Minister Momoh Highlights Tinubu’s Impactful Projects, Urges Youth to Reconsider Protests

Minister Momoh Highlights Tinubu’s Impactful Projects, Urges Youth to Reconsider ProtestsAbuja, Nigeria – July 31, 2024 – Engr. Abubakar Momoh, FNSE, Minister of Niger Delta Development, recently addressed State House correspondents, praising President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its impactful strides in regional development, particularly in the Niger Delta. Momoh highlighted the administration’s numerous projects and initiatives, emphasizing that there is no justification for youth protests given the significant progress made.

Momoh lauded President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to national development, noting that the administration has undertaken projects that previous governments overlooked. He expressed admiration for the progress achieved despite the administration’s lean resources.

The Minister pointed out that many youths remain unaware of the various programs designed to improve their conditions. He urged them to take advantage of these opportunities rather than resorting to protests, stressing that the majority of Nigerians, especially the youth, are not fully aware of the initiatives aimed at alleviating their struggles.

Momoh detailed several key projects in the Niger Delta, including the Okitipupa electricity project, which reconnected seven local governments to the national grid after 15 years. He also mentioned the recently commissioned Ogbia/Nembe road, featuring seven bridges and 25 culverts, and a 600-meter bridge across a river in Akwa Ibom State. According to the Minister, the number of projects executed in the Niger Delta within the past year surpasses those completed in the previous four years.

The Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts in flood relief and welfare programs, which have significantly benefited women and youths in the region. For the first time in the Ministry’s history, all empowerment programs were held within the various states of the Niger Delta, with a substantial number of women and youths benefiting from these initiatives. Momoh mentioned the President’s approval of funds to address flooding and provide palliatives, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to the welfare of the Niger Delta people.

Addressing the issue of protests, Momoh stated that while no one, including the President, views protesting as a sin, protests should not result in mayhem or the destruction of property. He appealed to the youth to engage constructively and utilize the numerous programs initiated by the government, emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of these opportunities to improve their future prospects.

On corporate social responsibility (CSR), Momoh highlighted the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which ensures funds go directly to local communities. He urged these communities to utilize the funds responsibly and emphasized the Ministry’s role in overseeing the activities of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and other development agencies. Momoh stressed the importance of ensuring that the host community fund and other available funds are well-utilized for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta region.

Minister Momoh’s interview paints a picture of an administration deeply committed to the development of the Niger Delta and the empowerment of its youth. He encouraged the youth to explore the opportunities available to them and assured them of the government’s continuous support in addressing their needs and concerns.