The Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr lfeanyi Okowa, has challenged
governments of the Niger Delta States to harness the region's natural resources
for sustainable growth and development.
Governor Okowa made the call today in Asaba during a 2-day Niger Delta
Development Forum with the theme, "Collaborative Efforts For Stimulating
Investment and Inclusive Economic Growth in the Niger Delta" organized by
Partnership Initiative For Niger Delta (PIND).
The Governor also, observed that it was important for collaborative
efforts towards speedy growth of the region.
He said, "this forum is an important platform for the various
states in the region to focus on challenges and issues of common interest, foster
more dynamic and equitable arrangement for regional prosperity and deepen our
collaboration for using the region's natural resources for inclusive growth and
sustainable development."
Senator Okowa described the theme of the conference as apt, explaining
that "the principal objective of policy making should be to design
strategies and programmes that engender inclusive growth and sustainable
development; this is the focus of our administration."
He charged participants at the forum to identify areas of co- operation
among states and suggest ways on how to achieve economic diversification,
inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Nigeria's Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibajo, represented by the
Managing Director, Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sir Dan Abia,
reiterated that collaborative efforts were necessary for the growth of the
Niger Delta saying, "this is the time for all spectres of public,
political, communal and private sector leadership to show a sincere desire and
an uncanny ability to design and protect the integrity of the developmental
process in the Niger-Delta region."
Mr. Micheal Harvey of the United State Agency For International
Development (USAID) and Deputy Governor Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, called
on all stakeholders in the region to focus on the provision of infrastructure
development, peace and security to encourage investors to come to the region.
Earlier, the Executive Director of PIND Foundation, Mr. Sam Daibo, said,
the forum was organized to push for policy reforms and seek roles for the
private sector in the development of the Niger Delta region, stressing that
partnership and collaboration was necessary in providing conducive environment
for private sector participation in the development of the region.
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