Uche Nworah Ph.D
Tinubu’s Reforms Have Created Centres of Prosperity Across the Country — Gov. Uzodinma
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, has declared Nigeria and Imo State safe and full of promise, affirming that both are set for remarkable economic growth.
He made the remark on Wednesday, 4 December 2025, at the opening of the 2025 Imo State Economic Summit in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Johnson praised the quality of participants and the forward-looking agenda of the summit.
“It’s fantastic to be in Imo State. The summit has been very successful judging from the stellar cast of guests. Nigeria has been acclaimed as the next country to witness increased FDIs because of its phenomenal growth potential,” he said.
He acknowledged concerns about security but expressed satisfaction with what he observed during his visit.
“I came with all the negative stories of security challenges but I said I will come anyway.”
Commending the infrastructural improvements within the state, he encouraged the state government to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a driver of future economic development.
“The roads and other infrastructure are impressive. AI is the future, and that’s something for the Imo State government to think about.”
Johnson concluded by stressing Nigeria’s strong competitive advantage.
“I see and feel the energy in the room… Imo State has a fantastic future. Imo State and Nigeria have their best days ahead of them. Also going for Nigeria is its entrepreneurial ability; you have citizens with the education and language to operate globally.”
Tinubu’s Reforms Are Creating National Prosperity — Gov. Uzodinma
Welcoming participants, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, lauded the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that they are beginning to create “centres of prosperity” across the country.
He declared that Imo State is ready for large-scale investment and has dismantled previous barriers to doing business.
“We have pursued aggressive but progressive reforms from which early movers and investors can benefit. The state government has removed bottlenecks that previously made doing business difficult and has interconnected our communities with over 100 new roads.”
The governor highlighted ongoing infrastructure and energy projects, including the Orashi Power Project, which he said will soon be operational. He also referenced the Skill-Up Imo Initiative, which is producing thousands of skilled workers for the economy.
Uzodinma also revealed that land administration in Imo has now been fully digitized.
“The state government has digitized land administration, making it possible for Certificates of Occupancy to be issued within 24 hours.”
He emphasized the investment potential of the Orashi River Dredging Project, as well as the state’s mineral resources and the largest untapped gas deposits in West Africa.
“Imo State is secure, ready and open for business. When opportunity meets preparation, good business happens. Bring your investments to Imo State now for higher investment returns.”
A Parade of Global and Regional Leaders
The summit, themed “Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential: Partnership, Investment and Innovation,” continues through Friday, 5 December 2025, at Concorde Boulevard, opposite Concorde Hotel, Owerri.
It attracted distinguished global figures including; President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai; Former President of Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim; Former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group; Professor Benedict Oramah, former President of Afreximbank; Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman, Zinox Technologies; Isha Sesay, former CNN anchor; Ernest Nwapa, and several other industry leaders. Traditional rulers and political figures including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and Eze Dr. Cletus Ilomuanya, Obi of Obinugwu, were also in attendance.
(Uche Nworah Ph.D reporting live from the venue of the summit)