In separate rallies held on Saturday, Obedient Youths and women from Okigwe Senatorial Zone of Imo expressed their unwavering support for Gov. Hope Uzodimma, aiming to ensure the continuity of infrastructure development in the state.
The Obedient Youths, consisting of at least 1,500 members, took to the streets of Owerri displaying posters that conveyed their endorsement of the governor. Their march concluded at Okigwe round-about, where Uzodimma received them.
Emeka Mandela, the leader of the youth group, highlighted Uzodimma’s strong leadership skills and verifiable track record of fostering positive human relationships. He emphasized their commitment to re-elect the governor by reserving their voter cards for this purpose. Mandela further praised the governor’s youth-friendly programs and called for increased youth representation in his administration.
Expressing his gratitude, Uzodimma commended the youths for their overwhelming support, emphasizing the pivotal role of young people as the future leaders of Imo and Nigeria at large. He affirmed that the Obedient movement is not aligned with any political party but rather driven by a shared vision for good leadership and the future and interest of Nigeria. Uzodimma also stressed the necessity of creating a succession plan that incorporates youth voices to propel Imo and Nigeria into the digital global community.
Similarly, at the Okigwe women’s rally held in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, women pledged to vote overwhelmingly for Uzodimma. The rally, organized by NEPAD Director-General Mrs. Gloria Akobundu and House of Representatives member Mrs. Marian Onuoha, aimed to unite all Okigwe leaders and residents in appreciation of the governor’s infrastructure development initiatives in the zone.
Akobundu described the event as a peace rally and an opportunity to distribute palliatives as a gesture of gratitude to Uzodimma. She called upon women, men, and youths to utilize their votes to further demonstrate their appreciation for the governor’s efforts.
Former Gov. Ikedi Ohakim echoed the sentiment, declaring that the people of Okigwe had unanimously decided to give Uzodimma 100 percent of their votes. Ohakim emphasized the unity and love shared with the governor.
In response, Uzodimma expressed his appreciation for the rally organizers, acknowledging the longstanding cordial relationship between him and the Okigwe zone. He recalled previous engagements in 2003, 2019, and 2020, emphasizing his commitment to continue working closely with the people of Okigwe. Uzodimma appealed for peace and urged the electorate to believe in his ability to lead Imo with integrity and a reverence for God.
Concluding the rally, the governor’s wife, Chioma, praised the women for their unwavering support and urged them to cast their votes for her husband on November 11. She also initiated the distribution of palliatives to 350 indigent women from the zone, symbolizing the commitment to improve the lives of vulnerable members of the community.
