The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has identified peace, unity and human capital development as some of the major achievements that have sustained Delta State’s growth in the 35 years since its creation.
Guwor stated this in an exclusive interview to mark the state’s 35th anniversary on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
The Speaker, who is also the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, said while roads, bridges, flyovers and other infrastructure were important, the people and peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups remained the foundation of the state’s development.
He also described the transformation of Asaba from a relatively small community at the time of the state’s creation into a major metropolitan capital as one of the significant changes recorded in Delta.
“When Delta State was created, Asaba was not the metropolitan capital that we know today. But over the years, it has expanded tremendously and has developed into a major urban centre,” Guwor said in a statement made available to journalists by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke.
According to him, several projects have played important roles in opening up different parts of the state and creating opportunities for residents.
He listed the construction of the Bomadi Bridge, the development of the Asaba Airport, major flyovers and roads, the establishment of four state-owned universities and the construction of a modern state secretariat among the major milestones recorded by the state.
Guwor described the Bomadi Bridge as a symbol of inclusion because it connected previously isolated riverine communities to the wider economy.
“The Bomadi Bridge represented inclusion. When you connect a community by road, you are connecting that community to economic opportunities, healthcare, education and government services,” he said.
The Speaker also stressed the importance of education, saying the establishment of universities and other higher institutions would continue to produce people capable of driving the state’s development.
“When you establish a university, you are developing human beings who will drive development for decades,” he stated.
Guwor said another factor responsible for Delta’s relative political stability was the informal understanding among the three senatorial districts to rotate political leadership.
“There is an understanding that every senatorial district will have its opportunity to provide leadership. It is more of a political understanding, a gentleman’s arrangement.
“That is a very good development and the reason why transition from one administration to another is seamless and peaceful in Delta State,” he said.
Assessing the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Speaker said the governor’s MORE Agenda had expanded infrastructure development across the state.
He said more than 500 road, bridge and flyover projects had been undertaken across the three senatorial districts.
“If you travel around Delta State today, you will see projects spread across the three senatorial districts. The intention is to ensure that development is not concentrated in one particular area,” Guwor added.
On the performance of the state legislature, the Speaker described the 8th Assembly as stable and productive.
He said the Assembly had passed important legislation, including the Electricity Power Sector Law and the Prohibition Against Persons Living With Disabilities Law.
Guwor also said the House had maintained a constructive relationship with the executive arm of government in its effort to advance development in the state.
Looking into the future, the Speaker said Delta must begin preparing for a period when oil would no longer dominate its economy.
He called for greater investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, technology, manufacturing, tourism and the creative industry.
Guwor also identified the state’s gas resources as a major economic opportunity that should be properly developed.
“Our gas resources also provide an enormous opportunity. If we have such significant gas reserves, we must find ways of converting that resource into sustainable economic value,” he said.
The Speaker praised Deltans who have distinguished themselves in Nigeria and around the world in sports, banking, media, politics, governance and education.
He urged residents to continue to protect the unity of the state despite differences in ethnicity and political interests.
“We may come from different ethnic groups and senatorial districts, but we are all Deltans. Our diversity should be our strength.
“The Delta of tomorrow must be more prosperous, more inclusive, more peaceful and more developed than the Delta we have today,” Guwor said.
He congratulated Governor Oborevwori and all Deltans on the 35th anniversary of the state.
Delta State was created on August 27, 1991, by the administration of the then military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, from the former Bendel State.
