Delta State just wrapped another economy summit, and the pictures were perfect. Colorful dancers, branded buses, dignitaries in agbada, and concerts that trended for 48 hours. The pageantry was world-class. The question is: what lessons will outlast the music?
The theme promised “diversification, investment, and youth empowerment.” Yet for many Deltans battling inflation, bad roads, and unemployment, the summit looked like another expensive talk shop. Billions are announced, MOUs are signed, but 6 months later we are back to potholes, unpaid contractors, and youths hawking CVs.
Pageantry is not the problem. Every state needs to market itself. The problem is when fun replaces follow-through. If we are serious, lessons are clear:
First, tie every summit pledge to a public dashboard with timelines, budgets, and who is responsible. No more vague communiques.
Second, prioritize productive sectors over optics: agriculture value chains, SME credit, and fixing power in Asaba, Warri, and Sapele industrial clusters.
Third, stop treating public funds like “next-of-kin” property. Youth empowerment means jobs and capital, not just branded buses for leaders.
Summits should not be carnivals that end in press releases. Deltans don’t need more pageantry. They need jobs, light, and roads.
Until the fun comes with receipts, the next summit will just be another party we paid for.
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bcradle@ymail.com
