Ohanaeze Youth Commends Uzodimma For Rebuilding Imo Federal Roads Amid Political Criticism

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), the youth arm of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, has praised Governor Hope Uzodimma for his efforts in revamping long-neglected federal roads across Imo State. The group strongly condemned ongoing political criticisms, calling them selfish and misleading.

During a press briefing in Owerri, the National President of OYC, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, commended the governor’s proactive infrastructural projects, especially the reconstruction of critical highways that connect Imo State with neighboring regions such as Anambra and Abia.

He emphasized that many of these roads, including the Umuahia-Okigwe, Orlu, and other key federal highways, had been abandoned for decades before Uzodimma’s intervention. According to Igboayaka, the economic significance of these routes cannot be overstated, as they support commerce and improve transportation efficiency for traders and travelers across the South-East.

The OYC condemned the opposition’s attempts to politicize the road projects, calling out those who allegedly mismanaged the state’s resources from 1999 to 2020 and are now unfairly attacking the current administration. “These individuals are not offering constructive feedback but are rather driven by envy and a desire to reclaim power by manipulating public opinion,” Igboayaka asserted.

He urged the Imo State government to remain focused and encouraged Governor Uzodimma to broaden his developmental footprint by extending road rehabilitation to several inner communities. Some of the roads mentioned for urgent attention include:

Ntueke–Isiekenesi–Okwelle route
Ahiara Junction–Ehime Mbano Aba-Branch road
Orlu–Ihiala–Uli highway
Anara Junction–Ehime Mbano–Obowo Seven and Half Junction
Umuna Orlu–Nkwerre–Amaraku corridor
Akokwa–Arondizuogu–Okigwe road

The group emphasized that these roads have remained in a state of disrepair for over two decades, causing hardship to local communities and traders alike.

They also pointed out that travelers from Port Harcourt, Onitsha, and Owerri to Enugu have found the Okigwe road to be the most dependable in the region thanks to its reconstruction, showcasing Uzodimma’s infrastructural commitment to the South-East.

The Ohanaeze Youth Council called on all well-meaning citizens and stakeholders to support the governor’s infrastructural efforts instead of resorting to divisive rhetoric. They also reiterated that the rehabilitation of federal roads is essential to enhancing internal revenue generation and improving access for both local businesses and investors.