Date Published: 04/20/10

Press Release from CPS Delta

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Goddsday Orubebe has said that the policy of constructive engagement adopted by   Governor  Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, has engendered peace and development in the State and Niger-Delta region in general.

The Minister who stated this yesterday in his office when the Governor visited him, said that the Governor’s  engagement of the youths has given them a sense of belonging and confidence in the government.

This , the Minister noted informed the acceptance of the Federal Government’s amnesty progamme which in turn created the enabling environment for peace, infrastructural    development  and growth of the region.

 “Its my prayer that the vision that you have for our state will succeed. You’ve gone through a lot of challenges in the state. The results of the peace agenda that you have taken as a project in Delta State  are there for all to see”, Orubebe stated

“ Initially, when you started, there were a lot of oppositions, even among your colleagues-fellow Governors. But today, what you started is what others are copying and following all over the Niger Delta. Its my prayer that God will guide and protect you and direct you on how best to provide for the needs of our people in the State and the region”, he added.

According to the Minister, Governor Uduaghan’s efforts at ensuring peace and development  were in line with the vision of the Ministry for the Niger-Delta, and thanked the Governor for the visit which he noted demonstrated the support of the government and people of Delta State for them.

Elder Orubebe disclosed that a summit of his Ministry, Governments of States in the region, oil companies and the Niger Delta Development Commission would soon hold to articulate develoment projects each stakeholder would concentrate on to avoid duplication of efforts.

The Minister further disclosed that the East-West road which ought to have been completed this year, but delayed due to lack of adequate funding would now be completed in 2012.

He stressed the need to explore the Niger-Delta alternative source to revenue, particularly tourism and Marine Coastal roads in the region would be awarded in two months to expediate the development of the area.

As part of his Ministry’s efforts to fast track the development of the Niger-Delta. The Minister said remediation shore line protection have been carried and skills acqusition centres have been constructed.

Elder Orubebe expressed happiness at the return of peace to the Niger Delta and the upsurge in oil production and increased revenue for the Country and appealed for the cooperation of all stakeholder’s in sustaining the trend.

Earlier, Governor Uduaghan told the Minister that the visit was to congratulate him on his appointment. While describing Elder Orubebe as well suited for the job, Dr. Uduaghan thanked acting President Goodluck Jonathan for the appointment.

The Governor who said the solution to the development of the region does not rest with the Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs alone, appealed to all stakeholders to assist in promoting development in the region.

He stressed the need for Federal Ministries to make budgetary provisions for the Niger Delta as the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry is not expected to develop the region alone.

Dr. Uduaghna also stressed the need for the Niger-Delta Affairs Ministry to partner Governments of States in the region to avoid duplicating efforts in the development of the region.

The Governor drew attention to a three point development vision of the state government including peace andsecurity, human capital and infrastructural development which were aimed at promoting development in Delta State.

He thanked the Federal Government for its attention for the Niger Delta and reiterated his commitment to the constructive engagement of youths in Delta State.