UBA CEO Alawuba has urged for security, bankable projects and infrastructure focus to drive South-East vision 2050.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba, has called on leaders and stakeholders in Nigeria’s South-East to prioritise security, infrastructure development and the delivery of bankable, investment-ready projects to unlock the region’s long-term growth potential under the South-East Vision 2050 (S8V2050).
Alawuba made the call while delivering a goodwill address at the South-East Vision 2050 Regional Stakeholder Forum held 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 South-East state governments to build consensus around a shared development pathway for the region.
ALSO: GTCO Returns as Main Sponsor of 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament
Speaking in his capacity as UBA GMD/CEO and Chairman of the Body of Banks’ CEOs, Alawuba identified peace and security as the most critical requirement for attracting investment, noting that safety remains the first consideration for investors before committing capital.
“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, urging state governments and regional leaders to sustain coordinated efforts to protect lives, assets and infrastructure.
He also stressed the need for a results-driven partnership between government and the private sector, noting that the success of the South-East Vision 2050 will depend on the region’s ability to clearly define, package and present measurable, value-adding projects capable of attracting long-term financing.
“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,” Alawuba stated.
The forum attracted top government officials and private sector leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima; governors of the South-East states—Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu; federal lawmakers; the Minister of Regional Development; SEDC board and management; traditional rulers, clergy, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry and development partners.
Alawuba commended South-East governors for progress in road construction and other critical infrastructure, while calling for accelerated delivery at scale. He emphasised that infrastructure remains the foundation of sustainable development.
“Infrastructure is the bedrock of development. We have seen improvements, but more is required—reliable power, motorable roads, rail, water and connectivity—to remove bottlenecks that limit productivity and competitiveness,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of creating an investor-friendly business environment and unlocking diaspora capital to drive inclusive growth, adding that capital responds 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,” he said.
Alawuba reaffirmed UBA’s readiness to partner with the SEDC and South-East state governments, noting that strong private sector participation and long-term capital mobilisation are essential to keeping the Vision 2050 framework credible and investable.
United Bank for Africa is one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, employing over 25,000 staff globally and serving more than 45 million customers across 20 African countries, as well as the UK, US, France and the UAE.
