On Thursday, August 28, 2025, the Maryam Babangida Leisure Park in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, buzzed with energy and optimism as it hosted the 3rd Edition of the Delta State Social Media Summit. The event, a vibrant convergence of creativity, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation, was themed “Brand Delta, Grow Delta.” It underscored the transformative potential of social media in fostering sustainable development, economic growth, and cultural promotion in Delta State. Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, delivered a compelling address that highlighted the pivotal role of digital platforms in empowering youth, creating jobs, and projecting a positive image of Delta State to the world.
The summit brought together a diverse group of participants, including content creators, entrepreneurs, media practitioners, and policymakers, all united by a shared vision of harnessing the opportunities presented by the digital age. With social media now a cornerstone of modern communication, the event served as a platform to explore how these tools can drive innovation, foster economic diversification, and amplify the state’s cultural heritage and investment potential. This article delves into the key highlights of the summit, the governor’s vision for a digitally empowered Delta, and the broader implications for youth development and economic growth.
Social Media as a Catalyst for Development
Governor Oborevwori’s address set the tone for the summit, emphasizing that social media has evolved far beyond its original purpose of personal networking. He described it as a “powerful engine” for economic growth, political engagement, and cultural promotion. In an era where digital platforms shape global narratives, the governor urged young Deltans to leverage social media to tell the state’s unique story, showcase its investment opportunities, and celebrate its rich cultural heritage.
“The theme of this summit, ‘Brand Delta, Grow Delta,’ is in line with our aspiration to not only tell our unique story but to leverage that narrative to create opportunities and foster prosperity,” Oborevwori said. He highlighted the potential of social media to project Delta State as a hub of innovation and opportunity, positioning it as an attractive destination for investors and tourists alike. By showcasing the state’s human capital, cultural landmarks, and economic potential, digital platforms can serve as a global stage for Delta’s growth.
The governor’s remarks resonated with the audience, particularly the youth, who form the backbone of Delta State’s digital ecosystem. He noted that social media offers unparalleled opportunities for young people to become content creators, entrepreneurs, and influencers. These roles, he argued, are not just avenues for personal success but also critical drivers of job creation and economic diversification. By empowering youth to harness digital tools, the state can reduce unemployment, foster innovation, and build a more inclusive economy.
Government’s Commitment to Digital Empowerment
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for digital innovation. He outlined several key areas where the state government and the Delta State House of Assembly are working to support youth in the digital space. These include policies that promote digital literacy, investments in technological infrastructure, and initiatives to improve access to technology for underserved communities.
“We are committed to ensuring that our youths have the skills, tools, and opportunities to thrive in the digital economy,” he said. “Through strategic partnerships and investments, we aim to make Delta State a leader in digital innovation in Nigeria.”
The governor’s emphasis on digital literacy is particularly significant in a state like Delta, where a large proportion of the population is young and tech-savvy. By equipping young people with the skills to navigate and succeed in the digital world, the government aims to position Delta as a hub for technology-driven entrepreneurship. This aligns with broader national and global trends, where digital platforms are increasingly seen as critical tools for economic development.
Legislative Support for a Digital Delta
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, echoed the governor’s sentiments in a goodwill message delivered by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke. Guwor emphasized the transformative potential of social media in shaping a “digitally sharp, economically vibrant, and socially inclusive Delta State.” He noted that the state legislature is committed to supporting policies that enable young people to thrive in the digital economy.
The speaker highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society in building a robust digital ecosystem. He called for increased investment in digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet and technology hubs, to ensure that Delta’s youth can compete in the global digital economy. Guwor also praised the summit’s organizers for their foresight in creating a platform that empowers young people to harness social media for positive change.
The Vision Behind the Summit
The Delta State Social Media Summit was convened by Ossai Ovie Success, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media. In his welcome address, Success shared his personal journey as a testament to the power of social media. He recounted how his career in government media engagement began through digital platforms, underscoring the opportunities available to young people who embrace the digital space.
