In his thought-provoking speech titled “Before Imo is Left Behind: My Vision of a New Imo State,” delivered at an interactive session on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Owerri, the Imo State capital, A renowned Scholar and the Leader of The Mazi Organization (TMO) Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi shed light on the current economic challenges facing Imo State and proposed innovative solutions to revitalize its economy.
The session, attended by leaders of thought, opinion molders, academia, civil society groups, captains of industries, and more, highlighted the need for urgent action to address the state’s economic challenges. According to Dr. Amadi, Imo State has experienced a dynamic economic trajectory marked by periods of industrial growth, challenges with moribund industries, slowly evolving internally generated revenue (IGR), and insignificant contributions from diaspora remittances and the service sector. Despite being rich in natural resources such as limestone, white clay, and fine sand, the state’s economy has suffered from neglect, policy inconsistency, and missed opportunities.
Dr. Amadi emphasized that Imo State is richly endowed with human capital, arable land, and a history of industrial ambition, but now stands at the precipice of economic obscurity. He noted that the state’s once-thriving industries, such as Adapalm in Ohaji and Avutu Poultry in Obowo, have become a shadow of their former selves due to neglect and poor policy decisions.
Furthermore, Dr. Amadi highlighted the state’s poor performance on the Fiscal Sustainability Index, ranking 32nd in 2023, down from 29th in 2022. He also noted that Imo State’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been relatively low compared to other states in Nigeria, with Lagos, Rivers, and Ogun states attracting significantly more investment.
With his wealth of knowledge and experience, Dr. Amadi’s vision for a new Imo State is generating buzz among stakeholders. His presentation showcased a deep understanding of the state’s challenges and opportunities, as well as a clear roadmap for turning around the state’s fortunes. Dr. Amadi’s commitment to making the state’s economy blossom is evident, and many are optimistic that Imo State can overcome its current challenges and achieve sustainable economic growth and development under his leadership and vision.
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