By Augustine Avwode
In a groundbreaking display of ambition and international collaboration, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State recently hosted the Imo Economic Summit on December 4-5, 2025, in Owerri.
The two-day event, themed: “Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential: Partnership, Investment, and Innovation,” marked a historic milestone as the first of such magnitude summit since the State’s creation almost 50 years ago.
More remarkably, it stands as the only sub-national government in Nigeria to attract such an extraordinary array of global leaders for any gathering since the country’s return to democracy in 1999.
The summit drew political heavyweights, business titans, and diplomats from across the world, all rallying to support Uzodimma’s vision of transforming Imo into a premier investment hub.
By showcasing Imo’s untapped resources and strategic initiatives, Governor Uzodimma effectively positioned the State on the global economic map, signaling a new era of growth and opportunity.
The significance of the event was underscored by the calibre of attendees, who turned out in impressive numbers to endorse Uzodimma’s efforts.
Representing Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was Vice President Kashim Shettima, who delivered a keynote address on behalf of his boss.
International dignitaries included President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, President Amina Akim of Mauritius, and Prime Minister Americo Ramos of Sao Tome and Principe.
Adding further prestige were former British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon.
From the business realm, Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, joined forces with Prof. Benedict Oramah, former President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Founder of Zinox Technology, Mr. Leo Stan Ekek.
Nigerian governors from Edo (Monday Okpebholo), Ekiti (Abiodun Oyebanji), Ondo (Lucky Aiyedatiwa), Yobe (Mai Mala Buni), and Nassarawa (Abdullahi Sule), showed solidarity, alongside Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
The gathering also featured foreign diplomats, industry leaders like Dr. ABC Ojiakor and Ogbuagu Ernest Nwapa; executives from financial institutions such as Walmart’s Abdulrasak Isaiah and Sparkle Micro Finance Bank’s Uzoma Dozie; Bank chiefs, oil and gas icons, traditional rulers, clergy, and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including National Chairman Yetaweh Nantewah and his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, among others.
In his address delivered by Vice President Shettima, President Tinubu reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to Imo State’s economic development. He highlighted the summit’s role in fostering growth and attracting investments through various initiatives.
“We recognise the unique challenges that Imo State faces, and we are dedicated to implementing strategies that will not only boost local businesses, but also create sustainable job opportunities,” Tinubu stated.
Emphasising the need for collaboration between states and the federal government, he outlined key programmes for financial assistance and infrastructure improvements.
President Tinubu assured that the federal government would continue to provide Imo State and the Igbo people at large with platforms for growth and development.
He appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to invest in Imo and Nigeria, particularly in areas like digital transformation, noting the conducive environment in Imo. “Nigeria is witnessing bold, market-driven policy resets,” he added, aligning these reforms with Imo’s aspirations.
Foreign leaders echoed themes of African unity, innovation, and partnership.
President Joseph Boakai of Liberia expressed strong confidence in Imo State’s potential for transformation through innovation. “Innovation can become the engine that drives Imo’s transformation,” Boakai declared.
He stressed the importance of peaceful elections delivering development dividends: “If Africa must progress, elections must not only be peaceful—they must also deliver development dividends to the people who elect their leaders. The lives of the people must be improved.”
Drawing parallels between Liberia and Imo, Boakai remarked: “As I stand here today, I am reminded that Liberia and Imo have more in common than just our geographic space in West Africa. We share a history of resilience; we share a desire for peace; we share a commitment to good governance; and we share the belief that Africa can rise on its own terms through its own efforts.”
He highlighted Liberia’s recent elevation to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council as an honour for Africa, expressing optimism for collaboration between Imo and Liberia through regional alliances focused on development and democratic governance.
President Amina Akim of Mauritius, the first female President of her nation, laid credence to Africa’s rising status as a continent of hope. She described Nigeria as a power hub with talents and a vibrant youth population producing entrepreneurs who will rule the world.
Akim promised to bring Mauritius’s expertise in renewable energy to Imo, calling for stronger partnerships to unlock economic potentials across Africa.
Similarly, Prime Minister Americo Ramos of Sao Tome and Principe reinforced the narrative of Africa as a beacon of hope, urging deeper collaborations to harness Nigeria’s and Imo’s resources.
