Akagburuonye gives insight of Governor Uzodimma’s successor

By Everest Ezihe, Ogboko

Ahead of 2027 governorship election in Imo State, and the clamour of who succeeds Senator Hope Uzodimma as the next executive governor of the Eastern Heartland State gathers political momentum, Barr. Success Obioma Akagburuonye has given insight on who among the avalanche of the governorship aspirants jostling to succeed the nationally recognized infrastructural governor.

Akagburuonye who’s the founder, financier and National Coordinator of Hope Rising for Imolites gave the insight on Wednesday at the auditorium of Kenneth Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ogboko in Ideato South LGA of Imo State while presenting the University’s well attended 12th inaugural lecture, in which he was ably represented by Prof. Chukwuemeka Michael Ubaka,an erudite scholar of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The lecture with the theme; Imo @ 50 : A multi -dimensional appraisal of the development of Imo State was organized in collaboration with the University’s Faculty of Social Sciences.

Akagburuonye popularly known as Akaraugo Ndigbo recalled that Imo State was created on the 3rd of February, 1976, under the military administration of late Major General Murtala Muhammed, GCFR and at 50 the State is likened to the revered Igbo symbol of the eagle (Ugo), which represents rarity and distinction.

The astute politician postulated that at 50, Imo State stands as a testament to resilience, ambition, and the enduring spirit of its people, which he described as, “deliberate governance and measurable progress”.

The State he observed has made tremendous achievements in revenue generation, infrastructure development and transformation, energy expansion, political advancement,security restoration, growing economic activities, and a renewed sense of public order.

The renewed philanthropist said it point blank that,it’s within this broader context of progress that the question of succession becomes both relevant and consequential.

The Abuja based Estate mogul advised Imo stakeholders on the need to reflect on the State’s contemporary political trajectory and sustainable relevance, encapsulated in the phrase “from Hope to Success” which divinely entails a compelling vision of continuity and consolidation.

According to him and the State’s stakeholders recent suggests, “that the aspirations that once defined leadership as “Hope” must now evolve into sustained and measurable outcomes-into “Success.”

“This is not merely a political slogan, but a developmental philosophy that aligns with the progress already recorded in the State, and within this framework, individuals such as Chief Obioma Success Akagburuonye are often presented as embodiments of this transition-leaders positioned to consolidate existing gains while advancing new frontiers of development” he assured.

He also recalled that, “the emphasis here, is not simply on political succession, but on sustaining momentum and deepening impact.

“Thus, therefore, the achievements in internally generated revenue, infrastructure expansion, energy development, and security stabilization must not be treated as isolated milestones, rather, they must be institutionalized, scaled, and continuously improved”.

Akagburuonye further pointed out that his age long locally, nationally and international recognitions in leadership, entrepreneurship and humanitarian services underscores both public acknowledgment and credibility, noting such recognitions as indication of a leadership profile that combines compassion with action, and vision with execution.

The unrepentant Ambassador in God’s Kingdom Investment recalled with historical facts that, in a state at a critical juncture of consolidation and expansion, the importance of continuity cannot be overstated.

Akagburuonye further opined that continuity, in this sense, does not imply stagnation; rather, it ensures that the foundations already laid are strengthened and built upon.

“It allows for policy consistency, sustained investment, and long-term planning-elements that are essential for enduring development” he assured.

He passionately advised that Imo journey at fifty, the pathway forward must be guided by leadership that is prepared not only to inherit progress but to sustain, deepen, and expand it for the collective good of the people and the nation at large.

The National Coordinator of Hope Rising for Imolites also stated in his well articulated lecture, that these are not peripheral considerations, but they are fundamentals to effective governance and visionary leadership.

In concluding his well researched paper that intermittently received spontaneous ovation, Akagburuonye informed that Imo State marked fifty years of existence, what emerges is a multidimensional story of progress, that is, one shaped by economic reforms, infrastructural expansions, energy development, improved securities, and political maturity.

He noted that though challenges ahead are enormous, but the direction is increasingly clear, as the task ahead entails to consolidate these gains, ensure sustainability, and expand their benefits across all segments of society.

To him therefore, Imo @50, is more than a celebration of time. It is a celebration of transformation. It is a call to sustain progress and ensure that the transition from Hope to Success becomes a lived reality for every citizen.

Earlier, the Akagburuonye’s team led by Hon.Udo Njoku, the Secretary General of Hope Rising for Imolites paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie in his office at the University.

Dozie who expressed delight in welcoming the delegation described Akagburuonye as
a man with a humble beginning, a philanthropist and entrepreneur of immense proportion, a distinguished son of Imo State, a notable Nigerian, the National President, Hope Rising for Imolites and Founder O.S. Akagburuonye & Co (Akara Ugo Chambers), noting that the visit will evoke beautiful memories, they will treasure in the foreseeable future.

The Vice Chancellor gave an incisive insight on the legal status and establishment of the University which he gave credence to the Shared Prosperity administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Dozie further expressed gratitude to God and Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he described as modest achievements of his over 4 years administration of the University to include sustenance of stable academic calendar, seamless processing and release of results, seamless graduation and motion for NYSC,
assuance of transcripts and degree certificates at graduation, and deployment of innovative technology in teaching and learning among other litanies of achievements.

These modest achievements he credited to the Governor, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma , who he said not only recovered the institution and restored its original status as a public university but has continued to support her growth and development through regular payment of staff salaries, development of instructional (teaching, research) and physical infrastructure etc.

According to him,”we are immensely grateful to His Excellency, who’s the University’s Visitor for his firm support to the institution and for placing deep premium on education in our dear State, Imo”.

Dozie noted his administration’s commitment in the face of challenges to build an institution,the state , nation and global communities will be proud of.

He enjoined the Public Lecture Lecturer to help the University by extending their heart-felt gratitude to His Excellency for his vision and mission of giving teeming Imo State youths the opportunities of obtaining quality education and mentorship.

The Vic Chancellor who will be retiring in mid May 2026 stated his administration’s plans for the remaining 2025/2026 academic session to include; Combined Convocation ceremony for four (4) sets of graduants, advisory visits by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria for their Medicine and Medical Laboratory Science programmes respectively.

Others include ; Establishment of a School of Postgraduate Studies with commencement in the 2025/2026 academic session, on- going Professional accreditation visit by the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Ground-breaking ceremony for construction of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chaplaincy, May 6 2026 and the Vice-Chancellor’s State of the University Address at the 3rd and 4th Combined General Assembly of the University, April 8, 2026.

Dozie highlighted some of the challenges facing the University and solicited Akagburounye’s assistance so as to complement the efforts of the State government in further development and transformation of the University.

The challenges the Vice Chancellor solicited for assistance includes;
renovation and furnishing of offices of the Faculties of Environmental Sciences and Social Sciences, renovation and furnishing of office complex for the College of Medicine and Surgery and the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences including the construction of a cadaver for medical education, and procurement of additional medical and nursing equipment.

Other pressing needs of the University are rehabilitation of solar street light system on campus, donation of a 33-Seater Coaster bus, donation of a Sienna vehicle for medical service, Installation of solar facilities in the University Library and Medical Centre, and support for the University Student-Work-Aid-Scheme (SWAS) where the management pay N20,000 monthly to indigent students to assist with their education, among others.

The University administrator asked Akagburuonye,”as a special friend of the institution, we enjoin you to assist us in the achievement of our institutional goals using your network of friends and well-wishers with across the globe in the areas of collaboration/partnership, equipment and book donation, research and other forms of training, advertisement/sensitization, security issues”.