Delta State says its forthcoming Investment and Economic Summit will attract high-profile local and international participants, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and investors from Brazil and China.
Secretary to the State Government and chairman of the summit’s main organising committee, Dr. Kingsley Emu, said 25 prospective investors from Brazil and China have already shown interest in the event, which is designed to connect Delta’s economic potential with domestic and foreign capital.
He said the summit, themed “Harnessing Our Strengths and Potential,” will also draw the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, development finance institutions and major private-sector players. Oil and gas executive, Engr. Austin Avuru, will chair the summit.
Emu said the state is entering the summit with specific investment propositions rather than a general promotional agenda. He listed agriculture, aquaculture, power, oil and gas, solid minerals, manufacturing and the blue economy as key priority sectors.
According to him, Delta has strong economic advantages, including a youthful population, vast land and waterways, abundant oil and gas resources, growing infrastructure and a large base of tertiary, technical and vocational institutions. He said these assets make the state attractive for long-term investment.
He explained that the government is looking to move beyond its traditional identity as an oil-producing state by expanding growth in services, agriculture and other non-oil sectors. He said the summit is expected to create opportunities for value-chain development, job creation and sustainable economic activity.
On agriculture, Emu said Delta wants investment in cassava, rice and other agro-products that can support manufacturing and commercial activity. On aquaculture, he described the sector as highly promising but underdeveloped, noting the need for fish feed production, cold storage and processing facilities.
He also pointed to the blue economy as a major opportunity, saying Delta’s waterways can support commercial fishing, processing and related ventures. On solid minerals, he mentioned kaolin, coal, silica, clay and lignite, saying some deposits are already attracting commercial interest.
Power was also identified as a major investment frontier. Emu said the state is exploring mini-grids and captive generation to support industrial clusters, manufacturing centres and commercial hubs, adding that reliable electricity would significantly improve economic activity.
He said the summit will go beyond speeches to include sector-focused sessions, investment matchmaking, site visits and follow-up engagements aimed at turning investor interest into bankable projects. Representing the organised private sector, Janet Olisa of NACCIMA said the business community is ready to support the state government in translating the summit into concrete investment, employment and growth.