Delta @35: Oborevwori, Leaders Celebrate Progress As Calls Grow For Greater Prosperity
By PAULINA NZERUBE
Delta Marks 35 Years of Growth & Reflection
DELTA State on Thursday marked the 35th anniversary of its creation with messages of celebration, thanksgiving and reflection, as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other political leaders called on Deltans to build on the foundations of the past while confronting the challenges of the future.
Created on 27 August 1991, Delta State has grown into one of Nigeria’s most economically significant and culturally diverse states. Its 35th anniversary, however, became more than a celebration of its creation.
The occasion also provided an opportunity for political leaders across party lines to assess the state’s journey, celebrate its progress and call for renewed efforts towards peace, inclusive development, stronger institutions and shared prosperity.
Oborevwori Says Delta’s Shining Era Has Arrived
Governor Oborevwori congratulated Deltans at home and abroad, describing the anniversary as a major milestone in the state’s history.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor said Delta’s journey over the past 35 years had been shaped by resilience, unity and the collective contributions of its people.
He commended former leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, private sector operators and ordinary citizens for their roles in building the state.
According to him, his administration remains committed to consolidating the achievements of previous governments through people-oriented policies, infrastructure development, economic expansion and inclusive governance.
Oborevwori said the ongoing transformation across the state reflected his administration’s determination to deliver democratic dividends and create opportunities for all residents.
“The shining era of Delta State is here, and together we will build a future of greater possibilities,” the governor said.
Thanksgiving Service Highlights Peace & Continuity
The governor restated his message during a thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel in Asaba.
He described the anniversary as a moment to celebrate Delta’s achievements, reflect on its history and renew the commitment to building a stronger state.
Oborevwori attributed the state’s progress to God’s grace and to the contributions of successive administrations, including former military administrators and civilian governors.
He said every administration had contributed a chapter to the history of Delta State and that his government had a responsibility to build on the foundations already laid.
“Gratitude for the past must be accompanied by responsibility for the future,” he said.
The governor identified infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, human capital development and technology as major priorities of his administration.
He also pledged continued efforts to strengthen institutions, encourage business growth and create opportunities for young people.
Diversity, Peace & Development
Oborevwori identified Delta’s ethnic and cultural diversity as one of its greatest strengths.
He commended the different ethnic nationalities, religious communities, residents and non-indigenes who have contributed to the state’s development.
The governor particularly linked peace to development, arguing that the relative stability enjoyed by the state had created an environment for investment and infrastructure growth.
“The peace we are enjoying today has brought development,” he said, expressing optimism that Delta would make even greater progress before its 40th anniversary.
At the thanksgiving service, the Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Ven. Charles Osemenam, described the anniversary as a time for thanksgiving and sober reflection.
He urged Deltans to deepen their faith and continue seeking divine guidance.
Ashakah, Ukodhiko Join Anniversary Tributes
The anniversary also drew goodwill messages from political figures across different platforms.
The All Progressives Congress candidate for Isoko North State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Engr. Orobosa Uzuazomaro Ashakah, described Delta’s journey as one of resilience, growth and enterprise.
He congratulated Oborevwori and the people of the state while urging Deltans to reflect on the achievements of the past 35 years and recommit themselves to building a more prosperous and united state.
Ashakah called on young people to embrace peace, innovation, entrepreneurship and community development.
He also urged political leaders to place the collective interests of Delta above personal and partisan considerations.
Similarly, the member representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, described the anniversary as an opportunity to renew the collective commitment to peace, unity and responsible leadership.
Ukodhiko said Delta’s abundant human and natural resources could secure an even greater future if they were effectively harnessed.
He urged young people to take active roles in shaping the next phase of the state’s development through innovation, entrepreneurship and constructive engagement.
Ochei Calls for Deeper Reflection
While other leaders focused largely on Delta’s achievements and future prospects, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, called for a more searching reflection on the relationship between the state’s enormous resources and the living conditions of its people.
Ochei said the 35th anniversary should not be limited to celebrations.
According to him, the occasion should also provide an opportunity to ask whether the state’s substantial natural resources, revenues and human capital have sufficiently translated into improved living standards.
“Thirty-five years after creation, Delta has undoubtedly made progress, but our enormous potential tells us that we can achieve much more,” he said.
Resources Must Become Prosperity
The former Speaker argued that the next phase of Delta’s development should focus on converting resources into tangible results and economic opportunities.
He called for stronger institutions, quality education, productive employment, modern infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.
According to Ochei, the true measure of development should be its impact on ordinary citizens rather than the amount spent by government or the number of projects announced.
He said young people needed greater opportunities to develop their talents and build productive futures.
Communities, he added, deserved infrastructure that worked and an economy capable of rewarding enterprise and hard work.
Ochei also argued that governance should empower citizens to become productive and self-reliant rather than perpetually dependent on political patronage.
A Common Vision for the Next Chapter
Despite differences in political affiliation and emphasis, a common message emerged from the anniversary tributes.
Delta State’s future, the leaders agreed, will depend on peace, unity, responsible leadership and the effective use of its enormous human and natural resources.
For Oborevwori, the priority is to consolidate existing gains and expand development.
For Ashakah and Ukodhiko, the future requires unity, youth participation and collective responsibility.
For Ochei, the next chapter must ensure that Delta’s resources produce more visible prosperity in the lives of ordinary people.
As the state begins its journey beyond 35 years, the anniversary has therefore become both a celebration of what Delta has achieved and a reminder of the work that remains.
The central challenge for the years ahead may be how successfully the state can transform its peace, diversity, resources and human capital into inclusive prosperity for its people.
