Delta @ 35: NUJ Congratulates Oborevwori, Deltans, Calls For Greater Economic Transformation

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has congratulated the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the people of the state on the 35th anniversary of the creation of Delta State, describing the milestone as an opportunity to celebrate the state’s achievements while renewing commitment to its future development.

The Council, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, and Assistant Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior, said Delta had evolved remarkably over the past 35 years from its formative years into a significant component of the Nigerian federation.

It noted that the creation of Delta State from the old Bendel State came with enormous expectations and the challenge of building institutions, infrastructure and a common identity across its diverse ethnic and cultural communities.

According to the NUJ, there is much to acknowledge and celebrate, particularly the contributions of successive administrations to the development of roads, bridges, schools, healthcare facilities, urban infrastructure and other critical projects.

The Council also noted that Delta had produced accomplished men and women who had distinguished themselves in politics, public service, journalism, business, academia, the military, sports and other spheres of national and international endeavour.

However, the NUJ stressed that an anniversary of such significance should go beyond celebration, but should also provide an opportunity for reflection, constructive assessment and renewed commitment to the future.

The Council said the ultimate measure of development should not only be the number of projects executed, but the extent to which such investments improve the quality of life, create sustainable opportunities and enhance the wellbeing of ordinary Deltans.

It noted that Delta is endowed with enormous economic potential, including oil and gas, agriculture, extensive waterways, the second longest coastline in the country, human capital and strategic commercial locations.

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“The challenge before the state is to increasingly convert these advantages into sustainable wealth, employment and improved living standards,” the Council stated.

The NUJ Delta State Council commended the State Government for the recently concluded Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, describing it as an important platform for dialogue on investment opportunities, economic diversification and sustainable development.

It also commended the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment and de-risking investments, but stressed that the real value of the summit would ultimately be measured by the investments attracted, jobs created, enterprises established and the extent to which its recommendations translate into measurable economic outcomes.

The Council therefore encouraged sustained follow-up, implementation and periodic assessment of the summit’s outcomes.

Looking towards the next 15 years and ultimately Delta’s 50th anniversary, the NUJ called for greater emphasis on economic diversification, human capital development, industrialisation, technology, agriculture, agro-processing and the development of the blue economy.

It also encouraged the private sector to complement investments in the service sector with greater participation in manufacturing, agro-processing, technology, energy and other productive ventures capable of creating sustainable employment and broadening the state’s economic base.

The Council particularly supported the strategic development of the Warri axis as an industrial, commercial and maritime hub, while urging the continued consolidation of Asaba’s position as the administrative, commercial and investment centre of the state.

It noted that the two major urban centres could complement each other as important pillars of Delta’s economic growth.

The NUJ also called for balanced and inclusive development across the three senatorial districts, ensuring that rural, riverine and urban communities benefit from government programmes and private-sector investments.

On governance, the Council emphasised the importance of continuity, accountability and institutional stability, stressing that worthwhile policies and viable projects should be sustained across administrations.

“Development is most meaningful when it is cumulative and successive governments build on the achievements of their predecessors,” it stated.

The Council further urged Deltans to deepen the state’s democratic maturity, stressing that political differences should not become sources of hatred or division.

It said Deltans should be able to disagree politically while remaining united by a common interest in the progress of the state, adding that the state’s diversity must remain its strength.

The NUJ also reaffirmed the media’s commitment to responsible, ethical, balanced and development-oriented journalism, noting that the media has a crucial role to play in holding public institutions accountable, reporting achievements and challenges fairly, promoting constructive dialogue and highlighting legitimate investment and development opportunities.

Looking towards Delta @ 50, the Council envisioned a state where young people can find meaningful opportunities at home, industries employ Deltans, education produces innovators, agriculture becomes commercially viable, waterways generate economic value, healthcare is accessible and public resources are deployed transparently for the benefit of the people.

“Thirty-five years is a significant milestone, but it is also a reminder that much work remains,” the Council said.

The NUJ Delta State Council commended the founding generation and successive administrations for their contributions to the Delta project, while urging the present generation to consolidate the gains, address the unfinished business of development and lay a stronger foundation for future generations.

“Our collective aspiration should be for a Delta that is more prosperous, peaceful, united, accountable, inclusive and sustainable.

“The journey has been remarkable. The next chapter must be about consolidation, transformation and shared prosperity,” the Council declared.

The Council wished Governor Oborevwori, the Government and people of Delta State a happy 35th anniversary and reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with all stakeholders in promoting the development, unity and progress of the state.