…Kingsley Emu Reels Out Vast Investment Potentials Ahead of August 3–5, 2026 Summit in Asaba
By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq.
Delta State is stepping into a new era of economic expansion with a deliberate strategy to unlock its vast investment opportunities, attract global capital and deepen prosperity for its people. As the fifth-largest state economy in Nigeria, Delta possesses the strategic advantages required to compete effectively as a leading investment destination in Africa, with abundant natural resources, expanding infrastructure, a youthful population, skilled manpower and investor-friendly policies.
The 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit is designed as a strategic vehicle for connecting these economic assets with domestic and international capital. More than a conference, the summit represents Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment, through the M.O.R.E. Agenda, to accelerate industrialisation, diversify the economy, expand private sector participation and create sustainable prosperity.
The theme, “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential,” captures the administration’s determination to transform Delta’s comparative advantages into tangible economic opportunities.
The significance of the summit is reflected in the calibre of personalities expected at the three-day event scheduled for August 3 to 5, 2026, in Asaba. Vice President Kashim Shettima; Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who will deliver the keynote address; renowned Pan-African scholar and public intellectual, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, as Guest Speaker; the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele; and Engr. Austin Avuru, Chairman of the Summit and one of Africa’s leading oil and gas experts, will headline the gathering.
They will be joined by development finance institutions, captains of industry, global business leaders and prospective investors from Brazil, China and other countries to explore strategic investment opportunities across key sectors of Delta’s economy. Their participation is a strong endorsement of Delta’s economic direction and reinforces the state’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations for investment.
Speaking during an interactive session with stakeholders in Asaba, Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Dr. Kingsley Emu, unveiled the summit’s investment proposition and disclosed that 25 prospective investors from Brazil, alongside others from China, have already indicated interest in participating. “To date, 25 potential investors are coming in from Brazil and many others from China. They have indicated interest and we are already making preparations for them,” he stated.
Dr. Emu explained that the summit is deliberately focused on presenting bankable investment opportunities rather than general presentations. According to him, the objective is to attract investments that create measurable economic value. “What we want is investment that creates value, jobs and sustainable economic activity,” he said, adding that the summit will facilitate investment matchmaking, business engagements, project financing discussions and structured follow-up mechanisms.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has continued to strengthen the foundation for investment through sustained interventions in road infrastructure, urban renewal, education, healthcare, security, human capital development and institutional reforms. These initiatives, combined with Delta’s peaceful business environment and strategic location, have enhanced investor confidence and created conditions for sustainable economic expansion.
Agriculture remains one of Delta’s strongest investment propositions. With vast arable land, favourable climatic conditions and a vibrant farming population, the state offers opportunities in cassava, rice, oil palm, aquaculture and agro-processing. The summit will showcase possibilities across the agricultural value chain, including production, processing, storage and export development, with the capacity to generate wealth and employment.
Delta’s blue economy is another major frontier for investment. Its coastline, rivers and waterways provide opportunities in commercial fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing, marine transportation, cold-chain logistics and other maritime enterprises. Power development is equally central to the state’s economic strategy, with abundant natural gas resources positioning Delta for gas-based industries, industrial clusters, captive power solutions and enhanced manufacturing capacity.
The state’s solid mineral resources, including kaolin, silica, clay, coal and lignite, further strengthen its diversified economic base. Combined with its established oil and gas advantages, these resources create opportunities for exploration, processing and industrial development that can expand production, create jobs and increase economic value.
Beyond natural resources, Delta’s human capital remains a major investment advantage. With four state-owned universities, technical colleges and vocational institutions, the state provides investors with access to skilled and trainable manpower. These institutions also offer opportunities for industry partnerships and specialised training programmes tailored to investors’ operational needs.
The state government recognises that indigenous entrepreneurs are critical partners in Delta’s economic transformation. The summit will therefore encourage local businesses to form strategic partnerships and Special Purpose Vehicles that will enable them participate alongside international investors. As Dr. Emu noted, “For every potential investor who has expressed interest, they are talking about local partners, and those partners will come from among our people.”
The expected outcomes of the summit are significant: increased foreign direct investment, expansion of local industries, technology transfer, job creation, export growth, improved revenue generation and accelerated economic development. These outcomes align with the broader vision of building a diversified economy that delivers opportunities across sectors and communities.
The Delta State Economic and Investment Summit is therefore not merely another event on the government calendar. It is a strategic economic platform designed to unlock opportunities, strengthen public-private partnerships, stimulate enterprise and position Delta as a major investment hub in Nigeria and Africa.
With its abundant resources, skilled workforce, strategic location and purposeful leadership, Delta State is ready to embrace a new phase of economic growth. The message from Asaba is clear: Delta is open for business, ready for partnerships and committed to building a future defined by prosperity, innovation and inclusive economic development. The 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit stands as the gateway to more prosperity and sustained economic growth.
…Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq, is the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Governor’s Office, Asaba. He is a member of the International Communication Association (ICA).
