The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, joins millions of Deltans at home and in the diaspora to celebrate the 34th anniversary of our dear state, created on August 27, 1991, from the defunct Bendel State—Bendel itself being a coinage of Benin and Delta Provinces, with the latter formerly known as Warri Province.
Over the past three decades, Delta has grown into one of Nigeria’s most strategic states, contributing immensely to the nation’s oil wealth while showcasing a rich cultural heritage that distinguishes us in the federation.
Successive administrations have, over the years, recorded varying levels of progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, sports, youth and women development. As a Council, we acknowledge these achievements while also recognising the challenges that continue to shape our collective journey.
We particularly commend the administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for deepening infrastructural renewal, strengthening healthcare delivery, and empowering youths, widows and the elderly under his MORE Agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
As we celebrate, the NUJ Delta State Council stresses the urgent need to diversify our economy beyond oil revenues and federal allocations. Agriculture, where Delta enjoys a clear comparative advantage, must be prioritised as a driver of food security, job creation, and industrialisation.
It is worth recalling that the Maputo Declaration of 2003 recommended a minimum of 10 percent of national and sub-national budgetary allocations to agriculture to deliberately fund the sector and ensure sustained increases in output. However, agriculture cannot thrive without a secure environment. We therefore call on local and state governments to deliberately step up measures that will enable genuine farmers to thrive, decisively address herders’ incursions into farmlands, prevent destruction of crops, and curb kidnappings that continue to threaten rural livelihoods.
At 34, Delta must consolidate its gains and courageously confront its gaps. A secure, agriculturally productive, and industrially vibrant Delta is possible.
The NUJ Delta State Council salutes the resilience of our people, the vision of our leaders, and the ongoing efforts of the present administration under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Together, we can build a Delta beyond oil, anchored on peace, productivity, and prosperity.
Happy 34th Anniversary, Delta State!
Churchill Oyowe
Chairman
Josephine Omodior Secretary
