HomeHeadlinenews#Governor Diri Urges PANDEF to Prioritize Niger Delta Development

#Governor Diri Urges PANDEF to Prioritize Niger Delta Development

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to focus its advocacy on the development challenges facing the Niger Delta region.

Governor Diri made the appeal on Wednesday while receiving a PANDEF delegation led by its new chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, at the Government House in Yenagoa. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with PANDEF to address the region’s developmental needs.

Collaboration for Regional Growth

Diri emphasized that PANDEF must work closely with governors of the South-South region and interventionist agencies like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the proposed South-South Development Commission to drive meaningful change.

“PANDEF ought to play a key advocacy role in supporting the South-South Governors Forum,” he said. “We must take charge of our development rather than always seeking external help. That is why in Bayelsa, we are setting the example.”

As the newly elected chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, Diri announced plans to establish a dedicated liaison between his office and PANDEF to enhance collaboration. He also urged South-South governors to work together on establishing a regional power project to attract investments and stimulate economic growth.

Infrastructure and Power Development

The governor outlined efforts to boost infrastructure and power supply in Bayelsa, including the procurement of an independent power plant to support socio-economic activities. He highlighted the progress of the central senatorial road leading to Oporoma, the headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, which is set for completion this year.

“We are building a bridge across River Nun to connect Southern Ijaw, a key oil-producing area that was abandoned due to its difficult terrain. This bridge will be ready for commissioning by year-end, making road access to Oporoma a reality,” Diri stated.

PANDEF Pledges Support for Regional Development

In response, PANDEF Chairman Ambassador Godknows Igali reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to supporting the South-South Governors Forum in repositioning the region for development. He stressed the need for PANDEF to be as influential as other regional groups in national discussions.

Igali also announced plans to form strategic working groups of experts to analyze key regional issues and present their findings to the BRACED Commission (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta). He called for political backing for PANDEF’s initiatives and congratulated Diri on his new role as chairman of the South-South Governors Forum.

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