BY RITA OYIBOKA
The Udu Kingdom in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State is hosting a high-level economic summit aimed at repositioning the area as a viable hub for industrial growth, investment, and sustainable development.
The two-day event, holding tomorrow, April 22nd and Thursday, 23rd, 2026, at Wetland Hotel, Udu, is expected to draw top government officials, industry experts, and key stakeholders, with Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, billed as Special Guest of Honour.
Organised under the leadership of the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, HRM Engr Michael Orugbo and hosted by the Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, the summit is themed “Unlocking Udu Economic Potentials: Opportunities and Challenges.”
On Day One, proceedings will focus on redefining the economy of steel through leveraging the vast untapped and tapped resources of the Delta Steel Company Limited, with emphasis on the imperative of its resuscitation.
The session will be delivered by Engr Anthony Madagua.
Also on the first day, experts will examine the prospects of unbundling Udu’s oil and gas wealth to light up and modernise the area, positioning it as an oil and gas hub and an investor destination of first choice for the establishment of oil and gas companies.
This session will be handled by Engr Alex Neyin and Engr Ogbarode Ogbon.
Tourism development will also feature prominently, with a presentation on Udu as a tourist destination and the need for the resuscitation of the Oleri Resort by Dr. Samuel Uwhejevwe-Tagbolo.
Day Two will shift focus to maritime transport and the blue economy, highlighting Udu’s strategic location, with Chief Gowin Notoma leading discussions.
Further sessions will address transportation as a key driver of economic development, particularly the role of rail and road infrastructure, to be presented by Raphael Orugbo.
Agriculture and livestock farming potentials in Udu will be explored by Dr Dave Mevayukuku and Reuben Ishaka, while security will be examined as the sine qua non for sustainable economic development, with Roy Odibo and Shone Tega leading the discourse.
Organisers of the summit have called on all sons and daughters of Udu Kingdom, both at home and in the diaspora, to attend and actively participate in shaping the economic future of the kingdom.
