NDDC makes case for peace in the Niger delta region
- The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has called on youths in the region to embrace peace for the development of the region
- Managing Director of the commission, Nsima Ekere, made the call when former militants from the nine states met in Port Harcourt
- He appointed former militant leader, Israel Akpodoro, to lead the group to enhance peace in the volatile region
Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), NSima Ekere, has called on Niger delta youths to embrace peace and shun violence, noting that it is only in the atmosphere of peace will the region be developed.
This formed the hallmark of the session Ekere had with former militants in the region who converged in Port Harcourt, Rivers state for an enlarged meeting with the Managing Director on the best way to enhance development of the region and entrench lasting peace.
The session with the former militants drew delegates from the nine states that make up the region where Ekere said the essence of the discussion was to brainstorm with the youths of the region and find ways to enhance their living conditions.
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In the session with the theme: Building Roadmap to Sustainable Peace in the Niger Delta, the Managing Director urged the youths to be united for a better engagement by the government, noting that except there is peace in the region, development will remain elusive.
At the interactive meeting, the MD lamented the disunity among the youth in the region adding that the commission found it necessary to call for a united group for better human and material developments in the region.
According to Ekere, the federal government has announced its preparedness to establish modular refinery, hence he called on the youths to key into that project but stated that except there was unity and peace in the region, such dream may not be realised.
He urged the youths to gear up for the economic empowerment currently being put in place by the NDDC management while calling on the youths to eschew rumour mongering capable of painting the Commission in bad light.
In the session, the NDDC Managing Director mandated Israel Akpodoro who is the President of National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex – Agitators, to coordinate the group with a view to formulating issues that could lead to lasting peace in the region.
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Akpodoro, who commended the management of the commission for initiating such meeting, said the idea was novel and a proof that the present management of the commission was ready to take development of the region to a new level.
Akpodoro called on the youth of the region to eschew violence and support the President Muhammadu Buhari –led administration.
He told management of the commission to consider awarding the security of oil and gas pipelines to the communities bearing same, noting that the interventionist agency should walk its talk by fulfilling its promises to the youth of the region.
Source: Legit.ng
