Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, says the state is projecting an economic gain of $1tn from its forthcoming Imo Economic Summit, a major investment forum expected to attract world leaders, global investors, and development partners. This was disclosed in a statement released on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Oguwike Nwachuku.
Governor Uzodimma made the announcement at the Government House Banquet Hall in Owerri shortly after the Feast of Christ the King celebration. He said the Imo Economic Summit would anchor a new economic agenda for the state and serve as the launchpad for broader investment and tourism revival programmes.
According to the governor, Imo State is preparing to host a World Investment and Economic Summit that will bring together high-profile personalities, including a former Secretary-General of the United Nations, a former British Prime Minister, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and several African Heads of State. He said the presence of such global figures shows the rising confidence in Imo’s economic repositioning efforts.
Uzodimma also expressed concern over those sabotaging the ongoing Light Up Imo Project, warning that no obstacle would stop the government from linking the newly completed electricity infrastructure to the national grid. He said the project was central to powering industries, attracting investors, and improving public services.
“We cannot spend billions on power infrastructure and fail to distribute electricity to our people. By next week, we will take decisive steps,” the governor said. He thanked residents for their support and urged them to remain united as the government pushes forward major reforms. “When we eat and work together, our blessings come faster,” he added.
Ahead of the summit scheduled for the first week of December, Uzodimma said the objective is clear—to build a $1tn economy in Imo State. He said the government was ready to showcase the state to the world and unlock investment opportunities.
“It is a thing of joy. We want to announce Imo State to the world,” he said.
The governor also disclosed that the state would host the Ahiajoku Lecture Series at the end of the month. He described the event as one of Imo’s cultural treasures and a vital tourism asset. The annual lecture, established by the late former Governor Sam Mbakwe, celebrates Igbo intellectual heritage. Uzodimma said his administration was committed to restoring and promoting the festival as part of its tourism revival strategy.
He said some past challenges, including insecurity and political interference, delayed these major programmes. He condemned the actions of individuals who vandalise public property, citing a recent incident where an unauthorised person altered a government-built roundabout. “Government property is not anybody’s property; conduct is part of success. We must begin to behave ourselves as responsible citizens,” he said.
Uzodimma explained that rebuilding Imo State requires functional public institutions—working schools, reliable hospitals, good transportation, and durable infrastructure. He said no salary increase can make up for the cost of private healthcare and schooling, emphasising that affordable public services are essential for improving living standards.
“If our schools and hospitals work, a civil servant can run a household comfortably,” he said.
On the Light Up Imo Project, the governor vowed to address any political obstacles from the federal level that may be preventing the state from completing its connection to the national grid. He urged citizens to put the collective interest of Imo State above personal or political differences, stressing that unity was crucial for the state’s progress.
The Imo Economic Summit, organised by the Imo State Government, is expected to be one of the most significant economic gatherings in the state’s history, bringing together investors, policymakers, and private-sector leaders to discuss opportunities for long-term growth.
