By Ovasa Ogaga,
Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone has expressed strong optimism that 2026 will mark a turning point for Delta Central and the Urhobo Nation, assuring residents of renewed hope, greater opportunities, and accelerated development in the new year.
In a New Year message issued on January 1, 2026, the senator said he was “very optimistic that this year will be far better than 2025, from available economic indicators,” as he extended “heartfelt goodwill and best wishes to the people of Delta Central Senatorial District and the entire Urhobo Nation.”
Acknowledging existing challenges, Dafinone noted that the district may not yet have reached its desired destination, but insisted that progress has been made. “We may not yet be exactly where we aspire to be as a people, but we are certainly not where we used to be,” he said, describing the collective journey as one “marked by progress, resilience, and determination.” He added that this progress gives him “strong confidence that 2026 will be a year of greater opportunity and meaningful advancement.”
The senator also appealed directly to residents, especially those in rural communities, to remain committed to their livelihoods. “I call on our people, particularly those in our rural communities, to remain steadfast and focused,” he stated, adding that the people of Delta Central are “known for their resourcefulness and industry.” He urged them to “continue to pursue your businesses and traditional occupations with dedication, as they remain vital to our growth and prosperity.”
Noting political cooperation as a key opportunity, Dafinone pointed to what he described as a beneficial alignment between governments at different levels. According to him, “the existing alignment between the Delta State Government and the Federal Government offers a unique opportunity to fast-track development,” stressing that “this synergy, if properly harnessed, will bring tangible benefits to Delta State in general and Delta Central in particular.”
He further called on the Urhobo Nation to maintain unity and optimism in the year ahead. “I urge the Urhobo Nation to remain forward-looking, united, and positive as we embrace the new year,” Dafinone said, reaffirming his commitment to work “closely with the Delta State Governor and the Federal Government as partners to ensure that what is due to Delta Central is fully delivered and that development reaches every part of our district.”
He also expressed confidence in the year ahead, declaring, “I am confident that 2026 will be a great year for Delta Central and the Urhobo Nation—a year of progress, inclusion, and renewed hope.”
Statement in full: "As we step into the year 2026, I extend my heartfelt goodwill and best wishes to the people of Delta Central Senatorial District and the entire Urhobo Nation. I am very optimistic that this year will be far better than 2025, from available economic indicators.
"We may not yet be exactly where we aspire to be as a people, but we are certainly not where we used to be. Our collective journey has been marked by progress, resilience, and determination, and this gives me strong confidence that 2026 will be a year of greater opportunity and meaningful advancement.
"I call on our people, particularly those in our rural communities, to remain steadfast and focused. The people of Delta Central are known for their resourcefulness and industry. I urge you to continue to pursue your businesses and traditional occupations with dedication, as they remain vital to our growth and prosperity.
"The existing alignment between the Delta State Government and the Federal Government offers a unique opportunity to fast-track development. This synergy, if properly harnessed, will bring tangible benefits to Delta State in general and Delta Central in particular.
"I urge the Urhobo Nation to remain forward-looking, united, and positive as we embrace the new year. I remain committed to working closely with the Delta State Governor and the Federal Government as partners to ensure that what is due to Delta Central is fully delivered and that development reaches every part of our district.
"I am confident that 2026 will be a great year for Delta Central and the Urhobo Nation—a year of progress, inclusion, and renewed hope."
