Delta Economic Summit: Ughievwen Professionals Laud Oborevwori, Urge Immediate Action on Energy, Agriculture, ICT, Healthcare
By Wilson Macaulay
The President of the Ughievwen Professionals Association (UPA), Dr. Israel Ejomafuvwe Kwode, an economist, finance and development expert, has commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for convening the Delta Economic and Investment Summit, describing it as a timely and visionary initiative, while urging the state government to move swiftly from policy discussions to implementation of practical measures capable of transforming Delta into Nigeria’s foremost energy, ICT and industrial hub.
Speaking on behalf of the association shortly after the conclusion of the three-day Delta Economic Summit, held from August 3 to 5,
Dr. Kwode said the summit was a landmark initiative which successfully brought together policymakers, development experts, investors, captains of industry, financial institutions and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for accelerating sustainable economic growth and diversifying the state’s economy.
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He said Governor Oborevwori deserved commendation for demonstrating visionary leadership by creating a platform for robust dialogue on investment, industrialisation, infrastructure development, economic diversification and private sector participation.
According to him, while the summit generated innovative ideas and strategic recommendations, the real test of its success would be the speed, discipline and commitment with which the government implements the resolutions.
“The Delta Economic Summit has provided a clear roadmap for repositioning our economy. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori deserves commendation for initiating this strategic engagement. However, Deltans expect the summit’s resolutions to translate into concrete projects that will create jobs, expand opportunities and improve the quality of life of our people,” Dr. Kwode stated.
The association identified energy, agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), industrialisation, healthcare, infrastructure development and youth empowerment as key sectors requiring immediate government attention if Delta is to achieve sustainable economic prosperity.
Energy
Dr. Kwode noted that Delta State possesses enormous comparative advantages in the energy sector as one of Nigeria’s leading oil and gas-producing states, stressing that government should aggressively leverage the state’s abundant natural gas resources to drive industrialisation, electricity generation and manufacturing.
He advocated increased investment in gas-based industries, independent power projects, renewable energy, industrial parks and strategic Public-Private Partnerships capable of unlocking billions of naira in investments and creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
He further recommended the establishment of a Delta State Energy Commission (DEC) to serve as a specialised institution for coordinating the state’s energy development agenda and working closely with private investors, energy companies, development partners and other stakeholders.
According to him, the commission should develop a comprehensive energy master plan covering gas-to-power, renewable energy, industrial energy supply, mini-grids and other innovative energy solutions.
Agriculture
The economist also urged the government to prioritise mechanised agriculture, agro-processing industries, commodity value chains, irrigation systems and commercial farm estates that would transform Delta into one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural production and processing centres.
To achieve this, he proposed the establishment of agricultural estates or agro-industrial hubs in each of the three senatorial districts, with the facilities designed to support production, processing, storage, packaging and marketing.
According to him, strengthening agriculture through access to finance, improved seedlings, mechanisation and guaranteed markets would enhance food security, reduce youth unemployment and increase the state’s internally generated revenue.
He said the agricultural hubs should be linked to private investors and local farmers through viable Public-Private Partnership arrangements to ensure sustainability.
ICT and Digital Economy
Dr. Kwode equally called for a comprehensive digital transformation agenda anchored on massive investments in broadband infrastructure, innovation centres, technology incubation hubs, artificial intelligence, software development, business process outsourcing and digital entrepreneurship.
He proposed the establishment of an ICT and innovation hub in each of Delta State’s three senatorial districts, saying such facilities would provide young people with access to digital training, incubation, mentorship, funding and global technology markets.
He maintained that Delta has the human capital and strategic location to emerge as Nigeria’s leading ICT and innovation destination if deliberate investments are made in digital infrastructure and technology-driven enterprises.
“Our vision is to see Delta State evolve into Nigeria’s ICT capital—a state where innovation drives economic growth, where technology startups flourish, and where young people are equipped with globally competitive digital skills that create wealth and employment,” he said.
Blue Economy
The Ughievwen professionals also urged the state government to urgently develop and “open up” Delta’s blue economy, leveraging its extensive coastline, rivers, waterways and maritime resources.
