Delta Special Economic Zone to boost industrial growth – Bureau Chief Oghenesivbe
…Says Gov Oborevwori addresses youth unemployment with entrepreneurship support
The Delta State government, under the Delta Special Economic Zone initiative, has launched several industrial projects aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating over 280,000 jobs.
Director General of Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, disclosed on Wednesday revealed that the Key projects include the Kwale Industrial Park, KoKo Free Trade Zone, Warri Industrial Business Park, ICT Park in Asaba, Fertilizer Blending Plant in Ika North East, Delta Green Agro-Allied Industrial Zone at Osubi, and the Delta Animal Fodder Farm and Tomato Processing Facility at Ute-Ogbeje.
He said the flagship project, the Kwale Free Trade Zone, is positioned to unlock significant economic growth by attracting global and local investors and creating thousands of jobs across sectors such as energy, petrochemicals, agro-processing, logistics, and manufacturing.
Oghenesivbe noted that Over $100 million in investments have been committed to the Kwale and KoKo clusters, with companies like Delta Wires Industries commencing production of conductors, cables, and gas cylinders.
The state government is investing in infrastructure and fostering public-private partnerships to expand these industrial parks, stimulate innovation, and diversify the economy.Additionally, the Delta Special Agricultural Economic Zones aim to enhance food security, agro-processing, employment, export earnings, and infrastructural development, with the government collaborating with international partners like the African Development Bank for support.
According to him, the Kwale Industrial Park, a flagship project of the Delta State government, is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, attract investments in various industries, and boost economic growth and development in the state.
Dr Oghenesivbe who spoke at the “Orientation Panorama Platform” a weekly public affairs interactive live program on Voice of Delta Radio in Asaba, said the 1,000-hectare Kwale park, located along the Ughelli-Asaba expressway, is expected to improve infrastructure and power supply in the area.
He noted that Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has demonstrated a strong commitment to the development of the state, and it’s likely that the vision and commitment to the Delta Special Economic Zone Projects will be sustained beyond the current administration.
The State Bureau for Orientation and Communications Director General, assured that the state government has put in place structures to ensure project and economic growth sustainability with focus on creating more jobs, and stimulating economic growth across the three senatorial districts in the state.
On youth development through job creation and vocational training, Dr Oghenesivbe said the State government is leveraging on various socioeconomic remodelling initiatives to address youth unemployment, including skills acquisition programs, entrepreneurship support, and job creation through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Girl Child Development, Ministry of Women Affairs, State Bureau for Job and Wealth Creation, D-CARES programme and several others.
“The government under the leadership of governor Oborevwori will continue to empower our youths through various skills acquisition programmes, providing grants and mentorship to young entrepreneurs, creating jobs in various sectors, and providing opportunities for youth to engage in productive activities,” he said.
On criminality and crime prevention, Dr Oghenesivbe assured that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is taking appropriate and strategic steps to tackle criminality, raising funds through the State Security Trust Fund to strengthen operations of security agencies, while also encouraging community participation in crime prevention and reporting.
