural potentials, beautiful serene environment and legions of cozy hospitality industry among others position the state as a propeller/ lubricant for conferences/ workshops, sundry public social gatherings.
The result is that the growth, development and transformation of the state invariably christened, “Eastern Heartland,” have not only continued to be rapid and exponential but has also become an inspirational force for contemporary states in the South-East region and the Southern Nigeria to build upon.
For those who are conversant with the geography to Owerri, the state capital, prior to the creation of the old Imo State, a brief visit to the town speaks volumes of a previous nucleated settlement with ramshackle dilapidated moribund structures that have now emerged as the London, New York and Tokyo equivalent of the former East Central State.
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The “Keep Owerri Beautiful Society,” an outfit floated by the Second Republic Administration of the late Chief Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe added stronger steam to the aesthetic and sonorous clime of the state which has remained a cynosure for potential investors to establish part of their business empire.
Thank God, the government has extinguished the fire ignited in the state by some unscrpulous groups parading as Unknown Gunmen and Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The government also ended their sit-at-home order on Mondays, which threatened to cripple the South-East economy.
Their purpose was to inflict fears, apprehension and anxiety in the psyche of the hitherto peace-loving residents of the state thus impeding and inhitting the pace of progress, social harmony and cohesion among the people.
The eventual elimination of insecurity in the state has once more opened the floodgate for ceaseless socio- economic and political activities to resume in earnest.
The formal inauguration of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, the commissioning of the AGPC Gas Plant at Assah, in the Ohaji/Egbma council, the commencement Ceremony of the Afrexim Banks Africa Quality Assurance Centre (ACAC) Project Development in the Ngor-Okpala LGA, the official opening of the Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Umunoha, in the Mbaitoli council of the state are eloquent testimonies of a state that have continued to attract dignitaries from all walks of life for investment.
The opening of the Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre which took place on Wednesday July 10, 2024 is the only one in the South-East because of the widely acknowledged reliable security architecture prevalent in the Eastern Heartland.
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The above are clear indication that the state has again regained its enviable position as the indubitable rendezous for zillions, institutions/organizations to converge and carry out their lawful programmes and activities.
Only recently the earth-shaking Global Convention of the Zion Ministry held at Amala in the Ngor-Okpala council as well as the decision of the redoubtable National leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to host its 2024 Triennial Delegates Conference in the state has further disillusioned the minds of some cynics who still stick to the fallacious impression that the state is yet to be liberated from the claws of urchins and dissidents.
It is against this background that the “Stand up” for Women Society (SWS) – a non governmental organization – deserves special accolade for its decision to hold its 3rd Annual International Conference and Summit in the state.
The three-day summit which begins on September 11, 2024, with the theme, “Women and Insecurity” Reality, Challenges, Call to Action,” is expected to attract participants from the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT.
Elevating the status, honour and dignity of women in the country is no less a desideratum to strengthen the onerous task of nation building and sustenance of democracy in the country.
The organizers/ participants should therefore feel free and relaxed to hold the ceremony in the state and purge themselves of any perceived or assumed sense of insecurity as a conducive atmosphere is already in place which will enable them enjoy warm hospitality.
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