For decades, Imo State has longed for a Governor who would elevate her to an enviable position among the comity of states. Sadly, in the past few years, the state has been ill-fated enough to be laden with the very worst leaders. To date, the Governor Imolites longed for never made it into Douglas House, and for that reason, the dream of sustainable good governance has been an ever-elusive one for the residents of Imo State.
Now, the end to the miserable ordeal of the Imolites is right before them, as the man they have longed for—the one equipped to lift the state to its deserving height is currently in the Imo Governorship race.
Mr. Tony Ejiogu is his name, and he is contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He is a visionary, committed, and diligent leader who has been an advocate of good governance all his life.
His antecedents show a proven track record in public service and an unwavering commitment to changing Imo State for the better. In the race to the Imo Guber elections, anyone who has taken his or her time to critically analyse all the candidates in the race will agree that he stands the best chance to lead Imo State into a new era of prosperity and innovation.
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A look at his manifesto will reveal that one of the primary reasons he wants to be Governor of Imo State is his burning desire to inspire and champion a Digital Economy that will not only revolutionise the economic landscape of Imo State but also create numerous job opportunities for the teeming young population of Imo to quell restiveness.
In the face of a rapidly changing world, Ejiogu recognises the fact that the future lies in technology and digital innovation. Time without number, he has told Imoltes that he envisions Imo State as an epicentre of the digital economy in Nigeria, and his actions, experience, and antecedents lay credence to his unadulterated commitment to turning that vision into reality.
Ejiogu is a man who firmly believes that the transformation of Imo State to a vibrant digital economy will drive job growth, stimulate economic development, and enhance the quality of life for all Imolites and other residents of the state. His model is tested and trusted and he is endowed with the tenacity to chase after visible and positive results.
Mr Ejiogu has formulated a strategy that will see him go all out to carefully and systematically invest heavily in digital literacy and skill development programs for Imolites. These initiatives will aim to equip Imo youths and adults alike with the necessary skills to participate in and benefit from the digital economy, which the world is fast migrating to. Ejiogu has pointed out in all of his public outings that he is committed to establishing state-of-the-art training centres, promoting digital literacy in schools, and collaborating with universities and tech companies to create a robust pipeline of tech-savvy talents.
He acknowledges the fact that a thriving digital ecosystem will require not just the right personnel to get it done, but also a robust digital infrastructure. To this end, he had itemised his plans to improve broadband connectivity across Imo State, ensuring that all residents have access to high-speed internet. Having gained mastery in the field of digital technology, Eliogu has worked as a consultant to several international prospects that made commendable impacts in the world of IT. Giving a boost to the digital infrastructure in Imo State will not only allow businesses to operate effectively but will also enable innovative digital services to reach every corner of the State, thus promoting inclusivity in the long run. This is an idea that Ejiogu understands and is very committed to implementing.
Also, Ejiogu, in his manifesto document, has vowed to establish a conducive environment for digital startups and innovation. He has pointed out that his plans include supporting tech entrepreneurs, establishing innovation hubs, and promoting policies that attract domestic and international tech investments. He understands the rudiments and he knows the people who run them, as well as how to attract them to the Eastern Heartland. He has, on more than one occasion, reiterated that he is determined to make Imo State a breeding ground for digital innovation and a hub for tech entrepreneurs.
In practical terms, Ejiogu has made the following specific promises to Imolites to Digitalise the economy of the State;
• Lay a fibre optics broadband infrastructure in the State and offer operational incentives to all tech startups and businesses in the State.
• Establish 3 ICT tech hubs in the 3 Senatorial zones in the State.
• Digitalise all government agencies and parastatals to increase efficiency and boost profitability.
• Establish a state-privately owned tech resource outsourcing organisation that will headhunt graduates from the ICT colleges and outsource their skills to the global digital technology marketplace.
If Ejiogu’s antecedents, integrity, and approach to leadership are things to go by, it would be safe to assume that these promises are social contracts that can be trusted.
The truth is that Ejiogu’s focus on a digital economy is not just about technology; it’s about the people who have suffered years of misrule. It’s about ensuring that every citizen of Imo State has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from economic growth. It’s about creating a future where Imo children can compete globally and the businesses of Imolites can thrive locally.
There is no better time than now to go for the bold leadership and transformative ideas which Ejiogu is offering. Now is the time to embrace the digital economy and unlock the potential of Ndi Imo. The time to create this sustainable future that will usher in a new dawn of economic growth and sustainable development in Imo State is now.
