A powerful assembly of world leaders, top global executives, and major development actors on Thursday rallied behind Governor Hope Uzodimma as Imo State launched its most ambitious economic transformation agenda in five decades.
The high-powered gathering took place at the two-day Imo Economic Summit, the first of its kind since the state was created.
The summit drew an elite audience including representatives of President Bola Tinubu, Liberian President Joseph Boakai, Mauritian President Amina Akim, Sao Tome and Principe Prime Minister Americo Ramos, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, and several Nigerian governors also attended.
Delivering President Tinubu’s message, Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Imo’s economic rise. He said the administration would work closely with the state to expand investments, strengthen infrastructure, and create jobs.
“We recognise the unique challenges that Imo faces, and we are dedicated to implementing strategies that will boost local businesses and create sustainable opportunities,” Tinubu said in his address.
The president urged both Nigerians and international investors to “take advantage of Imo’s digital transformation drive, stable business climate, and abundant opportunities.”
African Leaders Endorse Imo’s Opening to the World
Liberian President Joseph Boakai praised Imo’s economic prospects, saying innovation could “transform Imo into a regional development engine.”
“Innovation can become the engine that drives Imo’s transformation,” Boakai said.
“Africa must deliver development dividends to its people. Elections must reflect progress.”
Mauritius President Amina Akim pledged to deepen partnerships, especially in renewable energy, while Sao Tome’s Prime Minister Americo Ramos called for stronger regional cooperation to unlock Africa’s economic potential.
Uzodimma Positions Imo as Nigeria’s New Investment Frontier
Welcoming delegates, Governor Uzodimma declared that Imo had entered a new era of economic ambition, insisting the state is “ready to house global investments.”
He redefined IMO as “Investment Meets Opportunities”, citing the state’s strategic location, large market access, agricultural diversity, and natural resource wealth — including what he described as the largest proven gas reserves in West Africa.
The governor highlighted several reforms, including:
- Construction of over 120 strategic roads
- The Light Up Imo Project, set to deliver 24/7 power supply
- A fully automated Imo Land Information Centre to eliminate fraud
- Progress on the Orashi River dredging project, linking Imo to the Atlantic
- Imo’s rise as Nigeria’s digital innovation hub
- The OKOBI (One Kindred, One Business Initiative) to spur grassroots enterprise
“You are in the right place at the right time,” Uzodimma told investors.
“Imo State has risen, and we are open for global business.”
Finance Minister and Global Leaders Commend the Vision
Finance Minister Wale Edun described Imo’s independent power initiative as “the real game changer”, capable of transforming the state’s industrial ecosystem.
Ban Ki-moon urged African nations to leverage their unique climate resources and strengthen international partnerships to combat global environmental challenges.
The summit concluded with renewed commitments from governments, development institutions, and private investors to collaborate with Imo State as it accelerates toward its goal of becoming a trillion-naira economy.
