Beyond the Blue Economy: Eshor Explains Seven Areas That Could Shape Delta's Future

African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Engr. Isaac Eshor, is presenting the blue economy as a potential driver of economic growth in Delta State. But a broader development conversation must also address the needs of farmers, traders, artisans, graduates, small-business owners and families across the state.

The blue economy is an important part of the conversation, particularly given Delta's waterways and ports. However, economic development must create opportunities for people with different skills, qualifications and ambitions.

Here are seven policy areas that could form part of a broader development agenda for Delta State.

1. Youth Employment: Creating Opportunities Beyond Government Jobs

Not every young person will secure a government appointment, and not everyone wants to work in the maritime industry.

Delta needs an economy that encourages private businesses to grow, creates employment and gives young people opportunities to acquire practical skills.

A comprehensive youth employment programme could connect young people with apprenticeships, vocational training, internships and employers seeking qualified workers.

The goal should be to help young people move from unemployment to productive work, whether through paid employment or self-employment.

2. Small Businesses: Helping Entrepreneurs Grow

Our traders, artisans, bakers, mechanics, fashion designers and other small-business owners contribute to the economy every day.

Yet many struggle to access capital, purchase equipment and expand their businesses.

A broader economic programme could explore transparent business-support schemes, affordable financing, practical business training and opportunities for local enterprises to supply goods and services to larger industries.

When small businesses grow, they can create additional jobs and support families across our communities.

3. Agriculture: Supporting Farmers and Food Security

Delta's economic future should also include its farmers.

Investments in agricultural inputs, storage, food processing, rural roads and market access could help farmers reduce losses and reach more customers.

The connection with the blue economy is equally important. Improved transportation and commercial infrastructure could create additional markets for fish, agricultural produce and processed foods.

Agriculture should not be treated as separate from industrial development; the two can support each other.

4. Education and Skills: Preparing Young People for Opportunities

Education should equip young people with knowledge and practical skills that can help them build sustainable careers.

Beyond traditional academic qualifications, Delta could explore stronger vocational education, digital training, technical skills programmes and partnerships between schools and employers.

Young people interested in maritime careers should have opportunities to pursue them, but those interested in agriculture, technology, construction, fashion and other professions should also have accessible pathways.

The objective should be to expand opportunities, not restrict young people to one career direction.

5. Infrastructure: Making Everyday Life and Business Easier

Development is difficult when roads are poor, electricity is unreliable and communities lack access to clean water.

Strategic investment in roads, drainage, water supply and practical electricity solutions could help communities while reducing the challenges faced by businesses.

Better rural roads could connect farmers to markets, while improved infrastructure around commercial centres could encourage investment and economic activity.

Projects should be prioritised according to public need, available funding and measurable benefits.

6. Healthcare and Social Welfare: Putting People at the Centre

Economic growth matters, but people's wellbeing matters too.

Strengthening primary healthcare, improving essential medical services and supporting maternal and child healthcare could help communities access necessary care.

A broader social development agenda could also consider targeted support for vulnerable households, older people in need and persons with disabilities.

Development should be measured not only by the size of investments but also by improvements in people's everyday lives.

7. Accountability and Inclusive Governance: Making Government Answerable to the People

People deserve to understand how public funds are spent, which projects are prioritised and whether government commitments are being fulfilled.

Regular town hall meetings, transparent procurement, published project updates and accessible complaint channels could help residents participate in governance.

With 25 local government areas in Delta State, development planning should take account of the different needs of urban centres, rural communities and riverine areas.

Public accountability would also require clear targets, realistic budgets and regular reporting on progress.

Beyond the Blue Economy: Connecting the Opportunities

The blue economy could help stimulate maritime investment, fishing, transportation, tourism and related businesses. But its benefits would depend on how effectively it connects with other sectors of the economy.

Farmers could supply growing markets. Small businesses could provide goods and services. Artisans could support construction and maintenance. Young people could pursue careers across several industries.

The wider opportunity lies in building an economy where different sectors complement one another rather than relying on a single source of growth.

For Eshor, the next step is to explain how these policy areas could be prioritised, financed and implemented, with measurable targets that allow Deltans to assess progress.

Delta's future is a conversation that must include every community, every occupation and every generation. The question is how to turn the state's resources and potential into practical opportunities that people can see and experience in their daily lives.

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