TheCable

Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo, has called on residents of the state to be patient because the New Year would “herald a glorious dawn”.

In his New Year message on Sunday, delivered from Omuma, his hometown, the governor said he understands the pain being faced by residents, adding that he did the much he could to cushion the effect of the economic hardship.

The governor urged opposition political parties to sheathe their swords and align with his government.

“I must admit that the year 2023 was a very challenging year in which many Nigerians battled for survival,” Uzodinma said.

“As your governor, I shared these pains, and I did the much I could, to help alleviate the challenges.

“Like most reforms, the initial pains are inevitable. The good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“As they say, the darkest hour heralds a glorious dawn. So it is with the pains that came with these needful reforms.

“I am very confident that the promised glorious dawn is close enough.

“Thus, I appeal to the good people of Imo state to be patient because the year 2024 will surely herald that glorious dawn.”

The governor reiterated his efforts and commitments to having an efficient administration, noting that the 2024 budget with 83 percent as capital expenditure, mirrors his intention to carry out more infrastructure works across the 27 LGAs of the state.

“The practical interpretation of the budget is that if we built 20 roads in 2023, we are going to build 40 in 2024,” he said.

“If we empowered 2,000 youths in 2023, 4,000 youths should take their turn in 2024.

“With this capital expenditure centred budget, there shall be an avalanche of projects in Imo State in 2024.

“This harvest of projects will always be evenly and equitably sited in the 27 local government areas of our state.

“We need a renewed love, a renewed hope, and renewed economic growth for our state so as to usher in peace and progress and prosperity for all.”