Oliver Alawuba, the Group Managing Director and CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has identified security, infrastructure, and investment-ready projects as the essential pillars for the South-East region’s long-term economic transformation.
Speaking at the South-East Vision 2050 Regional Stakeholder Forum held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, Alawuba emphasized that the region’s ambitious development agenda hinges on its ability to attract and sustain global capital.
Addressing a high-level audience including Vice President Kashim Shettima and the governors of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, Alawuba noted that safety is the primary signal investors evaluate before committing funds.
He asserted that investments naturally flow toward safety and urged regional leaders to maintain coordinated efforts to protect lives and infrastructure as a prerequisite for growth.
Beyond security, the UBA chief, who also serves as the Chairman of the Body of Banks’ CEOs, challenged stakeholders to move past mere visioning and focus on the delivery of specific, measurable projects.
He argued that the success of the South-East Vision 2050 (SEV2050) depends on presenting bankable interventions that can unlock investment, create jobs, and offer clear value to the private sector.
While commending South-East governors for recent progress in road construction, Alawuba called for an acceleration of critical facilities, including reliable power, rail systems, and digital connectivity, to eliminate productivity bottlenecks.
He concluded by reaffirming UBA’s commitment to partnering with the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and state governments, promising that the banking industry would rally to finance viable projects and mobilize diaspora capital if the region prioritizes the ease of doing business and predictable policy frameworks.