Dr. Julius Kpaduwa is a native of Ezike in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State but resides in the United States of America, where he has been with his family since after the Biafran war. He is a doctor of Medicine, having attended Berea College in Kentucky and College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington DC, to graduate in 1979. He proceeded with a post-graduate training and internship at State University of New York, the Downstream Medical Center, Brooklyn, and King’s Country Hospital, New York. He specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
In this interview which, he talked about his annual free medical services to the people of Imo State. He also talks about his gubernatorial ambition in Imo State in 2015, saying he will make Imo State an industrial hub that can be able to absorb the teaming unemployed youths of the state and create a strong economy that everyone will be proud of.
Excerpts.
Can you tell us about your background? I am Dr. Julius Chukwuemeka Kpaduwa, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome and Catherine Kpaduwa (both late). I hail from Ezike in Isiala Mbano LGA. I had my Elementary and Secondary School education here in Nigeria. I participated actively in the Nigeria-Biafran war. After the war, I proceeded to USA for higher education. I attended the Berea College, in Kentucky and College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington DC to graduate in 1979 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. I had my post-graduate training and internship at State University of New York, the Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, and King’s County Hospital, New York. I specialized in the fields of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
I am a fellow of American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a California State licensure as a physician and surgeon. I have practiced in various hospitals in USA. Since 1988 I have held leadership positions in various Medical Health Services Groups as Medical Director, Vice President and President. I also held leadership positions in various Professional Affiliations such as Member of Board, Chief of Staff and Chairman of various committees as well as Chairman, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
I am a co-founder of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA). I was elected Chairman of the California Chapter of ANPA in 2000 and was elected President, ANPA National USA Executive Committee in 2008. In further recognition of my leadership in politics, I was appointed the Chairman of Nigerian Democracy Task Force, a position I hold currently. I had at various times served Imo State Government as Chairman, Board of Directors, Imo State Specialist Hospital.
I am married to Dr. Stella Kpaduwa, an actively practicing medical doctor. She specializes in pediatrics and participated enthusiastically in all our medical missions to Imo state. We are blessed with four children.
You have been away from the State, what have you been into?
I left Imo State after the war to United State of America in order to further my education. My passion for my people never diminished; as a medical practitioner and a co-founder of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in American (ANPA), we started a medical mission in Nigeria, specifically in Mbano, a kind of medical care outreach meant for everybody in Nigeria. This free Medicare is done annually in order to maintain the good health of Imo people as well as their socio-economic progress which has been on for over twelve (12) years. But to our surprise, the present government denied the good people of Imo state our annual free Medicare services that they have been enjoying for years. So it has not been a dull moment!
Could you let us have a run down of your political profile?
This might be a waste of time because holding any political office is not the only qualification for running a state. What our people must understand is that we are actually talking about leadership here, not politics. As far as this race is concerned, I have the right background, the professional competence, ability to drive the process, proven track record, the academic qualifications, the knowledge of how and where to access funds for our projects and all.
You recently indicated interest in contesting the Governor position of Imo State, why are you throwing your hat in the ring?
Yes! I am one person that has always remained passionate about the success of Ndi Imo. My interest is well captured in my vision and mission statements. My mission is specific and clear; to take over the mantle of leadership as the Governor of Imo State and comprehensively transform the state to meet the vision and aspirations of the founding fathers. And my vision is to build a vibrant smart state that optimizes the opportunities of abundant natural resources, skills and technology for the continual growth of Imo State’s physical, economic and social environment. So I am contesting for this position to help in laying the super-structure for the emergence of a better Imo State.
Under what political platform are you running for governorship?
I am running under People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
What can you say will be the policy thrust of your administration if you win?
Yeah, I have just told you my vision and mission statements. You will agree with me that one of the greatest obstacles to development in Nigeria is lack of continuity in the vision of governance and this has led to so many gaps in governance. This should not be so. Governance is a continuum. Briefly, I will mention but few things that will be actualized in my administration. These 10-Point Agenda which is also my transformation agenda include; e-GOVERNANCE: the concept of e-Governance is based on the need for accurate, up-to-date and complete records of transactions of the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of Government. All these are the most vital and necessary condition for transparency and good governance. Computers have made the system of record keeping faster, easier, more accessible, retrievable and timely. My administration is committed to computerization of Government record-keeping as a necessary step towards efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and good governance.
RAPID INDUSTRIALIZATION: My mission statement reinforces my administration’s determination and commitment towards the rapid industrialization of Imo State. Imo State will be elevated to the rank of Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore. To achieve this objective my administration will adopt a strategy of economic stimulation by mass impact through the establishment of five operational Industrial Estates in each of the three zones, of Orlu, Owerri and Okigwe. Each industrial Estate will have the capacity to house a minimum of 18industrial production plants.
MODERN COMMERCE AND TOURISM: My administration has mapped out plans to establish shopping centres, malls and plazas all across Imo State. These will more than double the currently available capacity of facilities for Commerce and Services to Imo people. We are especially concerned with the plight of Imo traders and businessmen in other parts of Nigeria being harassed by their host states in favour of indigenes. I am committed to provide alternatives for our people to make it attractive for them to return to their states for profitable business.
