Imo Governor Uzodimma Appoints Owuamalam as Special Adviser on SDGs
In a strategic move to bolster development efforts, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved the appointment of Barrister Chinenyenwa Blessing Owuamalam as Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This decision, formalized in an official letter dated April 10, 2026, from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, took effect from April 9, 2026, and underscores the administration's commitment to integrating global development frameworks into local governance.
Strengthening Development Agenda
The appointment, signed by Cosmas Iwu, Secretary to the Government of Imo State, highlights Governor Uzodimma's recognition of Owuamalam's capacity to drive policies and programs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Adopted in 2015, the SDGs serve as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity by 2030. Owuamalam will be tasked with advising the governor on strategies to advance these goals across critical sectors, including health, education, poverty reduction, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.
Role and Responsibilities
As Special Adviser, Owuamalam's responsibilities extend beyond policy advice to include coordinating partnerships with development agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector. This role is increasingly strategic as subnational governments intensify efforts to localize the global development agenda and meet internationally agreed targets by 2030. Her appointment is expected to play a key part in aligning Imo State's policies with global best practices while ensuring measurable impact at the grassroots level, focusing on inclusive growth and improved quality of life for residents.
Background of the Appointee
Barrister Chinenyenwa Blessing Owuamalam brings a wealth of experience to her new position. A highly accomplished lawyer with fourteen years post-call at the Nigerian Bar, she is a serial first-class product and renowned expert in providing strategic counsel and legal analysis to Chief Executive Officers and high-profile clients, including individuals and government agencies. Her background spans the energy, policy, government, and financial sectors.
Owuamalam holds a Masters Degree in Oil and Gas Law with Distinction from the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom, and is a dedicated SDGs advocate. She previously worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria Headquarters in Abuja and is an active member of various organizations, including the International Bar Association, the African Bar Association, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the United Kingdom, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers. Additionally, she is known as a humanitarian and girl child activist.
Administration's Commitment
The government, in the appointment letter, congratulated Owuamalam and expressed confidence in her ability to deliver on the mandate. This move reflects the Uzodimma administration's continued dedication to embedding the Sustainable Development Goals into its governance framework, aiming to accelerate progress and foster sustainable development within Imo State.
