…Says we can no longer depend on one source of revenue

… US$100 million Viability Gap Fund (VGF), the boldest announcement by any state governor – Daniel Anazia

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State says the ongoing Economic and Investment Summit hosted by Delta State Government is deliberately designed as a private sector-driven initiative rather than a government-centred event.

He says that the primary objective is to connect investors with viable business opportunities capable of delivering sustainable returns.

“We can no longer solely 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”, Governor Oborevwori said.

He urged 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.

Governor Oborevwori, who spoke at the end of the second day of the Summit in Asaba, thanked all participants, including local and foreign investors, for being part of the transformative event.

According to him, 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.

“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 said.

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.

Daniel Anazia, an Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Sunbridge Consulting, an MSME-focused advisory firm, in Asaba, described the Summit as a very important event and commended the Governor and everyone who made it happen.

For me, the biggest takeaway was not just the speeches, but the conversations. Listening to entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders talk about what they are building and the challenges they have overcome gave me hope. It reminded me that Delta State has enormous potential if we create the right environment for businesses to grow. It also strengthened my commitment to continue promoting trade, investment and economic development in our State.

“The highlight of the Summit, for me, was Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s announcement of a US$100 million Viability Gap Fund (VGF).

“I believe this is one of the boldest economic announcements made by any state government in Nigeria in recent years. I sincerely hope it goes beyond being an announcement and becomes a reality because, if implemented properly, it could change the way major projects are financed in Delta State”, Anazia stated.