It’s hard not to be skeptical when reports of “growth” emerge amid the widespread challenges faced by Nigerian cities, including cities in major states like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. In this interview with Jaydean Fame, entrepreneur and marketing consultant, whose work spans retail, hospitality, and tourism sectors, we discuss the transformations taking place in these regions and the role their governments are playing in creating sustainable development.

Interviewer: Jaydean, you’ve worked with businesses across various industries. Given Nigeria’s current economic struggles, are there any states that stand out as experiencing real growth?

Jaydean Fame: Absolutely. Two states that come to mind right away are Edo State and Abia State. Both are undergoing transformative changes, particularly in their capitals, Benin and Umuahia. These cities are positioning themselves as hubs for economic development, offering fertile ground for investors due to strategic initiatives in infrastructure, governance, and cultural projects.

Interviewer: Jaydean, critics argue that the developments in cities like Benin City are more about image than addressing the core needs of residents. What’s your take on this?

Jaydean: I understand the skepticism, but the growth in Benin City is much more profound than just appearances. One of the most impactful projects is the upcoming Museum of West African Art (MOWAA). This isn’t just a vanity project; it’s a major institution designed to preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of not just Nigerian art but of West Africa. MOWAA will focus on research and conservation, which makes allows for job creation, education and international partnerships. The project has already employed a large of number of certified talents who otherwise would have no ready organization within the country that required their field of study. The project has sparked interest globally, and it’s expected to bring in a surge of tourism: students, art lovers and researchers, which will directly benefit the local economy.

Interviewer: Cultural projects are important, but residents often complain about security and infrastructure. Are these areas being overlooked in favor of tourism-focused initiatives?

Jaydean: Not at all. Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration has taken a balanced approach. Yes, there are cultural projects like MOWAA, but there are also significant improvements in public safety and infrastructure. The city has seen an increased focus on security, with better policing, streetlights and surveillance systems, which is essential for both locals and businesses. Additionally, urban renewal projects are transforming roads and public spaces, which makes Benin City more livable and attractive to investors. These are long-term, foundational changes that go hand-in-hand with the cultural initiatives.

Interviewer: Shifting gears a bit, you mentioned Umuahia. How would you compare the progress in Benin City with what’s happening in Umuahia?

Jaydean: Rather than comparing, I think it’s important to highlight that both regions are making great strides in their own unique ways. In Abia State, Governor Alex Otti has worked to improve infrastructure and restore public trust. Within the first 11 months, his administration rehabilitated over 70 roads across Aba and Umuahia, focusing on roads that had been neglected for years.
Beyond infrastructure, Governor Otti has also tackled issues like paying off pension arrears, which has reinvigorated the public sector by boosting morale among civil servants.

Interviewer: Roads and pensions are crucial, but they’re not necessarily new strategies. How does Abia’s approach stand out in today’s Nigeria?

Jaydean: Governor Otti’s approach stands out because it’s about rebuilding a system that had been neglected for years. For example, the state’s education reforms, which include training over 2,000 teachers, are already enhancing the quality of education​.
The healthcare sector is also receiving attention, with new initiatives that aim to provide better access to health services. All these efforts are focused on ensuring that everyday citizens feel the direct impact of governance. I think it is right to think Abia State is creating a more functional environment where people can thrive, which is no small feat, considering how the state was 2 years back.

Interviewer: It sounds like both Benin City and Umuahia are on the rise, but in different ways. What do you see as the key to their continued success?

Jaydean: I believe the key for both cities is sustained investment in projects that balance cultural, economic, and infrastructural growth. In Benin, initiatives like EDO JOBS, which has already employed thousands through fair recruitment practices, and the EDO Creative Hub are contributing to economic vitality. In Abia, Governor Otti’s work on roads and public service reform ensures that the state is positioned for long-term stability. Both cities are paving new paths in their own ways, and that’s what makes their progress so exciting. Each is addressing its unique challenges while creating a more prosperous future for its residents.

Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do you think is the biggest challenge these cities would face in keeping up its current momentum?

Jaydean Fame: I’d say the biggest challenge is ensuring continuity. Political administrations change, and with that, priorities can shift. When this happens, projects that are crucial to the city’s progress might slow down or be abandoned altogether. what is required are long-term visions that transcends political terms, so the infrastructure and development initiatives being put in place now can deliver their full benefits down the line. It’s essential to have leaders who are dedicated to seeing these projects through to completion, ensuring sustained growth. Without that, there’s always the risk of stagnation creeping back in.

Jaydean Fame underscores that despite criticisms and the current economic state of the nation, both Benin City and Umuahia are moving toward a future of sustained growth. With leadership that prioritizes a balance of cultural investment, infrastructure renewal, and public welfare, these cities are setting a standard for the rest of Nigeria.

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