President Tinubu Calls for Support in Advancing Niger Delta Development
President Bola Tinubu has called for collaboration with leaders and stakeholders in the Niger Delta to enhance development efforts. In a recent meeting with PANDEF, he emphasized the region’s significance and the urgency for development. The president also addressed political tensions in Rivers and expressed optimism about ongoing projects that promise to boost the local economy.
President Bola Tinubu has reached out to stakeholders and leaders from the South-South and Niger Delta regions, seeking their support for his administration’s development efforts in the Niger Delta. This call came during a recent meeting with the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he emphasized the importance of regional support for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to expedite progress in the area.
Mr. Tinubu highlighted the region’s significance, referring to it as “the goose that lays the golden egg” and underscored the necessity for immediate and sustained development initiatives. He articulated, “We must care for the Niger Delta, otherwise, we lose the golden egg.”
In addressing the ongoing political unrest in Rivers State, the president assured PANDEF of his commitment to restoring peace among the conflicting political factions. He stated, “I foresaw the crises festering for too long ‘before’ I intervened,” thus reflecting his proactive approach to conflict resolution in the region.
Furthermore, Mr. Tinubu urged local political leaders to collaborate with development agencies to enhance efforts toward Niger Delta development. He commended Samuel Ogbuku, the managing director of NDDC, for his impactful contributions to the region’s economic and infrastructural progress.
The president encouraged leaders to adopt selfless leadership principles to revitalize the political and economic landscape of Niger Delta. Mr. Tinubu expressed optimism about ongoing projects, particularly the coastal road project, which he asserted would create significant economic opportunities for both the region and Nigeria as a whole. He also disclosed that international companies are being engaged to develop new ports in the Niger Delta, expanding economic prospects further.
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 the region’s development. He praised the president’s efforts in appointing Niger Delta indigenes to governmental positions, stating, “Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are confident that you will succeed.”
In summary, President Bola Tinubu’s appeal for the support of South-South and Niger Delta stakeholders underscores his administration’s commitment to regional development. His emphasis on collaboration among political leaders and development agencies aims to accelerate positive changes in the region. Furthermore, ongoing projects, such as the coastal road and the establishment of new ports, highlight a strategic approach to economic growth and infrastructural improvements, aiming to secure a prosperous future for the Niger Delta.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
