The Imo Economic Summit in Owerri attracted a section of past and current world leaders who all shared their ideas and strategies on how to make Imo state an investment hub, boasting first-world infrastructure and contributing to the collective growth of the largest economy in West Africa.
The Imo Economic Summit, which kicked off yesterday at the Concorde Boulevard in Owerri, was graced by a long list of global figures, starting from the ex-prime minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, the current President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai, the President of Mauritius, Ameena Gurib-Fakim, the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Vice President Kashim Shetimma, and other world leaders.
Speaking at the event, Boris Johnson commented on the security concerns raised by his team when he was planning the trip and admitted that he is glad he chose to go regardless. He stated that he feels safe here and is happy to be part of such an important gathering.
On the business of the day, Johnson highlighted the trade relationship between Nigeria and Britain, claiming that both countries are united through trade and a shared dependency on each other.
“I’m very proud of what we export to Nigeria. We send you pharmaceuticals, bankers, services of all kinds, and huge quantities of whiskey. And in return, you send us oil, gas, Nollywood movies, brilliant doctors, nurses, tech geniuses. We are very, very grateful.” Johnson Said
Mauritian president Ameena Gurib-Fakim harped on the exploding Nigerian demographic, pointing out that the young people of the African continent are set to become a significant group in the global workforce. She recited the mainstream data that postulates that one out of every four working-age adults in the world will be African by 2050, driving home her point.
Liberian President Joseph Boakai seized the opportunity to appreciate Nigeria in the role it played in helping Liberia overcome its own national hurdles, while lauding the decision by Hope Uzodimma to open up Imo State to global investment as timely and thoughtful.
Other world leaders and national figures present at the event include the Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, Americo Ramos, former Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, the Governor of Ondo, Edo, and Ekiti states, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
