When your masquerade dances and performs well, you are naturally entitled to be proud and speak glowingly of it — African proverb
There is no doubting the fact that presently, there is a masquerade dancing excellently well to the admiration of all in Imo State. And that masquerade is no other than the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma. This assertion is amply validated by the event of the past few days during the visit of President Bola Tinubu to Imo State.
On Tuesday, 30 September 2025, Uzodimma hosted the President and his entourage for the commissioning of several legacy projects, an occasion that drew an impressive array of Nigeria’s political elite.
It was the second visit of the President to Imo State since he assumed office in May 2023.
Aside the President, the gathering, this time, included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbass Tajudeen; approximately 22 governors from across the nation; highly placed ex-this and ex-that; highly revered traditional rulers such as the Ooni of Ife; the Oba of Benin, who was represented, the Gwom Gwom Jos; Obong of Calabar; Etsu Nupe; and their numbers ranking monarchs from the Southeast ably led by the Obi of Onitsha; and the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers/Chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Emmanuel Okeke. Of course other prominent political figures across the country were in attendance.
This high-profile assembly was not merely a ceremonial affair, it served as a powerful testament to Uzodimma’s unparalleled political clout, influence, and sagacity in Imo State — a level of prowess unseen since the era of Governor Sam Mbakwe.
Fondly remembered as the “weeping governor”, the late Mbakwe holds an indelible place in the annals of Imo State’s history. As the first democratically elected governor of the old Imo State from 1979 to 1983, Mbakwe was renowned for his passionate advocacy and transformative infrastructure projects. He earned his moniker by publicly shedding tears during pleas for federal support to rebuild the war-ravaged Southeastern state and he channeled that emotion into tangible developments like roads, schools and airport.
Then, 37 years after, emerges Uzodimma, who assumed office in 15 January 2020.
Tellingly, he faced an immediate backlash from critics who questioned his mandate and predicted that he would fail spectacularly. Detractors, cynics, naysayers, all labeled him an outsider, doubting his ability to navigate the complex socio-political dynamics of Imo State. Yet, in a remarkable turnaround, the governor has not only silenced them all but has elevated himself to a position of national prominence, mirroring Mbakwe’s influence while adapting it to contemporary challenges.
Uzodimma went to work, exhibiting an unimaginable dexterity in purposeful governance where leadership has been defined by capacity, competence, empathy, resilience, and a relentless focus on the people’s welfare.
His tenure so far has come to symbolise the Igbo spirit of innovation and determination in the face of adversity. Indeed, his almost six years in office has been nothing short of being epochal. All the initial doubts about his leadership qualities that were gleefully peddled by detractors have been silenced by his sterling performance in office.
Significantly, the recent event has completely erased doubts about Uzodimma as the new face of Ndigbo. His performance in office so far has eloquently advertised him as a leader with uncommon capacity, competence and compassion. His administration’s focus on reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery which he dubbed the “3R Agenda” has breathed new life into Imo State, proving that strategic leadership can transcend initial hurdles.
One of Uzodimma’s most striking achievements lies in infrastructure development, an area where he has channeled resources to address long-standing deficits. The commissioning event highlighted projects such as the rehabilitated Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Road, the newly constructed Control Post Flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre. These initiatives are not isolated feats; they form part of a broader effort to reconstruct federal roads within the state, easing transportation and boosting economic activities.
Under Uzodimma’s watch, the state has seen the revival of key assets like the K. O. Mbadiwe University, which was recovered for the people, enhancing educational opportunities. Additionally, the rebuilding of the iconic Concord Hotel promises to revitalise tourism and hospitality, creating jobs and attracting investments. These projects underscore Uzodimma’s commitment to tangible progress, much like the era of Mbakwe’s emphasis on infrastructure as a cornerstone of development.
Beyond bricks and mortar, Uzodimma’s governance has excelled in social sectors, particularly health. His administration’s implementation of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency has been lauded nationally, earning him the 2025 Leadership Award for Excellence in Health Insurance. This initiative ensures affordable healthcare for residents, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and improving access to medical services.
