Tinubu promises infrastructural, economic transformation in Niger Delta
President Bola Tinubu has assured the people of Niger Delter that concerted efforts are being made to transform the infrastructural and economic fortunes of the region.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Tuesday while declaring open the 6th meeting of the National Council on Niger Delta in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
Addressing the Council, Mr President, represented by the Minister of Steal Development, Mr Abubakar Audu, said the focus of the Council was in tandem with the cardinal objectives of his administration.
He said, “It is my pleasure to deliver this keynote address to officially open the 6th Meeting of the National Council on Niger Delta taking place in Asaba.
“I am delighted that the focus of this 6th National Council is themed “Stimulating Strategies for Economic Growth and Development in the Niger Delta Region”. This is appropriate, as it will stimulate proper coordination of developmental programmes and projects in the Region.
“The focus of this Council is in tandem with the cardinal objectives of my administration which are adequately enunciated in the Renewed Hope Agenda document. May I reiterate that the Renewed Hope Agenda encompasses much more than driving economic growth in Nigeria.”
He added that the focus of the council was also to create jobs, improve education, and healthcare, reduce poverty, and build a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians among other things.
He called on all stakeholders to join hands with him in making the focus of the council a reality.
He added, “It is expected to bring succour to all citizens of Nigeria in these difficult times. I, therefore, call on all stakeholders to key into this theme and ensure maximum deliverables are attained.
“Let me assure you that I am aware of the state of infrastructure and challenges in the region, but please be reassured that concerted efforts are being made to transform the infrastructural and economic fortunes of the region.
“As part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address the challenges of underdevelopment and insecurity in the Niger Delta Region, my administration is committed to implementing projects and programmes geared towards addressing the diverse needs of its people and for sustainable growth and development in the region.
He said the government has developed a holistic plan for the development of the Niger Delta region and, indeed, all parts of Nigeria in terms of infrastructure, education and harnessing the bountiful resources of all parts of our great country as evident in the Ministerial Performance Bond for Presidential Priorities and Deliverables for 2023 – 2027.
Tinubu said to achieve these development initiatives, his administration deemed it fit to widen the scope of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development which is saddled with the responsibility of formulating and executing plans, programmes and other initiatives for the development of the Niger Delta region.
He added that to this effect, the name of the Ministry was changed from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to enable the Ministry to be responsible for all policies, projects and programmes that are targeted at bringing to fruition the long-envisaged development of the Niger Delta region.
In his address, the host governor, Sheriff Oborevweri appealed to the NDDC to take steps to urgently complete all ongoing and abandoned projects in the region.
He said the interventions of the agency are crucial in facilitating urban renewal, creating employment opportunities for our people, fostering urban-rural integration, and enabling regional economic growth.
Oborevweri said economic diversification is key to the region’s growth aspirations, urging the council to develop the blueprint for a more robust and effective public-private partnership to accelerate industrialisation in various states.
In his goodwill message, Governor Hope Uzodimma lamented the misuse of the region’s funds, noting that the resources meant for Niger Delta Development are not been used in the region
While applauding the current management of NDDC for working in hand with the minister of the Niger Delta Commission, Uzodimma called for a review of some of the interventions and lamented the state of the East-West road.
