By Ogemdi Victor
Hon Chief Ben Mere, the Zonal Chairman of African Democratic Congress ADC for Owerri, Imo State has acknowledged the sagacity, capacity as well as the importance of the timely conferment of an award of “GRAND SERVICE STAR of Imo State” GSSI on His Excellence Rt. Hon. Emeka Nkem Ihedioha.
In his words, “The Journey to Prosperous Leadership Begins with Boldness; In times of uncertainty and change, leadership is not merely about occupying a position—it is about possessing the courage to take bold steps that usher in transformation”.
According to Hon. Chief Ben Mere, this is what Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha demonstrated during the short period he was the governor of Imo State. Chief Ben further stressed that: The future of Imo State demands a leader who not only understands the unique challenges facing the people but is also equipped with the vision, experience, and tenacity to chart a new course.
He believes, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha is a beacon of bold and visionary leadership, with a career grounded in public service, diplomacy, and grassroots development, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to progress and equity. His deep understanding of governance and policy, coupled with his direct engagement with the people, sets him apart as a leader who not only dreams but delivers, which was what earned him the recognition and an award of: ” Grand Service Star 🌟 of Imo State ” (GSSI) even when he was not part of the APC government.
The astute politician observed that leadership that brings prosperity must be brave enough to challenge the status quo which Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha exemplifies with his capacity—not by rhetoric, but by action. He has consistently advocated for inclusive development, youth empowerment, and economic revitalization. His blueprint for Imo’s advancement is rooted in pragmatic strategies that leverage the state’s human and natural resources, fostering innovation, agriculture, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development and more importantly the welfare of Imo workers and pensioners.
According to him, Ndi Imo need a leader who listens, understands, and acts—a leader whose ambitions are aligned with the aspirations of the people. His Excellence Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha’s boldness is not about noise, but about vision. His leadership is people-centered, driven by integrity, and guided by a belief that Imo State can overcome its challenges to become a reference point of sustainable development in Nigeria.
While eulogizing His Excellence Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Hon. Chief Ben Mere is not closing the doors of African Democratic Congress (ADC) to other meaningful Imolites who have the interest to participate in the development of our democracy in the state, but rather derived his speech from the achievement and antecedent of Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and the reason why he deserves the award bestowed on him by the state government on the ground finale of the golden jubilee celebration of the state.
He said the journey ahead requires not just hope but decisive leadership. It requires a leader with the strength to stand firm in the face of adversity and the foresight to build a future where every Imolite has the opportunity to thrive.
“Now is the time to embrace bold leadership. Now is the time to join African Democratic Congress ADC he asserted.
