Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Delta State, has called for a "rebirth" of the state. Iyovwaye made this call in a birthday tribute to Bishop David Oyedepo, who turned 72 on Sunday. Iyovwaye described Oyedepo as a major influence on his generation, saying the cleric had demonstrated that faith, vision, and hard work could build enduring institutions.
Iyovwaye said Oyedepo's establishment of institutions, creation of employment opportunities, and development of leaders had inspired his decision to frame the tribute around the theme of "rebirth". Delta State, Iyovwaye noted, possesses significant natural and human resources, including oil and gas, fertile land, waterways, and a large population of young people. However, he expressed concern about the economic difficulties facing residents.
The NDC candidate argued that Delta State needs a new vision, stronger institutions, and an economy capable of creating opportunities for its people. He proposed an approach to governance anchored on long-term planning rather than short-term political considerations. Iyovwaye said, "Delta State needs to be born again," drawing inspiration from Oyedepo's establishment of institutions such as Covenant University.
Iyovwaye promised to pursue policies aimed at moving young people from dependence on short-term financial assistance to sustainable employment, skills acquisition, and enterprise. He said, "We will build a Delta that will not give our youths 5k to go and shout, but will give them work, skills, land, and money to produce something. A productive Delta."
The values Iyovwaye associates with Covenant University – integrity, diligence, and responsibility – would inform his approach to public administration. He pledged that government projects and public spending under his proposed administration would be subject to greater accountability. Iyovwaye said, "When we say we will do a road, we will do a road. When we budget money, that money will be used for Deltans."
Iyovwaye concluded his tribute by praying for Oyedepo's continued health, strength, and service. He expressed hope that Oyedepo would live to witness what he described as a "new Delta". Iyovwaye thanked Oyedepo for showing that it is possible to build enduring institutions through faith, vision, and hard work.
The tribute was published on September 27, 2026, at 8:42 pm WAT. Iyovwaye's call for a rebirth of Delta State has sparked a renewed conversation about the state's future and the kind of leadership it needs to achieve its full potential.
Key points
- Deacon Chris Iyovwaye calls for a rebirth of Delta State with a new vision, stronger institutions, and economy.
- Iyovwaye's proposed approach to governance is anchored on long-term planning rather than short-term political considerations.
- The NDC candidate promises to pursue policies aimed at creating sustainable employment, skills acquisition, and enterprise for young people in Delta State.
