Delta’s Captive Generation: Why We Must Reject the Cycle of Misrule

 

By Dr. Abel Dafiaghor

For more than two decades, Delta State has been trapped in a vicious cycle of political deceit. Our sons and daughters—especially the youth—remain victims of the same political structure that has kept our state backward despite its immense human and natural resources. The names may have changed, but the hands pulling the strings remain the same.

What we are witnessing today is not a party split but a mass migration of the old order. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which held Delta hostage for sixteen unproductive years, has now moved enmasse—with its elected representatives from the wards, local governments, the State House of Assembly, and the State Executive Council—into the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the sitting governor himself.

This is not a political realignment; it is the same system wearing a new badge. The ideology, mindset, and governing style remain unchanged. What has changed is only the colour of the flag.

It is disheartening that after so many years of democratic governance, Delta State remains one of Nigeria’s least developed oil-producing states. Despite billions of naira in monthly allocations, our roads are in ruins, schools are neglected, and the healthcare system is a national embarrassment.

The tragedy deepens when we remember that two of Delta’s former governors are medical doctors. One would expect that leaders with such backgrounds would prioritize healthcare and human development. Yet, despite their professional training and exposure, neither could build even a semi-standard health centre that serves as a model of excellence in the state. Hospitals remain understaffed, ill-equipped, and unsafe for both patients and personnel. Rural communities are left to fend for themselves, relying on patent medicine stores and faith-based healing for survival.

Meanwhile, the current governor seems more interested in self-aggrandizement and perpetuating himself in power than in genuine service to the people. Governance has been reduced to ceremonies, slogans, and political calculations aimed at securing another term. While other states are creating industries and attracting investors, Delta continues to depend almost entirely on federal allocations and oil revenue. The energy that should go into industrialization, youth empowerment, and infrastructural renewal is being wasted on political showmanship and survival tactics.

This obsession with power and continuity has come at a grave cost to the people. Unemployment is rising, skilled youth are migrating, and communities that once thrived are now ghost towns. The promise of democracy has been replaced by a culture of dependency and despair.

Deltans must see through this charade. The movement of a failed political structure from one party to another does not translate to progress. It is simply an attempt to extend an era of underdevelopment under a new banner.

Our youth must awaken to this truth. They must not be used again as tools of propaganda or violence.The future of Delta belongs to them, not to a handful of elites who have captured the state’s resources for personal enrichment.

We must reject these recycled leaders—whether they come in the form of PDP, APC, or any other disguise. What Delta needs is a new generation of leadership—competent, accountable, and people-centered. Until that happens, we will remain a captured people.

But we can break free. We can chart a new course. We must reject them in whichever form they appear. Delta deserves better. God help us.

References

1. National Bureau of Statistics (2022). Poverty and Unemployment Report by State.

2. BudgIT (2023). State of States Report: Fiscal Performance and Infrastructure in Delta State.

3. Vanguard Nigeria (2024). Delta’s Political Exodus: PDP Structures Move to APC Under Governor’s Leadership.

4. The Guardian (2024). Delta’s Governance at a Crossroads: Industry and Investment on Hold.

About the Author

About the Author Dr. Abel Dafiaghor is a Delta-born civic advocate and physical therapist. His father was the Chairman of the Delta Movement in Ughelli, and he is passionate about good governance, accountability, and the dignity of ordinary Deltans.

Delcom 2025: Oborevwori harps on constructive criticism, effective communication for nation building

 ......Says AI indispensable, shaping effective governance

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed the crucial role of strategic communication and artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping effective governance and leadership in today’s digital world.

Declaring open the 6th edition of the Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop (DELCOM 2025) on Monday at Hotel Benizia, Asaba, the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, emphasized that digital tools and AI have become indispensable to governance, public enlightenment, and national development.

“The theme of this year’s workshop, Strategic Communication in the Digital Age: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools for Effective Leadership, is both timely and relevant,” Governor Oborevwori stated. “In an era where digital platforms and AI are reshaping governance and public communication, it is imperative that we embrace innovation and utilize these modern tools to effectively project the progress of our dear state.”

The Governor stressed that nation-building requires more than just policies and infrastructure, describing effective communication as the lifeline of peace, unity, and progress.

“Nation-building thrives on dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding,” he said. “Equally important is the role of constructive criticism, which enables the government to refine its policies, improve service delivery, and remain responsive to the needs of the people.”

While urging media practitioners and government communicators to uphold professionalism and responsibility, Governor Oborevwori cautioned against misinformation and digital manipulation, warning that “propaganda, fake news, and cyber bullying erode public trust and undermine our collective progress.”

Highlighting some of his administration’s achievements, the Governor noted significant strides in infrastructure, education, and financial accountability.

“In our administration, we have embarked on extensive road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance to ease mobility, promote commerce, and enhance living standards,” he explained. “Transparency and accountability remain at the heart of our financial practices, ensuring that every kobo is judiciously applied for the benefit of our citizens.”

