UDU/Nigeria: The proposed revival of the Delta Steel Company (DSC), Aladja, has emerged as a major plank of Senator Ede Dafinone’s campaign for a second term in the Senate, with the lawmaker promising renewed efforts to restore the industrial facility if returned to the National Assembly in 2027.
Dafinone made the commitment after receiving the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag as the party’s candidate for Delta Central Senatorial District, ahead of the next general elections. He also pledged more equitable distribution of constituency projects across the district’s eight local government areas.
The senator argued that a stronger working relationship among President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and himself would improve Delta Central’s access to federal attention, investment and development opportunities.
He described the revival of DSC Aladja as an economic priority, saying the return of the steel complex to productive operation could create jobs, stimulate industrial activities and strengthen the economic base of Delta State.
The facility, once regarded as a major industrial asset in the state, has remained a subject of concern over its prolonged inactivity. Dafinone’s pledge places its revival among the issues he intends to pursue if given another mandate. However, the practical steps, financing arrangements and timeline for any proposed restoration were not detailed in the statement.
On constituency development, the senator promised that projects and interventions would be distributed fairly among the eight local government areas of Delta Central. He said no community would be deliberately left out of development initiatives and pointed to his record over the past three and a half years as evidence of his commitment to the district.
Dafinone also maintained that another term in the Senate would give the Urhobo nation a stronger voice in national legislative affairs, arguing that the experience and influence of returning lawmakers could help advance the interests of their constituents.
He linked the district’s development prospects to cooperation between the Federal Government and the Oborevwori administration, saying political alignment could make it easier to attract infrastructure projects and other economic opportunities.
On the national economy, the senator expressed support for President Tinubu’s reform programme, describing the policies as necessary measures for repositioning the country towards sustainable growth and increased productivity.
While acknowledging the difficulties associated with the reforms, he argued that improved revenue allocations to state and local governments were beginning to create greater room for public infrastructure and social development programmes.
He maintained that continued implementation of the policies would strengthen productivity, attract investment and expand economic opportunities, although the wider impact of the reforms remains a subject of public debate.
The senator called on voters in Delta Central to support APC candidates across the different levels of government in 2027. He argued that cooperation among the Federal Government, the Delta State Government and elected representatives would improve the district’s ability to secure development interventions.
He also appealed to the Urhobo electorate to participate actively in national politics, saying closer engagement with the governing political structure would provide greater opportunities to influence decisions affecting the ethnic nationality.
Dafinone reaffirmed his commitment to people-oriented representation, promising to place the interests of Delta Central and the Urhobo nation at the centre of his legislative priorities if re-elected.
For constituents, the key test of the campaign pledge will be whether the proposed DSC revival moves beyond political assurances into a clear, measurable plan. The same scrutiny will apply to the promise of equitable constituency projects and the delivery of tangible benefits across the district’s communities.
