ASABA, Delta State — As Delta State marks its 35th anniversary, the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Engr. Isaac Eshor, has congratulated Deltans while calling for greater accountability and transparency in the management of the state’s resources.
In a statement commemorating the anniversary, Eshor said the milestone should go beyond celebrations and provide an opportunity for citizens to assess the state’s development record, infrastructure, economic growth and the welfare of its people.
He expressed concern over what he described as the slow pace of development in some parts of the state despite its substantial financial and natural resources.
According to him, several communities across Delta State continue to face challenges including poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities, limited access to potable water, unstable electricity, unemployment and deficiencies in the education sector.
“Delta State is 35 years old today, yet many residents are still asking the same painful question: Where is the development?” Eshor stated.
The AAC candidate said many rural communities still lack basic social amenities, while some public schools continue to operate in difficult conditions due to dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate learning facilities.
“Our rural communities are still without roads, clean water and stable electricity. Many teachers work under unconducive conditions, and numerous schools are in urgent need of improvement,” he said.
Eshor further claimed that the state had received about ₦4.119 trillion in federal allocations since 2023, excluding internally generated revenue and the 13 per cent derivation fund.
He argued that the discussion on Delta’s development should transcend partisan politics and instead focus on transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources.
“A state blessed with enormous natural and financial resources should not still be struggling with these challenges after 35 years. The issue is not the absence of funds; the bigger question is how those resources have been managed over the years,” he added.
According to him, the anniversary should prompt both government officials and citizens to examine the impact of public spending and ensure that government projects translate into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
“Deltans deserve more than political rhetoric, ceremonies and promises. They deserve visible evidence of their collective wealth through quality infrastructure, better schools, functional hospitals and sustainable economic opportunities,” Eshor said.
Eshor Advocates Blue Economy Investment
The AAC governorship candidate also questioned why successive administrations had not fully harnessed Delta State’s maritime and coastal advantages through strategic investment in the blue economy.
He said the sector could create employment opportunities, attract investment and contribute significantly to the state’s economic diversification.
“For 35 years, Delta State has remained richly endowed with aquatic and maritime resources, yet we have not maximized the opportunities available in the blue economy. This is an area that can create jobs, attract investment and transform our economy,” he noted.
While acknowledging that some progress had been recorded since the creation of Delta State in 1991, Eshor maintained that more needed to be done to meet the aspirations of residents.
“Deltans want to feel the impact of government policies in their daily lives. The true measure of development is not the number of projects announced but the extent to which those projects improve living conditions for ordinary citizens,” he stated.
Eshor expressed confidence in Delta State’s potential, saying the state possesses the human and natural resources required to become one of Nigeria’s most prosperous states if properly managed.
He therefore called for greater transparency, accountability and people-centred governance, urging Deltans to use the 35th anniversary to reflect on the state’s achievements and the challenges ahead.
“As we celebrate Delta at 35, let this also be a moment of serious reflection. The people deserve answers on how public resources have been utilized and how future investments will translate into meaningful development. The ultimate goal should be to build a Delta where every community feels the impact of governance,” he said.
The anniversary has continued to generate discussions around infrastructure, economic opportunities, governance and the need for inclusive development across Delta State’s three senatorial districts.
