Vice President Kashim Shettima, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and renowned Kenyan scholar, Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba have arrived in Asaba ahead of the highly anticipated Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, scheduled to begin on Monday.
The arrival of the distinguished guests signals the commencement of what the Delta State Government describes as one of its biggest economic gatherings aimed at attracting investors, promoting industrial development and accelerating long-term economic growth.
The three-day summit, holding from August 3 to August 5, 2026, is designed to position Delta as one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations by bringing together policymakers, business executives, development partners, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and foreign investors under one platform. The event is themed “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential.”
Vice President Shettima landed at the Asaba International Airport on Sunday, where he was welcomed by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, members of the state executive council, senior government officials and political leaders.
His visit underscores the Federal Government’s support for state-driven initiatives aimed at stimulating economic development and expanding investment opportunities across Nigeria.
During the summit, the Vice President is expected to outline how the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda has created an improved business environment through ongoing economic reforms, infrastructure development and policies intended to encourage domestic and foreign investments.
His presentation is expected to focus on how federal reforms can complement Delta State’s investment drive while encouraging stronger collaboration between government and the private sector.
Also arriving in Asaba on Sunday was WTO Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose participation is regarded as one of the summit’s major highlights.
The globally respected economist is expected to provide valuable insights into international trade, global investment trends and strategies that can help sub-national governments attract sustainable investments in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Her presence is expected to further boost the summit’s international profile, especially among foreign investors seeking credible opportunities within Nigeria’s emerging markets.
Officials of the Delta State Government welcomed her arrival, expressing optimism that her participation would strengthen discussions on economic diversification, export promotion and investment-friendly policies.
Another high-profile participant, celebrated Pan-African intellectual and leadership advocate, Prof. PLO Lumumba, also arrived in the Delta State capital ahead of the opening ceremony.
Lumumba, widely respected for his speeches on governance, African development and institutional reforms, will serve as one of the summit’s keynote speakers.
He is expected to address participants on leadership, accountability, sustainable economic growth and the role of African nations in building globally competitive economies.
The Kenyan scholar was received by the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, alongside other government officials.
Delta State Government officials have repeatedly described the summit as a strategic platform for repositioning the State’s economy beyond its traditional strengths while showcasing emerging opportunities across multiple sectors.
The event is expected to feature investment presentations, policy dialogues, business networking sessions and engagements between Government representatives and prospective investors.
According to the organisers, discussions will cover priority sectors including agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, digital economy, solid minerals, tourism, transport infrastructure, blue economy, renewable energy, education and innovation.
The summit also aims to deepen partnerships between the public and private sectors while creating an enabling environment capable of attracting both local and international capital into Delta State.
State officials believe that sustained investments across these sectors will generate employment opportunities, expand industrial activities, improve infrastructure and stimulate inclusive economic growth for residents.
The Delta State Government has consistently maintained that the summit forms part of Governor Oborevwori’s broader economic agenda to diversify revenue sources, strengthen the non-oil economy and improve the State’s competitiveness within Nigeria and across Africa.
Ahead of the summit, the State Government disclosed that investors from several countries, including Brazil and China, had indicated interest in participating in the investment forum, further highlighting the growing international attention the event has attracted.
Economic experts have noted that gatherings of this nature provide opportunities for governments to present bankable projects, secure investment commitments and establish strategic partnerships capable of driving long-term development.
Beyond attracting capital, such summits also allow investors to gain firsthand knowledge of available resources, infrastructure, regulatory policies and incentives designed to encourage business expansion.
Delta State remains one of Nigeria’s major economic hubs, with significant natural resources, oil and gas assets, agricultural potential, expanding infrastructure and a strategic geographical location that positions it as an attractive destination for investment.
Organisers believe the combination of these advantages, alongside Government reforms and investor-friendly policies, will help unlock fresh opportunities capable of transforming the State’s economy over the coming years.
Business leaders, captains of industry, financial institutions, development agencies and policymakers are expected to participate in several panel discussions focusing on industrialisation, innovation, financing, technology and sustainable development.
The summit will also provide opportunities for networking between investors and Government agencies responsible for facilitating business operations within the State.
With the arrival of Vice President Shettima, Okonjo-Iweala and Prof. Lumumba, attention now shifts to Monday’s opening ceremony, where stakeholders are expected to unveil fresh initiatives aimed at strengthening investor confidence and accelerating Delta State’s economic transformation.
Observers believe the outcome of the summit could influence future investment decisions, strengthen public-private partnerships and reinforce Delta State’s ambition to emerge as one of Nigeria’s foremost destinations for business and industrial growth.