The Founder/President of the Igbo Council of Elders UK (ICE), Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu, on Sunday said insecurity and infrastructure development among others have now improved in Imo state.

Ikezuagu stated this in a statement to newsmen in Owerri, while commenting on the level of development in the state and the need to create a diaspora offices to support Imo development.

He said to further strengthen and sustain the trend of the development in Imo that there is need now to create diaspora liaison office to attract investors to support the ongoing development in the state.

He started by saying: “Returning from the United Kingdom to Nigeria this Christmas, and arriving in Imo State, I am highly impressed with the remarkable progress achieved under the leadership of the Governor of Imo State, Chief Hope Uzodimma. His administration has made significant strides economically, socially, politically, and technologically, positively impacting countless lives. The Imo community in the diaspora, especially in the United Kingdom, is proud of his accomplishments.”

On the areas he witnessed development include the Prompt Payment of Salaries and Pensions Civil servants and pensioners receive their entitlements on time, ensuring financial stability and trust in governancebas well as the Enhanced Security. Adding that the state enjoys improved safety. Citizens move freely without fear or harassment. For instance, I traveled from Orlu to Owerri at 8pm and arrived safely—an indication of the tight security measures in place.

He also mentioned the Road Infrastructure Development, pointing that the rehabilitation of major roads across the state is commendable. Roads linking Owerri to Mbaise and Owerri to Orlu are solidly constructed, reducing travel time and boosting economic activity.”

“Energy Initiatives: Gas flaring projects are underway to guarantee 24-hour electricity supply, a transformative step for industrial and domestic growth. World Economic Summit in Owerr. The governor successfully hosted a global summit that attracted international institutions, companies, and governments. This initiative has positioned Imo State as an emerging hub for investment and economic development.

“Support for SMEs and Youth Empowerment. Loans are being provided to small and medium enterprises, alongside skills acquisition programs for Imo youths, fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance. Also, the Scholarship Programs, according to Ikezuagu, “Scholarships awarded to Imo State students highlight the administration’s commitment to education and human capital development.”

However, to sustain the level of efforts made by the state governments, it was his his view that the need has come to have what he called “the Imo diaspora community, especially in the United Kingdom, humbly present the following requests to further strengthen our partnership with the state government:

“Diaspora Housing Scheme. We urge the government to establish mortgage-induced housing projects for diaspora residents. This will provide us with a home base in Imo State, enabling us to contribute more effectively to the state’s economic development.”

“Establishment of Liaison Offices Abroad. We request the creation of liaison offices in the UK, Europe, and North America to attract investors and facilitate stronger ties between Imo professionals abroad and the state. We believe that Governor Hope Uzodimma has the vision and capacity to actualize these requests, thereby deepening the bond between Imo State and its diaspora community,” he concluded.