The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba, has called on leaders in the South-East to prioritise security, infrastructure development and investment-ready projects to accelerate the region’s long-term growth agenda.
Alawuba made the appeal while delivering goodwill remarks at the South-East Vision 2050 Regional Stakeholder Forum held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. The forum, organised by the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President, the Ministry of Regional Development and the South-East state governments, aimed to build consensus around a shared development roadmap for the region.
Speaking in his capacity as UBA’s GMD/CEO and Chairman of the Body of Banks’ CEOs, Alawuba said peace and security remain the foundation for attracting investments, noting that investors prioritise safety before committing capital.
“The first thing the South-East needs is peace. Investments flow in the direction of safety,” he said, urging coordinated efforts by governments and stakeholders to protect lives, assets and infrastructure.
He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, arguing that the success of the South-East Vision 2050 would depend on clearly defined, bankable projects capable of attracting sustainable financing.
“Vision alone is not enough. The region must present specific, measurable and value-adding projects that can unlock investment, create jobs and improve livelihoods,” he added.
Alawuba commended the governors of the five South-East states for progress made in road construction and other infrastructure but called for faster and broader delivery. He highlighted reliable power supply, roads, rail, water and connectivity as critical to boosting productivity and competitiveness.
He further urged the region to create a more investor-friendly environment and tap into diaspora funding, noting that predictable policies and ease of doing business would encourage capital inflows.
According to him, Corporate Nigeria and the banking industry are ready to support viable projects, finance small and medium enterprises, and mobilise long-term capital to achieve the goals of Vision 2050.
Alawuba reaffirmed UBA’s commitment to partnering with the SEDC and state governments to help drive sustainable development in the region.
The forum drew participants from across government and the private sector, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, South-East governors, federal lawmakers, ministers, traditional rulers, development partners and business leaders.
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