The Director-General of the Delta State Local Content Agency, Olorogun Ese Kakor, has commended Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for positioning the state as a major destination for global investment through the ongoing Delta State Economic Summit.
Kakor, while welcoming Vice President Kashim Shettima; Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo; renowned scholar and public intellectual, Prof. Patrick Lumumba; Ambassadors of Brazil and Malaysia, and other international investors and economic stakeholders to the summit, described the gathering as a landmark milestone in Delta’s economic transformation.
He congratulated Governor Oborevwori for what he described as a bold initiative to *“harness the strength and unlock the potentials”* of Delta State for sustainable economic development.
According to Kakor, the summit has created a unique platform for foreign investors to explore investment opportunities in the state while partnering with local investors, businesses and government to unlock the enormous economic potential of Delta.
He noted that the development did not happen by accident, stressing that the foundation was laid in July 2025 when Governor Oborevwori led members of his Executive Council on investment missions to China and Brazil to attract foreign investors and establish strategic economic partnerships for the state.
“The summit is the result of deliberate planning and sustained engagement. The Governor started this journey in July 2025 when he led his Executive Council to China and Brazil in search of investors and partnerships that would bring development to Delta State.
“Today, we are seeing the result of that vision. This summit is timely, and it presents Delta to the world as a state ready for serious investment,” he said.
Kakor commended Governor Oborevwori for moving the state away from an economy largely dependent on oil revenue, stressing that Delta possesses enormous agricultural, industrial and natural resources capable of supporting a diversified and sustainable economy.
He listed cassava, cocoa, rubber, palm oil and fisheries among the agricultural resources available in the state, in addition to its oil and gas, coal and other mineral and natural resources.
He urged investors to take advantage of the vast opportunities across the state, saying that several of Delta’s resources remain underdeveloped or completely untapped.
According to him, the summit gives investors the opportunity to physically assess the “fertile soil” of Delta State and identify areas where their investments can generate returns while contributing to the economic advancement of the state.
The Local Content Agency boss particularly drew attention to Governor Oborevwori’s declaration that the summit would not be a mere talk shop.
He said the administration’s commitment to earmarking *more than $100 million* towards the implementation of outcomes from the summit was evidence of the Governor’s determination to translate discussions, agreements and resolutions into tangible economic projects.
“This is not a talk show. The Governor has already demonstrated his seriousness by earmarking over $100 million to ensure that the communique and outcomes of this summit are implemented effectively and immediately.
“That is the kind of commitment investors want to see. It gives confidence that the decisions reached here will not end with speeches but will translate into real projects, jobs, businesses and sustainable economic growth,” Kakor stated.
He described Delta State as one of the biggest economies in Africa and called on prospective investors to take advantage of the state’s strategic location, abundant natural resources, human capital and expanding business environment.
Kakor also assured investors that Delta remained safe and conducive for businesses to thrive, noting that the state government’s investment drive would create opportunities for both foreign and local entrepreneurs.
He stressed that the Local Content Agency would continue to promote policies and initiatives that would ensure meaningful participation of Deltans in investments coming into the state.
According to him, the ultimate objective is to ensure that foreign investments do not operate in isolation but establish strong partnerships with local businesses, entrepreneurs and communities, thereby creating jobs, transferring skills and retaining value within the state.
Kakor said the expected outcome of the summit would benefit not only Deltans but also the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole.
“Whatever happens in Delta has implications for the Niger Delta and Nigeria. When we attract investment, create industries, generate employment and develop our local businesses, the impact goes beyond Delta State.
“This summit is therefore not just about Delta. It is about building a stronger economic foundation for the Niger Delta and contributing to the economic growth of Nigeria,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the presence of the Vice President, WTO Director-General, governors, diplomats, international investors and other global economic stakeholders would further strengthen confidence in Delta as an investment destination.
Kakor once again congratulated Governor Oborevwori for what he described as a *“great feat”* in bringing together critical players in the global and Nigerian economies to explore practical ways of unlocking the state’s enormous potential.
He said the summit represented a significant step towards transforming Delta from an oil-dependent economy into a diversified, investment-driven and sustainable economic hub.
“Congratulations once again to our working Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for this great feat of harnessing our strengths and unlocking our potentials for economic development,” Kakor added.