…Condemns Attack, Backs State Government on Call For Arrest of Perpetrators
By Sunday Apah
The Ughelli South Political Colonels (USPC) has expressed profound joy over the rapid recovery of its Director of Operations, Mr. Simon Mudi, popularly known as Temple, following a recent gruesome attack by hoodlums in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Olorogun John Ewenede, and the Publicity Secretary, Deacon Matthew Kwode, the group described the assault as a dastardly and unprovoked act that shocked the polity of the state and country in general.
The USPC noted that Temple was set upon by the assailants in a manner that left him critically injured, yet he has shown remarkable resilience and is now making steady progress toward full recovery.
The USPC used the opportunity to strongly condemn the attack in the strongest terms possible.
The group stated that such acts of violence have no place in a democratic society and must be treated with the seriousness they deserve by all relevant authorities.
Members of the organisation further expressed solidarity with Temple and his family during this difficult period.
They prayed for his complete and lasting restoration to good health so that he can resume his duties without further hindrance.
In the same statement, the Ughelli South Political Colonels threw their full weight behind the Delta State Government’s call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the heinous act.
The group urged security agencies to leave no stone unturned in tracking down the perpetrators and ensuring they face the full weight of the law.
According to the colonels, justice for Temple would serve as a strong deterrent to others who might contemplate similar criminal behaviour.
They insisted that the safety of political actors and ordinary citizens alike must remain a top priority for both the government and security operatives.
The USPC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement and the rule of law.
The group called on all stakeholders in Delta State to reject violence and work collectively toward sustaining peace and stability in the state.
In a dramatic and unexpected turn, President Bola Tinubu has issued a direct order to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), compelling them to immediately vacate the court order that froze the accounts of the Osun State Government.
This unprecedented presidential intervention has sent ripples through the political landscape, occurring mere days before the state’s critical gubernatorial election.
President Tinubu, in a powerful statement released by the State House on Thursday, articulated his profound personal embarrassment.
His concern was not directed at the EFCC’s legitimate exercise of its mandate, but rather at the unfortunate timing of its action. “It has come to my notice that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government,” the President stated.
“I must state that I feel deeply embarrassed not by the EFCC’s exercise of its mandate backed by a court order, but by the timing of the agency’s action.”
The EFCC had initially secured the freezing order as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged financial improprieties involving the Osun State Government.
The anti-graft agency had previously defended its actions, asserting its legal authority to restrict accounts suspected of being linked to financial crimes.
However, President Tinubu highlighted that actions undertaken by federal institutions are frequently attributed to him, regardless of his prior knowledge or involvement.
He reaffirmed his consistent position on the independence of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, stating, “Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference.”
Despite his staunch belief in institutional autonomy, the President felt compelled to intervene due to the imminent Osun governorship election.
“While I am yet to be fully apprised of the facts which informed the action of EFCC in approaching the court to obtain the said order freezing the Osun State Government account, I am not in the slightest doubt that the timing of the action of EFCC is inauspicious, and therefore I feel compelled to intervene,” Tinubu explained.
He emphasized the crucial need to avoid any perception that federal agencies are being manipulated to influence the electoral process.
The President concluded by stating that his directive was issued in the overriding public interest, aimed at safeguarding public confidence and preserving the integrity, credibility, and fairness of Nigeria’s democratic process. He has unequivocally ordered the EFCC to discontinue its action against the Osun State Government and immediately vacate the freezing order.
This development unfolds amidst an ongoing dispute between the Osun State Government and the EFCC, with the state government vehemently denying allegations of financial misconduct.
The Delta State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving enhanced career progression for university graduate teachers in the state’s public primary schools.
The union described the decision as a major milestone that will significantly improve teachers’ welfare and strengthen the education sector.
The NUT noted that the governor’s intervention has resolved a long-standing obstacle that previously restricted the professional growth of graduate teachers in primary schools.
The union added that the new policy will boost teachers’ morale and lead to improved service delivery across public schools in the state.
In a joint letter signed by State Chairman, Comrade Poubeni Dickson, and Assistant Secretary-General, Comrade Dan Basime, the NUT stated that the approval reflects the Oborevwori administration’s dedication to rewarding professionalism and investing in quality education.
The union explained that the policy will raise the status of graduate teachers, enhance their motivation, and encourage stronger commitment to teaching.
