Nneoma Ahukanna and Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu
In the face of socioeconomic and security challenges
within Nigeria, and the prevailing hopelessness felt by the citizens in the 36
states of the federation, many people in Imo state are seeing a beacon of
light flickering at the end of the tunnel.
Not long ago, a month precisely, the state marked her
38th anniversary since creation on 3rd February 1976 by late Military
President, Murtala Muhammed.
A sampling of opinion of a cross section of
citizens, by the Statesman Newspaper on whether the Imo state of
their dreams has been actualized or not, revealed that despite the
obvious general disenchantment all around, there are those who still hold on to
a renewed hope in the emergence of an Imo state of their dreams.
The general consensus by the people is that apart from
the now declining spate of insecurity in parts of the state, the Imo of their
dreams was slowly but surely emerging under the shared prosperity government of
Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Among those who spoke to the Statesman Newspaper,
was Francis Minaj, who expressed his concerns, stating, ‘The masses in the
state are not happy because of insecurity everywhere. The way the masses or
young youth are being kidnapped, incessant arrest for doing nothing in the name
of Ebubeagu and Tiger Base is not occurring well. The hunger or starvation
aspect, no food for people to eat and survive, no good water, no good road
apart from these major roads that are built properly. On that road issue, the
roads that link inside some villages like Awo, Afara, Nkwo Orodo area, are not
done.’
George Nwokoro
George Nwokoro, known as Mc Bush, the general secretary
of Obiechendu, Umueze Ofekata, Orodo, shared, ‘Actually, everybody is happy
because we are born and brought up in Imo State. But we are not happy with what
people are doing inside there like all these police people. Because of the
hardship in Imo State, they will arrest youth like that without any crime. They
use to arrest people any how without any crime. Some they use three hundred
thousand to four hundred thousand naira to bail themselves. The only happiness
we are having here is because we are indigenes. Most of our graduates are riding
okada. Some are driving buses so as to keep body and soul together. The
governor needs to watch the Tiger Base people; the way they are working is bad.
Another people he should watch are these Fulani people. They import dogs into
Imo State about 150 or 200 dogs. What are they doing with those dogs? But I
will commend the governor for the good roads, street lights he has put in
place. We are truly enjoying it.’
Dr. Nelly reflected, ‘Despite the insecurities
everywhere, with Fulani herdsmen killing people, I am grateful for the simple
fact that we are alive. Given the tumultuous state of affairs, just being alive
at 48 is reason enough to find happiness.’
Mrs. Iwu Leticia Adaku, Director of Environment Services
in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, highlighted, ‘Imo state has clocked 48years,
at least we are enjoying good roads, free water from water board in Owerri
Municipality, and I’m also enjoying street lights. Imo state has come up to be
one of the cleanest states in the federation because all the refuse heaps along
the road are being taken care of. We are enjoying fresh air and good breeze.
The atmosphere is not harsh on us due to constant evacuation of refuse both
along the road in Owerri Municipality. Last week we did clean-up along Douglas
Road; such an exercise will give room for good environment.’
Nnoso Nkem
Nnoso Nkem (The Youth Mayor) remarked, ‘I am happy. If
you give birth to a child, you nurture the child to grow. In the course of
trying to nurture the child to grow, there are things you would need for a
child to grow. The stage the state is in is the stage of development. Imo at 48
is at the developing stage or its developing stage. But whatever thing that is
going on in Imo State to us (the realists), we believe that every stage carries
its challenge. And the challenges we are facing in Imo State are the challenges
that can only bring development. It’s the challenge that can make people think
out of the box in order to fathom what can benefit the state. So when I say
that I am happy, in the sense that the state is growing economically in my
front, in my present, and as such, I am contributing my quota towards making it
a reality in our time. So, on the other side of it, I believe that the strength
that we are putting will bring down the negative aspect of it in order to give
way for the positivity to have its course.’
Basil Ohanaka, a respected leader in Umudurumba, Uba
Ifakala, shared his perspective, stating, ‘I am happy in Imo State. Before,
incidents of kidnapping were rampant, but I've noticed a decline lately. I
appreciate what the governor is doing to address the situation. However, I must
appeal for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader. I believe his
imprisonment fuels violence in Imo State. Perhaps, his release could help calm
the youth. Nonetheless, I commend the governor for his efforts in the state.’
