By Sunday Apah
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori unequivocally stated on Tuesday that Delta State can no longer afford to be solely dependent on crude oil revenue.
He issued a compelling call to both domestic and international investors, urging them to capitalize on the myriad opportunities spanning vital economic sectors as his administration intensifies its commitment to broaden the state’s economic foundation.
Addressing the conclusion of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori extended gratitude to all attendees, including local and foreign investors.
He emphasized that the summit’s deliberations had underscored the critical necessity of expanding investments beyond the oil and gas industry to ensure sustained economic growth, robust job creation, and widespread prosperity.
He highlighted that the comprehensive business sessions—covering agriculture and livestock development, the energy ecosystem, the blue economy and transport infrastructure, solid minerals and mining, the digital economy and innovation, as well as the legal framework for investments—conclusively demonstrated Delta State’s immense, untapped investment potential capable of fundamentally transforming its economy.
“Our reliance on a singular revenue stream is no longer tenable. We must strategically diversify our economy by attracting substantial investments into sectors where Delta State holds a distinct comparative advantage. This is the definitive path to generating employment, fostering business expansion, and elevating the living standards of our populace,” Oborevwori asserted.
The governor elucidated that the summit was deliberately conceived as a private-sector-driven endeavor, rather than a government-centric event. He stressed its primary objective: to forge connections between investors and lucrative business opportunities poised to yield sustainable returns.
He further clarified that the state government’s pivotal role is to cultivate an environment conducive to business proliferation. This is achieved through supportive policies, enhanced infrastructure, robust security measures, and strategic alliances with the private sector.
Oborevwori revealed that the state has already secured requisite land and implemented other critical measures to stimulate investments across key economic sectors.
He also noted that investment roadshows have been conducted in nations such as China and Brazil to prominently showcase Delta’s formidable economic potential.
Characterizing the summit as far more than a mere policy dialogue, he declared it a pragmatic platform for linking investors with viable opportunities and translating nascent investment interests into concrete, actionable projects.
He firmly reiterated that the summit was not a superficial “talk show,” but a strategic nexus underpinned by serious investors already committed.
He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to fostering a pro-business climate by strengthening infrastructure, guaranteeing policy consistency, promoting security, and cultivating stronger partnerships with the private sector.
The governor expressed profound optimism that the innovative ideas, strategic partnerships, and firm commitments forged during the summit would culminate in tangible investments.
These, he believes, will accelerate industrialization, expand employment avenues, and firmly establish Delta State as a premier investment destination within Nigeria.
Earlier, during the expert panel sessions, specialists identified agriculture, livestock, mining, the blue economy, and legal reforms as pivotal sectors for attracting enduring investments.
During the agriculture, agribusiness, and agro-industry session, Chief Eta Enahoro, former South-South Vice President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), urged the state government to prioritize substantial investments in fish and poultry production.
He emphasized that both sectors possess an immense capacity to create jobs, mitigate unemployment, and transform Delta into a leading agribusiness hub.
He observed that numerous young individuals seeking political appointments could instead become highly successful entrepreneurs if adequately supported in establishing poultry and fish farms.
Concurrently, Brazilian agribusiness investor, Roberto Fonseca, unveiled ambitious plans to collaborate with the Delta State Government in developing a cutting-edge cattle and beef value chain.
This comprehensive initiative would encompass cattle breeding, ranching, modern slaughterhouses, sophisticated beef processing, cold storage facilities, and efficient refrigerated transportation and distribution networks.
Fonseca highlighted that Delta possesses climatic and environmental conditions remarkably similar to those that propelled Brazil to become the world’s largest cattle and beef producer.
He asserted that this partnership could strategically position the state as a major livestock production hub for Nigeria and neighboring African markets.
Regarding the blue economy and transport infrastructure, Dr. Uche Igwe implored the state government to decisively address illegal and unregulated fishing activities to fully maximize the economic potential of its extensive waterways.
Ramos Olukayode, Managing Director of Mosra Energy, disclosed that Delta State possesses over 200 million tonnes of coal deposits in Obomkpa, Ugbodu, and Ukunzu—a volume exceeding the estimated reserves in Enugu and Kogi states. He characterized these deposits as a monumental asset for the state’s industrialization objectives.
He further revealed plans to construct a 600-megawatt power plant at Obomkpa, with over 200 hectares already secured for the project. He added that the area also boasts abundant kaolin and clay deposits, which will support manufacturing activities at the proposed industrial hub.
