The Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Wednesday held its Economic & Investment Summit at J Signature Hotel, Port Harcourt, with the central theme, “OBALGA A.R.I.S.E: Building a Sustainable Economy for Obio/Akpor Local Government Area,” brought together investors, development experts, traditional rulers and industry leaders to chart a new economic direction for the LGA.Declaring the summit open, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, delivered an impassioned address, emphasizing that the summit marked a decisive point in the economic transformation of the LGA. He described the initiative as a personal commitment toward building a prosperous future for the next generation.
“This is not just another summit. This moment is personal for me,” he said. “Today is the day we stop talking about what Obio/Akpor could be and start building the future our children deserve. We are the heartbeat of Rivers State. We wake up early, we hustle hard, we trade, we build, we serve. Our markets never sleep, and our streets are full of dreams. More middle-class families are rising here than almost anywhere else in the South-South. But I won’t lie to you—we can do much better.”
He expressed dissatisfaction with the long-standing notion that visiting the local government office was an unpleasant experience. He assured residents that bold reforms were underway to change that perception permanently. He announced that levies and permits would soon be processed digitally, with applications trackable in real time. He said workers were being retrained to offer improved public service founded on transparency, speed, and respect.
Speaking on regulatory reforms, he said the administration was eliminating outdated procedures that hindered productivity. He stressed that ease of doing business must become the new identity of Obio/Akpor, making it possible for business owners, investors, traders, and artisans to engage government processes without bottlenecks or unofficial charges.
On infrastructure, the Chairman lamented the state of certain roads and assured residents that the council, working with the State Government, was undertaking serious rehabilitation projects with full drainage systems. He announced plans to improve street lighting, expand internet connectivity across all wards, rehabilitate schools, upgrade health centres, modernise markets, and strengthen public utilities.
On security and peace, Dr. Gift Worlu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safety, stating that he could not sleep well if the people did not sleep well. He highlighted ongoing collaborations with the police, DSS, Civil Defence, local vigilante groups, and community leaders. He disclosed that surveillance cameras were being installed and that job creation and empowerment remained key strategies for preventing crime.
On economic sustainability, he noted that Obio/Akpor must move beyond over-dependence on federal allocations. He announced the commencement of new vocational and technical training programmes in ICT, fashion, catering, phone repairs, plumbing, tiling, and more. These, he said, were designed to place money directly in the hands of young people.
He further stated that a dedicated fund was being established to support serious small businesses with soft loans. He extended an open invitation to banks, developers, technology companies, and diaspora investors to collaborate with the council in housing development, solar energy projects, agro-processing, technological innovation and various sectors.
The Chairman formally unveiled his OBALGA A.R.I.S.E Blueprint, explaining that it was structured as a four-dimensional governance framework covering actions, responsible parties, deliverables, expected outcomes, and long-term impact. He told the audience that the blueprint would serve as a social contract between the council and the people.
“As your Chairman, and with the powers vested in me by you and other enabling authorities, I unveil this agenda to the glory of God and the sustained peace, progress, happiness, and prosperity of our people,” he said. He reaffirmed that residents must be active participants in shaping the future they desire, insisting that no community advances without collective responsibility.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Economic & Investment Summit, Prof. O.V.C. Okene, described the gathering as a pivotal moment in the pursuit of sustainable economic growth. He stated that the summit was conceived to explore innovative development strategies, strengthen partnerships, and unlock the vast economic potential of the LGA.
He announced several initiatives introduced during the summit, including the launch of the Obio/Akpor Digital Revenue Platform and the official website of the council. He also highlighted the unveiling of the OBALGA A.R.I.S.E Program, the presentation of new empowerment and skill acquisition schemes for the youth, and the introduction of the proposed Mega Parks Project, which aims to transform Obio/Akpor into a major commercial hub within the Port Harcourt metropolis. Prof. Okene also confirmed the establishment of the Obio/Akpor Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (OBACCIMA) to promote trade and investment.
Delivering a goodwill message, Chief O.C.J. Okocha, SAN, commended the Chairman for the visionary initiative. He remarked that summits of this nature play a crucial role in drawing attention to institutions that need investment, such as local government areas with vast economic potential. He said Obio/Akpor, being one of the richest LGAs in Nigeria and host to numerous oil companies and service firms, must leverage its strategic advantage to attract more investors.
He cautioned against practices that discourage businesses, urging residents to support the government’s efforts and ensure an investor-friendly environment. He expressed hope that the outcomes of the summit would accelerate Obio/Akpor’s path toward greater prosperity.
Traditional rulers, real estate professionals, United Nations representatives, and other dignitaries also delivered goodwill messages, promising to collaborate with the council to achieve sustainable development.
In his keynote address, Mr. Igo Weli, General Manager of Relations and Sustainable Development at Renaissance Africa Energy Company, urged Obio/Akpor to position itself to compete with major Nigerian cities like Lagos and Abuja. He highlighted the LGA’s strengths, including its strategic location within the Port Harcourt metropolis, but noted challenges such as over-dependence on federal allocations, weak internally generated revenue, and the need for fiscal reforms.
He emphasized the importance of the Helix development approach and encouraged increased investment in agriculture, infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and business-friendly policies.
A robust panel session followed, featuring Prof. Grace Ogonda Akolokwu, Dr. Chris Biriowu, Dr. Ory Martins A., ESV. Chief Emma Okas Wike, and Ekemini Joseph. They discussed real estate development, digitalisation of revenue systems, women’s rights, technology growth, human capital development, and answered wide-ranging questions from participants.
The summit ended with renewed optimism as stakeholders pledged to partner with the council to build a modern, prosperous, and sustainable Obio/Akpor in line with the A.R.I.S.E vision.
Signed:
Goodluck Nsirim
Chief Press Secretary, Obio/Akpor LGA
December 3, 2025
