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By Chukwudi Abiandu

At Ogwa-Ukwu Ahaba, key stakeholders of Asaba gathered to chart a future where the Delta capital moves beyond a civil-service economy and evolves into a vibrant centre for business, entrepreneurship and sustainable investment, with clear benefits for jobs and small businesses across the city.

Sons and daughters of Asaba on Friday, December 26, converged on Ogwa-Ukwu Ahaba to brainstorm practical strategies to drive rapid economic growth and reshape the capital city into a competitive investment destination.

The event, Asaba Economic Summit 2025, was organised by the Sub-Committee on Summit/Exhibition of the Committee on Driving Investment in Asaba, chaired by former Commissioner for Information, Ogbueshi Barr. Chike Ogeah, and powered by the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba.

Presentations covered blue-economy opportunities, urban renewal, diaspora financing and the digital economy, all pointing to one truth: Asaba’s future prosperity depends on unleashing private-sector activity and supporting entrepreneurs.

The Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, hailed the summit as “refreshing, highly illuminating and thought-provoking,” saying the robust discussions “left the minds of participants truly agitated.” He urged the community to move decisively from ideas to implementation.

“A lot has been said, but let this not be a talk show. Let us walk the talk… Investment is very crucial to us,” he declared, adding that “Almost 70 percent of Asaba’s population is youthful. If we don’t find a way of engaging them, then we are in trouble.”

He revealed ongoing engagements on technology infrastructure, noting proposals for fibre-optic deployment. “We discussed making Asaba a technology hub of its own, something closer to Silicon Valley around Asaba,” he said.

The Monarch also stressed shared responsibility, saying: “Let us not think government will do everything for us. There are certain things we must do for ourselves — and this summit shows we can.”

Looking ahead, he disclosed plans for a major investor outreach: “Early 2026, I plan ‘Asagba Ahaba: An Evening with Corporate Nigeria’ — strictly for investment. We must speak to who is who.”

Earlier, Chairman of the Committee on Driving Investment in Asaba, Chief Afam Obiago (Oganihu Asaba), described the summit as a direct product of the Asagba’s vision to attract capital and remove obstacles facing investors. He said: “We broke our mandate into actionable tasks to ensure Asaba is investment-friendly and that businesses operate without unnecessary bottlenecks,” he said, explaining the creation of specialist sub-committees covering research, infrastructure, land, government liaison, finance and exhibitions.

Chief Obiago, an economist and consultant to the Delta State Government, assured that the committee would deliver tangible outcomes, saying the summit was meant to “position Asaba firmly within today’s economic conversations.”

Beyond the presentations, participants underscored the ripple effects of investment, from youth employment to stronger neighbourhood markets, logistics growth, ICT services, hospitality expansion and rising small-business opportunities.

The consensus was clear: with disciplined implementation, transparent policies and community-driven participation, Asaba can transform into a true business and entrepreneurship hub, creating jobs, retaining talent and powering inclusive growth.