BUSINESS
Stop Sharing Money, Build Factories – Delta NDC Gov Candidate Iyovwaye Blasts Delta Govt
The governorship candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has declared war on political patronage and cash handouts, saying Delta must industrialise or collapse under youth unemployment.
Iyovwaye spoke at a townhall meeting with professionals in Effurun, near Warri, where he unveiled his economic blueprint for Delta.
“Delta has over six million people, mostly youths, but about 40 industries in the state are dead or struggling. That is a recipe for insecurity,” he said.
“We want to industrialise Delta. We are not joking. It is something that is possible.”
He said Delta’s problem is not lack of money, but lack of professionalism. He accused successive governments of giving appointments based on personal relationships instead of qualifications, experience and capacity to deliver.
He said the state must professionalise its civil service, describing it as the backbone of successful economies like the United States, Europe and China.
Iyovwaye took a swipe at the government’s reliance on cash transfers, saying development should be measured by purchasing power and jobs, not temporary handouts.
“Funds used for cash transfers can build palm oil factories that will employ thousands and export,” he said.
He demanded transparency in the management of the 13 per cent derivation fund for oil-producing communities, insisting the money must reach the real beneficiaries with monitoring and accountability.
Despite decades of oil exploration, he said many oil-producing communities in Delta remain impoverished, without infrastructure, and some without electricity for 10 years.
He listed oil and gas, solid minerals, agriculture and electricity as Delta’s four pillars for revival.
He said Delta has iron ore, gypsum, silica and clay largely untapped. Using the moribund Delta Glass industry as example, he said silica alone could support glass manufacturing and even solar panel production.
On agriculture, he listed cassava, palm produce, groundnuts, fisheries and animal husbandry as areas for processing, value addition and exports.
On power, he said Delta has enough gas to power industries but lacks infrastructure and political will.
He also called for full local government autonomy, regular financial and project-performance reviews, and a proactive security approach where criminals are identified and prosecuted.
He urged professionals to interrogate his proposals and contribute expertise, saying the engagement was about a development programme, not political endorsement through personal relationships.
