World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala touched down at Asaba International Airport on Sunday, setting the stage for one of Nigeria’s most high-profile investment gatherings this year.
The Delta-born global economic
leader, fondly described as “a daughter of the soil,” was received to warm
applause as she arrived ahead of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit
2026, scheduled for August 3–5 at The Dome Event Centre, Asaba.
Her presence elevates the three-day
summit, themed “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential,” into a
major continental event. Okonjo-Iweala is billed to deliver the keynote address
titled “Africa in the New Global Trade Order — A Daughter of the Soil
Returns.”
Shortly after her arrival, Vice
President Kashim Shettima also landed at the same airport. He was received by
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Attorney-General of the Federation Mohammed
Bello Adoke, and other prominent figures. Shettima is expected to highlight how
the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda is unlocking new business
opportunities in Delta State.
The summit is already drawing strong
international interest, with dozens of prospective investors from Brazil and
China confirmed to attend. Other notable speakers include renowned pan-African
scholar Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba and energy industry veteran Engr. Austin Avuru,
who chairs the event.
Delta State, Nigeria’s highest
oil-producing state and one of the country’s top five economies by GDP, is
leveraging the summit to showcase opportunities in agriculture, the blue
economy, energy, solid minerals, manufacturing, digital innovation, and
logistics. Officials point to the state’s 40% share of Nigeria’s gas reserves,
four seaports, expanding road network, and Special Economic Zone as key
attractions.
Governor Oborevwori’s administration
has positioned the summit as a practical platform for deal-making rather than
mere talk, with bankable investment proposals ready for discussion.
With both Okonjo-Iweala and the Vice
President now in Asaba, the atmosphere in the state capital is electric.
Stakeholders say the gathering could mark a turning point in Delta’s drive to
attract quality investment and accelerate non-oil growth.
The official opening ceremony takes
place on Monday morning.
