Governor Uzodimma inaugurates IMSUTH, IMSUBEB boards
…pledges improved healthcare and education in Imo
Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the healthcare and education sectors, describing them as critical to the well-being and development of the state.
Speaking over the weekend during the inauguration of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Board and the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB), Governor Uzodimma highlighted the urgent interventions his administration has made since assuming office in 2020.
The Governor lamented that IMSUTH, the state’s only tertiary hospital, had been in a comatose state before his administration’s intervention. However, he expressed satisfaction that the institution now ranks among effective teaching hospitals in the country.
Acknowledging that about 70% of deaths in Nigeria result from poor healthcare delivery, Uzodimma emphasized the need for quality primary, secondary, and tertiary health institutions.
He revealed that his administration had invested over N4 billion in rehabilitating IMSUTH’s faculties, procuring state-of-the-art medical equipment, and attracting professionals with local and international expertise.
Urging the newly inaugurated board to build on these achievements, the Governor called on Dr. Emmanuel Ogueri (Chairman), Prof. Kelechi Uwakwe (Chief Medical Director), Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Emekaraoha, Anyaehie Okameme, and Dr. Osita Kingsley Uzoma to leverage their medical experience abroad and transform Imo into a hub for medical tourism.
“This is your own. Help to stop medical tourism in Imo. Bring back here your wealth of knowledge and experience. Unless we are healthy, there won’t be development,” he stated.
Governor Uzodimma also charged the newly appointed IMSUBEB Board to ensure prudence and accountability in managing funds allocated for basic education. He pledged to publish their financial reports monthly for transparency.
The IMSUBEB Board members include Hon. Chidiebere Egbo (Chairman), Arc. Mrs. Amaka Onu, Hon. Chuks Metu (Secretary), Hon. Vitalis Obioma, Hon. Edward Obinna, Mrs. Nzeoma Lucy Nkeiru, and Mrs. Leticia Amandianeze.
The Governor warned against corrupt practices, urging the board members to remain focused on improving the quality of education in the state.
“Your failure is our collective failure; and your success, our collective success. Be wary of those who will tell you it is now your turn, because it is not your turn, but the turn of Imo people. Change the story, rebuild the schools, and go and serve as servants,” he cautioned.
He also disclosed that his administration had cleared outstanding counterpart funding obligations, saving about N20 billion for infrastructural improvements in primary and secondary schools, recruitment of qualified teaching personnel, and provision of learning materials.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Emmanuel Ogueri, Chairman of IMSUTH Board, expressed gratitude to the Governor and pledged that the board would work towards providing high-quality medical services, including complex surgeries and organ transplants, to reduce the need for overseas medical treatment.
Similarly, Hon. Chidiebere Egbo, Chairman of IMSUBEB, praised the Governor’s vision for restoring education in Imo and assured that the board would implement policies to improve the quality of basic education.
The inauguration ceremonies were attended by key government officials, including Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe (Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly), Chief Cosmos Iwu (Secretary to the State Government), Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie (Chief of Staff), Mrs. Chikaodi Emenalor (Head of Service), Commissioners, and stakeholders such as Barr. Marcelinus Nlemigbo, Chief Charles Amadi, Chief Tony Chukwu, and HRH, Eze Oliver Ohanwhe.
Governor Uzodimma reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting both boards in fulfilling their mandates, ensuring that healthcare and education in Imo State continue to improve.
