The Minister of Niger Delta, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has said that the region must “forge a bond of peace for true development to take place.”
He stated this while receiving party leaders under the aegis of Niger Delta APC Youth Leaders at the Ministry of Niger Delta on Friday.
He said, “The Niger Delta is dear to me and I am here to ensure the highest levels of development for the region and its youths. It is a sad thing that the region has not witnessed a level of development commensurate with the funds that have been spent by the Niger Delta Ministry and the Niger Delta Development Commission since they were set up.
“Niger Deltans still move around in canoes and on bicycles while those who were in charge of this ministry and the NDDC flew in personal private jets. With the backing of President Muhammadu Buhari, I am working to ensure that Niger Delta people see tangible results in this new Next Level era. This is also why we are rejuvenating the NDDC through the forensic audit. We expect the new NDDC headquarters to be ready within three months and that will free up more funds to be invested in development programmes for youths and other disadvantaged groups in the region.
“We must forge a bond of peace across the Niger Delta by doing the right thing as that is the only way to ensure speedy development. I also urge you young people to insist on due process even if immediate outcomes appear not to be in your favour. I believe in the youth and I believe also that there are leadership potentials in every young person. I will do my utmost to nurture your potentials.”
The South-south APC zonal youth leader, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, who led the delegation, said: “We are here today not just for a courtesy visit but we are here also to inform you that we appreciate what you are doing.
“The youth of the South-south, South-west and South-east states of Niger Delta laud your plans and projects for the region and we are ready to promptly queue up behind you anytime we are called upon to do so.”
