Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, DSHA, Dennis Guwor, has said joint efforts in environmental protection, resource governance and economic development could produce greater benefits for Delta and Bayelsa States.
He stated this on Tuesday, when he received a delegation of Bayelsa State lawmakers in Asaba for a five-day inter-state legislative retreat aimed at strengthening legislative capacity in Bayelsa state.
The Speaker described the retreat’s theme, “Leadership, Stakeholder Management, and Socio-economic Growth in Bayelsa State,” as both timely and relevant to the realities confronting legislators in their constituencies.
He expressed confidence that the programme would offer fresh insights and strengthen the lawmakers’ ability to deliver effective governance.
While vowing that the state and Bayelsa as oil-producing states, must work together to protect their people and their lands, in his goodwill remarks, Guwor recalled the Bayelsa Assembly’s earlier pledge to return after their visit last year and expressed delight that Delta continues to serve as their “second home.”
He highlighted the deep historical, cultural and economic bonds between the two Niger Delta states, stressing shared challenges such as environmental degradation and the quest for sustainable development.
“The Bayelsa and Delta are more than neighbours; we are family. We share a tapestry of history, culture, food, festivals, and the same environmental and developmental challenges. As oil-producing states, we must work together to protect our people and our land,” Guwor stated.
Guwor further underscored the value of inter-legislative cooperation, encouraging the Bayelsa delegation to explore Delta and participate fully in the retreat activities.
Responding, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, (BSHA), Abraham Ingobere, praised the consistent hospitality extended to his members in Delta, describing it as a growing tradition of mutual learning and collaboration for regional development.
The five-day retreat is being facilitated by the African Parliamentary Resource Center, led by Executive Director, Dr John Mutu, and is designed to promote dialogue on legislative best practices and strategies for sustainable development in Bayelsa state.
