Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has called on stakeholders in the Niger Delta region to work collectively for the development of the region.
Uzodimma made the call yesterday while speaking at the technical session of the Niger Delta stakeholders’ summit, holding in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The governor, who was represented by the deputy governor, Barrister Chinyere Ekomaro, said stakeholders working together will create a better future for Niger Delta where development and sustainability go hand in hand.
He said, “The Niger Delta region is rich in resources but it’s people have been plagued from poverty, pollution and neglect. Sustainability is key in ensuring that projects should benefit the communities they serve.
“We must prioritise environmental sustainability, social responsibility and economic viability in all our projects. This means investing in renewable energy, protecting natural habitats and supporting noble businesses.
“Let us all work together to create a better future for Niger Delta where development and sustainability go hand in hand.”
In his welcome speech, the chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, expressed hope that the outcome of the summit will reflect on the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola
Tinubu and transmitted into actionable plans for the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
Ebie said, “It is with great joy that I welcome you to the technical session of the Niger Delta stakeholders’ summit 2024 with the theme: ‘Renewed Hope For Sustaining Development of the Niger Delta region.’ This summit serves as a veritable platform for key stakeholders to jointly harness our rich and diverse and creative viewpoints on strategies to uplift the economy of the Niger Delta region.
“Our collective duty as regional stakeholders and Nigerians is to ensure that the outcome of our strategic engagement align with these priority areas. Today, we will also reflect on the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of
Mr. President and transmit it into actionable plans for the sustainable development of the region.”
In his remarks, NDDC managing director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the communique issued at the end of the summit will be the opinion and stand of the people of the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku said: “At the end of the summit, we will have a communique, which will be the opinion and stand of the people of Niger Delta. At this point, the event today is the technical session. The technical session is the most important aspect of the Niger Delta stakeholders’ summit.”
