Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has said his administration has strengthened the state’s local economies through infrastructure development, human capital investment and support for business growth across its 27 local government areas.
The governor made the remarks 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,” Uzodimma argued that sustainable national development depends on strengthening economic activities at the grassroots.
He said his administration had worked to expand economic opportunities beyond urban centres by investing in infrastructure, improving access to skills development and creating an enabling environment for businesses across the state.
According to him, providing employment and economic opportunities for young people remains an important strategy for promoting peace, security and development.
Uzodimma disclosed that his government had constructed more than 130 roads, improved energy sustainability, digitalised land administration and trained over 65,000 young people in digital skills through the SkillUp Imo programme.
He said the training, which covered all 27 local government areas, included software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other technology-related fields.
The governor further claimed that SkillUp Imo and other digital economy initiatives had generated more than 80,000 jobs and income-generating opportunities across the state.
He also highlighted Imo’s minimum wage of ₦104,000, saying improved earnings among public sector workers had helped stimulate economic activities in rural communities and local government areas.
“A well paid public workforce is one of the quickest ways to put money into circulation at the grassroots,” he said.
The governor also acknowledged the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy, which he said had increased the financial resources available to state governments.
Speaking on the importance of private sector participation, Uzodimma maintained that government must provide basic infrastructure, reliable electricity and a skilled workforce to attract private investment.
He stressed that private capital was essential to transforming government investments into productive businesses, employment opportunities and improved living standards.
“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 organising the dialogue and selecting him as the inaugural guest speaker.
He also acknowledged the club’s President, Mr Seyi Adewunmi, its Board of Trustees and members, describing the invitation as an honour, particularly given the institution’s history dating back to 1949.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
