ISOPADEC: Advancing Governor Uzodimma’s Vision with Major Health and Education Projects
By Anselem Anokwute, Owerri
The Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring the mandate of the Commission in line with the development vision of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Speaking to journalists in Owerri following the inauguration of the Imo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Local Emergency Management Committees, the Managing Director/CEO of ISOPADEC, Hon. Chief Augustine Onyedebelu, revealed a number of transformative projects being executed across the oil-producing communities.
According to Onyedebelu, ISOPADEC has commenced the construction of four modern 20-bed hospitals across key local government areas, including Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, and Oru East. The hospital project in Egbema is already at the roofing stage, while work is ongoing in other locations. This initiative, he noted, reflects Governor Uzodimma’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the state’s oil-producing regions.
In addition to the healthcare projects, ISOPADEC has launched the construction of 33 modern six-classroom blocks in various primary schools to enhance the learning environment for pupils. These classroom blocks are fully equipped with modern educational facilities to promote quality education at the foundational level.
On secondary education, Chief Onyedebelu disclosed that, following the directive of Governor Uzodimma, ISOPADEC has commenced the renovation of all government-owned secondary schools in the ISOPADEC region. The ongoing renovation currently covers 20 schools, with more to follow in subsequent phases. He emphasized that this initiative is strictly for public institutions, aimed at providing conducive learning environments and bridging infrastructure gaps in the education sector.
“We are working in line with the governor’s vision. In just six months, we have made significant strides across multiple sectors, and we are not relenting,” Onyedebelu stated.
Regarding flood disaster management, the ISOPADEC boss noted that the oil-producing communities are among the most affected by flooding in the state. He expressed satisfaction with the recent SEMA stakeholder engagement themed “Flood Warning, Preparedness, and Disaster Management”, which seeks to proactively address natural disasters in vulnerable regions.
On political engagement, Chief Onyedebelu, who also serves as an Executive Officer for the South East in the All Progressives Congress (APC), commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for providing early opportunities for voter registration and revalidation. He urged constituents to take full advantage of the exercise to ensure they are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections.
“Your voter’s card is your voice. Without it, you cannot participate in the democratic process. I encourage everyone to register or revalidate their cards, especially those who have changed locations,” he said.
Addressing reports of a leadership crisis in his community, Ofekata 3 Awo-Omamma, over the nomination of the Traditional Prime Minister (TPM), Chief Onyedebelu clarified that the authority to appoint such positions lies solely with the traditional ruler.
He described any attempt to interfere with the ruler’s decisions as baseless and emphasized that only Governor Uzodimma, who officially recognized the community’s monarch, holds the authority to make changes in such matters.
He reaffirmed the peaceful nature of his community and extended his support to the traditional ruler, praying for wisdom and divine guidance in leading the community to greater heights.