“The summit is designed to empower young people with the skills they need to succeed as creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators,” Success said. “We want to inspire the next generation of Deltans to use social media as a tool for growth and development.”
Success also highlighted the state government’s achievements in youth empowerment, noting that over 250,000 young people have benefited from various initiatives under Governor Oborevwori’s administration. He expressed confidence that the summit would further strengthen opportunities for young entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and networks to succeed in the digital economy.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Speakers
The summit featured an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists, including notable personalities from the entertainment, business, and religious sectors. Among them was ace musician Harrysong, whose presence added a touch of star power to the event. Harrysong shared insights on how he has used social media to build his brand and connect with fans, encouraging participants to be intentional about their online presence.
Other speakers included Dr. Charles Apoki, a renowned motivational speaker; Dr. Nkem Imarue of Freshstart Interiors and Designs; Pastor Julius Ekweozor; Teacher Chike; Mr. Emmanuel Osazuwa; and Blessing CEO, a popular relationship coach and content creator. Each speaker brought a unique perspective on the role of social media in their respective fields, offering practical advice on how young people can leverage digital platforms for success.
The lectures covered a range of topics, from content creation and digital marketing to personal branding and entrepreneurship. Participants were particularly inspired by the stories of resilience and innovation shared by the speakers, many of whom started with limited resources but used social media to build successful careers.
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
One of the highlights of the summit was the youth empowerment packages, which included financial support and mentorship opportunities for outstanding young entrepreneurs. These initiatives reflect the state government’s commitment to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among Delta’s youth.
The empowerment packages were met with enthusiasm from participants, who saw them as a tangible demonstration of the government’s investment in their future. By providing financial support and access to mentorship, the state is helping young entrepreneurs overcome some of the barriers they face in starting and scaling their businesses.
The focus on entrepreneurship aligns with the broader theme of the summit, which emphasizes the role of social media in creating economic opportunities. Whether through e-commerce, digital marketing, or content creation, young Deltans are being encouraged to see the digital space as a viable avenue for building sustainable livelihoods.
A Call to Action for Positive Change
The summit concluded with a powerful charge to participants to use social media as a force for positive change. Speakers and organizers emphasized that digital platforms are not just tools for personal gain but also powerful instruments for driving social impact, promoting cultural heritage, and fostering community development.
Participants were urged to align their online activities with the vision of “Brand Delta, Grow Delta.” This includes creating content that showcases the state’s unique identity, promoting local businesses, and engaging in advocacy that advances the interests of Delta State. By doing so, young people can contribute to a more prosperous and inclusive future for the state.
The Broader Implications
The 3rd Edition of the Delta State Social Media Summit represents a significant step forward in the state’s journey toward digital transformation. By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, the event has created a platform for collaboration and innovation, setting the stage for a more connected and prosperous Delta.
For Governor Oborevwori, the summit is part of a broader vision to position Delta State as a leader in Nigeria’s digital economy. By investing in youth empowerment, digital infrastructure, and supportive policies, the state is laying the foundation for sustainable growth and development.
The summit also highlights the growing importance of social media in shaping the future of governance, business, and community engagement. As digital platforms continue to evolve, they offer new opportunities for states like Delta to connect with global audiences, attract investment, and empower their citizens.
Conclusion
The Delta State Social Media Summit 2025 was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the potential of Delta’s youth and the transformative power of social media. Under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the state is taking bold steps to harness digital platforms for economic growth, cultural promotion, and youth empowerment.
By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, the summit has inspired a new generation of Deltans to dream big and seize the opportunities of the digital age. As the state continues to invest in its youth and digital infrastructure, the vision of “Brand Delta, Grow Delta” is becoming a reality, one post, one story, and one entrepreneur at a time.
With its focus on empowerment, collaboration, and positive change, the Delta State Social Media Summit serves as a model for other states in Nigeria and beyond. It is a reminder that in the digital era, the tools for growth and development are at our fingertips—ready to be harnessed for a brighter future.
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