President Bola Tinubu has urged support from Niger Delta stakeholders for development initiatives, deeming the region essential for national prosperity. He emphasized immediate action for growth, discussed political stability in Rivers State, and revealed federal plans for new economic projects, while leaders expressed confidence in his leadership.
President Bola Tinubu has reached out to leaders and stakeholders from the South-South and Niger Delta regions, urging them to back his administration’s initiatives for development in the Niger Delta. This appeal was made following a recent meeting with the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Presidential Villa, where the president expressed that support from regional leaders would significantly enhance the efforts of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In highlighting the region’s importance, Mr. Tinubu referred to it as “the goose that lays the golden egg,” stressing the necessity for immediate and sustained development initiatives. He remarked, “We must care for the Niger Delta, otherwise, we lose the golden egg,” underlining the critical nature of addressing the region’s needs promptly.
Acknowledging the current political unrest in Rivers State, the president indicated his commitment to restoring peace among opposing political factions. He stated, “I got your (PANDEF’s) signal and concerns regarding Rivers State, and I have been on the issue for quite some time. I foresaw the crises festering for too long ‘before’ I intervened.”
Mr. Tinubu encouraged political figures in the Niger Delta to collaborate closely with developmental agencies to expedite growth in the region. He commended the NDDC’s managing director, Samuel Ogbuku, for his contributions to regional progress, stating, “We are all proud of Ogbuku because he is doing a great job. Community development is very close to my heart, and Ogbuku should be encouraged to do more.”
The president further advised Niger Delta leaders to embrace selfless leadership and aim for the revitalization of the region’s political and economic landscape. He expressed confidence in ongoing projects, particularly the coastal road initiative aimed at generating economic opportunities for the Niger Delta and the broader nation.
Additionally, Mr. Tinubu disclosed plans for the federal government to engage international companies for the development of new ports in the Niger Delta, thereby enhancing the region’s economic prospects. King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and co-chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, expressed appreciation for Mr. Tinubu’s commitment to advancing the South-South region’s development and acknowledged his appointments of regional indigenes to government positions, affirming: “Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are confident that you will succeed.”
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the importance of stakeholder support for the development of the Niger Delta, describing the region as vital for national prosperity. He called for collaboration among political leaders and developmental agencies to address ongoing challenges. With a focus on substantial projects like the coastal road and port development, the president aims to enhance economic growth within the region, while leaders like King Alfred Diete-Spiff express confidence in his administration’s efforts.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
