Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and his Anambra and Enugu counterparts, Charles Soludo and Peter Mbah have assured the people of accelerated development in all parts of their states this year.
In his New Year message, Uzodimma said with the planned industrialisation of the state and the level of infrastructural development already achieved by his administration, Imo will experience an economic boom this year
The governor, however, asked them to support the administration and re-dedicate themselves to the service of the state.
He also tasked them to love one another as brothers and sisters and "avoid negative tendencies that hinder the spirit of togetherness needed to foster the growth and development of the state "
He also urged the people to reaffirm their hope in a better tomorrow, saying Nigerians will emerge stronger from the current economic challenges if they have faith in God.
Reflecting on the economic growth of the state, Uzodimma disclosed that with the faithful implementation of the 2025 budget of N807 billion, he would have set Imo on an irreversible path of sustainable development
He described the budget as "a clear statement of my determination to vigorously pursue the industrialization of the state by strengthening our infrastructure"
According to him, apart from the completion of his legacy projects started last year, especially the iconic Assumpta Flyover, the Owerri-Umuahia road and the provision of uninterrupted power supply, the communities in the state will experience "renewed vitality as my administration will assist them in implementing various projects "
Uzodimma expressed confidence that the newly democratised local governments will also assist the communities in achieving rapid growth.
The governor assured civil servants and pensioners in the state of sustainable payment of salaries and pensions and gratuities to make lives more meaningful for them.
Soludo to prioritise accelerated devt, security
Governor Charles Soludo in his New Year message, said his administration will prioritise accelerated development and security of residents in 2025.
The governor said the dawn of 2025 brought refreshed hope and unprecedented opportunities for accelerated transformation in Anambra, especially with the signing into law of the 2025 appropriation bill of N607 billion.
He said: "The 2025 budget will mark a significant milestone in our administration's journey toward building a prosperous smart mega-state. The comprehensive budget reflects our administration's uncompromising dedication to transforming Anambra State through strategic investments in critical sectors.
"The focus remains on infrastructure development, economic transformation, and human capital development, with substantial allocation to education, healthcare, road construction, and others.".
The governor announced that 'Operation Udo Ga Chi' (Operation Peace Shall Reign) would be launched on January 25 to strengthen the security of lives and property in Anambra.
He explained that the initiative would deploy more than 200 security vehicles across the state for enhanced surveillance and stop-and-search operations.
He said: "At the same time, the state government is strengthening forest security through specialised training of forest guards, in collaboration with local vigilantes and local government authorities.
"We have extended an olive branch to repentant criminal elements in the state by offering an amnesty window until the end of February. This demonstrates our commitment to peace and reconciliation."
Soludo, therefore, urged stakeholders, especially the political class, to maintain peace and decorum throughout the electoral process as the state entered the election year.
No slowing down on devt, Mbah assures Enugu citizens
In his New Year message, Governor Peter Mbah assured the people of the state that there would not be any slowing down in the new year the speed of transformation witnessed by the state in the year 2024.
This was even as he urged Nigerians to kindle the fire of love, empathy, and charity to move the nation forward in the new year, reiterating his commitment to inclusive development and all-bracing economic opportunities.
He said: "The high expectations that have arisen as a result of the successes of the outgoing year are understandable. We cannot afford to temper your expectations with excuses, or by lowering our deliverables.
"So, as we behold the dawn of a new year, we can rest assured that there will be no tapering down on the social and economic re-engineering we have set off across Enugu State.
"We went through 2024 with the spritely dash of a sprint runner. 2025 will be no different. There would be no slowing down to catch our breath because our strong resolve to transform Enugu State has imbued us with the endurance of a marathon runner.
"In a few days, we will witness the formal commissioning of some major capital projects, from completed Smart Green Schools to the breathtaking International Conference Centre; Primary Healthcare Centres that expand quality medical care to the remotest locations in our state, as well as several kilometres of urban and rural roads; and Bus Terminals designed to restore order and dignity to our public transport.
"These are significant projects. But they are just a minuscule representation of our larger vision for Enugu State.
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"This year, the doors of our Smart Schools will open across the entire state, bringing almost in a literal sense a world of opportunities to our children's classrooms.
"Through our fully functional Smart Schools, we have caught glimpses of the wholesome transformation that children will experience when exposed to a range of practical and impactful learning."
Mbah, however, urged the people of Enugu State and Nigerians to embrace love and empathy as a key ingredient in nation-building.
"Let us not be so consumed by personal pursuits to such extent they render us insensitive to the needs of others.
"Let us resolve to never underestimate the power of a small kind deed. Love and empathy are crucial building blocks of every society.
"It is the reason we have carefully structured our development model in an inclusive way, and that ensures we're not growing our economy at the expense of our common humanity.
"I can confidently assure you that we're on track; we're carrying everyone along, and will never veer off this track in this New Year.
"May this New Year kindle the fire of love, empathy, and charity in our hearts - and banish the toxic air of hate, distrust, and cynicism," he stated.
Mbah thanked the people for their support and wished them a merry and hitch-free New Year celebration.