He further stated that the state’s strategic investment in education continues to empower Deltans with the skills required to thrive in today’s knowledge-driven economy. “Through policies and initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, we are creating sustainable employment opportunities for our people,” the Governor added.

He commended the organisers of DELCOM 2025, led by the Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, for sustaining the annual platform which, he said, “continues to enhance the capacity of government communicators and strengthen leadership across all sectors.”

In his welcome address, Dr. Oghenesivbe said the workshop had, since inception, trained over 900 participants in effective communication of government policies and programmes. He described this year’s theme as particularly relevant given the growing influence of digital media and AI in public engagement.

“As communicators, we must stay ahead of the curve by harnessing the power of AI and digital tools to shape public opinion and drive positive narratives,” Dr. Latimore Oghenesivbe said. He also urged participants to understand the legal framework guiding responsible communication, including the Cybercrimes Act 2024, and laws on libel and defamation.

He reminded journalists and media practitioners that “defamation has grave consequences, including fines and imprisonment,” and urged all communicators to verify their sources and maintain factual accuracy.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, underscored the importance of AI in transforming governance and leadership communication.

“In today’s world of instant information and social media, strategic communication is no longer a luxury, it is the lifeblood of effective leadership,” he said. “Artificial Intelligence is not here to replace human creativity but to augment our capabilities. It can help the government analyse public sentiment, translate messages into local languages, and make policy decisions based on real-time data.”

The Chief Adviser to the Governor, Senator Ighoyota Amori, commended Governor Oborevwori for consistently approving capacity-building programs for government spokespersons, media partners, online publishers and social media influencers in the state.“You can’t demand excellence from people you have not trained,” he said, urging participants to maximize the opportunity to learn modern communication strategies.

He added humorously that though his generation belongs to the analog era, he remains curious about AI and looks forward to the training session on Digital Leadership and Crisis Communication, while commending the  State Coordinator of DELCOM, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, for his tenacity, unwavering commitment and dedication to assigned responsibilities.

The Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Minnie Oseji, in her goodwill message, revealed that her office had trained over 500 civil servants across 19 ministries, departments, and agencies in digitalization. She described the AI-focused theme of DELCOM 2025 as “a welcome development that aligns perfectly with the state’s digital transformation agenda.”

“This should not just be another training for relaxation,” she cautioned. “We expect tangible and measurable results when you return to your MDAs and step down the knowledge gained.”

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Gibson Pinnick, said effective communication is key to transparency and trust in governance.

“In this digital age, leadership is not just about decision-making but about how effectively those decisions are communicated,” he said. “Workshops like DELCOM equip political appointees, media partners, and influencers to turn public information into public understanding.”

Facilitators at the 3-days workshop include; Prof. Joyce Ogwezi, who leads the session on Strategic Communication for Leaders; Dr. Monday Ashibogwu, who trains participants on AI-Powered Leadership Communication, and Prof. Presley Obukoadata, who handles Digital Leadership and Crisis Communication.

Participants are expected to challenge their curiosity, strengthen their communication skills, and apply the knowledge gained to improve public engagement and government representation.

The 6th Edition of DELCOM 2025 is organized by the Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau under the leadership of Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe. It is designed to sharpen the skills of participants, and bring them up to speed with latest digital tools and artificial intelligence technology for effective media engagements.

As Delta State continues its digital transformation drive, DELCOM 2025 is poised to play a defining role in building a new cadre of communicators; skilled in artificial intelligence, strategic messaging, and ethical reporting. By bridging the gap between governance and public understanding, the workshop reaffirms Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to transparent leadership, innovation, and inclusive growth in a rapidly evolving information age.

Delcom Participants included political appointees, government media partners, Journalists, Public Relations Officers from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Academic community, the police, NDLEA, online publishers and notable social media influencers.

The 3-Day capacity building workshop will come to a close on Wednesday 8th October, 2025 with presentation of certificates of attendance to participants by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, and induction of Members, Fellows and Disguised Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM) by the President of the Institute, Ambassador Dr (Mrs) Temile Uduogho Oritseweyinmi,  

Also in attendance at the opening ceremony are; Commissioner for Higher Education (ably represented), Bureau for Special Duty Commissioner, Chief Ejiro Terry Etacherure, Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister ThankGod Trakiriowei Harry, State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA (ably represented), Sir Eddie Gbegbaje, Chairman State Bureau for Pensions (ably represented), Manager Communications, Government House, Jackson Ekugwum, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Executive Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Comrade Felix Ofou.

Other dignitaries include; Dr Donald Peterson, Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development (ably represented), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Dr Ngozi Mogbolu, Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Political and Security Services, Mr Theophilus Chukwudi Aguonye, State Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Godfrey Osakwe,  General Manager, Delta Broadcasting Service Warri, Pastor Malcolm Oteri, General Manager, Delta Broadcasting Service Asaba, Mrs Kristine Emetulu, et al.