By Our Correspondent
ASABA – The National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, has faulted the Delta State Government’s renewed call for local and foreign investors ahead of the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, insisting that the state lacks the basic infrastructure needed to attract serious investment.
Reacting to comments by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, who highlighted roads, bridges, power infrastructure, maritime assets and industrial zones as key attractions for investors, Otiti dismissed the claims as “public relations rhetoric” that does not reflect the realities on the ground.
According to him, no serious investor would commit substantial capital to a state where critical infrastructure such as stable electricity, quality road networks and functional industrial parks remains inadequate.
“It is difficult to understand the rationale behind inviting investors when government has not provided the basic infrastructure that drives industrial development. Investors first consider electricity, transportation, security, ease of doing business and industrial facilities before making investment decisions,” he said.
Otiti also challenged the SSG’s claim that Delta boasts an attractive road network.
“Which roads is Dr. Kingsley Emu referring to? Has he compared Delta’s road infrastructure with what exists in Abuja or neighbouring Akwa Ibom State? The difference is obvious,” he stated.
He urged Delta State officials to study development models in states that have deliberately invested in infrastructure to stimulate economic growth.
Citing Abia State as an example, Otiti praised Governor Alex Otti for what he described as significant improvements in roads, urban renewal and governance within three years, saying the reforms have created a more investment-friendly environment. He also pointed to Akwa Ibom State’s sustained infrastructure development as a model that has strengthened investor confidence.
Otiti further called on the Delta State Government to explain the status of the long-promised Kwale Industrial Park, noting that the project has remained largely dormant despite years of assurances.
“If Delta truly wants industrialisation, government should complete strategic projects like the Kwale Industrial Park, provide uninterrupted electricity, rehabilitate major roads, revive the state’s seaports and establish industrial clusters capable of supporting manufacturing,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as attempts by the state government to claim credit for Federal Government projects, including ongoing flyover bridge constructions.
“Federal Government projects cannot be presented as evidence of Delta State’s readiness for industrialisation. Investors are interested in what the state government itself has done to support businesses,” he added.
Otiti maintained that attracting investment requires more than hosting economic summits or producing glossy investment brochures.
“Investment follows confidence, and confidence is built on visible infrastructure, transparent governance, reliable electricity, efficient transportation and a conducive business environment—not lofty declarations,” he said.
He urged the Oborevwori administration to focus on delivering tangible development that citizens can see and investors can trust before intensifying efforts to attract investment.
“The people of Delta deserve genuine development. Government must prioritise infrastructure and industrial growth instead of making claims that many residents cannot reconcile with the realities they experience daily,” Otiti said.
He concluded by urging the Delta State Government to adopt practical development strategies similar to those implemented in Abia and Akwa Ibom States to position Delta as a truly competitive investment destination.
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