ASABA/Nigeria: As Delta State marks 35 years of existence, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has identified peace, political stability and human capital development as some of the state’s most important achievements since its creation in 1991.
Guwor stated this in an anniversary message made available to journalists by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, as the state prepares to mark its 35th anniversary on August 27.
Reflecting on Delta’s development over the past three and a half decades, the Speaker said the state’s progress should be measured not only by physical infrastructure but also by the people and institutions that have sustained its growth.
He cited the transformation of Asaba, which became the state capital following Delta’s creation, as one of the visible changes recorded over the years, noting the city’s expansion into a major urban centre.
Guwor also listed the construction of the Bomadi Bridge, expansion of road networks, development of flyovers and the establishment of universities and other higher institutions among projects that have influenced the state’s development trajectory.
He described the Bomadi Bridge as particularly significant because improved road connectivity had expanded access to economic opportunities, healthcare, education and government services for communities in the riverine area.
The Speaker similarly linked the growth of higher education in the state to human capital development, arguing that universities and other institutions of learning create the skilled population required to sustain development over generations.
Beyond physical projects, Guwor attributed part of Delta’s political stability to an understanding among the state’s three senatorial districts on power rotation.
He described the arrangement as a political understanding that has helped promote inclusiveness and contributed to relatively peaceful transitions between administrations.
According to him, the practice has given the different senatorial districts a sense of participation in the leadership of the state and helped strengthen political stability.
Assessing the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Guwor said the MORE Agenda had expanded the scale of infrastructure development across Delta.
He said the administration had embarked on more than 500 road, bridge and flyover projects across the three senatorial districts, adding that the spread of projects was intended to ensure that development was not concentrated in one part of the state.
The Speaker also highlighted the role of the State House of Assembly, saying the eighth Assembly had maintained stability while undertaking legislative responsibilities in support of governance.
He cited the Electricity Power Sector Law and legislation addressing discrimination against persons living with disabilities among measures passed by the Assembly.
Guwor said the legislature would continue to work with other arms of government while maintaining its constitutional responsibilities.
Looking beyond the state’s oil-based economy, the Speaker said Delta must intensify efforts to develop sectors capable of generating sustainable economic opportunities after oil.
He identified education, healthcare, agriculture, technology, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy as areas requiring greater attention.
He also pointed to the state’s gas resources as an opportunity for economic diversification, saying the challenge was to convert the resources into sustainable value for the people.
Guwor further praised Deltans who have distinguished themselves in different fields, including sports, banking, media, politics, governance and education.
He called for greater unity among the people, saying the state’s ethnic and geographical diversity should be regarded as an asset rather than a source of division.
The Speaker said the next phase of Delta’s development should focus on creating a state that is more prosperous, inclusive and peaceful while providing greater opportunities for its people.
He congratulated Governor Oborevwori and Deltans at home and abroad on the 35th anniversary and urged residents to remain committed to the peace and unity necessary for the state’s continued progress.
Delta State was created on August 27, 1991, by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida from the former Bendel State.
