Renewed Hope for Niger Delta: Stakeholders Summit 2024 Ignites New Era of Development

Renewed Hope for Niger Delta: Stakeholders Summit 2024 Ignites New Era of DevelopmentThe Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was abuzz today as the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit 2024 unfolded with the theme: “Renewed Hope for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta Region.” The summit brought together a star-studded lineup of influential figures from the Niger Delta, all committed to driving progress and sustainability in this resource-rich yet historically troubled region.

Engr. Abubakar Momoh FNSE, the Minister of the Niger Delta Development Ministry, delivered a warm welcome speech before giving his keynote address. He underscored the summit’s theme as a call to action, aligning it with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the current administration. Highlighting the region’s abundant resources and cultural heritage, Momoh called for a collective effort to change the narrative and pave the way for sustainable development.

The event, co-hosted by NDDC Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku and Board Chairman Chiedu Ebie, was graced by former President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole; former Cross Rivers Governor Donald Duke; former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson; and traditional rulers from across the Niger Delta. Other attendees included Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Abia State Deputy Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Senate President Akpabio commended the Ministry of Niger Delta Development and the NDDC’s board and management for their commendable work. He highlighted the stalled East-West Road project, emphasizing the need for strategic project management and continuity.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan praised the minister and the NDDC for their efforts and urged the completion of all abandoned projects, reflecting a shared desire for tangible progress in the Niger Delta. Donald Duke advocated for investments in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and technology to ensure the region’s long-term prosperity.

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong delivered a goodwill message, highlighting his visits to six major project commissionings by the NDDC this year. In his detailed address, Engr. Momoh emphasized the urgent need to address environmental sustainability and economic diversification, highlighting efforts like the Ogoni Clean-up Project and initiatives for cleaner energy such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Momoh stressed the importance of diversifying the Niger Delta’s economy by investing in various sectors and pointed out the region’s untapped potential in tourism and the blue economy. He assured the audience of the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, citing recent projects like the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State.

Concluding his address, Momoh emphasized the need for peace and security in the Niger Delta, urging all stakeholders to address the root causes of unrest and conflict. He advocated for inclusive development that reaches every community, prioritizing the empowerment of women and youth.

As the summit drew to a close, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta. The event marked a significant step forward in the collective efforts to transform the region, harnessing its full potential for the benefit of all its inhabitants. The Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit 2024 has ignited a new era of hope and progress, setting the stage for a brighter future for the region.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah serves as the Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister of the Niger Delta Development Ministry.