VP Shettima Hails Imo at 50, Pledges Increased Federal Support

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday praised Imo State’s enduring contributions to Nigeria’s political, intellectual and economic development, assuring the state of stronger federal support as it marks 50 years of creation.

He described Imo as a strategic partner in national progress and Governor Hope Uzodimma as a “game-changing revolutionary” whose leadership has restored discipline and institutional strength to governance.

Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration, Shettima conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill and affirmed that Imo State would continue to enjoy a “front-line seat at the national table.” He said the South-East state has consistently enriched Nigeria through its leadership, scholarship, creative talent and agricultural enterprise.

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The Vice President reserved special praise for Governor Uzodimma, crediting him with reintroducing planning, reform and confidence to Imo’s public administration. “Governor Uzodimma is more than a custodian of the present. He understands that governance is duty, not theatre,” Shettima said, noting that the state has re-entered national relevance under his watch.

Tracing Imo’s political legacy, Shettima recalled the contributions of pioneers such as Dr. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, whose oratory left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s politics; the late Sam Mbakwe, fondly remembered as the “Weeping Governor”; and former governor Rochas Okorocha, whom he described as a pan-Nigerian figure for his humanitarian outreach to orphaned children across the country.

He also highlighted the state’s cultural and intellectual influence, celebrating literary icon Chief Flora Nwapa as the “mother of modern African literature” who gave African women a powerful voice. In the creative industry, he acknowledged Imo’s imprint on Nollywood through Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic and Kanayo O. Kanayo, as well as music legend Onyeka Onwenu, whom he said projected Nigerian sound to the world.

On the economy, the Vice President pointed to Imo’s agricultural strength, particularly palm oil production at the historic Ada Palm Plantation, and its vibrant markets from Nkwo Orji to Orlu International Market. He described education as the state’s greatest industry, citing institutions such as the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and Imo State University, and noting the state’s high literacy rates.

Shettima further identified emerging opportunities in oil and gas in Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta, alongside prospects in agro-processing, renewable energy, solid minerals, tourism and the digital economy. He commended Owerri’s rise as a hospitality hub, adding that peace and security have become economic assets.

Urging Imo to use the jubilee as a springboard for the next 50 years, he called for renewed unity, innovation and service-driven politics.

Earlier, Governor Uzodimma said the state would deepen digital transformation and consolidate past gains, describing Imo’s creation in 1976 as an expression of freedom. Chairman of the occasion, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, lauded the administration’s developmental strides, while goodwill messages from dignitaries, including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and traditional rulers, underscored Imo’s growing national stature.