Governor Uzodimma’s welcome remarks set an electrifying tone, positioning the summit as a historical moment and redefining the state of ‘IMO’ as “Investment Meets Opportunities.”
“You are in the right place at the right time, Uzodimma declared,” while appreciating the high turnout of dignitaries.
He emphasized Imo’s strategic location, abundant resources, and commitment to an enabling business environment.
Praising President Tinubu’s reforms, Uzodimma called for collaboration with the federal government’s economic renewal plan.
Governor Uzodimma went on to provide a comprehensive overview of Imo’s advantages, starting with its geographic strengths: a significant landmass, population, and access to vital markets. “Imo has the largest proven gas reserves in West Africa,” he revealed, highlighting the energy sector’s investment potential.
In agriculture, he noted a diverse sector and rich natural resources poised for growth.
Addressing infrastructure, Uzodimma affirmed, “We have constructed over 120 strategic roads, enhancing connections within the State and to neighboring regions.” He acknowledged electricity as crucial for industrial growth and announced the upcoming launch of the Light Up Imo Project: “which aims to provide 24/7 power supply, effective this month.”
On land acquisition challenges, Uzodimma discussed the Imo Land Information Centre’s role in simplifying administration and ensuring transparency. “We have successfully replaced a fraud-prone system with an efficient, automated one,” he stated.
He identified other competitive edges, including the dredging of the Orashi River to the Atlantic, Imo’s status as Nigeria’s digital hub, and the localized business initiative OKOBI (One Kindred, One Business Initiative).
Concluding his address, Governor Uzodimma invited participants to join Imo’s economic renaissance, saying “Imo State is ready to house your investments.” He urged investors to transform the state, which he described as no longer rising but already risen.
Minister Wale Edun commended Uzodimma’s vision, particularly for leveraging Tinubu’s reforms through the independent electricity project. This he described as “the real game changer that will transform the economy of Imo State,” Edun said. He noted Nigeria’s growing economy and expanding fiscal capacity, aiming for a 7 percent annual growth rate, and called for partnerships among local, state, and federal governments.
Former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon focused on Africa’s potential in addressing climate change. He highlighted the continent’s unique resources and called for strengthened global partnerships.
“Africa has significant potential in addressing climate change,” Ki-moon emphasized, urging nations to collaborate on environmental stewardship and sustainable development. He championed global citizenship, encouraging responsibility for the planet.
Former UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson expressed delight at participating and lauded Governor Uzodimma’s ideas for Imo’s economic renaissance. “Nigeria remains the most exciting investment prospect that will overtake most countries of the world, given her dynamic population and natural endowment,” Johnson stated.
Prof. Benedict Oramah reaffirmed Afreximbank’s support for Imo, particularly the Orashi dredging project to enhance trade and infrastructure. He also referenced a multi-billion Naira petrochemical testing plant near Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, positioning Imo as a key player in the global petrochemical market.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote commended Tinubu’s bold policies and advised Nigerian entrepreneurs to invest courageously, recounting Nigeria’s abundant resources. “Dangote Group will partner with the Imo State government on any area of the latter’s choice,” he assured Uzodimma.
The summit’s diverse attendance—from global investors to local stakeholders—underscored its inclusive approach to building a diversified, thriving economy.
Focused on sectors like energy, agriculture, real estate, tourism and technology, the event facilitated discussions on transformative opportunities.
Governor Uzodimma’s bold and far reaching vision, backed by international endorsements, has undoubtedly elevated Imo State’s profile. As the first sub-national entity to convene such a prestigious assembly, Imo now stands as a beacon for investment in Nigeria, Africa and the world.
With initiatives like 24/7 power, river dredging, and community enterprises taking shape, the state is poised for an economic boom that promises shared prosperity.
Governor Uzodimma’s leadership has not only showcased Imo to the world, it has firmly placed it on the global economic map, inviting partnerships that could redefine the region’s future.
Indeed, there’s hardly a better way to define the state called IMO than “Investment Meets Opportunity” as aptly captured by Governor Uzodimma.
… Avwode is a journalist, Communication Strategist and Mediapreneuer.
