Governor Hope Uzodimma has inaugurated the IMSUTH and IMSUBEB boards, pledging N20bn for healthcare and education reforms in Imo State

Imo State Governor, **Senator Hope Uzodimma**, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising the **health and education sectors**, describing them as crucial to the well-being and development of the people.

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Speaking at the **inauguration of the boards** of the **Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH)** and the **Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB)** in Owerri, the governor outlined the significant strides his government has made in these sectors since assuming office in 2020.

Governor Uzodimma revealed that his administration had invested over **₦4 billion** in rehabilitating IMSUTH, **procuring modern medical equipment** and attracting professionals with **local and international medical experience**.

“IMSUTH was in a **comatose state**, but today, it stands among the top teaching hospitals in Nigeria,” he stated.

The governor expressed concerns over Nigeria’s **preventable death rate**, attributing about **70% of fatalities** to poor healthcare infrastructure.

He urged the **newly inaugurated board**, led by **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri**, to leverage their expertise to transform IMSUTH into a centre for **medical excellence**, discouraging **medical tourism abroad**.

“This is your own. **Help stop medical tourism in Imo**. Bring back your knowledge and experience. Without health, there can be no development,” Uzodimma emphasised.

The newly appointed IMSUTH board members include:

– **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri** – Chairman
– **Prof Kelechi Uwakwe** – Chief Medical Director (CMD)
– **Rev. Fr. Dr Emeka Emekaraoha**
– **Anyaehie Okameme**
– **Dr Osita Kingsley Uzoma**

The governor assured the board of **government support** while encouraging collaboration with IMSUTH management.

Uzodimma also inaugurated the **Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB)**, tasking the members with **accountability** and **prudent management of funds**.

He pledged that their **monthly financial reports** would be published for transparency.

“Your failure is our collective failure; your success is our collective success. **This is not your turn—it is the turn of Imo people**. Change the story, rebuild the schools, and serve as dedicated public servants,” he advised.

The governor announced that his administration had **cleared all outstanding counterpart funding** obligations, securing **₦20 billion** for **school renovations, teacher recruitment, and improved learning materials**.

New IMSUBEB Board Members

– **Hon Chidiebere Egbo** – Chairman
– **Arc. Mrs Amaka Onu**
– **Hon Chuks Metu** – Secretary
– **Hon Vitalis Obioma**
– **Hon Edward Obinna**
– **Mrs Nzeoma Lucy Nkeiru**
– **Mrs Leticia Amandianeze**

In their acceptance speeches, **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri** and **Hon Chidiebere Egbo** pledged to align with the governor’s vision, ensuring **high-quality healthcare** and **basic education** for Imo residents.

The event was attended by **Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe**, **Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu**, **Chief of Staff Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie**, and other top government officials and stakeholders.

The Federal Government, in collaboration with Discover Motherland Africa, has launched *Motherland 2025*, a movement to reconnect the African diaspora while boosting Nigeria’s economic and cultural resurgence

The **Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy**, in collaboration with **Discover Motherland Africa**, has launched *Motherland 2025*, a transformative initiative aimed at positioning **Nigeria as a global hub for African culture, investment, and tourism**.

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Speaking at the unveiling event in **Abuja Continental Hotel**, Minister **Hannatu Musa Musawa** described *Motherland 2025* as more than a festival—**a movement designed to reconnect the African diaspora while driving Nigeria’s economic and cultural resurgence**.

“Motherland 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a homecoming. This initiative cements Nigeria’s role as a powerhouse of Black and African identity, commerce, and innovation.”

>“It is an opportunity for global stakeholders, from investors and policymakers to cultural leaders and travelers, to experience and invest in Nigeria’s resurgence as a cultural and economic powerhouse,” Musawa stated.

As part of the initiative, the Minister announced the *“See Motherland Through Your Eyes”* competition, inviting **participants to visually capture Nigeria’s landscapes, traditions, and vibrant communities**.

“This competition celebrates Nigeria’s diversity and spirit. From the **Kelangu drumbeats of the North to the Bata rhythms of the Southwest and the Ogene echoes of the East**, our culture moves like a dance—alive in every moment.”

The Minister further called on **government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and cultural institutions** to support *Motherland 2025* in making it a **long-term driver of Nigeria’s tourism, creative economy, and investment landscape**.

“The success of this initiative relies on strong partnerships. We invite policymakers, investors, and development organizations to join us in shaping Nigeria’s tourism, creative economy, and investment landscape.”

The *Motherland 2025* initiative consists of several major components designed to boost Nigeria’s cultural, tourism, and economic appeal:

– **Motherland Expo and Festival** – A platform for **cultural exchange, business engagement, and entertainment**, featuring **State Pavilions and Business Exhibitions** showcasing Nigeria’s **36 states and the FCT**.
– **Closing Concert** – A grand musical event featuring **top Nigerian and international artists**.
– **Motherland Travel Hub** – A **centralized travel logistics platform** to make exploring Nigeria easier for visitors.
– **Citizenship by Investment Program** – A unique initiative allowing **diaspora members and foreign investors** to contribute to Nigeria’s development while gaining residency benefits.
– **Diaspora City** – A **dedicated hub for diasporans to settle and invest in Nigeria**.
– **Motherland Ambassador Awards** – An **award program recognizing diaspora leaders** making significant contributions in various fields.

**Chidinma Nwankwo**, Managing Director of **Discover Motherland Africa**, emphasized that *Motherland 2025* is **not just a festival, but a landmark movement reconnecting Nigerians abroad while unlocking cultural pride and investment opportunities**.

“Motherland is a homecoming, a journey, and a commitment. This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not just as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism.”

“Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation to engage, contribute, and become part of something bigger.”

With *Motherland 2025*, Nigeria aims to **strengthen its identity as the centre of global Black and African culture** while **unlocking investment opportunities and fostering economic development**.

Professor Sunday Adebisi, Chairman of Dees Travels, urges the Nigerian government to implement stronger tourism policies to boost economic growth, highlighting the sector’s potential to surpass Dubai as a premier travel destination

The **Chairman of Dees Travels**, **Professor Sunday Adebisi**, has called for **robust tourism policies** to help Nigeria realise its full potential as a **global travel destination**.

Speaking at the company’s **get-together party** in **Lagos**, Adebisi noted that **Nigeria has all it takes to compete with top destinations like Dubai** if the right policies are put in place.

Highlighting the economic impact of the **“Dirty December”** festivities, which reportedly generated **over $100 million** in revenue, Adebisi stressed that Nigeria could attract **global tourists year-round** if the sector is well-structured.

> *“If we get our tourism sector right, the potential is limitless. Nigeria could surpass Dubai and become the premier destination in Africa. With 365 days of summer, there’s no reason tourists can’t flock to Nigeria all year,”* he stated.

While acknowledging the efforts of the **current administration**, Adebisi urged **more government investment** in tourism and aviation to maximise their economic benefits.

Similarly, **Group Managing Director Daisi Olotu** echoed these sentiments, arguing that **aviation and tourism require greater attention** to boost Nigeria’s **economic growth**.

*“The current government is trying its best, but if aviation gets the attention it deserves, it will generate more money for operators, agents, and the economy at large.

Tourism has the potential to generate vast amounts of income, and if Nigeria wants to compete globally, it must prioritise these sectors,”* Olotu noted.