This, it said, will ultimately result in better learning outcomes for pupils across Delta State.
The NUT assured the governor that teachers will respond to this gesture with renewed dedication, higher productivity, and sustained professionalism in the performance of their duties.
The union also reaffirmed its support for the administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda and expressed confidence that Governor Oborevwori will continue to roll out policies that promote educational growth and improve the welfare of workers.
The NUT thanked the governor for yet another demonstration of his teacher-friendly leadership and prayed for greater success in his efforts to transform Delta State.
In a relentless surge against the forces of terror, the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has achieved a monumental triumph, dismantling critical terrorist support networks.
Through audacious, intelligence-led operations, the military has apprehended four individuals suspected of complicity with Boko Haram and ISWAP, striking a crippling blow to their logistical lifelines across Yobe and Borno States.
Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), confirmed on August 4th, 2026, the successful culmination of these strategic maneuvers.
The initial offensive saw troops of the 159 Battalion, Sector 2, execute a precision cordon-and-search operation in Geidam Town, Yobe State, on August 3rd, 2026.
Acting on unimpeachable intelligence, forces swiftly apprehended two suspected terrorist collaborators. Initial interrogations have exposed their alleged role in funneling illicit drugs and vital provisions to Boko Haram, thereby fueling their heinous insurgency.
The haul from these arrests is staggering, including a significant quantity of suspected Indian hemp, a trove of mobile phones (Tecno, Itel, Maxfone, Android devices), power banks, an array of sharp implements, illumination devices, lighters, cigarette rolls, Pregabalin capsules, Piscof syrup, a National Identity Card, Permanent Voter’s Card, ATM cards, and a sum of ₦14,530.
Concurrently, in a separate, equally decisive intelligence-led operation on the same day at approximately 3:30 p.m., forces from Sector 3 Garrison, bolstered by the 242 Reconnaissance Battalion, tightened their stranglehold on terrorist supply routes in Monguno Town, Borno State. This relentless surveillance culminated in the capture of two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers.
Under preliminary interrogation, these individuals confessed to transporting food and other essential provisions to ISWAP operatives entrenched in Kwatan Dowoshi Village, Kukawa Local Government Area. The seized contraband included 11 cartons and 192 sachets of assorted biscuits, one carton of Peak milk, 10 mudu of sugar, nine bars of Viva soap, six headlamps, two bags and 16 rolls of sachet garri, three packs of lighters, two Tecno button phones, one assault knife, one charm belt, four prayer beads, six packs of herbal medicine, the sum of ₦6,600, and a multitude of other items.
In a related development, troops of the 222 Battalion (Main) on routine patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area intercepted 20 suspected family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists.
These individuals, comprising nine women, two men, eight female minors, and one male minor, had fled their stronghold under the relentless pressure of military operations.
They disclosed their escape from Gezuwa following a devastating military offensive against their settlement. All individuals have been transferred to the 21 Military Intelligence Regiment for further meticulous profiling and decisive action.
The apprehended suspects and all confiscated evidence have been promptly handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence units for exhaustive investigation and strategic exploitation.
These resounding successes unequivocally demonstrate Operation HADIN KAI’s formidable, intelligence-driven strategy in severing terrorist logistics, dismantling their insidious support networks, and denying insurgents access to critical resources.
The military remains unyielding in its commitment to intensify pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, imploring the public to continue furnishing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, thereby accelerating ongoing counter-terrorism operations and restoring enduring peace and security across the North East Theatre.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that it froze the Osun State Government account because of the alleged fraudulent handling of funds belonging to the state.
The commission, in a statement on its official Facebook page, stated that it was compelled to publicly address issues pertaining to its preventive moves in freezing the bank account of the Osun State government, without prejudice to the imminent governorship election in the state.
According to the statement: “The Commission has been investigating the Osun State government since March 2026 regarding the alleged fraudulent handling of Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) account to the tune of N11,000,000,000 (Eleven Billion Naira only).
“To this end, some officials of the state government, especially the Accountant General of the State, have had interview sessions with investigators of the EFCC.
“These ongoing investigations of the state government would not have warranted any placement of a Post No Debit order on its account but for the precipitate and unwarranted movement of funds from the accounts to different suspicious accounts since August 2, 2026.