He continued, ‘The government should pay closer attention
to the youth. Excessive phone usage is leading many astray. We're witnessing a
troubling trend where hungry youths are resorting to destructive behaviors
instead of seeking employment. Implementing age restrictions on phone usage
could alleviate these issues, including theft and kidnapping. Additionally, the
government needs to monitor burial practices closely. The extravagant spending
on burials has become excessive. There should be regulations to limit expenses,
along with strict timeframes for mortuary stays, to prevent unnecessary
financial strain on families during burial ceremonies.’
Rev. Cyril Akekuator Akuoma
Rev. Cyril Akekuator Akuoma, the General overseer
Grace Covenant Gospel Church, commented, ‘it’s congratulations to Imo
State at 48. But the visions of our founding fathers, I don’t think it is
working. I look at the plan for the first civilian governor of Imo State. Let
me not key into the military administration of Imo State because Imo State is
the creation of Murtala Mohammed. The governor then was a military. But I will
look at Sam Mbakwe who actually created a vision for Imo State which was
industries, that is why he created the industrial cluster. Look at the shoe
industry at Shell Camp. At a point, the shoe industry was indebted but I thank
God for the governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma who recovered the industry by
paying off the debt, but then the industry is remaining dormant. What we see
mostly in Imo State are hotels and filling stations. These are consumption
industries. We need productive industries. We should harness our oil palm. If
we concentrate on oil palm we will expand our ideas.’
Rev. Cyril added, ‘We should seek an industry and see how
to empower our young men. In each local government, the government should be
able to set up the cottage industries in every local government at least for a
start. When cottage industries are set up there would be employment. If you got
most of our rural men you would find them in Okada business. There are areas
you would get okada riders more than the passengers, and you will find them
whiling away their time, and this might lead to crime. But if there are
industries, the crime will reduce. At 48, Imo State is now an adult. We don’t
have good roads. Most of the roads built by Sam Mbakwe are in the 70s. The
roads that are built now are federal roads but the state roads are in
deplorable conditions apart from the Owerri Metropolis which are fine and
motorable. Owerri-Orlu road, Umuahai road are all federal roads are good. It is
good for the state to be connected to other states. But the rural roads are
bad. Going to the other state outside the state capital, the roads are
motorable but here in Imo State, the rural roads are not motorable. At 48, we
should be matured enough to be an industrious state. The government should be
able to sit up industries that would absorb our teeming unemployed youth.’
Joy Udeokoro
Joy Udeokoro reflected on the state's challenges,
stating, ‘Having recently marked the milestone of our beloved state's 48th
anniversary, it's imperative that we take a moment to reflect on where we stand
today and where we aspire to be in the future. Imo, once celebrated for its
vibrancy, warmth, and resilience, now finds itself grappling with a myriad of
challenges that threaten to overshadow its inherent beauty and potential.’
Joy Udeokoro continued, her voice tinged with concern and
determination, ‘In recent times, our state has witnessed a concerning shift—a
departure from the spirit of unity and progress that once defined us. Instead,
we are confronted with divisions fueled by greed, hate, and power struggles.
The very essence of our identity as a community, as a family, seems to be
eroding as we witness brother turning against brother, and kinsmen against
kinsmen, all in pursuit of fleeting gains.’
‘This reality pains me deeply, as I reminisce about the
days when Imo was synonymous with joy, hospitality, and opportunity. Our
streets echoed with the rhythms of life, our air carried the scent of home, and
our hearts brimmed with hope for a brighter tomorrow. Yet, today, we find
ourselves hesitating to embrace our own homecoming, gripped by fear of becoming
prey to those who should protect us.’
‘But amidst the darkness, let us not lose sight of the
flicker of hope that remains. Let us draw inspiration from the resilience of
our forebears and the legacy of leaders like Sam Mbakwe, who envisioned a
better future for our beloved state. Despite the current challenges, I believe
in the indomitable spirit of Imo—the same spirit that has weathered storms and
emerged stronger time and again.’
‘Together, we must reclaim the essence of Imo—the spirit
of community, compassion, and collective progress. We must resist the forces of
division and strive to rebuild our state on the pillars of justice, integrity,
and unity. It won't be easy, but I am confident that with determination and
solidarity, Imo will rise again, reclaiming its rightful place as a beacon of
pride and prosperity.’
She concluded by stating, ‘Having commemorated our
48th anniversary, let us not only celebrate our past but also reaffirm our
commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. Imo may be
facing challenges, but it is also brimming with untapped potential and
resilient spirit. Let us harness this potential and work together towards a
future where every resident can thrive and find pride in calling Imo home.’
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