Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma has reiterated his plans to achieve growth and sustainable social development in his state, saying that he is in a hurry to develop Imo State.
Senator Uzodinma made this declaration through his Special Adviser and Abuja Liaison Officer; Dr. Jimmy Imo when he paid a courtesy visit to the country office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Abuja.
On being received by Okumura Makiko, JICA Chief Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Imo extended the invitation from the government and people of Imo State to Japan to come and invest in the infrastructural sectors of the state’s economy. He pointed at areas such as erosion control, agricultural and health developments, technical infrastructure, scholarships, rural electrification and ‘ODA Grants’ which is a type of financial assistance that supports construction work or services which includes procuring equipment and materials that are necessary for socioeconomic development. These the governor said are aimed towards achieving his commitment to make Imo State known for her peaceful co-existence with foreigners from different parts of the world and the hub of excellence in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
In her response, Okumura Makiko expressed her delight at the visit and the willingness of JICA and Japan to associate with Imo State Government and promised to assist in various capacities to develop the area. She said JICA in its inclusive and dynamic development mandates intends to enhance and improve its operations to respond to the urgent needs of low and middle income countries hence its preparedness to fully utilize its human resources and organizational networks developed over the years while also reaching out for new networks as with Imo State.
She said “more than ever before, JICA will focus on scientific perspectives to realize UHC through building resilient and flexible health systems in developing countries by effectively combining the schemes of technical cooperation, ODA loans and grant aid. JICA will support Imo State in realizing human security and achieving the MDGs, as well as providing basic infrastructure for sustainable economic growth that is balanced.”
Recall that the State government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Julius Berger, the giant construction firm for the rehabilitation of Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe roads that have been lying prostrate over the years.
