ASABA — Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has described the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 as a critical platform for promoting investment, economic diversification and sustainable development in the state.
Speaking after attending the summit, themed “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential,” Dafinone said he was delighted to join Vice President Kashim Shettima, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, investors, policymakers, industry leaders and other stakeholders at the event hosted by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
According to the senator, the summit reaffirmed a shared commitment to unlocking Delta State’s vast economic potential and driving inclusive prosperity.
“The summit provided a valuable platform to advance conversations on investment, economic diversification and sustainable development, reaffirming our shared commitment to unlocking Delta State’s immense potential and driving inclusive prosperity,” Dafinone said.
Also commenting on the summit, public affairs analyst Kelly JP described the event as a strategic platform for generating ideas and practical pathways towards sustainable development.
He noted that the participation of renowned Kenyan scholar and Pan-African advocate, Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba, added significant value to the discussions, saying his contributions further underscored the importance of the gathering.
Kelly JP, however, stressed that the success of the summit would ultimately depend on the implementation of the resolutions and commitments reached by stakeholders.
According to him, the immediate priority should be translating policy recommendations into concrete programmes capable of attracting investment, improving the ease of doing business, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creating employment opportunities for young people and strengthening industrial and agricultural value chains across Delta State.
“Beyond the inspiring speeches, captivating presentations and memorable photographs, the critical question remains: What comes next?” he asked.
He added that the future of Delta State would be determined by the decisions taken today and the political will to implement them, expressing confidence in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s leadership to drive the state toward sustainable economic growth.
