Delta will only partner with genuine investors, says Oborevwori

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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, stated on Thursday that his administration will not collaborate with investors who are solely interested in exploiting the state government.

Oborevwori made this remark during a meeting with the Chairman of Metwest Steel Limited, Mr Arun Goswami, and the Managing Director of the company, Mr Osaro Adusomnwan, at the Government House in Asaba.

He noted that there are many individuals who want to invest merely to see what they can gain from the state government without contributing back to the state. The governor stressed that his administration would not partner with such investors.

He said, “Last month, I went to inspect your factory and also visited the Delta Free Trade Zone in Kwale; it was an assessment visit to ensure we understand what is on the ground.”

“There are so many people who want to come and invest just to see what they can get from the government; they are not giving back, and we are not ready to partner with such investors who only want to take from the government. It has to be a private-sector partnership, where both the government and the private sector assess what they are bringing to the table. That is why I said we should meet.”

“We will review what is on the ground and decide if the state government is ready to proceed. However, I want to assure you that we are prepared to continue.”

Regarding the company’s requests concerning the Free Trade Zone, he assured them that his administration would consider them.

“If we release our equity, we need to know the exact schedule for the successful take-off of the factory at the Kwale Industrial Park. Some investors will provide a time frame but fail to adhere to it. So, we need you to submit a time frame promptly, as we are ready to release our equity,” he said, adding that all other issues would be reviewed.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to partnering only with investors who have the state’s overall interest at heart, highlighting the need for such investments to create jobs and remove unemployed individuals from the streets.

Earlier, the Chairman of Metwest Steel Limited, Goswami, stated that the project would be located in Kwale within the Delta State Free Trade Zone. He pointed out that the company was making a substantial investment in the project.

He assured the governor that, with the necessary support, the plant would be operational within eight months and would generate 500 direct jobs in the first phase. Over six years, the project is expected to create 7,000 direct jobs, in addition to numerous indirect job opportunities.

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