The Imo State House of Assembly has passed a motion to rename the popular Douglas Road in Owerri after the current Governor, Hope Uzodimma.
The decision was made during Tuesday’s plenary session as the lawmakers resumed sitting after a three-month break.
The motion, sponsored by Hon. Chisom Ojukwu, who represents the Nkwerre State Constituency, called on the state government to direct the Executive Chairman of Owerri Municipal Local Government to implement the change.
The Assembly also resolved that all relevant government agencies should update official records, signage, and documents to reflect the new name, “Governor Hope Uzodimma Road.”
In his presentation, Hon. Ojukwu criticised the colonial legacy of Harold M. Douglas, the British District Commissioner of Owerri Province in 1902, after whom Douglas Road and Douglas House were named.
He alleged that Douglas ruled with brutality, citing incidents such as the Eziama Massacre (1904), the war on Norie (1905) and the Ahiara Massacre (1905).
According to Ojukwu, it is inappropriate for such a central landmark in the state capital to honour a colonial officer with a history of repression against the Igbo people.
“Douglas Road should be renamed to Governor Hope Uzodimma because he has performed very well in every sector,” Ojukwu stated, adding that state landmarks should celebrate local leaders and heroes rather than colonial figures.
Deputy Speaker Amara Iwuanyanwu also supported the motion, praising Governor Uzodimma’s performance in various sectors.
He noted that the governor deserves to be appreciated while alive and suggested that naming a major road after him was a fitting way to immortalise his contributions.
“This is how we show love and gratitude to our leaders by naming landmark projects after them while they are still with us,” Iwuanyanwu added.
