By Sophia Afolabi
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodimma, has commended President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for advancing the constitutional process for the creation of state police, describing the move as a major step towards tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
In London, while addressing the House of Lords, the governor said his state was producing the templates for leadership transformation.
Uzodimma’s reaction followed the passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process. The bill is expected to be ratified by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before it becomes law.
In a statement issued at the weekend, the governor praised President Tinubu for what he described as “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture.”
He also commended the leadership of the National Assembly for supporting the proposed constitutional amendment, saying lawmakers had demonstrated patriotism by responding to Nigerians’ calls for a decentralised policing system.
According to the governor, state police would strengthen internal security, improve intelligence gathering and ensure quicker responses to criminal activities at the grassroots.
“This reform reflects a deep understanding of the country’s evolving security realities. State police, when backed by appropriate constitutional safeguards, will enhance collaboration among security agencies and ensure more effective protection of lives and property,” Uzodimma said.
He urged state governments, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the initiative, expressing confidence that the remaining constitutional procedures would be concluded in the interest of national security.
The governor also spoke on development and investment opportunities in Imo State while addressing the House of Lords in London, where he said his administration was building a governance model centred on rapid delivery, economic growth and leadership transformation.
Speaking on the theme, “From Vision to Velocity: Driving Africa’s Next Wave of Growth and Leadership – The Imo Experience,” Uzodimma said the state had invested heavily in infrastructure, digital innovation and job creation over the past six and a half years.
He said more than 140 roads had been constructed, while digital technology and skills development initiatives had trained over 60,000 young people for the digital economy through the Imo Digital City and SkillUp Imo programmes.
The governor also highlighted the One Kindred, One Business Initiative, describing it as a community-driven economic model that has led to the establishment of more than 600 businesses and the creation of over 20,000 jobs.
According to him, the Federal Government has adopted the initiative as a template for other states, reflecting its potential to drive grassroots economic development.
Uzodimma further disclosed that Imo State had earmarked about 140,000 hectares of land for the Orashi Special Energy Free Zone to attract investment in the energy sector, leveraging the state’s gas reserves.
“When power becomes reliable in Imo State, the face of industrialization changes across Nigeria’s South-east. That means jobs in a state where too many young people have waited too long for one,” he said.
The governor argued that Africa’s greatest challenge was not a lack of vision but the inability to translate plans into measurable development.
“Our founding fathers dreamed big. What we have lacked is velocity, the speed to turn our lofty plans into changed lives. That distance between vision and delivery is where several generations of African development have quietly died,” he said.
He said his administration was focused on strengthening institutions, improving infrastructure, promoting innovation and ensuring security, adding that these pillars were essential for sustainable development and investor confidence.
Uzodimma invited local and foreign investors to take advantage of the investment opportunities in Imo State, assuring them that the enabling environment for businesses had been created.
He also appreciated the African Leadership Organisation for conferring on him the African Leadership and Good Governance Award, describing the recognition as an honour and commending the organisation for promoting African narratives through African voices.
