By Francis Sadhere, Warri
The Delta State Government has announced that 25 prospective investors from Brazil and several others from China will participate in the upcoming Delta State Investment and Economic Summit.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, World Trade Organisation Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Patrice Lumumba are among the high-profile names expected at the event, which is themed “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking our Potential.”
Speaking to stakeholders in Asaba on Monday, Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Dr. Kingsley Emu, said the state is already making preparations for the foreign delegates.
He confirmed that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala will deliver the keynote address, while oil and gas industry leader Engr. Austin Avuru will chair the summit. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has also confirmed attendance.
Emu described the programme as “star-studded” and said it would bring together participants from the federal level, development finance institutions, and the private sector.
Emu stressed that local businesses will be key to turning investor interest into real economic activity. He explained that many of the foreign investors are already looking for credible indigenous partners in Delta State, and the success of the summit will depend on how well locals collaborate and engage.
“Rather than promoting the state broadly, Delta is coming to the summit with specific investment opportunities in agriculture, aquaculture, power, oil and gas, solid minerals, manufacturing, and the blue economy,” Emu said.
He stressed Delta’s strengths, including its youthful population, large land and water resources, abundant oil and gas, growing infrastructure, and four state-owned universities alongside technical and vocational schools.
According to Emu, these institutions can partner with investors to train workers suited to their needs. He said the state wants to move beyond oil and grow its services and agriculture sectors, with a focus on adding value across the entire chain. Cassava, rice, oil palm, and fish farming were listed as major areas for investment.
He noted that aquaculture is one of Delta’s biggest but underdeveloped opportunities, and the state needs investment in fish feed production, cold rooms, and processing facilities to become a major fish producer.
On power, Emu said Delta’s gas reserves and location make it ideal for mini-grid and captive power projects to support industries and cities, since the national grid remains a challenge. He added that solid minerals like kaolin, coal, silica, clay, and lignite are proven in the state and are already attracting commercial activity.
The summit, he said, will go beyond speeches to include investment matchmaking, sector meetings, site visits, and follow-up aimed at creating real projects.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, urged local entrepreneurs to see themselves as investors and partners, not just participants. He said that while foreign investors may bring big money, Deltans have the greatest commitment to the state’s economy.
He encouraged business owners to form partnerships and Special Purpose Vehicles to raise capital and take on larger projects together.
Janet Olisa, speaking for the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, said the organised private sector is ready to partner with the government.
She expressed confidence that working together would help turn the summit into jobs, investments, and stronger economic growth for Delta State.
The Delta State Government has announced that 25 prospective investors from Brazil and several others from China will participate in the upcoming Delta State Investment and Economic Summit.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, World Trade Organisation Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Patrice Lumumba are among the high-profile names expected at the event, which is themed “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking our Potential.”
Speaking to stakeholders in Asaba on Monday, Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Dr. Kingsley Emu, said the state is already making preparations for the foreign delegates.
He confirmed that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala will deliver the keynote address, while oil and gas industry leader Engr. Austin Avuru will chair the summit. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has also confirmed attendance.
Emu described the programme as “star-studded” and said it would bring together participants from the federal level, development finance institutions, and the private sector.
Emu stressed that local businesses will be key to turning investor interest into real economic activity. He explained that many of the foreign investors are already looking for credible indigenous partners in Delta State, and the success of the summit will depend on how well locals collaborate and engage.
“Rather than promoting the state broadly, Delta is coming to the summit with specific investment opportunities in agriculture, aquaculture, power, oil and gas, solid minerals, manufacturing, and the blue economy,” Emu said.
He stressed Delta’s strengths, including its youthful population, large land and water resources, abundant oil and gas, growing infrastructure, and four state-owned universities alongside technical and vocational schools.
According to Emu, these institutions can partner with investors to train workers suited to their needs. He said the state wants to move beyond oil and grow its services and agriculture sectors, with a focus on adding value across the entire chain. Cassava, rice, oil palm, and fish farming were listed as major areas for investment.
He noted that aquaculture is one of Delta’s biggest but underdeveloped opportunities, and the state needs investment in fish feed production, cold rooms, and processing facilities to become a major fish producer.
On power, Emu said Delta’s gas reserves and location make it ideal for mini-grid and captive power projects to support industries and cities, since the national grid remains a challenge. He added that solid minerals like kaolin, coal, silica, clay, and lignite are proven in the state and are already attracting commercial activity.
The summit, he said, will go beyond speeches to include investment matchmaking, sector meetings, site visits, and follow-up aimed at creating real projects.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, urged local entrepreneurs to see themselves as investors and partners, not just participants. He said that while foreign investors may bring big money, Deltans have the greatest commitment to the state’s economy.
He encouraged business owners to form partnerships and Special Purpose Vehicles to raise capital and take on larger projects together.
Janet Olisa, speaking for the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, said the organised private sector is ready to partner with the government.
She expressed confidence that working together would help turn the summit into jobs, investments, and stronger economic growth for Delta State.
