Residents of Imo State are set to begin enjoying 24-hour uninterrupted electricity supply from November, as the state government rolls out a test phase of its new power initiative in Owerri and surrounding areas.
Governor Hope Uzodimma made the announcement over the weekend during a stakeholders and expanded executive council meeting held at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC), Owerri.
According to the governor, the pilot program will be powered by the Urashi Power Plant, a state-backed project made possible through recent legislation enabling its establishment. He added that the rollout would gradually extend to other parts of the state, including Orlu, Okigwe, and Mbaise, in the coming months.
Governor Uzodimma also unveiled a number of fiscal relief and social welfare initiatives, key among them being a new tax exemption for individuals earning less than ₦150,000 monthly. He noted that oil companies operating in the state would be charged with executing the policy.
In a bid to ease transportation for vulnerable groups, the governor announced free transport services for retirees and students along major routes, including Owerri–Okigwe, Orlu, Aba, Onitsha, and Port Harcourt. The scheme will leverage a newly acquired fleet of CNG-powered metro buses.
On infrastructure development, Uzodimma disclosed that 50 percent of the contract sums for ongoing projects have already been disbursed to contractors. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to public good over political gains, noting that he is not actively pursuing federal reimbursements for state-funded road projects. “I believe that future administrations will benefit from these investments,” he said.
Addressing the issue of insecurity, the governor assured residents of renewed efforts to restore peace and stability across the state. He also underscored the importance of youth inclusion in governance, stating: “We need a new generation of politicians to run the affairs of Imo State.”
The developments mark a significant push by the Uzodimma administration to improve living standards, expand critical infrastructure, and lay the groundwork for a more inclusive political and economic future in Imo.
