The former deputy governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to return home and invest, leveraging the vast opportunities available for industrial development across the country.
Prince Madumere made this appeal during his keynote address at the Imo State Diaspora Summit 2025, themed “Imo-Ga-Adi-Mma,” meaning “Imo Will Get Better,” held in Owerri.
He underscored the critical role of diaspora citizens in driving socioeconomic development in the state and Nigeria as a whole, emphasizing the significant impact of their remittances on capital inflow and economic stability.
“This is buttressed through their remittances, which forms a large chunk in the capital inflow and portfolio ratio across the country,” he stated.
Highlighting the state’s potential, Prince Madumere noted that Imo is well-positioned to accommodate investors, particularly in the industrial estate established by the late former governor, Dr. Sam Mbakwe.
He urged diaspora citizens to seize these opportunities by investing in the state, creating employment, and engaging the youth in productive ventures.
“All eyes are on the Diasporans to salvage the society through meaningful productive ventures, which will invariably accommodate the teeming population of unemployed youths,” he said.
Prince Madumere stressed that the government alone cannot achieve the desired development and urged the diaspora community to actively contribute to the sustainable growth of the state.
“The Diasporans have the capability, acumen, and dexterity, coupled with the financial muscles, to turn things around,” he said. “All eyes are on you to salvage and rescue the society from abject poverty and deprivation. I am aware you have the resources, going by your enormous remittances, which contribute immensely to the gross domestic earnings in the state.”
He assured potential investors that Imo State provides a secure and enabling environment for businesses to thrive. He also encouraged the government to continue fostering initiatives that attract investment and stimulate economic growth.
Prince Madumere expressed his pleasure at participating in the summit, describing it as a significant event that gathered stakeholders from around the world.
“It is my pleasure to observe that the organisers have the interest and sustainable development of our state in mind. I wish to commend them for this well-thought-out initiative, which I presume will go some way to assist the government in shaping the narratives of the state and the citizenry,” he said.
He concluded by praising the organizers for their vision and efforts in bringing the summit to life.