In education and youth empowerment, Uzodimma has prioritised skill acquisition programmes, equipping young indigenes with tools for self-reliance in a competitive economy via the Skill-Up Imo programme, an initiative of the Governor’s Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government which he created to enhance the human capital development of the youths in the digital world. Today, the imposing Imo Digital City on Egbu Road is a core legacy which Governor Uzodimma will be remembered for many years after his administration.
His prosperity agenda, as highlighted during Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, aligns the state’s progress with national goals, focusing on reconstruction and rehabilitation to foster sustainable growth.
What truly sets Uzodimma apart, however, is his emergence as a rallying point for Ndigbo in Nigeria’s national political discourse.
The Igbo people, evidently marginalised in post-civil war politics, have long sought leaders who can bridge regional divides and advocate for equitable integration. Uzodimma’s deft political moves are nothing but strategic, intentional and well-thought-out; and have clearly positioned him as that bridge to full national political integration.
His ability to attract a cross-section of Nigeria’s power brokers to Imo State demonstrates a mastery of coalition-building that extends beyond party lines. By hosting President Tinubu and other dignitaries, Uzodimma not only showcased Imo’s advancement but also highlighted the Southeast’s potential contributions to national unity.
To be sure, the event was more than a projects launching; it was a symbolic affirmation of Uzodimma’s role in repositioning Ndigbo. Traditional rulers from diverse regions attending the ceremony signal a growing inter-ethnic harmony, an area where the governor has been recognised internationally.
In 2022, he received the United Nations Peace Award for promoting good governance and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. Such accolades reflect his efforts to foster dialogue between the South East and other parts of the country, addressing historical grievances while pushing for inclusive policies.
Uzodimma’s advocacy for Igbo interests in national fora — be it economic empowerment or political representation—echoes Mbakwe’s passionate pleas but with a modern, pragmatic twist. Critics, who once dismissed Uzodimma’s capacity after his emergence through judicial intervention, now grapple with his undeniable results with heads bowed.
After 18 months into his second term, he has listed achievements that include restoring democracy in Imo through transparent governance and community engagement. Uzodimma’s leadership style, clearly marked by resilience against opposition, has turned potential setbacks into stepping stones to rally support amid challenges.
In the broader context of Ndigbo’s national integration, Uzodimma’s actions are pivotal. The Southeast has often been sidelined in Nigeria’s power-sharing arrangements, leading to calls for equity and restructuring. Uzodimma’s strategic alliances, including his close ties with the federal government, provide a platform for amplifying Igbo voices. By aligning state projects with the Renewed Hope Agenda, he ensures that Imo’s successes contribute to national narratives, fostering a sense of belonging for Ndigbo. This approach discourages separatist sentiments, and promotes constructive engagement that benefits all Nigerians.
Moreover, Uzodimma’s influence extends to economic repositioning. Imo State’s natural resources, including oil and gas, have been underutilised due to infrastructural gaps. His administration’s focus on road networks and other infrastructural facilities aims to attract investors, creating a hub for commerce in the Southeast. This economic diplomacy mirrors prior sundry efforts to rebuild after the war, but Uzodimma adapts it to globalisation, emphasising public-private partnerships and digital innovation.
As Nigeria navigates its democratic journey, leaders like Uzodimma remind us that true progress stems from vision and execution. His journey from near contempt by political opponents to national acclaim, illustrates the power of performance over perception. By proving critics wrong through excellent governance, Uzodimma has not only transformed Imo State but has also become the de facto rallying point for Ndigbo’s political aspirations.
Without a shred of doubt, the 30 September event, which included the launch of his book — 10 years of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria — was an eye-opener as it revealed Uzodimma’s stature in Nigerian politics.
He simply embodies the Igbo ethos of excellence and resilience. Through strategic moves and intentional leadership, Uzodimma is repositioning Ndigbo for deeper national integration, ensuring their discourse shapes Nigeria’s future.
As Imo State thrives under his stewardship, so too does the hope for a united, prosperous nation where every region plays a vital role. Uzodimma can indeed be likened to the spark of light illuminating all its surroundings and inspiring ‘hope’ of a better tomorrow for Ndigbo.
Tajudeen, a good governance advocate, writes from Warri
