Political and business heavyweights in Nigeria will converge on Owerri next Monday for the second term inauguration of Hope Uzodimma as Governor of Imo State.
He was declared winner of the November 11, 2023 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission after he polled 540,308 votes and won in all the 27 local government areas.
Daily Sun reports that ahead of the inauguration next Monday, the entire state is in a celebratory mood, while Owerri, the state capital, is wearing a new look. The Dan Anyiam Stadium, venue of the swearing in ceremony, has been put in order for the event while activities are in top gear to ensure a smooth ceremony.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, told newsmen that efforts were being made to achieve a hitch-free event.
He disclosed the Governor set up an all encompassing committee of more than 100 prominent personages from Imo State and beyond, across party lines, to organise a seamless inauguration ceremony, adding that the committee is chaired by Chris Anyanwu and Co-chaired by Cosmas Iwu, secretary to the state government who also doubles as secretary of the committee.
He announced the inauguration would be preceded by a thanksgiving mass on Sunday, January 14, at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri. The mass will be presided over by the Metropolitan See of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Lucius Ugorji.
There would be a state banquet at Government House, Owerri shortly after the inauguration on Monday.
“It will be a momentous event as Imo people are joyously awaiting the ceremony. We are working hard on crowd control because our supporters across the 27 local government areas are all eager to attend the ceremony,” Emelumba said.
Observers say there has been heavy security in Owerri and environs to ensure there would be no disruption of the inauguration activities.
