Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has said his administration is expanding economic opportunities across the state’s 27 local government areas through infrastructure development, human capital investment and support for private enterprise.
Uzodimma said his government was deliberately shifting economic activities beyond major urban centres to ensure that rural communities and local businesses benefit from the state’s development programmes.
The governor stated this on Friday in Lagos while delivering the inaugural National Policy Dialogue lecture organised by the Lagos Country Club.
Speaking on the theme, “The Future Is Local: Stimulating Grassroots Economies for Inclusive Growth,” he argued that sustainable national development could only be achieved when local economies were strengthened and empowered to create wealth.
He explained that his administration had prioritised investments in infrastructure, digital skills and enterprise development to stimulate economic activities at the grassroots.
According to him, creating economic opportunities for young people remains one of the most effective ways to promote peace, security and sustainable development.
Uzodimma disclosed that his administration had constructed more than 130 roads, improved energy sustainability and digitalised land administration as part of efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses and investors.
He also highlighted the SkillUp Imo programme, through which more than 65,000 young people across the state’s 27 local government areas had received training in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other digital skills.
The governor said the initiative, alongside other digital economy programmes, had generated more than 80,000 jobs and income-generating opportunities.
On workers’ welfare, Uzodimma said the state’s N104,000 minimum wage had helped stimulate economic activities in rural communities by increasing the purchasing power of public sector employees.
“A well-paid public workforce is one of the quickest ways to put money into circulation at the grassroots,” he said.
He also credited some of the increased financial resources available to state governments to the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy.
Uzodimma maintained that governments must provide essential infrastructure, develop skilled manpower and ensure reliable electricity to attract private investment and expand economic opportunities.
He urged private investors to complement government efforts by converting the foundations provided through public investments into productive businesses, employment opportunities and shared prosperity.
“Government must lay the foundations, and private capital, much of which is represented here, must turn them into productive enterprises, jobs and prosperity,” he said.
The governor commended the Lagos Country Club for introducing the National Policy Dialogue lecture series and selecting him as its inaugural speaker.
He particularly appreciated the club’s President, Mr Seyi Adewunmi, its Board of Trustees and members for the invitation, describing the opportunity to deliver the maiden lecture at an institution established in 1949 as a great honour.
