Governor Uzodimma “Onwa” at 64 ~ by Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji
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The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Security Officer of Imo State, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, remains as strong today as he did three years ago when he was sworn-in as the legitimate
governor of the state.
The weight of the office and the seriousness with which he takes his responsibilities can be seen on his face and in his gait as he turns sixty-four years old today.
His swagger as the people’s champion and his devotion to the mantra of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery remain unchanged by age and time.
Our brother, Chinua Achebe (May his soul rest in peace and honour!) told us that one of the characteristics of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.
On the matter of governance, particularly in the aspect of the unity of the Nigerian nation state, Governor Uzodimma has demonstrated a commitment to the
oneness of Nigeria in manners that have guaranteed in Imo State the security of and respect for the human rights of citizens and visitors alike.
This blunt refusal to be compromised can be seen in the fact that virtually all the security agencies in the country have made Imo State the ultimate destination for their conferences and strategic meetings.
Another of our brothers from another mother, Martin Luther King, Jr. (May his soul rest in peace and honour!) asserted that the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Governor Uzodimma was a comfortable man before he mounted the saddles of governance in Imo State.
The state has, however, experienced security challenges for quite some time. Orchestrated and sponsored violence, has combined with opportunistic misadventures of criminal syndicates to create images of destruction (and in somec cases death) that are unknown to the good people of Imo State.
But through it all, Governor Uzodimmah has stood on the side of the people and spared no expense to return Imo State to its hitherto reputation as the most peaceful and cleanest state in the nation.
On a personal note, it is inspiring to be part of an army of public servants led by a lion who has nerves seemingly made of steel and at the same time a heart full of kindness and generosity.
Governor Uzodimma’s self-confidence is infectious and his dexterity in managing the permutations of the political landscape is Azikiwelian.
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On this, the 64th anniversary of his birth, I salute the man I have sometimes referred to as Ofu Aka Na Agwo Aju.
No matter how talented or gifted an individual is, if she or he does not get opportunities to serve, the world may never know and humanity many never benefit from those talents and gifts.
Governor Uzodimma provides opportunities for gifts and talents to be manifested. He gave little me an opportunity to serve Imo State as its pioneer Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs.
I have worked twenty-four hours a day, and seven days a week to justify the opportunity he has given to me.
Happy Birthday Onwa!
May the Chukwu of our people remain kind to you and yours! Read more.
The author, Dr. Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji, writes from Owerri.
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