…Advocates healthy rivalry among states
…Says comparative advantage holds key to prosperity
By Babajide Komolafe, Economy Editor & Egufe Yafugborhi, Ochuko Akuopha
ASABA—Vice President Kashim Shettima, Monday, urged local and foreign investors to take advantage of Delta State’s enormous economic potential, declaring that healthy competition among states, driven by their comparative advantages, remains the surest path to sustainable prosperity and national development.
Speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, Shettima said every state in the federation has a unique investment proposition shaped by its history, geography, people and natural endowments.
According to him, “Every state in the Federation is defined by the quality and ambition of the investment promise it offers. While each state pursues prosperity, every one does so uniquely, shaped by its history, geography, people and comparative advantage.”
He stressed that competition among states should no longer be about politics but about attracting investments, creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities.
“This is the race we must welcome—a race that proclaims growth over conflict; a race in which the prize is employment, prosperity and human dignity; a race for the future,” he said.
The Vice President noted that the Tinubu administration has created a stronger foundation for states to pursue development through its economic reforms.
He said: “We promised to place Nigeria on the path of growth, and each gathering offers another platform for turning that promise into enterprise. Every host state contributes to the Federation’s commercial ambition. One highlights agriculture, another minerals, technology, ports, energy or tourism.
In that healthy rivalry, Nigeria discovers the full meaning of her wealth.”
Highlighting Delta’s strengths, Shettima said the state possesses far more than oil resources.
“Delta State enters this moment with an advantage. That advantage is larger than its oil wealth. The future of a people cannot be dependent on a single commodity. Diversification is not merely an economic strategy; it is an instinct for economic preservation and a measure of the quality of leadership.”
He added: “The state has one of the longest coastlines in the Federation, abundant natural gas, ports, power assets, rich agricultural resources and an educated, enterprising population. A state so endowed already qualifies as a first-order investment destination. What remains is for the world to be told.”
Shettima described the summit as a platform to translate opportunities into tangible investments.
“Potential has no economic value unless it is organised, financed and put to work. Natural wealth buried beneath the ground cannot employ a young person. Talent without opportunity becomes frustration. The task before us is to transform what Delta possesses into prosperity that its people can feel in their homes, communities and workplaces,” he said.
He assured investors that the Federal Government would continue to support credible investments, strengthen enabling institutions and remove obstacles to enterprise in partnership with the Delta State Government.
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