Vice President Kashim Shettima has applauded Imo State’s outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s political, intellectual, and economic development over the past five decades, describing the state as a pivotal partner in national progress.
Speaking on Saturday during the Golden Jubilee celebration of Imo State’s creation, VP Shettima conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill, assuring the state of its prominent role at the national table.
He commended the state’s political leadership, intellectual achievements, creative talents, and agricultural strengths, particularly in palm oil production, noting that the Southeastern state has consistently enriched Nigeria.
The Vice President singled out Governor Hope Uzodimma, describing him as a transformative figure in Imo’s modern political history, who has restored discipline, planning, and institutional strength to governance.
“Governor Uzodimma has distinguished himself as more than a custodian of the present. He is a leader who understands that governance is not theatre, but duty. Under his watch, Imo has rediscovered the discipline of planning, the courage of reform, and the confidence to re-enter the national conversation as a state prepared for relevance,” he said.
VP Shettima traced Imo’s legacy of leadership from Dr. Kingsley Mbadiwe, whose “flamboyant command of language enriched Nigeria’s political memory,” to Sam Mbakwe, the celebrated Weeping Governor, and Rochas Okorocha, whom he described as a pan-Nigerian archetype for his humanitarian work with orphaned children nationwide.
He also highlighted the state’s intellectual and cultural influence, particularly through Chief Flora Nwapa, “the mother of modern African literature,” who gave African women “a literary voice at a time when silence was expected of them.”
The Vice President celebrated Imo’s contributions to Nollywood through actors such as Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, and Kanayo O. Kanayo, and music icon Onyeka Onwenu, who “placed Nigerian sound on the world stage with grace and conviction.”
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On economic development, he acknowledged Imo’s strengths in agriculture, particularly palm oil production at the historic Ada Palm Plantation, and its vibrant commercial centres from Nkwo Orji to Orlu International Market.
He praised the state’s educational infrastructure, including the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and Imo State University, describing education as Imo’s greatest industry.
“Literacy rates remain among the highest in the nation, and graduates from Imo compete confidently across every field,” VP Shettima stated.
He also highlighted emerging opportunities in Imo’s oil and gas sector in Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta, as well as potential in agro-processing, renewable energy, mineral processing, tourism, and the digital economy.
The Vice President commended Owerri’s emergence as a major hospitality hub, noting that “security has been an economic asset and peace, when nurtured, yields prosperity.”
Urging the state to use its golden jubilee as a springboard for the next 50 years, he said, “Unity must be renewed. Innovation must be encouraged. Governance must remain humane and disciplined. Politics must return to service.”
In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma pledged that Imo State would continue to grow and embrace digital transformation over the next five decades. He reflected on the state’s creation in 1976, noting it symbolised freedom and opportunity.
He thanked God for sustaining the state for 50 years and expressed optimism for its future. “We have made significant progress both as a people and as a state. There is no doubt that we are growing fast in unity, resilience and reliance on God.
We have seen Owerri transform from a town into a hub. What has kept us united is the indomitable spirit of the Imo people,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, commended Governor Uzodimma’s achievements across sectors such as transportation, finance, and agriculture, describing his administration as leaving “an admirable legacy in Imo State, making a significant contribution to the wider Nigerian economy.”
Chief Anyaoku prayed for continued progress in Nigeria’s political evolution, emphasising the role of elections as a fundamental democratic process.
In his goodwill message, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji said Governor Uzodimma had become a reference point among his peers, noting that other governors were now emulating his successes.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, thanked Imo State for shaping his early life and praised Governor Uzodimma “for showcasing Imo State to the world.”
Also, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Oba Ojaja II), prayed for the progress of Imo State and Nigeria, as well as for sustained unity across the country.