THE Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma has announced a significant reduction in the state’s debt profile, slashing it from ₦259 billion in 2020 to ₦99 billion in 2025 without resorting to fresh borrowing.
Speaking during the State of Imo Address at the State House of Assembly in Owerri today, the governor highlighted the move as evidence of prudent financial management and a disciplined approach to governance.
“Our administration has reduced the state’s debt profile by 60%, a clear signal of financial prudence,” Uzodimma said. “With vision, discipline, and reform, progress is possible.”
The governor also revealed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had risen by nearly 500%, climbing from an average of ₦400 million in 2020 to nearly ₦4 billion monthly in 2025.
This revenue growth, he said, has enabled the government to invest in infrastructure and public services.
On education, Uzodimma announced that Imo now hosts five public tertiary institutions, following the establishment of the Federal University, Okigwe.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a ₦39 billion take-off grant for the new university.
“We now proudly host five public universities—an unprecedented milestone in our state’s educational journey,” the governor stated.
The other institutions include Imo State University, Owerri; K.O. Mbadiwe University, Ogboko; University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo; and Ben Uwajumogu College of Education, Ihitte Uboma.
As part of efforts to improve transportation, Uzodimma unveiled the Imo Heartland Mass Transit Programme, with three new bus terminals and 256 bus stops being developed to improve mobility, reduce costs, and create jobs. Construction has already begun, with world-class facilities expected at Egbu Road, Onitsha Road, and Naze Road.
The governor further highlighted the administration’s strides in civil service reform, including full automation to curb fraud, timely salary and pension payments, and merit-based promotions.
On infrastructure, Uzodimma claimed his administration has delivered more roads than all previous administrations combined since 1999, with over 120 roads completed statewide.
Notable among these are the Assumpta Flyover, the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Road, Toronto-Ekemmegbuoha Road, and the International Conference Centre.
Other achievements, he noted, span healthcare, housing, women’s welfare, sports development, energy access through the “Light-Up Imo” project, and recovery of encroached public lands.
Uzodimma also assured citizens of improved security in the state, declaring Imo safe again after tackling politically motivated violence and banditry.
He called on agitators to shun violence and collaborate in building the state.
“Imo is reclaiming its status as the hospitality capital of the South-East. Recent national and international conferences in Owerri have been incident-free, a testament to our commitment to peace,” he said.
He concluded by appealing for unity: “No ambition is worth the blood of our people. Let us build, not destroy.”