By Nkiruka Nnorom

The need to bridge the yarning investment gap and re-direct Delta State’s economy to private sector driven will form the main thrust of the maiden Delta State Economic Summit scheduled to hold in Lagos State on June 30.

The event, with the theme”Bridging the Investment Gap in Delta State, will provide an avenue for private sector operators and the government to rub minds on possible ways to improve the ease of doing business in the state.

Addressing a press conference ahead of the summit, Mr. Chukwuka Monye, Director General, Delta State Economic Summit Group, DESG said the private sector think-tank and advocacy group  hosting the event, said huge opportunities abound in the state for investment  hitherto unrecognised due to limited awareness and hostile business environment prevalent in the region.

He stated that  besides oil, the state was blessed with numerous other untapped resources and huge human capital, which could be leveraged to drive investment in the state.

While saying that the incumbent governor, Ifeanyi Okowa,  had shown enough willingness to promote investment in the state through legislation, Monye noted that the event would create opportunity for the government to make presentations about their achievements so far and programmes for supporting private sector investors.

“In line with the group’s vision to become the principal private sector think-tank and advocacy group in economic development, DESG aims to promote improved collaboration between the state government and the private sector through this event.

“Unless this interaction begins, people will not be aware of the opportunities and resources available in the state,” he said.

“creating opportunities for everyone to interact is critical for bridging the investment gap in the state. Based on our relations so far with the state government, it is clear that a lot of work has been done by the government, although there is not a lot of awareness within the private sector,” he added.