Dr. Kwode said the state should develop a comprehensive blue economy strategy covering maritime transportation, fisheries and aquaculture, marine tourism, shipbuilding and repairs, logistics, port-related services and other ocean-based economic activities.
He argued that a properly developed blue economy could create thousands of jobs, attract domestic and international investment and further strengthen Delta’s position as a major maritime and industrial hub.
Delta Financial Centre
In another major recommendation, the association proposed the establishment of a Delta Financial Centre (DFC) as a specialised platform for mobilising capital, supporting businesses and positioning the state as a regional financial and investment destination.
The proposed financial centre, according to Dr. Kwode, should also incorporate a US$5 million start-up and enterprise development fund, to be professionally managed by experienced economists, finance experts and investment professionals.
He said the fund should support promising start-ups, innovative businesses, young entrepreneurs and strategic enterprises with the potential to create jobs, expand the state’s productive base and generate wealth.
He stressed that the fund must be professionally managed under strict corporate governance, transparency and investment-performance standards to prevent political interference and ensure sustainability.
Think-Tank and Implementation Committee
To ensure that the summit does not end with speeches and policy documents, the Ughievwen Professionals Association called for the immediate establishment of a high-powered think-tank and implementation committee comprising representatives of government, the organised private sector, professional bodies, academia, financial institutions and development partners.
The committee, he said, should be given clear responsibilities, measurable targets, timelines and reporting obligations to monitor the implementation of the summit’s resolutions.
“To reap the benefits of this summit, government must move immediately to establish a think-tank implementation committee that will convert the recommendations and investment commitments from the summit into actionable projects.
“There must be timelines, responsible institutions, funding mechanisms and measurable outcomes. We cannot afford another summit where brilliant ideas are documented and subsequently abandoned.”
Strategic Government Investment
Dr. Kwode also made a bold policy recommendation regarding the state’s proposed investment framework.
“I dare to say that rather than setting aside ₦134 billion as a de-risking fund for private investment, the Delta State Government should consider investing a substantial portion of those resources directly in strategic sectors with the highest multiplier effect.
“Priority should be given to energy, ICT, industrial development and the healthcare sector, where government-led investments can catalyse rapid economic growth, create sustainable employment, improve public services and attract even greater private sector participation.
“Reliable energy will power industries and businesses; ICT investments will position Delta as Nigeria’s leading digital innovation hub; industrial development will expand manufacturing and value addition, while increased investment in healthcare will enhance human capital and improve the quality of life of our people. These are the sectors that will lay the foundation for a resilient and globally competitive Delta economy.”
Globalising Delta
The association further called for an aggressive “Globalise Delta” strategy, aimed at positioning the state as an international investment destination.
Dr. Kwode said Delta must deliberately market its economic opportunities, natural resources, industrial potential, human capital and investment-ready projects to global investors, development finance institutions, multinational corporations and international development partners.
He advocated the development of a credible investment pipeline, investor-friendly policies, digital investment portals and targeted international investment roadshows to attract capital into the state.
According to him, “Globalising Delta” should go beyond publicity and involve creating the infrastructure, institutions, policies and investment climate required to make the state globally competitive.
The association further stressed the need for expanded investments in healthcare, technical education, vocational skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development and innovation-driven enterprise support to prepare the state’s youthful population for the demands of a modern economy.
It maintained that sustained collaboration between government and the private sector remains essential for attracting investment, expanding industrial capacity and accelerating infrastructure development across the state.
The association expressed optimism that with decisive leadership, disciplined implementation and sustained stakeholder engagement, Delta State can emerge as Nigeria’s leading energy and oil services hub, a nationally competitive agricultural powerhouse, a thriving ICT and innovation ecosystem, an industrial manufacturing centre and one of West Africa’s preferred investment destinations.
While reaffirming its confidence in Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, the association said the success of the summit would ultimately be measured not by the quality of speeches delivered but by the number of investment commitments converted into functioning businesses, jobs, infrastructure and improved living standards.
Dr. Kwode pledged the readiness of the Ughievwen Professionals Association to partner with the Delta State Government by providing professional expertise, economic policy advice and technical support aimed at translating the summit’s resolutions into transformative projects that will stimulate economic growth, create sustainable employment, improve infrastructure and deliver lasting prosperity for all Deltans.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 11TH AUGUST, 2026)
