Imo State’s efforts to reposition itself as an emerging economic hub received a major boost this week as Governor Hope Uzodimma hosted an Economic Summit that drew an unusually high-profile delegation to Owerri. The gathering, which brought together global statesmen, business leaders and senior government officials, has been described as one of the most prominent development-focused events held in the South-East in recent years.
Among those who attended were former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and industrialist Aliko Dangote, alongside several governors and senior policymakers. The presence of such figures, according to Hon Henry Nwawuba, signalled renewed international interest in the region and reflected what he called the governor’s “ability to bring the world to Imo”.
The summit comes at a time when Governor Uzodimma’s national profile has expanded considerably. His appointment by President Bola Tinubu as the South-East Renewed Hope Ambassador has placed him at the forefront of federal–regional engagement efforts, a role observers say grants him broader influence in shaping the region’s development priorities. Political analysts note that his standing within national political circles has strengthened in recent months, adding weight to his attempts to attract long-term investment to the state.
While the political dimension has drawn attention, Hon Nwawuba argued that the substance of the governor’s second-term agenda has not been fully captured. He said Uzodimma has accelerated work on several infrastructure projects designed to improve connectivity within and around Imo State. These include road expansions and ongoing efforts to improve electricity availability in selected economic corridors, changes that he said could play a central role in stimulating new enterprise activity.
Sector analysts say such measures are consistent with attempts by states across the country to build more competitive industrial environments. They add that reliable transport links and stable power remain central to attracting manufacturing and logistics operations, areas where the South-East has historically sought to strengthen its economic position.
Nwawuba described the governor’s approach as an attempt to reassert the region’s relevance within the national economy. The summit, he said, not only showcased Imo’s investment potential but also highlighted the broader ambition of integrating the South-East more firmly into national and international economic conversations.
The event is expected to provide the foundation for further engagement with private investors, donor agencies and multinational institutions. Analysts say the attendance of leading international figures and domestic business leaders indicated that the state was positioning itself as a credible destination for investment discussions, rather than merely a venue for political gatherings.
As Imo continues to attract national and international attention, Nwawuba maintained that the summit demonstrated a wider shift in how the region presents itself to the world. He said the governor’s attempts to secure long-term development partnerships could help reshape the state’s outlook, with potential benefits extending beyond Uzodimma’s administration.
