By Mathias Ogbagah
Chairman of the Global Initiative Support Group for Sheriff Oborevwori 2027, Olorogun Josiah Ntekume has described the just-concluded Economic/Investment Summit of Delta State government as a bold and timely initiative that demonstrates Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to moving Delta State from dependence on government spending to a stronger, investment-driven economy.
Ntekume, addressing journalists in Delta State, said the summit provides a platform for government, investors, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, development partners and local businesses to sit at the same table, identify opportunities and discuss practical ways of attracting investments into the state.
His words: “For me, it is not just another political event. It is about creating the environment for businesses to grow, jobs to be created, and the state’s enormous economic potential to be converted into real opportunities for our people”.
According to him, the initiative is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Governor that is fundamentally about economic growth, investment, job creation and improving opportunities for Nigerians. At the state level, Governor Oborevwori’s investment initiative complements that broader direction.
“A state government cannot create every job by itself. What government can do is provide the infrastructure, policies, security, incentives and confidence that encourage the private sector to invest. That is the direction Governor Oborevwori is pursuing.
“I see the summit as part of a larger partnership between the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Delta State’s MORE Agenda—More Prosperity, Opportunities, Roadmaps and Enhanced Peace and Security”, he stated.
Speaking on the benefits of the summit to Deltans, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain noted that the ultimate beneficiaries of the summit are Deltans, saying that when genuine investments come to the state, they will bring employment opportunities, contracts, skills development, new businesses, technology transfer and increased economic activity.
“Our young people stand to gain from jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities. Our small and medium-sized businesses can gain access to new markets and partnerships.
Communities can benefit from economic activities around new investments, while the state itself benefits from a stronger revenue base.
Ntekume advised that the success of the summit should not be measured by speeches or photographs, but by the investments that eventually come into the state, the jobs created and the businesses that expand.
While encouraging local contractors in the state to embrace the opportunity, he said, “I will strongly encourage our local contractors to position themselves for the opportunities that this initiative can create. Local contractors must not wait until outsiders come into Delta and take every opportunity. They should upgrade their capacity, maintain proper documentation, improve their professional standards and form strategic partnerships where necessary, he advised.
“An investment summit can expose local contractors to investors, developers, financial institutions and major companies looking for credible local partners. That can translate into construction contracts, supply opportunities, consultancy engagements, employment and long-term business relationships.
“My advice to our contractors is simple: don’t just attend the summit—prepare for the opportunities the summit can create”.
Advising Deltans on the 2027 general elections, he said, “My advice to Deltans is that 2027 should be an election about performance, continuity, competence and the future of our state—not an election driven by bitterness, propaganda or empty promises.
“Deltans should look at what has been done, what is currently being done and what can realistically be achieved in the next administration. They should ask themselves: Who has demonstrated the capacity to provide stability, attract investment, create opportunities and continue the development of Delta State?
“As Chairman of the Global Initiative Support Group for Sheriff Oborevwori 2027, our position is clear: we believe Governor Sheriff Oborevwori deserves the opportunity to consolidate the gains of his administration and take Delta further.
“I urge Deltans to vote wisely, peacefully and based on performance rather than propaganda, development rather than division, and the future rather than sentiment.
“Delta deserves continuity where continuity is working. Delta deserves progress, and progress requires responsible leadership”, he noted.
