By Barr. Kingsley Ononuju, Chairman IROMA
Governor Hope Uzodimma has never been a leader content with half-measures. His administration has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, and nowhere is this more evident than in the establishment of the Imo Road Maintenance Agency (IROMA). This groundbreaking agency is not just another government body; it is a strategic intervention designed to ensure that every road in Imo State remains in top condition, reflecting the governor’s pursuit of perfection in governance.
At the heart of Governor Uzodimma’s vision is a simple but powerful goal: Zero Tolerance for Potholes. This is not a mere slogan—it is a call to action, a revolutionary approach to road infrastructure that prioritizes continuous maintenance over costly reconstructions. Unlike previous administrations that allowed roads to deteriorate before taking action, Uzodimma is instituting a preventive maintenance system, ensuring that roads across all 27 local government areas remain durable, safe, and accessible at all times.
One of the defining qualities of Governor Uzodimma’s leadership is his obsession with quality. He is a man who does not settle for mediocrity. He understands that a project is only as good as the people executing it, which is why he meticulously handpicked the members of IROMA’s board. These are not political appointees chosen for favoritism or personal gain—they are qualified professionals with proven competence in road maintenance, engineering, and infrastructure management.
“If you want quality work, you must put quality people in charge,” a close aide to the governor once told me. “Governor Uzodimma does not just want roads fixed; he wants them fixed properly and permanently.”
Why IROMA Stands Out
Before now, road maintenance in Imo State was handled inconsistently, often depending on temporary intervention programs that lacked a structured, sustainable approach. Governor Uzodimma’s decision to create IROMA changes this narrative.
Unlike the former Imo Rural Roads Maintenance Agency (IRROMA) under Governor Ikedi Ohakim, which focused solely on rural roads, IROMA has a broader and more ambitious mandate. It is responsible for both urban and rural roads, ensuring that every community—whether in Owerri, Orlu, Okigwe, or the most remote villages—benefits from quality road infrastructure.
The governor’s expectations for the agency are clear:
- Immediate response to road damage reports through a structured monitoring system.
- Dedicated road monitors in each LGA to provide real-time updates on road conditions.
- A rapid intervention task force to fix emerging issues before they become major problems.
- A sustainable approach to road maintenance using high-quality materials and modern engineering solutions.
Through these strategies, IROMA is set to become a model road maintenance agency that other states in Nigeria will seek to emulate.
Equipping IROMA for Success
Governor Uzodimma understands that vision alone is not enough; execution requires resources. To this end, he has promised to provide IROMA with the necessary equipment and funding to carry out its mandate effectively. However, he has also challenged the board to hit the ground running—leveraging available resources while awaiting the full deployment of new machinery.
Some of the immediate steps being taken include:
- Recovering misappropriated equipment from past administrations.
- Leasing road maintenance machinery temporarily to avoid delays.
- Setting up hotlines and social media platforms for citizens to report bad roads directly to the agency.
- Engaging security agencies to protect IROMA’s offices, equipment, and personnel from vandalism.
The governor’s directive is firm: No excuses, no delays—just results.
Governor Uzodimma believes that road maintenance is not solely the responsibility of the government. He is advocating for a community-driven approach where local stakeholders, businesses, and even private individuals play a role in keeping roads in good condition.
To achieve this, IROMA is set to:
- Hold town hall meetings with traditional rulers, transport unions, and market leaders to identify priority roads.
- Encourage private sponsorship of road maintenance projects in communities.
- Create direct jobs for youths, employing them to carry out regular desilting of drainage systems to prevent water damage to roads.
This participatory model not only ensures sustainability but also creates a sense of ownership among the people, making them active contributors to the development of Imo State.
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s approach to road maintenance is a legacy project—one that will outlive his administration. He is not merely repairing roads for today; he is building a system that future governments will inherit and sustain.
By establishing IROMA, appointing the right professionals, and insisting on global best practices, he is ensuring that Imo State becomes a benchmark for road maintenance excellence in Nigeria.
The message is clear: Governor Uzodimma does not just want roads fixed—he wants them fixed right.
With IROMA now fully operational, Imo people can expect to see not just improvements but a total transformation in road infrastructure—one that reflects the governor’s commitment to quality, durability, and perfection.
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s decision to establish IROMA is a testament to his forward-thinking leadership. His demand for perfection in execution, his commitment to quality appointments, and his insistence on sustainable road maintenance practices are all signs of a leader who is determined to deliver lasting results.
Imo State is now set to witness a new era in road maintenance, one where potholes become a thing of the past and where every road—from the bustling streets of Owerri to the farmlands of Ohaji-Egbema—is kept in pristine condition.
Under Governor Uzodimma’s watch, Imo is not just building roads—it is setting new standards for excellence in infrastructure.
