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The Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, says his organisation will partner the Delta State Government to address challenges of electricity generation to ensure sustainable development in the state.
Mr Elumelu gave the assurance in his goodwill message at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 on Monday in Asaba.
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He described Delta as a destination of immense opportunities, urging investors to explore its economic potential.
He commended the state government for promoting investment, development and economic growth.
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The business leader said he had followed developments across Delta through television and social media and was impressed by the transformation taking place.
He said he often saw reports of new estates and projects in Delta, adding that such developments made him proud of his home state.
Mr Elumelu said: “Sometimes I ask where this is happening, only to realise it is Delta State”.
He described Delta as safe, hospitable and suitable for investors, stressing that security remained essential for sustainable economic development.
“We would like to discuss how we can help or partner with Delta to make electricity generation and distribution affordable and possible,” he said.
Reflecting on the summit theme, “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential,” Mr Elumelu said Delta’s strength already existed in its people, resources and creativity.
He identified agriculture, waterways, coastal resources and mineral deposits as major assets capable of transforming the state’s economy.
According to Mr Elumelu, the major challenge is not discovering resources but ensuring effective execution of development plans.
“Capital has no regional sentiments and no political loyalty. Capital goes where it is welcomed and stays where it is protected.”
Mr Elumelu urged investors to commit resources to Delta, saying that the state had the leadership and opportunities required for economic expansion.
He added that recent economic reforms at the federal level had created a stronger foundation for investment and growth.
Also in a goodwill message, the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele highlighted ongoing federal government reforms aimed at restoring economic stability and creating conditions for sustainable national growth.
He said the government had taken difficult decisions to address economic challenges and to reposition the economy for long-term prosperity.
The minister explained that foreign exchange reforms, fuel subsidy removal and improved fiscal management remained necessary steps toward economic recovery.
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Mr Oyedele said the reforms would redirect resources previously committed to artificial pricing systems into critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure and other areas that directly improved citizens’ welfare.
The minister also highlighted monetary policy measures aimed at reducing excessive money supply growth and strengthening economic confidence.
Mr Oyedele said tax reforms were expanding the revenue base while reducing unnecessary burdens on businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.
According to him, improved government revenues have helped states and local government areas to meet obligations and invest in development projects.
He stressed that economic stability remained the responsibility of the federal government, while states and local governments must translate it into better living standards.
“The centre secures economic stability, states transform it into shared prosperity, and local governments deliver improved living standards,” he said.
Also, Jani Ibrahim, president, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), lauded the Delta government for organising the investment summit.
He described the gathering as timely and strategic for promoting enterprise, investment and sustainable development.
Mr Ibrahim advised the Delta government to look beyond Nigeria and compete with countries globally by creating a stronger investment environment.
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The NACCIMA president encouraged the establishment of labour-intensive village enterprises to promote inclusive growth and employment opportunities.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with governments and development partners to strengthen Nigeria’s private sector.
On his part, Samuel Ogbuku, managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) assured investors of the commission’s commitment to infrastructure development.
He said the commission would continue supporting initiatives that improve the investment climate in Delta state and the Niger Delta region.
He encouraged investors to explore opportunities in the region, describing it as increasingly safe and open for business.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the summit attracted government officials, industry leaders, investors and development partners.
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