Group hails N’Delta minister for appointing Audu-Ohwavborua as NDDC acting MD

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP) on Monday applauded the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Umana Okon Umanah for appointing Mr Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua as the Acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The group noted that the resolution of six out of a 10-point request by Niger Delta stakeholders aimed at solving the massive problems in the region within a short period was heart-warming.

The position of NDYCPP was contained in a statement by its President, Mr Tiedor Jude-Olayinka

The group called on the Management of the NDDC to use Agricultural grants to Cooperative Societies, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and farmers in the region as a post-flood recovery stimulus to boost the rural economy.

Jude-Olayinka said the Agricultural grants to Cooperatives, SMEs to farmers would boost food security, and promote entrepreneurial activities to engender economic prosperity at the local community level for the stabilisation of peace and security across the region.

“The NDYCPP urges NDDC to fast-track the contracting process for water hyacinth control in the region’s waterways to hasten to recede of the floods.

“We make this passionate appeal for NDDC to look critically at the payment of agricultural grants to cooperatives and SMEs to farmers to boost agriculture and the local economy”

“We also want the Commission to recommence payments for the clearing of water hyacinth on our waterways”, the group stated

NDYCPP commended Umanah for having a listening ear and showing sensitivity by acting on recent demands made by core Niger Delta stakeholders at a meeting held in Port Harcourt

Describing the Minister’s appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari as appropriate and timely, Jude-Olayinka said the appointment is geared towards positioning the administration’s plan to transform the Niger Delta region.

The statement listed some of the demands of the core Niger Delta groups and stakeholders acted upon by the minister to include the sacking of the previous Sole Administrator NDDC, Mr Effiong Akwa, recommencement of work on the Ahoada section of the East/West Road.

Others are the review of the indiscriminate employment in the NDDC by his predecessor and the Niger Delta Ministry liaising effectively with the National Assembly to fast-track the release of the 2021/22 budget.

The youth groups also commended the Acting Managing Director of NDDC for his efforts in erosion control and embankments in riverine communities

They called on stakeholders in the region and beyond to give holistic support to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana to actualise good plans for the people of the Niger Delta communities.