ABUJA — Mazi Franklin Ngoforo, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a native of Arondizuogu in Ideato North Local Government Area, has officially launched the Ideato Diaspora Investment Summit (IDIS) in the Federal Capital Territory. The landmark event, held today, Thursday, March 19, 2026, was designed as a strategic bridge to connect sons and daughters of Ideato living abroad with the evolving economic landscape of their homeland. Ngoforo, a steadfast supporter of Governor Hope Uzodimma, noted that the summit serves as a platform to showcase the veritable achievements of the current administration and to provide credible pathways for diaspora capital to flow back into Imo State.
Addressing a cross-section of Ideato indigenes and potential investors, Ngoforo emphasized that the primary objective of the summit is to encourage a homecoming of talent and resources. He argued that the “Shared Prosperity” mantra of Governor Uzodimma has moved beyond political rhetoric into tangible milestones that directly impact the Ideato nation.
According to the APC chieftain, the summit is not merely a talk shop but a call to action for the diaspora community to take ownership of the economic destiny of their local government by investing in key sectors of the state’s economy.
A central theme of Ngoforo’s keynote address was the restoration of peace and security in Ideato. He assured the audience that the wave of insecurity that once gripped parts of Ideato is now a thing of the past, thanks to the strategic security interventions of Governor Uzodimma. Ngoforo maintained that with the return of stability, the biggest hurdle to investment has been removed, creating a safe and enabling environment for businesses to thrive without fear of disruption or threat to life and property.
Beyond security, the summit highlighted the massive infrastructure turnaround under the Uzodimma administration. Ngoforo pointed to the extensive road networks and rural-urban link projects that have been completed to facilitate ease of transport and trade.
He noted that these structural improvements are essential for the growth of commerce and the revitalization of the agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of the Ideato economy. “The roads are ready, the markets are waiting, and the land is fertile for a new era of industrialization,” Ngoforo declared.
He specifically drew the attention of investors to the Imo Digital City project, describing it as a futuristic initiative capable of redefining Imo’s economic identity. Ngoforo urged Ideato indigenes to embrace this digital revolution immediately, framing it as the key to raising a new generation of tech giants from the locality. By investing in the tech ecosystem, he argued, the diaspora can help transition Ideato from a traditional trade and agrarian society into a hub for software engineering, data science, and global digital services.
The summit concluded with a unanimous vote of confidence from participants, who praised Mazi Franklin Ngoforo for his vision in convening the gathering. Attendees expressed their readiness to engage with the state government, noting that the detailed presentation of the governor’s achievements has corrected many misconceptions held abroad.
With the successful launch of IDIS, a new chapter of diaspora-led development appears set to unfold in Ideato North and South, anchored on the pillars of infrastructure, security, and digital innovation.
