Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has issued a firm directive to all local government chairmen and councillors, urging them to either reside within their respective local government areas or resign from office. The governor made this declaration during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Imo Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat, Mbari in Owerri.
He emphasized that effective administration of rural areas can only be achieved when local council officials are physically present in their constituencies. According to Uzodimma, insecurity in the state will significantly reduce if these officials remain close to their people, understand their challenges, and provide the necessary leadership.
The meeting, which the governor described as a non-political but strategic interactive session, brought together stakeholders and leaders from Imo’s 656 autonomous communities. Its aim was to address pressing issues such as insecurity, rural healthcare delivery, and grassroots governance.
Governor Uzodimma stressed the importance of local government operations being managed directly from the grassroots, rather than remotely from urban centers. He asserted that no government can function effectively without strong social mobilization and community engagement.
To reinforce these goals, the governor announced the formation of Local Government Implementation Committees. These committees are tasked with ensuring the execution of key resolutions in the areas of security, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment across the state.
In a further push to strengthen community resilience, the governor called on traditional rulers and local leaders to take active responsibility for the safety and development of their areas, warning against allowing hoodlums to overrun their communities.
Additionally, Governor Uzodimma revealed plans to establish a health center in every community and a general hospital in each local government area. He encouraged community leaders to ensure widespread participation in the state’s Social Health Insurance Programme to improve access to quality healthcare.
Speaking directly to the youth, the governor urged them to adopt a mindset of dignity in labour and to embrace the values of hard work and self-reliance. He called for a shift in perspective that aligns with global development trends, encouraging young people to explore entrepreneurship through the state’s skill acquisition initiatives.
“There must be a new thinking for a new Imo to emerge. I want my youth population to think differently,” Uzodimma said, reinforcing his vision for a transformed and forward-looking Imo State.
