Oborevwori: Delta Must Look Beyond Oil As Investment Summit Unveils New Growth Sectors

By NWAFOR AZINGE

Governor Makes Strong Case for Economic Diversification

DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has declared that the future prosperity of the state depends on reducing its long-standing reliance on oil revenue and accelerating investments across agriculture, energy, mining, the blue economy, technology and other productive sectors.

Speaking at the close of the second day of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, the governor said the summit reaffirmed the need for Delta to build a resilient and diversified economy capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and delivering sustainable prosperity.

He thanked local and international investors, development partners, business leaders and other stakeholders for participating in the summit, describing their engagement as evidence of growing confidence in Delta State’s economic potential.

Private Sector Placed at the Centre of Development Strategy

Oborevwori explained that the summit was intentionally designed as a private sector-driven initiative rather than a government-centred programme.

According to him, government’s responsibility is to create the right business environment through sound policies, improved infrastructure, security and strategic partnerships that encourage investors to establish and expand businesses in the state.

He stressed that the objective was not merely to discuss investment opportunities but to connect investors with commercially viable projects capable of generating long-term returns.

“We can no longer depend on one source of revenue. We must diversify our economy by attracting strategic investments into sectors where Delta State has a clear comparative advantage. That is the pathway to creating jobs, growing businesses and improving the quality of life of our people,” the governor said.

State Showcases Bankable Investment Opportunities

The governor disclosed that the state government has already secured land and implemented several measures to support investment across priority sectors.

He also highlighted international investment roadshows undertaken in countries including China and Brazil to promote Delta’s economic opportunities and attract foreign capital.

Oborevwori described the summit as a practical investment platform rather than a policy discussion forum, noting that serious investors were already engaging with the state on projects expected to stimulate industrialisation and economic expansion.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policy consistency, infrastructure development, security and investor-friendly reforms aimed at positioning Delta among Nigeria’s leading investment destinations.

Experts Highlight Agriculture as a Growth Engine

The summit featured extensive discussions on agriculture, agribusiness and agro-industrial development as critical drivers of economic diversification.

Former South-South Vice President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Chief Eta Enahoro, urged the state government to prioritise investments in fish and poultry production.

He argued that both industries possess enormous capacity to generate employment, strengthen food security and reduce dependence on imported agricultural products.

Enahoro also encouraged greater support for young entrepreneurs, noting that many unemployed youths could build successful agribusinesses with access to finance, training and government support.

Brazilian agribusiness investor Roberto Fonseca announced plans to collaborate with the Delta State Government in developing a modern cattle and beef value chain.

The proposed partnership covers cattle breeding, ranching, slaughterhouses, meat processing facilities, cold-chain infrastructure, refrigerated transportation and distribution systems.

Fonseca observed that Delta possesses climatic conditions comparable to those that enabled Brazil to become one of the world’s largest beef producers, suggesting that the state could emerge as a regional livestock production hub.

Blue Economy & Mining Receive Renewed Attention

Panel discussions also identified the blue economy as another strategic sector capable of driving long-term economic growth.

Development expert Dr. Uche Igwe urged the state government to strengthen regulation of illegal and unregulated fishing activities in order to maximise the economic value of Delta’s extensive waterways.

Participants noted that investments in fisheries, marine transport and water-based commerce could significantly expand economic opportunities for coastal communities.

Attention also shifted to Delta’s solid minerals sector.

Managing Director of Mosra Energy, Ramos Olukayode, revealed that the state possesses more than 200 million tonnes of coal deposits across Obomkpa, Ugbodu and Ukunzu.

He said the deposits exceed estimated reserves in both Enugu and Kogi states and could become a major catalyst for industrial development.

Olukayode disclosed plans to establish a 600-megawatt power plant in Obomkpa, supported by over 200 hectares of secured land.

He added that the area also contains substantial kaolin and clay deposits capable of supporting manufacturing and industrial production.

Summit Ends with Optimism for Sustainable Growth

As the summit concluded, Governor Oborevwori expressed confidence that the ideas, partnerships and investment commitments generated during the event would translate into concrete projects that create employment, accelerate industrialisation and diversify Delta’s economy.

He maintained that the state’s future lies in leveraging its abundant natural resources, strategic location and private sector partnerships to build a more competitive and sustainable economy beyond oil.