Stakeholders and leaders of the Niger Delta region on Monday, expressed optimism on the development strategy adopted by the current leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the leadership of the region met in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, to examine the region’s interests as well as national issues and called for speedy completion of the East-West road.
Representatives of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ijaw National Congress (IÑC), Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) and other groups attended the meeting.
They observed that activities and focus of the NDDC and the current approach to issues affecting the wellbeing and interests of the people of the Niger Delta region gives hope to the region.
They showed satisfaction with NDDC leadership’s clear demonstration of resolve to change the narrative and achieve positive results as well as deepen good governance in the administration of the commission.
According to resolutions from the meeting, ongoing efforts by the commission to adopt inclusivity and a broad approach in reaching out to diverse interest groups in the region are heartwarming.
“Citizens across the Niger Delta region are well-pleased with the positive steps fashioned by the present leadership of NDDC, especially the people-oriented service delivery tendency since their inception.
“A lot of laudable strides in education, such as scholarships, vocational training, as well as road infrastructure and other impactful developmental initiatives have commenced in earnest.
“The commission has declared commitment to light-up roads and streets of towns and communities in the Niger Delta region,” the leaders stated.
They, however, expressed dismay at the awful state of sections of the East-West road, especially the portions between Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states, ravaged by the 2022 flood.
They also noted the Warri-Sapele-Benin road, Benin-Auchi road, Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road, among others, across the entire Niger Delta.
They appealed to President Bola Tinubu to use his good office and as a lover of the Niger Delta to release the backlog of arrears of funds owed the commission by the Federal Government.
“We believe that such a presidential gesture will not only help escalate the development of the region but also further endear President Tinubu to the Niger Delta people.
“We call on the good people and friends of the Niger Delta to lend constructive support to the leadership of the commission in its determined march to make a difference,” they said.
They called on the Federal Ministry of Works and the relevant agencies of the Federal Government to carry out immediate reconstruction works on the several failed sections of federal roads in the Niger Delta.
They noted that fixing the roads will go a long way to alleviate the suffering of the people.
The leaders equally called for the completion of the Ikot Abasi – Eket – Oron section of the East-West road and the award of the contract for the Oron-Calabar section of the all-important road.
They harped on the dire need for the Trans-Niger Delta Coastal road project and noted that the potential socioeconomic benefits of the project cannot be overemphasised.
The stakeholders urged that funds should be mobilised for the commencement of the project.
The resolution was endorsed by Senator Essien Emmanuel national chairman of PANDEF; Professor Benjamin Okaba, president of INC; Mr Kennedy Tonjo-West, national president of MOSIEND among others.
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