President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, paid special tribute to Imo, describing the state as the “intellectual engine and cornerstone” of Nigeria, calling Governor Hope Uzodimma as a game-changer.

The president praised the state for its “significant contributions to the country’s leadership and cultural heritage”.

He spoke in Owerri during the grand finale of Imo at 50 celebrations and the unveiling of a compendium, detailing the state’s milestones.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, lauded Imo’s 50-year legacy of producing citizens, who have shaped lives globally.

He said that the state consistently supplies Nigeria with “leaders of vision and courage”, who serve far beyond their state borders.

He particularly eulogised the former Governor of the state, late Sam Mbakwe, and Gov. Hope Uzodimma for their “passion and empathy” for the development and progress of the Heartland state.

“Beyond politics, Imo has shaped Nigeria’s intellectual and cultural imagination,” Tinubu said, citing Chief Flora Nwapa as the “revered mother of modern African literature”.

He said that the state’s cultural power stems from decades of refined intellect.

“This influence is sustained by an enduring respect for life and community values,” he said.

He highlighted the state’s massive impact on Nollywood, music, comedy, agriculture, commerce, and hospitality which, he said, had remained vital to the national economy.

Tinubu said that the golden jubilee should be a “launching pad”, to sustain peace, unity, and good governance for the next generation.

In his address, Uzodimma said that the state had evolved from “small beginnings” into a sophisticated hub.

Recalling the state’s creation in 1976, he further said that Owerri had transformed from a “provincial town” into a metropolitan centre.

The governor highlighted the state’s massive fiscal leap, pointing out that the state budget grew from N259 million in 1976 to a “Budget of Economic Breakthrough”, totalling N1.4 trillion in 2026.

He attributed the growth to disciplined reforms and support of Tinubu’s administration.

He said the future wealth of the state would come from 65,000 youths, who have been trained in Artificial Intelligence and robotics through the “Skill-up Imo” programme.

“This initiative aims to position the state as Africa’s premier digital corridor,” he said.

The governor also celebrated the Orashi Power Project, saying that the state had officially begun its “exit from the generator economy”, to secure energy sovereignty for industrial growth.

He emphasised the need for stakeholders and political actors in the state to abandon individual interest for collect interest.

“Our politics should be a vehicle for development and a bridge for unity, putting the collective interest of Imo above individual ambition,” he said.

Earlier in his remark, the Chairman of the occasion and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, urged the National Assembly to reverse its decision on the electronic transmission of votes.

Anyaoku also commended Uzodimma for the infrastructure development of the state, saying that his administration had clearly left admirable legacy for the people.

He called for a political progress in the country to address the insecurity, and unity of citizens.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, praised Uzodimma’s political steadfastness, describing him as a “unifier”.

The event also featured the conferment of honours to distinguished sons and daughters of the state and presentation of cheques to winners of the Imo at 50 quiz competition. (NAN)