ASABA/Nigeria: Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, has called for a stronger development strategy that would translate Delta State’s natural resources, public revenue and human capital into improved living conditions for its citizens.
Ochei, who is the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Delta North Senatorial District in the 2027 election, made the call in a message commemorating the 35th anniversary of Delta State, urging the state to use the milestone to assess its development progress and determine priorities for the years ahead. His candidacy for Delta North has been confirmed by the NDC following the party’s approval of a waiver for him to contest the seat.
He said the anniversary should provide an opportunity for Deltans to look beyond the celebrations and examine whether the state’s considerable resources are producing sufficient benefits for the wider population.
According to the former Speaker, Delta has recorded progress since its creation in 1991, but its resource base and human capacity provide scope for significantly greater economic and social development.
He said the next phase should place greater emphasis on converting available resources into measurable outcomes for residents rather than judging development primarily by the volume of government spending or the number of projects announced.
Ochei identified strong institutions, quality education, employment opportunities, functional infrastructure and sustainable economic activity as areas that should receive greater attention in the state’s development planning.
He said young people should be given the opportunities and skills required to participate meaningfully in the economy, while communities should have access to infrastructure capable of supporting businesses and improving livelihoods.
The former Speaker also advocated an economic environment that rewards productivity and enterprise, saying greater emphasis should be placed on helping citizens become economically productive rather than making them dependent on political patronage.
He argued that the effectiveness of governance should ultimately be assessed by its impact on ordinary people.
Ochei said a development model centred on opportunity and self-reliance would help create a broader base for economic growth and reduce dependence on government intervention.
He also urged greater attention to Delta North, saying the region’s development would form an important component of the state’s overall economic progress.
The NDC candidate congratulated Deltans in the state and in the diaspora on the 35th anniversary and expressed optimism that the state could achieve more in the years ahead if its resources were matched with effective institutions and purposeful governance.
He called for a renewed development vision capable of creating wider opportunities for citizens and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are more broadly shared.
Ochei’s message comes as Delta State marks 35 years since its creation on August 27, 1991, alongside other states created during the same exercise.
