EXTRA: Nigeria was ‘barren’ before Tinubu’s reforms, says Uzodimma

Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo and national coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, says President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are beginning to yield results despite the pains experienced by citizens.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, Uzodimma likened Nigeria to “a barren woman” before Tinubu assumed office.

He said the president introduced the “fertility drugs” required to restore economic productivity and set the country on a path of sustainable growth.

“Nigeria was like a barren woman looking for a child before President Bola Tinubu came,” Uzodimma said.

“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.”

The governor spoke shortly after the two-day meeting of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) held in Lagos, where party leaders reviewed the state of the nation, ongoing reforms, and the rising wave of insecurity.

Uzodimma, who conveyed the collective position of the APC governors, expressed appreciation to Nigerians for what he described as their “resilience” amid economic hardship arising from the policy shifts introduced by the federal government.

“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 surge in kidnappings and terrorist attacks across parts of the country, the governor insisted that Nigeria would ultimately defeat insurgents and bandits.

He questioned the sources of funding for criminal groups, saying the fight against insecurity requires unity and political will.

“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,” Uzodimma said.

Speaking on his role as national coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, the governor said the movement is designed to take the message of the administration’s policies to communities across the country.

He said the ambassadors will operate across four levels — zonal, state, local government and ward — aligning directly with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.

Uzodimma said one of the key targets of the new structure is to ensure the establishment of at least 1,000 active businesses in every ward, leveraging the significant fiscal boost states are now receiving.

“FAAC has tripled to states,” he said, referencing the Federation Account Allocation Committee disbursements.

“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,” the governor added.

The meeting brought together governors, party leaders and stakeholders from the south-west, with discussions centred on deepening party mobilisation, strengthening security collaboration and reinforcing public confidence in the administration’s policy direction.