From Marcel Duru, Owerri.
The Governor of Imo State Senator Hope Uzodimma has said that Africa’s Development has never been held back by a lack of Vision but by stunted velocity.Gov. Hope Uzodimma made this comment While addressing the UK House of Lords in London on Friday, July 3, 2026 as part of receiving the African Inspirational Leadership and Good Governance Award from African Leadership Organization He stated that Africa’s development has never been held back by a lack of vision, but by stunted velocityOur foundingfathers dreams big. What we have lacked is velocity, the speed to turn our lofty plans into changed lives added that the distance between the vision and the delivery is where several generations of African development have quietly died”He further said that Imo is now producing templates for leadership transformation and moving quickly on delivery byCreated a strategic business template with 20,000 jobs in Digital technology, Skills empowerment, 60,000 jobsand basic infrastructure needed to attract investors.
Uzodimma highlighted that gas deposits 140,000 hectares has been mapped for the Orashi Special Energy Free Zone to position Imo as a home for serious energy investment, stressing thatWhen power becomes reliable in the face of industrialisation changes might occur across Nigeria’s South East,that means jobs in a state where too many young people have waited too long for will be available. He projected thatthis is anopportunity to sowcase the progress we have made in Imo State and to deepen conversations around partnerships that can accelerate development and would help attract foreign investment and strengthen cooperation between Imo State and international institutions.
