The Delta State Government is charting a course to usher a wave of opportunities with the ambitious goal of its Special Economic Zone to create jobs for 1000 youths by the dawn of 2024.
The Delta State Special Trade Economic Zone, serving as the nucleus of this groundbreaking initiative, is slated to become a hub of economic activities and innovation following modalities to partner with foreign investors.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Asaba, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Special Economic Zone, Koko and Kwale, Pastor Godwin Samson Akpovie emphasized the commitment to fostering an environment conducive to sustainable growth and development.
According to Akpovie, the initiative aims not only to address unemployment but also to nurture a new generation of skilled professionals ready to contribute to the region’s economic landscape in line with the vision of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
In his words, ‘’Delta is lucky to be the only state with two free trade zones. We are also lucky to be blessed with every natural resource. We are lucky to be the state with the highest volume of natural gas.
‘’Therefore, we have to go out there and attract foreign investors. I am happy to announce that the state is witnessing peace but we must create good jobs for our youths. Our mandate at the Delta Special Economic Zone is to partner with investors with the means to invest in the state.
‘’I am glad to see Alhaji Bello and his team. We have been in talks for some time and finally agreed to go to the site. They came to the site and they were impressed. Between now and February, we will create 1000 jobs for our people and between now and 12 months, there will be massive jobs in several areas; agriculture, manufacturing, and others.
‘’We have listened to them and we have a construction company that is rated 34 globally. We have been able to attract them to Delta and they are coming. They have promised us that they will build train stations and other infrastructures.
“They also assured us that we only need to put some instruments in place such as land. If they are ready to bring their money, Delta has enough land and is safe, and peaceful for investors. I am grateful to the governor for his vision to transform Delta’’ he said.
Earlier, the chairman of the Ag Tech Innovation Labs consortium, Alhaji Shuaibu Bello said that they intend to turn the agro-industrial base of the nation around and process through the Delta State Economic Zone.
‘’We are trying to see how we can arrest the youth unrest. We are stepping forward to train, equip and fund the system for at least 1000 youths by February 2024’’ Alhaji Bello said, adding that there would be visible signs at the economic zones in the next 18 months.
Additionally, the expatriates who spoke at the press conference expressed satisfaction with the posture of the state and commended Governor Oborevwori for his vision to broaden opportunities for the youths through the MORE Agenda.
