27/08/2026
DELTA AT 35 : AMORI SALUTES OBOREVWORI, DELTANS; SAYS UNITY, PEACE ARE FOUNDATION FOR GREATER PROSPERITY
The Chief Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ighoyota Amori, has congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the good people of Delta State on the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state, describing the milestone as a celebration of resilience, unity, peaceful coexistence and remarkable progress.
In a statement released by his Public Relations Officer, Joelson Wilson, on Thursday, Amori said Delta State’s journey since its creation on August 27, 1991, had demonstrated what could be achieved when people of diverse ethnic, cultural and political backgrounds unite around a common destiny.
Delta State was carved out of the former Bendel State on August 27, 1991, by the military administration of the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. Thirty-five years later, the state has evolved into one of Nigeria’s important economic, political and cultural centres.
Amori particularly commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as his commitment to sustaining the developmental trajectory of the state through the MORE Agenda, noting that the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure, human capital development and inclusive growth was consistent with the aspirations of the founding fathers of Delta.
He said the spread of development projects across the three senatorial districts was evidence of an administration committed to ensuring that no part of the state was left behind.
“As Delta marks 35 years, we have every reason to celebrate the tremendous progress our dear state has recorded. But beyond the roads, bridges, flyovers, schools and other physical infrastructure, our greatest achievement remains the peace, unity and sense of belonging that bind our people together.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori deserves commendation for building on this foundation and for pursuing development that is broad-based and inclusive. His MORE Agenda has continued to give expression to the aspiration for a Delta where every community and every citizen can feel the impact of government.”
The Chief Adviser said the anniversary should also be an occasion for Deltans to reflect on the contributions of successive administrations, traditional rulers, political leaders, civil servants, entrepreneurs, professionals, religious leaders, youths and ordinary citizens who have contributed to the growth of the state.
According to him, the transformation of Asaba from a relatively modest community at the time of the state's creation into a rapidly developing capital city symbolises the broader transformation of Delta over the past three and a half decades.
He noted that landmark developments across the state, including major road networks, bridges, flyovers, the Asaba Airport, educational institutions and other public infrastructure, had progressively opened up communities and strengthened economic and social connections.
Amori, however, stressed that physical development could only be sustained where there was peace and unity, urging Deltans to resist attempts to exploit ethnic, senatorial or political differences for divisive purposes.
“Delta belongs to all of us. Whether from Delta North, Delta Central or Delta South, whether Urhobo, Igbo, Isoko, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Ika, Ukwuani, Aniocha, Oshimili or from any other part of our richly diverse state, we are first and foremost Deltans.
“Our diversity is not a weakness; it is one of our greatest strengths. We must therefore continue to protect the peace, unity and brotherhood that have made Delta a home for all.”
The Chief Adviser further congratulated Governor Oborevwori on the anniversary, commending him for providing what he described as “focused and purposeful leadership” at a critical stage in the state's development.
He said the next chapter of Delta’s history must place greater emphasis on economic diversification, youth empowerment, technology, agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy, particularly in preparation for a future in which oil would no longer be the dominant driver of economic activity.
Amori also called for greater collaboration among the government, private sector, traditional institutions, professional bodies and citizens to build a stronger and more prosperous Delta.
“The Delta we celebrate today is the product of 35 years of collective sacrifice and service. The Delta of tomorrow must be built with the same spirit of unity, but with even greater ambition.
“Our responsibility is to hand over to the next generation a Delta that is more prosperous, peaceful, inclusive and economically resilient than the one we inherited.”
He expressed confidence that under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, the state would continue to consolidate its development gains and unlock new opportunities for its people.
Amori therefore urged Deltans at home and in the diaspora to use the 35th anniversary not only to celebrate but also to renew their commitment to the peace, unity and development of the state.
He wished Governor Oborevwori, his administration and all Deltans a happy 35th anniversary, praying that Delta State would continue to grow in peace, prosperity and unity.
“Happy 35th anniversary to our dear Delta State. May the years ahead bring greater prosperity, stronger unity and enduring peace to our people,” Amori said.