President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned major infrastructure projects in Owerri, the Imo State capital, executed by Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration, as the state rolled out the drums to welcome the nation’s leader.
Among the projects inaugurated were the long-awaited flyover at the bustling “Control” area, the Owerri–Mbise road project, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Centre. Tinubu also unveiled a compendium chronicling Uzodinma’s years of service in Imo.
Owerri wore a festive look in anticipation of the visit, with the state government mobilising a massive clean-up campaign—clearing streets, weeding road verges, and preparing event venues. Traffic was cordoned off around the newly built flyover to facilitate the presidential commissioning.
Residents around the project sites hailed Uzodinma’s efforts. Faith Osuji, a trader along Bank Road, said: “Do you know how long we have suffered because of this project? We are happy that the government has finally completed it. But they should ensure miscreants don’t turn it into a hideout.”
A bus driver, Chidi, commended the administration for upgrading infrastructure but stressed insecurity remained a challenge in rural communities. “Owerri has enjoyed peace recently, but we still find it difficult to travel to our villages, especially on market days. The Governor should work with the Federal Government to address this,” he said.
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Imo Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, described the event as historic, saying the state was fully ready to host the President. “The whole town is agog. The President will be unveiling legacy projects that had lingered for several years. The Governor has done a lot to make Imo comfortable, and sit-at-home threats do not apply here,” he declared.
The commissioning underscores Uzodinma’s push to cement his “shared prosperity” agenda with infrastructure seen as the flagship of his administration, while Tinubu’s presence was viewed as a boost to federal–state cooperation.