Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has underscored the importance of social media as a tool for sustainable development, job creation, and branding of the state.
The governor spoke at the 3rd edition of the Delta State Social Media Summit held yesterday at the Maryam Babangida Leisure Park, Asaba.
Oborevwori, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, commended the organisers for their commitment to using social media as a driver of innovation and economic growth.
Themed, ‘Brand Delta, Grow Delta’, the summit brought together creators, entrepreneurs, and media practitioners to explore the opportunities presented by the digital space.
Oborevwori noted that social media had moved beyond being a tool for personal connection to becoming a powerful engine for economic growth, political engagement, and cultural promotion.
He said: ‘The theme of this summit is in line with our aspiration to not only tell our unique story but to leverage that narrative to create opportunities and foster prosperity.
‘Social media offers us a platform to project the positive image of Delta, showcasing our investment opportunities, cultural heritage, and human capital to a global audience’.
He stressed that beyond branding, digital platforms could empower youths to become content creators, entrepreneurs, and influencers, thereby contributing to job creation and economic diversification.
He promised that the state government and the House of Assembly would continue to create an enabling environment through policies that promote digital literacy, infrastructure, and access to technology.
In his goodwill message, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, also highlighted the role of social media in shaping a digitally sharp, economically vibrant, and socially inclusive Delta State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the convener of the summit and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Ossai Ovie Success, said the initiative was designed to empower young people with skills for creativity, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.
He shared his personal story as a beneficiary of social media, noting that his career in government media engagements began through the digital space.
He added that the state government had already empowered over 250,000 youths and assured that the summit would further strengthen opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
In another development, Governor Oborevwori on Friday inaugurated an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre at Onicha-Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area, describing it as a milestone in bridging the digital divide and preparing youths for opportunities in the 21st century.
Oborevwori, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, commended the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for constructing the facility as part of its corporate social responsibility.
He noted that the state government, through the Ministry of Science and Technology, had equipped the centre with modern ICT tools, furniture, and accessories to make it a fully functional hub for digital learning.
He stated: ‘Today’s event is remarkable, as it brings a modern communication and learning hub right to the heart of our community. With the establishment of this ICT and CBT centre in Onicha-Olona, our young people no longer need to look far for such facilities.
‘More than just infrastructure, this state-of-the-art centre represents a bold step in our commitment to bridge the digital divide, empower our people, and prepare Deltans with the skills and opportunities to excel in the 21st century’.
He expressed gratitude to Mrs Diana Okonta, former NDIC Board Member, for her strong advocacy in ensuring the project’s take-off, and acknowledged former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for approving the first phase of the project.
Oborevwori assured that under his administration’s MORE Agenda, Delta youths would continue to have access to platforms that promote digital literacy, job creation, and self-reliance.
He encouraged the people of Onicha-Olona and the wider Delta community to take full advantage of the opportunities the centre provides.
In his remarks, Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, described the centre as a gateway to effective education, innovation, and economic growth for Onicha-Olona and Delta State at large. He commended the state government for the completion of the project.
