Following the move by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, which focuses on ensuring the sustainability of its Public-Private Partnership scheme to ensure a win-win for everyone, the Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has charged leaders of Niger Delta ex-agitators and stakeholders to ensure that the peace being enjoyed in the region is sustained to attract both foreign and local investors.
The NDDC Boss who disclosed this recently, when leaders and members of the Phase 1, 2, and 3 Ex-Agitators of the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme paid him a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, stated that Peace in the Niger Delta region is critical to attracting continuous investments in the region and such investments will create employment opportunities for the people of the region.
While commending the Ex-Agitators for playing their role as critical stakeholders to enthrone peace, Ogbuku hinted that the Niger Delta is one of the most peaceful regions in the country and that they are expecting businesses to return to the region.
He urged them to be mindful of how they use the media because if used negatively, it will be to their detriment as they will drive away investors from all around.
According to him: “We sacrificed a lot during the struggle for the emancipation of the Niger Delta region. This is the time to turn that struggle into development. The time for agitation is over, this is the time for development. We want the world to know that Niger Delta people have gone beyond street agitation; we are now involved in intellectual engagements.
“Our youths complain about lack of employment but this cannot come from government alone. Investors must see our region as peaceful and politically stable before they can bring employment-generating projects. It is, therefore, our responsibility to ensure that Niger Delta remains peaceful and stable for employment creation.”
Moreso, Ogbuku expressed sadness about the fact that many investment opportunities that should have come to the Niger Delta have moved to other regions because those places were seen to be conducive for business; adding that The Commission’s Project HOPE, Holistic Opportunities Programmes for Engagement, notwithstanding, would drive the Commission’s engagements with youths in the region.
Furthermore, he revealed that the present administration at the federal level was aware of the challenges confronting the people of the Niger Delta and was readily prepared to bring positive changes: “But he needs our cooperation to ensure there is peace and prosperity,” Ogbuku said.
Responding, the leaders of the ex-agitators expressed “unequivocal support” for the leadership of Ogbuku and condemned some individuals campaigning for a change in the current leadership of the Commission.
Also speaking, phase 2 ex-agitators, Gen. Olotu Wanemi stated during their interactive session that their visit to the Commission was to discuss partnership opportunities to drive the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region while calling for synergy between the ex-agitators and the NDDC.
The delegation of ex-agitators was led by HRH Henry Binidodogha Ekes for Phase 1 ex-agitators; Gen. Olotu Wanemi for Phase 2 ex-agitators and Hon. Tonye Bobo for Phase 3 ex-agitators.
