Group charts pathway to prosperity for Imo

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Imo state government has been assured of significant  partnership and collaboration in the actualization of its  economic growth and prosperity agenda for the 2025 fiscal year.

This was conveyed by a civil society group, The Leadership Centre, in collaboration with the Imo Good Governance Guild, when they organized an interface with relevant stakeholders on Monday at the Swiss International Beland Hotel, Owerri. 

Themed ‘Charting a Pathway for Prosperity in Imo State,’ the event explored critical issues such as budget transparency, unemployment, grassroots economic initiatives, and security. Key speakers, including Dr. Sam Amadi and Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, proposed practical solutions like the OKOBI initiative to drive inclusive economic growth and strengthen civic engagement.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts and the convener of the programme, emphasised the importance of active civic engagement in governance. According to Dr. Amadi, citizens must recognise that government exists to serve the people and not itself. He expressed concern over what he described as the dormancy of Imo State’s political elites, urging them to play more active roles in driving governance and development.

He further highlighted the importance of transparency in the recently passed Imo State budget. Governor Hope Uzodimma had proposed a budget of ₦756 billion, but the House of Assembly approved an increased budget of ₦807 billion. Dr. Amadi called for stakeholder engagement to ensure that the budget aligns with the state’s developmental priorities and is effectively implemented.

In addressing unemployment, Dr. Amadi noted the alarming number of jobless youths in the state and highlighted the potential of the ‘one kindred, one business’ initiative to stimulate grassroots economic activities. He further linked unemployment to insecurity, stating that tackling joblessness is key to addressing the root causes of unrest in the region.

Adding to the discourse, Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, Chief Economic Adviser to the government, highlighted the significance of active citizenship in driving economic transformation. He described Imo State as having a workforce larger than some European countries but lamented that over 1.5 million people remain unemployed. Prof. Amaeshi advocated for policies that attract businesses capable of creating jobs, urging citizens to move beyond dependency on government solutions. He also emphasised the need for digital skills training, describing it as a tool for empowering the youth and fostering economic growth.

Professor Kenneth Amaeshi focused extensively on the OKOBI initiative, describing it as a cornerstone of the state’s economic transformation strategy. He explained that OKOBI is an economic development model under the shared prosperity agenda of the Imo State Government. It exemplifies how two or more individuals, whether family members, kinsmen, or community groups, can pool resources to establish sustainable, profitable businesses that address local needs.

Prof. Amaeshi lauded the initiative as a practical solution to unemployment and economic stagnation, urging citizens to actively participate. He noted that OKOBI encourages the creation of cooperative enterprises, where collaboration amplifies productivity, visibility, and profitability. Examples of potential ventures under the OKOBI model include poultry farming, honey production, palm oil processing, and bakery services. ‘This initiative is not just about creating businesses; it’s about fostering unity and leveraging collective ideas for greater impact,’ he said, likening the model to the biblical principle: ‘One can chase a thousand, but two can chase ten thousand.’

Prof. Amaeshi further emphasised that OKOBI is open to everyone with shared affiliations, from families and social groups to community members, and represents a pathway to achieving Imo’s development goals. He highlighted that such grassroots-driven initiatives could be scaled to attract investments, create jobs, and enhance economic sustainability in the state.

Security concerns were also addressed, with speakers identifying insecurity as a major hindrance to economic competitiveness. Dr. Amadi called for community-led security initiatives and collaboration between citizens and the government to address these challenges effectively.

Chimezie Ebosie, State Officer for Budgit, underscored the importance of civic engagement, noting that low citizen participation in monitoring government activities hinders progress. He also encouraged investment in agriculture as a viable sector for economic growth.

The event concluded with a collective call for action, urging citizens, government, and private stakeholders to work together to foster development. Prof. Amaeshi specifically encouraged all Imolites to embrace the OKOBI initiative as a vehicle for grassroots empowerment and economic growth.

Through efforts like OKOBI, Imo State has the opportunity to chart a path towards prosperity, demonstrating that collaborative ventures and shared responsibility are key to sustainable development.