Delta can no longer depend solely on oil, says Oborevwori
August 4, 2026 6:41 pm
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, others, at the second day of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday declared that the state can no longer rely solely on oil revenue, urging local and foreign investors to take advantage of the vast opportunities across critical sectors of the economy as his administration intensifies efforts to diversify the state’s economic base.
Speaking at the close of the second day of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, the state capital, the governor thanked all participants, local and foreign investors, saying deliberations at the summit had reinforced the urgent need to expand investments beyond the oil and gas sector to ensure sustainable economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity.
He said the business sessions on agriculture and livestock development, the energy ecosystem, the blue economy and transport infrastructure, solid minerals and mining, the digital economy and innovation, as well as the legal framework for investments, had demonstrated that Delta State possesses enormous untapped investment opportunities capable of transforming its economy.
“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 said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon.
The governor explained that the summit was deliberately designed as a private sector-driven initiative rather than a government-centred event, stressing that its primary objective was to connect investors with viable business opportunities capable of delivering sustainable returns.
According to him, the state government’s role is to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive through supportive policies, improved infrastructure, security and strategic partnerships with the private sector.
He disclosed that the state had already secured land and put other critical measures in place to encourage investments across key sectors of the economy, adding that investment roadshows had been undertaken to countries such as China and Brazil to showcase Delta’s economic potential.
Describing the summit as more than a policy dialogue, he said it had become a practical platform for connecting investors with bankable opportunities and translating investment interests into concrete projects.
He maintained that the summit was not a mere “talk show” but a strategic platform backed by serious investors already on the ground, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment by strengthening infrastructure, guaranteeing policy consistency, promoting security and fostering stronger partnerships with the private sector.
The governor expressed optimism that the ideas, partnerships and commitments emerging from the summit would culminate in tangible investments capable of accelerating industrialisation, expanding employment opportunities and positioning Delta State as one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations.
Adekunle, a fellow of Data and Solutions Journalism, has over four years experience with competences in data journalism and investigations.
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