By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
SHERIFF Obovrewori, Delta State Governor, has delivered a compelling call to action to the Niger State Development Commission (NDDC), emphasizing the need for the completion of ongoing abandoned projects across the region.
He made the call during the 6th Meeting of the National Council of Niger Delta (NCND) held in Asaba, where he highlighted the pivotal roles these initiatives play in fostering urban-rural integration, generating employment opportunities, and stimulating economic growth.
Speaking at the even themed: “Stimulating Strategies for Economic Growth and Development in the Niger Delta Region,” Obovrewori underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among states in the region, stressing the significance of leveraging natural resources for inclusive growth and sustainable development, advocating for a more dynamic and equitable approach to regional prosperity.
Addressing pressing issues such as youth unemployment, poverty, and inequality, Obovrewori emphasised the urgent need for interventions to engage the region’s youth productively, outlining the economic landscape of Delta State, highlighting key sectors like services, agriculture and manufacturing; just as he also underscored the importance of prioritizing agricultural value chains for economic revitalization.
The meeting also saw representation from President Bola Tinubu, who echoed the sentiments of his Renewed Hope and emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing challenges facing the region.
Senator Hope Uzodima, Chairman, Progressive Governor’s Forum, called for ideological conversations to drive overall development in Niger Delta.
In a related development, Governor Oborevwori called for a strategic and collaborative approach between the federal and Niger Delta states to address the region’s multifaceted challenges, emphasizing the need to tackle environmental, security, and infrastructural issues plaguing the region, outlining a vision for peace, progress, and prosperity.
The meeting also featured discussions on economic opportunities and challenges in the Niger Delta, with a focus on sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and ICT. Participants explored the potential of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to bridge infrastructural investment gaps and drive development in key sectors.
Furthermore, the governor reiterated the importance of revitalizing Nigeria’s refineries to reduce dependence on fuel imports and save foreign exchange. Welcoming the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Turnaround Maintenance of Nigerian Refineries, he expressed confidence in their oversight function and pledged support for their efforts.
In response, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah assured that the refineries would be operational before the year’s end, underscoring the committee’s commitment to addressing issues of crude oil theft and maximizing oil output. He also highlighted upcoming initiatives, including public hearings, to engage stakeholders and drive progress in the Niger Delta.
Amid further discussions and intensified collaborative efforts, stakeholders noted that they remain optimistic about the prospects for economic growth and development in the Niger Delta region.
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