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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has hinted at the benefits expected from the forthcoming Imo Economic Summit, suggesting that a humongous gain of $1 trillion is being targeted.
Uzodimma spoke about his administration’s plan to launch the ambitious economic agenda with the hosting of Global Economic Summit and Tourism Revival Projects in Owerri and consequently, the target to build a $1 trillion economy in the state.
Speaking at the Government House Banquet Hall, Owerri, after the Feast of Christ the King, the Governor announced an ambitious state of economic and cultural initiatives aimed at repositioning Imo State as a major national and international hub, including a world investment and economic summit set to host prominent global leaders.
It was on a day the governor also sent warning signals to those constituting themselves as obstacles to the ongoing Light Up Imo Project, noting that such obstacles would not deter his government from linking the state electricity infrastructure to the national grid.
“We cannot spend billions on power infrastructure and fail to distribute electricity to our people. By next week, we will take decisive steps.”
He expressed gratitude for public support and emphasised the importance of unity and collective progress.“When we eat and work together, our blessings come faster.”
He disclosed that the investment and economic summit to be held on December 4 and 5, in Owerri is intended to build $1 trillion economy in Imo State and that the event would be hosting former Secretary General of United Nations, the immediate past Prime Minister of Britain, Boris Johnson, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a couple of African Heads of State and leaders.
“It is a thing of joy, we want to announce Imo State to the world.”
He further revealed that Imo State would host the Ahiajoku lecture series on November 27 and 28.
The Ahiajoku lecture series, he said, had remained a cultural legacy established by former Governor Sam Mbakwe.
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Describing the festival as one of the tourist indicators of Imo State’s economy, the Governor said his administration was doing everything to rehabilitate and promote the festival as a long-term tourism asset.
“This monument will be one of the key tourist indicators of our state economy.
“Ideas rule the world, and we are ready to rebuild the circle of excellence our state once represented.”
He explained that insecurity and political interference had previously delayed these lofty initiatives.
He criticised individuals who vandalised public property, including a recent incident involving an unauthorised alteration of a government-built roundabout.
“The government’s property is not nobody’s property. Conduct is part of success. We must begin to behave ourselves as responsible citizens.”
The governor outlined ongoing efforts to rebuild Imo’s public sector, emphasising that prosperity depends on functional public schools, hospitals, transportation systems and infrastructure.
He noted that even substantial wage increases cannot compensate for the high cost of private healthcare and schooling, making government services essential for affordability.
“If our schools and hospitals work, a civil servant can run a household comfortably.”
On the ongoing Light Up Imo Project, he vowed to confront any federal-level political obstacles preventing the state from connecting its completed power infrastructure to the grid.
He urged citizens to prioritise the state’s collective interest over personal or political differences, calling on residents to stand together for the future of Imo State.
