The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has called for greater economic diversification, accountability, institutional continuity and inclusive development as the state marks its 35th anniversary.
The NUJ made the call in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, and Assistant Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior, to commemorate the creation of Delta State on August 27, 1991.
The Council congratulated the government and people of the state, noting that Delta had evolved significantly since it was carved out of the old Bendel State 35 years ago.
According to the NUJ, successive administrations have contributed 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 accomplished men and women who had distinguished themselves in politics, public service, journalism, business, academia, the military, sports and other fields of national and international endeavour.
However, the journalists’ body said the 35th anniversary should not be limited to celebrations, but should also provide an opportunity for reflection, constructive assessment and renewed commitment to the state’s future.
“The ultimate measure of development should not only be the number of projects executed, but the extent to which such investments improve the quality of life, create sustainable opportunities and enhance the wellbeing of ordinary Deltans,” the Council said.
The NUJ highlighted Delta’s oil and gas resources, agricultural potential, waterways, coastline, human capital and strategic commercial locations as major economic assets that could be harnessed to create sustainable wealth and employment.
The Council commended the state government for organising the recently concluded Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, describing it as an important platform for dialogue on investment opportunities, economic diversification and sustainable development.
It, however, stressed that the success of the summit would ultimately depend on the investments attracted, jobs created, businesses established and the extent to which its recommendations were implemented.
The NUJ therefore urged the government to sustain follow-up, implementation and periodic assessment of the summit’s outcomes.
Looking ahead to Delta’s 50th anniversary, the Council called for greater emphasis on economic diversification, human capital development, industrialisation, technology, agriculture, agro-processing and the development of the blue economy.
It also urged the private sector to increase investments in manufacturing, agro-processing, technology, energy and other productive sectors capable of creating sustainable employment and broadening the state’s economic base.
The Council particularly advocated the strategic development of the Warri axis as an industrial, commercial and maritime hub, while encouraging Asaba to consolidate its position as the state’s administrative, commercial and investment centre.
It said the two major urban centres could complement each other as important pillars of Delta’s economic growth.
The NUJ also called for balanced development across the three senatorial districts, stressing that rural, riverine and urban communities should benefit from government programmes and private-sector investments.
On governance, the Council emphasised the need for continuity, accountability and institutional stability, urging successive administrations to sustain viable policies and projects initiated by their predecessors.
“Development is most meaningful when it is cumulative and successive governments build on the achievements of their predecessors,” it said.
The journalists’ body further urged Deltans to deepen democratic maturity and avoid allowing political differences to become sources of hatred and division.
It said the state’s diversity should remain a strength, while the philosophy of the “Big Heart” should continue to promote inclusion, peaceful coexistence, equity and shared prosperity.
The NUJ reaffirmed the media’s responsibility to support the state’s development through responsible, ethical, balanced and development-oriented journalism.
It said the media would continue to hold public institutions accountable, report achievements and challenges fairly, promote constructive dialogue and highlight legitimate investment and development opportunities.
The Council said its vision for Delta at 50 was a state where young people could find meaningful opportunities at home, industries could employ more residents, education could produce innovators, agriculture could become commercially viable, waterways could generate greater economic value and public resources could be deployed transparently for the benefit of the people.
The NUJ commended the founding generation and successive administrations for their contributions to the development of Delta State.
It urged the present generation to consolidate existing gains, address the unfinished business of development and lay a stronger foundation for future generations.
“The journey has been remarkable. The next chapter must be about consolidation, transformation and shared prosperity,” the Council said.
The NUJ Delta State Council wished the government and people of Delta State a happy 35th anniversary and reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with stakeholders to promote the development, unity and progress of the state.
