Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, has urged members of the organised private sector to move beyond discussions and presentations at the forthcoming Delta State Investment and Economic Summit and become active investors in the state’s economy.
Aniagwu spoke in Asaba during an interactive meeting between the Main Organising Committee of the summit and representatives of the organised private sector, ahead of the summit scheduled to hold from August 3 to 5.
He said while the state was expecting foreign investors with substantial capital, local entrepreneurs remained critical to the success of the investment drive because of their deeper stake in the growth and stability of the state’s economy.
According to him, the summit should not end with speeches, memoranda and panel discussions, but should translate into concrete investments, partnerships and job-creating ventures across key sectors.
Aniagwu said: “We are expecting some investors from outside the shores of Nigeria. They may have the big money, but you most likely have the greatest commitment because, somehow, whatever happens here affects you directly.
“Even when you do not have all the funds, you can decide to come together through Special Purpose Vehicles, SPVs. Two or three individuals or companies can pool resources and pursue investment opportunities collectively.”
He urged indigenous businesses to explore partnerships in agriculture, oil and gas and other sectors where Delta State enjoys comparative advantages, noting that investments which may appear difficult for a single entrepreneur could become viable when resources and expertise are pooled.
He said; “Is it in the area of agriculture? Is it in oil and gas? By the time three or four of you come together, that investment which may be difficult for one person or one company becomes much easier to undertake.
“We hope that you will look beyond preparing your positions as they affect the summit to also think about how you are going to participate beyond the summit itself.
“It is not all about what you are going to do at the summit, the papers you are going to present or the sessions you are going to participate in. At your own end, how will you participate? How are you going to get involved?”
The Commissioner cautioned against leaving emerging investment opportunities largely to foreign investors after the summit, stressing that the organised private sector remained one of the state’s greatest strengths in its economic transformation drive.
“We do not want a situation where, after the summit, you simply go back to where you were and we are left dealing with only a few foreign investors. You are actually our greatest strength in the areas we have identified,” Aniagwu added.
He said the state government was also looking forward to practical recommendations from the private sector on measures required to improve the business environment and deepen indigenous participation in the economy.
According to him, the interaction would enable members of the organised private sector to guide government on steps necessary to fully integrate local businesses into the state’s investment and economic development agenda.
Aniagwu expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between government and the private sector would help unlock Delta State’s economic potential, attract sustainable investments and create more opportunities for businesses and residents.
He urged entrepreneurs, corporate organisations and business associations to leverage the summit to build partnerships, form investment consortia and position themselves as key players in the state’s emerging economic opportunities.