“The Commission noticed huge transfers of funds into different corporate entities and had to swiftly halt the trend by freezing the accounts from which such heavy funds are being moved.
“The EFCC’s preventive mandate is a public-inclined framework of safeguarding public funds, assets and resources. The Commission cannot watch idly while a state government’s account is being pillaged.
“While the Commission is fully aware of the impending governorship election in Osun State, it has a responsibility to act in defence of the sanctity of the funds of the state.
“It will be uncharitable for the Commission to allow an excuse of an upcoming election to fold its arms and not perform its legally assigned functions.
“It is equally needful to state that the Commission is keeping watch over the finances of other states like Osun State. Many of these states are on the investigative radar of the Commission to ensure accountability and probity.
“The Commission has always pointed out that it is non-partisan and non-sectarian but always working in the overall interests of Nigerians. The Osun State government account was frozen to save public funds from being looted.
“The public is enjoined to ignore false narratives and the deliberate demonisation of the works of the EFCC. The interests of all Nigerians are greater and will always be protected by the Commission,” it added.
The Delta State Government’s efforts to draw foreign direct investment gained significant momentum on Wednesday. Investors from Brazil, Malaysia and the United States showed clear enthusiasm for opportunities in the state’s agriculture, energy and industrial sectors after touring key sites.
Participants in the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit inspected the Kwale Special Economic Zone. There they toured the Kwale Gas Gathering Hub and facilities operated by Phoenix Company.
The group later visited Skyward Resources Group in Oleh and Uzezi Farms in Oyede. Officials and investors alike praised the state’s business-friendly climate and expressed readiness to pursue strategic partnerships.
Roberto Fonseca, who led the Brazilian agribusiness team, called the Kwale Special Economic Zone a thoughtfully designed project with the potential to draw international capital and advance Nigeria’s industrial growth.
He explained that the delegation had followed developments at the zone for some time before deciding to visit in person. The initiative, he said, demonstrates the state government’s determination to build an attractive investment climate.
Fonseca revealed that the Brazilian group is examining possible investments in gas-fired power generation and a cassava processing plant under a joint-venture model. He pointed to Kwale’s location as a major advantage for such projects.
“We have studied the Kwale Special Economic Zone carefully and see it as a smart move by the Delta State Government,” he said. “We are looking at natural-gas power generation and cassava processing. I expect the Brazilian flag will soon fly here alongside Nigeria’s in a productive partnership.”
At Skyward Resources Group and Uzezi Farms, Fonseca highlighted the modern agricultural operations as proof that Nigeria can expand food production and move closer to food security.
Brazil, one of the world’s leading agribusiness countries, is prepared to invest in ranching and beef processing and to share technology and innovation that can raise productivity, he added.
“Food security is still one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges,” Fonseca stated. “Brazil is ready to help with technology, expertise and capital. We are committed to working with Nigeria to strengthen its agricultural sector.”
Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria Aiyub Omar said his country is examining opportunities in Delta’s agricultural sector, especially oil-palm development.
He attended the summit with representatives of Malaysian agribusiness firms experienced in large-scale plantation management, including companies already managing more than 12,000 hectares of oil palm in Nigeria. Discussions with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on possible collaboration have already begun, he noted, expressing confidence that Malaysian know-how can support the state’s agricultural transformation.
Dr. Shermal Perera, founder of Agrinexus, reported that his organisation is already active in Nigeria and has started working with local partners in Delta State. Agrinexus serves as technical partner to JB Farms, a leading Nigerian oil-palm company, and is assisting DELCOM with a proposed smallholder oil-palm programme. The company has also brought an American investor to examine opportunities in the state, showing that international interest is turning into concrete business talks.
Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, who led the visiting team, explained that the state deliberately paired investment discussions with on-site visits to existing businesses. The aim was to show that Delta is genuinely ready for investment. Beyond the presentations delivered at the summit, the state already hosts thriving private-sector enterprises that are open to expansion through international partnerships.
“We are seeking partnership, technology and expertise,” Onyeme said. “We want investors to see that Delta means business. We have local entrepreneurs who are committed for the long term and ready to work with partners from anywhere in the world. We want you to feel confident that your investments will be secure here.”
