By Nkechi Eze
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of the Niger Delta region, declaring that his administration is poised to address lingering challenges confronting the oil-rich area.
In a statement signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information & National Orientation in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Akume gave the assurance in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum, led by its Chairman and President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri.
The SGF highlighted some of the deliberate steps taken by President Tinubu to respond to the peculiar issues affecting the region, including the establishment of the University of Environmental Technology in Ogoniland to tackle regional and national ecological concerns. He added that the President had appointed qualified Nigerians of Niger Delta origin into key positions of authority as part of efforts to ensure inclusivity and representation.
While acknowledging the contributions of past administrations in creating interventions such as the Ministry of Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Akume stressed that the Tinubu administration is determined to consolidate on these initiatives while also reviving indigenous refineries to spur economic development.
The SGF praised the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum for their show of solidarity and grassroots mobilization, particularly towards President Tinubu’s re-election bid. He underscored the importance of zoning and power rotation in Nigeria’s political system, describing them as indispensable tools for promoting unity, stability, and a sense of belonging among the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Forum and President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his swift intervention in resolving the festering political crisis in Rivers State, which restored peace and stability to the state. He also lauded the Federal Government for empowering Niger Delta youths through the Amnesty Programme, which he said has helped reduce restiveness in the region.
Lokpobiri further pledged the resolve of the Niger Delta people to mobilize for President Tinubu’s re-election, saying that the continuation of the Renewed Hope Agenda was crucial for revamping the economy and achieving sustainable development.
