As the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit officially opens in Asaba on Monday, Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun John Obukowho Nani, says Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s deliberate investment-driven policies are positioning the state for sustainable prosperity, economic diversification, and long-term development.
Nani made the remarks as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and renowned Pan-African scholar, Prof. PLO Lumumba, joined other dignitaries for the opening of the three-day Delta State Economic and Investment Summit at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba.
Vice President Shettima is expected to formally declare the summit open on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, while the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, will deliver the keynote address.
The summit, themed “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potentials,” will be formally declared open by the Vice President on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, while Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is expected to deliver the keynote address before an audience comprising policymakers, captains of industry, development partners and investors from Nigeria and abroad.
Reacting to the calibre of personalities and investors converging on Delta State, Nani said the event reflects growing confidence in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s vision of building a competitive, investment-driven economy capable of creating jobs and expanding prosperity across the state.
“The quality of participants attending this summit is a strong endorsement of the deliberate efforts of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to reposition Delta State as one of Nigeria’s foremost investment destinations. It is an opportunity to showcase our enormous economic potential and attract the partnerships needed to drive inclusive development,” Nani said.
The DESOPADEC Chairman noted that the participation of delegates from Brazil and China, alongside leading financial institutions and multinational investors, demonstrates that Delta State is increasingly becoming attractive for both local and foreign investments.
According to him, the summit’s focus on industrialisation, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, the blue economy, tourism, digital innovation, transport and logistics aligns with the aspirations of the state to diversify its economy beyond oil while unlocking opportunities for youths and entrepreneurs.
Nani further observed that sustainable development in the oil-producing communities remains inseparable from increased private sector investments, infrastructure expansion and economic diversification, stressing that DESOPADEC remains committed to complementing government efforts in improving the quality of life of residents across the mandate areas.
“Our mandate communities stand to benefit significantly when investments translate into industries, improved infrastructure, employment opportunities and expanded economic activities. DESOPADEC will continue to support policies and initiatives that promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity,” he stated.
He also commended the Delta State Government for assembling an impressive lineup of global development partners, financial institutions and business leaders, expressing confidence that the summit would produce practical outcomes capable of accelerating the state’s economic transformation.
The summit is expected to feature strategic investment sessions covering industrialisation, agribusiness, manufacturing, the Delta Special Economic Zone, energy, solid minerals, tourism, digital technology and infrastructure development. Top executives of major financial institutions, including Zenith Bank, UBA, Access Bank, FCMB, NEXIM Bank, Premium Trust Bank, Globus Bank and Fidelity Bank, are also expected to participate in discussions on project financing, public-private partnerships and innovative funding models.
Nani urged participants to seize the opportunity to build lasting partnerships that would translate into tangible investments, economic expansion and improved livelihoods for Deltans, expressing optimism that the summit would mark another significant milestone in the state’s journey toward sustainable development.
