Imo State is set to host the National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED), an annual forum that brings together federal and state finance officials to coordinate economic policies, strengthen revenue mobilisation and deliberate on fiscal management across the various tiers of government.

Addressing journalists in Owerri, the Imo State Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Commissioner for the Economy, Hon. Chuck Chukwuemeka, said the conference, scheduled to commence on August 16, 2024, at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, Owerri, would be the first of its kind to be hosted in Imo State and the entire South-East region.

According to him, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, will chair the forum, which will attract Commissioners for Finance and Accountants-General from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as heads of revenue-generating and fiscal regulatory agencies.

Chukwuemeka disclosed that the conference is themed: “Strengthening Fiscal Federalism for Sustainable Revenue Generation, Equitable Allocation and Economic Resilience in a Volatile Global Economy.”

He added that Governor Hope Uzodimma would formally declare the conference open, with about 300 participants expected to attend.

The Commissioner said the state government attaches great importance to the hosting of the conference, stressing that it would provide significant economic opportunities for Imo, particularly in the hospitality, transportation, tourism and other commercial sectors.

He assured that the state was fully prepared to host the high-profile gathering, describing the conference as a “very important” event that would also provide participants with an opportunity to experience the hospitality, culture and economic potential of Imo State.

“The coming of the council members will bring tremendous benefits to Imo State. It is expected that the economy of the state will receive a boost,” Chukwuemeka said.

He added that the visit would enable participants to gain a better understanding of the state’s potential and capabilities while creating opportunities for local businesses and service providers.

“Our visitors will get to know what Imo State is all about, what we can do and what we can provide. We are excited as a government and, hopefully, the generality of Imo people are also excited and expectant of our August visitors,” he said.

The Commissioner also solicited the support and collaboration of the media in sensitising residents about the conference and projecting the socio-economic, tourism and cultural potentials of the state to a wider audience.

He said the successful hosting of the event would further strengthen Imo’s profile as a destination capable of hosting major national economic and policy gatherings.

Other senior government officials who accompanied the Commissioner included the Imo State Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Hon. Ernest Ibejiako; the State Accountant-General, Dr. Linus Okeafor; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Sir Bright Nwelue, among others.