In a bid to further the cause of the Niger Delta as the central core ingredient in the running of Nigeria’s economy, powerful stakeholders in the south-south gathered in one venue at the first ever Special Niger Delta Stakeholders Interactive Dinner on Wednesday, June 12, 2019.
The historic event, which was hosted by Prof. Nelson Brambaifa, the Acting Managing Director (NDDC) was held at the prestigious Atlantic Hall, Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt. Prof. Nelson Brambaifa, in his welcome address, stressed the need to foster a formidable bond amongst all the Niger Delta regions, so as to resist all forms of marginalization from any quarters, within or outside the region.
He talked on the need to empower the youth, through various capacity building programs that could ensure the sustenance of the Niger Delta economy and historical pastime of self-determination. He also commends the effort of the stakeholders in the past years in ensuring peaceful coexistence amongst indigenes and visitors who found a home in the culture and hospitable lifestyle of the Niger Delta people. The event also featured cultural Display, Coral Rendition, Comedy and many more. Before the business of the day which anchored on Youth Empowerment and Development of Niger Delta. Invitees made useful comments and the Chairman responded to comments and gave an account of his stewardship and mission statement.
This grand event was well attended by dignitaries from all over the 9 Niger Delta region. A large cross-section of the royal fathers running into about 90% were in attendance of this great event while community several leaders were also there in their numbers. The Niger Delta is the Delta of the Niger River sitting directly on the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic Ocean in Nigeria. It is typically considered to be located within nine coastal Southern Nigerian states, which include: all six states from the South-South geopolitical zone one state (Ondo) from South West geopolitical zone and two states (Abia and Imo) from South East geopolitical zone. Of all the states that the region covers, only Cross River is not an oil-producing state.
The Niger Delta is a very densely populated region sometimes called the Oil Rivers because it was once a major producer a palm oil. The area was the British Oil Rivers Protectorate from 1885 until 1983, when it was expanded and became the Niger Coast Protectorate. The Delta is a petroleum-rich region and has been the centre of international controversy over pollution.
– BUNMI DUROJAIYE
