BARR. IHEKA, OHANAEZE NDIGBO DEPUTY NATIONAL LEGAL ADVISER, BACKS GOV. UZODINMA’S ECONOMIC SUMMIT
By Stevenie Michaels
Barr. Chizoba Iheka, a legal practitioner and the Deputy National Legal Adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, was among the prominent participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025, held on Wednesday and Thursday, December 4 and 5, at the Concorde Boulevard, Owerri.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential: Partnership, Investment and Innovation,” brought together an impressive line-up of global leaders, policymakers, and investors. Dignitaries in attendance included former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon; Africa’s foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson; Liberian President Joseph Boakai; and top business executives from across the world. The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was ably represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo delegation was led by its President-General, Senator John Azuta Mbata, alongside his deputy, Prince Okey Nwadinaobi, and the Secretary-General, H.E. Emeka Sibeudu.
Speaking at the event, Barr. Iheka expressed satisfaction with the strong presence of global investors and innovators, describing the summit as “a transformative moment for Imo State’s economic future.” He commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he termed “a historic gathering of global minds,”* and praised the Governor’s vision and leadership in advancing the state’s economic agenda.
According to Iheka, Governor Uzodimma has *“broken records through landmark projects that continue to redefine Imo’s development trajectory,”* citing initiatives such as the Orashi Electricity Project, the state’s growing gas infrastructure, and other strategic investments.
THE 3R AGENDA: REHABILITATION, RECONSTRUCTION AND RECOVERY
Barr. Iheka noted that Governor Uzodimma’s 3R mantra has repositioned Imo State as an attractive destination for investment. He described the state’s ongoing transformation as one driven by visionary leadership, sound governance reforms, and a commitment to modernization.
From economic diversification to infrastructural renewal, human capital development, and democratic restoration, Iheka said Governor Uzodimma’s leadership style has become *“a reference point for sustainable governance in Nigeria.”
A NEW ECONOMIC DAWN: GAS DERIVATION, INDUSTRIAL GROWTH AND REVENUE EXPANSION
One of the administration’s most notable achievements is the successful inclusion of Imo State in Nigeria’s gas-derivation revenue bracket—an economic breakthrough that positions the state as an emerging energy hub. With vast gas deposits across its territory, Imo is now attracting energy-based investments and industrial-scale development, particularly along the Urashi Industrial Corridor.
Coupled with improved internally generated revenue (IGR) systems and transparent fiscal practices, the state is witnessing renewed industrial activity, agro-processing expansion, and increased investor interest.
INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL: REVOLUTIONIZING IMO’S ROAD NETWORK
Perhaps the most visible aspect of Governor Uzodimma’s administration is the extensive rehabilitation and construction of critical road infrastructure across Imo State. Major projects—including the Owerri–Orlu Road, Owerri–Okigwe Road, the Owerri–Mbaise–Umuahia corridor, and strategic industrial routes such as the Mgbidi–Oguta axis—have significantly improved mobility, enhanced security, and opened new economic corridors.
These infrastructural upgrades, described as some of the most comprehensive in the state’s history, have strengthened commerce, logistics, tourism, and rural development.
HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT: EQUIPPING YOUTHS FOR THE FUTURE
The administration’s human-capital agenda is reflected in programs such as the SkillUp Imo Initiative, which has trained tens of thousands of young people in digital skills, software development, entrepreneurship, and modern vocational trades. Many beneficiaries have already secured employment both locally and internationally.
Support for farmers, MSMEs, and women-led enterprises has also boosted job creation and expanded economic opportunities across the state.
WORKERS’ WELFARE AND LABOUR-FRIENDLY REFORMS
Governor Uzodimma’s approval of an increased minimum wage for Imo workers—alongside timely salary payments, improved working conditions, and civil-service digital reforms—has strengthened worker morale and reinforced confidence in public administration.
DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL: RETURN OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
Another milestone highlighted by Barr. Iheka is the conduct of Local Government elections after several years, which he described as a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to grassroots governance and democratic accountability.
THE IMO LIGHT PROJECT: A GAME-CHANGER FOR INDUSTRIALIZATION
Central to Uzodimma’s long-term economic vision is the Imo Light Project, a bold initiative designed to provide uninterrupted electricity to the state. Iheka praised the project as a catalyst for industrial growth, noting that stable power supply will attract investors and advance local manufacturing.
He further urged Igbo sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to invest in Imo State, in line with the Ohanaeze Ndigbo mantra “Aku Ruo Ulo” (wealth should return home). He described Governor Uzodimma as “a leader who builds with love and without discrimination.”
EDUCATION, HEALTH AND INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
The Uzodimma administration has also recorded progress in social infrastructure through the upgrading of schools, expansion of tertiary institutions, revitalization of healthcare facilities, and reforms promoting transparency, digital governance, and anti-corruption measures in public service.
A LEGACY OF RENEWAL AND PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP
Iheka concluded that Imo State is undergoing a renaissance driven by vision, accountability, and strategic planning. From economic reforms and infrastructural expansion to democratic restoration and human-capital development, he said Governor Uzodimma has positioned Imo as a rising economic and industrial hub in Nigeria.
According to him, Senator Hope Uzodimma’s leadership has *“rewritten the story of Imo State and set a modern blueprint for progressive governance in Nigeria”.