The 2025 Imo Economic Summit convened under the theme “Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential- Partnership, Investment & Innovation” brought together leaders, innovators, and stakeholders committed to shaping the future of Imo State. Among the distinguished participants, the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, CFA, delivered a goodwill message emphasizing Imo’s role as a driver of national growth and innovation.
In her address, Dr. Anite expressed profound pride and gratitude, noting her personal connection to the state: “I stand here not only as a public servant but as a daughter of this soil who believes deeply in the destiny of Imo State.” She commended the visionary leadership of Governor His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, describing him as a leader whose courage, clarity, and integrity serve as an example for the nation.
Dr. Anite highlighted the significance of the summit, describing it as a turning point for the state: “Today’s gathering is far more than an event. It is a declaration that Imo will no longer be defined by its challenges but by its possibilities. We will no longer talk about potential, we will activate it.”
The Minister outlined several national reforms aimed at encouraging investment and supporting state-led growth, including:
- Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund
- Capital Markets Reform
- Insurance Sector Reform
- FX and Macro Stability measures
- Strengthened Security Architecture
- A resilient borrowing plan
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
- Concessionary and blended finance with sovereign guarantees
- Introduction of Ward Development Plans
She emphasized that Imo State is poised not merely to participate in Nigeria’s national renewal but to lead it. Highlighting the state’s assets, Dr. Anite noted its entrepreneurial population, influential diaspora, rich natural and human resources, committed government, and innovative youth.
Dr. Anite identified key pillars for unlocking Imo’s potential:
- Partnership: Collaboration between government, private sector, development partners, academia, and communities to multiply impact and build sustainable prosperity.
- Investment: Encouraging bold investments in infrastructure, agriculture, digital technology, manufacturing, green industries, and the creative economy. She assured that the Federal Ministry of Finance would support an environment where investors feel confident and empowered.
- Innovation: Leveraging the ingenuity and resilience of young people to establish Imo as a hub for new ideas, industries, and solutions.
She also underscored the importance of education, entrepreneurial development, infrastructure and power partnerships, access to long-term financing, industrialization, and human capital development as critical components of the state’s growth strategy.
Closing her address, Dr. Anite urged attendees to actively build the future they envision: “The future we dream of will not descend to us from heaven. We must build it. We must choose it. We must commit to it.” She praised Governor Uzodimma’s foresight in convening the summit and reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Finance’s commitment to supporting Imo State as it unlocks its limitless potential.
“May God bless Imo State, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she concluded.
