APC South-East Vice Chairman Says Imo Governor’s Recognition Reflects Progressive, Development-Focused Leadership
The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South-East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has congratulated the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, on his emergence as The Sun Newspaper’s 2026 Man of the Year, describing the recognition as a reflection of what he called progressive and development-focused leadership.
The Sun Publishing Limited announced Governor Uzodimma among the recipients of its 2026 awards on September 21, 2026. The newspaper described the honourees collectively as “Nation Builders,” citing their contributions to national development. The 2026 awards ceremony has been scheduled for November because of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the announcement, Arodiogbu said Governor Uzodimma was demonstrating a style of leadership that recalls the development-oriented tradition associated with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr. Michael Okpara.
“Governor Hope Uzodimma is filling the leadership vacuum left by the great leaders of our region, particularly Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr. Michael Okpara. The world should learn progressive leadership from him and understudy the development model being implemented in Imo State.”
Arodiogbu said the award was particularly significant coming shortly after Governor Uzodimma received the Daily Times Governor of the Decade Award at the newspaper’s centenary celebration on September 3, 2026. Daily Times said the recognition followed an extensive nomination and public voting process and cited Uzodimma’s leadership, public service and contributions to national development.
According to the APC leader, the recognitions provide an opportunity for greater attention to be paid to the policies and projects of the Imo State Government under its Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery (3R) Agenda.
He specifically cited investments in infrastructure, digital transformation, youth empowerment, education, economic development and power as areas he believes deserve closer attention.
Arodiogbu also referred to the recent visit of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed to Imo State, during which she reportedly said, “What I saw in Imo is inspiring.” The UN delegation commended the state’s efforts in digital transformation, youth empowerment, economic diversification, education, power infrastructure and public-sector reforms, while also identifying areas requiring further intervention.
“When international institutions and reputable media organisations take note of developments in Imo, it reinforces the importance of examining what is happening in the state. Governor Uzodimma has placed infrastructure, technology, youth development and economic transformation prominently on the policy agenda.”
Arodiogbu further recalled the 2025 Imo Economic Summit, which brought former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Vice President Kashim Shettima and other prominent figures to Owerri. The summit focused on investment, innovation and unlocking Imo State’s economic potential.
He said the international participation at the summit demonstrated the administration’s efforts to position Imo as an investment destination and to expose the state’s economic opportunities to global investors and development partners.
The APC National Vice Chairman maintained that the significance of the latest Sun recognition extends beyond Governor Uzodimma personally, arguing that it places a spotlight on the broader development aspirations of Imo State and the South-East.
“This is bigger than an award. It is an opportunity to showcase the capacity of the South-East to produce leaders who can think beyond political boundaries and pursue development that attracts national and international attention.”
Arodiogbu congratulated Governor Uzodimma on the recognition and commended The Sun Publishing Limited for honouring individuals and institutions it considers to have contributed to Nigeria’s development.
“The recognition comes with greater responsibility. Governor Uzodimma must continue to build on the achievements of his administration and leave a sustainable legacy for the people of Imo State and the wider South-East,” Arodiogbu said.
