In a strategic move to expand the frontiers of profitable economic activities in Delta, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, September 23, advanced his administration’s investment drive with a strategic meeting with the Jampur Group, which was aimed at unlocking transformative projects in agriculture and electricity, with a slant on renewable energy.
The meeting, held at Government House, Asaba, centred on concrete investment plans to boost power generation and fertiliser production to significantly boost Delta’s industrial base that would subsequently create thousands of jobs, and strengthen the state’s revenue streams.
Speaking after the engagement, Governor Oborevwori underscored the importance of end-to-end power solutions for sustainable development, saying, “We had a very successful meeting with the Jampur Group. We discussed gas-powered electricity, from production, transmission, and distribution to ensure Delta State is not only energy-sufficient but also able to power its growth.”
The discussions spanned several key areas, including gas-powered electricity generation and distribution, smart metering systems for homes and industries, a fertiliser blending plant to boost agriculture, and a solar panel plant to drive renewable energy adoption.
According to the Governor, the proposals hold enormous potential to accelerate economic growth, reduce dependence on external power sources, and expand industrial activities in Delta State. He added that the state’s economic management team had been directed to work closely with Jampur Group to identify viable areas of partnership.
In his remarks after the meeting, Jampur Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohammad Shafiq, described the engagement as promising, noting that Delta State “stands out” because of the enabling legal framework provided by Nigeria’s new Electricity Act of 2023, which allows states to generate and regulate their own power.
“It was a very nice meeting we had with the Governor. We discussed power generation, agriculture through fertiliser blending, electric assembly meters, and solar panel manufacturing. Our immediate plan is to commence with a floating power board of 100 megawatts, similar to what we have in Lagos,” Shafiq explained.
He emphasised that reliable power is the foundation of industrial expansion and job creation, pointing out that investments in power would naturally spur the demand for smart meters, boost revenue for the state, and create massive employment opportunities.
On why Delta was chosen for such significant investments, Shafiq pointed to the state’s readiness and the opportunities created by the domestication of the new electricity law in Delta, adding, “Delta State is positioned to benefit from this new law, and that is why we requested a meeting with the governor. Power is the key to unlocking economic growth, and Delta has the potential to lead in this area.”
The partnership discussions with Jampur Group form part of Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, designed to expand opportunities, modernise infrastructure, and reposition Delta as a leading investment destination in Nigeria. If actualised, the projects promise not only to strengthen Delta’s energy sector but also to transform its agricultural and industrial landscapes, ensuring inclusive growth and prosperity for its citizens.
In another development, Governor Oborevwori has tasked local government chairmen and councillors across the state to seize the opportunities inherent in the prevalent principle of financial autonomy to drive sustainable grassroots development, tackle insecurity, and improve service delivery to the people.
Speaking at the Delta State Councillors Forum Symposium 2025 held on Tuesday in Asaba, with the theme “Repositioning the Grassroots: Strengthening Local Governance for Sustainable Development in Nigeria in the Wake of Local Government Autonomy,” the Governor commended the Forum for initiating what he described as “a timely and consequential dialogue at this defining moment of Nigeria’s democracy.”
Governor Oborevwori said the recent Supreme Court judgement granting full financial autonomy to local governments was a constitutional milestone that now removes every excuse for non-performance.
“With this autonomy, it is expected that development at the grassroots will be enhanced and unhindered by political interference or administrative bottlenecks. Chairmen and councillors must now deliver on their mandate without excuses,” the Governor declared.
While commending many councillors for their dedication and the commissioning of projects across the state, he insisted that there was still room for improvement, particularly in tackling poverty, unemployment, environmental decay, and waste management.
On security, Oborevwori reminded council leaders that “safety is a shared responsibility that must begin from the wards. If councillors and chairmen work closely, they will gather intelligence that will help security agencies respond effectively.
“Councils must be proactive, not reactive,” he said, announcing plans to resume statewide town hall meetings in 2026 to keep the people abreast of what government has done, what it has not done and what it planned to do.
The Governor also addressed issues of councillors’ welfare, clarifying that adjustments to salaries were made in line with Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) regulations following Auditor-General queries, not arbitrary reductions. He, however, highlighted improvements, including severance benefits now payable in instalments before tenure expiration.
On constituency projects, Oborevwori directed local government chairmen to always carry councillors along and ensure that ward-based projects are executed to reflect true representation, even as he urged councils to embrace civility in tax and levy collection by engaging properly trained personnel.
While declaring the symposium open, Governor Oborevwori urged councillors to remain dedicated to their constitutional responsibilities and uphold the dignity of their office, affirming that “councilorship is about service, sacrifice, and accountability. It is the bridge between the government and the people. This symposium must mark a turning point for grassroots governance in Delta State.”
