EFFURUN/Nigeria: Government officials, oil and gas industry leaders, policymakers, investors, academics and other stakeholders are expected to gather at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Effurun, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, for the 2026 Niger Delta Sustainable Development Summit and Award.
The one-day event, organised by Vijon International Media Ltd in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Oil & Gas, is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
The summit, themed “Repositioning Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Industry for Energy Security, Local Content Growth and Sustainable Development,” will examine issues affecting the future of Nigeria’s energy sector and development across the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the programme will provide an avenue for stakeholders to deliberate on energy security, local content development, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, employment, investment and economic diversification.
The summit is expected to be chaired by Engr. Prof. Christopher Ogwugwuam Ezeagwu, Dean, Faculty of Computing, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is listed as Chief Guest of Honour, while the Commissioner for Oil & Gas, Hon. (Chief) Peter O. Uviejitobor, is expected as Guest of Honour.
The event will also feature the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr. Emmanuel E. Sidesso-ABE I, JP, OON, as Royal Father of the Day. Chief Bernard Ighosotu Edéwor is billed as Father of the Day, alongside the Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Anthony O. Ofoni (JP).
Professor Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, FCAI, MNIP, MNGRP, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
Other speakers listed for the programme include Engr. Dr. Samuel E. Onoji, Principal/Chief Executive of PTI, and Chief Samuel Jimoh Eshenake, PhD, JP, Uvueworo of Ohorho and Secretary of the Uvvie Traditional Council.
The discussions are expected to address ways of strengthening domestic energy capacity, increasing Nigerian participation in the oil and gas value chain, improving energy infrastructure and creating sustainable economic opportunities for young people and host communities.
The organisers said the summit would also consider the implications of the global energy transition for Nigeria and the Niger Delta, including the need to balance energy production with environmental protection, technological innovation, human-capital development and responsible resource management.
A key feature of the programme will be the 2026 Niger Delta Sustainable Development Summit Leadership & Innovation Awards, which will recognise individuals and institutions for contributions to leadership, governance, economic development, security, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment and community development.
Vijon International Media Ltd is also expected to unveil special editions of Vijon International Magazine profiling prominent Deltans and other notable personalities, including Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Solomon Arenyeka, Hon. Peter Okagbare Uviejitobor and High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP), among others.
The organisers said the summit was conceived to promote practical engagement, strategic partnerships and solutions to development challenges in the Niger Delta, rather than limiting discussions to conventional conference proceedings.
They called on government institutions, businesses, development partners, professional bodies, traditional institutions and community leaders to participate in the event, stressing the importance of collaboration in advancing peace, security and sustainable development in the region.
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