The Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, widely regarded as the economic heartbeat of Rivers State, has formally launched a strategic roadmap to transform the council into a premier destination for private capital. At the maiden edition of the Obio/Akpor Business and Economic Forum (OBEF) held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Council Chairman, Dr. Gift Worlu, issued a staunch guarantee to protect investors, entrepreneurs, and business owners operating within the jurisdiction.
Addressing a diverse gathering of industry titans, policy makers, and scholars, Dr. Worlu described the forum as a “deliberate movement” to align government policy with private enterprise. Central to this new agenda is the adoption of the Triple Helix Approach, a development model that creates a functional synergy between the government, the private sector, and academia. “Our administration is committed to creating an enabling environment where businesses can thrive, and innovation is encouraged,” Worlu stated. He emphasized that the council is “open for business,” signaling a departure from traditional bureaucratic bottlenecks toward a more inclusive, partnership-driven governance style.
Also Read: http://Rumuokoro Police DPO Leads Cleanup At Busy Flyover Hub
The forum featured a keynote address by the Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof. Okechukwu Onuchukwu, who argued that sustainable growth in the Niger Delta cannot be achieved in isolation. He challenged the council to translate academic research into practical business solutions, noting that while the private sector serves as the “engine of growth,” the local government must provide the “regulatory fuel” through responsive policies and infrastructure. The call for synergy resonated with the business community, many of whom have cited security and infrastructure as primary concerns for scaling operations in the Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt axis.
The event also served as a victory lap for the administration, as Dr. Worlu was honored with the award for Best Local Government Chairman in the South-South Region by the South-South Media and Entertainment Awards. The accolade, cited as a testament to his commitment to grassroots transformation, has bolstered confidence among local stakeholders that the council’s economic promises are backed by a track record of performance. For many in attendance, the award validates the chairman’s vision of moving Obio/Akpor beyond being just a residential hub into a self-sustaining economic powerhouse.
