The Nigeria Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has called for the state’s “independence” from poverty, unemployment, insecurity and “failed leadership.”

He urged Deltans to “reset” the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Iyovwaye made the call in his Independence Day address made available to PUNCH Online on Wednesday.

The candidate said Nigeria’s 66 years of independence should prompt reflection on whether citizens had achieved freedom from hunger, fear and unemployment.

“A man who cannot feed his family is not independent.

“A young graduate who has no job after four years at university is not independent.

“A mother who cannot take her child to hospital because there is no hospital is not independent,” he said.

Iyovwaye said his message was not only about Nigeria’s independence but also what he described as Delta’s need to break away from poverty and poor governance.

“On this Independence Day, I have chosen to speak to you about something deeper. Not just Nigeria’s independence, but Delta’s independence.

“It is time to RESET Delta State,” he said.

Iyovwaye said Delta had abundant natural resources, including crude oil, gas, the sea and fertile land, as well as a large pool of skilled people.

He, however, said the state had not adequately translated its resources into improved living conditions for its residents.

“We see a rich state, but our people are poor. We see a state that has received more money than many African countries, but our schools are dilapidated.

“Our children sit on the floor to learn. Our hospitals are not hospitals. They are just buildings. Our roads, even in Warri, our oil city, are an embarrassment,” he said.

The candidate said many young Deltans were leaving the state in search of opportunities elsewhere or abroad.

“Our youths, our bright Urhobo youths, our brave Itsekiri youths, our industrious Ijaw youths, our resilient Anioma youths, our skillful Isoko youths are running away,” he said.

He said his proposed “RESET” agenda would focus on changing the mindset of residents, diversifying the state’s economy and strengthening public institutions.

On the economy, Iyovwaye said Delta should reduce its dependence on federal allocations and attract investment into its industrial and agricultural sectors.

“Delta State should not be waiting for federal allocation to survive. That is laziness. How can a state with a port in Warri and Koko be waiting for Abuja every month?” he said.

He promised that his administration, if elected, would pursue industrialisation, convert gas to power, support mechanised farming and create more opportunities for young people.

“Our RESET agenda will industrialize Delta. We will make Delta work again. We will bring back industrialisation, not with grammar but with investors who know the business.

“We will turn our gas to power and give light to our people. We will support our farmers with mechanized farming, not cutlass and hoe,” he said.

Iyovwaye also promised to reform the state’s public institutions, including the civil service and local government system, and improve transparency in government spending.

“Our RESET will restore dignity to our institutions. We will run a transparent government where every kobo spent will be published. No more hidden budgets. No more inflated contracts. Deltans will know what enters and what goes out,” he said.

He urged Deltans to support what he described as a break from tribal politics and poor governance.

“Let us use this Independence Day to declare our own independence.

“Independence from bad governance.

“Independence from tribal politics.

“Independence from poverty of the mind,” he said.

Iyovwaye added, “On October 1st, 1960, Nigeria said, ‘We are free from the British.’

“In 2027, Deltans must say we are free from failed leadership.”

He wished Deltans a happy Independence Day and called for a “new Delta”.