As part of efforts to improve the economy of Delta State in the face of dwindling oil revenue, the Delta Economic Summit Group (DESG) has called for improved collaboration between the state government and the private sector.

To this end, the group, which has the Executive Director of The Guardian, Toke Ibru, on its board, will host an economic discourse with theme “Bridging the Investment Gap In Delta State” on Thursday, June 30, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos at 11a.m.

Addressing a press conference to announce the event, yesterday, the Director General of DESG, Chukwuma Monye, stated that creating opportunities for everyone to interact is critical for bridging the investment gap in the state.

He noted that “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 stressed that the economic discourse is aimed at promoting improved collaboration between the state government and the private sector.

According to him, the state government would make a presentation about their achievements and programmes for supporting private investors at the event, while other speakers would share their sector specific experiences and how private sector investment can be increased in Delta State.

Monye listed those expected at the event to include Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; Chairman, Diamond Bank Plc, Dr Chris Ogbechie; Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Financial Derivatives, Bismark Rewane; CEO, Seplat, Austin Avuru and Founder, Centre for Values in Leadership, Prof. Pat Utomi, among others.