By Jerome-Mario Utomi
The much awaited, and much publicized 2-day Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit 2024, themed: Renewed Hope for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta, finally kick-started with a technical session on Wednesday, July 10th and is expected to run through Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital.
The event which has critical stakeholders drawn from mandate states of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) mandate states in attendance was aimed at Developing strategies for economic growth and development of the Niger Delta Region, translating the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu into an actionable plan and articulating a roadmap for the sustainable development of the Niger Delta Region.
At the technical session which marked the beginning of the summit, it was easy, through the opening remarks by the chairman of the governing board of NDCC, Mr Chiedu Ebie, for participants to spot the agency’s true commitment to assist the region in achieving sustainable development status.
The speech was not only agenda-setting in content but laced with a strong message of hope for the region in line with President Tinubu-led federal government’s Renewed Hope mantra.
Beginning with background/scorecard, Mr Ebie said, “Since our inauguration, we have resolved to work cooperatively and harmoniously as a team and to collaborate with key stakeholders and individuals to deliver on our mandate.
“Two days ago, we had our inaugural meeting with the Advisory Board of NDDC, comprising the state governors of the NDDC states.
“This is only the second time in the commission’s 24-year history that the Advisory Board has been activated.”
“This timely and collaborative summit will help achieve joint objectives of a stronger, more stable region where the development gains, we realize will be concrete and sustainable.”
While he added that there would be presentations and contributions from experienced and notable participants, discussions, questions, and admonitions, Mr Ebie assured participants that the chief executive of the organisation, Mr Samuel Ogbuku, and the commission’s management team would provide insights and clarifications where necessary.
“We implore all contributors to make concise and constructive submissions that will guide our discourse. I urge everyone to ensure this summit is free of disruptive behaviour, unpleasant commentaries, and unfounded speculations,” he stated..
Continuing, he said, “I am full of hope that this interaction will reshape opinions and dispositions. Through this dialogue, we aim to secure stakeholders’ commitment to protect projects in their localities as the primary beneficiaries. This is a major challenge we must address as part of a larger objective to create the right environment for prosperity in the Niger Delta.
While highlighting the focal point of the gathering, the Chairman of NDDC’s Governing board captures it this way; our emphasis on security is paramount, and we believe that true security can only be achieved through community participation, collaboration, and consensus.
By fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, we encourage them to actively participate in safeguarding the assets and projects that directly impact their lives. This collaborative approach ensures that development projects are not only completed successfully but also maintained and protected for future generations.
Away from the focal point of the gathering to the commission’s holistic vision, Mr Ebie underlined as follows; “Our vision is to transform the Niger Delta into a region of peace and progress, where community-driven security initiatives pave the way for sustainable development. Together, with the active participation and support of our stakeholders, we can achieve a brighter future for the Niger Delta, marked by enduring prosperity and security.
“I want to express our deep gratitude for the political will provided by President Tinubu, which has significantly advanced the commission’s work and impacted the Niger Delta Region.
“We also acknowledge the collaborative role of the National Assembly, led by the President of the Senate, Mr Godswill Akpabio, and supported by our respective Committees of both Chambers of the National Assembly. The Advisory Committee, comprising the State Governors, has been activated, and we eagerly anticipate working with them.”
“To our distinguished participants and the indigenes of the Niger Delta, we are truly grateful for honouring our invitation.
“We look forward to your contributions, robust interactions, and ultimately, your understanding and cooperation as we work together to build and develop the Niger Delta of our dreams,” he concluded.
Utomi, a Media Specialist, writes from Lagos, Nigeria. He could be reached via [email protected]/08032725374.