Chief Eta Enahoro, Managing Director of Skyward Resources Group, noted that his agricultural enterprise has benefited from substantial Brazilian technical support. The company’s greenhouses, poultry operations and feed mill were developed with Brazilian expertise. The farm currently runs 42 greenhouse units and a poultry facility capable of holding more than 30,000 birds. Enahoro invited foreign investors to join the company in expanding its operations.
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.
The iron fist of the Delta State Police Command has descended, shattering a sinister kidnap plot and apprehending two menacing suspects.
In a decisive strike, a cache of illicit firearms and ammunition, destined for terror, has been ripped from the hands of criminals across the state.
In a chilling account from Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the drama unfolded on August 4, 2026. Operatives of the Ebrumede Division, executing a rigorous stop-and-search operation along Garki-Uti Road, Effurun, intercepted a trio of suspected armed brigands.
The dragnet snared Benjamin Haruna (28), while his accomplices, identified only as Omelo and Alabanco, narrowly evaded capture on a motorcycle, vanishing into the night.
A subsequent search of the suspects’ abandoned bag unearthed a terrifying arsenal: two locally crafted double-barrel shotguns, eleven live cartridges, one spent cartridge, a brutal axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, a lighter, and a camouflage military polo.
Initial interrogations expose their sinister objective: transporting these instruments of fear to a clandestine hideout along Sapele Road. Haruna remains incarcerated, a solitary pawn in a larger game, as a relentless manhunt closes in on his fleeing co-conspirators.
In a separate, equally critical operation on July 31, 2026, the ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, acting on a surge of vital intelligence, preempted a meticulously planned abduction.
Information revealed Jeremiah Kwane (26) had been actively recruiting for a kidnapping syndicate, their prime targets: a revered pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli.
The intelligence was acted upon with immediate and decisive force, resulting in Kwane’s apprehension at his post in Ughelli.
A subsequent search unearthed a single-barrel shotgun and two live cartridges, further solidifying the dark intentions of the suspect, who now faces intense interrogation.
Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, has issued a stark warning, reaffirming the command’s unwavering commitment to relentlessly hunt down and neutralize kidnappers, armed robbers, and all purveyors of violent crime.
He implores residents to become the eyes and ears of justice, providing timely and credible intelligence to bolster the safety and security of every citizen.
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.
The Enifovie of the ancient kingdom of Ozoro in Isoko North local government area of Delta State and Chairman of the Elders’ Council of Integrity Group for Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda in Delta State, Chief Charles Okiroro Akeni, KSC, FIPMA, FNES, FIMC, commended the successful opening of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit.
Chief Akeni described the Governor’s Economic Summit as a defining moment in his administration’s quest to reposition Delta State as Nigeria’s preferred business and investment, innovation and sustainable economic growth hub.
In a statement by his Press Secretary, Comrade Ogbagah Matthias, made available to newsmen in Asaba, the Delta State capital, stated that the summit demonstrated the administration’s unwavering commitment to transforming Delta into a prosperous, investment-friendly, and globally competitive economy.
He noted that the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who formally declared the summit open on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, renowned Pan-African scholar Prof. PLO Lumumba, international investors, development partners and captains of industry underscored the growing confidence in Delta State’s economic future.
The statement stated further that the summit was more than a gathering of policymakers and investors, describing it as a bold declaration that Delta State is prepared to harness its enormous resources, diversify its economy and create sustainable opportunities for its people.
“The who – is- who in global economic experts, financial institutions, development partners and investors that grace the occasion underscored the Governor’s foresight of convening the Economic and Investment Summit in the state. It reflects a clear determination to build a resilient economy that will attract investments, create jobs, empower entrepreneurs and improve the quality of life of every Deltan.
“This summit sends a powerful message to the world that Delta State is open for business. It assures investors that they have a dependable partner in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whose administration is creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and communities to prosper.”
While commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the Summit, he noted that the Summit will accelerate the industrialisation, infrastructure development, agriculture, manufacturing, the blue economy, digital innovation and tourism of the state.
According to him, the summit aligns perfectly with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which prioritises meaningful development through strategic partnerships capable of unlocking the state’s vast economic potential.
While urging Deltans to continue to support the Oborevwori administration’s economic transformation agenda as he advances policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of Deltans, he expressed confidence that the outcomes of the summit would translate into increased investments, improved infrastructure, expanded business opportunities and sustainable prosperity across the state.
