The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly speaker, Rt. Hon. Dennis Emomotimi Guwor, has called on members of the 8th Assembly to recommit themselves to sustainable development and inclusive governance and deviate from serving personal interest just as the House reconvened on Tuesday, September 9, after its annual recess.
Welcoming lawmakers back to plenary, Guwor underscored that the legislature must play a pivotal role in shaping policies that secure Delta’s future while addressing today’s pressing needs. He said the recess offered not just a time for rest but also for reflection, learning, and reconnection with constituents.
A highlight of the recess, the Speaker noted, was the Assembly’s participation in a leadership training on “Strategies for Inclusive Economic Growth” at the Centre for Enterprise, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom. According to him, the programme exposed members to global models of governance that prioritize sustainability, equity, and accountability.
“We learnt that inclusive governance is the surest path to sustainable development, and that policy decisions must be guided by evidence, data, and the lived realities of our constituents,” Guwor said. “We also saw clearly that innovation, accountability, and transparency are not optional, but essential in delivering good governance.”
He stressed the role of research and knowledge in driving long-term growth, pointing out that the government must leverage the intellectual resources of universities and research institutions to solve local problems. “Delta State is fortunate to have four state-owned universities alongside federal and private institutions. We must encourage policies that harness these resources to achieve sustainable development for our people,” he said.
Guwor reminded lawmakers that sustainability requires forward-thinking policies and consistent execution. He said the Assembly’s agenda would be shaped by the lessons learned in Manchester, ensuring that legislation, committee oversight, and stakeholder engagement translate into practical outcomes that strengthen the state’s economy and social fabric.
The Speaker also linked sustainability with ongoing infrastructural development under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, commending projects such as the construction of flyovers at Uromi Junction in Ika South and Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli North. He described them as transformative projects that would ease mobility, reduce environmental stress caused by congestion, and stimulate economic activity in the long term.
He further applauded the award of contracts for a dual-purpose building that would house the Assembly’s Clinic and the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission. He noted that the facility would provide 24-hour healthcare services to members, staff, and the wider Assembly community, while also giving the Commission a permanent home to strengthen institutional sustainability.
Reflecting on the state’s milestones, Guwor congratulated Deltans on the 34th anniversary of the state’s creation and hailed the successful hosting of the 9th National Youth Games. He emphasized that youth development and sports are integral to sustainable progress, urging renewed investment in young people as custodians of the state’s future.
“As we reconvene, our commitment must be to enact laws that foster economic growth, social justice, and sustainability. We must strengthen oversight to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of resources, while responding to pressing needs in infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and security,” he charged.
Guwor cautioned lawmakers against allowing personal interests to overshadow collective responsibility, stressing that posterity would judge their impact on Delta’s development. “The hallmark of this 8th Assembly must be unity, diligence, and service above self. History will measure us not by the titles we hold, but by the impact we create,” he declared.
The Speaker concluded by urging lawmakers to bring renewed vigour and a sustainability mindset to their work, ensuring that every decision taken contributes to leaving Delta State better and more resilient than they met it