OBOVOREVWORI WINS GLOBAL VOTE OF CONFIDENCE! Bolum Hails Landmark Delta Economic Summit

Dr. Martin Nwachukwu Bolum, former Delta State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and former Delta State Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), who is currently the Chairman of Integrity Group Delta State, has hailed Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for hosting what he described as one of the most ambitious economic gatherings in Delta State’s history, declaring that the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit marks the beginning of a new era that will reshape the economic fortunes of Delta State and position Nigeria as a stronger destination for global investment.
Bolum made the remarks after the opening of the high-profile summit in Asaba, which drew an unprecedented gathering of senior government officials, global investors, business leaders, development partners and economic experts from Nigeria and abroad.
The summit was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, former Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, renowned Pan-African scholar, Prof. PLO Lumumba, Chairman of AA Holdings, Engr. Austin Avuru, ministers, diplomats, development finance institutions, captains of industry, multinational executives and investors from Brazil, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Middle East and several other countries.
Describing the summit as a defining moment in the state’s development journey, Bolum said Governor Oborevwori had demonstrated uncommon leadership by bringing together key players capable of unlocking Delta’s vast economic potential.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has sent a clear message to the global investment community that Delta State is open for business. This summit is not merely an economic conference; it is a cornerstone that will transform the economic landscape of Delta State and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic future,” Bolum declared.
According to him, the summit reflects the governor’s determination to diversify the state’s economy beyond oil revenue by promoting strategic investments in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, technology, tourism, logistics and the rapidly expanding blue economy.
He noted that the large turnout of foreign investors from Brazil, China and several other countries was a strong vote of confidence in the administration’s economic reforms and investment-friendly policies.
“The presence of international investors demonstrates that the world is paying attention to Delta State. Investors do not commit resources where there is uncertainty. They come where there is vision, stability and opportunity, and Governor Oborevwori has created that confidence,” he said.
Bolum praised the administration’s sustained investments in security, road infrastructure and social amenities, saying they have laid the foundation for accelerated industrialisation and private-sector growth.
According to him, improved security across the state has strengthened investor confidence, while ongoing road projects are opening up commercial corridors, reducing logistics costs and improving access to markets.
“No investor wants to operate where infrastructure is weak or security is uncertain. Delta has made significant progress in both areas, and that is why global investors are beginning to see the state as one of Nigeria’s most promising investment destinations,” he stated.
Bolum further highlighted Delta State’s strategic geographical advantages, particularly its 163-kilometre Atlantic coastline, describing it as one of the state’s greatest untapped economic assets.
He said the coastline presents enormous opportunities for maritime trade, ports development, fisheries, aquaculture, marine transportation, coastal tourism, renewable energy and other blue economy investments capable of generating thousands of jobs and significantly increasing internally generated revenue.
He also pointed to the state’s vast agricultural resources, noting that Delta’s fertile land and favourable climate continue to attract growing interest from international investors, particularly in livestock production, food processing and commercial agriculture.
“Beyond oil and gas, Delta possesses enormous agricultural potential. Investors are already showing keen interest in livestock production, agribusiness and value-chain development because they recognise the state’s capacity to become a major food production hub in West Africa.”
Bolum stressed that the summit has provided an important platform for government, investors and development partners to forge strategic partnerships that will stimulate industrial growth, technology transfer, entrepreneurship and employment.
He added that public-private partnerships emerging from the summit would accelerate infrastructure development, strengthen local industries and create sustainable economic opportunities for young people across the state.
“The conversations taking place here are not just about attracting investment; they are about building a resilient economy that creates jobs, empowers entrepreneurs and improves the quality of life for every Deltan.”
He expressed confidence that the resolutions reached at the summit would position Delta State as Nigeria’s foremost investment destination while serving as a model for sub-national economic development across the federation.
“Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated bold leadership and a clear economic vision. By bringing together global investors, policymakers and development partners under one roof, he has laid the foundation for a stronger, more competitive Delta State. The impact of this summit will extend beyond our state and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation for many years to come,” Bolum concluded.