The Delta North Senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Victor Ochei, has urged leaders and residents to renew their commitment to turning the state’s vast resources and human capital into tangible prosperity for its people.
Ochei, a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, made the call on Thursday in Asaba in a message marking Delta’s 35th anniversary.
He said the anniversary should serve as more than a celebration, urging Deltans to reflect honestly on the state’s development journey since its creation in 1991 and chart a more ambitious course for the future.
According to him, Delta has made significant progress, but its abundant natural resources, revenues and human capital have not translated sufficiently into better living conditions for many residents.
“35 years after creation, Delta has undoubtedly made progress, but our enormous potential tells us that we can achieve much more,” he said.
Ochei said the next phase of development should focus on converting the state’s resources into measurable results and ensuring that its potential translates into shared prosperity.
He urged political leaders and residents to embrace a development agenda built around strong institutions, quality education, productive employment, modern infrastructure and sustainable economic opportunities.
According to him, such an approach would empower residents, stimulate businesses and create better livelihoods across communities.
Ochei argued that government should measure development by its impact on ordinary people rather than by expenditure or the number of projects announced.
“Our young people deserve opportunities to develop their talents and fulfill their aspirations. Our communities deserve infrastructure that works,” he said.
He also called for an economy that rewards enterprise and hard work, stressing the need to promote productivity and self-reliance among residents.
The former speaker said Delta’s next development phase should reduce dependence on political patronage by creating opportunities that enable citizens to become economically productive.
He congratulated Deltans at home and abroad on the anniversary and expressed confidence that the state’s greatest opportunities were still ahead.
“At 35, we have come a long way, but the journey is far from complete. This must be a time for renewed vision,” he said.
Ochei stressed the need for stronger institutions and wider economic opportunities, insisting that governance must ultimately deliver measurable improvements in the lives of residents.
“Our resources must become prosperity. Our potential must become opportunity. And governance must ultimately improve the lives of our people,” he said.
He added that a stronger, more economically vibrant Delta North would contribute significantly to building a more prosperous, inclusive, and productive Delta State.
