Veteran Development Economist, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru JP Turns 73, Thanks God For Grace Of Life.

Veteran Development Economist, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru JP Turns 73, Thanks God For Grace Of Life

By Magnus Emuji 

Veteran development economist, financial expert, investment consultant and public servant, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru JP, MA, AIB, FCIB, FIMC, celebrated his 73rd birthday, in August 22, 2026 surrounded by his family, friends, and well-wishers.  

In his brief remarks during the event, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru, who is the Chairman of Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA) expressed gratitude to God for the grace of life. He said that the importance of the day was less about age and more about the impact of his contributions to the community and public service, crediting the grace and mercy of God incuding the support system around him for the milestones recorded in his life.

“I’m what I am today because of the grace of Almighty God, the support of my family and because of certain people who chose to walk with me,” he said.

Reflecting on his life, Oghene-Omoru said that he had experienced challenges and progress. He acknowledged personal challenges that tested his resilience and faith in God, as well as achievements made possible through diligence, hard work, perseverance, honesty,  team work and the grace of God.  

According to him, his personal experience in life reinforced the values of patience, service, attitude, commitment to duty, integrity and loyalty to relationships.  

“Every setback taught me something, and every win reminded me about the importance of the people around me,” he added.

 

Olorogun Oghene-Omoru remains one of Delta State’s most respected development economists. Born on August 22, 1953 in Orogun, Ughelli North LGA, he holds traditional titles as Eni of Orogun Kingdom and Odidi of Okpe Kingdom, and serves as a Justice of Peace.

He holds a MA degree in Financial Economics from the University of Wales, UK, 1979, and an Associate of the Institute of Bankers, AIB, from the London Institute of Bankers, 1977, where he recorded the best result in Finance of International Trade. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, UK.

Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru attended numerous training courses in international banking and finance, advanced human resources management, money and capital markets, advanced financial management, mergers, acquisitions and leverage buy-outs as well as computerisation and ICT development. Moreover, he attended courses in trade and investment promotion, budget management, the Nigerian economy and management of National Debt, Due Process, etc in the course of his highly illustrious career which saw him travelling to many institutions in USA, UK, Europe  and Hongkong including attending Seminars and Courses at University of Ibadan, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and the Presidency (Aso Rock). These credentials speak to a career built on continuous learning, professional discipline and a deep understanding of economics, finance and management.

His career spans banking, finance, politics, business and investment promotion. He started at New Nigeria Bank Plc and ICON Ltd Merchant Bankers before being appointed at age 33 as Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism in Bendel State, 1986-1988 and later Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, 1988-1990. He chaired Bendel Economic Development Recovery and Advisory Council (BEDRAC) and led the state Committee on 1.5 percent Fund for the Development of Oil Mineral Producing Areas.

He contested the Delta governorship election in 2003 as the ANPP Candidate and served as Special Adviser to Governor James Ibori on Budget Matters from 2005 to 2007.  In 2016, CIBN gave him licence to practice as Financial Administrator, Receiver Manager, Debt Consultant and Arbitrator. Later in 2017, he was appointed the pioneer Director General of the Delta State Investment Development Agency, (DIDA) and subsequently the Chairman of DIDA in  2024 till date. 

Beyond government, Oghene-Omoru has used his professional expertise to champion industrialization and the blue economy. At Ekpobaro 2021, he spoke on “Industrialization as the Path to Urhobo Prosperity.”

In Orogun, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru is credited with facilitating  the construction of the first tarred roads, concrete bridges, Postal Agency and the Orogun hospital project. He also facilitated the recruitment of many  able bodied young men into the Police Force and the Nigerian Army. Community leaders say his interventions laid the foundation for modern infrastructure in Orogun Clan.

With more than three decades in public service, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru is regarded as an institutional memory in respect of economic policy, growth and development  matters in Delta State.