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The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has identified peace, unity and human capital development as the state’s greatest achievements in the 35 years since its creation.

Guwor, who spoke in an exclusive interview to mark Delta’s 35th anniversary on Thursday, August 27, 2026, said while infrastructure remained important, the human and social capital built over the years had provided the foundation for the state’s sustained development.

Delta State was created on August 27, 1991, by the administration of the then military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, from the former Bendel State.

Reflecting on the state’s journey, Guwor, who is also Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, described the transformation of Asaba from a relatively small community into a major metropolitan capital as one of Delta’s defining achievements.

“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,” he said in a statement made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke.

The Speaker listed the construction of the Bomadi Bridge, development of the airport and major flyovers, expansion of the road network, establishment of four universities and construction of a modern secretariat for civil servants among key milestones recorded by the state.

According to him, the Bomadi Bridge was particularly significant because it opened up riverine communities and connected them to economic opportunities and essential services.

“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,” Guwor stated.

He also stressed the importance of higher education institutions established by successive administrations, noting that universities were investments in people whose contributions could shape the state for generations.

“When you establish a university, you are developing human beings who will drive development for decades,” he said.

Power Rotation, Unity and Political Stability

Beyond physical infrastructure, Guwor identified Delta’s political culture of power rotation among the three senatorial districts as a major factor behind the state’s relative political stability.

“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 Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, the Speaker said the MORE Agenda had further expanded infrastructure development across the state, with more than 500 road, bridge and flyover projects either completed or ongoing.

“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,” he added.

Guwor: 8th Assembly Productive

The Speaker also highlighted the contributions of the state legislature, saying the 8th Delta State House of Assembly had remained stable and productive while maintaining a constructive relationship with the executive arm.

He cited the passage of the Electricity Power Sector Law and the Prohibition Against Persons Living With Disabilities Law among legislation aimed at strengthening governance and improving the welfare of residents.

Looking beyond the state’s current achievements, Guwor said Delta must begin preparing aggressively for a future beyond oil by investing in education, healthcare, agriculture, technology, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy.

He also identified the state’s gas resources as a major economic opportunity that should be converted into sustainable value for the benefit of present and future generations.

“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.

‘Our Diversity Should Be Our Strength’

The Speaker paid tribute to Deltans who have distinguished themselves nationally and internationally in sports, banking, media, politics, governance and education.

He called for greater unity among the people, stressing that ethnic and senatorial differences should not undermine the collective identity and aspirations of Deltans.

“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 declared.

He congratulated Governor Oborevwori and all Deltans on the 35th anniversary, urging the people to celebrate the state’s progress while remaining committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Delta for future generations.