The governorship candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State, Chris Iyovwaye, has described the state as an industrial hub, saying its potential has not been adequately harnessed by the government.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, Iyovwaye said Delta had numerous industries and opportunities that could be leveraged to strengthen the state’s economy and create jobs.
“Like, you know, I’ve often said in my interviews is that Delta State is an industrial hub.”
“With the last count we have over 35 to 40 companies that are alien. And we believe that if you put things in place, some of those can be revived.”
Iyovwaye said reviving the industries would help create employment opportunities and strengthen economic activity in the state.
“So that the economy can be robust, our youthful population can have youthful engagement by going to good paying jobs, you know, rather than having, you know, to drive the economy on having them have their care or having to give them some money that doesn’t make sense.”
He said his administration would focus on industrialisation and develop different sectors of the state’s economy.
“Those are the things that we see, what we want to do differently. We want to jumpstart, we want to industrialise Delta.”
“Delta is an industrial hub. You have whatever part of the industry you want to look at, whether it’s household goods, whether it is in the oil and gas business, whether it’s in pharmacy, just mention it. Whether it’s in the agribusiness, those are the things we want to do differently.”
Iyovwaye also identified agriculture and agribusiness as areas where Delta could generate greater economic value.
“Another thing, again, that you have is the agricultural arrangements in Delta. We have a very aggressive, the soil is very fertile, and nothing is being done about agribusiness.”
He said the state could leverage its resources across industry and agriculture to build a stronger economy.
“These are the things that we are seeing, we want to do differently. We want to ensure that the economy is energised, we want to ensure, you know, that the people are secure.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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