By IFEANYI OLANNYE

Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged state governments to organise, finance and put its identified economic potentials to work in order to attract investors, create job opportunities and build an enduring state economy.

Shettima, a Special Guest of Honour, gave the charge at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit on Monday in Asaba.

The summit has the theme: “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential”.

He said the Federal Government, through its reformation policies has provided macroeconomic stability, adding that state governments leveraged on it to create the enabling environment that allowed businesses to thrive.

According to him, the recent economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, including fiscal and monetary policy adjustments, have strengthened Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment and restored investor confidence.

“The improved economic indicators and positive assessments by international credit rating agencies have created a solid foundation for states like Delta to attract more private investment.”

The vice president lauded Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori’s bold investment drive, describing Delta as one of Nigeria’s most promising destinations for local and global investors.

He said Oborevwori’s efforts to position Delta for sustainable economic growth aligned with the Federal Government’s reforms, aimed at creating a more stable and investor–friendly economy.

He described Delta as a state richly endowed with strategic assets, including a long coastline, oil and gas resources, agriculture, solid minerals and a growing industrial base, all of which positioned it to become a leading investment destination.

Shettima said: “Potential has no economic value unless it is organised, financed, and put to work”.

He urged the Delta government to continue translating its abundant natural and human resources into productive investments capable of creating jobs and improving the standard of living for residents.

He also praised the state’s focus on economic diversification, saying investments in agriculture, the blue economy, manufacturing, logistics and industrial development would strengthen Delta’s competitiveness.

He said the growing competition among states to attract investment is a positive development that should be encouraged, adding that it promoted economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity.

“The type of competition among our states is now evident in the quality and ambition of the investment summits convened across the federation.

“Every state is defining its own trajectory, unique to its geography, people, and comparative advantage.

“This is a race we must welcome, a race that proclaims growth rather than conflict, a race in which the prize is employment, prosperity, and human dignity,” he said.

He also praised the state’s focus on economic diversification, saying investments in agriculture, the blue economy, manufacturing, logistics and industrial development would strengthen Delta’s competitiveness.

He said the summit demonstrated the state’s commitment to moving beyond discussions to attracting real investments and delivering measurable economic results.

Shettima encouraged investors, development partners and business leaders to take advantage of the opportunities available in Delta.

He assured them of the Federal Government’s support for credible investment initiatives across the country.

He said: “We are fellow travelers on the road from promise to production, from ambition to transformation, and from potential to prosperity”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Summit brought together, government officials, investors, development partners, captains of industry and policymakers to explore strategies for accelerating industrialisation, and investments in Delta. (NAN)

•VP Shettima speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit on Monday in Asaba

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