As Delta State marks 35 years of its creation, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, says the state’s proudest achievement is not just roads and bridges, but the peace, unity and human capital that have sustained development over three and a half decades.
In an exclusive interview to mark the August 27, 2026 anniversary, Guwor reflected on Delta’s journey since 1991, describing the transformation of Asaba from a small community to a major metropolitan capital as one of the defining moments of the state.
“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 press statement made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke.
The Speaker, who is the chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, identified some milestones that shaped the state most: the construction of the Bomadi Bridge which opened up riverine communities, the development of Airport and major flyovers, the expansion of roads, establishment of four universities, construction of a world class secretariat for workers, amongst others.
“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 highlighted the establishment of new state-owned universities and other higher institutions, noting that “when you establish a university, you are developing human beings who will drive development for decades”.
Beyond infrastructure, Guwor said Delta’s unique political culture of power rotation among the three senatorial districts has been key to 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 the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Speaker said the MORE Agenda had taken development to another level with over 500 road, bridge and flyover projects across the state.
“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”, the Speaker added.
On the role of the legislature, Guwor said the 8th Assembly has remained stable and productive, passing key laws including the Electricity Power Sector Law and the Prohibition Against Persons Living With Disabilities Law, while maintaining a constructive working relationship with the executive.
Looking ahead, Guwor said the coming years must be about preparing Delta for life beyond oil by investing in education, healthcare, agriculture, technology, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy.
“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 paid tribute to Deltans who have excelled globally in sports, banking, media, politics, governance and education, even as he urged unity.
“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 Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire Deltans for the celebration.
Delta State was created on August 27, 1991 by the administration of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida from the former Bendel State.