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Speaking at the graduation and empowerment ceremony of the Renewed Hope Empowerment Initiative in Owerri, Uzodimma said the programme was strategically designed to end the year on a strong economic note and position beneficiaries as pioneers of the state’s anticipated economic breakthrough in 2026.
Uzodimma noted that the empowerment exercise followed closely on the presentation of what he described as a “budget of economic breakthrough” to the Imo State House of Assembly, stressing that the tools being distributed would enable beneficiaries to immediately translate skills into income-generating ventures.
The governor highlighted the recent success of the maiden Imo Economic and Investment Summit, which attracted global business leaders to Owerri, stating that Imo State is now fully prepared for business with improvements in security, power supply, manpower development, natural resources management, and the automation of land administration.
He described the graduation ceremony as proof of the state’s abundant skilled manpower, praising the resilience and discipline of the trainees who underwent months of rigorous instruction.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond certificates, offering beneficiaries true economic independence.
Uzodimma revealed that Nigeria is currently facing a critical shortage of competent local artisans, with foreign workers dominating construction and finishing jobs across major cities.
He described this trend as a national irony and challenged Imo artisans to reclaim the market through discipline, excellence, and professionalism.
“You are the solution we have been waiting for,” the Governor told the graduates, urging them to uphold high standards and resist the temptation to sell or waste the tools provided to them.
The Renewed Hope Empowerment Initiative, he explained, complements the state’s SkillUpImo programme by ensuring artisans and small business operators are not left behind in the state’s economic transformation agenda.
Uzodimma expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for their unwavering support and commitment to empowering artisans and strengthening the informal economy nationwide.
The empowerment programme covers artisans across multiple sectors, including construction, fashion, food processing, mechanics, and creative services, and aligns with both the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Imo State’s Shared Prosperity programme.
The governor assured Imo youths that the empowerment exercise would be continuous, encouraging beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity as a life-changing investment.
He concluded by wishing Imo people a Merry Christmas and a prosperous, hardworking New Year, praying for God’s continued blessings on the state.
