ASABA: Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has commended his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for his commitment to advancing industrialisation in the state, describing him as poised to take Delta to the next level.
Okowa made the remark on Wednesday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kwale Free Trade Zone (KFTZ) in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, a flagship initiative under the Delta Special Economic Zone Project.
The former governor, who chaired the event, praised Oborevwori for sustaining the developmental vision of the previous administration.
Governor Oborevwori has continued where we stopped, and that is how great leaders build lasting progress, Okowa said. People may not fully understand what has been done today, but in five to ten years, this area will be transformed into a vibrant industrial city.
He urged host communities to protect and support the project, noting that the 1,000 hectares of land already acquired might soon require expansion due to anticipated growth.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori described the groundbreaking as the fulfillment of his administration’s promise to diversify Delta’s economy and expand its industrial base.
This is not just another project launch; it is the foundation for generational prosperity. We are building a Delta where innovation, technology, and industry will thrive, he stated.
The governor disclosed that eight companies had already expressed firm interest in operating within the trade zone two of which have secured licenses, while three more are awaiting final regulatory approvals.
He further revealed that the state had invested over ₦3 billion in Delta Wires Industries, the first company to begin operations in the zone, which will produce electrical conductors, cables, and gas cylinders for both LPG and CNG markets.
Full compensation has been paid for the land, and this project belongs to all Deltans. Anyone attempting to encroach on government property will be stopped, Oborevwori warned.
Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, who served as Chief Host, said the project marked an economic rebirth for Ndokwa land.
He noted that one of the companies had pledged to create 10,000 jobs, a development he said would drastically reduce unemployment in the area.
Chairman of the Delta Special Economic Zone Management Company, Brig. Gen. Mike Ndubisi (rtd), described the event as a milestone for Delta’s industrial evolution.
Managing Director, Mr. Godwin Akpovie, announced that over $100 million worth of investments had already been committed to the Kwale and Koko clusters, with ongoing partnerships involving the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to develop an industrial corridor linking Koko Port to Kwale.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and key investors including Xenergri Limited, Eastern Delta Wires Industries Ltd, Africa Gas Access, Chorus Energy, and Masters Chemicals & Fertilizer Company, all pledging to fast-track their operations within the zone.
Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government, Chief Obi Nzete, hailed the initiative as a landmark in Delta’s economic transformation.
