President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Niger Delta stakeholders to support development initiatives for the region. He emphasized the need for collaboration, acknowledged ongoing political tensions, and praised NDDC’s management. Tinubu highlighted upcoming projects and the importance of selfless leadership for economic enhancement in the region.
President Bola Tinubu has urged leaders and stakeholders from the South-South and Niger Delta regions to support his administration in its development initiatives for the Niger Delta. This call was articulated through a statement released by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the director of corporate affairs at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), following a meeting with the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Mr. Tinubu emphasized that the collaboration of regional leaders and stakeholders with the NDDC is essential to accelerate development in the Niger Delta, which he described as “the goose that lays the golden egg.” He stressed the urgency for sustained development efforts in the area, reiterating, “We must care for the Niger Delta, otherwise, we lose the golden egg.”
The president acknowledged ongoing political tensions in Rivers State and emphasized his commitment to restoring peace among conflicting political factions. He stated, “I got your (PANDEF’s) signal and concerns regarding Rivers State, and I have been on this issue for quite some time.” Mr. Tinubu further urged Niger Delta political leaders to collaborate with development agencies to enhance regional development.
In recognition of Samuel Ogbuku, the managing director of NDDC, Mr. Tinubu commended his efforts towards the economic and infrastructural advancement of the region, saying, “We are all proud of Ogbuku because he is doing a great job.” He further advised leaders to adopt selfless leadership and work on revitalizing the political and economic landscape of the Niger Delta.
Expressing confidence in ongoing projects, President Tinubu noted that the coastal road project is poised to create new economic opportunities in the Niger Delta and for Nigeria at large. He also mentioned that the federal government is engaging international companies to develop new ports in the Niger Delta, aimed at expanding economic prospects in the region.
King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and co-chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude for Mr. Tinubu’s commitment to the South-South’s development and praised the inclusion of Niger Delta indigenes in government roles. He expressed confidence in the president’s leadership, stating, “Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are confident that you will succeed.”
In summary, President Bola Tinubu is actively seeking support from leaders in the Niger Delta to enhance regional development through collaboration with the NDDC. He underlined the importance of addressing political tensions and encouraged selfless leadership focused on the area’s growth. The president’s initiatives, including the coastal road project and port development, aim to foster economic opportunities and improve infrastructure within the region, while he has received encouragement from regional leaders endorsing his commitment to progress.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
