Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Imo State has positioned as an emerging investment and growth hub, highlighting its strengths in agriculture, education, energy, hospitality and the creative economy as key drivers of Nigeria’s economic diversification.
According to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the state’s human capital and enterprise culture make it a strategic partner in Nigeria’s push for inclusive growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Shettima spoke at the a Golden Jubilee celebration of Imo State.
“Imo State has consistently enriched Nigeria economically and intellectually. Its greatest asset is its people, whose productivity cuts across agriculture, education, commerce, entertainment and emerging industries,” the Vice President said, while conveying the President’s goodwill message.
Agriculture, Commerce and Jobs
Shettima identified agriculture, particularly palm oil production, as a historic and continuing pillar of Imo’s economy, citing the Ada Palm Plantation as a symbol of industrial agriculture with export potential.
He also pointed to the state’s commercial networks, from Nkwo Orji to Orlu International Market, describing them as engines of SME activity, job creation and regional trade.
“These markets are not just trading centres; they are platforms for enterprise, livelihoods and wealth creation,” he said.
Education as Economic Capital
Describing education as Imo’s “greatest industry,” the Vice President said the state’s universities and high literacy levels give it a competitive advantage in a knowledge-driven economy.
“Graduates from Imo compete confidently across every field. This is human capital that attracts investment and sustains productivity,” Shettima stated.
Energy, Hospitality and New Growth Frontiers
Shettima highlighted emerging opportunities in Imo’s oil and gas assets in Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta, noting their potential to support local industrialization if properly developed.
He also drew attention to Owerri’s rise as a hospitality and entertainment hub, linking security improvements to economic returns.
“Security has become an economic asset. Peace, when nurtured, yields prosperity, jobs and private investment,” he said.
Beyond hydrocarbons, the Vice President identified growth prospects in agro-processing, renewable energy, mineral processing, tourism and the digital economy, urging strategic planning to convert potential into bankable projects.
Uzodimma’s Economic Governance
Shettima praised Governor Hope Uzodimma’s leadership, describing his administration as reform-driven and investment-focused.
“Governor Uzodimma understands that governance is not theatre, but duty. Under his watch, Imo has rediscovered planning discipline and the confidence to re-enter the national economic conversation,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Urging the state to use its 50th anniversary as a launchpad for the next phase of growth, Shettima said sustained unity, innovation and disciplined governance would be critical to attracting long-term capital.
“Politics must return to service, innovation must be encouraged, and governance must remain humane and disciplined if Imo is to fully unlock its economic promise,” he said.
Governor Uzodimma, in his remarks, said Imo would prioritise digital transformation and inclusive growth over the next 50 years, stressing that the state “has come of age” economically and institutionally.
