CAJETAN DUKE
Pursuant to his quest for a new Imo, where enduring peace, prosperity and justice shall reign, Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi has shared his thoughts on the roadmap for the economic development of Imo State, emphasizing the urgent need for deliberate and intentional leadership choices.
Speaking to a cross section of Imo stakeholders at an agenda setting interactive session in Owerri, as organized by The Masses Progressive Network Incorporated in conjunction with the Mazi Organization, Dr. Amadi urged Imolites to wake up to the harsh realities of contemporary times and demand more from their leaders.
The event, chaired by the erudite scholar and legal luminary, Prof. Francis Dike, SAN, offered Imolites a unique platform to evaluate Amadi’s roadmap for Imo State development, anchored in Security, Economy, and Education, captured succinctly as The SEE.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme “Before Nigeria Leaves Imo Behind,” Amadi struck a chord with Imolites highlighting the urgency of the now – a historic and defining moment, and the apparent importance of a new course for a progressive drive, following the example of some Southeast States like Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi, who seem to have rediscovered their transformational governance mojo.
According to the Umuekwenne Ngor Okpala born academic guru and entrepreneurial gaint, the new roadmap must be anchored in the comprehensive “SEE” agenda, which focuses on Security, Economy, and Education. This holistic approach addresses Imo State pressing challenges and opens up its vast potential for growth and development.
Amadi’s vision for security transcends the traditional notion of mere absence of crime, but challenges the masses’ collective response to it.
According to Amadi: “A collective response to security challenges, with emphasis on security should not be politicized and to effectively address troubling insecurity, there is need for huge investments in security infrastructure and personnel welfare, while adopting localized approaches that address specific community needs.”
On economy, he expressed deep concerns over the deterioration of key government establishments by past visionary leaders while attributing this decline to present poor leadership and lack of boardroom experience.
To revamp these moribund industries, Amadi proposed a bold approach, which he termed “state development capitalism,” aimed at driving economic growth and generating employment opportunities.
He said: “The eventual turnaround of strategic industries such as Avutu Poultry, Nsu Ceramic Industry, Imo Shoe Industry, and Adapalm will have a multiplier effect on Imo State economy.
“These industries will not only generate significant internal revenue but also create much-needed jobs for the teeming unemployed youths, thereby boosting the economic fortunes of Imo State.”
While commending the state government for achieving an impressive 95% literacy rate and lowest out-of-school children rate, Amadi lamented the poor quality of education and the collapse of public basic education in the state.
He stressed that reversing this trend will have far-reaching economic benefits, including the unlocking of Imo State human capital potentialities.
Indeed, the success of Amadi’s roadmap hinges on collective efforts by government, the private sector, and civil society, which together will build and foster a bright and enduring future for present Imo people and unborn generations.
Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi’s roadmap truly offers a compelling vision for the transformation of Imo State.
His words: “By prioritizing security, economy, and education, Imo State can unlock its potential and create a new era of prosperity. It is time for Imolites to wake up, demand more, and work together to build a better future.”
Other speakers who spoke at the event collaborated Amadi’s position and commended his SEE agenda as an uncommon template for Imo development. Prof. Edyna Martins-Njoku, while adopting the “SEE” agenda espoused by Amadi, urged Imolites to be prepared to change the music for Imo development.