Sen. Ifeanyi Araraume has urged Imo people and government to look ahead with purpose and noble objectives for the development of the state as it marks its 50 years of creation.
Araraume, who disclosed this in a letter of congratulation to the government and people of Imo, said since its inception in 1976, the state has travelled a long, instructive, and inspiring road.
โโOur story has been shaped by courage, industry, resilience, and an unshakable belief in possibility.
โโWe have experienced seasons of great promise and seasons of profound trial. Yet through every challenge, the spirit of Ndแป Imo has endured.
โโOur presence here today is no accident; it is the result of Godโs grace and the quiet, persistent labour of generations who refused to abandon hope in this land.โโ
He said that the founding fathers of the state bore a responsibility they embraced with seriousness and sacrifice.
Araraume said that Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu provided discipline and order at a formative moment, while the legendary Sam Mbakwe infused governance with vision, compassion, and moral clarity.
He said that the duo contributions and those of countless others remains etched in peopleโs collective memory.
โโHistory is always kinder to those who build than to those who merely occupy, and our builders deserve our deepest respect.
โโAs we celebrate this golden jubilee, we also acknowledge the present.
โโImo State marks its fiftieth year under the stewardship of Governor Hope Uzodinma. It is fitting to recognise the efforts of his administration in sustaining the machinery of governance and ensuring continuity.
โโEvery era is judged by how it responds to the demands of its time, and this moment calls for steadiness, resolve, and foresight.โโ
He said that the state must resolve to move forward with the time and not allow pride and complacency to take sway in its development.
He added that there was a vast room for growth, innovation and shared prosperity for all residents.
โโWe have every reason to be proud of how far we have come. Yet pride must never give way to complacency.
โโAs a son of the soil and a stakeholder in our shared destiny, I remain convinced that Imo Stateโs most remarkable chapters lie ahead. There is vast room for growth, innovation, and broadly shared prosperity.
โโThe Imo of our highest aspirations, secure, productive, creative, and just, is not a distant dream. It is an attainable future, but only if we choose collective effort over division and long-term vision over short term comfort.
โโThis anniversary must therefore be more than a celebration. It must be a recommitment to unity across political, communal, and generational lines. A recommitment to service, integrity and shared responsibility.โโ
Araraume urged residents to renew their covenant with the future and resolve to hand over a state better than we met it where opportunity to its young people, dignity to its elders, and peace to its communities reigns.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
