Hope Uzodimma
It will be a huge convergence in Owerri next Monday for the second-term inauguration of Senator Hope Uzodimma as Imo State governor.
He was declared the winner of the November 11, 2023 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Uzodimma polled 540,308 votes and won in the 27 local governments.
Ahead of the inauguration, the state is celebrating, while Owerri, the capital, is wearing a new look.
Dan Anyiam Stadium, the venue of the swearing-in, has been put in order for the big event, while activities are in top gear to ensure a smooth ceremony.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, told reporters that efforts were being made to achieve a hitch-free event.
He said the governor had set up an all-encompassing committee of more than 100 eminent people from the state and beyond, and across party lines, to organise the inauguration, adding that the committee was chaired by Senator Chris Anyanwu and co-chaired by Chief Cosmas Iwu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), who also doubled as secretary of the committee.
Emelumba said the inauguration would be preceded by a thanksgiving mass on January 14 at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.
He said the mass would be presided over by the Metropolitan See of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev Dr Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji.
He said there would be a state banquet at the Government House, Owerri, shortly after the inauguration on Monday.
The commissioner said dignitaries across the country had been invited, while supporters from across the 27 councils are also expected at the ceremony.
“It will be a momentous event, as Imo people are joyously awaiting the ceremony. We are working hard on crowd control because our supporters across the 27 local governments are eager to attend the ceremony,” he added.