MECHANIZED AND BIOTECH AGRICULTURE: As the technology of Nigeria’s agriculture remains predominantly in the manual domain of hoes and machetes, young people will continue to distance themselves from the unwarranted physical energy exertion in an era of automation. They know that the same work can be done efficiently, neatly and with dignity in fewer hours by machines. Studies have shown that young people rush into agric business whenever the technology becomes advanced. My administration will embark on a massive provision of new technology in agricultural areas where Imo State has comparative advantage, especially in livestock and food processing.
INFRASTRUCTURE REINFORCEMENT: The state of infrastructural facilities in Imo State is becoming embarrassing. This is a reflection of our lousy and poor maintenance culture. Unless we learn to maintain the infrastructural facilities on ground, we may be losing as much mileage as we gain from new infrastructure establishment.
It is ridiculous that a pipe-borne water scheme is allowed to deteriorate, the drainage system has been neglected which has caused unpleasant experiences. It is a crying shame that a government will ignore necessary repairs on roads until they evolve from potholes gullies then a huge contract becomes obvious. This lack of good maintenance culture costs us more money on the run beyond the inconvenience and disruptions they inflict daily on the people. My administration shall reinforce and maintain all public infrastructure irrespective of which administration built them.
IMPROVED HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES: The healthcare and social services sector is ideally the professional terrain of my family, as my wife and I are medical doctors. She is a pediatrician and I am a gynecologist and physician. We have carried out together, with several of our professional colleagues from USA, a number care and Medical Missions to Imo State. Many of you are beneficiaries of our free medical care and services that include surgical and therapeutic services as well as medicine prescription deliveries. The policy thrust of my administration in this sector will consist of a comprehensive inventory and evaluation, diagnostic laboratory services, free universal immunization, pediatric and maternal care, functional operating rooms, genuine medication at affordable prices, public health education, ultra modern tertiary hospital and health insurance scheme.
QUALITY EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: In the past 38 years, Government has shown the direction and led the way towards building of education infrastructure. At this time, IMSG needs to change gear towards quality education so that the products of our education institutions will compare favourably with those from advanced countries and progressive Third World nations like Malaysia, Singapore, Ghana and South Africa. Our educational system needs to be realigned towards vocational, digital, technological and entrepreneurial skills to provide the required expertise to drive the planned rapid industrialization of Imo State. And in my administration, I will give emphasis to scholarship and student participation, teacher welfare and capacity building, technology in education and education.
GENDER EQUITY AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: Various administrations of Imo State have given only a symbolic recognition to the issue of gender equity. My administration will bring a new dimension to this issue, by institutionalizing the participation of women and female youths in government and all economic activities. My administration plans to establish an operational convention that requires comprehensive participation of the four categories of Adult males, adult females, male youths and female youths in all spheres of government and socio-economic activities of Imo State. Our concept is based on the Japanese model that coalesces the participation of the best of each of these categories without undue burden and overreliance on the aging adult males. Imo society will develop at a faster rate where all categories are mobilized to make worthwhile contribution towards the realization of the Imo project.
YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND JOB CREATION: thanks to the adroit leadership of President Jonathan, Nigeria has become a Member of the security council of the United NATIONS Organization. Most previous Heads of State of Nigeria had made reasonable effort for Nigeria to attain this status, howbeit without success. We are proud of this accomplishment for our nation. Sequel to this status, this nation will witness greater changes in national image and individual status of most Nigerians. With an improved image and international recognition, certain opportunities will be available to enterprising Nigerians including the youths. My administration will groom the youths of Imo State to build a new image of high responsibility and creativity. The youths will be impacted in five fronts as follows;
1. Participation in government administration at State, LGA and Community levels.
2. Commitment to entrepreneurship to drive the new rapid industrialization and ISABA.
3. Commitment to security and peace of Imo State citizens and their property.
4. Commitment to job creation in youth enterprises.
5. Participation in competitive sports and games.
Every effort will be made to provide the necessary legislative and technical support and funding to propel the youths to participate actively in these roles.
STRATEGIC NATIONAL PROJECTS INITIATIVE: Ideally, every patriotic Governor should make a worthwhile contribution towards the overall development of the nation. My administration shall work cooperatively with the Federal Government to jointly embark on five strategic projects; including one existing and four new ones. The existing project is the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, and the four new projects are an Imo Dry Dock, Imo Refinery, Imo Fertilizer Blending Plant, and the West African Railway. These are summarized below.
We have identified various investors in USA, Canada and other advanced countries who have carried out similar projects successfully in countries like Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Brazil, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, India and Australia. These foreign investors are willing and keen to come over to Nigeria, especially to Imo State, to do good business on these five life-changing projects jointly with Imo state businessmen, IMSG, FGN and other Nigerian businessmen. The prime obligation of IMSG is to create the enabling environment. My administration will be committed to doing that.
