TThe Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Dr. Gift Worlu says the Obio/Akpor Business and Economic Forum (OBEF) is a veritable platform for coverging critical stakeholders to discuss governance and economic prosperity at the grassroots.
Dr Worlu said this position on Friday, June 19, 2026 during the 2nd Quarterly Meeting of the OBEF in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Forum, which was hosted by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited (RAEC), served as a strategic platform for intellectual engagement, policy dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders drawn from the public and private sectors.
The Obio/Akpor LGA chief executive expressed profound appreciation to Renaissance for hosting the event, commending participants for their commitment towards the development of the LGA.
He emphasized that democracy should not be viewed merely as the conduct of elections, but as a continuous process of engagement, dialogue and collective responsibility towards solving societal challenges.
He further explained that the vision behind establishing the Quarterly Economic Forum is to create an avenue where policy makers and stakeholders can interact and collectively contribute ideas that will shape governance and economic prosperity in the area.
“What we are trying to achieve here is to bring together policymakers, policy implementers, theorists, students, politicians, bankers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and development partners in one room to begin strategic conversations that can produce ideas capable of transforming our society and strengthening local governance.”
“For me, this is what democracy is; when people can come together like this, identify challenges, identify opportunities, develop frameworks, develop consensus and be able to address the problems, and take advantage of the opportunities on a constant basis,” he stated.
Dr. Worlu assured participants of his administration’s commitment to sustaining the Quarterly Economic Forum as part of a broader strategy to deepen participatory governance and ensure continuous engagement with stakeholders in the development process.
In his remarks,Vice President, Relations and Sustainable Development of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Igo Weli averted that strategic partnerships between the Obio/Akpor Business and Economic Forum (OBEF) and Obio/Akpor Local Government would engender economic growth in the area.
He urged OBEF to support the policies of the Obio/Akpor Local Government in reshaping the economic narrative of the LGA.
Earlier in his address, Chairman of OBEF Organising Committee, Dr. Herbert Okachukwu, said the meeting was an important milestone in the collective efforts towards building stronger partnership between government, industries, commerce and communities.
Dr. Herbert stressed that the vision of OBEF was to create a structure where businesses, investors and critical stakeholders can engage constructively for the economic advancement of the LGA.
“The establishment of OBEF was borne out of the recognition that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved by the government alone.”
“It requires collaboration, mutual understanding, strategic partnerships and continuous engagement within the economic ecosystem.”
He eulogized the Chairman of the LGA, Dr. Worlu for his determination to institutionalise the Forum as a sustainable economic body that will endure beyond different administrations.
“For government, it serves as a valuable channel for understanding the needs of the business community and developing policies to support growth.”
“For communities, it promises increased investments, job creation and improved livelihood, and for individuals, a platform for grievance resolutions, mutual benefits and undiluted communication.”
A major highlight of the Forum was the Panel Discussion wherein experts and professionals from diverse sectors engaged participants on critical economic issues affecting local governance, business growth, youth empowerment, investment opportunities, entrepreneurship development and sustainable economic planning.
During the Session, panelists shared valuable insights on how local governments can create enabling environments for investment, improve internally generated revenue, support small businesses and develop policies that directly impact the welfare of residents.
The event also featured an Interactive Session where participants had the opportunity to engage directly with panelists and resource persons.
Participants raised important questions bordering on economic sustainability, employment creation, public-private partnerships, youth inclusion in governance, community development and strategies for long-term economic growth within Obio/Akpor LGA.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with participants commending the leadership of Dr. Gift Worlu for introducing a forward-thinking initiative that prioritizes dialogue, innovation and inclusive development.
In attendance at the meeting were key stakeholders from various sectors to deliberate on economic development, policy formulation, and sustainable strategies aimed at advancing growth within the local government area.