CEO Wellmann Group, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, Proposes a 7-point Agenda to Bridge Devt Gap in Delta

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wellmann Group of Companies, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has proposed a seven-point agenda and practical framework for bridging the development gap in Delta state, saying that Delta is well positioned with its coastline, rivers, and inland waterways to become the marine logistics hub of West Africa.

He made the recommendation while delivering a keynote address at the 61st Annual General Meeting/Luncheon/Award Night of the Warri Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (WACCIMA) with the theme “Public and Private Sector as Catalyst for Social-economic Development: Bridging the Gap in Delta State” held over the weekend.

Deacon Iyovwaye, who was represented by Mr. Henry Scott-Orovwuje, said that Delta is blessed beyond measure in many facets of the state economy, including oil, gas, deep waterways, fertile land, human creativity, maritime advantage, and a vibrant youth population.

He noted that despite the high economic potential, the state is still confronted with huge infrastructural deficits in industrial diversification, in youth engagement, in policy alignment, and in the synergy between public institutions and private-sector capability.

The Wellmann Group boss said meaningful progress only occurred when public institutions laid the foundation and private enterprises provided the engine.

He cited global examples such as Singapore, the UAE and Norway, where development was made possible because government policies aligned with private-sector competence.

“To appreciate the future, we must understand where we stand today. Infrastructure remains the bedrock of economic acceleration. roads, power, ports, jetties, industrial zones, and digital connectivity—these are not luxuries; they are necessities.”

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Iyovwaye added that the private sector in Delta State had already demonstrated capability, referencing the successful relocation of a 3,800-ton offshore platform by indigenous experts.

He said such accomplishments proved that the state could execute world-class projects when supported by enabling public policies.

He identified agriculture as a major area for growth, saying Delta State had the potential to become Southern Nigeria’s agro-processing hub.

According to him, the government must provide land, rural access roads and incentives, while investors must focus on mechanisation, processing and export chains.

“Delta state can become a food and agro-processing center of Southern Nigeria. But this requires coordinated action; government must provide land banks, rural access roads, tax incentives, and security for farmlands; the private sector must invest in mechanization, processing plants, storage systems, and export value chains.

On the blue economy, Iyovwaye said Delta State’s waterways placed it in a strong position to become the marine logistics centre of West Africa.

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He said the region could support shipyards, fisheries estates, oil-servicing hubs and maritime academies.

Iyovwaye further stressed the importance of preparing youths for a technology-driven future, calling for investments in artificial intelligence, robotics, fintech and smart logistics.

He added that both the government and the private sector must work together to create digital jobs and innovation clusters.

While commending WACCIMA for consistently bridging the gap between government and private enterprise, he said that the event was a vital platform for rethinking the state’s economic direction.

“WACCIMA has a major role to play as an economic intelligence platform, he said, adding, You represent the voice of the structured private enterprise. You are the bridge between policymakers and investors”, he added.

Oyovwaye recently wrote a book, “The Hidden Treasures in the Niger Delta,” where he examined not only the enormous natural endowment of the Niger Delta region but also the structural obstacles, the leadership gaps, the institutional weaknesses, and the missed opportunities that have slowed the state’s economic advancement.

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In the book, he argued that the Niger Delta—and by extension Delta State—possesses every strategic resource needed to be a global economic zone, maintaining that what is required is structured collaboration and allowing the government to create the enabling environment while private investors transform those opportunities into sustainable industries.”

Unveiling the seven-point proposal, Oyovwaye urged the state government to create a Delta Public-Private Development Charter, a Delta Investment and Industrialization Council, the Warri-Effurun Twin-City Economic Zone as well as operationalization of modular refineries and petrochemical hubs.

He also recommends the development of agro-industrial corridors across the senatorial districts, reviving and modernizing technical and vocational education, and establishment of an Annual Delta Economic Dialogue.