• Speaker urges Nigeria to convert gas resources into sustainable economic value

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Deltans as the state marks its 35th anniversary, assuring citizens that the state has entered a new era of sustainable growth, development and prosperity.
 
The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, in Asaba, described the anniversary as a significant milestone in the history of Delta State, noting that the 35-year journey had been defined by resilience, unity and the collective efforts of its people.
 
Oborevwori commended past leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, private-sector players and all Deltans for their contributions to the growth and development of the state since its creation on August 27, 1991.
 
He said his administration remained committed to building on the achievements of previous governments through people-oriented policies, infrastructural renewal, economic expansion and inclusive governance.
 
According to the governor, the ongoing transformation across the state reflected his administration’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy and creating opportunities for all Deltans.
 
He urged citizens to remain united and continue to support the government’s development agenda, assuring that Delta’s best years were ahead.
 
“Today, as we celebrate 35 years of our dear state, we are reminded of the sacrifices, dedication and vision of those who have contributed to making Delta what it is today. The shining era of Delta State is here, and together we will build a future of greater possibilities,” he said.
 
The governor wished Deltans at home and abroad a happy anniversary celebration, while calling for renewed commitment to peace, unity and collective responsibility in advancing the state.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has called for deliberate efforts to transform the country’s abundant gas resources into sustainable economic value that can drive long-term development.
 
Guwor, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, in Asaba yesterday, ahead of the state’s 35th anniversary today, said Nigeria must move beyond dependence on crude oil by fully harnessing its gas potential.

“Our gas resources provide an enormous opportunity. If we have such significant gas reserves, we must find ways of converting that resource into sustainable economic value,” the Speaker said.
 
Reflecting on Delta State’s journey since its creation in 1991, Guwor said the next phase of development must focus on preparing the state for a future beyond oil, stressing the need for sustained investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, technology, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy.
 
According to him, the state’s development over the past three and a half decades has been defined not only by physical infrastructure but also by the peace, unity and human capital that have enabled successive administrations to build on previous achievements.
 
Guwor, who is also Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, recalled the transformation of Asaba from a relatively small community at the time of the state’s creation into a major metropolitan capital.