LBy Daddy Kris
There is no doubt that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori means well for Delta State. He has been commended for delivering infrastructure projects without excessive borrowing. However, as someone who has witnessed development on a global scale, I believe it is time we shift the conversation from infrastructure governance to economic governance.
The key question is: Can we encourage our leaders to think differently?
*A LAND OF UNTAPPED WEALTH*
Delta State is one of the most resource-rich regions in Nigeria. With a landmass of 17,698 square kilometers, abundant oil reserves, fertile agricultural land, and vast waterways, our potential is undeniable. Yet, despite receiving ₦4.7 trillion ($10.2 billion) in federal allocations between 1999 and 2023, we remain underdeveloped, heavily dependent on oil revenue, and with minimal sustainable economic growth.
Looking back at history, the European settlers who arrived in Sapele saw a land bursting with opportunity. They built *AFRICAN TIMBER & PLYWOOD (ATP), LEVENTIS, PAMOL RUBBER COMPANY, and MOBIL OIl*, generating massive wealth without relying on federal allocations.
Growing up in village ‘Oghareki’, I saw an era when we had eight sawmills, shrimp-processing factories, and a thriving rubber industry. That wealth came from strategic investments, not government handouts.
So, I ask: Why are we not seeing what the Europeans saw in our land? Why do we struggle despite having more resources than some developed countries?
*OWNING OUR REFINERY*
With the Warri refinery reopening, I must ask—why doesn’t Delta State own its own refinery? Dangote, a private businessman, has built a 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery with an investment of $19 billion. Meanwhile, Delta State produces over 350,000 barrels of crude oil daily, yet we lack our own refining capacity.
Would it be so bad if we could stop selling crude and importing refined products? I think we should establish a state-owned modular refinery to process oil locally, create jobs, and generate revenue for the state
*LARGE-SCALE AGRICULTURE*
Agriculture remains one of the most underutilized sectors in Delta State. Nigeria imports over $5 billion worth of food annually, yet Delta has over 1.2 million hectares of arable land lying fallow.
A serious government should be investing in palm oil plantations (Malaysia earns over $20 billion annually from an industry that originated from Nigeria), rice production (Nigeria spends ₦1.2 trillion annually on rice imports), commercial fisheries (The Netherlands, a country smaller than Delta, generates $4.5 billion annually from fisheries exports).
If properly harnessed, agriculture alone could provide over 500,000 direct jobs and significantly reduce youth unemployment.
*STATE-OWN SUPERMARKET CHAIN*
Nigeria’s retail sector is worth over ₦13 trillion ($28 billion) annually, yet most of the dominant supermarket brands—SHOPRITE, SPAR, and GAME—are foreign-owned.
The question is, why can’t Delta State own a supermarket chain?
Imagine a *“DELTA FRESH”* supermarket, selling locally produced palm oil, seafood, rice, and rubber-based products. I am talking about products that promote the Delta brand. I am talking about exporting across Nigeria and to the diaspora. Oh yes, we should not be exporting raw materials. We should be exporting finished products under a proud Delta brand.
*The Shift from Political Appointments to Economic Empowerment*
The current government, like many before it, has focused on appointing Special Assistants (SAs) and Personal Assistants (PAs) as a means of political empowerment.
But how sustainable is this model? How long can people survive as SAs and PAs?
A truly visionary government would prioritize:
Tech and Innovation Hubs – Creating a ₦50 billion Delta Innovation Fund to support startups and digital entrepreneurs.
Manufacturing and Industrial Parks – Developing a state-led industrial hub for furniture, plastics, and automobile assembly.
Tourism Development – Turning our coastal belt, rivers, and forest reserves into global tourist attractions.
*Delta Without Federal Allocation*
Let’s assume Nigeria does not exist, and the monthly oil allocation stops tomorrow. What would happen to Delta State? Would we collapse?
Absolutely not. If we start thinking differently today.
*Hon. Ben Roland Igbakpa PhD. once said that “the best time to start anything is NOW.”*
My people, I lived in Slovenia for five years before relocating to the United Kingdom. Slovenia is a country of just 2.1 million people, with no oil or gas, yet it has a $67 billion GDP and ranks as one of the most developed economies in Eastern Europe.
Delta State has more resources than Slovenia, yet Slovenia thrives while we struggle. The difference? Strategic vision, economic planning, and leadership that prioritizes investment over consumption.
*IT’S TIME FOR ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE*
Delta State has the potential to build an economy larger than Kenya’s ($95 billion GDP) if we embrace bold economic strategies.
Infrastructure is important, but without economic growth, it is like building roads to nowhere.
Our government must shift from spending money to making money; a transition from a state of dependency to a state of economic power
*THE LIBERTY BELL MUST RING*
I have said it before, and I will say it again—the era of infrastructure governance is over… We need economic governance.
I mean no harm, but I will be pleased if this is a wake-up call to: Our leaders, stakeholders, the great people of Delta State It is time to think BIG.
I find myself like John the Baptist—a lone voice crying out in the wilderness. Will my call for change be heeded, or will I, too, face the fate of those who dare to speak their mind? I only hope that my words do not provoke the wrath of those who will stop at nothing to secure their place beside the throne.
Make una nor vex… I fit swear by our ancestors… I nor want trouble… love you all.
*My name na Daddy Kris*