In a landmark end-of-year ceremony on December 23, 2025, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma empowered over 10,000 artisans and SME operators, charging them to lead a revolution in Nigeria’s construction and services industries. The event, held at Ndubuisi Kanu Square in Owerri, marked the graduation of the Renewed Hope Empowerment Initiative, a program designed to turn vocational skills into sustainable economic independence.
Describing the exercise as the “best Christmas and New Year gift” for the state, the governor emphasized that the initiative is a strategic move to address the shortage of competent local labor.
Reclaiming the Market from Foreign Labor
Governor Uzodimma raised concerns over the “shameful irony” of Nigeria’s reliance on migrant workers for quality finishing in the construction sector. He noted that despite a population of over 200 million, reports from professional bodies like COREN show a deficit in high-quality local craftsmanship.
-
The Challenge: To establish a standard of excellence so high that local artisans become the “undisputed first choice” for developers.
-
The Solution: A shift from basic apprenticeship to professional, excellence-driven work that can compete on a global scale.
-
The Vision: Positioning Imo State as a hub for skilled manpower that feeds into the broader 2026 economic strategy presented to the House of Assembly.
Diverse Trades and Practical Support
The empowerment program covered a wide array of essential trades, ensuring that the impact reaches every corner of the state’s economy. Beneficiaries included:
-
Construction & Technical: Tilers, plumbers, electricians, welders, masons, and carpenters.
-
Services & Manufacturing: Fashion designers, bakers, shoemakers, and makeup artists.
-
Auto & Mechanical: Mechanics and vulcanizers.
To bridge the gap between training and productivity, the Governor provided work tools and financial startup kits, warning graduates against selling their equipment and urging them instead to use it as a “gateway to financial independence.”
Alignment with the National Agenda
The initiative was lauded as a successful collaboration with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. By complementing the state’s existing SkillUpImo program—which focuses on digital innovation—this vocational initiative ensures that traditional artisans are not left behind in Nigeria’s digital-forward future.
As the 10,000 new entrepreneurs enter the market, the Imo State government remains committed to fostering a “Shared Prosperity” model where human capital development drives grassroots economic growth.
