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By Staff Reporter

ASABA — Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday declared that the era of relying solely on oil revenue was over, calling on local and foreign investors to seize the vast investment opportunities across key sectors as his administration intensifies efforts to diversify the state’s economy.

Speaking at the close of the second day of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, Oborevwori said the deliberations at the summit had reinforced the urgent need to broaden the state’s economic base through strategic investments capable of driving sustainable growth, creating jobs and improving the living standards of the people.

The governor thanked participants and investors from within and outside Nigeria for their commitment to the summit, noting that discussions on agriculture and livestock development, the energy ecosystem, blue economy and transport infrastructure, solid minerals and mining, digital economy and innovation, as well as legal reforms for investment, had showcased Delta State’s enormous but largely untapped economic potential.

“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,” Oborevwori stated.

He explained that the summit was deliberately structured as a private sector-driven initiative rather than a government-centred event, stressing that its objective was to connect investors with viable business opportunities capable of delivering sustainable returns.

According to him, government’s responsibility is to provide an enabling environment for businesses through sound policies, improved infrastructure, adequate security and strong partnerships with the private sector.

Oborevwori disclosed that his administration had already secured land and put critical measures in place to facilitate investments across strategic sectors, adding that investment roadshows had been conducted in countries such as China and Brazil to market Delta State’s economic potential.

Describing the summit as more than a policy dialogue, the governor said it had evolved into a practical platform for linking investors with bankable projects and converting investment interests into tangible development initiatives.

He dismissed suggestions that the summit was merely a “talk shop,” insisting that serious investors were already engaging with the state on concrete projects.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining a business-friendly environment through policy consistency, infrastructure development, improved security and stronger collaboration with private investors.

He expressed confidence that the partnerships and commitments forged during the summit would translate into investments capable of accelerating industrialisation, expanding employment opportunities and positioning Delta State among Nigeria’s leading investment destinations.

Earlier during the summit’s sectoral panel sessions, industry experts identified agriculture, livestock, mining, blue economy and legal reforms as critical drivers for attracting sustainable investments into the state.

Speaking during the agriculture, agribusiness and agro-industry session, 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, describing the sectors as major catalysts for job creation and economic transformation.

He observed that many unemployed youths seeking political appointments could become successful entrepreneurs if empowered to establish poultry and fish farms.

Brazilian agribusiness investor, Roberto Fonseca, also unveiled plans to partner the Delta State Government in developing a modern cattle and beef value chain spanning cattle breeding, ranching, slaughterhouses, beef processing, cold storage, refrigerated transportation and distribution.

Fonseca said Delta possesses climatic and environmental conditions comparable to those that made Brazil the world’s largest producer of cattle and beef, adding that the collaboration could transform the state into a major livestock production hub serving Nigeria and neighbouring African markets.

On the blue economy and transport infrastructure, development expert Dr. Uche Igwe urged the state government to curb illegal and unregulated fishing in order to unlock the full economic potential of its waterways.

Also speaking, Managing Director of Mosra Energy, Ramos Olukayode, disclosed that Delta State has more than 200 million tonnes of coal deposits located in Obomkpa, Ugbodu and Ukunzu—reserves he said surpass those found in Enugu and Kogi states.

Describing the deposits as a strategic asset for industrial development, Olukayode announced plans to establish a 600-megawatt power plant in Obomkpa, revealing that over 200 hectares of land had already been secured for the project. He added that the area also possesses abundant kaolin and clay deposits capable of supporting large-scale manufacturing and the development of an integrated industrial hub.