Minister for Niger Delta Affairs Senator Godswill Akpabio has assured the headquarters building of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be ready in the next three months.
Akpabio, who spoke at a meeting with All Progressives Congress(APC) youth leaders from South South, said the structure will free up a lot of resources for the development of that Niger Delta.
He lamented it was unfortunate that the commission has not achieved the purpose for which it was set up.
He called for the cooperation of the youths of the region especially youth leaders of the party in achieving the purpose for which the commission was established.
According to him: “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 youths and I believe also that there are leadership potentials in every young person. I will do my utmost to nurture your potentials”.
APC Zonal Youth Leader in the South South, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, expressed the unconditional support of the zone for the Minister’s efforts to transform the region into a potent economic hub through targeted infrastructural and human development projects.
Iduseri said: “The Youths 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.
“Apart from the many ongoing infrastructural projects facilitated in the region by Niger Delta Ministry and the Niger Delta Development Commission for which we are grateful, it is also important to ramp up youth development programmes in the zone for empowerment and to propagate the Next Level agenda among youths.”