Niger Delta Summit 2024 And Ebie’s Message of Hope, 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 technical session on Wednesday July 10th and expected to run through Saturday July 13th, 2024, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital.

The event which has critical stakeholders drawn from NDDC’s 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 Ahmed 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 Summitt,, it was easy, through the opening remark by Chairman, Governing Board, Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, for participants to spot the agency’s true commitment to assist the region achieve sustainable development status. The speech was not only agenda-setting in content but laced with strong message of hope for the region in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government renewed hope mantra.

Beginning with background/scorecard, 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 twenty-four- year history that the Advisory Board has been activated. Noting that 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 will be presentations and contributions from experienced and notable participants, discussions, questions, and admonitions, the Governing Board Chairman assured participants that the cerebral and forward-thinking Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and the Commission’s management team is here to 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 behavior, unpleasant commentaries, and unfounded speculations.

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 on the focal point of the gathering, Chairman, 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 focal point of the gathering to the Commission’s holistic vision, 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 Bola Ahmed 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, Senator 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 honoring 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.
Thank you, and welcome to the Technical Session of the 2024 Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit. He concluded.

For me, this is not a mere remark but a message of hope for the region and its people.

Utomi, a Media Specialist Writes from Lagos, Nigeria. He could be reached via; jeromeutomi@yahoo.com /08032725374.