The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has commended the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs leadership for the new development plan for the area that aims to cooperate and collaborate with the governors of the Niger Delta Region.
During a courtesy call from the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, on Wednesday evening at Government House in Uyo, Governor Emmanuel informed the minister ministers.
He emphasised that collaboration with NDDC is a crucial success factor in the area’s development and that initiatives carried out by the commission might not be able to meet the unique demands of the populace without the Niger Delta Development Commission working closely with the regional administration.
The Governor emphasised that the goal of bringing development to the people will be accomplished once there is synergy between both sides.
Governor Emmanuel praised Obong Umana, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, for his unwavering dedication to state-building over the years. He called him an outstanding son of Akwa Ibom State who has made immeasurable contributions to the state and left a trail of accomplishments wherever he is given responsibility.
He urged the NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to assist and support Obong Umana.
“I really want to appreciate the MinisteMinisterid the new structure of development in the Niger Delta region will be based on partnership and collaboration, and it is a critical factor towards the success and development of this region.”
Earlier in his speech, the Minister of Niger Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for agreeing to host the National Council of Niger Delta (NCND), which is organised by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC. They were joined by Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Sharon Ikeazor, Administrator of NDDC Effiong Akwa, and other NDDC officials.
He praised the Governor for the state’s profound change and life-changing initiatives.
Obong Umanah praised the Governor as a leader who has prioritised growth and issues that benefit the populace and acknowledged that his cooperation and support with the federal government were crucial in securing President Muhammadu Buhari’s blessing for the creation of Akwa Ibom’s Oil and Gas Free Zone.
The MinisteMinistern said that the Ministry’s strategy for the Niger Delta region’s development seeks collaboration with the region’s governors to direct the development process and work together to provide the desired results for the people.
“We are taking steps to ensure that we can change the future; we cannot do much about the past; we have started consulting with state governors before projects are embarked upon.
“We are taking that seriously and we’ll ensure that state government lead the way, guide the development process so that the NDDC as an interventionist agency can do better,” he added.