President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja assured the people of the Niger Delta that his administration would continue to support rapid development in the region by consolidating on all ongoing projects and initiating new ones to create more economic opportunities and jobs for the people.
He made the remark while receiving the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Niger Delta for economic and social activities to thrive.
He told the delegation led by the Olu of Warri that developing the region remained a priority for his administration, adding that under his watch every region in the country would witness increased investments in critical infrastructure.
The President appealed to the people of the Niger Delta to complement ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to bring more development to the region by maintaining peace, security and harmony.
He promised to look into some of the concerns raised by the delegation, including the dredging of Escravos bar for Warri and Koko ports, the gas revolution industrial park and EPZ project in Ogidigben, the ecological challenges in Ode-Itsekiri, Ugborodo, Orere/Yanagho and Ogheye-Eghoroke, among others.
The President also used the occasion of the visit by the Royal Majesty to commend Itsekiri people for producing men of strong convictions like Prof. Itse Sagay, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption (PACAC).
He said: ‘‘Thanks for producing a man like Prof. Itse Sagay who is defending us robustly and stepping on many toes in the process. If he’s not a man of conviction, he couldn’t have done that.
‘‘What he is doing is exceptional. Despite coming from a minority area, he’s showing overwhelming influence at the centre.
‘‘Prof, I never had the opportunity to thank you personally for all you’re doing. Thank you very much,’’ the President said.
The Olu of Warri, who commiserated with the President over the loss of his two extended family members, commended him for achieving his campaign promises on the fight against insurgency and corruption, as well as the successes recorded in reducing criminal acts of vandalism of oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta.
Culled from Here
