Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, is receiving widespread acclaim following the successful hosting of the maiden Imo Economic and Investment Summit, a landmark event that drew world leaders, global business executives, development partners and top policymakers to Owerri for two days of intensive dialogue on the state’s economic future.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Imo Economic Potentials: Partnership for Investment,” is being celebrated as the most ambitious economic gathering in the state’s history. For many observers, it marked a turning point in Uzodimma’s effort to reposition Imo as a competitive investment destination and a key contributor to Nigeria’s trillion-dollar economic aspiration.
Widespread commendations
Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Chidi Nwogu, described the summit as “historic and meticulously organised,” saying it reflected the governor’s clear vision for a prosperous and globally connected Imo State.
According to him, the impressive turnout—spanning presidents, former world leaders, top CEOs, financiers and eminent personalities, demonstrated growing international confidence in Imo’s investment climate.
“This is the first time in our state’s history that Imo is hosting an event of such scale,” Nwogu said. “The calibre of participants shows how far the state has come under Governor Uzodimma.”
He predicted a significant economic ripple effect in the months ahead, urging the governor to sustain the momentum and implement the commitments secured during the summit.
Unmatched assembly of global leaders
The dignitaries who converged on Owerri gave the summit its exceptional profile. Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Imo’s development ambitions.
Also in attendance were Liberian President Joseph Boakai, Mauritius President Amina Akim, and Prime Minister Americo Ramos of São Tomé and Principe. Each delivered keynote speeches emphasising Africa’s collective rise and Imo’s potential role in shaping that progress.
The presence of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote and former Afreximbank President, Prof Benedict Oramah, further elevated the summit’s status.
Governors Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe) also attended, alongside federal ministers, senators, diplomats and business leaders.
Tinubu’s message: Imo won’t walk alone
Delivering the President’s address, Vice-President Shettima stated that Nigeria’s economic recovery and future competitiveness rely heavily on strong subnational economies. Tinubu pledged continued support for Imo through financing initiatives, infrastructure investment and industrial expansion programmes.
“We are committed to working with Imo State to overcome its challenges and harness its full economic potential,” he said. “Imo will not walk alone.”
He called on investors to take advantage of the improving security situation and the investor-friendly climate being created by Uzodimma.
African leaders highlight Imo’s strategic promise
Liberian President Joseph Boakai spoke about the importance of linking elections to development outcomes, urging Imo to embrace innovation. He described Africa as “the rising frontier of global hope” and encouraged the state to build on its youthful population and resilience.
Mauritius President Amina Akim highlighted the continent’s expanding economic potential and pledged support for renewable energy investments in Imo, describing power supply as the foundation of industrial growth.
Uzodimma declares new economic era
Welcoming participants, Uzodimma declared the summit the beginning of a new chapter for the state. He detailed Imo’s competitive advantages such as its fertile agricultural belt, strategic landmass, access to regional markets and rich mineral resources.
He also announced that Imo holds the largest proven gas reserves in West Africa—a revelation that sparked intense investor interest during the technical sessions.
Uzodimma outlined his administration’s key reforms, including:
Over 120 strategic roads completed
The Light Up Imo 24-hour electricity project
The Orashi River dredging, opening maritime access to the Atlantic
Imo’s rise as a digital and innovation hub
The OKOBI (One Kindred, One Business) grassroots economic model
“We are aligned with President Tinubu’s reform agenda,” he declared. “Imo is not just rising - Imo has risen.”
Strong investor commitments
Prof Benedict Oramah pledged continued Afreximbank support, particularly for the Orashi dredging and a proposed petrochemical laboratory near the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport. He said Imo is well-positioned to become a major player in the petrochemical industry.
Aliko Dangote praised the administration for its investment-friendly policies and assured the governor of the Dangote Group’s readiness to partner with the state on strategic projects.
Finance Minister Wale Edun described the state’s proposed independent power project as the “true catalyst for industrialisation.”
Ban Ki-moon urged stronger global partnerships on climate and sustainability, while Boris Johnson called Nigeria “one of the world’s most exciting frontiers for investment,” driven by its youthful population and resource endowment.
A turning point for Imo
The summit attracted investors, diplomats, technocrats, financial institutions, innovators and traditional institutions - turning Owerri into a hub of global economic and political energy.
For many stakeholders, the thunderous applause for Governor Uzodimma symbolised more than a well-organised event: it signalled Imo’s renewed global visibility and a determined push to transform the state into a competitive economic powerhouse.
As the commitments and pledges begin to materialise, Imo now stands on the cusp of a new economic dawn - driven by partnerships, innovation and a bold vision for sustainable growth.
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