Obio-Akpor vows to protect investors
Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has set agenda for economic transformation and growth, promising to protect investors, business owners and entrepreneurs in the council. It defined its economic
Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has set agenda for economic transformation and growth, promising to protect investors, business owners and entrepreneurs in the council.
It defined its economic future during its maiden edition of Obio/Akpor Business and Economic Forum (OBEF).
The Chairman of the local government, Dr. Gift Worlu, described the forum as a bold and deliberate step toward unlocking the vast economic potential of the area.
He said: “Today marks a defining moment in the economic history of Obio/Akpor. This forum is not just a gathering, but also 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. ‘‘
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We recognise that government alone cannot drive development; it requires the collaboration of the private sector and academia.”
Worlu said the council embraced the Triple Helix Approach by 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 stakeholders to build a prosperous and inclusive economy,” he said.
OBEF was designed as a strategic platform to drive economic growth, stimulate investment opportunities and promote public-private partnerships within the local government.
Delivering a keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof. Okechukwu Onuchukwu, emphasised the role of stakeholders in shaping the local economy.
He noted that sustainable economic development would not be achieved in isolation, stressing the need for synergy among government institutions, private sector and research bodies.
Onuchukwu said academia played a pivotal role in driving innovation through research and human capital development.
He said the private sector served as the engine of growth through investment and job creation, adding that government must provide the right policies, infrastructure and regulatory framework to enable businesses flourish.
He called for continuous engagement among stakeholders, noting that local economies thrived when “knowledge is translated into practical solutions, investments are encouraged and policies are responsive to emerging economic realities.’’
Dr. 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.
The honour was said to be in recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to grassroots development, reinforcing confidence in his administration’s vision for economic transformation and good governance.
