Imo governor Hope Uzodimma says the forthcoming Imo Economic Summit is designed to position the state for a $1 trillion economy, describing the event as a major step in his administration’s economic agenda.
A statement issued on Monday by Oguwike Nwachuku, chief press secretary to the governor, said Uzodimma made the remarks at the Government House Banquet Hall, Owerri, after the Feast of Christ the King.
According to the governor, the summit — scheduled for the first week of December — would be followed by a series of global investment and tourism revival programmes aimed at repositioning Imo as a major economic and cultural hub.
He said the World Investment and Economic Summit will attract high-profile global figures. “To build $1tn economy in Imo State; and the event will be hosting former Secretary General of United Nations, a former British Prime Minister, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a couple of African Heads of State and leaders,” Uzodimma said.
The governor also criticised those obstructing the Light Up Imo Project, saying such resistance will not stop the state from completing its electricity link 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 said.
Uzodimma expressed appreciation for public support and urged residents to prioritise unity. “When we eat and work together, our blessings come faster,” he said.
He added that the state will revive the Ahiajoku Lecture Series — a cultural programme instituted under former governor Sam Mbakwe — describing it as part of efforts to develop Imo’s long-term tourism assets. “This monument will be one of the key tourist indicators of our state economy,” he said.
The governor blamed insecurity and political interference for earlier delays to the state’s economic and cultural initiatives. He also condemned acts of vandalism, referencing a recent incident involving the defacement of 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 noted that rebuilding Imo’s public sector remains central to his economic vision. He said functional healthcare, schools and infrastructure are crucial to reducing the financial pressure on households.
“If our schools and hospitals work, a civil servant can run a household comfortably,” he said.
He urged residents to place the state’s interests above personal and political disputes as preparations for the economic summit continue.
