By Kelechi Ugo
The Executive Chairman of Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, Hon. Friday Ibekaeme, has congratulated the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on his selection for the prestigious Governor of the Decade Award by Daily Times Newspapers.
Ibekaeme described the recognition as a well-deserved honour for the Governor, saying it was a reflection of his contributions to the development of Imo State and Nigeria at large.
The Daily Times, described as one of Nigeria’s flagship newspapers, is expected to honour Governor Uzodimma with its 100th Anniversary Governor of the Decade Award at a ceremony held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Thisday Dome, Abuja.
The award, according to the organisers, followed an extensive nomination and public voting process through which l Governor Hope Uzodimma emerged among those selected for special recognition.
In a letter conveying the decision to Governor Uzodimma, the Group Publisher of Daily Times of Nigeria, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, and the Chairman of the Times Heroes Award Council, Bolaji Okusaga, said the governor’s selection was based largely on his leadership, public service and contributions to national development.
“The Times Heroes Award Council and other key stakeholders have confirmed your selection (for the award) in recognition of your leadership, Public service and contribution to national development,” the organisers stated in the letter.
The newspaper also disclosed that the award ceremony would be accompanied by the presentation of the Nigerian Grand Book, a 700-page national commemorative publication expected to document individuals, institutions and achievements considered significant to Nigeria’s development.
According to the organisers, the publication would “serve as a national commemorative volume and a lasting record of the people, institutions and achievements that have shaped Nigeria’s development.”
Governor Uzodimma is among the select personalities to be featured in the publication, whose foreword was written by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Reacting to the development, Ibekaeme said the award had further confirmed the growing recognition of Governor Uzodimma’s administration and its development initiatives across Imo State.
He noted that since the commencement of what he described as the governor’s massive infrastructure revolution and economic rejuvenation programme, several organisations, both local and international, had continued to recognise the administration’s efforts.
According to the Orsu Council boss, the series of recognitions received by the Governor should not be viewed merely as ceremonial honours, but as acknowledgement of the impact of policies and projects being implemented by the administration.
Ibekaeme maintained that Governor Uzodimma had remained focused on the overall development of Imo State while also contributing to issues of national importance.
He particularly commended the Governor’s commitment to infrastructural development, economic renewal and other initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of residents.
The Orsu Chairman said the Daily Times recognition was significant because it placed the governor among a select group of Nigerians whose leadership and public service contributions had been considered worthy of national documentation.
He therefore congratulated Governor Uzodimma for the honour, describing it as another milestone in his public service career and an encouragement to sustain his developmental agenda.
Ibekaeme expressed confidence that the recognition would further motivate the Governor to continue pursuing programmes capable of strengthening the economy, improving infrastructure and advancing the welfare of the people of Imo State.
He also commended the management of Daily Times and the Times Heroes Award Council for recognising what he described as the governor’s “manifest developmental initiatives,” urging other stakeholders to continue supporting efforts aimed at promoting sustainable development in the State.
The Orsu Chairman wished Governor Uzodimma a successful award ceremony in Abuja and expressed optimism that the Governor would continue to attract more national and international recognition through his service to Imo State and Nigeria.
He added that the inclusion of Governor Hope Uzodimma in the Nigerian Grand Book would provide an enduring record of his administration’s contribution to the development of Imo State and the country.
