UBA GMD Alawuba Tasks South-East Leaders on Security, Infrastructure, Bankable Projects for Vision 2050

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba, has charged political leaders and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s South-East to urgently prioritise security, infrastructure development and the delivery of bankable, investment-ready projects to unlock the region’s long-term development aspirations under the South-East Vision 2050 (SEV2050).

Alawuba made the call while delivering a goodwill address at the South-East Vision 2050 Regional Stakeholder Forum, held on Wednesday at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

The multi-day forum was convened 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 at building consensus around a shared development pathway and advancing implementation-ready interventions aligned with national priorities.

Speaking in his capacity as UBA’s GMD/CEO, Chairman of the Body of Banks’ CEOs, and on behalf of Corporate Nigeria, Alawuba identified peace and security as the single most critical factor for attracting sustainable investment to the region.

“The first thing the South-East needs is peace. It is an established fact, world over, that investments flow in the direction of safety,” he said.

He urged governors and regional leaders to strengthen coordinated security efforts to protect lives, assets and critical infrastructure, stressing that safety remains the first signal investors assess before committing capital.

Alawuba also challenged stakeholders to embrace a results-driven public-private partnership model, noting that the success of Vision 2050 would depend largely on the region’s ability to clearly articulate and package projects that are measurable, credible and value-adding.

“Vision alone is not enough. The South-East must present specific, bankable projects with defined impact — projects that can unlock investment, create jobs and deliver real improvements in the lives of our people,” he stated.

The forum attracted high-level participation from across government and the private sector, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governors of the South-East states — Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu — as well as distinguished senators, members of the House of Representatives and other senior public officials.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Regional Development, the Chairman, Board Members and Management of SEDC, royal fathers, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry and development partners.

Commending South-East governors for visible progress in road construction and other critical facilities, Alawuba called for faster delivery and broader infrastructure expansion.

“Infrastructure is the bedrock of development. We have seen improvements, but more is required — reliable power, motorable roads, rail, water and digital connectivity — to remove bottlenecks that limit productivity and competitiveness,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of creating a predictable, investor-friendly business environment and unlocking diaspora capital to drive inclusive growth.

“Capital will always respond to predictability, ease of doing business and confidence. If we get the fundamentals right, Corporate Nigeria and the banking industry will rally round to finance viable projects, support SMEs, create jobs for our youth and mobilise long-term capital to make South-East Vision 2050 a reality,” Alawuba added.

Reaffirming UBA’s commitment, the bank chief said the institution stands ready to partner with the SEDC and South-East State Governments, noting that sustained private-sector participation and long-term capital mobilisation are critical to ensuring that Vision 2050 remains credible, investable and impactful.