Obio/Akpor Local Government Area has successfully hosted the maiden edition of the Obio/Akpor Business and Economic Forum (OBEF) at the prestigious Hotel Presidential, marking a significant step toward economic transformation and investment drive within the council.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, described the forum as a bold and deliberate step toward unlocking the vast economic potential of the area.
According to him, “Today marks a defining moment in the economic history of Obio/Akpor. This forum is not just a gathering, but a movement—a platform where ideas meet opportunities, and where policy aligns with enterprise.
Our administration is committed to creating an enabling environment where businesses can thrive, investments are protected, and innovation is encouraged. We recognize that government alone cannot drive development; it requires the active collaboration of the private sector and academia.
That is why we have embraced the Triple Helix Approach—bringing together government, industry, and academia—to foster innovation, drive knowledge exchange, and ensure sustainable economic growth. Obio/Akpor is open for business, and we are ready to partner with all stakeholders to build a prosperous and inclusive economy.”
The Obio/Akpor Business and Economic Forum (OBEF) is designed as a strategic platform aimed at driving economic growth, stimulating investment opportunities, and promoting public-private partnerships within the local government. Central to the initiative is the adoption of the Triple Helix model, which integrates policy direction, industrial capacity, and academic research to create a dynamic ecosystem for development.
Delivering the keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof. Okechukwu Onuchukwu, emphasized the critical role of stakeholders in shaping the local economy. He noted that sustainable economic development cannot be achieved in isolation, stressing the need for synergy among government institutions, private sector actors, and research bodies.
Prof. Onuchukwu highlighted that academia plays a pivotal role in driving innovation through research and human capital development, while the private sector serves as the engine of growth through investment and job creation. He further stressed that government must provide the right policies, infrastructure, and regulatory framework to enable businesses to flourish.
He called for continuous engagement among stakeholders, noting that local economies thrive when knowledge is translated into practical solutions, investments are encouraged, and policies are responsive to emerging economic realities.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, was honoured with the prestigious award of Best Local Government Chairman in the South-South Region by the South South Media and Entertainment Awards, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to grassroots development. The recognition further reinforced confidence in his administration’s vision for economic transformation and good governance in Obio/Akpor.
Signed:
Goodluck Nsirim
Chief Press Secretary, Obio/Akpor LGA
March 26, 2026
