Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has said Nigeria was in a deteriorated economic state before President Bola Tinubu assumed office, stressing that the administration’s reforms are now beginning to yield measurable results despite the hardship faced by citizens.
Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Saturday, Uzodimma compared Nigeria’s pre-Tinubu condition to “a barren woman seeking a child.”
“Nigeria was like a barren woman looking for a child before President Bola Tinubu came,” he said. Uzodimma, who is also the national coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, said Tinubu implemented crucial policy reforms which he metaphorically described as “fertility drugs” designed to stimulate economic recovery.
“He introduced the fertility drugs needed. Yes, they came with pains, but we are seeing results. We are not after excuses. We are interested in results,” he added.
His remarks followed the conclusion of a two-day meeting of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, where APC governors assessed the state of the nation, the impacts of ongoing federal reforms, and rising security concerns.
Uzodimma conveyed the governors’ appreciation to Nigerians for what he termed their “resilience” amid economic difficulties brought on by the reforms.
“We thank you for your resilience in admitting the difficulties from the reforms. A more united and prosperous Nigeria is what we need,” he said.
Addressing the recent rise in kidnappings and terrorist attacks, the governor expressed confidence that the country would overcome its security challenges. He also raised concerns over the unidentified financiers of criminal activities.
“God made Tinubu possible. Of late, we have seen the level of insecurity and banditry increase. Who are the people funding these criminalities? Progressive governors are united. Nigeria must win,” he said.
Speaking on his work with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Uzodimma said the group was established to take the administration’s policies directly to communities nationwide.
He explained that the structure will operate across zonal, state, local government and ward levels, aligning with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.
Uzodimma added that a key goal is to create at least 1,000 active businesses in every ward, taking advantage of the increased revenue allocations to states.
“FAAC has tripled to states,” he said. “With the Renewed Hope Ambassadors aligned with the Ward Development Programme, we will ensure that we have 1,000 active businesses in every ward in Nigeria.”
