By Fred Latimore
It’s possible for Delta State to be the Dubai of Nigeria, and it’s obvious that our excessive local content governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, is focused on partnership with the United Arab Emirates, UAE, in the area of Direct Foreign Investment, DFI; tourism and other critical sectors that would see the state sharing lots in common with the United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai.
The governor’s recent visit to the Ambassador of the UAE in Abuja is seen as a welcome development by investment experts as a strategic move to partner with the UAE in terms of Direct Foreign Investment. There is much to gain from the UAE connection if well harnessed.
Dubai’s amazing infrastructure and architectural masterpiece can be emulated to give Delta a super facelift needed in the state capital and mini-cities across the three senatorial districts. It’s possible to do direct cargo flights from Dubai to Asaba International Airport. This will place Delta in global limelight and make it a major commercial hub in West Africa.
In a post shared via his X handle, governor Oborevwori said:
” I paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Abuja. We had fruitful conversations on investment opportunities, tourism, hospitality, and developmental partnerships with Delta State as a sub-national entity.
“I am eager for what lies ahead in our newly forged relationship with the United Arab Emirates and the benefits it will bring to our state.
“The Ambassador and I agreed to involve our technical teams to develop a working plan between the UAE and Delta State. To top this visit, I am aware that there is good news coming soon for Nigerians.”
It is hoped that the governor will do a follow-up and visit Dubai with his economic team to discuss the possibilities of Delta benefiting from the fast-growing UAE economy.
Dubai Airport’s infrastructure and architectural design are unique, and the concessionaires managing Asaba International Airport, though independent, should also be part of the state government technical team to upgrade the airport infrastructure In line with the latest trends in the global aviation sector. The world is moving and Delta must of a necessity move along.
One thing is crystal clear, Governor Oborevwori will work hard enough to make Delta the Dubai of Nigeria. His body language, actions and inactions point to the fact that he has a lot to offer through the instrumentality of his MORE agenda.
I see a brighter future for Delta State. Let’s join hands with Governor Oborevwori to Advance Delta.
