By Goodluck Ikiebe
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has applauded the fair and objective reporting style of journalists in the country, saying it has contributed to his administration’s successes.
Uzodinma gave the commendation while speaking on Friday during the executive session at the 18th All Nigeria Editors Conference, in Owerri, South East Nigeria.
He thanked the Editors for their role in the buildup to the elections that saw his emergence as governor and urged them not to relent in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.
He called on Editors to find time to tour the state so as to observe firsthand the achievements of his administration so as to better appreciate the role of the media in people -oriented governance.
Uzodinma listed the achievements to include the revamping of the state’s water scheme, sanitisation of the State’s Civil Service, road construction and rehabilitation as well as an aggressive fight against criminality.
He said that his 3R mantra of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery led to the successful renovation of health centres, resuscitation of the Ada Palm plantation through Public Private Partnership.
He added that he also restored accreditation to the state’s university while dredging the Orashi river and other waterways and training youths on digital skills.
“It is important that you editors use this opportunity to see how far we have gone in delivering good governance. The unique circumstances that fueled my governorship ambition were divinely inspired.
“My ambition was almost truncated by a high level conspiracy but your objective reportage of events really helped the situation,” he noted.
Uzodinma said that his administration provided official vehicles for permanent secretaries and High Court Judges in the state to smoothen the process of service delivery.
According to him, Imo was ready for business as it was once again, secure.
”Imo has regained her lost glory as the hospitality capital of the South-East. We are ready for business.
”Journalists have been kind, fair and objective in telling our story. Together we can do many things “, Uzodinma assured.
The event was attended by Chairman of the conference, Prof. Stella Okunna, and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mustapha Isah, as well as Editors from the Print, Electronic and Online Media from across Nigeria.
