Governor unveils wide-ranging economic, cultural and infrastructure programmes to reposition Imo as global destination
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma says the state expects to unlock as much as $1 trillion in economic value from the forthcoming Imo Economic Summit, which forms part of a broader agenda to reposition the state as a major investment and tourism hub.
The governor made the disclosure on Sunday during a reception at the Government House Banquet Hall, Owerri, following the Feast of Christ the King. His remarks were contained in a statement issued Monday by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku.
According to Uzodimma, the state is preparing to launch an ambitious development blueprint anchored on a Global Investment and Economic Summit alongside major tourism revival projects. He said the summit, scheduled for the first week of December, would attract high-profile leaders including a former UN Secretary-General, a former UK Prime Minister, Nigeria’s President, and several African heads of state.
“It is a thing of joy, we want to announce Imo State to the world,” the governor said, adding that the summit is designed “to build a $1 trillion economy in Imo State.”
‘Light Up Imo’ Push Continues Despite Resistance
Uzodimma criticised groups and individuals he accused of attempting to frustrate the ongoing Light Up Imo electricity project, insisting that the state government will not relent in linking its upgraded power infrastructure to the national grid.
“We cannot spend billions on power infrastructure and fail to distribute electricity to our people,” he warned. “By next week, we will take decisive steps.”
He thanked residents for their support and emphasised unity and cooperation. “When we eat and work together, our blessings come faster,” he said.
Cultural Revival and Tourism Promotion
The governor also announced that Imo State will host the Ahiajoku Lecture Series at the end of the month. He described the festival established under former governor Sam Mbakwe as a major cultural and tourism asset that his administration is working to restore and promote.
“This monument will be one of the key tourist indicators of our state economy,” he said, urging citizens to participate. “Ideas rule the world, and we are ready to rebuild the circle of excellence our state once represented.”
Insecurity, Politics Slowed Development — Uzodimma
Uzodimma lamented that insecurity and political interference had previously hindered several of the initiatives his administration is now reviving. He criticised recent acts of vandalism, including the unauthorised alteration of a government-built roundabout.
“Government property is not anybody’s property,” he said. “Conduct is part of success. We must begin to behave ourselves as responsible citizens.”
Strengthening Public Services
The governor highlighted ongoing reforms in education, healthcare, transportation and other public services, arguing that functional public institutions are essential to improving living conditions.
He noted that even generous salary increases cannot offset the costs of private schooling and private medical care. “If our schools and hospitals work, a civil servant can run a household comfortably,” he said.
Call for Collective Commitment
Uzodimma reiterated his determination to confront any political barriers including those at the federal level that stand in the way of completing the state’s major infrastructure projects.
He urged Imo residents to put the state’s collective interest first: “We must stand together for the future of our state.”
