…urges investors to explore agriculture, mining, energy, blue economy
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has declared that the state can no longer rely exclusively on oil revenue, stressing the need to accelerate economic diversification through strategic investments across key productive sectors.
Speaking on Tuesday at the close of the second day of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, the governor urged local and international investors to take advantage of the vast opportunities available in the state, describing investment as the catalyst for sustainable growth, job creation and long-term prosperity.
Oborevwori expressed appreciation to participants, development partners and investors for their contributions, noting that discussions throughout the summit underscored the urgency of expanding Delta’s economic base beyond the oil and gas industry.
He said sessions on agriculture and livestock development, the energy ecosystem, the blue economy, transport infrastructure, solid minerals, digital innovation and the legal framework for investment highlighted the state’s enormous 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,” the governor stated.
Oborevwori explained that the summit was intentionally designed as a private sector-led initiative aimed at connecting investors with viable business opportunities rather than serving as a government-driven event.
According to him, the responsibility of government is to provide an enabling environment through sound policies, improved infrastructure, enhanced security and stronger partnerships that encourage private investment.
The governor disclosed that his administration had already acquired land and implemented other strategic measures to facilitate investments in priority sectors, adding that investment promotion roadshows had been conducted in countries including China and Brazil to showcase Delta State’s economic potential.
He described the summit as a practical investment platform focused on linking investors with bankable projects capable of attracting financing and delivering measurable economic outcomes.
Insisting that the gathering was not merely a policy dialogue, Oborevwori said credible investors were already engaging with the state and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining policy consistency, strengthening infrastructure, guaranteeing security and promoting a business-friendly environment.
He expressed confidence that partnerships initiated during the summit would translate into concrete investments that would accelerate industrialisation, create employment and reinforce Delta State’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations.
Earlier during the panel discussions, experts identified agriculture, livestock development, mining, the blue economy and legal reforms as priority sectors capable of driving sustainable economic growth.
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 channel greater investment into poultry and fish production, describing both industries as major drivers of employment and economic transformation.
He said many unemployed youths could become successful entrepreneurs if supported to establish commercial poultry and aquaculture businesses instead of relying solely on political appointments.
Brazilian agribusiness investor, Roberto Fonseca, also unveiled plans to partner with the Delta State Government to develop an integrated cattle and beef value chain encompassing cattle breeding, ranching, slaughter facilities, beef processing, cold storage, refrigerated transportation and distribution.
Fonseca noted that Delta State possesses climatic and environmental conditions comparable to those that enabled Brazil to emerge as the world’s largest producer of cattle and beef, adding that the proposed partnership could position the state as a major livestock production hub serving Nigeria and neighbouring African markets.
On the blue economy and transport infrastructure, Dr. Uche Igwe urged the state government to strengthen enforcement against illegal and unregulated fishing to unlock the full economic potential of its waterways.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Mosra Energy, Ramos Olukayode, disclosed that Delta State possesses more than 200 million tonnes of coal deposits located in Obomkpa, Ugbodu and Ukunzu, describing the reserves as larger than those found in Enugu and Kogi states.
He revealed plans to establish a 600-megawatt power plant in Obomkpa, noting that over 200 hectares of land had already been secured for the project. He added that the area also contains significant kaolin and clay deposits capable of supporting manufacturing and industrial development.
