Delta @35: NUJ Calls for Economic Transformation, Inclusive Development

By Our Correspondent

As Delta State marks its 35th anniversary, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has called for greater economic diversification, industrialisation, human capital development and inclusive growth to consolidate the achievements recorded since the state’s creation.

In its assessment since its creation from the old Bendel State on August 27, 1991, the council said the anniversary provided an opportunity not only to celebrate past achievements but also to reflect on the challenges confronting the state and chart a more sustainable path for the future.

The statement was signed by its Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe and Assistant Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior.

The NUJ Delta Council, acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations to the development of roads, bridges, schools, healthcare facilities, urban infrastructure and other critical projects across the state.

It also noted that Delta had produced prominent personalities who had distinguished themselves in politics, public service, journalism, business, academia, the military, sports and other areas of national and international endeavour.

The council, however, maintained that the success of the state should not be measured solely by the number of projects executed, but by the extent to which such investments improve the lives of ordinary Deltans, create sustainable employment and expand economic opportunities.

According to the council, Delta’s oil and gas resources, agricultural potential, waterways, extensive coastline, human capital and strategic commercial locations provide the state with a strong foundation for building a more resilient and diversified economy.

It urged the government and private sector to place greater emphasis on manufacturing, agriculture, agro-processing, technology, energy and the blue economy as part of efforts to reduce dependence on traditional sources of revenue and create sustainable employment opportunities.

The NUJ also commended the state government for organising the recently concluded Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, describing it as an important platform for discussions on investment opportunities, economic diversification and sustainable development.

It said, however, that the summit’s impact would ultimately depend on the investments attracted, jobs created, businesses established and the extent to which its recommendations were translated into tangible economic outcomes.

The council therefore called for sustained implementation and periodic evaluation of the summit’s resolutions.

On urban development, the NUJ advocated the strategic development of the Warri axis as an industrial, commercial and maritime hub, while urging continued efforts to strengthen Asaba’s position as the administrative, commercial and investment centre of the state.

It said the development of both cities should be pursued as complementary components of the state’s broader economic strategy.

The council also called for a more equitable distribution of development across the three senatorial districts, stressing that rural, riverine and urban communities should benefit from government programmes and private-sector investments.

It further urged successive administrations to sustain viable policies and projects initiated by their predecessors, noting that continuity was essential to achieving long-term development.

“Development is most meaningful when it is cumulative and successive governments build on the achievements of their predecessors,” the council said.

The NUJ also called for greater political tolerance and democratic maturity among Deltans, stressing that political differences should not become sources of hatred or division.

It urged citizens to preserve the state’s diversity and the philosophy of the “Big Heart” as instruments for promoting inclusion, peaceful coexistence, equity and shared prosperity.

The council said the media also had a significant role to play in the next phase of Delta’s development, pledging to promote responsible, ethical and balanced journalism while holding public institutions accountable and reporting the state’s achievements and challenges fairly.

Looking ahead to Delta’s 50th anniversary, the NUJ said it envisioned a state where young people could find meaningful opportunities, industries could provide sustainable employment, education could produce innovators, agriculture could become commercially viable and the state’s waterways could generate greater economic value.

The council commended the founding generation and successive administrations for their contributions to the development of Delta State, while urging the present generation to consolidate existing gains and address the unfinished business of development.

The council described the next phase of Delta’s development as one that should be defined by consolidation, transformation and shared prosperity, while wishing the government and people of the state a happy 35th anniversary.