Delta State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has called for a fundamental “reset” of the state, citing poverty, unemployment, insecurity and poor governance.

In his Independence Day address to Deltans on Thursday, Iyovwaye said the state must break free from poverty and underdevelopment, drawing a parallel between Nigeria’s 1960 independence and what he described as Delta’s need for freedom from failed leadership.

He said Delta’s vast natural resources and human capital should translate into better living conditions, jobs and economic opportunities for its people.

Full Speech Below:

My People, My Deltans,
As we mark 66 years of independence, we should remember that this celebration is not only about how far we have come, but also about the people who endured difficult and uncertain times along the way.

We have faced challenges. We have experienced hardship, disappointment, and moments that tested our resilience. Yet, through it all, our people have remained standing. We are here today because generations before us refused to give up on a better tomorrow.

Let us celebrate our existence. Let us celebrate our resilience, our culture, our communities, and the strength of the Delta people.

But beyond the celebration is an important question: What should the next chapter look like?

The next phase must be about growth, development, opportunity, and responsible leadership. It must create an environment where our young people can build meaningful futures, where our communities can benefit from sustainable development, where infrastructure and education receive serious attention, and where Delta’s enormous potential translates into better lives for our people.

We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it. Yesterday’s lessons should help us make better decisions tomorrow.

It is time to reset Delta.

A reset means taking a fresh look at our priorities. It means asking difficult questions, listening to our communities, encouraging ideas, demanding accountability, and putting long-term development ahead of short-term interests.

This is not about blaming one generation or one group of people. It is about recognizing that every generation has a responsibility to contribute to the Delta it wants to leave behind.

My people, the future of Delta is bigger than any individual. It belongs to all of us.

Let this celebration mark not just another year, but the beginning of a deeper conversation about where we are going and what we must do differently.

We have survived. We have endured. We have come this far. Now, let us focus on building what comes next.

It is time to reset Delta.
It is time to think beyond today.
It is time to build for tomorrow.

May God bless Delta State.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Long live Delta State.

Long live Nigeria.

Deacon Chris Iyovwaye

NDC Governorship Candidate, Delta State