ASABA/Nigeria: Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, on Tuesday received a delegation of Bayelsa State lawmakers in Asaba as they commenced a five-day retreat aimed at strengthening legislative capacity in Bayelsa.
Welcoming the legislators, Guwor recalled their commitment during last year’s visit to return to Delta, remarking that the state remains “a second home” to their Bayelsa counterparts. He underscored the long-standing historical, cultural and economic ties between both states, pointing to shared challenges such as environmental degradation and the pursuit of sustainable development.
“The Bayelsa and Delta are more than neighbours; we are family,” Guwor said. “We share a tapestry of history, culture, food, festivals, and the same environmental and developmental challenges. As oil-producing states, we must work together to protect our people and our land.”
He described the theme of the retreat — “Leadership, Stakeholder Management, and Socio-economic Growth in Bayelsa State” — as timely and reflective of the day-to-day realities faced in lawmakers’ constituencies. Guwor expressed confidence that the programme would broaden perspectives and enhance legislative effectiveness.
The Delta Speaker also stressed the value of inter-legislative cooperation, saying collaboration on environmental protection, resource governance and economic development would yield greater benefits for both states. He encouraged the Bayelsa lawmakers to fully immerse themselves in the sessions and explore Delta during their stay.
In his remarks, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, commended Delta State for its consistent hospitality, noting that the growing partnership between the two assemblies has strengthened the exchange of ideas critical for development.
The retreat is being facilitated by the African Parliamentary Resource Center, led by Executive Director Dr. John Mutu, and is designed to deepen dialogue on legislative best practices and strategies for sustainable development in Bayelsa State.
