As Delta State commemorates 35 years of its creation, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President of Iteregbi Community in Uvwie Local Government Area, Comrade John Edes Agusa, has congratulated Deltans, describing the anniversary as a celebration of resilience, progress, unity and the collective determination of the people to build a stronger state.
Agusa said Delta’s journey since its creation on August 27, 1991, had been characterised by significant transformation, noting that the state had evolved through the contributions of successive administrations and the commitment of citizens across its various communities.
He particularly commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as a deliberate effort to sustain the state’s development trajectory while accelerating the delivery of projects and opportunities through the MORE Agenda.
According to him, the significance of the MORE Agenda goes beyond physical infrastructure, as its broader objective is to create an environment where ordinary Deltans can experience improved living conditions, greater opportunities and a stronger sense of belonging.
“Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda is not just about constructing roads and other infrastructure. It is about putting the people at the centre of governance and ensuring that development translates into better lives for our people,” Agusa said.
He noted that the spread of development projects across the three senatorial districts demonstrated the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, stressing that every community had a role to play in the state’s progress.
Agusa said Delta’s development over the past 35 years should be measured not only by the physical transformation of its towns and cities but also by the opportunities created for its people and the growing capacity of Deltans to contribute to the state and national economy.
He described the transformation taking place under the Oborevwori administration as part of a continuum, noting that the governor had continued to build on the foundation laid by previous administrations while introducing new initiatives and strengthening existing development efforts.
“The Delta of today is a product of collective effort. Every administration has contributed something to the growth of the state, and what Governor Oborevwori is doing is to consolidate those gains and take them further through the MORE Agenda,” he said.
The governor’s aide said the ongoing development drive had particular significance at the grassroots, where government interventions could directly affect families, businesses, young people and community life.
He stressed that roads, bridges, schools, healthcare facilities and other public infrastructure were important because of the opportunities they unlock for citizens.
“When you develop a community, you are not simply putting up structures. You are opening doors for our people. A good road can connect farmers to markets, help businesses grow and make access to schools and healthcare easier. That is why development must always be people-focused,” Agusa said.
As President of Iteregbi Community in Uvwie Local Government Area, Agusa also placed paemphasisedtionship between peaceful communities and sustainable development.
He said no meaningful development could thrive where communities were divided or constantly embroiled in conflict, urging Deltans to protect the peace that had remained one of the state’s greatest assets.
“Peace is the foundation upon which every other achievement is built. When our communities are peaceful, government can work, businesses can invest, young people can pursue their dreams and families can live with confidence,” he said.
Agusa urged community leaders, political actors, traditional institutions, youth organisations and other stakeholders to continue placing the collective interest of Delta above narrow ethnic, political or personal considerations.
He said the state’s diversity should be regarded as a source of strength, rather than a basis for division.
“Delta is a state of many identities, but we have one common destiny. Whether you are from Delta Central, Delta North or Delta South, the progress of one part of the state ultimately benefits all of us. Our diversity should be a bridge, not a barrier,” Agusa said.
He commended Deltans for their resilience and contributions to the development of the state, noting that the achievements recorded over the past 35 years would not have been possible without the sacrifices of citizens at home and abroad.
Agusa also praised Governor Oborevwori for sustaining an atmosphere conducive to development, describing peace and security as essential components of the administration’s development strategy.
He said the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure, economic opportunities, human capital development and peace-building offered a foundation for a more prosperous Delta.
According to him, the next phase of the state’s development should focus increasingly on empowering young people and preparing citizens for opportunities beyond the traditional dependence on oil.
“Delta has tremendous human and natural resources. Our responsibility now is to create the conditions for our young people to turn their talents into productive ventures and for our communities to participate fully in the emerging economy,” he said.
The governor’s aide called for greater investment in education, skills acquisition, agriculture, technology, entrepreneurship and other sectors capable of creating sustainable employment and reducing dependence on oil revenue.
He said Delta’s oil wealth should continue to support development while the state simultaneously builds other economic pillars that would remain productive for generations.
Agusa further noted that the success of the MORE Agenda should ultimately be judged by the difference it makes in the lives of ordinary people.
“For us at the grassroots, the real question is simple: how does government intervention improve the life of the ordinary citizen? When a child can access quality education, when a young person can find an opportunity, when a community has good infrastructure, and when families can live peacefully, then development has meaning,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the remaining years of the Oborevwori administration would bring further development to communities across the state, urging Deltans to continue supporting policies and programmes that promote unity and collective progress.
Agusa said the 35th anniversary should therefore serve both as a celebration and a renewed call to responsibility.
“We should celebrate how far Delta has come, but we must also ask ourselves what kind of Delta we want to leave for the next generation. The answer must be a Delta that is more peaceful, more united, more prosperous and more inclusive,” he said.
He congratulated Governor Oborevwori, traditional rulers, community leaders, workers, professionals, entrepreneurs, youths and all Deltans for their contributions to the state’s journey.
“As we celebrate 35 years of Delta State, let us remember that the greatest asset of this state is its people. If we remain united, peaceful and committed to progress, there is no limit to what Delta can achieve,” Agusa said.
He wished Deltans at home and abroad a happy 35th anniversary and called for renewed commitment to peace, unity and the collective advancement of the state.
