Why Imo State Maybe Nigeria’s Next Investment and Tourism Hub
When the Imo state governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma was declared winner of the Imo state governorship election by the supreme court, he not only shocked the world but created a room for Hope in the state. He shocked the world by announcing that he would continue with projects left by his predecessor, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha.
This decision is strange to the African continent especially when we have successive administrations from different political parties.
One of the challenges of administration in Africa is continuity in government, the Imo state governor broke this jinx upon emergence. Continuity has been one of the reasons why investors are usually scared of putting their money in African countries, change in policies is a constant fear for the leaders to change policies and directions each time a new government emerges, that has become completely different in Imo state.
For instance, in Imo state, construction projects have continued to go on, with developmental projects started by the former governor Emeka Ihedioha continued, this has led to an investment friendly environment in the state.
This development is responsible for considerable progress recorded in the state thus far.
With all of this parameters, Imo state maybe on its way to progress and development.
On a normal day, a visit to Owerri, the capital of Imo state, would leave you waning to come around again. Famously, Owerri is known for its investment potentials and capabilities will remind you of another visit.
With a large population of persons from different backgrounds, Owerri for instance accommodates different tribes with peaceful co-existence. It is not rare for you to see Adamu who lives in Douglas road to have Chukwuemeka as his best friend. Above all of this, there is no way you would live in Imo state without trying to understand their culture.
In Orlu for instance, the treatment given to visitors will make you feel at home even on a foreign Land.
When a state has such capabilities of treating potential investors’ right, there is no way you would not want to return.
This accounts for why many persons see the state as an accountability nerve and center.
Taking a keen look for instance at Port-Harcourt road in Owerri, the presence of hotels will make you surprised. Largely, when you ask the owners of the hotels how they are surviving despite tight competition, you will be surprised to hear replies such as “We are making profit”; the truth is people never stop wanting to visit Imo.
One of such interactions came with the understanding that many of those who visit Imo state always want to return for another visit.
In Imo state, the presence of a vibrant population makes it very attractive for investment. Although, Imo is largely a culture state with roots of the culture still preserved, the state has successfully over the years being able to lure many persons who are not of Imo state extraction into the state. The presence of Tertiary institutions has also boosted the state potentials.
Imo state houses, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo state University among many other top institutions.
Owerri for instance is projected to have over 800,000 inhabitants while Imo state has over Four million persons as inhabitants. Imo state occupants are known to be industrious and creative making it usually easy for state development and patronage.
For companies in the service sector, manufacturing sector and consumables, this has always been leverage.
With the creation of a Ministry of Foreign and International Affairs in the state, there is an expectant growth in the area of investment and diasporan growth. It should be noted that Imo state has a high number of sons and daughters in the diaspora who are making impacts at the international level and this is just an ample opportunity to have more investments in the state. Notably also is the creation of the Commerce and Industry Ministry, this will not just lead to massive developments but a great one at that.
It should be noted that Imo state is blessed with skillful residents, creative indigenes and dynamic stakeholders, now is the time for the state to fulfill its potentials.
Imo state has the opportunity to leverage on natural resources at its disposal to elevate economic well-being of its people.
Imo state is blessed with Tourist centres such as the Oguta Blue Lake which is Nigeria’s second largest Lake, Ngwu Spring Natural water, Rolling Hills among many other notable gifts of nature. Other tourists attraction includes, Mbari House, Nekede Zoo, Ada palm plantation complex, Adababa Lake and many other notable areas.
Notably, Imo state is not just any state , it is such that is beginning to witness massive transformative governance.
While this would not mean all is perfect with the state as every society has its own peculiar challenges, it does mean that the state has opportunity towards development and accumulating international exposure.
Will Imo state fulfill its potentials, if the current developments will continue, one maybe looking a bright future ahead.
