THE Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, slated from Monday, August 3 to Wednesday, August 5, in Asaba, with the theme, ‘Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential,’ would expose investors to opportunities in its blue economy, creative and agricultural sectors, among others.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, stated this at a press conference in Asaba, added that policy leaders and prospective international investors from China and Brazil, and other global businesses leaders were being expected.
He said that the state has been receiving support and sponsorship for the Summit from various concerns and organisations, because of their confidence in the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration.
Aniagwu disclosed that Vice President, Kashim Shettima, would declare the event open, with the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, billed to deliver the keynote address, Kenya’s Patrick Lumumba would deliver a lecture at the Summit.
The commissioner said the administration has been able to create an enabling environment, adding: “It is now that time we move out to bring in investors to take advantage of the ready and secured environment to establish their companies to do business with our people.
“This will generate employment for our people, and to boost the standards of living of an average citizen of Delta. That is why we are proceeding to organise the Summit.
“You recall that in September last year, we were in Brazil on road show to showcase the effort we are making and the need for us to collaborate with our brothers from that part of the glob for the purpose of boosting the economy of our state.”
He said that state was also collaborating with other indigenous companies, and in the course of the Summit, the state would expose the investors to our blue economy, adding: “We have over 163 kilometres of coastline along the Atlantic shore, oil and gas production, hospitality industry, creative sector and the big one is the agricultural sectors where we are going to showcase the enormous potential that abound in the state.
“We are also looking in the direction of livestock production in Delta, which is why our brothers in Brazil that have become proficient in management of livestock are showing interest in the Summit.”
He said investors would also be looking into the housing sector and other opportunities that abound in the state, noting: “The essence of the Summit is to deeply boost our state economy and create the necessary employment that will trigger the opportunity for all as enshrined in the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Oborevwori administration.”
On the recent violence at Effurun, Aniagwu insisted that the state All Progressives Congress (APC) was not involved in what he described as individual disagreements, saying online platforms misrepresented the facts to smear the ruling party.
According to him: “You know the difference between a political disagreement and certain level of individual rivalry, which caused some disturbance at Effurun, and in the course, one of the aide’s of the governor was badly injured.”
The commissioner said other political parties in the state were trying to skew the narrative to make it look as if it has to do with the support for President Bola Tinubu, advising the opposition to exhibit some form of ingenuity and think of what they could do for the country and focus on it.
He, however, disclosed that the governor had directed security agencies to fish out those involved, as government would not support any unruly behaviour.
