By Sunday Apah
Olorogun Ese Kakor, Director-General of the Delta State Local Content Agency, lauded Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori’s strategic vision, which has unequivocally positioned Delta State as a premier global investment destination. His commendation came amidst the ongoing Delta State Economic Summit, a pivotal event in the state’s economic trajectory.
Addressing an esteemed assembly that included Vice President Kashim Shettima, World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Anambra State Governor Prof. Charles Soludo, eminent academic Prof. Patrick Lumumba, Ambassadors from Brazil and Malaysia, and a multitude of international investors and economic stakeholders, Kakor characterized the summit as a monumental turning point in Delta’s economic evolution.
He extended profound congratulations to Governor Oborevwori for his resolute initiative, which he articulated as a deliberate effort to leverage the inherent strengths and unleash the vast potential of Delta State, fostering sustainable economic advancement.
Kakor emphasized that the summit serves as an unparalleled conduit for foreign investors to scrutinize the diverse investment opportunities within the state. It facilitates crucial partnerships with local investors, businesses, and governmental bodies, collectively designed to unlock Delta’s immense economic capacity.
He underscored that this progressive development is not fortuitous, highlighting that its groundwork was meticulously laid in July 2025. At that time, Governor Oborevwori spearheaded a delegation of his Executive Council on crucial investment missions to China and Brazil, specifically aimed at attracting foreign capital and forging strategic economic alliances for the state.
“The summit is the culmination of meticulous planning and persistent engagement. The Governor initiated this journey in July 2025, leading his Executive Council to China and Brazil in pursuit of investors and collaborations that would catalyze development in Delta State. Today, we are witnessing the tangible outcomes of that foresight. This summit is impeccably timed, presenting Delta to the global community as a state unequivocally prepared for substantial investment.”
Kakor commended Governor Oborevwori for strategically diversifying the state’s economy, moving beyond its historical reliance on oil revenue. He asserted that Delta possesses a rich tapestry of agricultural, industrial, and natural resources, fully capable of underpinning a resilient and diversified economic framework.
He enumerated key agricultural assets such as cassava, cocoa, rubber, palm oil, and fisheries, alongside its substantial reserves of oil and gas, coal, and other invaluable mineral resources.
He earnestly implored investors to capitalize on the expansive opportunities across the state, noting that numerous resources within Delta remain either underdeveloped or entirely unexploited.
According to Kakor, the summit empowers investors to conduct on-site evaluations of Delta State’s fertile economic landscape, enabling them to identify sectors where their investments can yield significant returns while simultaneously contributing to the state’s economic prosperity.
The Local Content Agency head specifically highlighted Governor Oborevwori’s emphatic declaration that the summit transcends a mere deliberative forum.
He cited the administration’s unwavering commitment to allocate over $100 million
towards the practical implementation of the summit’s resolutions as irrefutable evidence of the Governor’s determination to translate discussions, agreements, and accords into concrete economic projects.
“This is not a performative exercise. The Governor has already unequivocally demonstrated his earnestness by earmarking in excess of $100 million to guarantee the effective and immediate implementation of this summit’s communiqué and outcomes. This level of commitment is precisely what investors seek. It instills confidence that the decisions reached here will not merely conclude with pronouncements but will materialize into genuine projects, employment opportunities, new enterprises, and sustainable economic expansion.”
Kakor characterized Delta State as one of Africa’s preeminent economies, urging prospective investors to leverage the state’s strategic geographical advantage, abundant natural endowments, robust human capital, and expanding business ecosystem.
Furthermore, Kakor assured investors of Delta’s sustained security and conducive environment for business proliferation, emphasizing that the state government’s investment drive will cultivate opportunities for both foreign and indigenous entrepreneurs.
He affirmed that the Local Content Agency remains dedicated to fostering policies and initiatives that ensure the substantial participation of Deltans in all incoming investments.
He clarified that the overarching objective is to prevent foreign investments from operating in isolation, instead fostering robust partnerships with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities. This approach aims to generate employment, facilitate skill transfer, and retain economic value within the state.
Kakor articulated that the anticipated outcomes of the summit will confer benefits not only upon Deltans but also upon the wider Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole.
“Developments within Delta have profound implications for the Niger Delta and Nigeria. When we attract investment, establish industries, create employment, and cultivate our local businesses, the ripple effect extends far beyond Delta State. This summit, therefore, transcends a singular focus on Delta. It is fundamentally about constructing a more robust economic foundation for the Niger Delta and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s overall economic growth.”
He expressed profound confidence that the esteemed presence of the Vice President, the WTO Director-General, state governors, diplomats, international investors, and other global economic stakeholders will further solidify Delta’s reputation as a prime investment destination.
Kakor reiterated his congratulations to Governor Oborevwori for what he described as a monumental achievement
in convening key players from the global and Nigerian economies to explore actionable strategies for unlocking the state’s immense potential.
He concluded that the summit represents a significant stride towards transforming Delta from an oil-dependent economy into a diversified, investment-driven, and sustainable economic powerhouse.
