Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has hailed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for adopting a pragmatic approach to the development of Niger Delta.
The governor spoke yesterday at the second National Council on Niger Delta, organised by the Ministry of Niger Delta, in conjunction with the state government, at the International Centre for Culture and Events in Akure, the state capital.
He praised the NDDC for re-appraising its approach and focus on a few key projects to be completed expeditiously.
Akeredolu noted that by setting its priorities right, the commission will be able to effectively tackle abandoned projects.
The governor recalled the history of development interventions in the oil producing areas and praised past administrations for transforming the region’s physical and economic landscape.
According to him, the past engagements have yielded positive results, although marginal.
Akeredolu said: “We must, however, not fail to mention the glaring facts of grinding and relentless poverty, which has been the lot of the region.”
The governor regretted what he called gross infrastructural deficit and security challenges in Niger Delta.
He said: “This region presents a cruel paradox: the country depends on it almost entirely for sustenance. It, however, lacks evidence of development, depicting its status as the proverbial goose that lays the golden egg.”
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described the Niger Delta as a unique region with many challenges. He said the region did not need sympathy, adding that it requires action to improve the lives of the people.
Osinbajo said: “This is not optional.”
He assured that President Muhammadu Buhari will ensure justice, peace and equity for Niger Delta resident.
According to him, the region deserves to benefit from its immense natural resources.
Osinbajo added: We have invigorated the NDDC to make it more effective. It is re-assuring that the commission is now putting pressure on its contractors to deliver on projects. He specifically recognised efforts of the Chairman of NDDC, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, and Managing Director, Mr. Nsima Ekere, at driving development in the region.
The Vice President restated the Federal Government’s resolve to support the building of modular refineries in the Niger Delta, saying many of the licences given for the refineries expired while the owners were still sourcing funds.
He added: “We have released guidelines for the refineries and we are committed to it. We expect the state governments to work with the local communities to make the efforts successful.
Osinbajo said the Federal Government approved N2 billion for next month’s take-off of the Maritime University at Okerenkoko in Delta State.
The Vice President urged stakeholders in the oil sector and oil producing areas to effectively use the proceeds from oil to develop their environment.
Osinbajo said the world was oil as source of energy.
He noted that many countries were developing alternatives to oil, saying: “The future of oil is in decline, which is why it is the duty of stakeholders to explore opportunities now and ensure that government is not constantly battling with the security of pipelines. We should use the resources to develop other potential of the region.
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